CHICAGO — Wes Hoyt, chief operating officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS), has been appointed to the Council of Regents, the legislative body of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The Council of Regents serves as the vital link between ACHE and members by approving governance and membership regulations as well as promoting the organization’s programs, services and activities within their respective areas.

Hoyt is board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow since 2005 and has been a member of the organization since 2001. In 2019, Hoyt was recipient of the ACHE Senior Rural Executive Regent’s Award. He will assume office on March 20, 2021, before ACHE’s 64th Congress on Healthcare Leadership. As a Regent, he will represent ACHE’s more than 450 members throughout Kansas.

Hoyt has served as the chief operating officer at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System since 2016. Before his current position, he was an Army Medical Service Corps Officer, serving in assignments worldwide culminating with service in the U.S. Army Africa, in Vicenza, Italy. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including assignments with Army combat support hospitals in Iraq.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607981286774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO — Wes Hoyt, chief operating officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS), has been appointed to the Council of Regents, the legislative body of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The Council of Regents serves as the vital link between ACHE and members by approving governance and membership regulations as well as promoting the organization’s programs, services and activities within their respective areas.Hoyt is board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow since 2005 and has been a member of the organization since 2001. In 2019, Hoyt was recipient of the ACHE Senior Rural Executive Regent’s Award. He will assume office on March 20, 2021, before ACHE’s 64th Congress on Healthcare Leadership. As a Regent, he will represent ACHE’s more than 450 members throughout Kansas.Hoyt has served as the chief operating officer at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System since 2016. Before his current position, he was an Army Medical Service Corps Officer, serving in assignments worldwide culminating with service in the U.S. Army Africa, in Vicenza, Italy. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including assignments with Army combat support hospitals in Iraq.

Hoyt named to ACHE Council of Regents

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Refuse rates will increase by 2% at the start of the year. Under the current contract with Stutzman’s Refuse, residential trash service will increase by $0.19 per month to $9.69. The contract is part of Tuesday’s Hutchinson City Council meeting.

Commercial rates will increase by $0.20. The charge for additional recycling carts will stay the same at $4. If a resident misses their pick-up day, they can request their trash be picked up the following day for a $15 charge.

Also Tuesday, the council will seek approval on a contract from Ward Davis Builders to rebuild the retaining wall along Cow Creek adjacent to SW Bricktown Park. The wall has shown signs of failing. The work will include reconstructing the head wall and retaining walls. The cost of the project is $87,397.

Tuesday's meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. and will be shown on the city’s YouTube channel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598971851425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Refuse rates will increase by 2% at the start of the year. Under the current contract with Stutzman’s Refuse, residential trash service will increase by $0.19 per month to $9.69. The contract is part of Tuesday’s Hutchinson City Council meeting.Commercial rates will increase by $0.20. The charge for additional recycling carts will stay the same at $4. If a resident misses their pick-up day, they can request their trash be picked up the following day for a $15 charge.Also Tuesday, the council will seek approval on a contract from Ward Davis Builders to rebuild the retaining wall along Cow Creek adjacent to SW Bricktown Park. The wall has shown signs of failing. The work will include reconstructing the head wall and retaining walls. The cost of the project is $87,397.Tuesday's meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. and will be shown on the city’s YouTube channel.

Council to take action on Cow Creek improvements and refuse rates

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the second consecutive year, the CrossPoint Church in Hutchinson provided a brand new pair of shoes to each student at Faris Elementary School.

“Even in better economic times, Faris Elementary has one of the highest number of students who qualify for free lunch assistance,” Shaen Marks, pastor of CrossPoint Hutchinson, said. “Shoes are an essential part of a kid’s daily life and self-esteem. Shoes are also one of the most visible signs of hardship and need. Childhood should be a wonderful, carefree time, but the simple lack of a good pair of shoes can leave a child open to bullying and ridicule. No kid wants shoes held together with duct tape or rubber bands.”

CrossPoint Church is stepping up with shoes for every student to unwrap at school and take home.

“It’s really magical to see the kids’ faces when they unwrap these shoes, getting shoes they really wanted and shoes that fit,” Marks said. “For so many kids who wear hand-me-downs, this pair of shoes will be their first pair of shoes that is their very own.”

This is one of many ways that CrossPoint Church has been helping Faris Elementary staff and students meet their needs. Over the last two years, the church has provided breakfasts, lunches, gift cards for teachers, and prizes for staff as they come back to school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607977422374.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the second consecutive year, the CrossPoint Church in Hutchinson provided a brand new pair of shoes to each student at Faris Elementary School.“Even in better economic times, Faris Elementary has one of the highest number of students who qualify for free lunch assistance,” Shaen Marks, pastor of CrossPoint Hutchinson, said. “Shoes are an essential part of a kid’s daily life and self-esteem. Shoes are also one of the most visible signs of hardship and need. Childhood should be a wonderful, carefree time, but the simple lack of a good pair of shoes can leave a child open to bullying and ridicule. No kid wants shoes held together with duct tape or rubber bands.”CrossPoint Church is stepping up with shoes for every student to unwrap at school and take home.“It’s really magical to see the kids’ faces when they unwrap these shoes, getting shoes they really wanted and shoes that fit,” Marks said. “For so many kids who wear hand-me-downs, this pair of shoes will be their first pair of shoes that is their very own.”This is one of many ways that CrossPoint Church has been helping Faris Elementary staff and students meet their needs. Over the last two years, the church has provided breakfasts, lunches, gift cards for teachers, and prizes for staff as they come back to school.

CrossPoint delivers shoes to Faris Elementary

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. —&nbsp;Bell ringing on Saturday for the Salvation Army was a success.

"For Saturday, for the overall totals, we did $4134, which was a nice, encouraging boost to our overall goal. If you see our signs on the kettle stands, we're on day 3 of the 12 days of ringing. We still need $22,108 to reach our kettle goal.

As for the competition between Eagle Radio and the Kiwanis club, it's all in how you look at it.

"The Toy Depot, they raised $539.22," James said. "The radio station, over at the Sleep Shoppe, they raised 683.43. I would add that the Kiwanis, at the Toy Depot, they actually had more cash in their bucket, while the radio station had more checks."

The need is still great, as the Salvation Army is actively helping the community this week with Christmas food boxes Monday and Tuesday.

"We will be doing our distribution for Christmas baskets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.," James said. "That's by appointment and so we encourage individuals to follow those appointments. This morning we had cars wrapped around the block. Just for safety, we ask that people would follow those appointment times and have a little more grace during this season."

The deadline to sign up for Christmas baskets was December 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Bell ringing on Saturday for the Salvation Army was a success."For Saturday, for the overall totals, we did $4134, which was a nice, encouraging boost to our overall goal. If you see our signs on the kettle stands, we're on day 3 of the 12 days of ringing. We still need $22,108 to reach our kettle goal.As for the competition between Eagle Radio and the Kiwanis club, it's all in how you look at it."The Toy Depot, they raised $539.22," James said. "The radio station, over at the Sleep Shoppe, they raised 683.43. I would add that the Kiwanis, at the Toy Depot, they actually had more cash in their bucket, while the radio station had more checks."The need is still great, as the Salvation Army is actively helping the community this week with Christmas food boxes Monday and Tuesday."We will be doing our distribution for Christmas baskets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.," James said. "That's by appointment and so we encourage individuals to follow those appointments. This morning we had cars wrapped around the block. Just for safety, we ask that people would follow those appointment times and have a little more grace during this season."The deadline to sign up for Christmas baskets was December 2.

Salvation Army: Bell ringing big on Saturday, please be patient with food baskets

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 Superintendent Dawn Johnson, Ed.D says they're coming down the stretch well toward Christmas break in the district.

"Everyone has been adjusting very well," Johnson said. "I think we're really going to do some push this week with high school students to be able to bring them in, in some small cohorts, to work on semester finals and get some one on one time with the teachers. They have been doing that most of the time in the afternoons, anyway, although the high school is remote in the morning, students are able to come in in the afternoons and work with teachers. I think we'll see a lot more of that going on this week as we head into the break."

Elementary students have also, for the most part, been able to remain in person, with the exception of a couple of weeks when South Hutchinson elementary was not able to find enough substitutes. Johnson's contract renewal is also on the agenda for tonight's USD 309 school board meeting.

"We'll see how things go," Johnson said. "Tonight might be a little bit more about power and politics than it is about me," Johnson said. "I was visited by a couple board members who are hoping that I could convince some other board members to swing votes their way, or they weren't going to vote for my contract. You never know how those things go. It remains to be seen."

The meeting of the USD 309 school board is Monday night at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585943325915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 Superintendent Dawn Johnson, Ed.D says they're coming down the stretch well toward Christmas break in the district."Everyone has been adjusting very well," Johnson said. "I think we're really going to do some push this week with high school students to be able to bring them in, in some small cohorts, to work on semester finals and get some one on one time with the teachers. They have been doing that most of the time in the afternoons, anyway, although the high school is remote in the morning, students are able to come in in the afternoons and work with teachers. I think we'll see a lot more of that going on this week as we head into the break."Elementary students have also, for the most part, been able to remain in person, with the exception of a couple of weeks when South Hutchinson elementary was not able to find enough substitutes. Johnson's contract renewal is also on the agenda for tonight's USD 309 school board meeting."We'll see how things go," Johnson said. "Tonight might be a little bit more about power and politics than it is about me," Johnson said. "I was visited by a couple board members who are hoping that I could convince some other board members to swing votes their way, or they weren't going to vote for my contract. You never know how those things go. It remains to be seen."The meeting of the USD 309 school board is Monday night at 7 p.m.

Johnson says her renewal 'remains to be seen', high school headed down final stretch

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department was privileged and honored recently to
provide a police escort to a war hero. 

Officers of
the HPD escorted Military Working Dog, Captain Mystic, to her last resting
place. Captain Mystic served four years in the United Army, trained in
helicopter operations, EOD, and bite training. Captain Mystic was deployed to
Iraq, where she received the Bronze Star for her heroic work. Captain Mystic
retired from the military after her handler was killed.

Captain
Mystic retired to Hutchinson where she adopted a family and worked as a service
dog for Eric Casey. Mystic took on a new name of Corporal Casey, as she could
not out rank her partner in life, Eric. Corporal Casey worked with Eric for
over ten years and due to declined health had to be put to rest. 

Corporal
Casey has been posthumously promoted to the rank of Major by the United States
Army.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607961378280.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department was privileged and honored recently to
provide a police escort to a war hero. Officers of
the HPD escorted Military Working Dog, Captain Mystic, to her last resting
place. Captain Mystic served four years in the United Army, trained in
helicopter operations, EOD, and bite training. Captain Mystic was deployed to
Iraq, where she received the Bronze Star for her heroic work. Captain Mystic
retired from the military after her handler was killed.Captain
Mystic retired to Hutchinson where she adopted a family and worked as a service
dog for Eric Casey. Mystic took on a new name of Corporal Casey, as she could
not out rank her partner in life, Eric. Corporal Casey worked with Eric for
over ten years and due to declined health had to be put to rest. Corporal
Casey has been posthumously promoted to the rank of Major by the United States
Army.

HPD pays honor to military working dog

HAVEN, Kan.
— The Haven USD 312 School Board will take action on some major capital improvements
during tonight’s regular meeting.

The district
has been trying to make improvements to the high school auditorium for more
than a year. Efforts to secure bids last year were unsuccessful. Tonight, they
hope to approve the work which will include major renovations to seats,
lighting, sound system and the interior walls. The renovation has an estimated
price tag of $300,000.

Bringing
back the wrestling program is back on the agenda again tonight, as well. A group of parents approached
the district several months back asking that wrestling be brought back into the
sports program. A update on where the teams could practice will be on the
agenda this evening. 

Also
tonight, the Board will go over some purchases of new Chromebooks and also
discuss winter sports spectator expectations after the KSHSAA lifted the total ban
on fans last week.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan.
— The Haven USD 312 School Board will take action on some major capital improvements
during tonight’s regular meeting.The district
has been trying to make improvements to the high school auditorium for more
than a year. Efforts to secure bids last year were unsuccessful. Tonight, they
hope to approve the work which will include major renovations to seats,
lighting, sound system and the interior walls. The renovation has an estimated
price tag of $300,000.Bringing
back the wrestling program is back on the agenda again tonight, as well. A group of parents approached
the district several months back asking that wrestling be brought back into the
sports program. A update on where the teams could practice will be on the
agenda this evening. Also
tonight, the Board will go over some purchases of new Chromebooks and also
discuss winter sports spectator expectations after the KSHSAA lifted the total ban
on fans last week.Tonight’s meeting
begins at 6 p.m. at the Haven High School library.

Haven School Board to take action on auditorium bids

NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will
try to fill two vacant seats during tonight’s agenda session. The Board has
been short two seats for several months. Several candidates filed for the
positions but failed to gain approval from the board.

Mikeal Starns, R.J. Wenzel and Larry Meadows in the South
Hutchinson district had applied for those positions at that time. All three are
on the list again to go before the board this evening. 

Mike Sullivan was on the list to represent Reno Valley at
that time and was also voted down. He too is back before the board again this
evening.

&nbsp;If the board votes
against the four again the only other possible option would be to wait until
the next school board election in 2021 to fill the spots.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Reno Valley
Middle School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="USD 309 Sign" />
 <figcaption>USD 309 Sign</figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will
try to fill two vacant seats during tonight’s agenda session. The Board has
been short two seats for several months. Several candidates filed for the
positions but failed to gain approval from the board.Mikeal Starns, R.J. Wenzel and Larry Meadows in the South
Hutchinson district had applied for those positions at that time. All three are
on the list again to go before the board this evening. Mike Sullivan was on the list to represent Reno Valley at
that time and was also voted down. He too is back before the board again this
evening.&nbsp;If the board votes
against the four again the only other possible option would be to wait until
the next school board election in 2021 to fill the spots.Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Reno Valley
Middle School.

309 Board to try again to fill vacant positions 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use US 50 will have to deal
with a major road project next year. 

APAC Shears of Hutchinson will be doing a complete mill and
overlay of US-50 from the Harvey and Reno County line west to the highway divide near
Yoder Road. &nbsp;The nine-mile stretch will
be down to one lane during construction with traffic delays expected.

The total cost of the project is nearly $2.3 million. The
project was announced by KDOT during their monthly contract announcements last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592505431902.png" alt="road construction" />
 <figcaption>road construction</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use US 50 will have to deal
with a major road project next year. APAC Shears of Hutchinson will be doing a complete mill and
overlay of US-50 from the Harvey and Reno County line west to the highway divide near
Yoder Road. &nbsp;The nine-mile stretch will
be down to one lane during construction with traffic delays expected.The total cost of the project is nearly $2.3 million. The
project was announced by KDOT during their monthly contract announcements last week.

US-50 in Reno County to get major facelift this summer

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 747 as of Sunday afternoon, down sharply from Saturday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 76. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. 

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 85 active cases. Twenty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,895 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 719 cases in the community at large. 5,072 people have recovered thus far.

Thirty-seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-nine total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.20%. 30.06% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 747 as of Sunday afternoon, down sharply from Saturday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 76. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. 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 85 active cases. Twenty-eight people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,895 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 719 cases in the community at large. 5,072 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-nine total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.20%. 30.06% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County 747, with 719 in community as of Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Pre-K and elementary school students throughout Kansas should remain in school even with a large amount of community disease spread, according to guidance approved last week by the Kansas State Board of Education, given to the board by Kansas medical experts.

"Young children do not catch the virus as often as older children and adults," said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson. "They don't get as ill as older children and adults and they do not transmit that virus as readily and easily to other people."

Precautions to limit spread still need to be taken.

"The schools need to have a mask, every student," Watson said. "Adults should be masked up. Kids should be kept apart for the majority of the day. They need to sanitize per the guidelines in Navigating Change. They need to have a proper ventilation system operating."

That means either sanitizing or washing hands at least every hour. 

"This decision making was all based upon the spread of the virus," Watson said. "The medical advisors said because the risk is so low, again, with catching the virus, spreading the virus and getting severely ill, that the negative parts of not being in school with early learners, early reading, early mathematics, being in school far outweighs the risk of not being in school with the younger kids."

The new guidance was approved 10-0 by the board last Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607943056819.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —Pre-K and elementary school students throughout Kansas should remain in school even with a large amount of community disease spread, according to guidance approved last week by the Kansas State Board of Education, given to the board by Kansas medical experts."Young children do not catch the virus as often as older children and adults," said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson. "They don't get as ill as older children and adults and they do not transmit that virus as readily and easily to other people."Precautions to limit spread still need to be taken."The schools need to have a mask, every student," Watson said. "Adults should be masked up. Kids should be kept apart for the majority of the day. They need to sanitize per the guidelines in Navigating Change. They need to have a proper ventilation system operating."That means either sanitizing or washing hands at least every hour. "This decision making was all based upon the spread of the virus," Watson said. "The medical advisors said because the risk is so low, again, with catching the virus, spreading the virus and getting severely ill, that the negative parts of not being in school with early learners, early reading, early mathematics, being in school far outweighs the risk of not being in school with the younger kids."The new guidance was approved 10-0 by the board last Tuesday.

Watson: State Board says young kids should be in school, on advice of doctors

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to keep a Sunday night fire down to a single room.

According to a release from the department, crews were called at 9:30 p.m. Sunday to 218 East Avenue B in Hutchinson for a fire located at the back of a small, single story home near the rear exit. 

The fire was limited to one small utility room. No one was home at the time of the fire. Light smoke damage was present throughout the home. The initial investigation appears to show that the fire is electrical in nature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607940001085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to keep a Sunday night fire down to a single room.According to a release from the department, crews were called at 9:30 p.m. Sunday to 218 East Avenue B in Hutchinson for a fire located at the back of a small, single story home near the rear exit. The fire was limited to one small utility room. No one was home at the time of the fire. Light smoke damage was present throughout the home. The initial investigation appears to show that the fire is electrical in nature.

No one hurt in Sunday night Hutchinson fire

Release from Jason Levy,&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Twenty-nine new law enforcement officers, including three from Hutchinson, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on December 11th at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. 

Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.

Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award. 

Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”. Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powell was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Area graduates whose names were released include:

• Blane Janssen - McPherson Police Department

• Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department

• Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department

• Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602690467753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Jason Levy,&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training CenterTwenty-nine new law enforcement officers, including three from Hutchinson, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on December 11th at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award. Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”. Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powell was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Area graduates whose names were released include:McPherson• Blane Janssen - McPherson Police DepartmentPratt• Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; TourismReno• Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department• Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department• Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police Department

Latest KLETC class includes three Hutchinson officers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 968 as of Saturday afternoon, just about steady from a week ago. The death count among Reno County residents is at 75. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. Seventeen have been listed since this time last week.

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 90 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,847 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 942 cases in the community at large. 4,804 people have recovered thus far.

Thirty-five Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.06%. 29.95% 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 968 as of Saturday afternoon, just about steady from a week ago. The death count among Reno County residents is at 75. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. Seventeen have been listed since this time last week.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 90 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,847 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 942 cases in the community at large. 4,804 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-five Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.06%. 29.95% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County 968,  with 942 in community as of Saturday afternoon


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County
Commissioners will be back to work on Tuesday after canceling last
week's meeting due to a lack of a quorum.

The
Board will go over several transfer of funds to various departments
and pay the bills as part of the consent agenda. The Board will also
go over a rezoning request to make 14 acres of land north of the city
to agriculture. The land would then tie into a parcel of land already
zoned.

There
will also be discussion regarding a financial analysis for several
building and public works projects and the Board will get an update
from Ken Johnson of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Emergency
Management Director Adam Weishaar and Health Department Officer Karen
Hammersmith Regarding the pandemic. 


Tuesdays
meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245605566.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County
Commissioners will be back to work on Tuesday after canceling last
week's meeting due to a lack of a quorum.The
Board will go over several transfer of funds to various departments
and pay the bills as part of the consent agenda. The Board will also
go over a rezoning request to make 14 acres of land north of the city
to agriculture. The land would then tie into a parcel of land already
zoned.There
will also be discussion regarding a financial analysis for several
building and public works projects and the Board will get an update
from Ken Johnson of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Emergency
Management Director Adam Weishaar and Health Department Officer Karen
Hammersmith Regarding the pandemic. 
Tuesdays
meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

Co. Comm. back to work Tuesday after one week break


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson
USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to conduct an
overall assessment of the district during Monday’s agenda session.



The
assessment would be done by RSP at a cost of $64,000. According to
district Spokesperson Ray Hemman, the study will cover enrollment
trends, finances, and how the district can best utilize thier facilities. 


Hemman
said the results of the study will be shared with the community and will
take on patrons input on the study’s findings. 


Such
studies have been conducted in the past. One lead to an $85-million
bond issue that made major improvements to the districts facilities.
Another more recent one lead to an overhaul of the districts
elementary school boundaries.

Mondays
meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson
USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to conduct an
overall assessment of the district during Monday’s agenda session.

The
assessment would be done by RSP at a cost of $64,000. According to
district Spokesperson Ray Hemman, the study will cover enrollment
trends, finances, and how the district can best utilize thier facilities. 
Hemman
said the results of the study will be shared with the community and will
take on patrons input on the study’s findings. 
Such
studies have been conducted in the past. One lead to an $85-million
bond issue that made major improvements to the districts facilities.
Another more recent one lead to an overhaul of the districts
elementary school boundaries.Mondays
meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA.

USD 308 Board to go over master plan study

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – At the December meeting, the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees wrapped up its calendar year with a brief meeting.

Board chair Bob Snyder recognized the faculty, staff and students for their work in maintaining in-person classes for the duration of the fall semester.&nbsp;

For fiscal year 2020-2021 the Board approved the Master Agreement with the Hutchinson National Faculty Association which includes a 1.5% increase on base salary and $30 per month increase for Board Benefits. A salary increase for classified and administrative staff based on performance, market value and scope of responsibility, with the average increase not to exceed 1.5%, and a $30 per month increase in the Board Benefit was also approved for classified and administrative staff. In addition, the Board approved the president’s contract with the same base salary and Board Benefit adjustments as staff and administration.

The next meeting will be Thursday, January 14.&nbsp; The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577741375097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – At the December meeting, the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees wrapped up its calendar year with a brief meeting.Board chair Bob Snyder recognized the faculty, staff and students for their work in maintaining in-person classes for the duration of the fall semester.&nbsp;For fiscal year 2020-2021 the Board approved the Master Agreement with the Hutchinson National Faculty Association which includes a 1.5% increase on base salary and $30 per month increase for Board Benefits. A salary increase for classified and administrative staff based on performance, market value and scope of responsibility, with the average increase not to exceed 1.5%, and a $30 per month increase in the Board Benefit was also approved for classified and administrative staff. In addition, the Board approved the president’s contract with the same base salary and Board Benefit adjustments as staff and administration.The next meeting will be Thursday, January 14.&nbsp; The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

HutchCC BOT approves contracts

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The need for help this Christmas is greater than it has been before, according to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson.

"This year we're serving 780 families with food," James said. "This is up from last year. Really, there's a lot of larger families and first time request families that are coming to us this year. That also means we're serving 1098 children with toys. This is up from last year when we were serving just under 600 families."

The Salvation Army is running behind in its kettle drive, as well.

"Last year, we were about $30,000 ahead of where we are right now," James said. "It's a little nerve wracking. I think we can still make it."

Eagle Radio employees will be out in front of the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery ringing for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with members of the morning Kiwanis club out in front of the Toy Depot. You can go to either of those locations to donate, or donate in the Salvation Army virtual kettle <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdonate.salarmymokan.org%2Fcampaign%2Frescue-christmas-in-hutchinson%2Fc307596%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TDSk5FRxyxFaXltzL1S5ieMVWrgL75Ur1x1DCTK9Th-4Xr25XoeKtYBE&amp;h=AT1Yjd8SVPPrjrUhuylBehWxUAUmOrwqm6s-uMP5jKmEl8PxQlVOwzYiOiKooBZUmRsu4Wa1pdcJ7zGZio2Ci9d7-JkrdWY9SdQtvT4EnIF0qfNvqVWFAko0pmCTJl7ATQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XHsPl1GY2bKm9HSH3xb6_XmMKAl_o1x1iZNsAov3DPWreBMH-7gSQDBkNk-Y9GWQuOi5S_2Q0zdg_vEjV3VvlSDN5xOY-8pthoek89ICivlUQRWYucelyy9jOi9RkEouy78PJVqn07LQ2PekROTQP58OEvzlBlAYzrKVfYEcfCnwShZ_LJSA7wlhcLICu4riI3JhnGJg4QJw">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The need for help this Christmas is greater than it has been before, according to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson."This year we're serving 780 families with food," James said. "This is up from last year. Really, there's a lot of larger families and first time request families that are coming to us this year. That also means we're serving 1098 children with toys. This is up from last year when we were serving just under 600 families."The Salvation Army is running behind in its kettle drive, as well."Last year, we were about $30,000 ahead of where we are right now," James said. "It's a little nerve wracking. I think we can still make it."Eagle Radio employees will be out in front of the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery ringing for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with members of the morning Kiwanis club out in front of the Toy Depot. You can go to either of those locations to donate, or donate in the Salvation Army virtual kettle <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdonate.salarmymokan.org%2Fcampaign%2Frescue-christmas-in-hutchinson%2Fc307596%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TDSk5FRxyxFaXltzL1S5ieMVWrgL75Ur1x1DCTK9Th-4Xr25XoeKtYBE&amp;h=AT1Yjd8SVPPrjrUhuylBehWxUAUmOrwqm6s-uMP5jKmEl8PxQlVOwzYiOiKooBZUmRsu4Wa1pdcJ7zGZio2Ci9d7-JkrdWY9SdQtvT4EnIF0qfNvqVWFAko0pmCTJl7ATQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XHsPl1GY2bKm9HSH3xb6_XmMKAl_o1x1iZNsAov3DPWreBMH-7gSQDBkNk-Y9GWQuOi5S_2Q0zdg_vEjV3VvlSDN5xOY-8pthoek89ICivlUQRWYucelyy9jOi9RkEouy78PJVqn07LQ2PekROTQP58OEvzlBlAYzrKVfYEcfCnwShZ_LJSA7wlhcLICu4riI3JhnGJg4QJw">here</a>.

Salvation Army needs kettles filled to meet greater need; Eagle Radio employees to help

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The drive through event for Toys for Tots hosted by the Reno County District Attorney's office is today.

"Because of COVID and limited access to getting into buildings and such, we will have boxes set up," said Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton. "Our staff will be out in front of the courthouse on First Avenue, and as people come by, they can drop off a toy and we'll give them a little something to thank them for that."

The event is from 10 a.m. to noon today, or you can drop toys by the courthouse during regular business hours next week through the 18th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607768904216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The drive through event for Toys for Tots hosted by the Reno County District Attorney's office is today."Because of COVID and limited access to getting into buildings and such, we will have boxes set up," said Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton. "Our staff will be out in front of the courthouse on First Avenue, and as people come by, they can drop off a toy and we'll give them a little something to thank them for that."The event is from 10 a.m. to noon today, or you can drop toys by the courthouse during regular business hours next week through the 18th.

Saturday drive through event to help Toys for Tots at courthouse

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being shut down two weeks ago, Union Valley Elementary School will be back open again for full time, in-person learning on Monday.&nbsp;

The building was closed and students went to remote learning after six cases of COVID-19. The building has been closed since November 30.

Buhler USD 313 reports that all buildings are open with older students still learning in the hybrid mode and all elementary schools in full learning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being shut down two weeks ago, Union Valley Elementary School will be back open again for full time, in-person learning on Monday.&nbsp;The building was closed and students went to remote learning after six cases of COVID-19. The building has been closed since November 30.Buhler USD 313 reports that all buildings are open with older students still learning in the hybrid mode and all elementary schools in full learning.

Union Valley will reopen as planned on Monday


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another School in USD 308 has been approved for
the states redesign program.

After a lengthy
presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, the Magnet
School at Allen was given the go-ahead to implement the program. The
approval comes after a year of planning, which included
working with students, parents and the community to design the
program.

Hutchinson Magnet
School at Allen began as a traditional magnet school in what was
formally the old Roosevelt Elementary School. It became a STEM magnet
school in 2012. 


The school joins Wiley as the first two schools in the district to get final approval
for the Apollo Redesign program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607723338975.jpeg" alt="Allen staff.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Allen staff.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another School in USD 308 has been approved for
the states redesign program.After a lengthy
presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, the Magnet
School at Allen was given the go-ahead to implement the program. The
approval comes after a year of planning, which included
working with students, parents and the community to design the
program.Hutchinson Magnet
School at Allen began as a traditional magnet school in what was
formally the old Roosevelt Elementary School. It became a STEM magnet
school in 2012. 
The school joins Wiley as the first two schools in the district to get final approval
for the Apollo Redesign program.

Magnet School at Allen approved for Apollo Program

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Mennonite Friendship Communities Board of Directors announced Friday that Dawn Veh has been named the new Executive Director&nbsp; at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She will join MFC in January.&nbsp;

Veh comes to MFC after serving as CEO at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro since June&nbsp; 2018. She was the Interim Director of Sunporch of Smith Center from 2017 to 2018, Executive&nbsp; Director of Wichita Presbyterian Manor from 2014 to 2017, and was the Vice President for&nbsp; Health Services at Wesley Towers from 1991 to 2014.&nbsp;

A native of Phillips County, near the small town of Agra, Kan., Veh has her Bachelors of&nbsp; Science in Administration, with an emphasis in Gerontology, from Kansas State University. She&nbsp; also received her MBA from Wichita State University in 2001.&nbsp;

Dawn has been married to Darron, a physical therapist, for almost 33 years. They have two&nbsp; children: Dr. Taylor Johnson of St. Louis and Gannon Veh, Greenville, SC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lowell J. Peachey has graciously agreed to emerge from his recent retirement to fill the role of Interim Executive Director from Dec. 16, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607723410687.jpeg" alt="Dawn-Veh.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Dawn-Veh.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Mennonite Friendship Communities Board of Directors announced Friday that Dawn Veh has been named the new Executive Director&nbsp; at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She will join MFC in January.&nbsp;Veh comes to MFC after serving as CEO at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro since June&nbsp; 2018. She was the Interim Director of Sunporch of Smith Center from 2017 to 2018, Executive&nbsp; Director of Wichita Presbyterian Manor from 2014 to 2017, and was the Vice President for&nbsp; Health Services at Wesley Towers from 1991 to 2014.&nbsp;A native of Phillips County, near the small town of Agra, Kan., Veh has her Bachelors of&nbsp; Science in Administration, with an emphasis in Gerontology, from Kansas State University. She&nbsp; also received her MBA from Wichita State University in 2001.&nbsp;Dawn has been married to Darron, a physical therapist, for almost 33 years. They have two&nbsp; children: Dr. Taylor Johnson of St. Louis and Gannon Veh, Greenville, SC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lowell J. Peachey has graciously agreed to emerge from his recent retirement to fill the role of Interim Executive Director from Dec. 16, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021.&nbsp;

Veh named to lead Mennonite Friendship Communities

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;If you think you may have COVID-19, you need to get tested. There will be some opportunities for free testing next week.

"Tuesday, we have a date," said Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "We also have WellHealth coming to town and we'll have more information coming out as soon as they are here. I believe, right now, its preliminary set up that they'll be here the 17th, but we will get advertisement out about that and then people can get tested, you know, more of an 8 to 5 schedule."

The Tuesday date at the fairgrounds is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, if you are sick, Hammersmith suggests you call your healthcare provider to be checked out. It isn't taking as long to get tests back as it was at times during the pandemic.

"Community testing has been doing a really good job about getting testing back," Hammersmith said. "I would say that if we took the test on Tuesday, we're usually seeing them Thursday evening into Friday coming back. The clinic has been a little slower, as well as Prairie Star. It depends on what reference lab they are using for the PCRs that are send outs."

It's important to note that you should isolate while you are awaiting a test, so as not to infect others, if you believe you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604716965620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;If you think you may have COVID-19, you need to get tested. There will be some opportunities for free testing next week."Tuesday, we have a date," said Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "We also have WellHealth coming to town and we'll have more information coming out as soon as they are here. I believe, right now, its preliminary set up that they'll be here the 17th, but we will get advertisement out about that and then people can get tested, you know, more of an 8 to 5 schedule."The Tuesday date at the fairgrounds is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, if you are sick, Hammersmith suggests you call your healthcare provider to be checked out. It isn't taking as long to get tests back as it was at times during the pandemic."Community testing has been doing a really good job about getting testing back," Hammersmith said. "I would say that if we took the test on Tuesday, we're usually seeing them Thursday evening into Friday coming back. The clinic has been a little slower, as well as Prairie Star. It depends on what reference lab they are using for the PCRs that are send outs."It's important to note that you should isolate while you are awaiting a test, so as not to infect others, if you believe you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive.

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