MCPHERSON COUNTY — 
I-135 in McPherson County will close Friday from mile marker 58 to 60 for bridge replacement. That's between the K-61 exit south of McPherson and the Highway 56 exit east of McPherson. 

The bridge is located just south of the U.S. 56 exit. Northbound and southbound I-135 will close at 7 p.m. Friday. Southbound I-135 will reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday, weaather permitting. Northbound I-135 will reopen by 7 p.m. on Saturday, weather permitting.  

Traffic will follow a signed detour through McPherson via U.S. 56, Main Street and K-61.  No oversized loads will be allowed on the detour.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY — 
I-135 in McPherson County will close Friday from mile marker 58 to 60 for bridge replacement. That's between the K-61 exit south of McPherson and the Highway 56 exit east of McPherson. The bridge is located just south of the U.S. 56 exit. Northbound and southbound I-135 will close at 7 p.m. Friday. Southbound I-135 will reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday, weaather permitting. Northbound I-135 will reopen by 7 p.m. on Saturday, weather permitting. Traffic will follow a signed detour through McPherson via U.S. 56, Main Street and K-61. No oversized loads will be allowed on the detour.

I-135 to close Friday, reopen Saturday in McPherson County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson City Building Official Trent Maxwell has left for a job elsewhere, and the city is still looking at how to fill that position.

"We're kind of analyzing and reviewing what the city's specific needs are," said Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "That was a position that was held for quite awhile. I know everyone got used to certain protocols and whatnot, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't change a few of them, so that's what we're looking at."

"In a former job over in Johnson County, I held that position for, oh, seven or eight years, so I'm familiar with it," Cantrell said. "Right now, while the position is vacant, I'm pitching in with staff."

Cantrell believes they can take the time to get it right.

"Staff's doing a great job of coming together and covering some of those areas," Cantrell said. "I don't have any immediate concerns for having the position open. We are looking at that and coming up with some ideas as to how we can make that a better position for the contractors and local residents, kind of modernizing the position, if you will."

Cantrell expects the modified position to likely be filled in early 2021.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson City Building Official Trent Maxwell has left for a job elsewhere, and the city is still looking at how to fill that position."We're kind of analyzing and reviewing what the city's specific needs are," said Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "That was a position that was held for quite awhile. I know everyone got used to certain protocols and whatnot, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't change a few of them, so that's what we're looking at."Cantrell is able to help."In a former job over in Johnson County, I held that position for, oh, seven or eight years, so I'm familiar with it," Cantrell said. "Right now, while the position is vacant, I'm pitching in with staff."Cantrell believes they can take the time to get it right."Staff's doing a great job of coming together and covering some of those areas," Cantrell said. "I don't have any immediate concerns for having the position open. We are looking at that and coming up with some ideas as to how we can make that a better position for the contractors and local residents, kind of modernizing the position, if you will."Cantrell expects the modified position to likely be filled in early 2021.

Cantrell: City taking a look at building official position


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Coincidentally, as of information provided to Hutch Post on Wednesday morning, there have been deaths of 12 Reno County residents from COVID-19. There have also been 12 deaths of patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center due to COVID-19. Only six of the deaths at HRMC are from Reno County residents. The other six are residents from other counties. Neither the county or the hospital is releasing demographic information on deaths.

"We are receiving patients from other parts of the state," Welch said. "Other hospitals are transferring in, or other patients are choosing to be here. Or, it's very possible, I don't know this for sure, but its very possible they could have been on their way to Wichita or somewhere else and ended up here."

Though Welch didn't have numbers on how many people were intubated before they died, he said he knew not all of them were.

"People don't necessarily need to be on a ventilator before they expire," Welch said. "This disease can happen very fast. I know, anecdotally, we had one on the floor that was not intubated that expired."

The point is that even though the number happens to match right now, it likely won't for long. The Reno County Health Department's dashboard is the best source for the death count of Reno County residents.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Coincidentally, as of information provided to Hutch Post on Wednesday morning, there have been deaths of 12 Reno County residents from COVID-19. There have also been 12 deaths of patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center due to COVID-19. Only six of the deaths at HRMC are from Reno County residents. The other six are residents from other counties. Neither the county or the hospital is releasing demographic information on deaths."We are receiving patients from other parts of the state," Welch said. "Other hospitals are transferring in, or other patients are choosing to be here. Or, it's very possible, I don't know this for sure, but its very possible they could have been on their way to Wichita or somewhere else and ended up here."Though Welch didn't have numbers on how many people were intubated before they died, he said he knew not all of them were."People don't necessarily need to be on a ventilator before they expire," Welch said. "This disease can happen very fast. I know, anecdotally, we had one on the floor that was not intubated that expired."The point is that even though the number happens to match right now, it likely won't for long. The Reno County Health Department's dashboard is the best source for the death count of Reno County residents.

Hospital and county death numbers happen to match as of Wednesday, but are different data sets


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County community COVID-19 testing continues. There were 32 appointments scheduled at Fairfield on Tuesday and they collected 64 samples.

Future testing dates in outlying communities are Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Pretty Prairie Elementary School 320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570 from 10 a.m. to noon.

There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:

Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County community COVID-19 testing continues. There were 32 appointments scheduled at Fairfield on Tuesday and they collected 64 samples.Future testing dates in outlying communities are Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 N West St Buhler, KS 67522 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Pretty Prairie Elementary School 320 S Rhodes St Pretty Prairie, KS 67570 from 10 a.m. to noon.There will be a testing site at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on the following dates and times:Tuesdays: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17 November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, December 22 and December 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturdays: November 7, November 21, December 5 and December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Community testing is vital to continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. To make a testing appointment for any of the future testing dates call 844-834-3657.

Community testing dates set for the rest of 2020 in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a car/ pedestrian accident in the city Tuesday evening.

Hutchinson Police reports that 18-year-old William Lee was driving in the 900 block of N. Main when he hit 30-year-old Jasmine Claycomb.

Claycomb was taken by EMS to Wesley medical Center. Her condition is not known. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a car/ pedestrian accident in the city Tuesday evening.Hutchinson Police reports that 18-year-old William Lee was driving in the 900 block of N. Main when he hit 30-year-old Jasmine Claycomb.Claycomb was taken by EMS to Wesley medical Center. Her condition is not known. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m.

Hutchinson woman injured in car/ pedestrian accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Republican Committee will meet in a special session to appoint a person to fill the unexpired term of County Commissioner Bob Bush. Bush died last week after a long battle with cancer. 

The meeting is set for October 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the Hutch CC campus. The person appointed will serve the rest of Bush's term which will run through the second Tuesday of January 2021.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Republican Committee will meet in a special session to appoint a person to fill the unexpired term of County Commissioner Bob Bush. Bush died last week after a long battle with cancer. The meeting is set for October 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the Hutch CC campus. The person appointed will serve the rest of Bush's term which will run through the second Tuesday of January 2021.

Republican committee to find replacement for former Commissioner Bob Bush


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Both the county's overall case count and the community case count continue to rise. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Reno County is at 575 active cases and 256 community cases. 

The number hospitalized is down to 15. It was as high as 18. Eighty people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 10 have been intubated. Twelve people have died.

The community positive test rate is still at 10.21%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.20%.

The county's school superintendents will get their first preliminary look at the latest gating criteria numbers Wednesday, but they will not be verified until Friday. 

This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Both the county's overall case count and the community case count continue to rise. As of Tuesday afternoon, Reno County is at 575 active cases and 256 community cases. The number hospitalized is down to 15. It was as high as 18. Eighty people have spent time in the hospital since the beginning of the pandemic. Thirty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 10 have been intubated. Twelve people have died.The community positive test rate is still at 10.21%, with an overall positive test rate of 16.20%.The county's school superintendents will get their first preliminary look at the latest gating criteria numbers Wednesday, but they will not be verified until Friday. This week, schools in Reno County remain in the red in the gating criteria.

Case counts up, hospitalizations down as of Tuesday afternoon

HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire in Newton.

Just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a house fire in the 800 block of North Walnut, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Newton Fire and EMS.

The fire was brought under control quickly. Investigators found the body of a man deceased inside. 

&nbsp;The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been requested to help with the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603277501131.png" alt="Crews on the scene of Tuesday's deadly fire in Newton-photo courtesy&nbsp;Newton Fire/EMS " />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of Tuesday's deadly fire in Newton-photo courtesy&nbsp;Newton Fire/EMS </figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire in Newton.Just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a house fire in the 800 block of North Walnut, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Newton Fire and EMS.The fire was brought under control quickly. Investigators found the body of a man deceased inside. &nbsp;The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been requested to help with the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Body of man found after house fire in Newton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After some delay, a Reno County man who entered guilty pleas to numerous sexual exploitation charges is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday in Reno County District Court.

Patrick White entered pleas to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child. As part of the plea, a fifth count was dismissed.

White was arrested after deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued a search warrant on his home and cell phone.&nbsp;

The warrant stemmed from the allegations from a separate law enforcement agency that was made aware of White’s ongoing suspicious activity. The crimes are said to have occurred between October of 2018 and February of 2020.&nbsp;

Sentencing will be before Judge Joe McCarville.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After some delay, a Reno County man who entered guilty pleas to numerous sexual exploitation charges is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday in Reno County District Court.Patrick White entered pleas to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child. As part of the plea, a fifth count was dismissed.White was arrested after deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued a search warrant on his home and cell phone.&nbsp;The warrant stemmed from the allegations from a separate law enforcement agency that was made aware of White’s ongoing suspicious activity. The crimes are said to have occurred between October of 2018 and February of 2020.&nbsp;Sentencing will be before Judge Joe McCarville.

White set for sentencing in Reno County exploitation case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board for the Kansas State Fair met in special session on Tuesday and gave approval to enter into a contract with former Sen. Ed Berger to be the interim general manager of the fair.

Berger will replace David Tobias, who announced last Tuesday that he was resigning and had accepted what he said was a new opportunity in the area. Tobias had served as interim general manager for the past three months, stepping in after the resignation of Robin Jennison in July.

The board gave approval to enter into a formal contract with Berger, who was also the former president of Hutchinson Community College before holding the State Senate 34th District seat.

That contract should be finalized during the board's November meeting.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board for the Kansas State Fair met in special session on Tuesday and gave approval to enter into a contract with former Sen. Ed Berger to be the interim general manager of the fair.Berger will replace David Tobias, who announced last Tuesday that he was resigning and had accepted what he said was a new opportunity in the area. Tobias had served as interim general manager for the past three months, stepping in after the resignation of Robin Jennison in July.The board gave approval to enter into a formal contract with Berger, who was also the former president of Hutchinson Community College before holding the State Senate 34th District seat.That contract should be finalized during the board's November meeting.

Berger named interim GM of Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The earnings parade for the past three months kicks off Thursday when Union Pacific releases its third quarter earnings report. The nation’s largest railroad was hurt by the pandemic in the previous quarter, although the news wasn’t as bad as first predicted.&nbsp;

UP reported second quarter net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.67 per diluted share, compared to $1.6 billion, or $2.22 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2019. Some economic recovery over the past three months may turn things around, but car loads are still expected to be in decline, especially in the energy sector.

Union Pacific operates an average of 25 trains per day in Reno County and carries a total valuation in the county of more than $7.5 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The earnings parade for the past three months kicks off Thursday when Union Pacific releases its third quarter earnings report. The nation’s largest railroad was hurt by the pandemic in the previous quarter, although the news wasn’t as bad as first predicted.&nbsp;UP reported second quarter net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.67 per diluted share, compared to $1.6 billion, or $2.22 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2019. Some economic recovery over the past three months may turn things around, but car loads are still expected to be in decline, especially in the energy sector.Union Pacific operates an average of 25 trains per day in Reno County and carries a total valuation in the county of more than $7.5 million.&nbsp;

Union Pacific releases 3Q report Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted that the clusters in the county do not account for how fast COVID is growing.

"We have wide community spread," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "The clusters you kind of understand where people have gotten that from and where they've been and the exposure, so that's kind of a known entity. It's more of a problem when they don't know it."

Of the 565 cases in the county as of Tuesday afternoon, 394 are cluster connected, according to the dashboard. That would leave 171 cases that could be attributed to community spread, if they did not occur within the same family.

"Community spread then, is just all over," Hammersmith said. "You could get it at the grocery store, at Dillons, Walmart, at church, at school, at work, because those would be people carrying things that we don't necessarily know."

That's why the community testing continues to be important, because it can catch those cases that are community spread where the person doesn't know they have it and therefore doesn't know where they got it. 

"If they do have symptoms, we'd like them to go to their provider and get checked out," Hammersmith said. "If not, we're doing community testing so we can see if there is any cases out there that are going undetected."

Community testing continues Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie. To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith noted that the clusters in the county do not account for how fast COVID is growing."We have wide community spread," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "The clusters you kind of understand where people have gotten that from and where they've been and the exposure, so that's kind of a known entity. It's more of a problem when they don't know it."Of the 565 cases in the county as of Tuesday afternoon, 394 are cluster connected, according to the dashboard. That would leave 171 cases that could be attributed to community spread, if they did not occur within the same family."Community spread then, is just all over," Hammersmith said. "You could get it at the grocery store, at Dillons, Walmart, at church, at school, at work, because those would be people carrying things that we don't necessarily know."That's why the community testing continues to be important, because it can catch those cases that are community spread where the person doesn't know they have it and therefore doesn't know where they got it. "If they do have symptoms, we'd like them to go to their provider and get checked out," Hammersmith said. "If not, we're doing community testing so we can see if there is any cases out there that are going undetected."Community testing continues Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie. To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

Hammersmith: Community spread is happening, community testing will help


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson City Council approved Tuesday a study of the City's Reverse Osmosis Wastestream Disposal Options.

"The city gets our raw water from 17 groundwater wells," said director of public works Brian Clennan. "Three of those wells are remediation wells that pump contaminated groundwater to our RO treatment plant where the contaminants are removed and then we're able to use that water in our water system. 25% of that RO treated water comes out as a concentrated brine that is then sent back to our two disposal wells. There's a second pipeline that comes from the RO treatment plant. It's following the Grandview Industrial big ditch all the way until it gets to the two deep disposal wells. That concentrated waste stream is injected into the Arbuckle Formation which is 4800 feet below the level of the ground."

There has been a concern expressed about the entry of fluids overall into the Arbuckle Formation and how it may have an effect on seismicity in the state.

"No one has blamed the city of Hutch for causing any of the seismic activity that we've seen in this area," Clennan said. "There are numerous Class I wells and Class II wells in Reno County and throughout the state of Kansas. However, there is always the potential for new regulation or requirements associated with operating these two deep disposal wells."

Between those concerns and the fact that KDHE is saying that the water isn't as bad as it was when the wells were dug and that putting the water along with the wastewater effluent through the big ditch may be a viable option rather than putting it below ground, the study was found to be a useful activity by the council.

"There's several challenges to this project," Clennan said. "One is we're going to have to evaluate the chloride concentrations and make sure that the amount of chlorides is not too great to discharge into the Arkansas River. We're going to need to figure out a way to eliminate the volatile organic compounds before we dump that water into the GVI channel. We're also going to have to look at and develop water quality triggers."

That means if the water quality deteriorates past the point where it is safe to discharge into the river, then they would have to switch back to putting it in the disposal wells. The study with Burns and McDonnell is a not to exceed contract with an amount of $90,599.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson City Council approved Tuesday a study of the City's Reverse Osmosis Wastestream Disposal Options."The city gets our raw water from 17 groundwater wells," said director of public works Brian Clennan. "Three of those wells are remediation wells that pump contaminated groundwater to our RO treatment plant where the contaminants are removed and then we're able to use that water in our water system. 25% of that RO treated water comes out as a concentrated brine that is then sent back to our two disposal wells. There's a second pipeline that comes from the RO treatment plant. It's following the Grandview Industrial big ditch all the way until it gets to the two deep disposal wells. That concentrated waste stream is injected into the Arbuckle Formation which is 4800 feet below the level of the ground."There has been a concern expressed about the entry of fluids overall into the Arbuckle Formation and how it may have an effect on seismicity in the state."No one has blamed the city of Hutch for causing any of the seismic activity that we've seen in this area," Clennan said. "There are numerous Class I wells and Class II wells in Reno County and throughout the state of Kansas. However, there is always the potential for new regulation or requirements associated with operating these two deep disposal wells."Between those concerns and the fact that KDHE is saying that the water isn't as bad as it was when the wells were dug and that putting the water along with the wastewater effluent through the big ditch may be a viable option rather than putting it below ground, the study was found to be a useful activity by the council."There's several challenges to this project," Clennan said. "One is we're going to have to evaluate the chloride concentrations and make sure that the amount of chlorides is not too great to discharge into the Arkansas River. We're going to need to figure out a way to eliminate the volatile organic compounds before we dump that water into the GVI channel. We're also going to have to look at and develop water quality triggers."That means if the water quality deteriorates past the point where it is safe to discharge into the river, then they would have to switch back to putting it in the disposal wells. The study with Burns and McDonnell is a not to exceed contract with an amount of $90,599.

City studying if wastewater can stay above ground


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms a twelfth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.

Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.

Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. 

It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department confirms a twelfth local resident with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 died October 17, 2020.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual.Please continue to be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Twelfth death from COVID-19 confirmed in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks noted that there was an issue in the district with COVID-19 spread when the decision was made to go full remote, in addition to the issue in the community.

"When we made that decision on Friday, we had 22 positive cases," Folks said Tuesday. "I think right now, we're maybe at 24. We do have one particular building that has 12 staff members that have been excluded or are under quarantine. It would have made that building very difficult to have in person school this week."

Folks notes that it isn't just about the school district, though.

"That's less than 1% of our total population, actually its below a half a percent," Folks said. "But, when you look at what's going on in the county, this is a countywide issue. This is not just a school issue or a 308 issue, when we talk about the transmission and the spread of this virus."

The district is considering a super-hybrid model to try to get class sizes down to maintainable cohort groups to get kids back in school as soon as possible.

"We got to the red category much quicker than we anticipated," Folks said. "Our executive team here in the central office, we've been meeting for the last week or two, three or four hours a day. All of the principals are coming in tomorrow. We're going to meet with them and then we're going to make a presentation to the board next Monday on October 26th."

That presentation would need board approval to change the criteria from current policy.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks noted that there was an issue in the district with COVID-19 spread when the decision was made to go full remote, in addition to the issue in the community."When we made that decision on Friday, we had 22 positive cases," Folks said Tuesday. "I think right now, we're maybe at 24. We do have one particular building that has 12 staff members that have been excluded or are under quarantine. It would have made that building very difficult to have in person school this week."Folks notes that it isn't just about the school district, though."That's less than 1% of our total population, actually its below a half a percent," Folks said. "But, when you look at what's going on in the county, this is a countywide issue. This is not just a school issue or a 308 issue, when we talk about the transmission and the spread of this virus."The district is considering a super-hybrid model to try to get class sizes down to maintainable cohort groups to get kids back in school as soon as possible."We got to the red category much quicker than we anticipated," Folks said. "Our executive team here in the central office, we've been meeting for the last week or two, three or four hours a day. All of the principals are coming in tomorrow. We're going to meet with them and then we're going to make a presentation to the board next Monday on October 26th."That presentation would need board approval to change the criteria from current policy.

Folks: Remote decision not just about the district

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

Clarification: An earlier version of this story had numbers inconsistent with the study sent to Reno County IT in September.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners approved funding for two of three phases of a fiber optic project that will provide better IT service between the county offices and public works. They did not take action on a third phase which would connect the county offices and public works to the landfill.

The agreement with IdeaTek would provide the service between the court house and the county maintenance shed and then the courthouse and public works. The total cost of the two phases as presented is $409,000, plus a river bore of $40,000 for a total of $449,000. The decision goes against the recommendation of county IT Director Mike Mathews who had proposed that the county take on the fiber optic project themselves. 

According to a September study by SCS Engineers, permitting that was not considered in the RBS IT quote could make the cost of keeping the line private lie somewhere between $800,000 and $1,000,000.&nbsp; Mathews said he wanted to go the private route to give the county more flexibility to make improvements to the system and have better security.

Commissioner Ron Sellers noted that the county would continue to have costs associated with the private proposal saying that there would be costs for upgrades and costs associated with right-of-way fees including both BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads.

The Commission did not take action on the third phase asking that they be provided more information in the matter. The new technology would be used for the new landfill facilities once they are completed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603101991835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarification: An earlier version of this story had numbers inconsistent with the study sent to Reno County IT in September.HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners approved funding for two of three phases of a fiber optic project that will provide better IT service between the county offices and public works. They did not take action on a third phase which would connect the county offices and public works to the landfill.The agreement with IdeaTek would provide the service between the court house and the county maintenance shed and then the courthouse and public works. The total cost of the two phases as presented is $409,000, plus a river bore of $40,000 for a total of $449,000. The decision goes against the recommendation of county IT Director Mike Mathews who had proposed that the county take on the fiber optic project themselves. According to a September study by SCS Engineers, permitting that was not considered in the RBS IT quote could make the cost of keeping the line private lie somewhere between $800,000 and $1,000,000.&nbsp; Mathews said he wanted to go the private route to give the county more flexibility to make improvements to the system and have better security.Commissioner Ron Sellers noted that the county would continue to have costs associated with the private proposal saying that there would be costs for upgrades and costs associated with right-of-way fees including both BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads.The Commission did not take action on the third phase asking that they be provided more information in the matter. The new technology would be used for the new landfill facilities once they are completed.

Co. Commission goes with IdeaTek for fiber optic project 

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved changes to its customer service charges
for electric rates during Monday’s meeting. At the same time, they came to an
agreement to provide a rate for Haven Steel, which is the largest power user in
the city.

Under the new agreement the industrial rate for Haven Steel
is an all in rate of $0.09 per kilowatt hour. Under that rate, Haven Steel
agreed to donate $100,000 to the city to help offset the Evergy rate
distribution increase that they will pass onto the city starting next year. That
donation will give the city a year to absorb the increase
into their budget.

Haven Steel President
Ken Brown had been pushing the city to come up with better electric rates and
said any decision on rates to the company could have an impact on future expansion.

The city has been trying to come up with a way to not pass
the increase onto its customers ever since Evergy announced a significant increase of around $7,000 per month. With the help of the Kansas Power Pool, the city recently had a rate study completed
which gave the Council two options. One would have increased rates for
industrial users which would have included Haven Steel and Kinkade Manufacturing. The other
would have passed more of the burden onto residents. In the end, the Council
decided to hold the line on a major increase either way with the exception of
the baseline increase to $10 per month from the current $7.55 per month.

With the action, Mayor Adam Wright said the Council needs to
come together and find ways to get the budget in line to help deal with the
increase from Evergy and other budget challenges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved changes to its customer service charges
for electric rates during Monday’s meeting. At the same time, they came to an
agreement to provide a rate for Haven Steel, which is the largest power user in
the city.Under the new agreement the industrial rate for Haven Steel
is an all in rate of $0.09 per kilowatt hour. Under that rate, Haven Steel
agreed to donate $100,000 to the city to help offset the Evergy rate
distribution increase that they will pass onto the city starting next year. That
donation will give the city a year to absorb the increase
into their budget.Haven Steel President
Ken Brown had been pushing the city to come up with better electric rates and
said any decision on rates to the company could have an impact on future expansion.The city has been trying to come up with a way to not pass
the increase onto its customers ever since Evergy announced a significant increase of around $7,000 per month. With the help of the Kansas Power Pool, the city recently had a rate study completed
which gave the Council two options. One would have increased rates for
industrial users which would have included Haven Steel and Kinkade Manufacturing. The other
would have passed more of the burden onto residents. In the end, the Council
decided to hold the line on a major increase either way with the exception of
the baseline increase to $10 per month from the current $7.55 per month.With the action, Mayor Adam Wright said the Council needs to
come together and find ways to get the budget in line to help deal with the
increase from Evergy and other budget challenges.

Haven City Council looks to hold the line on power rates


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count in Reno County is up to 566, the highest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. 

However, just 248 of those are in the community, with 334 connected to the cluster at Hutchinson Correctional Facility or to cases in the Reno County Correctional Facility. (New information and clarification as of 10-20: Cases in both correctional facilities are under the same line on the COVID-19 dashboard. Sheriff Darrian Campbell announced six cases in the Reno County facility in recent days, and one employee. Reporting going forward will refer to these case types, rather than assuming they are from one single entity.)

Seventeen people are in the hospital, with 78 total hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. 31 have been admitted to ICU total, with 9 intubated. Eleven have died.

The community positive test rate continues to hold steady at 10.21%, with the overall test rate at 16.11%. Over 18% of the community has now been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The case count in Reno County is up to 566, the highest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. However, just 248 of those are in the community, with 334 connected to the cluster at Hutchinson Correctional Facility or to cases in the Reno County Correctional Facility. (New information and clarification as of 10-20: Cases in both correctional facilities are under the same line on the COVID-19 dashboard. Sheriff Darrian Campbell announced six cases in the Reno County facility in recent days, and one employee. Reporting going forward will refer to these case types, rather than assuming they are from one single entity.)Seventeen people are in the hospital, with 78 total hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. 31 have been admitted to ICU total, with 9 intubated. Eleven have died.The community positive test rate continues to hold steady at 10.21%, with the overall test rate at 16.11%. Over 18% of the community has now been tested.

Update: Case count at 566, with correctional facility type still largest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department was notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that an eleventh local resident with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 has died.

Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual. The county has had seven deaths attributed to the pandemic in just under two weeks.

Please be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602284404659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department was notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that an eleventh local resident with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 has died.Out of respect for the family, the Reno County Health Department will not release any further information about this individual. The county has had seven deaths attributed to the pandemic in just under two weeks.Please be vigilant by washing your hands, social distance by at least six feet or more, wear a mask when you are in public places and stay at home if you are not feeling well. It is very important that people continue to follow the guidelines to help decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Reno Co. reports 11th death due to COVID-19

ZENDA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Zenda in Kingman County. The advisory is not related to COVID-19.

Water should be boiled for one minute before consuming and all ice should be thrown out. Ice makers should not be used at this time.

The KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to system maintenance. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The advisory took effect on Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603135959822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ZENDA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Zenda in Kingman County. The advisory is not related to COVID-19.Water should be boiled for one minute before consuming and all ice should be thrown out. Ice makers should not be used at this time.The KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to system maintenance. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.The advisory took effect on Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;

Zenda under boil water advisory

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously Monday to extend a local order requiring face masks be worn in Harvey County in a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The order was extended until such time it is rescinded, superseded or amended.

The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.

“I am hopeful our state and our nation make substantial progress mitigating COVID-19 in the coming months. If that happens, we can rescind this order sooner rather than later,” Harvey County Commission Chair Randy Hague said. “With more events moving indoors and the holidays upcoming, we’re going to do our part locally to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

This is the third extension of the local face mask order. The original order was approved July 15 through Aug. 11, and subsequently extended through Sept. 15 and Oct. 19.

“Our best defenses against the spread of COVID-19 are washing our hands frequently, social distance and wearing a face mask,” Dr. Doyle Detweiler, Harvey County public health officer, said. “These individual efforts are how we keep our schools and businesses open.”

There remain exceptions to wearing a face mask in the order, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover.

Face masks remain required inside county government facilities.

The commission also voted to remain in the Phase Out guidance of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. The plan does not restrict mass gathering limit size.

The Harvey County Health Department confirmed 476 COVID-19 cases in the county to date. There are 37 known active cases. Local Harvey County data on COVID-19 can be found at <a href="http://www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats">www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously Monday to extend a local order requiring face masks be worn in Harvey County in a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.The order was extended until such time it is rescinded, superseded or amended.The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.“I am hopeful our state and our nation make substantial progress mitigating COVID-19 in the coming months. If that happens, we can rescind this order sooner rather than later,” Harvey County Commission Chair Randy Hague said. “With more events moving indoors and the holidays upcoming, we’re going to do our part locally to slow the spread of COVID-19.”This is the third extension of the local face mask order. The original order was approved July 15 through Aug. 11, and subsequently extended through Sept. 15 and Oct. 19.“Our best defenses against the spread of COVID-19 are washing our hands frequently, social distance and wearing a face mask,” Dr. Doyle Detweiler, Harvey County public health officer, said. “These individual efforts are how we keep our schools and businesses open.”There remain exceptions to wearing a face mask in the order, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover.Face masks remain required inside county government facilities.The commission also voted to remain in the Phase Out guidance of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. The plan does not restrict mass gathering limit size.The Harvey County Health Department confirmed 476 COVID-19 cases in the county to date. There are 37 known active cases. Local Harvey County data on COVID-19 can be found at <a href="http://www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats">www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats</a>.

Harvey Co. Commission extends mask order

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The high demand for meals meant Hutchinson USD 308’s Nutrition Services went through all of its meals on Monday. The district announced it will have the meals again on Tuesday at all the sites from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Morgan Elementary, west side parking lot for kindergarten through second grade and circle drive on Washington for grades three through six

• Faris Elementary, circle drive on Maple

• Graber Elementary, circle drive on Cleveland

• Wiley Elementary, east side circle drive off Tyler

• McCandless Elementary, 7th Avenue at the circle drive

• Lincoln Elementary, front of school on Bigger Street

• Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, loading zone on Monroe

• HMS-7, alley between HMS-7 and First Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off Poplar

• HMS-8, back parking lot off 15th Avenue

• Hutchinson High School, enter the east parking lot on the north end of Severance by the North Gym and exit out of the south end of that same parking lot

Students who started the school year on remote learning will continue to pick up meals on that schedule.

Remember, meals will continue to be free.

• Students encouraged to pick up meals at their enrolled school. Families with middle school or high school students in addition to an elementary student can pick up all meals at the elementary school.

• Students will receive breakfast and lunch for five days.

• Parents can have a representative pick up meals for them if they are unable to. Older students are also able to pick up meals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587053247011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The high demand for meals meant Hutchinson USD 308’s Nutrition Services went through all of its meals on Monday. The district announced it will have the meals again on Tuesday at all the sites from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.The pickup sites are:• Avenue A, in front of the school• Morgan Elementary, west side parking lot for kindergarten through second grade and circle drive on Washington for grades three through six• Faris Elementary, circle drive on Maple• Graber Elementary, circle drive on Cleveland• Wiley Elementary, east side circle drive off Tyler• McCandless Elementary, 7th Avenue at the circle drive• Lincoln Elementary, front of school on Bigger Street• Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen, loading zone on Monroe• HMS-7, alley between HMS-7 and First Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off Poplar• HMS-8, back parking lot off 15th Avenue• Hutchinson High School, enter the east parking lot on the north end of Severance by the North Gym and exit out of the south end of that same parking lotStudents who started the school year on remote learning will continue to pick up meals on that schedule.Remember, meals will continue to be free.• No pre-registration required.• Students encouraged to pick up meals at their enrolled school. Families with middle school or high school students in addition to an elementary student can pick up all meals at the elementary school.• Students will receive breakfast and lunch for five days.• Parents can have a representative pick up meals for them if they are unable to. Older students are also able to pick up meals.

USD 308 meals program to provide service Tuesday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas State Librarian, Eric Norris.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fra6z-efa342?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 Kansas State Librarian, Eric Norris.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community COVID-19 testing continued over the weekend in Reno County.

Saturday testing in Haven resulted in 36 samples collected with 34 scheduled appointments. 

Sunday testing in South Hutchinson resulted in 99 samples collected with 67 scheduled appointments.

The remaining testing dates currently scheduled are Tuesday at Fairfield in Langdon, Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie.

To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Community COVID-19 testing continued over the weekend in Reno County.Saturday testing in Haven resulted in 36 samples collected with 34 scheduled appointments. Sunday testing in South Hutchinson resulted in 99 samples collected with 67 scheduled appointments.The remaining testing dates currently scheduled are Tuesday at Fairfield in Langdon, Thursday in Buhler and Saturday in Pretty Prairie.To schedule your appointment, call 844-834-3657.