HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was another successful Adopt-A-Child campaign for Eagle Radio station Country 102.9. More than 200 children in Reno County and surrounding areas will have a better Christmas thanks to the generosity of area residents and businesses.&nbsp;

"We had 209 kids this year from the names given to us by the Department of Children and Families, who we’ve worked with for at least 30 years," Country 102.9 Program Director Randy McKay said.&nbsp;

The names were taken by residents and companies who then purchased toys. The toys were dropped off at the old Long’s store where they were packaged and made ready for distribution. McKay says help from the community and the work from the Eagle Media Center is a feel-good moment.

"It warms the heart to see the generosity of the community and the outlying area because it's just fantastic," McKay said. "They always come through and we appreciate it."

The event, which has been going on for more than 30 years, has grown significantly since it started.

"We started way back when and we had maybe 16 kids," McKay said. "Those 16 kids were adopted the first day."

Since that time, the number of children adopted in the Christmas program totals between 200 and 300 each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608243220869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Rod ZookHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was another successful Adopt-A-Child campaign for Eagle Radio station Country 102.9. More than 200 children in Reno County and surrounding areas will have a better Christmas thanks to the generosity of area residents and businesses.&nbsp;"We had 209 kids this year from the names given to us by the Department of Children and Families, who we’ve worked with for at least 30 years," Country 102.9 Program Director Randy McKay said.&nbsp;The names were taken by residents and companies who then purchased toys. The toys were dropped off at the old Long’s store where they were packaged and made ready for distribution. McKay says help from the community and the work from the Eagle Media Center is a feel-good moment."It warms the heart to see the generosity of the community and the outlying area because it's just fantastic," McKay said. "They always come through and we appreciate it."The event, which has been going on for more than 30 years, has grown significantly since it started."We started way back when and we had maybe 16 kids," McKay said. "Those 16 kids were adopted the first day."Since that time, the number of children adopted in the Christmas program totals between 200 and 300 each year.

Adopt-A-Child another success

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Friday is the last day of school for students
around Reno County as they head into the Christmas break. 

When classes start again varies from district to district. In Hutchinson
USD 308, the break was extended by one week to ease some of the effects of the
pandemic. Classes will start again January 11th. 

Both Fairfield USD 310 and Pretty Prairie USD 311 will
extend their Christmas break through Monday January 4th and kick off
the 2021 portion of the year Tuesday January 5th.

Haven USD 312 and Buhler USD 313 will both resume classes
January 3rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586461733249.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Friday is the last day of school for students
around Reno County as they head into the Christmas break. When classes start again varies from district to district. In Hutchinson
USD 308, the break was extended by one week to ease some of the effects of the
pandemic. Classes will start again January 11th. Both Fairfield USD 310 and Pretty Prairie USD 311 will
extend their Christmas break through Monday January 4th and kick off
the 2021 portion of the year Tuesday January 5th.Haven USD 312 and Buhler USD 313 will both resume classes
January 3rd.

Christmas break for school students begins after Friday's classes

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 says it is working to fully implement its new mobile app that helps students, parents, and community members know what is happening in their schools, right from their phones.

The app is free from the <a href="https://apple.co/34glq32">Apple App Store</a> or <a href="https://bit.ly/2F2lYRv">Google Play</a>.

The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school.

Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, families can learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.

Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 says it is working to fully implement its new mobile app that helps students, parents, and community members know what is happening in their schools, right from their phones.The app is free from the <a href="https://apple.co/34glq32">Apple App Store</a> or <a href="https://bit.ly/2F2lYRv">Google Play</a>.The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school.Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, families can learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.

USD 308 continues roll out of new mobile app


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you're used to going to the Hutchinson Zoo to see Christmas lights, you can still do that.

"We decided to switch our lights this year to do something outside the zoo so people could watch from the safety of their car as opposed to walking through the zoo," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We used almost every single light that we have and just did our front lawn, instead of throughout the entire area. It's a two week process to get that all set up, so we've had kind of a long time to get this ready and we have it set up to go with music, so you can listen to 106.7 FM from your car and you can watch the lights dance along with all of the songs."

There is a preferred way they want traffic to go for the experience.

"We want you to come from Severance street on Blanchard," Grace said. "If you do, you'll get to see all of our non-profit lights, as well. Then, as you come around the corner to the zoo, you can park in the golf course parking lot, as long as you turn your headlights off and you can watch the whole show from right there. Then, when you exit, if you go through the zoo parking lot, we have Santa waiting there to say hello."

There are just a few more days to see the lights.

"Our lights will be going until Saturday, December 19," Grace said. "It will go from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night."

Non-profits that helped this year include: Reno County Museum, TECH, PILR, Boys and Girls Club of Reno County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dillon Nature Center and the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

<figure>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you're used to going to the Hutchinson Zoo to see Christmas lights, you can still do that."We decided to switch our lights this year to do something outside the zoo so people could watch from the safety of their car as opposed to walking through the zoo," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We used almost every single light that we have and just did our front lawn, instead of throughout the entire area. It's a two week process to get that all set up, so we've had kind of a long time to get this ready and we have it set up to go with music, so you can listen to 106.7 FM from your car and you can watch the lights dance along with all of the songs."There is a preferred way they want traffic to go for the experience."We want you to come from Severance street on Blanchard," Grace said. "If you do, you'll get to see all of our non-profit lights, as well. Then, as you come around the corner to the zoo, you can park in the golf course parking lot, as long as you turn your headlights off and you can watch the whole show from right there. Then, when you exit, if you go through the zoo parking lot, we have Santa waiting there to say hello."There are just a few more days to see the lights."Our lights will be going until Saturday, December 19," Grace said. "It will go from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night."Non-profits that helped this year include: Reno County Museum, TECH, PILR, Boys and Girls Club of Reno County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dillon Nature Center and the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

Hutchinson Zoo light display continues through Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 727 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. This is roughly steady with earlier in the week.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 35 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 6,032 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 703 cases in the community at large. 5,224 people have recovered thus far.

Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.50%. 30.46% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 727 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. This is roughly steady with earlier in the week.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 35 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 6,032 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 703 cases in the community at large. 5,224 people have recovered thus far.Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.50%. 30.46% of the population has been tested.

Case count at 727, with 703 in community as of Wednesday afternoon

Hutchinson – The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Reno County on Wednesday, December 16.  

A collaborative effort between Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and the Hutchinson Clinic regarding storage, staging and immunization procedures will result in an efficient dissemination of the vaccine to front line staff.

The first doses will be staged at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and will be administered by a team from the Hutchinson Clinic.

Two hundred fifteen doses of the vaccine were received at HRMC. The first vaccines were administered to; Kristy Sourk, a respiratory therapist in the Intensive Care Unit at Hutch Regional; Dr. Robert Sourk, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic; and Dr. Humayun Ashraf, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic. All three clinicians see COVID-19 patients daily in their practices and at the hospital, and the Sourks are married. 

HRMC and Hutch Clinic employees have been pre-determined to be vaccinated based on the employee risk exposure to patients. The vaccines will be staggered between departments to guard against potential staffing shortages from employees who might be affected by mild side effects. 

The recommendations of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are being followed:

Phase 1: Potentially Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available

Phase 1 of the phased approach for the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine Plan will include Phase 1A and Phase 1B. While there are many unknown variables about the recommendations for use of initial vaccine in Phase 1, it is likely that vaccine will be available as follows:

• Healthcare personnel paid and unpaid, who are likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19 or infectious materials and are unable to work from home.

• People at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including those with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, smokers or those with a history of smoking, and type 2 diabetes

Initial COVID-19 vaccine provider recruitment and enrollment will be targeted at hospitals, local health departments, federally qualified health centers/safety net clinics, and retail pharmacies across the state, including those that are in rural areas, that are willing and able to provide vaccine to those identified as targets for early vaccine receipt.

HRMC and the Hutch Clinic are very excited to begin this phase of the fight against COVID-19, which hopefully will signal the beginning of the end to the pandemic and its effects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608161023934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson – The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Reno County on Wednesday, December 16. A collaborative effort between Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and the Hutchinson Clinic regarding storage, staging and immunization procedures will result in an efficient dissemination of the vaccine to front line staff.The first doses will be staged at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and will be administered by a team from the Hutchinson Clinic.Two hundred fifteen doses of the vaccine were received at HRMC. The first vaccines were administered to; Kristy Sourk, a respiratory therapist in the Intensive Care Unit at Hutch Regional; Dr. Robert Sourk, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic; and Dr. Humayun Ashraf, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic. All three clinicians see COVID-19 patients daily in their practices and at the hospital, and the Sourks are married. HRMC and Hutch Clinic employees have been pre-determined to be vaccinated based on the employee risk exposure to patients. The vaccines will be staggered between departments to guard against potential staffing shortages from employees who might be affected by mild side effects. The recommendations of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are being followed:Phase 1: Potentially Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Doses AvailablePhase 1 of the phased approach for the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine Plan will include Phase 1A and Phase 1B. While there are many unknown variables about the recommendations for use of initial vaccine in Phase 1, it is likely that vaccine will be available as follows:Phase 1A:• Healthcare personnel paid and unpaid, who are likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19 or infectious materials and are unable to work from home.Phase 1B:• People at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including those with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, smokers or those with a history of smoking, and type 2 diabetes• People 65 years of age and older• Other essential workers• Long-term care residentsInitial COVID-19 vaccine provider recruitment and enrollment will be targeted at hospitals, local health departments, federally qualified health centers/safety net clinics, and retail pharmacies across the state, including those that are in rural areas, that are willing and able to provide vaccine to those identified as targets for early vaccine receipt.HRMC and the Hutch Clinic are very excited to begin this phase of the fight against COVID-19, which hopefully will signal the beginning of the end to the pandemic and its effects.

First doses of COVID-19 vaccine given to front line workers Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There are some changes to the pandemic testing in Reno County. The Health Department announced that two new free COVID-19 community testing sites are opening in the county this Friday, December 18. 

WellHealth has been chosen to administer the tests as part of the Governor’s statewide testing initiative.

The parking lot south of the Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, will be one site. Those seeking tests are asked to enter from the Plum Street entrance.

The second site will be located at Simply Good Overstocks, 401 N. Main St, South Hutchinson. Both sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1.&nbsp;

“We are very excited to have this additional resource for our community members,” Reno County Health Department Assistant Director Megan Hammersmith said. “Testing is still the best way to catch the virus and limit the community spread.” Because of the two new sites, the Reno County Health Department has suspended further testing at the fairgrounds.

WellHealth’s testing is open to all Kansas residents, as well as symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Insurance is not required. The testing itself is saliva based and results can be expected within 48-96 hours after testing with results being sent either through text or email.

Appointments are encouraged, but not required, and can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639401459.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There are some changes to the pandemic testing in Reno County. The Health Department announced that two new free COVID-19 community testing sites are opening in the county this Friday, December 18. WellHealth has been chosen to administer the tests as part of the Governor’s statewide testing initiative.The parking lot south of the Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, will be one site. Those seeking tests are asked to enter from the Plum Street entrance.The second site will be located at Simply Good Overstocks, 401 N. Main St, South Hutchinson. Both sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1.&nbsp;“We are very excited to have this additional resource for our community members,” Reno County Health Department Assistant Director Megan Hammersmith said. “Testing is still the best way to catch the virus and limit the community spread.” Because of the two new sites, the Reno County Health Department has suspended further testing at the fairgrounds.WellHealth’s testing is open to all Kansas residents, as well as symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Insurance is not required. The testing itself is saliva based and results can be expected within 48-96 hours after testing with results being sent either through text or email.Appointments are encouraged, but not required, and can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

State taking over COVID testing

HAVEN, Kan. — The sales tax rate for the community of Haven will be going down soon.&nbsp;

Approval was given by the Haven City Council to sunset the 0.5% sales tax that was used to help pay for the new EMS facility.&nbsp;

The tax was put in place for 10 years and started in 2015, which means the city will pay off the EMS building more than five years ahead of time.

If all goes as planned, the tax will roll off the books April 1. The decrease will drop Haven's sales tax to 7.5%, with 6.5% from the state and 1% from Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The sales tax rate for the community of Haven will be going down soon.&nbsp;Approval was given by the Haven City Council to sunset the 0.5% sales tax that was used to help pay for the new EMS facility.&nbsp;The tax was put in place for 10 years and started in 2015, which means the city will pay off the EMS building more than five years ahead of time.If all goes as planned, the tax will roll off the books April 1. The decrease will drop Haven's sales tax to 7.5%, with 6.5% from the state and 1% from Reno County.

Haven City Council approves sales tax sunset

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. — As we head toward the holidays, gas prices are still relatively low, though they are heading up.

"We're still, on average, less than $2 a gallon here in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "As of today, we're at $1.98. That's 20 cents cheaper than we were a year ago."

Kansas is currently 10th cheapest in the country.

"In the Reno County area, it's $1.95 a gallon," Steward said. "Hutchinson proper is at $1.94. The territory there is a little less than the state average."

The fundamentals would appear to support low gas prices going forward.

"Since the beginning of November, U.S. gas demand has softened," Steward said. "As of last week, we hit the lowest demand reading since the end of May."

If holiday travel, as is anticipated, proves to be lower as a result of COVID-19, then prices could remain lower than last year in the weeks to come.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As we head toward the holidays, gas prices are still relatively low, though they are heading up."We're still, on average, less than $2 a gallon here in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "As of today, we're at $1.98. That's 20 cents cheaper than we were a year ago."Kansas is currently 10th cheapest in the country."In the Reno County area, it's $1.95 a gallon," Steward said. "Hutchinson proper is at $1.94. The territory there is a little less than the state average."The fundamentals would appear to support low gas prices going forward."Since the beginning of November, U.S. gas demand has softened," Steward said. "As of last week, we hit the lowest demand reading since the end of May."If holiday travel, as is anticipated, proves to be lower as a result of COVID-19, then prices could remain lower than last year in the weeks to come.

Gas still below $2 a gallon on average in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Hutchinson Public Library is changing its hours. 

In an email Wednesday, the library said, "Our staff is currently limited, and you may experience delays in service or longer lines. Please be patient as we do our best to serve you."

The library will be closed Saturday, December 19. The library will also be closed Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, December 27 and reopen Monday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m.

The library added, "We appreciate your understanding as we continue our daily operations and prioritize the safety of our staff and patrons. Please continue to wear a mask, keep a distance, and wash your hands."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594153681276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The Hutchinson Public Library is changing its hours. In an email Wednesday, the library said, "Our staff is currently limited, and you may experience delays in service or longer lines. Please be patient as we do our best to serve you."The library will be closed Saturday, December 19. The library will also be closed Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, December 27 and reopen Monday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m.The library added, "We appreciate your understanding as we continue our daily operations and prioritize the safety of our staff and patrons. Please continue to wear a mask, keep a distance, and wash your hands."

Hutchinson Public Library to be closed this coming Saturday and Christmas weekend


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — At Tuesday's Hutchinson City Council meeting, the council approved some disbursement of CDBG grant funds for houses in the Creekside neighborhood.

"These are for properties at 618 North Adams as well 108 and 124 West Seventh," said Ryan Hvitlok with the city. "January of this year, the city was awarded $256,500 from Kansas Department of Commerce for housing rehabilitation projects and improvements in an area between West Sixth and West Eighth and between Main and Adams."

SCKEDD is the grant administrator for the program.

"SCKEDD worked with different contractors," Hvitlok said. "They did a walk through of these homes and drew up a list and you can actually see that in the bid. As you see, it's going to be mostly things like roofing. One of the big things, actually, in all these homes is replacing the wood windows with new double hung vinyl windows, which will be a huge savings for these property owners."

The council unanimously approved two bids from D&amp;H Home Improvement for 618 N. Adams in the amount of $24,850.00 and 108 West 7th in the amount of $21,200.00, and a bid from New Windows of America for 124 West 7th in the amount of $17,750.00. Anyone in the neighborhood with questions about the program can call SCKEDD at 620-259-6544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606778412552.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — At Tuesday's Hutchinson City Council meeting, the council approved some disbursement of CDBG grant funds for houses in the Creekside neighborhood."These are for properties at 618 North Adams as well 108 and 124 West Seventh," said Ryan Hvitlok with the city. "January of this year, the city was awarded $256,500 from Kansas Department of Commerce for housing rehabilitation projects and improvements in an area between West Sixth and West Eighth and between Main and Adams."SCKEDD is the grant administrator for the program."SCKEDD worked with different contractors," Hvitlok said. "They did a walk through of these homes and drew up a list and you can actually see that in the bid. As you see, it's going to be mostly things like roofing. One of the big things, actually, in all these homes is replacing the wood windows with new double hung vinyl windows, which will be a huge savings for these property owners."The council unanimously approved two bids from D&amp;H Home Improvement for 618 N. Adams in the amount of $24,850.00 and 108 West 7th in the amount of $21,200.00, and a bid from New Windows of America for 124 West 7th in the amount of $17,750.00. Anyone in the neighborhood with questions about the program can call SCKEDD at 620-259-6544.

City approves grant disbursements for Creekside neighborhood houses

NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board meeting this week was canceled after the board could not come up with a quorum. 

The board, which is already down two members, was due to try
again to fill those two seats. Four residents had applied for the two vacancies
several months ago but were voted down at that time. The matter was to be brought up again
with the same candidates. 

Another matter for the board that will wait was a renewal of
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson’s contract. 

Both agenda items have been politically charged and a large
group of patrons and teachers showed up at Monday’s meeting to address one or
both of those items. In the end no meeting was held. 

Johnson says the board can choose to have a special agenda session to
address the matters or simply wait until January’s meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board meeting this week was canceled after the board could not come up with a quorum. The board, which is already down two members, was due to try
again to fill those two seats. Four residents had applied for the two vacancies
several months ago but were voted down at that time. The matter was to be brought up again
with the same candidates. Another matter for the board that will wait was a renewal of
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson’s contract. Both agenda items have been politically charged and a large
group of patrons and teachers showed up at Monday’s meeting to address one or
both of those items. In the end no meeting was held. Johnson says the board can choose to have a special agenda session to
address the matters or simply wait until January’s meeting.

USD 309 meeting canceled


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The decision to change the schedule coming back from the holidays for Hutchinson USD 308 involved a lot of input from the community.

"We did a parent survey," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "I think we had between 900 and 1000 responses. We did a staff survey. We also met with our principals numerous times. I did a Zoom with the elementary staff, a select few. Then, our newly established superintendent's COVID advisory committee met last week for a couple of hours and then after that meeting, where we had some really good discussion and we had some information shared from the medical and health professionals, we surveyed that group."

Under the proposal adopted Monday, students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will return to class in the hybrid model on Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 4.

"One of the reasons for the delay is you take Christmas and you take the first of the year, potentially there could be transmission and exposure," Folks said. "We're backing off the start of school to help mitigate any kind of spread or clusters when we do come back. That's a major reason why the high school is going full remote two additional weeks."

The medical evidence thus far seems to suggest that older students are much more likely to transmit the virus in a similar manner to adults. Elementary students don't appear to have the same issue.

Hutchinson High School students will return to class remotely on Jan. 11 for two weeks before returning to the hybrid model on Jan. 25. The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy will also return on Jan. 11 in the hybrid mode.

"The last time I looked at our totals, we'd had 162 positive cases in 308," Folks said. "When you figure in our staff and our students, we're probably just over 5000 people total."

Licensed staff, meanwhile, will get Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 off with the remainder of the week spent in workdays and professional development. 

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The decision to change the schedule coming back from the holidays for Hutchinson USD 308 involved a lot of input from the community."We did a parent survey," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "I think we had between 900 and 1000 responses. We did a staff survey. We also met with our principals numerous times. I did a Zoom with the elementary staff, a select few. Then, our newly established superintendent's COVID advisory committee met last week for a couple of hours and then after that meeting, where we had some really good discussion and we had some information shared from the medical and health professionals, we surveyed that group."Under the proposal adopted Monday, students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will return to class in the hybrid model on Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 4."One of the reasons for the delay is you take Christmas and you take the first of the year, potentially there could be transmission and exposure," Folks said. "We're backing off the start of school to help mitigate any kind of spread or clusters when we do come back. That's a major reason why the high school is going full remote two additional weeks."The medical evidence thus far seems to suggest that older students are much more likely to transmit the virus in a similar manner to adults. Elementary students don't appear to have the same issue.Hutchinson High School students will return to class remotely on Jan. 11 for two weeks before returning to the hybrid model on Jan. 25. The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy will also return on Jan. 11 in the hybrid mode."The last time I looked at our totals, we'd had 162 positive cases in 308," Folks said. "When you figure in our staff and our students, we're probably just over 5000 people total."Licensed staff, meanwhile, will get Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 off with the remainder of the week spent in workdays and professional development.

Folks: Decision to delay holiday return had a lot of input

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 720 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 80.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 36 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 78 active cases. Twenty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,971 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 694 cases in the community at large. 5,171 people have recovered thus far.

Twenty-three Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.42%. 30.23% of the population has been tested.

An alternative testing provider is coming soon to Reno County, but if you have symptoms, please call your doctor to be tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 720 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 80.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 36 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 78 active cases. Twenty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,971 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 694 cases in the community at large. 5,171 people have recovered thus far.Twenty-three Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.42%. 30.23% of the population has been tested.An alternative testing provider is coming soon to Reno County, but if you have symptoms, please call your doctor to be tested.

Case count at 720, with 694 in community as of Tuesday afternoon

KIOWA COUNTY—A Hutchinson man died in an accident just before 7 p.m. Tuesday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Chevy Astro van driven by 75-year-old Joaquin Vatierra-Serran of Hutchinson, was eastbound on U.S. 54 four miles west of Haviland when the van crossed the center line and&nbsp;collided head-on with a westbound 2017 Freightliner semi driven by 29-year-old Christian&nbsp;Gayles of Chicago, Illinois.

Vatierra-Serran was transported to&nbsp;Western Plains Hospital where he died. Gayles and a passenger in the semi were not injured. All three were properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563361166533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY—A Hutchinson man died in an accident just before 7 p.m. Tuesday in Kiowa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Chevy Astro van driven by 75-year-old Joaquin Vatierra-Serran of Hutchinson, was eastbound on U.S. 54 four miles west of Haviland when the van crossed the center line and&nbsp;collided head-on with a westbound 2017 Freightliner semi driven by 29-year-old Christian&nbsp;Gayles of Chicago, Illinois.Vatierra-Serran was transported to&nbsp;Western Plains Hospital where he died. Gayles and a passenger in the semi were not injured. All three were properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Hutchinson man dies after head-on semi crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3 p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick Century driven by 41-year-old Travis Smith of Newton&nbsp; was northbound on Interstate 135 just north of 85th Street, when the Buick crossed into the median, traveled northbound in the southbound lanes and struck a 2011 Ford Flex driven by 16-year-old Emily Paulus of Hillsboro head-on.&nbsp;

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Sedgwick County Forensic Center. EMS transported Paulus and a passenger, 43-year-old Laura&nbsp;Paulus of Hillsboro to Wesley Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608118815580.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3 p.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick Century driven by 41-year-old Travis Smith of Newton&nbsp; was northbound on Interstate 135 just north of 85th Street, when the Buick crossed into the median, traveled northbound in the southbound lanes and struck a 2011 Ford Flex driven by 16-year-old Emily Paulus of Hillsboro head-on.&nbsp;Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Sedgwick County Forensic Center. EMS transported Paulus and a passenger, 43-year-old Laura&nbsp;Paulus of Hillsboro to Wesley Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Newton man dies, 2 hospitalized after head-on crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved a later resumption of classes for students after the Christmas-New Year’s recess. Staff, as well, will get a slightly longer break. The changes are designed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on students and staff.

Under the proposal adopted Monday, students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will return to class in the hybrid model on Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 4. Hutchinson High School students will return to class remotely on Jan. 11 for two weeks before returning to the hybrid model on Jan. 25. The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy will also return on Jan. 11 in the hybrid mode.

Under the hybrid model, students with names starting with A through L attend in-person classes on Mondays and Wednesdays while students with names starting with M through Z attend in-person classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All students in the hybrid model learn remotely on Fridays.

Licensed staff, meanwhile, will get Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 off with the remainder of the week spent in workdays and professional development. Classified staff will have a work schedule that is first week back as determined by their supervisors.

The approval came after input from a variety of sources, including a new Superintendent’s Committee. Superintendent Mike Folks has a new parent and staff community group to provide input on COVID-19 related issues as well as possible future activities in the district. Those additional issues may include the district’s budget and school configuration. The board also discussed a contract Monday with RSP &amp; Associates to help the district with long-term planning. RSP has previously worked with the district for internal boundaries of its elementary schools.

Included in the project will be an enrollment analysis, current elementary boundary analysis and facilities analysis. The Superintendent’s Committee will be one of the resources RSP will use for community input during the research. The board tabled the proposal to get more information from the company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved a later resumption of classes for students after the Christmas-New Year’s recess. Staff, as well, will get a slightly longer break. The changes are designed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on students and staff.Under the proposal adopted Monday, students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will return to class in the hybrid model on Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 4. Hutchinson High School students will return to class remotely on Jan. 11 for two weeks before returning to the hybrid model on Jan. 25. The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy will also return on Jan. 11 in the hybrid mode.Under the hybrid model, students with names starting with A through L attend in-person classes on Mondays and Wednesdays while students with names starting with M through Z attend in-person classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All students in the hybrid model learn remotely on Fridays.Licensed staff, meanwhile, will get Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 off with the remainder of the week spent in workdays and professional development. Classified staff will have a work schedule that is first week back as determined by their supervisors.The approval came after input from a variety of sources, including a new Superintendent’s Committee. Superintendent Mike Folks has a new parent and staff community group to provide input on COVID-19 related issues as well as possible future activities in the district. Those additional issues may include the district’s budget and school configuration. The board also discussed a contract Monday with RSP &amp; Associates to help the district with long-term planning. RSP has previously worked with the district for internal boundaries of its elementary schools.Included in the project will be an enrollment analysis, current elementary boundary analysis and facilities analysis. The Superintendent’s Committee will be one of the resources RSP will use for community input during the research. The board tabled the proposal to get more information from the company.

USD 308 Board approves longer Christmas break

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell could not comment if the city would entertain some type of pandemic restrictions if the county were to remove the governor’s health order.

Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst asked for consensus to remove the mask mandate from the health order during today's meeting. The matter could come up for action next Tuesday. Interim commissioner Mark Steffen said he wants to see the health order removed all together. It was part of an hour-long barrage of questions and comments regarding the state and local action in dealing with the pandemic.

The council discussed the matter several weeks ago when it looked like the county would not take action put in place by the governor. While the discussion took place there was never a consensus on how to deal with the matter. It became a moot point when the county did follow the state's health order.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592409609109.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell could not comment if the city would entertain some type of pandemic restrictions if the county were to remove the governor’s health order.Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst asked for consensus to remove the mask mandate from the health order during today's meeting. The matter could come up for action next Tuesday. Interim commissioner Mark Steffen said he wants to see the health order removed all together. It was part of an hour-long barrage of questions and comments regarding the state and local action in dealing with the pandemic.The council discussed the matter several weeks ago when it looked like the county would not take action put in place by the governor. While the discussion took place there was never a consensus on how to deal with the matter. It became a moot point when the county did follow the state's health order.&nbsp;

City can't comment on potential county action

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department says it will extend the health order for the county when it expires on Friday.

This comes after Reno County commissioners entertained the idea of removing some or all of the health order during next Tuesday’s meeting.

“What we’re going to do is go ahead and we’re going to put the health order through,” Karen Hammersmith with the Health Department said. “It’s our responsibility to really let people know what’s going on in the community.”

Hammersmith said that if commissioners want to take the proposed action, that’s on them.

“If the elected officials want to take that upon themselves, then that’s their right to do that.”

Hammersmith was hit with a barrage of questions and accusations, mostly by interim county commissioner Mark Steffen, about accuracy of testing and how hospitals and the Health Department are dealing with the pandemic.

“Our job as public health is to let them know what’s going on and to give advice,” Hammersmith said. “We’re getting it from people working on the front lines. This isn’t just what I as the health officer believes, this is working with a collaboration of physicians and looking at what’s going on, on the front lines.”&nbsp;

Hammersmith was asked by county commissioners regarding a recent article that said the way labs test for COVID was leading to a 20% false positive rate. Hammersmith addressed that Tuesday.

“We’ve heard the argument all along,” Hammersmith said, stating that comparing lab test for COVID would be comparing apples to oranges.

Hammersmith also refuted claims that no more people are dying of COVID than any other ailment. She provided the numbers from the hospital to the county commission:

“In October we had 21 deaths. The highest that had been in October in the last five years were nine,” Hammersmith said. “In November we had 32 deaths. The highest in November before was seven. And I guarantee you that December is going to be right there with November.”

Hammersmith said working with hospital staff and seeing what's happening on the front lines is very taxing on staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department says it will extend the health order for the county when it expires on Friday.This comes after Reno County commissioners entertained the idea of removing some or all of the health order during next Tuesday’s meeting.“What we’re going to do is go ahead and we’re going to put the health order through,” Karen Hammersmith with the Health Department said. “It’s our responsibility to really let people know what’s going on in the community.”Hammersmith said that if commissioners want to take the proposed action, that’s on them.“If the elected officials want to take that upon themselves, then that’s their right to do that.”Hammersmith was hit with a barrage of questions and accusations, mostly by interim county commissioner Mark Steffen, about accuracy of testing and how hospitals and the Health Department are dealing with the pandemic.“Our job as public health is to let them know what’s going on and to give advice,” Hammersmith said. “We’re getting it from people working on the front lines. This isn’t just what I as the health officer believes, this is working with a collaboration of physicians and looking at what’s going on, on the front lines.”&nbsp;Hammersmith was asked by county commissioners regarding a recent article that said the way labs test for COVID was leading to a 20% false positive rate. Hammersmith addressed that Tuesday.“We’ve heard the argument all along,” Hammersmith said, stating that comparing lab test for COVID would be comparing apples to oranges.Hammersmith also refuted claims that no more people are dying of COVID than any other ailment. She provided the numbers from the hospital to the county commission:“In October we had 21 deaths. The highest that had been in October in the last five years were nine,” Hammersmith said. “In November we had 32 deaths. The highest in November before was seven. And I guarantee you that December is going to be right there with November.”Hammersmith said working with hospital staff and seeing what's happening on the front lines is very taxing on staff.

Health Department says it will extend health order this week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Students in 5th through 8th grade are invited to attend this year's virtual Youth Empowerment Summit.&nbsp;

Every year on Martin Luther King Day, Rise Up Reno holds a summit just for 5th through 8th grade students all over the state. This is a day to empower students to become future leaders, make great choices and have fun.&nbsp;

This year instead of a full-day event, organizers will host a shorter Zoom session that will allow attendance of more students. The speaker for this year will be&nbsp; Dustin Galyon, who will deliver a keynote to inspire leadership and encourage leadership-making skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The registration deadline is Jan. 11. You can register or get more information at <a href="https://www.riseupreno.org/Forms/">riseupreno.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608068028525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Students in 5th through 8th grade are invited to attend this year's virtual Youth Empowerment Summit.&nbsp;Every year on Martin Luther King Day, Rise Up Reno holds a summit just for 5th through 8th grade students all over the state. This is a day to empower students to become future leaders, make great choices and have fun.&nbsp;This year instead of a full-day event, organizers will host a shorter Zoom session that will allow attendance of more students. The speaker for this year will be&nbsp; Dustin Galyon, who will deliver a keynote to inspire leadership and encourage leadership-making skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;The registration deadline is Jan. 11. You can register or get more information at <a href="https://www.riseupreno.org/Forms/">riseupreno.org</a>.

Rise Up Reno Youth Summit approaching

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The origin and cause of the fire at 628 North Monroe on Monday night was a space heater too close to combustibles. The heater caught a blanket on fire. The fire spread to the rest of the structure.&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Fire Department reminds the public that space heaters should be a minimum of three feet away from anything combustible. Space heaters should also be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not into an extension cord. Space heaters should never be left on when residents are sleeping. Also, be sure to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working properly.&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— For the second time in as many nights, Hutchinson Fire Crews had to respond to a structure fire. The call came out just after 7 p.m. in the 600 block of North Monroe.

According to Fire Chief Steve Beer, the blaze started in the basement of the two story structure that is divided into four apartments. The blaze made its way from the basement all the way to the attic. There were five individuals and several pets in the complex at the time of the fire.&nbsp;

No injuries were reported to the residents or fire fighters.

The fire did extensive damage to most of the structure. The cause of the blaze has not been determined at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608003476217.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE&nbsp; 1:35 p.m. December 15, 2020HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The origin and cause of the fire at 628 North Monroe on Monday night was a space heater too close to combustibles. The heater caught a blanket on fire. The fire spread to the rest of the structure.&nbsp;The Hutchinson Fire Department reminds the public that space heaters should be a minimum of three feet away from anything combustible. Space heaters should also be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not into an extension cord. Space heaters should never be left on when residents are sleeping. Also, be sure to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working properly.&nbsp;The original story is below:HUTCHINSON, Kan.— For the second time in as many nights, Hutchinson Fire Crews had to respond to a structure fire. The call came out just after 7 p.m. in the 600 block of North Monroe.According to Fire Chief Steve Beer, the blaze started in the basement of the two story structure that is divided into four apartments. The blaze made its way from the basement all the way to the attic. There were five individuals and several pets in the complex at the time of the fire.&nbsp;No injuries were reported to the residents or fire fighters.The fire did extensive damage to most of the structure. The cause of the blaze has not been determined at this time.

UPDATE: Space heater cause of Monday night apartment fire

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hospital staff, Emergency Management and the Health Department were all
under fire from County Commissioners and the public regarding action being
taken to curb the pandemic.

It came
during Tuesday's County Commission meeting. The comments from the Board and
during public comment were in direct conflict with the Governor’s mask mandate and
the health order that is currently in place. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen continuously
stated that the numbers and figures being brought before them were not accurate
and not factual. It is the same argument he has been giving before the board
since he took office in the interim.

Steffen and
County Commissioner Ron Hirst questioned the accuracy of COVID tests and wanted
to know why the Health Department didn’t have information on how tests were
being conducted in labs. The Board members stated that about 20% of the tests
given turn out to be false positives, which is hurting the community and the economy.

Then it was
the public's turn to respond with accusations that what the health department,
the state and even hospitals are doing isn’t working. The requested that the
health order from the state and county be lifted and let the public make their
own decisions on how to treat the pandemic.

Commissioner
Hirst asked for consensus to draw up an agenda item for next week's meeting that
would lift the mask mandate from the Governor’s orders. Another added agenda
item from Steffen to do away with the health order altogether was dropped
from the agenda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245605566.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hospital staff, Emergency Management and the Health Department were all
under fire from County Commissioners and the public regarding action being
taken to curb the pandemic.It came
during Tuesday's County Commission meeting. The comments from the Board and
during public comment were in direct conflict with the Governor’s mask mandate and
the health order that is currently in place. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen continuously
stated that the numbers and figures being brought before them were not accurate
and not factual. It is the same argument he has been giving before the board
since he took office in the interim.Steffen and
County Commissioner Ron Hirst questioned the accuracy of COVID tests and wanted
to know why the Health Department didn’t have information on how tests were
being conducted in labs. The Board members stated that about 20% of the tests
given turn out to be false positives, which is hurting the community and the economy.Then it was
the public's turn to respond with accusations that what the health department,
the state and even hospitals are doing isn’t working. The requested that the
health order from the state and county be lifted and let the public make their
own decisions on how to treat the pandemic.Commissioner
Hirst asked for consensus to draw up an agenda item for next week's meeting that
would lift the mask mandate from the Governor’s orders. Another added agenda
item from Steffen to do away with the health order altogether was dropped
from the agenda.

Board of Reno County Commissioners may reconsider current health order 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those who need lodging related to either quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 exposure can use a free shelter in Hutchinson. It's also available for those who would potentially expose themselves at work.

"If you're working in a congregate setting, or you're in a high-risk job, working for the hospital, working for the jail, working for the prison, or a first responder, you can stay there and still go to work every day," said Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar. "The idea behind that is, in case you do come down with something, you have not brought that home to your family."

Those who need the shelter should call the Health Department at 1-844-834-3658, as the location is not being released publicly at this time.

"If someone you know is living with their 82-year-old grandmother, or they have a house full of people and they can't socially distance inside their house, or they don't feel like they can keep the other individuals living in the house safe, they can come to the shelter," Weishaar said.

Weishaar said precautions are being taken to be sure that if members of the public are also staying there, that those there for the shelter don't interact.

"All these rooms open to the outside," Weishaar said. "To get accepted in the facility, we have to call and make advance arrangements and they'll have a reception set up for you, so you can go directly to your room to prevent contact with any other individuals that may be staying at that site."

The state funded shelter provides meals as well for those who are staying there.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those who need lodging related to either quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 exposure can use a free shelter in Hutchinson. It's also available for those who would potentially expose themselves at work."If you're working in a congregate setting, or you're in a high-risk job, working for the hospital, working for the jail, working for the prison, or a first responder, you can stay there and still go to work every day," said Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar. "The idea behind that is, in case you do come down with something, you have not brought that home to your family."Those who need the shelter should call the Health Department at 1-844-834-3658, as the location is not being released publicly at this time."If someone you know is living with their 82-year-old grandmother, or they have a house full of people and they can't socially distance inside their house, or they don't feel like they can keep the other individuals living in the house safe, they can come to the shelter," Weishaar said.Weishaar said precautions are being taken to be sure that if members of the public are also staying there, that those there for the shelter don't interact."All these rooms open to the outside," Weishaar said. "To get accepted in the facility, we have to call and make advance arrangements and they'll have a reception set up for you, so you can go directly to your room to prevent contact with any other individuals that may be staying at that site."The state funded shelter provides meals as well for those who are staying there.

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