Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

As my family is in the depths of the fall harvest season, the landscape all around us is beginning its annual preparation for winter. The colors surrounding our farm have begun their yearly transition and serve as a visual reminder that we have entered a new season: Fall.

It’s as if overnight the leaves on the trees have yellowed, the morning air has become crisp, the sun sets earlier, the moon rises sooner and the fall crops around us continue drying down.

The sights in town are reflections of this annual transition as well. The gorgeous mums now being prominently displayed at a greenhouse, the bright orange pumpkins lining the sidewalks at the grocery store, the newly posted signs advertising the latest seasonal coffee flavor and the school-aged children wearing sweatshirts or light jackets to school in the morning all serve as proof that fall has arrived.

As we continue our fall harvest— while also sowing wheat — it’s easy to overlook these seasonal changes. While we hurry to move equipment to the next field, scurry out the door with meals to deliver to the crew or drive the kids out to the combine operator for goodnight kisses, it is possible to miss this annual transition while driving down the dirt roads on a mission. Nonetheless, the changes are occurring.

It seems like it was only days ago that the Monarch butterflies briefly made a pit-stop in our area while migrating south. The Monarchs seem to have left, continuing their journey south. 

It seems like it was only days ago that my mother-in-law and I were planning our harvest meals menu, noting options needed to be cool and refreshing for the crew. We now discuss options that will warm them up.

It seems like it was only days ago that the air conditioner was running to cool us down, whereas now we contemplate turning on the seat warmer every morning when climbing into a vehicle.

It seems like it was only days ago that we’d go to sleep with open windows and the sounds of crickets and frogs. We now wake up with extra blankets wrapped around us.

While I try to make mental notes of these changes daily — hoping I can bottle up this season — I know I’m also missing things I only realize once they no longer occur. I’ll tell myself that I have to be ready next year to see or smell or taste or hear an element of fall I missed. It happens every year. And every year I tell myself that I must be ready because it always seems like overnight it immediately becomes fall.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575904358712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherAs my family is in the depths of the fall harvest season, the landscape all around us is beginning its annual preparation for winter. The colors surrounding our farm have begun their yearly transition and serve as a visual reminder that we have entered a new season: Fall.It’s as if overnight the leaves on the trees have yellowed, the morning air has become crisp, the sun sets earlier, the moon rises sooner and the fall crops around us continue drying down.The sights in town are reflections of this annual transition as well. The gorgeous mums now being prominently displayed at a greenhouse, the bright orange pumpkins lining the sidewalks at the grocery store, the newly posted signs advertising the latest seasonal coffee flavor and the school-aged children wearing sweatshirts or light jackets to school in the morning all serve as proof that fall has arrived.As we continue our fall harvest— while also sowing wheat — it’s easy to overlook these seasonal changes. While we hurry to move equipment to the next field, scurry out the door with meals to deliver to the crew or drive the kids out to the combine operator for goodnight kisses, it is possible to miss this annual transition while driving down the dirt roads on a mission. Nonetheless, the changes are occurring.It seems like it was only days ago that the Monarch butterflies briefly made a pit-stop in our area while migrating south. The Monarchs seem to have left, continuing their journey south. It seems like it was only days ago that my mother-in-law and I were planning our harvest meals menu, noting options needed to be cool and refreshing for the crew. We now discuss options that will warm them up.It seems like it was only days ago that the air conditioner was running to cool us down, whereas now we contemplate turning on the seat warmer every morning when climbing into a vehicle.It seems like it was only days ago that we’d go to sleep with open windows and the sounds of crickets and frogs. We now wake up with extra blankets wrapped around us.While I try to make mental notes of these changes daily — hoping I can bottle up this season — I know I’m also missing things I only realize once they no longer occur. I’ll tell myself that I have to be ready next year to see or smell or taste or hear an element of fall I missed. It happens every year. And every year I tell myself that I must be ready because it always seems like overnight it immediately becomes fall."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Immediately it becomes Fall


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A political science professor at the University of Kansas says it appears right now that the U.S. Senate race in Kansas is too close to call.

"We have four polls," said Patrick Miller. "The way you interpret polls is, you take the estimates, you stick that margin of error in and in all four polls, there is no clear leader in the poll in the sense that either candidate could actually be ahead, if we factor in the margin of error. At least in three of the four polls, one of the candidates, in one case, Bollier and in two cases Marshall is ahead by a little bit more. Polls are always going to vary."

Just because polls are different doesn't mean they aren't good.

"Good polls of the same race are not going to tell you the same exact thing, even if they are taken on the same day," Miller said. "I would just urge people to look at the body of polling and what that's telling you. That is that, among voters who are decided in the race, you seem to have no clear leader, but there is a chunk who are undecided."

The path to victory may seem theoretically easier for Roger Marshall, due to the Presidential race at the top of the ticket, but there is a path for Barbara Bollier, as well.

"Those individuals who are undecided in the Senate race, there is a chunk of them who are also undecided in the Presidential race," Miller said. "Whether those people are going to vote at all, who knows, whether they are just going to decide at the last minute, who knows, but there are a chunk who are undecided there, up for grabs. Among the undecided voters in the Senate race who know who they are voting for, for President, they do lean about two to one towards Trump."

The key to the race may be how many Trump voters Bollier can pick up or not.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A political science professor at the University of Kansas says it appears right now that the U.S. Senate race in Kansas is too close to call."We have four polls," said Patrick Miller. "The way you interpret polls is, you take the estimates, you stick that margin of error in and in all four polls, there is no clear leader in the poll in the sense that either candidate could actually be ahead, if we factor in the margin of error. At least in three of the four polls, one of the candidates, in one case, Bollier and in two cases Marshall is ahead by a little bit more. Polls are always going to vary."Just because polls are different doesn't mean they aren't good."Good polls of the same race are not going to tell you the same exact thing, even if they are taken on the same day," Miller said. "I would just urge people to look at the body of polling and what that's telling you. That is that, among voters who are decided in the race, you seem to have no clear leader, but there is a chunk who are undecided."The path to victory may seem theoretically easier for Roger Marshall, due to the Presidential race at the top of the ticket, but there is a path for Barbara Bollier, as well."Those individuals who are undecided in the Senate race, there is a chunk of them who are also undecided in the Presidential race," Miller said. "Whether those people are going to vote at all, who knows, whether they are just going to decide at the last minute, who knows, but there are a chunk who are undecided there, up for grabs. Among the undecided voters in the Senate race who know who they are voting for, for President, they do lean about two to one towards Trump."The key to the race may be how many Trump voters Bollier can pick up or not.

Miller: Senate race within margin of error


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The City of Hutchinson Land Bank is having a meeting October 15 at 3 p.m. by conference call.

On the agenda for the meeting is the approval of the Land Bank's June meeting minutes, the regular financial and property reports and an application for donation of 716 West 5th.

The adjacent property owner has told City staff he would be interested in purchasing the property if the Land Bank acquired it and took previous tax owing off the books for it. 

At the time of the publishing of the agenda, Frank Callahan had not yet submitted a site plan describing the proposed new use of the lot. 

The Land Bank is also going to discuss the 2020 Tax Sale. 

The conference call number is available on the City's website at hutchgov.com.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The City of Hutchinson Land Bank is having a meeting October 15 at 3 p.m. by conference call.On the agenda for the meeting is the approval of the Land Bank's June meeting minutes, the regular financial and property reports and an application for donation of 716 West 5th.The adjacent property owner has told City staff he would be interested in purchasing the property if the Land Bank acquired it and took previous tax owing off the books for it. At the time of the publishing of the agenda, Frank Callahan had not yet submitted a site plan describing the proposed new use of the lot. The Land Bank is also going to discuss the 2020 Tax Sale. The conference call number is available on the City's website at hutchgov.com.

Hutchinson Land Bank to hold meeting October 15


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As of Sunday evening, there were 167 active cases of COVID-19 in Reno County. Cluster activity still makes up more than 46% of the illness, with a total of 78 cases connected to clusters and 89 not connected.

The internet address of the county's dashboard will change by 10/12 to allow for improvements to the dashboard over the next couple of weeks. Please check in with the Reno County COVID-19 webpage to ensure you are finding the current version of the dashboard. 

9,510 tests have been administered, with 8356 negative for a community positive test rate of 8.37%. 15.13% of the population has been tested.

1,154 people have tested positive, 983 have recovered. Four have died.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As of Sunday evening, there were 167 active cases of COVID-19 in Reno County. Cluster activity still makes up more than 46% of the illness, with a total of 78 cases connected to clusters and 89 not connected.The internet address of the county's dashboard will change by 10/12 to allow for improvements to the dashboard over the next couple of weeks. Please check in with the Reno County COVID-19 webpage to ensure you are finding the current version of the dashboard. 9,510 tests have been administered, with 8356 negative for a community positive test rate of 8.37%. 15.13% of the population has been tested.1,154 people have tested positive, 983 have recovered. Four have died.

Case count majority in Reno County not cluster connected


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The crew of Hutchinson firefighters working the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado is still in good spirits as of Sunday. 

According to a Facebook post from the department, they continue working with Hot Shots on burnout operations. 

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire stretches over 147,127 Acres and is 14% contained. 

Three Hutchinson firefighters traveled to Wyoming September 23 for a two week stint. Two more Hutch firefighters will relieve them mid week when their two weeks are up along with an employee of the Kansas Forest Service.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The crew of Hutchinson firefighters working the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado is still in good spirits as of Sunday. According to a Facebook post from the department, they continue working with Hot Shots on burnout operations. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire stretches over 147,127 Acres and is 14% contained. Three Hutchinson firefighters traveled to Wyoming September 23 for a two week stint. Two more Hutch firefighters will relieve them mid week when their two weeks are up along with an employee of the Kansas Forest Service.

Hutchinson firefighters still working hard at Mullen Fire

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will not be meeting on Tuesday for its regular agenda session.&nbsp;

The commission will not have a quorum, so the meeting is canceled.

The next meeting of the County Commission will be Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will not be meeting on Tuesday for its regular agenda session.&nbsp;The commission will not have a quorum, so the meeting is canceled.The next meeting of the County Commission will be Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

No County Commission meeting Tuesday

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/gov-laura-kelly-inveregy-outline-economic-jolt-of-electric-transmission-project/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly 
touted job creation, opportunities to expand wind farming and potential 
savings for ratepayers Wednesday with construction of an electric 
transmission line to move power from western Kansas to consumers in 
Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

She joined transmission 
developer Invenergy to outline benefits of Grain Belt Express, which is a
 780-mile project designed to transfer 4,000 megawats of wind-powered 
electricity from the rural plains to population centers. The project has
 been mired in legal and political battles, but could alleviate a 
shortage of transmission capacity in Kansas needed for delivery of its 
abundant wind resource.

Kelly said the project 
would create in Kansas an estimated 22,500 temporary jobs during the 
three-year construction and nearly 1,000 permanent jobs as the system 
went online. She said Kansans would earn $1.6 billion in salary during 
construction and $54 million annually when operational.

“Kansas is uniquely 
positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and 
expansion of clean and renewable energy,” the Democratic governor said. 
“The Grain Belt Express will be instrumental in helping to power Kansas 
and other states.”

The Grain Belt Express’ 
transmission network would move electricity from the Dodge City area 
into northern Kansas, turn eastward and cross into Missouri near St. 
Joseph. The line would follow an easterly course through Missouri and 
Illinois before reaching Indiana.

Kris Zadlo, senior vice 
president of regulatory affairs at Invenergy, said during the news 
conference the company’s investment in the project could inspire enough 
wind and solar farm development in Kansas to power 2.4 million homes.

Kansas and Missouri 
consumers might benefit from lower-cost power if utility companies in 
those states take advantage of new access to electricity drawn from 
renewable sources, he said.

Zadlo and Kelly said the 
large investment in Kansas would be beneficial as the economy worked 
through damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Economic recovery and 
long-term economic competitiveness in Kansas and Missouri depend on new 
investment, more jobs and tapping into low-cost, homegrown clean energy,
 which Grain Belt is moving full speed ahead to deliver,” he said.

Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn 
Rogers said Grain Belt Express would allow installation of broadband 
infrastructure on towers along the line in support of internet services.

“This new project will not
 only create good-paying jobs and invest dollars in our communities, it 
will strengthen Kansas’ position as a leader in renewable energy and 
make great strides in our efforts to expand broadband access statewide,”
 Rogers said.

Chicago-based Invenergy 
bought the Grain Belt Express project in 2018 from Clean Line Energy 
Partners in Houston. The transaction was approved by Kansas and Missouri
 regulators.

The transmission project 
has been endorsed by environmentalists who advocate for greater reliance
 on renewable energy rather than power plants driven by fossil fuels. 
Landowners in Missouri concerned about the line’s interference with farm
 operations or adverse affect on their health sought to block the 
project.

In July, the Missouri 
Court of Appeals rejected the challenge by Missouri landowners of a 2019
 ruling by the state’s Public Service Commission to allow Invenergy to 
buy rights to construct the Grain Belt Express line.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys 
argued Missouri regulators shouldn’t allow a private company to rely on 
eminent domain proceedings to acquire land for towers necessary to carry
 the above-ground line. The appellate court, however, determined the 
sale was permitted because the electricity would be transmitted to serve
 the general public rather than particular retail customers.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601564418829.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly said construction of Inevergy’s new Grain Belt Express transmission line to carry wind-driven electricity to Missouri, Illinois and Indiana can create about 1,000 permanent jobs in Kansas. This image is of Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm near Medicine Lodge. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly said construction of Inevergy’s new Grain Belt Express transmission line to carry wind-driven electricity to Missouri, Illinois and Indiana can create about 1,000 permanent jobs in Kansas. This image is of Evergy's Flat Ridge Wind Farm near Medicine Lodge. (Submitted/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/gov-laura-kelly-inveregy-outline-economic-jolt-of-electric-transmission-project/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly 
touted job creation, opportunities to expand wind farming and potential 
savings for ratepayers Wednesday with construction of an electric 
transmission line to move power from western Kansas to consumers in 
Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.She joined transmission 
developer Invenergy to outline benefits of Grain Belt Express, which is a
 780-mile project designed to transfer 4,000 megawats of wind-powered 
electricity from the rural plains to population centers. The project has
 been mired in legal and political battles, but could alleviate a 
shortage of transmission capacity in Kansas needed for delivery of its 
abundant wind resource.Kelly said the project 
would create in Kansas an estimated 22,500 temporary jobs during the 
three-year construction and nearly 1,000 permanent jobs as the system 
went online. She said Kansans would earn $1.6 billion in salary during 
construction and $54 million annually when operational.“Kansas is uniquely 
positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and 
expansion of clean and renewable energy,” the Democratic governor said. 
“The Grain Belt Express will be instrumental in helping to power Kansas 
and other states.”The Grain Belt Express’ 
transmission network would move electricity from the Dodge City area 
into northern Kansas, turn eastward and cross into Missouri near St. 
Joseph. The line would follow an easterly course through Missouri and 
Illinois before reaching Indiana.Kris Zadlo, senior vice 
president of regulatory affairs at Invenergy, said during the news 
conference the company’s investment in the project could inspire enough 
wind and solar farm development in Kansas to power 2.4 million homes.Kansas and Missouri 
consumers might benefit from lower-cost power if utility companies in 
those states take advantage of new access to electricity drawn from 
renewable sources, he said.Zadlo and Kelly said the 
large investment in Kansas would be beneficial as the economy worked 
through damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.“Economic recovery and 
long-term economic competitiveness in Kansas and Missouri depend on new 
investment, more jobs and tapping into low-cost, homegrown clean energy,
 which Grain Belt is moving full speed ahead to deliver,” he said.Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn 
Rogers said Grain Belt Express would allow installation of broadband 
infrastructure on towers along the line in support of internet services.“This new project will not
 only create good-paying jobs and invest dollars in our communities, it 
will strengthen Kansas’ position as a leader in renewable energy and 
make great strides in our efforts to expand broadband access statewide,”
 Rogers said.Chicago-based Invenergy 
bought the Grain Belt Express project in 2018 from Clean Line Energy 
Partners in Houston. The transaction was approved by Kansas and Missouri
 regulators.The transmission project 
has been endorsed by environmentalists who advocate for greater reliance
 on renewable energy rather than power plants driven by fossil fuels. 
Landowners in Missouri concerned about the line’s interference with farm
 operations or adverse affect on their health sought to block the 
project.In July, the Missouri 
Court of Appeals rejected the challenge by Missouri landowners of a 2019
 ruling by the state’s Public Service Commission to allow Invenergy to 
buy rights to construct the Grain Belt Express line.The plaintiffs’ attorneys 
argued Missouri regulators shouldn’t allow a private company to rely on 
eminent domain proceedings to acquire land for towers necessary to carry
 the above-ground line. The appellate court, however, determined the 
sale was permitted because the electricity would be transmitted to serve
 the general public rather than particular retail customers.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kelly, Invenergy outline economic jolt of electric transmission project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Neighborhood Initiative will hold its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Three Hutchinson neighborhoods are throwing National Night Out celebrations while one has canceled because of the pandemic.

Creekside will host a fall fest at Bernard White Park at 624 W. 5th Ave.; Grace Arbor Park will hold a cookout in front of the Salvation Army and the SW Bricktown will host a taco feed along with activities at SW Bricktown Park. All of the events begin at 5:30 p.m. The Farmington Park neighborhood decided to cancel its event for this year.

To learn more about National Night Out, visit <a href="http://www.natw.org">www.natw.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601668600116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Neighborhood Initiative will hold its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, Oct. 6.National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.Three Hutchinson neighborhoods are throwing National Night Out celebrations while one has canceled because of the pandemic.Creekside will host a fall fest at Bernard White Park at 624 W. 5th Ave.; Grace Arbor Park will hold a cookout in front of the Salvation Army and the SW Bricktown will host a taco feed along with activities at SW Bricktown Park. All of the events begin at 5:30 p.m. The Farmington Park neighborhood decided to cancel its event for this year.To learn more about National Night Out, visit <a href="http://www.natw.org">www.natw.org</a>.

Hutch Rec to host annual National Night Out

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson NAACP announced that the annual Freedom Fund Dinner scheduled for this weekend has been postponed because of an unexpected medical leave involving President Darrell Pope.

Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones has graciously offered to keep the speaking engagement later in the month and the organization will announce the makeup date soon.

The executive committee of Hutchinson NAACP says it thanks the community for continued support and understanding.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson NAACP announced that the annual Freedom Fund Dinner scheduled for this weekend has been postponed because of an unexpected medical leave involving President Darrell Pope.Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones has graciously offered to keep the speaking engagement later in the month and the organization will announce the makeup date soon.The executive committee of Hutchinson NAACP says it thanks the community for continued support and understanding.

NAACP event postponed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Planner Ryan Hvitlok says Kansans have responded to the last push to get their 2020 Census form in.&nbsp;

Hvitlok says that, as of Thursday afternoon, the state of Kansas has 99.8% of its households accounted for with the Census. Hvitlok says the city and county are also at the 99% threshold. The self-reporting was also successful as the city and county had a rate of around 70%.

As a reminder, if you know anyone who has not responded, they have until Monday, Oct. 5, to respond at <a href="http://my2020census.gov">my2020census.gov</a> or 844-330-2020.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Planner Ryan Hvitlok says Kansans have responded to the last push to get their 2020 Census form in.&nbsp;Hvitlok says that, as of Thursday afternoon, the state of Kansas has 99.8% of its households accounted for with the Census. Hvitlok says the city and county are also at the 99% threshold. The self-reporting was also successful as the city and county had a rate of around 70%.As a reminder, if you know anyone who has not responded, they have until Monday, Oct. 5, to respond at <a href="http://my2020census.gov">my2020census.gov</a> or 844-330-2020.&nbsp;

Most Kansans accounted for ahead of Census deadline


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way parents, students and teachers will meet for the fall Parent-Teacher Conferences.

In the past, the vast majority of conferences were face-to-face in the same room. Some of those were by appointment with specific teachers while others were done “arena style” with parents meeting with teachers on a come-and-go basis in a large meeting area.

In 2020, however, the conferences will be virtual – either electronically via Zoom or other conferencing tool or telephone calls.

Parents will receive notes on how to set up conferences.

As with any conference period, there will be no school for students on Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9. Additionally, there will be no conferences on Oct. 9.&nbsp;

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way parents, students and teachers will meet for the fall Parent-Teacher Conferences.In the past, the vast majority of conferences were face-to-face in the same room. Some of those were by appointment with specific teachers while others were done “arena style” with parents meeting with teachers on a come-and-go basis in a large meeting area.In 2020, however, the conferences will be virtual – either electronically via Zoom or other conferencing tool or telephone calls.Parents will receive notes on how to set up conferences.As with any conference period, there will be no school for students on Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9. Additionally, there will be no conferences on Oct. 9.&nbsp;

Pandemic brings changes to conferences in USD 308


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;In the age of coronavirus, the Cosmosphere is innovating by going old-school with a fundraiser this weekend.

"Sunday afternoon, it all begins at 2 p.m. on our Facebook page and on Youtube," said Carla Stanfield with the Cosmosphere. "This is called our Onward and Upward Virtual Telethon. We're going a little old school and asking people to literally phone in support."

The event is to raise operating funds for the Cosmosphere.

"We will start with just kind of a brief overview about what the Cosmosphere is and what we do," Stanfield said. "Then we're going to introduce to you some of the key players from early manned spaceflight."

Apollo 13 astronauts Jim Lovell and Fred Haise are expected to appear.

"The Onward and Upward Virtual Auction will start on Sunday, directly following the Virtual Telethon," Stanfield said. "This will be online. Go to our website. You'll get redirected right to the page to be able to check out all the items."

Over 150 items, ranging from autographed space memorabilia to travel experiences and artwork will be available. The auction will be live from Sunday through 5 p.m. October 18.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601686256440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;In the age of coronavirus, the Cosmosphere is innovating by going old-school with a fundraiser this weekend."Sunday afternoon, it all begins at 2 p.m. on our Facebook page and on Youtube," said Carla Stanfield with the Cosmosphere. "This is called our Onward and Upward Virtual Telethon. We're going a little old school and asking people to literally phone in support."The event is to raise operating funds for the Cosmosphere."We will start with just kind of a brief overview about what the Cosmosphere is and what we do," Stanfield said. "Then we're going to introduce to you some of the key players from early manned spaceflight."Apollo 13 astronauts Jim Lovell and Fred Haise are expected to appear."The Onward and Upward Virtual Auction will start on Sunday, directly following the Virtual Telethon," Stanfield said. "This will be online. Go to our website. You'll get redirected right to the page to be able to check out all the items."Over 150 items, ranging from autographed space memorabilia to travel experiences and artwork will be available. The auction will be live from Sunday through 5 p.m. October 18.

Fundraiser coming up Sunday for Cosmosphere


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing continues thanks to approval from Reno County Commissioners this week.

"We'll be doing the testing the next two Saturdays at the Hutchinson Clinic," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "It's a drive through from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m."

The testing at the 2107 building will take up to 250 swabs. The numbers of tests to be administered once the testing goes out into the county is still to be determined.

"We're also still working on getting people to work at that," Hammersmith said. "We're reaching out to our community partners for medical personnel to help at those sites."

Because of needing to coordinate availability, the times and dates of Reno County clinics outside of Hutchinson are still being firmed up. We will post those when they are made available.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing continues thanks to approval from Reno County Commissioners this week."We'll be doing the testing the next two Saturdays at the Hutchinson Clinic," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "It's a drive through from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m."The testing at the 2107 building will take up to 250 swabs. The numbers of tests to be administered once the testing goes out into the county is still to be determined."We're also still working on getting people to work at that," Hammersmith said. "We're reaching out to our community partners for medical personnel to help at those sites."Because of needing to coordinate availability, the times and dates of Reno County clinics outside of Hutchinson are still being firmed up. We will post those when they are made available.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing event October 3 and 10 in Hutchinson

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will continue discussion about how the city will deal with a major hike in distribution rates from Evergy once a new substation near Burrton is completed.&nbsp;

Evergy notified Haven that the monthly Wholesale Distribution Service Charge will increase from $4,000 per month to $11,839 per month. The increase amounts to $94,000 per year. The increase also affects the town of Mount Hope. City Clerk Leslie Atherton had urged the City Council to not pass the increase onto residents for now. The changes take effect next year, which is giving the community some time to prepare for the increase.&nbsp;

Brooke Carroll, CPA, Director of Administrative Services, and James Ging, Director of Engineering Services for the Kansas Power Pool, recently made an offer to the city to conduct a rate study. Meetings with the KPP representatives and the city have drawn up several matters that could be addressed. A 16-page report was provided to the council during the last meeting Sept. 8.

The report provided several options. One, according to Atherton, is to streamline the rate card for the city, eliminating several categories. Other options for consideration were increasing the base rate/customer charge, combining residential with residential all-electric, averaging the tiered rates to arrive at a flat rate, and establishing an industrial rate.&nbsp;

Atherton says it is still too early to know which direction the City Council will go with trying to recover the financial increase and, if so, how much rates could increase within the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will continue discussion about how the city will deal with a major hike in distribution rates from Evergy once a new substation near Burrton is completed.&nbsp;Evergy notified Haven that the monthly Wholesale Distribution Service Charge will increase from $4,000 per month to $11,839 per month. The increase amounts to $94,000 per year. The increase also affects the town of Mount Hope. City Clerk Leslie Atherton had urged the City Council to not pass the increase onto residents for now. The changes take effect next year, which is giving the community some time to prepare for the increase.&nbsp;Brooke Carroll, CPA, Director of Administrative Services, and James Ging, Director of Engineering Services for the Kansas Power Pool, recently made an offer to the city to conduct a rate study. Meetings with the KPP representatives and the city have drawn up several matters that could be addressed. A 16-page report was provided to the council during the last meeting Sept. 8.The report provided several options. One, according to Atherton, is to streamline the rate card for the city, eliminating several categories. Other options for consideration were increasing the base rate/customer charge, combining residential with residential all-electric, averaging the tiered rates to arrive at a flat rate, and establishing an industrial rate.&nbsp;Atherton says it is still too early to know which direction the City Council will go with trying to recover the financial increase and, if so, how much rates could increase within the community.

Haven City Council to further discuss power rates


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic said Friday he and his colleagues are trying to get school superintendents the best information they can to help keep schools open.

"A group of pediatricians and other primary care providers including family physicians are going to get together today to hopefully give more specific instructions that we feel will answer the questions of at what point at what level can we pump the brakes but keep kids in school," Pauly said.

The issue is this is not going to get better soon.

"Our best modeling shows us that the number of COVID-19 cases we've had the first six months of this pandemic, will likely be reproduced in the next three months," Pauly said. 

In addition, it may seem like community testing hasn't helped, but Pauly believes the numbers say it has.

"Testing we have done has our positive test rate at 13%," Pauly said. "Without the community testing, our positive test rate would be 23%. It's clear to see that even though our community testing has been inadequate at this point, it's given us a nearly 10% improvement from what it would be if we were only testing those who were sick."

Assuming the positive test rate was used as the measure and the rate was at 23%, that would have been well over the 15.7% threshold to push the county into the red zone and close schools and end activities completely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601667498184.jpeg" alt="HutchClinic" />
 <figcaption>HutchClinic</figcaption>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic said Friday he and his colleagues are trying to get school superintendents the best information they can to help keep schools open.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601667424562.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"A group of pediatricians and other primary care providers including family physicians are going to get together today to hopefully give more specific instructions that we feel will answer the questions of at what point at what level can we pump the brakes but keep kids in school," Pauly said.The issue is this is not going to get better soon."Our best modeling shows us that the number of COVID-19 cases we've had the first six months of this pandemic, will likely be reproduced in the next three months," Pauly said. In addition, it may seem like community testing hasn't helped, but Pauly believes the numbers say it has."Testing we have done has our positive test rate at 13%," Pauly said. "Without the community testing, our positive test rate would be 23%. It's clear to see that even though our community testing has been inadequate at this point, it's given us a nearly 10% improvement from what it would be if we were only testing those who were sick."Assuming the positive test rate was used as the measure and the rate was at 23%, that would have been well over the 15.7% threshold to push the county into the red zone and close schools and end activities completely.

Dr. Pauly: Community testing has helped, but cases are likely to continue to increase

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department has its Interim Chief in place. Darrin Pickering took over Thursday for former Chief Dean Harcrow, who suddenly resigned.

The police department office is closed for the time. The city asks that if you need a matter taken care of by the South Hutchinson Police Department, call 911.&nbsp;

All administrative calls are being answered by a combination voice message of the police department and municipal court at this time. That number is 620-560-6281.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585240044486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department has its Interim Chief in place. Darrin Pickering took over Thursday for former Chief Dean Harcrow, who suddenly resigned.The police department office is closed for the time. The city asks that if you need a matter taken care of by the South Hutchinson Police Department, call 911.&nbsp;All administrative calls are being answered by a combination voice message of the police department and municipal court at this time. That number is 620-560-6281.

Pickering takes over as Interim Chief in South Hutchinson

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — According to the numbers released Friday morning, Reno County's schools will be in the orange on the county's gating criteria for next week.

The 14-day positive case count is up to 148 cases, with the county's positive test rate at 13.7%. The county is still working up to enough testing to be able to use the positive test rate as the measure. 

Right now it is still the 14-day case count that determines the criteria color.

Both <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3f31a620-9be6-4939-9eb1-738ecfc0d9d0">USD 308</a> and USD 313 are going to a hybrid learning model starting Monday.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — According to the numbers released Friday morning, Reno County's schools will be in the orange on the county's gating criteria for next week.The 14-day positive case count is up to 148 cases, with the county's positive test rate at 13.7%. The county is still working up to enough testing to be able to use the positive test rate as the measure. Right now it is still the 14-day case count that determines the criteria color.Both <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3f31a620-9be6-4939-9eb1-738ecfc0d9d0">USD 308</a> and USD 313 are going to a hybrid learning model starting Monday.

Reno County gating criteria in orange for next week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman and current U.S. Senate candidate Republican Dr. Roger Marshall said Friday that he is praying for President Trump and his wife as they deal with COVID-19.

"Like everybody in America, we're praying for the President's health, Melania's health," Marshall said. "It's certainly humbling. As a doctor, I just always learned that viruses, bacteria, your health, doesn't care who you are. It can sure impact you and we're praying for their speedy recovery."

Marshall notes that there are a lot of different options the President's doctors could take, depending on how severe his disease turns out to be.

"It could be nothing, to ending up in an ICU and everything in between," Marshall said. "I sure do believe that we've improved the treatment just so, so very much. I was on a phone call yesterday with folks that are doing the convalescent plasma and the great, great results that they're having. That's not through the studies yet, but it just looks incredibly well and there are antiviral agents out there, as well. There are lots of better treatments."

Marshall noted that campaigning from quarantine would be a challenge, one he's glad not to have in his Senate race.

"It's obviously next to impossible," Marshall said. "Kansans so badly want to see their candidate, look them in the eye. We learn more from a handshake than we do 30 minutes of a phone conversation. It's really, it's a struggle."

Marshall will be campaigning in Hutchinson this weekend as part of a statewide bus tour Saturday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595001869381.jpeg" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman and current U.S. Senate candidate Republican Dr. Roger Marshall said Friday that he is praying for President Trump and his wife as they deal with COVID-19."Like everybody in America, we're praying for the President's health, Melania's health," Marshall said. "It's certainly humbling. As a doctor, I just always learned that viruses, bacteria, your health, doesn't care who you are. It can sure impact you and we're praying for their speedy recovery."Marshall notes that there are a lot of different options the President's doctors could take, depending on how severe his disease turns out to be."It could be nothing, to ending up in an ICU and everything in between," Marshall said. "I sure do believe that we've improved the treatment just so, so very much. I was on a phone call yesterday with folks that are doing the convalescent plasma and the great, great results that they're having. That's not through the studies yet, but it just looks incredibly well and there are antiviral agents out there, as well. There are lots of better treatments."Marshall noted that campaigning from quarantine would be a challenge, one he's glad not to have in his Senate race."It's obviously next to impossible," Marshall said. "Kansans so badly want to see their candidate, look them in the eye. We learn more from a handshake than we do 30 minutes of a phone conversation. It's really, it's a struggle."Marshall will be campaigning in Hutchinson this weekend as part of a statewide bus tour Saturday night.

Marshall praying for President Trump regarding COVID-19


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson USD 308 is moving from its current in-person instructional model to hybrid learning for all students on Monday, October 5.

The district is doing this to reduce class sizes that will allow for better social distancing in classrooms and to avoid, if possible, having to go to full remote learning.

Unless otherwise communicated by individual buildings, Group A will be students with last names starting with A through L, and Group B is students with last names starting with M through Z.

Because next week has parent-teacher conferences, Group A will attend on Monday and Group B will attend on Tuesday. All students will learn from home on Wednesday.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson USD 308 is moving from its current in-person instructional model to hybrid learning for all students on Monday, October 5.The district is doing this to reduce class sizes that will allow for better social distancing in classrooms and to avoid, if possible, having to go to full remote learning.Unless otherwise communicated by individual buildings, Group A will be students with last names starting with A through L, and Group B is students with last names starting with M through Z.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601570278069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Because next week has parent-teacher conferences, Group A will attend on Monday and Group B will attend on Tuesday. All students will learn from home on Wednesday.

USD 308 going hybrid learning starting Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department will be sending reinforcements to the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado when their current crew finishes its two-week stint. 

The fire now spreads over 100,000 acres and over 900 firefighters are fighting it. 

The crew worked supporting Lakeview Hotshots on Wednesday doing burn out operations. 

Two different Hutchinson firefighters and a Kansas Forest Service employee will be headed west to relieve the original crew in the coming days.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department will be sending reinforcements to the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado when their current crew finishes its two-week stint. The fire now spreads over 100,000 acres and over 900 firefighters are fighting it. The crew worked supporting Lakeview Hotshots on Wednesday doing burn out operations. Two different Hutchinson firefighters and a Kansas Forest Service employee will be headed west to relieve the original crew in the coming days.

Hutchinson firefighters continue Mullen Fire work


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The 2020 Starlight Remembrance event for the Cancer Council of Reno County is Sunday, October 4th at Avenue A Park. 

The event is to honor the loved ones who have battled or are currently battling cancer. There will be live music and special performances by the dancers at The Pointe School of Dance. 

For safety measures, participants are encouraged to decorate their lanterns in advance in order to avoid large crowds and shared use of decorative materials. 

The Cancer Council is asking everyone to please wear a mask that night.  There will be cancer patients attending and they want to do everything they can to protect them and you. If you do not bring your own masks, they will have a limited supply available. 

Please contact the Cancer Council to get your decorating kits early at 620-665-5555.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The 2020 Starlight Remembrance event for the Cancer Council of Reno County is Sunday, October 4th at Avenue A Park. The event is to honor the loved ones who have battled or are currently battling cancer. There will be live music and special performances by the dancers at The Pointe School of Dance. For safety measures, participants are encouraged to decorate their lanterns in advance in order to avoid large crowds and shared use of decorative materials. The Cancer Council is asking everyone to please wear a mask that night. There will be cancer patients attending and they want to do everything they can to protect them and you. If you do not bring your own masks, they will have a limited supply available. Please contact the Cancer Council to get your decorating kits early at 620-665-5555.

Starlight Remembrance event coming up Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An <a href="https://www.change.org/p/reno-county-health-department-remove-covid-gaiting-criteria-and-keep-kids-in-school?recruiter=1151854703&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition&amp;re&amp;fbclid=IwAR0M7Av-0mfL6bOLZ3ZvRC2TCOkSqR1oK64Q8uY15RSWqknEfZNcMzqP-P4">online petition</a> has been started, stating that the gating criteria for schools is hurting students. The petition calls for a change to keep students in class.&nbsp;

The petition is aimed at the health department and the county’s six school districts. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly 200 people have signed the petition.

The petition was started on change.org and states that the gating criteria is based on positive cases in the community, not based on positive cases in the schools. The petition asks why this should be the determining factor for closing schools.

The petition goes on to say that 155 positive cases do not justify closing schools in a county with a population of almost 62,000 people. It closes by asking residents to help keep kids in school by supporting the petition.

While the petition is not official, it does bring awareness to those who are expressing frustration by action taken during the pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601584766793.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An <a href="https://www.change.org/p/reno-county-health-department-remove-covid-gaiting-criteria-and-keep-kids-in-school?recruiter=1151854703&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition&amp;re&amp;fbclid=IwAR0M7Av-0mfL6bOLZ3ZvRC2TCOkSqR1oK64Q8uY15RSWqknEfZNcMzqP-P4">online petition</a> has been started, stating that the gating criteria for schools is hurting students. The petition calls for a change to keep students in class.&nbsp;The petition is aimed at the health department and the county’s six school districts. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly 200 people have signed the petition.The petition was started on change.org and states that the gating criteria is based on positive cases in the community, not based on positive cases in the schools. The petition asks why this should be the determining factor for closing schools.The petition goes on to say that 155 positive cases do not justify closing schools in a county with a population of almost 62,000 people. It closes by asking residents to help keep kids in school by supporting the petition.While the petition is not official, it does bring awareness to those who are expressing frustration by action taken during the pandemic.

Online petition asks for change in gating criteria

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 announced that Monday’s school board meeting has been postponed one week.

The district learned this week it would not have a quorum for the meeting.&nbsp;

The new meeting date is Monday, Oct. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School at 1616 Wilshire Drive.

An agenda for the meeting will be coming out later next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 announced that Monday’s school board meeting has been postponed one week.The district learned this week it would not have a quorum for the meeting.&nbsp;The new meeting date is Monday, Oct. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School at 1616 Wilshire Drive.An agenda for the meeting will be coming out later next week.

USD 309 board meeting moved to Oct. 12

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three major Public Works projects are up for consideration by the Hutchinson City Council next week.

The council will seek approval of the bid from Pearson Construction, LLC, for the Apple Lane reconstruction project. The project includes a complete reconstruction of Apple Lane from 17th to 30th avenues and the replacement of a small bridge just south of 22nd Avenue.

The low bid from Pearson totals $1,215,774 — which is below the engineer's estimate. KDOT is providing a grant that will pay for 50% of the project with the rest bonded by the city.&nbsp;

Also, the council will be asked to approve a bid for design work at the Hutchinson Airport. The design work will be for improvements to the airport apron adjacent to the Airport Steakhouse. Cost of the study is just under $50,000 and will mostly be paid for through an FAA grant.

Finally, the council will look over the 2021 street maintenance work for the city. The city works to do complete maintenance on every street every eight years. For the year, the city has budgeted $894,000. Most of the work will be done in an area between 17th and 30th, north and south; and from Severance east to Lorraine. It also includes work between Lorraine and Halstead north of 30th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601583508433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three major Public Works projects are up for consideration by the Hutchinson City Council next week.The council will seek approval of the bid from Pearson Construction, LLC, for the Apple Lane reconstruction project. The project includes a complete reconstruction of Apple Lane from 17th to 30th avenues and the replacement of a small bridge just south of 22nd Avenue.The low bid from Pearson totals $1,215,774 — which is below the engineer's estimate. KDOT is providing a grant that will pay for 50% of the project with the rest bonded by the city.&nbsp;Also, the council will be asked to approve a bid for design work at the Hutchinson Airport. The design work will be for improvements to the airport apron adjacent to the Airport Steakhouse. Cost of the study is just under $50,000 and will mostly be paid for through an FAA grant.Finally, the council will look over the 2021 street maintenance work for the city. The city works to do complete maintenance on every street every eight years. For the year, the city has budgeted $894,000. Most of the work will be done in an area between 17th and 30th, north and south; and from Severance east to Lorraine. It also includes work between Lorraine and Halstead north of 30th.

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