Correction: Saturday COVID-19 clinics are only taking place every other Saturday at the Fairgrounds, so the next one is November 21st. The Post regrets the error.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County overall case count is at 1051 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 22,&nbsp;fifteen of which have passed away in the last thirty days.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 596 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 28 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 33 active clusters in the county.

There are 479 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-two total have been hospitalized. Forty-nine have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.30%. 21.87% of the population has been tested.

The next weekend community testing date is Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Appointments are also available on Tuesdays for the rest of the year from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. those days. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: Saturday COVID-19 clinics are only taking place every other Saturday at the Fairgrounds, so the next one is November 21st. The Post regrets the error.HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County overall case count is at 1051 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 22,&nbsp;fifteen of which have passed away in the last thirty days.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 596 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 28 active cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 33 active clusters in the county.There are 479 cases in the community at large.Twenty-seven people are in the hospital. One hundred twenty-two total have been hospitalized. Forty-nine have been admitted to the ICU and 16 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 14.37%, with the overall positive test rate at 21.30%. 21.87% of the population has been tested.The next weekend community testing date is Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Appointments are also available on Tuesdays for the rest of the year from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. those days. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Reno County overall case count at 1051, with 479 in community and 22 total deaths


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday approved the negotiated agreement with NEA-Hutchinson during its regular meeting.

The agreement calls for a 2.51 percent increase to be added to the salary schedule. A teacher new to the district with a bachelor’s degree receives $40,305 annually.

At the other end of the schedule, a teacher with 15 years of experience and a master’s degree plus 60 additional hours of college credit would make $64,940.

District licensed staff, represented by NEA-Hutchinson, approved the contract Friday.

Also during the meeting, the Board gave middle schools permission to play sports even in the orange and red zones but without spectators at this point. The previous gating criteria did not allow middle school activities in the red zone.

Other schools in the county and the Wichita Suburban League are allowing middle school activities to continue, even in the red zone of the gating criteria. District middle school students have been practicing for winter sports, which began two weeks ago, but have not been able to compete in games.

The change also allows for freshman and junior varsity teams to play with a limited number of spectators at Hutchinson High School, even when the district is in the red zone.

          Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:

Did not approve a proposal to drop temperature screenings but possibly expand the checks to other activities as needed. Of the 41 confirmed cases in district staff and students since August through last week, only 21.9 percent had a fever during their illness. Of those 21.9 percent, none of the fevers were detected at a school facility. The Board, however, decided to stay with the temperature checks because other entities in the community, including day care and medical facilities, continue to do the checks.

Approved the purchase of 21 rooftop heating/air conditioning units for Hutchinson High School as part of a five-year replacement plan. The units are beyond their normal life expectancy.

Approved minutes of the Nov. 9, 2020, Board meeting.

Approved purchase of classroom door closures. The door closures are actually designed to keep doors open and improve air flow throughout buildings and aid in reducing COVID-19 transmission. The closures, however, are easy to close in the case of an emergency lockdown and meet fire marshal regulations on hold-open devices.

Approved the purchase of outdoor classroom tables.

Approved the purchase of milk coolers as well as a refrigerator and freezers. The cooling devices are needed for the additional quantities of food needed for food distribution to families during remote and hybrid learning models.

Approved van purchases for Early Head Start.

Approved the purchase of additional Chromebooks for student use.

Approved the purchase of Cisco network switches to increase broadband capacity within the district for the additional computer devices being used.

Approve the purchase of Apple MacBooks for staff use.

Approved the purchase of HooverCam document cameras.

Approved the annual YMCA contract for swimming.

Approved outdoor classroom shade structures.

Approved Operational Expectations No. 4 – Treatment of Employees and Personnel Administration.

Approved Head Start program governance and training calendar.

Approved additional video equipment for special education to assist with training and other needs.

Approved the Accounts Payable Report for October 2020.

Appointed Board Members Tad Dower and Kail Denison to the district’s new COVID-19 Advisory Board.

Selected Kail Denison as the Board’s representative to the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly.

          The Board approved the following changes in personnel.

Brianna Buller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 30, 2020

Bradley Johnson, Technology Systems Specialist, ESC, effective November 16, 2020

Ashika Bhakta, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020

Melissa Crafton, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020

Olivia Kite, Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School Year

Claire Schreiner, Assistant Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School Year

Sean Goodwin, Assistant Coach Boys' Basketball, Hutchinson High School, effective November 10, 2020

Xeiver Jordan, from FT Custodial Sub for the District, to Night Custodian at HMS 7, effective October 28, 2020

Barb Legates, from Head Custodian at HHS, to Lead Custodian at HHS, effective November 2, 2020

          The Board formally accepted and thanked donors of the following gifts.

100 Tote Bags valued at $250 from Hubco to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for students exchange materials during remote learning

Mask for whole school from Hutchinson STEM Magnet PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for staff and student protection from COVID-19

$348 from memorial for Tricia Kirkland to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for books for library

School Supplies from Walmart to Lincoln for student use

Snacks from Eastwood Church of Christ to Lincoln for teacher appreciation

Backpacks/supplies from Midwest Ford to Lincoln for student/teacher use

Hand sanitizer and sandwich size bags from Faith Chapel Women’s Mission to Lincoln for students

$200 from American Legion Riders Post 68 to Lincoln for 6th grade Scholastic Books

$1,000 from Allen &amp; from Kristen Fee to HHS for football

$1,000 from Martha Fee to HHS for football

$100 from Kim &amp; from Eric Steinle to HHS for drama

$200 from Jonathan &amp; Tonya from Wenger to HHS for drama

$100 James &amp; from Janice Wood to HHS for drama

$100 from Gary &amp; Ruth Meier to HHS for volleyball

$100 from P.A. Alonzo to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Marne Guthmiller to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Debra Campbell to HHS for volleyball

$250 from Elite Pro Services to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Jeff Pelischek to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Joan Thompson to HHS for volleyball

          The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 23.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday approved the negotiated agreement with NEA-Hutchinson during its regular meeting.The agreement calls for a 2.51 percent increase to be added to the salary schedule. A teacher new to the district with a bachelor’s degree receives $40,305 annually.At the other end of the schedule, a teacher with 15 years of experience and a master’s degree plus 60 additional hours of college credit would make $64,940.District licensed staff, represented by NEA-Hutchinson, approved the contract Friday.Also during the meeting, the Board gave middle schools permission to play sports even in the orange and red zones but without spectators at this point. The previous gating criteria did not allow middle school activities in the red zone.Other schools in the county and the Wichita Suburban League are allowing middle school activities to continue, even in the red zone of the gating criteria. District middle school students have been practicing for winter sports, which began two weeks ago, but have not been able to compete in games.The change also allows for freshman and junior varsity teams to play with a limited number of spectators at Hutchinson High School, even when the district is in the red zone. Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:Did not approve a proposal to drop temperature screenings but possibly expand the checks to other activities as needed. Of the 41 confirmed cases in district staff and students since August through last week, only 21.9 percent had a fever during their illness. Of those 21.9 percent, none of the fevers were detected at a school facility. The Board, however, decided to stay with the temperature checks because other entities in the community, including day care and medical facilities, continue to do the checks.Approved the purchase of 21 rooftop heating/air conditioning units for Hutchinson High School as part of a five-year replacement plan. The units are beyond their normal life expectancy.Approved minutes of the Nov. 9, 2020, Board meeting.Approved purchase of classroom door closures. The door closures are actually designed to keep doors open and improve air flow throughout buildings and aid in reducing COVID-19 transmission. The closures, however, are easy to close in the case of an emergency lockdown and meet fire marshal regulations on hold-open devices.Approved the purchase of outdoor classroom tables.Approved the purchase of milk coolers as well as a refrigerator and freezers. The cooling devices are needed for the additional quantities of food needed for food distribution to families during remote and hybrid learning models.Approved van purchases for Early Head Start.Approved the purchase of additional Chromebooks for student use.Approved the purchase of Cisco network switches to increase broadband capacity within the district for the additional computer devices being used.Approve the purchase of Apple MacBooks for staff use.Approved the purchase of HooverCam document cameras.Approved the annual YMCA contract for swimming.Approved outdoor classroom shade structures.Approved Operational Expectations No. 4 – Treatment of Employees and Personnel Administration.Approved Head Start program governance and training calendar.Approved additional video equipment for special education to assist with training and other needs.Approved the Accounts Payable Report for October 2020.Appointed Board Members Tad Dower and Kail Denison to the district’s new COVID-19 Advisory Board.Selected Kail Denison as the Board’s representative to the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly.Personnel Report The Board approved the following changes in personnel.HiredBrianna Buller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 30, 2020Bradley Johnson, Technology Systems Specialist, ESC, effective November 16, 2020Ashika Bhakta, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020Melissa Crafton, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020Olivia Kite, Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School YearClaire Schreiner, Assistant Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School YearSean Goodwin, Assistant Coach Boys' Basketball, Hutchinson High School, effective November 10, 2020Position ChangesXeiver Jordan, from FT Custodial Sub for the District, to Night Custodian at HMS 7, effective October 28, 2020Barb Legates, from Head Custodian at HHS, to Lead Custodian at HHS, effective November 2, 2020Gifts to Schools The Board formally accepted and thanked donors of the following gifts.100 Tote Bags valued at $250 from Hubco to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for students exchange materials during remote learningMask for whole school from Hutchinson STEM Magnet PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for staff and student protection from COVID-19$348 from memorial for Tricia Kirkland to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for books for librarySchool Supplies from Walmart to Lincoln for student useSnacks from Eastwood Church of Christ to Lincoln for teacher appreciationBackpacks/supplies from Midwest Ford to Lincoln for student/teacher useLunch from KFC to Lincoln for staffHand sanitizer and sandwich size bags from Faith Chapel Women’s Mission to Lincoln for students$200 from American Legion Riders Post 68 to Lincoln for 6th grade Scholastic Books$100 from Toni Loewen to HHS for drama$1,000 from Allen &amp; from Kristen Fee to HHS for football$1,000 from Martha Fee to HHS for football$100 from Kim &amp; from Eric Steinle to HHS for drama$200 from Jonathan &amp; Tonya from Wenger to HHS for drama$100 James &amp; from Janice Wood to HHS for drama$100 Trish Lewton to HHS for volleyball$100 from Gary &amp; Ruth Meier to HHS for volleyball$100 from P.A. Alonzo to HHS for volleyball$100 from Marne Guthmiller to HHS for volleyball$100 from Debra Campbell to HHS for volleyball$250 from Elite Pro Services to HHS for volleyball$100 from Vicki Steinle to HHS for drama$100 from Jeff Pelischek to HHS for volleyball$100 from Joan Thompson to HHS for volleyballNext Meeting The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 23.

USD 308 board approves agreement with teachers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will go over two financial matters during a meeting Tuesday.

Interim General Manager Ed Berger will be before the board with two proposals to take to a meeting with legislators in December. One is to be able to recoup more of the liquor sales tax generated from beer and wine sales at the fair. It was a proposal that went before the Senate Ways and Means Committee last year, but never got much traction.&nbsp;

The other is a proposal that would allow the fair to take the sales tax revenue it gets for capital improvements and use those funds for operations. The funds would help keep the fair running until it can regroup from the loss of revenue because of the pandemic and the cancellation of this year's fair.

The fair was able to get a bill passed that allowed it to gather all sales tax from the fair and other events held on the fairgrounds. The funds are earmarked for capital improvements only. But with the fair shut down this year, the hope is to be able to tap into the funds in the short term.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 1 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594650625292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will go over two financial matters during a meeting Tuesday.Interim General Manager Ed Berger will be before the board with two proposals to take to a meeting with legislators in December. One is to be able to recoup more of the liquor sales tax generated from beer and wine sales at the fair. It was a proposal that went before the Senate Ways and Means Committee last year, but never got much traction.&nbsp;The other is a proposal that would allow the fair to take the sales tax revenue it gets for capital improvements and use those funds for operations. The funds would help keep the fair running until it can regroup from the loss of revenue because of the pandemic and the cancellation of this year's fair.The fair was able to get a bill passed that allowed it to gather all sales tax from the fair and other events held on the fairgrounds. The funds are earmarked for capital improvements only. But with the fair shut down this year, the hope is to be able to tap into the funds in the short term.Tuesday’s meeting begins at 1 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Fair Board to go over 2 revenue proposals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BNSF saw major drops across all facets of its transportation network and it showed in the third quarter earnings report released Monday.

The nation’s second-largest railroad reported net earnings of $2.01 billion, a drop of 8%. Total revenue also fell by 14% to $5.1 billion.

Car loadings fell in every category with coal volumes falling another 25% year-over-year and 23% in industrial products as the pandemic slowed volumes. For the first nine months of the year, car loadings have fallen 11%.

The railroad was able to offset the downturn in shipping with lower fuel costs along with cuts in expenses to increase in operating ratio compared to last year. Operating expenses fell by more than 18% during the period.

BNSF operates about 10 trains per day along with Amtrak three times per week and is the second-largest property tax payer in the county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588708495024.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BNSF saw major drops across all facets of its transportation network and it showed in the third quarter earnings report released Monday.The nation’s second-largest railroad reported net earnings of $2.01 billion, a drop of 8%. Total revenue also fell by 14% to $5.1 billion.Car loadings fell in every category with coal volumes falling another 25% year-over-year and 23% in industrial products as the pandemic slowed volumes. For the first nine months of the year, car loadings have fallen 11%.The railroad was able to offset the downturn in shipping with lower fuel costs along with cuts in expenses to increase in operating ratio compared to last year. Operating expenses fell by more than 18% during the period.BNSF operates about 10 trains per day along with Amtrak three times per week and is the second-largest property tax payer in the county.

BNSF sees lower numbers in third quarter


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department has classified Hutchinson High School as a COVID-19 cluster because of the recent number of positive cases. 

Staff and/or students requested to isolate have been notified. 

 The district will continue with its modified hybrid learning plan.

The state identifies a cluster when an organization has five or more cases in the preceding 14 days. 

HHS has had 10 cases out of 1,500 students and staff in the past 14 days.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department has classified Hutchinson High School as a COVID-19 cluster because of the recent number of positive cases. Staff and/or students requested to isolate have been notified. The district will continue with its modified hybrid learning plan.The state identifies a cluster when an organization has five or more cases in the preceding 14 days. HHS has had 10 cases out of 1,500 students and staff in the past 14 days.

Hutch High classified as COVID-19 cluster

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

MCPHERSON -- In response to what it called "the alarming increase in new COVID-19 cases" and the pressure put on local healthcare systems, the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health are recommending McPherson County move back to Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan on Nov. 9, 2020.

Phase 2 recommendations, provided by the health department, can be found below, which differs slightly from the previously released Phase 2 recommendations in May 2020. Questions should be directed to the MCHD email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:machd@mcpcoks.us">machd@mcpcoks.us</a>.

• No more than 15 individuals in a gathering where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained; this does not limit the total occupancy allowed in a facility/event if 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals at all times

• Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Maintain 6-foot distance in both indoor and outdoor settings

• High-risk individuals with underlying medical conditions should stay home except for essential needs

• Follow any sector specific guidance or mandates released by business licensors

• Employees exhibiting illness should stay home and encouraged to seek medical care as needed

• Avoid gatherings greater than 15 individuals where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained

• Maintain 6-foot distance between workstations

• Minimize or avoid travel that isn’t for medical, family, or business-related needs

• KDHE travel-related quarantine mandates are still in effect for high-risk areas

• Continue to follow KSDE Navigating Change document and district plans

• Move to hybrid learning if applicable based on Risk Assessments and MCHD recommendation

• Higher education facilities should move learning online in settings that 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Events/activities should be postponed if 6-foot distance is not maintained

• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity greater than 500 should not open

Fairs, Festivals, Carnivals, Parades

• Should not occur if people are gathering outside of vehicles

• Should not open except for first responder training, physical therapy use and athletic use

• When open for mentioned activities, 6-foot distance should be maintained

• Closed except for essential meal services and transportation

Long Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities

• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoringmof visitors

• Should continue to follow CMS, KDADS and KDHE guidelines and requirements

• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoring of visitors

• Groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained

• Spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used

• Players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups

• Practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls

• Concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among others

• Each room should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times

• Enhanced cleaning schedule before and after meetings

• Screen attendees before entering, require mask usage and register participants ahead of the meeting to avoid walk-in scenarios

• Group classes greater than 15 should not occur

• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use

• Space equipment apart by 6 feet or more

• Screen staff and patrons before entering the facility

• Locker rooms/showers can remain open if capacity is reduced to 50% and distancing and disinfecting practices are maintained

• Continue to follow guidelines from state licensures, KDHE and MCHD

• Screen employees and attendees before entering

• Identify then cohort/group classrooms together for out-of-classroom activities to reduce exposures across the facility

• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times

• General recommendation and support for moving services and activities to a remote model

• Recommendation to move services to carry-out and drive-thru if possible

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586828341581.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON -- In response to what it called "the alarming increase in new COVID-19 cases" and the pressure put on local healthcare systems, the McPherson County Health Department (MCHD) and the McPherson County Board of County Commissioners/Board of Health are recommending McPherson County move back to Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan on Nov. 9, 2020.Phase 2 recommendations, provided by the health department, can be found below, which differs slightly from the previously released Phase 2 recommendations in May 2020. Questions should be directed to the MCHD email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:machd@mcpcoks.us">machd@mcpcoks.us</a>.Mass Gatherings• No more than 15 individuals in a gathering where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained; this does not limit the total occupancy allowed in a facility/event if 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals at all timesIndividuals• Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where 6-foot distance is not maintained• Maintain 6-foot distance in both indoor and outdoor settings• High-risk individuals with underlying medical conditions should stay home except for essential needsEmployers• Follow any sector specific guidance or mandates released by business licensors• Telework is encouraged when possible• Employees exhibiting illness should stay home and encouraged to seek medical care as needed• Avoid gatherings greater than 15 individuals where 6-foot distance cannot be maintained• Maintain 6-foot distance between workstationsTravel• Minimize or avoid travel that isn’t for medical, family, or business-related needs• KDHE travel-related quarantine mandates are still in effect for high-risk areasEducational Facilities• Continue to follow KSDE Navigating Change document and district plans• Move to hybrid learning if applicable based on Risk Assessments and MCHD recommendation• Higher education facilities should move learning online in settings that 6-foot distance is not maintained• Events/activities should be postponed if 6-foot distance is not maintainedLarge Entertainment Venues• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity greater than 500 should not openFairs, Festivals, Carnivals, Parades• Should not occur if people are gathering outside of vehiclesSwimming Pools• Should not open except for first responder training, physical therapy use and athletic use• When open for mentioned activities, 6-foot distance should be maintainedSenior Centers• Closed except for essential meal services and transportationLong Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoringmof visitors• Should continue to follow CMS, KDADS and KDHE guidelines and requirementsCorrectional Facilities• Discourage visitors unless facility can maintain 6-foot distance, mask usage and symptom screening/monitoring of visitorsSports• Groups greater than 15 should not occur when 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained• Spectators are required to maintain 6-foot distancing; common seating like bleachers should not be used• Players should limit time spent in huddles and close groups• Practices should have time set aside to sanitize equipment/balls• Concessions should close; players and spectators should bring their own beverages and not share among othersMeeting Rooms• Each room should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• Enhanced cleaning schedule before and after meetings• Screen attendees before entering, require mask usage and register participants ahead of the meeting to avoid walk-in scenariosGyms, Fitness Centers• Group classes greater than 15 should not occur• Clean and disinfect equipment before and after use• Space equipment apart by 6 feet or more• Screen staff and patrons before entering the facility• Locker rooms/showers can remain open if capacity is reduced to 50% and distancing and disinfecting practices are maintainedChildcare Facilities, Daycares• Continue to follow guidelines from state licensures, KDHE and MCHD• Screen employees and attendees before entering• Identify then cohort/group classrooms together for out-of-classroom activities to reduce exposures across the facilityReligious Facilities, Churches• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• General recommendation and support for moving services and activities to a remote modelRestaurants, Bars• Groups should not exceed 15 persons if 6-foot distance cannot be maintained at all times• Recommendation to move services to carry-out and drive-thru if possible• Screen employees and attendees before entering

McPherson County: Back to modified Phase 2 due to rise in cases of COVID-19

Clarification: The original version of this story called Tuesday's meeting a special meeting. City staff later emailed to say it is a study session. Comments by Bagwell, though related to skateboarding, were about some smaller projects that might also be possible in addition to the Fun Valley site.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson City Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 in the City Council Chambers for a study session. The meeting is to discuss the future use of the former Fun Valley waterslide site. This came forward as part of a larger discussion at last Tuesday's meeting prompted by council member Sara Bagwell.

"That is something that definitely came out through our master plan project process is, we're kind of missing the kids that are too old to play on a playground, but not old enough to go out and drive and do their own thing," said Director of Parks and Facilities Justin Combs. "Really, the recommendation was to look into those adventure-type sports. The opportunity I see for that in the near future is the Fun Valley waterslide site."

Bagwell said such a thing doesn't have to be big to be effective. She believes there can even be something small at some of the city's other parks, like Brookside Park.

"When I was a kid, people would just make, like a box, you know, that they would drag around with them," Bagwell said. "That way they could go on to the box, off of the box, have a rail, and it would be amazed at just something so small that's just there. Then, that way, they're not, I know we don't have it too bad here about going on parking lots and damaging commercial business areas, but I have several skateboarders around my neighborhood."

The waterslide site is the only item on the Tuesday agenda, though Combs expressed support for the smaller park ideas, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592409584284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarification: The original version of this story called Tuesday's meeting a special meeting. City staff later emailed to say it is a study session. Comments by Bagwell, though related to skateboarding, were about some smaller projects that might also be possible in addition to the Fun Valley site.
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson City Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 in the City Council Chambers for a study session. The meeting is to discuss the future use of the former Fun Valley waterslide site. This came forward as part of a larger discussion at last Tuesday's meeting prompted by council member Sara Bagwell."That is something that definitely came out through our master plan project process is, we're kind of missing the kids that are too old to play on a playground, but not old enough to go out and drive and do their own thing," said Director of Parks and Facilities Justin Combs. "Really, the recommendation was to look into those adventure-type sports. The opportunity I see for that in the near future is the Fun Valley waterslide site."Bagwell said such a thing doesn't have to be big to be effective. She believes there can even be something small at some of the city's other parks, like Brookside Park."When I was a kid, people would just make, like a box, you know, that they would drag around with them," Bagwell said. "That way they could go on to the box, off of the box, have a rail, and it would be amazed at just something so small that's just there. Then, that way, they're not, I know we don't have it too bad here about going on parking lots and damaging commercial business areas, but I have several skateboarders around my neighborhood."The waterslide site is the only item on the Tuesday agenda, though Combs expressed support for the smaller park ideas, as well.

Waterslide site's use topic of study session Tuesday

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet on Tuesday with a new member in
place. 

State Senator-elect Mark Steffen will serve the unexpired term of the late Bob Bush after his
appointment by Reno County Republicans. Steffen will then move onto the state
senate in January and will be replaced by Daniel Friesen. Friesen won the seat last Tuesday.

The light
agenda includes the appointment of a Vice Chair to the Board since Bush held
that position. The Board will also take action on finding a replacement for
Chair Ron Sellers to be the Commissioner’s representative during the canvass of
votes November 12.

Finally the
Board will take action on a request for two new fire trucks for Rural Fire District
nine at a cost of $173,359, and get the latest update on the pandemic.

Tuesday’s
meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County
Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603101991835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet on Tuesday with a new member in
place. State Senator-elect Mark Steffen will serve the unexpired term of the late Bob Bush after his
appointment by Reno County Republicans. Steffen will then move onto the state
senate in January and will be replaced by Daniel Friesen. Friesen won the seat last Tuesday.The light
agenda includes the appointment of a Vice Chair to the Board since Bush held
that position. The Board will also take action on finding a replacement for
Chair Ron Sellers to be the Commissioner’s representative during the canvass of
votes November 12.Finally the
Board will take action on a request for two new fire trucks for Rural Fire District
nine at a cost of $173,359, and get the latest update on the pandemic.Tuesday’s
meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County
Courthouse.

Board of Reno County Commissioners meets Tuesday

HAVEN, Kan.
— The Haven USD 312 School Board will meet in session this evening.

The Board
will go over its capital outlay expenditures for the next year. That includes the
renovation to the district's auditorium. Plans were to do that work last year
but the district was unable to secure bids for the project. No action is
expected. &nbsp;

The Board
will also discuss whether to bring back wrestling to the sports program. The
Board will look over the cost and whether the district can support the program.
The matter came before the Board when a group of parents expressed a desire to
bring the program back at a previous meeting.

Tonight’s
Haven USD 312 School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Haven High School
library. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589217911668.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan.
— The Haven USD 312 School Board will meet in session this evening.The Board
will go over its capital outlay expenditures for the next year. That includes the
renovation to the district's auditorium. Plans were to do that work last year
but the district was unable to secure bids for the project. No action is
expected. &nbsp;The Board
will also discuss whether to bring back wrestling to the sports program. The
Board will look over the cost and whether the district can support the program.
The matter came before the Board when a group of parents expressed a desire to
bring the program back at a previous meeting.Tonight’s
Haven USD 312 School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Haven High School
library.

USD 312 Board to discuss wrestling program and capital spending

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —
The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will take action on a new contract with the
district’s teachers during tonight’s agenda session. 

After a tentative
agreement was reached by the district and representatives of the local KNEA, the
district’s teachers approved the new contract on Friday.

The new contract calls for
a 2.5% increase in base salary and additional increase in step pay. It also
increases pay for substitute teaching and moves extra duty assignments to the
classified employee handbook and provides updated fees for such work as concession
stand work, work at track meets and taking and selling tickets to
extracurricular events.

The Board will also look
at several technology purchases along with purchases of additional cold food
storage purchases using SPARK funds available for nonprofits and schools.

Tonight’s meeting begins
at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA located behind Hutchinson High School at 800
15th Circle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598350401105.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —
The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will take action on a new contract with the
district’s teachers during tonight’s agenda session. After a tentative
agreement was reached by the district and representatives of the local KNEA, the
district’s teachers approved the new contract on Friday.The new contract calls for
a 2.5% increase in base salary and additional increase in step pay. It also
increases pay for substitute teaching and moves extra duty assignments to the
classified employee handbook and provides updated fees for such work as concession
stand work, work at track meets and taking and selling tickets to
extracurricular events.The Board will also look
at several technology purchases along with purchases of additional cold food
storage purchases using SPARK funds available for nonprofits and schools.Tonight’s meeting begins
at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA located behind Hutchinson High School at 800
15th Circle.

USD 308 Board to vote on new teachers contract 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. The Reno County Health Department will hold a free flu vaccination clinic
on Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the health department offices. No
appointment is necessary. 

Everyone six
months and older should get a flu shot each year and different vaccinations
are available depending on that patient's situation. 

Masks are
required and social distancing will be practiced. If you would like more information
you can contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. The Reno County Health Department will hold a free flu vaccination clinic
on Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the health department offices. No
appointment is necessary. Everyone six
months and older should get a flu shot each year and different vaccinations
are available depending on that patient's situation. Masks are
required and social distancing will be practiced. If you would like more information
you can contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.

Flu vaccination clinic set for Friday in Hutchinson

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-virus-outbreak-public-health-san-francisco-319dee82242fe00091cdf98b8f5df29a">According to the Associated Press</a>, Joe Biden on Monday named the members of a team of public health and science experts to develop a blueprint for fighting the coronavirus.

One of the members is a Hutchinson High School grad. Dr. Rick Bright graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1984 and studied at the University of Kansas. He began his medical career in Olathe. Bright is an immunologist and virologist who left the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in October after criticizing the federal government’s response to the coronavirus under President Donald Trump. Bright filed a whistleblower complaint alleging he was reassigned to a lesser job because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug Trump pushed as a COVID-19 treatment.

Dr. David Kessler, co-chair. Professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair. U.S. surgeon general from 2014-17, who commanded public health force that dealt with Ebola, Zika and Flint water crisis.

Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, co-chair. Associate professor of internal medicine, public health and management at Yale University and associate dean for health equity research at Yale’s medical school specializing in health care for marginalized populations.

Dr. Luciana Borio. Vice president of technical staff at the In-Q-Tel strategic investment firm who until last year was a biodefense specialist on the National Security Council.

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. Oncologist and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania who since 1997 has served as chair of the Department of Bioethics at The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Atul Gawande. Professor of surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at Harvard Medical School who served as a senior adviser in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.

Dr. Celine Gounder. Clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine who served as assistant commissioner and director of the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Dr. Julie Morita. Executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation who helped lead Chicago’s Department of Public Health for nearly 20 years.

Dr. Michael Osterholm. Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, former science envoy for health security for the State Department.

Ms. Loyce Pace. Executive director and president of the Global Health Council, who previously served in leadership positions at the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Robert Rodriguez. Professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

Dr. Eric Goosby. Infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine who during the Clinton administration was the founding director of the largest federally funded HIV/AIDS program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589465492376.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-pandemics-virus-outbreak-public-health-san-francisco-319dee82242fe00091cdf98b8f5df29a">According to the Associated Press</a>, Joe Biden on Monday named the members of a team of public health and science experts to develop a blueprint for fighting the coronavirus. One of the members is a Hutchinson High School grad. Dr. Rick Bright graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1984 and studied at the University of Kansas. He began his medical career in Olathe. Bright is an immunologist and virologist who left the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in October after criticizing the federal government’s response to the coronavirus under President Donald Trump. Bright filed a whistleblower complaint alleging he was reassigned to a lesser job because he resisted political pressure to allow widespread use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug Trump pushed as a COVID-19 treatment.The other members are:Dr. David Kessler, co-chair. Professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997.Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair. U.S. surgeon general from 2014-17, who commanded public health force that dealt with Ebola, Zika and Flint water crisis.Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, co-chair. Associate professor of internal medicine, public health and management at Yale University and associate dean for health equity research at Yale’s medical school specializing in health care for marginalized populations.Dr. Luciana Borio. Vice president of technical staff at the In-Q-Tel strategic investment firm who until last year was a biodefense specialist on the National Security Council.Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel. Oncologist and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania who since 1997 has served as chair of the Department of Bioethics at The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health.Dr. Atul Gawande. Professor of surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at Harvard Medical School who served as a senior adviser in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration.Dr. Celine Gounder. Clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine who served as assistant commissioner and director of the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.Dr. Julie Morita. Executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation who helped lead Chicago’s Department of Public Health for nearly 20 years.Dr. Michael Osterholm. Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, former science envoy for health security for the State Department.Ms. Loyce Pace. Executive director and president of the Global Health Council, who previously served in leadership positions at the American Cancer Society.Dr. Robert Rodriguez. Professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.Dr. Eric Goosby. Infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine who during the Clinton administration was the founding director of the largest federally funded HIV/AIDS program.

Dr. Rick Bright named to Biden COVID-19 team

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away, and in 2020 it may not seem like we have a lot to be thankful for. I admit that the last six months or so have been tough, and if you are watching the news it is hard to be very optimistic. However, I am really excited about this Thanksgiving, and all of us in agriculture should be, too.

Sure, we may not be able to have the large family reunions and dinners we are all used to. Let us not focus on the negative, instead we need to be reminded of all that we have and just how great our nation is. Never forget that we live in the greatest nation and our freedoms and rights are the envy of the rest of the world. That, my friends, all starts with us as farmers and ranchers, and we should be proud of that fact. More importantly, we need to celebrate it this Thanksgiving.

As farmers and ranchers, we are part of the foundation of our United States of America. The Pilgrims recognized that. Without an abundant, safe, wholesome food supply it is hard to build a nation, much less one as great as ours. In the middle of the worst pandemic most of us have ever seen, our grocery store shelves remained stocked. There might have been a few things that were harder to find, but consumers could still go into the store and find food to sustain themselves and their families. I would dare even say they had plenty of variety.

Those of us in agriculture are so good at what we do we can function with less than 2 percent of the population involved in growing the food and fiber. That allows the other 98 percent of the population to grow our economy and provide services to give us the lifestyle we are all accustomed to. We do not just feed our people; we grow enough to share with the rest of the world by utilizing technology we have developed.

This Thanksgiving all of us in the United States need to look at all we have been given and be thankful. Without a doubt that includes our great system of agricultural production. We must also not take all these blessings for granted. I hope this Thanksgiving will be a time the rest of the population realizes just how good they have it, and that is due in large part to all of us who farm and ranch.

We may have seen some dark days, and there probably are more ahead of us. However, we can all rest assured that the store shelves will be stocked and there will be plenty of food for Thanksgiving, no matter how many are gathered around our table. We all have so much to be thankful for and that is something we should not forget.

"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/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherThanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away, and in 2020 it may not seem like we have a lot to be thankful for. I admit that the last six months or so have been tough, and if you are watching the news it is hard to be very optimistic. However, I am really excited about this Thanksgiving, and all of us in agriculture should be, too.Sure, we may not be able to have the large family reunions and dinners we are all used to. Let us not focus on the negative, instead we need to be reminded of all that we have and just how great our nation is. Never forget that we live in the greatest nation and our freedoms and rights are the envy of the rest of the world. That, my friends, all starts with us as farmers and ranchers, and we should be proud of that fact. More importantly, we need to celebrate it this Thanksgiving.As farmers and ranchers, we are part of the foundation of our United States of America. The Pilgrims recognized that. Without an abundant, safe, wholesome food supply it is hard to build a nation, much less one as great as ours. In the middle of the worst pandemic most of us have ever seen, our grocery store shelves remained stocked. There might have been a few things that were harder to find, but consumers could still go into the store and find food to sustain themselves and their families. I would dare even say they had plenty of variety.Those of us in agriculture are so good at what we do we can function with less than 2 percent of the population involved in growing the food and fiber. That allows the other 98 percent of the population to grow our economy and provide services to give us the lifestyle we are all accustomed to. We do not just feed our people; we grow enough to share with the rest of the world by utilizing technology we have developed.This Thanksgiving all of us in the United States need to look at all we have been given and be thankful. Without a doubt that includes our great system of agricultural production. We must also not take all these blessings for granted. I hope this Thanksgiving will be a time the rest of the population realizes just how good they have it, and that is due in large part to all of us who farm and ranch.We may have seen some dark days, and there probably are more ahead of us. However, we can all rest assured that the store shelves will be stocked and there will be plenty of food for Thanksgiving, no matter how many are gathered around our table. We all have so much to be thankful for and that is something we should not forget."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.

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