
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;One of the main differences between incumbent Democrat Jason Probst and Republican John Whitesel is their position on education, particularly pre-K.

"I think we really need to focus at getting the money into the classroom," Whitesel said. "I know, down in Haven, we spend approximately $15,000 per student and we have a lot of extra programs, like three year old and four year old pre-K, that really have shown no benefit past the third grade. You talk to a third grade teacher, they can't tell you if a student has been in three year old pre-K or four year old pre-K or not. When I talked to the people that were wanting to push the program into our school district, what they kept talking about was kindergarten readiness, kindergarten readiness and I gave them a month to come back to me with any study that showed there was any benefit beyond the third grade and they couldn't come up with a single study that showed that. What they said was, well, you know, it might help people move to the district because it will provide free child care."

Probst did cite a study in his defense of the programs, that started with a group of African American children in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 1960s.

"There's a Federal Reserve study that was done in the 1960s called the Perry School Project where they put kids into a quality, pre-K, early education program and then they followed them throughout school and then they went and found these kids when they were 27 years old and found that, over non-participants in this program, so the control group, they were less likely to have been arrested and had run-ins with the law, they were less likely to suffer from substance abuse, and they made, on average, $2000 a month more than non-participants."

According to the Kansas Department of Education's Data Central, for the latest year where the data is available, the 2018-2019 school year, the ethnic make-up of the K-12 population in the state was 63.81% White, 20.07% Hispanic, 6.88% African American and 9.24% Other. Hutchinson USD 308 was 66.10% White, 21.46% Hispanic, 3.90% African American and 8.54% Other. Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 was 84.90% White, 7.73% Hispanic, 2.60% African American and 4.77% Other. Haven USD 312 was 88.56% White, 6.20% Hispanic, 0.73% African American and 4.50% Other. 

Probst and Whitesel will face off November 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603897979957.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;One of the main differences between incumbent Democrat Jason Probst and Republican John Whitesel is their position on education, particularly pre-K."I think we really need to focus at getting the money into the classroom," Whitesel said. "I know, down in Haven, we spend approximately $15,000 per student and we have a lot of extra programs, like three year old and four year old pre-K, that really have shown no benefit past the third grade. You talk to a third grade teacher, they can't tell you if a student has been in three year old pre-K or four year old pre-K or not. When I talked to the people that were wanting to push the program into our school district, what they kept talking about was kindergarten readiness, kindergarten readiness and I gave them a month to come back to me with any study that showed there was any benefit beyond the third grade and they couldn't come up with a single study that showed that. What they said was, well, you know, it might help people move to the district because it will provide free child care."Probst did cite a study in his defense of the programs, that started with a group of African American children in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 1960s."There's a Federal Reserve study that was done in the 1960s called the Perry School Project where they put kids into a quality, pre-K, early education program and then they followed them throughout school and then they went and found these kids when they were 27 years old and found that, over non-participants in this program, so the control group, they were less likely to have been arrested and had run-ins with the law, they were less likely to suffer from substance abuse, and they made, on average, $2000 a month more than non-participants."According to the Kansas Department of Education's Data Central, for the latest year where the data is available, the 2018-2019 school year, the ethnic make-up of the K-12 population in the state was 63.81% White, 20.07% Hispanic, 6.88% African American and 9.24% Other. Hutchinson USD 308 was 66.10% White, 21.46% Hispanic, 3.90% African American and 8.54% Other. Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 was 84.90% White, 7.73% Hispanic, 2.60% African American and 4.77% Other. Haven USD 312 was 88.56% White, 6.20% Hispanic, 0.73% African American and 4.50% Other. Probst and Whitesel will face off November 3.

Probst, Whitesel differ on pre-K

The Reno County overall case count is at 724 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 460 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 16 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.

There are 285 cases in the community at large.

Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-four total have been hospitalized. Forty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.27%. 19.75% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County overall case count is at 724 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is now 16.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 460 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 16 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 19 active clusters in the county.There are 285 cases in the community at large.Seventeen people are in the hospital. Ninety-four total have been hospitalized. Forty-one have been admitted to the ICU and 13 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 11.39%, with the overall positive test rate at 17.27%. 19.75% of the population has been tested.

Reno County case count at 724, 285 in community, 16 deaths

HUTCHINSON,
Kan.— He may be running for the 34th Kansas Senate seat but for now
he could become a Reno County Commissioner. Mark Steffen was appointed by the
Reno County Republican Committee to fill out the unexpired term of the late Bob
Bush during a meeting Tuesday evening.

Steffen’s
appointment must be approved by the Governor. County Commissioner Ron Sellers
said during Tuesday’s commission meeting that he would ask the Governor to fast
track approval of the appointment through, to give the County Commission three
members again. Steffen won out over the other nominee Daniel Friesen who is the lone candidate for the seat in the General Election.&nbsp;The vote was
12-1. Presuming Friesen wins November 3, he would take the seat in January.

Steffen is also a candidate for the 34th State Senate seat. He
defeated incumbent Ed Berger in the primary. He’ll be opposed by Shanna Henry
from Cheney November 3rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593008647850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan.— He may be running for the 34th Kansas Senate seat but for now
he could become a Reno County Commissioner. Mark Steffen was appointed by the
Reno County Republican Committee to fill out the unexpired term of the late Bob
Bush during a meeting Tuesday evening.Steffen’s
appointment must be approved by the Governor. County Commissioner Ron Sellers
said during Tuesday’s commission meeting that he would ask the Governor to fast
track approval of the appointment through, to give the County Commission three
members again. Steffen won out over the other nominee Daniel Friesen who is the lone candidate for the seat in the General Election.&nbsp;The vote was
12-1. Presuming Friesen wins November 3, he would take the seat in January. Steffen is also a candidate for the 34th State Senate seat. He
defeated incumbent Ed Berger in the primary. He’ll be opposed by Shanna Henry
from Cheney November 3rd.

Senate candidate Mark Steffen appointed to County Commission seat

TOPEKA, Kan. —&nbsp;A Hutchinson Correctional Facility resident who died Tuesday, Oct. 27, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the seventh resident death related to COVID-19.

The resident tested positive for the virus on Oct. 13 and was transferred to the hospital on Oct. 16. The resident’s family has asked that his name not be released. He was a 66-year-old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.

The resident was serving an indeterminate life sentence for aggravated sodomy. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections since August 1988.

TOPEKA, Kan. —&nbsp;A Hutchinson Correctional Facility resident who died Tuesday, Oct. 27, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the seventh resident death related to COVID-19.The resident tested positive for the virus on Oct. 13 and was transferred to the hospital on Oct. 16. The resident’s family has asked that his name not be released. He was a 66-year-old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.The resident was serving an indeterminate life sentence for aggravated sodomy. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections since August 1988.

HCF inmate dies from COVID-19 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Systems President Ken Johnson issued a joint statement with the Hutchinson Clinic regarding the sudden surge of COVID cases in the area. The statement reads:

COVID-19 is surging locally, and as the leaders of the two largest healthcare providers in the region, we are asking the community for additional patience and diligence in battling this virus. We are all exhausted from dealing with the virus and its repercussions, but we have to lean in once again to lower the infection rates.

We are seeing the highest numbers of COVID patients of the pandemic right now in Reno County. Positive test results are up and COVID hospitalizations are at a higher rate than before. Our positive test rates are very high and nothing but careful attention to the ways we behave will bring them down.

Though we do not yet have a vaccine, we have common sense protections that we can rely on to bring the infection rate down.

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Avoid large groups, especially for prolonged periods. The more time you spend with people, the higher the likelihood of infection.

Get tested at one of the free test sites, even if you have no symptoms. The more people who test negative, the lower the positive rate will be. Our testing rate of the general public is too low.

If you do feel sick, please call your doctor. You should not fear about getting medical treatment at either of our facilities. At the Hutchinson Clinic, all patients are thoroughly screened for respiratory related symptoms and all possible COVID-19 cases are routed through our Rapid Response Respiratory Clinic, which is housed in a separate building.

At Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, we have special areas set up in the Emergency Department to protect patients from possible infection. COVID patients admitted to the hospital are treated in a separate, isolated unit. Patients in the ICU with COVID are in negative pressure rooms.

At both facilities, all precautions are being taken to protect you and our employees. This includes requiring masks for everyone inside, frequent facility cleaning, providing hand sanitizer throughout the buildings, and only necessary visitors are allowed to enter.

Our providers and staff put themselves at risk to care for you and we ask for your help in bringing the infection rates down. This is a serious situation and the hospital has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people coming in with COVID who need mechanical breathing assistance. The only way we can regain some control over this virus in our community is by adhering to these simple things that can help us do that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583428390224.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Systems President Ken Johnson issued a joint statement with the Hutchinson Clinic regarding the sudden surge of COVID cases in the area. The statement reads:COVID-19 is surging locally, and as the leaders of the two largest healthcare providers in the region, we are asking the community for additional patience and diligence in battling this virus. We are all exhausted from dealing with the virus and its repercussions, but we have to lean in once again to lower the infection rates.We are seeing the highest numbers of COVID patients of the pandemic right now in Reno County. Positive test results are up and COVID hospitalizations are at a higher rate than before. Our positive test rates are very high and nothing but careful attention to the ways we behave will bring them down.Though we do not yet have a vaccine, we have common sense protections that we can rely on to bring the infection rate down.Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.If you feel ill, don’t go out.Avoid large groups, especially for prolonged periods. The more time you spend with people, the higher the likelihood of infection.Get tested at one of the free test sites, even if you have no symptoms. The more people who test negative, the lower the positive rate will be. Our testing rate of the general public is too low.If you do feel sick, please call your doctor. You should not fear about getting medical treatment at either of our facilities. At the Hutchinson Clinic, all patients are thoroughly screened for respiratory related symptoms and all possible COVID-19 cases are routed through our Rapid Response Respiratory Clinic, which is housed in a separate building.At Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, we have special areas set up in the Emergency Department to protect patients from possible infection. COVID patients admitted to the hospital are treated in a separate, isolated unit. Patients in the ICU with COVID are in negative pressure rooms.At both facilities, all precautions are being taken to protect you and our employees. This includes requiring masks for everyone inside, frequent facility cleaning, providing hand sanitizer throughout the buildings, and only necessary visitors are allowed to enter.Our providers and staff put themselves at risk to care for you and we ask for your help in bringing the infection rates down. This is a serious situation and the hospital has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people coming in with COVID who need mechanical breathing assistance. The only way we can regain some control over this virus in our community is by adhering to these simple things that can help us do that.

HRHS issues statement regarding surge in COVID

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board gave approval to pay increases for administrators and classified staff during Monday’s meeting.

All administrative staff received a $1,500 flat increase, or about 1.65%. All classified staff received a pay increase equal to 2.5%. The administrative increase will total about $48,000 to the budget, while the classified pay increases total around $245,000. The district is still in negotiations with the teachers union on a new contract for this year.

The increases take effect immediately and run through the rest of the 2020-2021 school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board gave approval to pay increases for administrators and classified staff during Monday’s meeting.All administrative staff received a $1,500 flat increase, or about 1.65%. All classified staff received a pay increase equal to 2.5%. The administrative increase will total about $48,000 to the budget, while the classified pay increases total around $245,000. The district is still in negotiations with the teachers union on a new contract for this year.The increases take effect immediately and run through the rest of the 2020-2021 school year.

USD 308 approves pay increases for staff

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new emergency healthcare center is coming to Hutchinson. Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is an Oklahoma-based chain of small emergency medical centers for adults and children. The company also has clinics in Ottawa, Liberal, Andover, Great Bend and Dodge City. The urgent care company has 19 locations in all, along with a traveling staff. The new clinic will be located next to Chick-fil-A at 1808 E. 17th Ave.

The clinic treats non-life threatening injuries and patients do not need an appointment to visit. Patients can also check in online for faster service. The clinic will provide private exam rooms, a procedure room, treatment facilities along with radiology, diagnostic testing and EKG services. The clinic says it can be a cost effective alternative to an emergency room visit, but, again, does not deal with life threatening emergencies. The clinic can also provide allergy treatment and give out vaccinations.

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is a private company led by Dr. Scott Williams. Dr. Williams graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as the Chief of Staff for Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, Oklahoma, and has been in family practice since 1999 with special interests in obstetrics and sports medicine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603829386102.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new emergency healthcare center is coming to Hutchinson. Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is an Oklahoma-based chain of small emergency medical centers for adults and children. The company also has clinics in Ottawa, Liberal, Andover, Great Bend and Dodge City. The urgent care company has 19 locations in all, along with a traveling staff. The new clinic will be located next to Chick-fil-A at 1808 E. 17th Ave.The clinic treats non-life threatening injuries and patients do not need an appointment to visit. Patients can also check in online for faster service. The clinic will provide private exam rooms, a procedure room, treatment facilities along with radiology, diagnostic testing and EKG services. The clinic says it can be a cost effective alternative to an emergency room visit, but, again, does not deal with life threatening emergencies. The clinic can also provide allergy treatment and give out vaccinations.Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is a private company led by Dr. Scott Williams. Dr. Williams graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as the Chief of Staff for Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, Oklahoma, and has been in family practice since 1999 with special interests in obstetrics and sports medicine.

Xpress Wellness coming to Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners gave
approval to make major repairs to the courthouse during Tuesday’s agenda
session. The repairs are needed after the earthquake activity in the area caused damage to plaster walls and other areas. 

The county was getting ready to make a major overhaul of
the building's windows before the other damage occurred. The weatherization and
earthquake repairs carry an estimated cost of $1.8 million. The window restoration
project carries an estimated price tag of $1.6 million, bringing the total
project costs to $3.4 million.

The commission also approved doling out about $108,000 in CDBG-CV funds to seven businesses in the county. The money comes from COVID
funds that were awarded in May. There is still about $11,000 left in the fund
and the county may put out proposals to get that leftover funding to those that need it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603101991835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners gave
approval to make major repairs to the courthouse during Tuesday’s agenda
session. The repairs are needed after the earthquake activity in the area caused damage to plaster walls and other areas. The county was getting ready to make a major overhaul of
the building's windows before the other damage occurred. The weatherization and
earthquake repairs carry an estimated cost of $1.8 million. The window restoration
project carries an estimated price tag of $1.6 million, bringing the total
project costs to $3.4 million.The commission also approved doling out about $108,000 in CDBG-CV funds to seven businesses in the county. The money comes from COVID
funds that were awarded in May. There is still about $11,000 left in the fund
and the county may put out proposals to get that leftover funding to those that need it.

Commission approves courthouse repairs


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;There are many social issues on which Republican Paul Waggoner and Democrat Garth Strand differ, but the clearest policy issue to see their difference on may be overall state spending.

"Kansas government has grown quite a lot in the last two and a half to three years," Waggoner said. "It's gone from a $6.2 billion budget up to over an $8 billion budget, which is an unsustainable trajectory for anyone who is paying attention."

FY 2014 is the last year we can find where State General Fund expenditures actually went down. According to the Kansas Legislative Research Department's Fiscal Facts, the FY 2014 State General Fund budget totaled $5.999 billion, a decrease of $136.1 million, or 2.2 percent, below the FY 2013 actual State General Fund amount of $6.135 billion. 

This thought about the state budget has gone from $6 to $8 billion, it's gone back to where it was," Strand said. "It hasn't been an increase. The Brownback administration slashed it so badly and we all know what happened to that. It was just unsustainable."

According to the KLRD Fiscal Facts, from FY 2017 to FY 2021, the State General Fund went from $6.3 billion to $8.0 billion. 

They're working from generally the same numbers, but their conclusions are different. The same is true when it comes to a bill that was purported to cut taxes by allowing Kansans to itemize at the state level even if they couldn't at the federal level. Senate Bill 22 was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

"People's state taxes were hiked without any input from them," Waggoner said. "We almost passed it. It required a two-thirds majority because Governor Kelly and the Democrats fought against it. That even had a food sales tax provision in it."

Strand pointed out that considerable relief in the bill would also have gone to corporations through decoupling the state from the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) deduction under section 951(A), exempting repatriated income under section 965(a) and decoupling from the 30 percent limitation on net interest expense deductions under section 163(j).

"There were some good things in that," Strand said. "I'll give him credit for that. There was also a very, very large tax break for a handful of big corporations in Kansas. There's never any mention of that. We have to be honest and transparent in our dealings in Topeka and look for the best solution."

Strand and Waggoner are on the ballot November 3 in the 104th Kansas House District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603823195067.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;There are many social issues on which Republican Paul Waggoner and Democrat Garth Strand differ, but the clearest policy issue to see their difference on may be overall state spending."Kansas government has grown quite a lot in the last two and a half to three years," Waggoner said. "It's gone from a $6.2 billion budget up to over an $8 billion budget, which is an unsustainable trajectory for anyone who is paying attention."FY 2014 is the last year we can find where State General Fund expenditures actually went down. According to the Kansas Legislative Research Department's Fiscal Facts, the FY 2014 State General Fund budget totaled $5.999 billion, a decrease of $136.1 million, or 2.2 percent, below the FY 2013 actual State General Fund amount of $6.135 billion. This thought about the state budget has gone from $6 to $8 billion, it's gone back to where it was," Strand said. "It hasn't been an increase. The Brownback administration slashed it so badly and we all know what happened to that. It was just unsustainable."According to the KLRD Fiscal Facts, from FY 2017 to FY 2021, the State General Fund went from $6.3 billion to $8.0 billion. They're working from generally the same numbers, but their conclusions are different. The same is true when it comes to a bill that was purported to cut taxes by allowing Kansans to itemize at the state level even if they couldn't at the federal level. Senate Bill 22 was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly."People's state taxes were hiked without any input from them," Waggoner said. "We almost passed it. It required a two-thirds majority because Governor Kelly and the Democrats fought against it. That even had a food sales tax provision in it."Strand pointed out that considerable relief in the bill would also have gone to corporations through decoupling the state from the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) deduction under section 951(A), exempting repatriated income under section 965(a) and decoupling from the 30 percent limitation on net interest expense deductions under section 163(j)."There were some good things in that," Strand said. "I'll give him credit for that. There was also a very, very large tax break for a handful of big corporations in Kansas. There's never any mention of that. We have to be honest and transparent in our dealings in Topeka and look for the best solution."Strand and Waggoner are on the ballot November 3 in the 104th Kansas House District.

Waggoner and Strand differ on previous tax policy bill

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. — You have heard the saying,” once in a blue
moon”.

Now of course the moon is never blue, but a blue moon
refers to a full moon twice in the same month. It happens this weekend on
Halloween. The Cosmosphere is having a blue moon Halloween celebration.
&nbsp;

The blue moon this weekend is extra rare since it hasn’t
happened on Halloween since 2001. The
Cosmosphere invites you to celebrate this celestial event by bringing your
ghouls and goblins in costume to the Cosmosphere. Snap a selfie in front of
their very own “Blue Moon”—located next to the Cosmosphere Cafe.&nbsp; Post the pictures to your
social media channels and be sure to tag the Cosmosphere and use the hashtag
#CosmoBlueMoon

The next blue moon on Halloween wont occur until 2039.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584388004236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — You have heard the saying,” once in a blue
moon”.Now of course the moon is never blue, but a blue moon
refers to a full moon twice in the same month. It happens this weekend on
Halloween. The Cosmosphere is having a blue moon Halloween celebration.
&nbsp;The blue moon this weekend is extra rare since it hasn’t
happened on Halloween since 2001. The
Cosmosphere invites you to celebrate this celestial event by bringing your
ghouls and goblins in costume to the Cosmosphere. Snap a selfie in front of
their very own “Blue Moon”—located next to the Cosmosphere Cafe.&nbsp; Post the pictures to your
social media channels and be sure to tag the Cosmosphere and use the hashtag
#CosmoBlueMoonThe next blue moon on Halloween wont occur until 2039.

Cosmosphere to celebrate blue moon on Halloween

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — October sales tax collection for Reno County increased by nearly $61,000
over the same month last year. The latest figures released by the county show
October sales tax revenue at $428,350. In 2019 the total was $367,396. 

It’s the second
highest total this year and more than $14,000 higher than last month. Sales tax
has eclipsed the $400,000 mark five times this year. That mark was
achieved only three times all of last year. The numbers show people continued
to shop locally and big ticket items still seem to be going out the door despite
the pandemic-driven economy.

October
sales tax figures reflect sales for the month of August. To date the county
has taken in $3,965,361. That means the county would only need to average about
$364,000 per month over the rest of the year to surpass last year’s total
sales tax revenue for 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565223563029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — October sales tax collection for Reno County increased by nearly $61,000
over the same month last year. The latest figures released by the county show
October sales tax revenue at $428,350. In 2019 the total was $367,396. It’s the second
highest total this year and more than $14,000 higher than last month. Sales tax
has eclipsed the $400,000 mark five times this year. That mark was
achieved only three times all of last year. The numbers show people continued
to shop locally and big ticket items still seem to be going out the door despite
the pandemic-driven economy.October
sales tax figures reflect sales for the month of August. To date the county
has taken in $3,965,361. That means the county would only need to average about
$364,000 per month over the rest of the year to surpass last year’s total
sales tax revenue for 2019.

Sales tax revenue hits another record for October


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted a special emphasis that is coming for Reno County residents starting next week.

"We're going to kick off a 10-day challenge to change behavior," Hammersmith said. "That's slated for Wednesday, November 4. The kickoff, the reason we're waiting til November 4 is we don't want to interfere with election day. It will be a challenge to stay home and limit social activities to 10. Utilize your local restaurants, but use carryout, business limit groups to 10, so socialization should be eliminated and then wear a mask."

The Hutchinson Chamber will host an event related to the emphasis.

"We're going to have a Chamber lunchtime lowdown, which will be Wednesday, November 4," Hammersmith said. "We'll have D.J. Gering, who is our analyst, Elliott Koester, our epidemiologist and myself will answer questions related to work and COVID."

There will also be a town hall meeting that week.

"We'll have physicians, health department personnel, business, superintendents, people to answer questions, as well for response at a town hall meeting," Hammersmith said. "We are going to stress the need to limit social and business gatherings to 10."

More details about the emphasis will be coming out as it prepares to launch next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted a special emphasis that is coming for Reno County residents starting next week."We're going to kick off a 10-day challenge to change behavior," Hammersmith said. "That's slated for Wednesday, November 4. The kickoff, the reason we're waiting til November 4 is we don't want to interfere with election day. It will be a challenge to stay home and limit social activities to 10. Utilize your local restaurants, but use carryout, business limit groups to 10, so socialization should be eliminated and then wear a mask."The Hutchinson Chamber will host an event related to the emphasis."We're going to have a Chamber lunchtime lowdown, which will be Wednesday, November 4," Hammersmith said. "We'll have D.J. Gering, who is our analyst, Elliott Koester, our epidemiologist and myself will answer questions related to work and COVID."There will also be a town hall meeting that week."We'll have physicians, health department personnel, business, superintendents, people to answer questions, as well for response at a town hall meeting," Hammersmith said. "We are going to stress the need to limit social and business gatherings to 10."More details about the emphasis will be coming out as it prepares to launch next week.

Hammersmith: Emphasis coming after election day to change COVID-19 behavior


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center clarified on a call with Reno County stakeholders Tuesday that the intensive care unit has been stretched to its staffing limits in recent days. 


"If you take our 18-bed capacity plus the four additional beds that are just off the ICU, we call that the queue, those are isolation rooms, we have a 22-bed capacity total," Welch said. "We have been full from a staffing capacity, meaning maybe not all twenty-two beds were full, but every bed that we could assign an ICU Critical Care nurse to was full."

Welch said it's not a shortage of beds that will be the problem, it is a shortage of staff. Obviously, not all ICU patients are COVID patients.

"We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can," Welch said. "Bed space is second to staffing. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients, up to the point where we run out of beds, but I see staffing being the issue before bed capacity. I think Wesley and Via Christi would echo that sentiment."

The hospital had a total of 19 COVID patients overall as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. Three of those were intubated.

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NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center clarified on a call with Reno County stakeholders Tuesday that the intensive care unit has been stretched to its staffing limits in recent days. 
"If you take our 18-bed capacity plus the four additional beds that are just off the ICU, we call that the queue, those are isolation rooms, we have a 22-bed capacity total," Welch said. "We have been full from a staffing capacity, meaning maybe not all twenty-two beds were full, but every bed that we could assign an ICU Critical Care nurse to was full."Welch said it's not a shortage of beds that will be the problem, it is a shortage of staff. Obviously, not all ICU patients are COVID patients."We are doing everything we can to accept everyone we can," Welch said. "Bed space is second to staffing. As long as we can keep our team healthy and able to take care of patients, then we will continue to be able to accept patients, up to the point where we run out of beds, but I see staffing being the issue before bed capacity. I think Wesley and Via Christi would echo that sentiment."The hospital had a total of 19 COVID patients overall as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. Three of those were intubated.

Welch: Staffing has been stretched lately in ICU


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 689 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 435 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 15 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 18 active clusters in the county.

There are 271 cases in the community at large.

Nineteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-nine total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is back up to 11.25%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.95%. 19.66% of the population has been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County overall case count is at 689 as of Monday evening. The death count among Reno County residents remains at 15.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 435 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type is down to just 15 cases, but has been responsible for 6 deaths. There are 18 active clusters in the county.There are 271 cases in the community at large.Nineteen people are in the hospital. Eighty-nine total have been hospitalized. Thirty-eight have been admitted to the ICU and 12 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is back up to 11.25%, with the overall positive test rate at 16.95%. 19.66% of the population has been tested.

Case count as of Monday night at 689, 271 in community


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved moving to a modified hybrid learning plan that will allow groups of students to return to the classroom the week of Nov. 2 while maintaining small groups. 

The plan, created after surveying staff and parents, will keep class sizes at 10 as much as possible. The small classes are designed to allow students to spread out more in the classrooms while simplifying the process of contact tracing if a positive case of COVID-19 occurs in a school.

The district began full remote learning because of COVID-19 the week of Oct. 19.

Under the plan, students will continue to eat in small groups with elementary students eating in their classrooms. On Mondays and Wednesdays, roughly half of students will attend school in-person while other half of students attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Students will attend in-person on alternating Fridays with the first group on one Friday and the second group on the next.

Families will be notified this week as to which group their students are in prior to the Nov. 2 start.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved moving to a modified hybrid learning plan that will allow groups of students to return to the classroom the week of Nov. 2 while maintaining small groups. The plan, created after surveying staff and parents, will keep class sizes at 10 as much as possible. The small classes are designed to allow students to spread out more in the classrooms while simplifying the process of contact tracing if a positive case of COVID-19 occurs in a school.The district began full remote learning because of COVID-19 the week of Oct. 19.Under the plan, students will continue to eat in small groups with elementary students eating in their classrooms. On Mondays and Wednesdays, roughly half of students will attend school in-person while other half of students attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will attend in-person on alternating Fridays with the first group on one Friday and the second group on the next.Families will be notified this week as to which group their students are in prior to the Nov. 2 start.

New small cohort plan starts next week in USD 308

HARVEY COUNTY — A Goddard man was killed in an accident in Harvey County Monday night.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that a 2009 Kia Spectra driven by 47-year-old Wanda S. Ivy of Newton was traveling eastbound on US 50 from milepost 266 west of Newton and was traveling at a slow rate of speed due to weather conditions. A 2004 Ford F250 driven by 33-year-old Brandon Michael Albert of Goddard was traveling eastbound on US 50 and struck the Spectra in a rear-end collision. The truck rolled multiple times ejecting Albert. Albert then came to rest on the highway.

Albert was pronounced dead at the scene. Ivy was taken to St. Francis hospital in Wichita to be checked out.

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 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — A Goddard man was killed in an accident in Harvey County Monday night.The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that a 2009 Kia Spectra driven by 47-year-old Wanda S. Ivy of Newton was traveling eastbound on US 50 from milepost 266 west of Newton and was traveling at a slow rate of speed due to weather conditions. A 2004 Ford F250 driven by 33-year-old Brandon Michael Albert of Goddard was traveling eastbound on US 50 and struck the Spectra in a rear-end collision. The truck rolled multiple times ejecting Albert. Albert then came to rest on the highway.Albert was pronounced dead at the scene. Ivy was taken to St. Francis hospital in Wichita to be checked out.

Goddard man killed in Harvey County accident Monday night

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man convicted of arson in connection with a fire at the Plaza Towers will have his case go before the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Chase Coble was found guilty of one count of aggravated arson and not guilty on the other arson charges. The district court sentenced Coble to 66 months in prison and ordered him to pay more than $7,800 for restitution. Coble appealed his conviction, although the Kansas Court of Appeals upheld the conviction. The case is now before the Supreme Court. 

Coble argues the jury instruction was ambiguous because it did not specify which incendiary event was alleged in the count for which he was found guilty. However, the Court of Appeals found Coble invited the instructional error because the instruction was agreed to by both parties.&nbsp;

Hutchinson firefighters reported to a fire alarm at the apartment complex. Firefighters found the sprinkler system was shut off, and soot and charring in three areas. They also found chemicals, beakers, test tubes, and other laboratory equipment. Coble was found outside without a shirt and with extensive burns. Coble said the fire started after an experiment went wrong.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man convicted of arson in connection with a fire at the Plaza Towers will have his case go before the Supreme Court on Wednesday.Chase Coble was found guilty of one count of aggravated arson and not guilty on the other arson charges. The district court sentenced Coble to 66 months in prison and ordered him to pay more than $7,800 for restitution. Coble appealed his conviction, although the Kansas Court of Appeals upheld the conviction. The case is now before the Supreme Court. Coble argues the jury instruction was ambiguous because it did not specify which incendiary event was alleged in the count for which he was found guilty. However, the Court of Appeals found Coble invited the instructional error because the instruction was agreed to by both parties.&nbsp;Hutchinson firefighters reported to a fire alarm at the apartment complex. Firefighters found the sprinkler system was shut off, and soot and charring in three areas. They also found chemicals, beakers, test tubes, and other laboratory equipment. Coble was found outside without a shirt and with extensive burns. Coble said the fire started after an experiment went wrong.&nbsp;

Arson case goes before Supreme Court

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — This is the last week for the annual Coats for Kids campaign.

The annual event sponsored by Ineeda Cleaners collects coats and winter garments for those in need.

Rachel Nelson of Ineeda says the month started slow, but with the colder weather, the pace has picked up a bit in collections. One thing she has noticed is that they seem to be getting more coats and items for children, which she says is a good thing.

If you would like to make a donation, just drop your coat or other winter items to Ineeda Cleaners at 13th and Main through this week. The items will be cleaned and then distributed to those in need.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — This is the last week for the annual Coats for Kids campaign.The annual event sponsored by Ineeda Cleaners collects coats and winter garments for those in need.Rachel Nelson of Ineeda says the month started slow, but with the colder weather, the pace has picked up a bit in collections. One thing she has noticed is that they seem to be getting more coats and items for children, which she says is a good thing.If you would like to make a donation, just drop your coat or other winter items to Ineeda Cleaners at 13th and Main through this week. The items will be cleaned and then distributed to those in need.

Coats for Kids campaign continues through this week

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board held a special meeting to make some minor adjustments to its gating criteria Monday morning.

During the meeting, the district changed its policy of spectators at sporting events. Under the changed policy, each athlete will be allowed two spectators at a sporting event. That's a change from zero spectators allowed under the red zone regulations first put forth.

Currently, students in both the middle school and high school are in hybrid learning, while Haven Grade School is in full-attendance mode. The students in Yoder Charter School have divided up their classes with half staying at the small school in Yoder and the other half attending classes at the Journey Church just north of Yoder.

Also Monday, the board approved allowing Haven Recreation use of the Haven Grade School for rec activities. All other buildings remain closed to community use.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board held a special meeting to make some minor adjustments to its gating criteria Monday morning.During the meeting, the district changed its policy of spectators at sporting events. Under the changed policy, each athlete will be allowed two spectators at a sporting event. That's a change from zero spectators allowed under the red zone regulations first put forth.Currently, students in both the middle school and high school are in hybrid learning, while Haven Grade School is in full-attendance mode. The students in Yoder Charter School have divided up their classes with half staying at the small school in Yoder and the other half attending classes at the Journey Church just north of Yoder.Also Monday, the board approved allowing Haven Recreation use of the Haven Grade School for rec activities. All other buildings remain closed to community use.

USD 312 modifies its gating criteria during special Monday meeting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department was scheduled to hold its first of the COVID community tests at the fairgrounds starting Tuesday. Because of weather conditions, that testing has been postponed.&nbsp;

Anyone who has scheduled an appointment will be contacted by health department staff to reschedule their appointments to Tuesday, Nov. 3.&nbsp;

The health department is hosting the testing at the fairgrounds each Tuesday and every other Saturday through the end of December.

If you would like to make an appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department was scheduled to hold its first of the COVID community tests at the fairgrounds starting Tuesday. Because of weather conditions, that testing has been postponed.&nbsp;Anyone who has scheduled an appointment will be contacted by health department staff to reschedule their appointments to Tuesday, Nov. 3.&nbsp;The health department is hosting the testing at the fairgrounds each Tuesday and every other Saturday through the end of December.If you would like to make an appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

COVID testing at fairgrounds postponed

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Royals announcer Steve Stewart.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Royals announcer Steve Stewart" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/2buqw-f07415?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Royals announcer Steve Stewart.

🎤Forward Ever: Royals announcer Steve Stewart

BUHLER,
Kan. —UPDATE: The&nbsp;The Buhler USD 313 School Board special meeting for tonight has been cancelled due to icy road conditions. 

The items on the agenda will be added to the agenda for their regular November 9 meeting.

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 </figure>BUHLER,
Kan. —UPDATE: The&nbsp;The Buhler USD 313 School Board special meeting for tonight has been cancelled due to icy road conditions. The items on the agenda will be added to the agenda for their regular November 9 meeting.

USD 313 School Board special meeting canceled


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas House District 114 candidate Michael Murphy sees Medicaid expansion through the lens of someone who believes it comes with too many strings attached.

"One of the biggest problems with Medicaid expansion right now, is the idea of public funds for abortion," Murphy said. "I'm pro-life. I'm endorsed by Kansans for Life. I believe that's important. People are quick to say that the Hyde Amendment says you can't use federal funds for abortion, but as recently as the end of August, Nancy Pelosi and one of the chairs on the house committee said they plan to remove the amendment next year, if they remain in power. So, that goes away and the Hyde Amendment does not prevent states from using their own tax dollars for abortion and many states do."

Murphy isn't sure he buys Medicaid expansion as the savior for rural hospitals, either.

"When we look at Fort Scott and Independence, the hospitals that closed, they're saying we can save these rural hospitals, those hospitals were so deeply in debt that the money they would have gotten would not have saved them. Fifty-five percent of the Medicaid expansion money would go to the ten largest hospitals. That doesn't help the rural hospitals."

Murphy notes that most of the state sponsored insurance at this point is for people who are not able bodied. Medicaid expansion would be different.

"It uses a lot of money but solves very few problems," Murphy said. "It covers adults that are 19 to 64 that are able bodied. We have KanCare and we have other programs in Medicaid that help the rest of them."

Murphy will face Democrat Jeff Stroberg November 3.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas House District 114 candidate Michael Murphy sees Medicaid expansion through the lens of someone who believes it comes with too many strings attached."One of the biggest problems with Medicaid expansion right now, is the idea of public funds for abortion," Murphy said. "I'm pro-life. I'm endorsed by Kansans for Life. I believe that's important. People are quick to say that the Hyde Amendment says you can't use federal funds for abortion, but as recently as the end of August, Nancy Pelosi and one of the chairs on the house committee said they plan to remove the amendment next year, if they remain in power. So, that goes away and the Hyde Amendment does not prevent states from using their own tax dollars for abortion and many states do."Murphy isn't sure he buys Medicaid expansion as the savior for rural hospitals, either."When we look at Fort Scott and Independence, the hospitals that closed, they're saying we can save these rural hospitals, those hospitals were so deeply in debt that the money they would have gotten would not have saved them. Fifty-five percent of the Medicaid expansion money would go to the ten largest hospitals. That doesn't help the rural hospitals."Murphy notes that most of the state sponsored insurance at this point is for people who are not able bodied. Medicaid expansion would be different."It uses a lot of money but solves very few problems," Murphy said. "It covers adults that are 19 to 64 that are able bodied. We have KanCare and we have other programs in Medicaid that help the rest of them."Murphy will face Democrat Jeff Stroberg November 3.

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