SOUTH HUTCHINSON Kan.— The Reno County Extension Service has its new agent.

The position is being filled by Lewis Crow. Crow, who goes by Lewi, is from Arkansas and is currently finishing up his after graduate degree at the University of Wyoming. He replaces Darren Busick who resigned in February.&nbsp;

Not long after Busick left, Kansas State University announced that they were implementing a hiring freeze until June of 2021. Since then, the agency has also lost its Family and Consumer Sciences Director and its 4-H director. Neither of those positions will be replaced before the June 2021 date. But the University did allow the agency to hire a new agent.

Crow will start his new duties January 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587396580203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON Kan.— The Reno County Extension Service has its new agent.The position is being filled by Lewis Crow. Crow, who goes by Lewi, is from Arkansas and is currently finishing up his after graduate degree at the University of Wyoming. He replaces Darren Busick who resigned in February.&nbsp;Not long after Busick left, Kansas State University announced that they were implementing a hiring freeze until June of 2021. Since then, the agency has also lost its Family and Consumer Sciences Director and its 4-H director. Neither of those positions will be replaced before the June 2021 date. But the University did allow the agency to hire a new agent.Crow will start his new duties January 10.

Crow named new Reno County Extension Agent

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. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation
was selected recently as one of 57 organizations from across the state to
continue with a third year of funding as a partner of the Kansas Leadership
Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant.&nbsp;

In all, the foundation has sent 53 people to KLC
training, representing 31 Reno County nonprofit organizations and businesses.

The leadership team for the community foundation’s grant
includes Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson
Community Foundation; Lance Patterson, director of operations at Boys &amp;
Girls Clubs of Hutchinson; Denice Gilliland-Burbank, community impact
coordinator at United Way of Reno County; Donna Davis, executive director at
BrightHouse; and Laurie Carr, health education and promotion supervisor at the
Reno County Health Department.&nbsp;

The grants, valued at up to $150,000 each, are divided
among the education, nonprofit, faith, government and business sectors. Twenty
new organizations in Kansas were also chosen for the 2021 cycle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583769773124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation
was selected recently as one of 57 organizations from across the state to
continue with a third year of funding as a partner of the Kansas Leadership
Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant.&nbsp;In all, the foundation has sent 53 people to KLC
training, representing 31 Reno County nonprofit organizations and businesses.The leadership team for the community foundation’s grant
includes Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson
Community Foundation; Lance Patterson, director of operations at Boys &amp;
Girls Clubs of Hutchinson; Denice Gilliland-Burbank, community impact
coordinator at United Way of Reno County; Donna Davis, executive director at
BrightHouse; and Laurie Carr, health education and promotion supervisor at the
Reno County Health Department.&nbsp;The grants, valued at up to $150,000 each, are divided
among the education, nonprofit, faith, government and business sectors. Twenty
new organizations in Kansas were also chosen for the 2021 cycle.

HCF is a part of the Kansas Leadership Transformation Grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If needing emergency care for your pets, especially around the holidays, it is important to have a relationship with the veterinarian that you are asking for help. Jon Austin, DVM, talked about a recent conversation he had with his colleague, Randy Smith, DVM here in Hutchinson.

"We've both experienced, through the Thanksgiving holiday, telephone calls, frantic calls, from people who had animals who were injured or sick, who were not clients of ours," Austin said Thursday. "They go to some other place. They drive to another town or they use a box store or something and yet, when the chips are down, they're calling frantically wanting help. They get unhappy with us when they find out we provide emergency service and after hours care and things for our patients."

It's important to note that there is not an emergency veterinary practice in Hutchinson in the way there is in some larger cities.

"Having that local relationship with your veterinarian, being established as a client, having your pet established as a patient gets you some extra benefit and privileges if you will, in terms of being able to utilize your veterinarian for emergency care and for help when the chips are down at night or on a weekend or on a holiday. It isn't like the human world, where even if you don't have a regular physician, you can run to the emergency room. There isn't any kind of facility like that. You have to go to Wichita for a facility like that."

It's also important because the veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to determine if it is truly an emergency or not.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606938110934.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If needing emergency care for your pets, especially around the holidays, it is important to have a relationship with the veterinarian that you are asking for help. Jon Austin, DVM, talked about a recent conversation he had with his colleague, Randy Smith, DVM here in Hutchinson."We've both experienced, through the Thanksgiving holiday, telephone calls, frantic calls, from people who had animals who were injured or sick, who were not clients of ours," Austin said Thursday. "They go to some other place. They drive to another town or they use a box store or something and yet, when the chips are down, they're calling frantically wanting help. They get unhappy with us when they find out we provide emergency service and after hours care and things for our patients."It's important to note that there is not an emergency veterinary practice in Hutchinson in the way there is in some larger cities."Having that local relationship with your veterinarian, being established as a client, having your pet established as a patient gets you some extra benefit and privileges if you will, in terms of being able to utilize your veterinarian for emergency care and for help when the chips are down at night or on a weekend or on a holiday. It isn't like the human world, where even if you don't have a regular physician, you can run to the emergency room. There isn't any kind of facility like that. You have to go to Wichita for a facility like that."It's also important because the veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to determine if it is truly an emergency or not.

Veterinarians: Local relationship needed if you want emergency care for pets

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Treasurer's Office
wanted to remind motorists that the grace period for renewing or receiving new
tags for your vehicles has expired.

All previous extensions granted by the governor except
for purchases in May have now expired.&nbsp; Purchases in May will expire in
December.&nbsp; 

What this means is that everyone with an&nbsp;expired&nbsp;temporary ”Paper” tag must
come in this month. If you just purchased a car in November, the paper tag will
not expire for 60 days, meaning it will not expire until January.

The annex is closed so any title work must be done by
appointment and any payments that need to be made can be dropped off in the secured
ballot box located outside of the annex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584465785322.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Treasurer's Office
wanted to remind motorists that the grace period for renewing or receiving new
tags for your vehicles has expired.All previous extensions granted by the governor except
for purchases in May have now expired.&nbsp; Purchases in May will expire in
December.&nbsp; What this means is that everyone with an&nbsp;expired&nbsp;temporary ”Paper” tag must
come in this month. If you just purchased a car in November, the paper tag will
not expire for 60 days, meaning it will not expire until January.The annex is closed so any title work must be done by
appointment and any payments that need to be made can be dropped off in the secured
ballot box located outside of the annex.

Grace period for vehicle tags has expired

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Even though the fundamentals look like gas prices should be going down, they're actually going up slightly.

"We saw a decrease in demand following the Thanksgiving holiday," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We actually saw crude oil prices hit their highest price point in nine months, going up to $46 a barrel in the past week."

This has to do with decisions made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

"OPEC and their allies agreed to increase crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day to a total of 7.2 million a day beginning in January," Steward said. "That's a move that just happened."

In light of that, gas prices are still relatively low in Kansas and in Reno County.

"Kansas right now is at $1.94 a gallon," Steward said. "One year ago, we were at $2.29. We're 35 cents cheaper than we were a year ago. Hutchinson and Reno County are at $1.95, just about the state average."

Steward is still watching how COVID-19 impacts Christmas travel numbers to see if gas will go up more between now and the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577112566279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Even though the fundamentals look like gas prices should be going down, they're actually going up slightly."We saw a decrease in demand following the Thanksgiving holiday," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We actually saw crude oil prices hit their highest price point in nine months, going up to $46 a barrel in the past week."This has to do with decisions made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries."OPEC and their allies agreed to increase crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day to a total of 7.2 million a day beginning in January," Steward said. "That's a move that just happened."In light of that, gas prices are still relatively low in Kansas and in Reno County."Kansas right now is at $1.94 a gallon," Steward said. "One year ago, we were at $2.29. We're 35 cents cheaper than we were a year ago. Hutchinson and Reno County are at $1.95, just about the state average."Steward is still watching how COVID-19 impacts Christmas travel numbers to see if gas will go up more between now and the end of the year.

Gas prices still below $2 a gallon in Kansas on average

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 837 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 65. Forty-one people have died in the last 30 days.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 37 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 91 active cases. Twenty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,595 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 816 cases in the community at large. 4,693 people have recovered thus far.

Thirty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-six total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three 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 30.57%. 29.12% 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 837 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 65. Forty-one people have died in the last 30 days.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 37 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 91 active cases. Twenty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,595 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 816 cases in the community at large. 4,693 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-six total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three 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 30.57%. 29.12% 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 837,  with 816 in community as of Wednesday

&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office released the statistical information for its participation in a DUI enforcement patrol over the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday.

Deputies were looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers.  During this enforcement, deputies made 63 traffic stops. Six drivers were tested for possible impairment with two drivers being arrested for DUI.

The thanksgiving additional enforcement was supported with a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office released the statistical information for its participation in a DUI enforcement patrol over the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday.Deputies were looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers. During this enforcement, deputies made 63 traffic stops. Six drivers were tested for possible impairment with two drivers being arrested for DUI.The thanksgiving additional enforcement was supported with a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Reno County Sheriff's Office releases Thanksgiving DUI enforcement numbers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In order to protect employees and community members from continued COVID-19 cases in the county, the Reno County Annex, 125 W. 1st&nbsp;Ave., will be closing to the public at 5 p.m. today, December 9th, and will remain closed until further notice.

No tag renewals will be made in person. Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ikan.ks.gov/" target="_blank">http://ikan.ks.gov</a>, by mail to 125 W. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501, or by dropping the renewal documents into the secure ballot box in front of the Annex. The box will be checked frequently.

Current real estate and personal property tax payments may also be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/propertytax" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov/propertytax</a>, mailed to the Annex, or dropped off in the ballot box.&nbsp;

A contact number will be needed on any mailed in or dropped off payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602175085989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In order to protect employees and community members from continued COVID-19 cases in the county, the Reno County Annex, 125 W. 1st&nbsp;Ave., will be closing to the public at 5 p.m. today, December 9th, and will remain closed until further notice.No tag renewals will be made in person. Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ikan.ks.gov/" target="_blank">http://ikan.ks.gov</a>, by mail to 125 W. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501, or by dropping the renewal documents into the secure ballot box in front of the Annex. The box will be checked frequently.Current real estate and personal property tax payments may also be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/propertytax" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov/propertytax</a>, mailed to the Annex, or dropped off in the ballot box.&nbsp;A contact number will be needed on any mailed in or dropped off payments.

Reno County annex closing to the public

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in federal court on Wednesday with sexually exploiting a 15-year-old victim, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;

Sixty-eight-year-old Loren Olson of Marquette is charged with one count of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor.

A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Wichita alleges Olson came to the attention of law enforcement after Facebook made a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Facebook captured content in which Olson communicated with a 15-year-old victim. Olson made reference to having had sex with the victim, taking pictures during their sexual acts and paying the victim after sex.

&nbsp;If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on the production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607547648538.png" alt="Olson photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Olson photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in federal court on Wednesday with sexually exploiting a 15-year-old victim, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Sixty-eight-year-old Loren Olson of Marquette is charged with one count of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor.A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Wichita alleges Olson came to the attention of law enforcement after Facebook made a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Facebook captured content in which Olson communicated with a 15-year-old victim. Olson made reference to having had sex with the victim, taking pictures during their sexual acts and paying the victim after sex.&nbsp;If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on the production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

Facebook tip leads to Marquette man's child sex crime arrest

BONUS PODCAST: BrightHouse Stuff the Bus in person event successful in 2020

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Traffic is moving along Main Street at the intersection with 5th Avenue once again.&nbsp;

The center two lanes of Main St at the 5th Ave intersection opened for northbound and southbound traffic on Tuesday although the intersection with 5th Avenue remains closed.&nbsp;

According to Hutchinson Public Works, crews will continue construction on the intersection with plans to complete and open the east side of the intersection by December 18 and the west side by the 24th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607546319158.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Traffic is moving along Main Street at the intersection with 5th Avenue once again.&nbsp;The center two lanes of Main St at the 5th Ave intersection opened for northbound and southbound traffic on Tuesday although the intersection with 5th Avenue remains closed.&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Public Works, crews will continue construction on the intersection with plans to complete and open the east side of the intersection by December 18 and the west side by the 24th.

Portions of 5th and Main open again

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Wednesday that starting Thursday, December
10, all traffic signals will be disabled at East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
&amp; North Severance Street.&nbsp; The intersection will be a four way stop while
repairs are being made.&nbsp; 

East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
will be narrowed to two lanes for the duration of the repairs.&nbsp; Work
should be completed by December 16, 2020 if no issues arise and weather does
not become a factor.

&nbsp;If you
have any questions about this project or any other city street project you can
call public works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568124441665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Wednesday that starting Thursday, December
10, all traffic signals will be disabled at East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
&amp; North Severance Street.&nbsp; The intersection will be a four way stop while
repairs are being made.&nbsp; East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
will be narrowed to two lanes for the duration of the repairs.&nbsp; Work
should be completed by December 16, 2020 if no issues arise and weather does
not become a factor.&nbsp;If you
have any questions about this project or any other city street project you can
call public works at 620-694-1900.

Traffic signals at 3rd Avenue and Severance to be disabled Thursday  

BUHLER, Kan. – More than $9,000 in competitive grants were awarded in 2020 from Buhler Community Foundation.

Grants ranging from $210 to $2,000 went to nine nonprofit organizations issued from the Fund for Buhler, an unrestricted grantmaking fund that allows the foundation to address the ever-changing needs of the community, and from the Buhler Public Health Endowment Fund.

The foundation also awarded $16,800 in strategic grants to four agencies this year, with some of those dollars supporting immediate needs in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The following nonprofits received competitive grants:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County, ­$800:&nbsp;Funds to continue the work of matching youth with adult mentors.

Buhler Chamber of Commerce, $1,350:&nbsp;Pay for installation of benches downtown in front of multiple businesses.

Buhler Grade School, $347:&nbsp;Purchase of books that broaden the representation of children of all races, which will promote the inclusion of all readers.

Buhler Grade PTO, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with teachers’ classroom supplies and school spirit shirts.

Buhler Public Library, $210:&nbsp;Funds to purchase filament spools for use with the 3D printer.

Buhler Senior Center, $750:&nbsp;Funds to help finish all areas needing to be painted.

Buhler Omega Project, $1,500:&nbsp;Pay for the cost of facility/home improvements, such as exterior paint, tree removal and landscape work.

Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding Inc., $1,236:&nbsp;Purchase of health and safety supplies to continue therapeutic riding program during COVID.

Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, $2,000:&nbsp;Funding for costs of parking lot resurfacing project to ensure safe entry to the facility.

The following strategic grants were awarded:

City of Buhler, $5,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19.

City of Buhler, $800:&nbsp;Funding to restock fishpond.

City of Buhler, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to assist with pool-admission costs for residents.

Pastors in Partnership, $10,000:&nbsp;Funding to help meet the unmet needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

Established in 2009, Buhler Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration, and innovative leadership to strengthen the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575567759989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. – More than $9,000 in competitive grants were awarded in 2020 from Buhler Community Foundation.Grants ranging from $210 to $2,000 went to nine nonprofit organizations issued from the Fund for Buhler, an unrestricted grantmaking fund that allows the foundation to address the ever-changing needs of the community, and from the Buhler Public Health Endowment Fund.The foundation also awarded $16,800 in strategic grants to four agencies this year, with some of those dollars supporting immediate needs in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;The following nonprofits received competitive grants:Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County, ­$800:&nbsp;Funds to continue the work of matching youth with adult mentors.Buhler Chamber of Commerce, $1,350:&nbsp;Pay for installation of benches downtown in front of multiple businesses.Buhler Grade School, $347:&nbsp;Purchase of books that broaden the representation of children of all races, which will promote the inclusion of all readers.Buhler Grade PTO, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with teachers’ classroom supplies and school spirit shirts.Buhler Public Library, $210:&nbsp;Funds to purchase filament spools for use with the 3D printer.Buhler Senior Center, $750:&nbsp;Funds to help finish all areas needing to be painted.Buhler Omega Project, $1,500:&nbsp;Pay for the cost of facility/home improvements, such as exterior paint, tree removal and landscape work.Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding Inc., $1,236:&nbsp;Purchase of health and safety supplies to continue therapeutic riding program during COVID.Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, $2,000:&nbsp;Funding for costs of parking lot resurfacing project to ensure safe entry to the facility.The following strategic grants were awarded:City of Buhler, $5,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19.City of Buhler, $800:&nbsp;Funding to restock fishpond.City of Buhler, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to assist with pool-admission costs for residents.Pastors in Partnership, $10,000:&nbsp;Funding to help meet the unmet needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19.Established in 2009, Buhler Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration, and innovative leadership to strengthen the community.

Buhler Community Foundation announces grant awards

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the great Christmas traditions in Hutchinson is still a go this
year, although it will look different due to the pandemic. Hutch Rec’s
annual Gingerbread House Decorating event will be held Saturday, December 19th
at 10 a.m.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The
public is invited to pick up a free Gingerbread House Decorating kit in a
drive-thru event in the back parking lot of Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st.
Participants will stay in their vehicles and start in the back parking lot,
proceed through the alleyway past the Chester I. Lewis Plaza, and will receive
their kits. Kits include the materials to make a gingerbread house, candy
decorations and frosting, as well as an apron, children’s book, and activity
book. Volunteers will hand out the 1,000 kits until supplies last or until 2
p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Each
year, Hutch Rec presents this free event as a gift to the Hutchinson community.
This year’s partners and sponsors include Rise Up Reno County, the United Way
of Reno County, Hutch Chamber, Peoples Bank &amp; Trust, and Walmart.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604680607031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the great Christmas traditions in Hutchinson is still a go this
year, although it will look different due to the pandemic. Hutch Rec’s
annual Gingerbread House Decorating event will be held Saturday, December 19th
at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The
public is invited to pick up a free Gingerbread House Decorating kit in a
drive-thru event in the back parking lot of Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st.
Participants will stay in their vehicles and start in the back parking lot,
proceed through the alleyway past the Chester I. Lewis Plaza, and will receive
their kits. Kits include the materials to make a gingerbread house, candy
decorations and frosting, as well as an apron, children’s book, and activity
book. Volunteers will hand out the 1,000 kits until supplies last or until 2
p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each
year, Hutch Rec presents this free event as a gift to the Hutchinson community.
This year’s partners and sponsors include Rise Up Reno County, the United Way
of Reno County, Hutch Chamber, Peoples Bank &amp; Trust, and Walmart.

Hutch Rec gingerbread house event still on for December 19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Formal charges have been filed against
a Hutchinson woman who was involved in a fatality accident on Saturday.

Thirty-one-year-old Viola Rhodes is charged with
involuntary manslaughter, seven counts of aggravated battery while under the influence,
DUI and illegal transportation of liquor. Her bond remains at $200,000.

Rhodes was driving in the 3400 Block of South Yoder Road
Saturday evening when she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it. Seven
others in the vehicle were injured. One later died at the hospital.

If convicted, Rhodes could face more than five years in
prison on the manslaughter charge due to a previous arrest for DUI that is
currently under diversion. A conviction would add that DUI to her criminal history.
Each count of aggravated battery carries a maximum of two years in prison.

Rhodes again asked for a reduction in her bond which was
denied by the courts. Her next appearance is set for January 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607530198056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Formal charges have been filed against
a Hutchinson woman who was involved in a fatality accident on Saturday.Thirty-one-year-old Viola Rhodes is charged with
involuntary manslaughter, seven counts of aggravated battery while under the influence,
DUI and illegal transportation of liquor. Her bond remains at $200,000.Rhodes was driving in the 3400 Block of South Yoder Road
Saturday evening when she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it. Seven
others in the vehicle were injured. One later died at the hospital.If convicted, Rhodes could face more than five years in
prison on the manslaughter charge due to a previous arrest for DUI that is
currently under diversion. A conviction would add that DUI to her criminal history.
Each count of aggravated battery carries a maximum of two years in prison.Rhodes again asked for a reduction in her bond which was
denied by the courts. Her next appearance is set for January 13.

Formal charges filed in fatality accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the House prepares to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government open in the short term, maybe as little as a week, Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall admits this isn't the way the process would ideally work.

"The challenge is, how much money are we willing to borrow from our grandchildren and maybe our great-grandchildren as well?" Marshall asked. "It is very frustrating. Basically, trying to figure out, what are the priorities? Where do we spend the money? When you can't figure something out long-term, people just throw their hands up finally and say, okay."

Marshall is pleased, though, that the vaccine progress he'd been hearing about in recent weeks is soon to come.

"I'm just upset it's not out yet, that they're not distributing it," Marshall said. "We've actually had two vaccines for about a month now. We're waiting for the FDA to approve those, expecting this week for the FDA to approve one of them and next week the FDA to approve the other."

Marshall said it's important to talk to your doctor about what they advise regarding vaccines now.

"The FDA has actually taken its time," Marshall said. "They've been looking very closely at this data for over a month now. I believe its a very safe vaccine and encourage those folks who are at high risk, people above the age of 50 to seriously consider taking it. Discuss it with your doctor now and I encourage folks to get it done."

Marshall believes that in the first quarter of the year they should be able to roll out enough vaccine between the two types to take care of the highest risk populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595001869381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the House prepares to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government open in the short term, maybe as little as a week, Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall admits this isn't the way the process would ideally work."The challenge is, how much money are we willing to borrow from our grandchildren and maybe our great-grandchildren as well?" Marshall asked. "It is very frustrating. Basically, trying to figure out, what are the priorities? Where do we spend the money? When you can't figure something out long-term, people just throw their hands up finally and say, okay."Marshall is pleased, though, that the vaccine progress he'd been hearing about in recent weeks is soon to come."I'm just upset it's not out yet, that they're not distributing it," Marshall said. "We've actually had two vaccines for about a month now. We're waiting for the FDA to approve those, expecting this week for the FDA to approve one of them and next week the FDA to approve the other."Marshall said it's important to talk to your doctor about what they advise regarding vaccines now."The FDA has actually taken its time," Marshall said. "They've been looking very closely at this data for over a month now. I believe its a very safe vaccine and encourage those folks who are at high risk, people above the age of 50 to seriously consider taking it. Discuss it with your doctor now and I encourage folks to get it done."Marshall believes that in the first quarter of the year they should be able to roll out enough vaccine between the two types to take care of the highest risk populations.

Marshall: Continuing Resolution isn't necessarily good news, but vaccines are

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 975 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 63. Forty-one 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 90 active cases. Twenty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,542 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 954 cases in the community at large. 4,504 people have recovered thus far.

Thirty-seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-four total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three 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 30.38%. 29.02% 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 975 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 63. Forty-one 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 90 active cases. Twenty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,542 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 954 cases in the community at large. 4,504 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-seven Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-four total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three 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 30.38%. 29.02% 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 975,  with 954 in community as of Tuesday evening

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Selected among three outstanding youth, Sadye Patterson has been named the 2021 Youth of the Year by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson according to a release from the agency.

As the local Youth of the Year, Patterson will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the local Club. She will receive a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Heartland Credit Union and will compete in the Kansas Youth of the Year competition next spring. Patterson is a junior at Hutchinson High School. 

She has been a Club member for 12 years and works as a Vision Leader at the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs. She is a Junior Rotarian and active in her church youth group and choir. At school she plays soccer, runs cross country, leads in student council, is a Briny Bird and an honor roll student. 

Bri Mora and Catelyn Washington were each named as runners up. Mattheu Richards, a sophomore at Hutchinson High School, was recognized as the Junior Youth of the Year. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607467690089.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Selected among three outstanding youth, Sadye Patterson has been named the 2021 Youth of the Year by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson according to a release from the agency.As the local Youth of the Year, Patterson will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the local Club. She will receive a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Heartland Credit Union and will compete in the Kansas Youth of the Year competition next spring. Patterson is a junior at Hutchinson High School. She has been a Club member for 12 years and works as a Vision Leader at the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs. She is a Junior Rotarian and active in her church youth group and choir. At school she plays soccer, runs cross country, leads in student council, is a Briny Bird and an honor roll student. Bri Mora and Catelyn Washington were each named as runners up. Mattheu Richards, a sophomore at Hutchinson High School, was recognized as the Junior Youth of the Year.

Patterson named Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department, it's not necessarily that things are appreciably better or worse right now than they have been in recent weeks, but the circumstances regarding COVID-19 remain difficult.

"We're just in the thick of it," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "We look at what's going on in the hospital every single day. They are really stretched thin. We have so many patients that are in the hospital. As of right now, we have 38 patients that are in the hospital. We have three patients on ventilators, two of them are confirmed COVID positive earlier today. It's just a huge problem that's going on. These patients are very sick. They stay in the hospital quite a while once they are admitted. If we didn't have the positive test rate that we had, we wouldn't have quite so many admits in the hospital."

"We have some family clusters," Hammersmith said. "They're being named in our area. That doesn't necessarily mean that's going to be published or anything, but if they had get togethers over Thanksgiving and they have six out of the ten people that were there test positive seven days out or more, then those are clusters."

Hammersmith doesn't expect any reduction between now and Christmas.

"We just have more in our community," Hammersmith said. "We have a lot of cases. They do keep coming in. When we're indoors, that just spreads more. That's how colds and flu season spread so much more, too. People go inside. Separate as much as you can. Staying at home when you're ill. That's the best thing. We hear a lot of people say, I really just have a runny nose or cough, so I don't think that's COVID. Generally, right now, that's what's circulating and so that runny nose is probably COVID, so please stay at home."

Community testing continues on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on Tuesdays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606243325401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department, it's not necessarily that things are appreciably better or worse right now than they have been in recent weeks, but the circumstances regarding COVID-19 remain difficult."We're just in the thick of it," Hammersmith said Tuesday. "We look at what's going on in the hospital every single day. They are really stretched thin. We have so many patients that are in the hospital. As of right now, we have 38 patients that are in the hospital. We have three patients on ventilators, two of them are confirmed COVID positive earlier today. It's just a huge problem that's going on. These patients are very sick. They stay in the hospital quite a while once they are admitted. If we didn't have the positive test rate that we had, we wouldn't have quite so many admits in the hospital."Holiday celebrations did not help."We have some family clusters," Hammersmith said. "They're being named in our area. That doesn't necessarily mean that's going to be published or anything, but if they had get togethers over Thanksgiving and they have six out of the ten people that were there test positive seven days out or more, then those are clusters."Hammersmith doesn't expect any reduction between now and Christmas."We just have more in our community," Hammersmith said. "We have a lot of cases. They do keep coming in. When we're indoors, that just spreads more. That's how colds and flu season spread so much more, too. People go inside. Separate as much as you can. Staying at home when you're ill. That's the best thing. We hear a lot of people say, I really just have a runny nose or cough, so I don't think that's COVID. Generally, right now, that's what's circulating and so that runny nose is probably COVID, so please stay at home."Community testing continues on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on Tuesdays.

Hammersmith: County 'in the thick of it' with COVID-19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is currently accepting applications for appointments to the Hutchinson/Reno County Arts &amp; Humanities Council (HRAH). The current appointment process is for three (3) City of Hutchinson positions who will serve a three-year term (2021-2023). Interested applicants for these positions must live within the Hutchinson city limits.

The HRAH Council application and additional information can be found on the Arts &amp; Culture page, under the About Council section at: <a href="http://hutchrec.com/arts-culture/">hutchrec.com/arts-culture/</a>. Applicants must complete and sign the application and return to the Hutch Rec Downtown Office: 17 E. 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501, Attn: HRAH Council.&nbsp;Deadline for applications is 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30.

The purpose of HRAH is to provide leadership that sustains arts and humanities organizations, artists and scholars, and inspires participation in our community’s rich cultural assets by building community, developing strategic partnerships including multiple generations, promoting public spaces and quality of life factors, celebrating and engaging cultural diversity, enhancing infrastructure, advocating lifelong learning and thoughtful dialogue about all facets of human life, promoting cultural tourism, and providing an ongoing vision for the future.

The Council includes seven members who have shown a significant commitment to the arts and humanities in the community. Five members residing within the city limits of Hutchinson are appointed by the Hutchinson City Council, while two members residing in other portions of Reno County are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607462661519.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is currently accepting applications for appointments to the Hutchinson/Reno County Arts &amp; Humanities Council (HRAH). The current appointment process is for three (3) City of Hutchinson positions who will serve a three-year term (2021-2023). Interested applicants for these positions must live within the Hutchinson city limits.The HRAH Council application and additional information can be found on the Arts &amp; Culture page, under the About Council section at: <a href="http://hutchrec.com/arts-culture/">hutchrec.com/arts-culture/</a>. Applicants must complete and sign the application and return to the Hutch Rec Downtown Office: 17 E. 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501, Attn: HRAH Council.&nbsp;Deadline for applications is 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30.The purpose of HRAH is to provide leadership that sustains arts and humanities organizations, artists and scholars, and inspires participation in our community’s rich cultural assets by building community, developing strategic partnerships including multiple generations, promoting public spaces and quality of life factors, celebrating and engaging cultural diversity, enhancing infrastructure, advocating lifelong learning and thoughtful dialogue about all facets of human life, promoting cultural tourism, and providing an ongoing vision for the future.The Council includes seven members who have shown a significant commitment to the arts and humanities in the community. Five members residing within the city limits of Hutchinson are appointed by the Hutchinson City Council, while two members residing in other portions of Reno County are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.&nbsp;

Hutch Rec taking applications for Arts and Humanities Council 

CHENEY, Kan. — If it seemed like Kansas lakes and parks were busy you’d be correct. It has been a record year for Kansas lakes as the pandemic drove people outdoors and onto the water to get in some summer activity.

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism more than 8.3 million people have visited Kansas lakes this summer. That breaks the old record of 7.9 million in 2002. That also comes with one month left on the calendar. With all of the flooding last year, most lakes were idle most of the year with only 5.6 million visitors.&nbsp;

At Cheney, it was very busy with most campsites filled up well in advance and a lot of boating and fishing on the lake. With December left, the park has taken on a record 744,842 visitors. The other two lakes in the area were also busy. Kanopolis has had 382,028 visitors this year and El Dorado more than 1.3 million.

It doesn’t look like things will slow down anytime soon. According to the National RV Association, things are expected to be busy again next year as people find the outdoors again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588189401552.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHENEY, Kan. — If it seemed like Kansas lakes and parks were busy you’d be correct. It has been a record year for Kansas lakes as the pandemic drove people outdoors and onto the water to get in some summer activity.According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism more than 8.3 million people have visited Kansas lakes this summer. That breaks the old record of 7.9 million in 2002. That also comes with one month left on the calendar. With all of the flooding last year, most lakes were idle most of the year with only 5.6 million visitors.&nbsp;At Cheney, it was very busy with most campsites filled up well in advance and a lot of boating and fishing on the lake. With December left, the park has taken on a record 744,842 visitors. The other two lakes in the area were also busy. Kanopolis has had 382,028 visitors this year and El Dorado more than 1.3 million.It doesn’t look like things will slow down anytime soon. According to the National RV Association, things are expected to be busy again next year as people find the outdoors again.

Kansas lakes were busy this year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar plans to have the Board of County Commissioners discuss extending the COVID-19 emergency declaration for the county soon. It's currently in effect until December 31.

"It opens up our state supply lines," Weishaar said. "Without that disaster declaration, I couldn't put in any sort of resource request or request assistance from the state. As it stands right now, I can get on what we call WebEOC and put in a resource request for what supplies we need and justify those and the state sends it."

Recently the state has sent everything from PPE to testing supplies to ventilators.

"The idea of putting it on the county commission meeting as a discussion item is to figure out what they are comfortable with," Weishaar said. "How long do they want to extend it? I wouldn't expect anything to have a signature on it until the meeting on December 29th."

With a new member in Daniel Friesen coming on to the commission after the first of the year, it could just be extended for a week until he gets on, or it could be longer. Weishaar said for the most part, they're doing okay for their PPE resources, as an example.

"I know gloves are still a challenge to get, but they are also a challenge for the state to get, as well," Weishaar said. "We've placed a large order of gloves with CARES money and we hope to see that by the end of December. Across the board, gloves are probably the hardest thing to get right now. Other than that, our three-ply masks, N95's, gowns, etc., the supply we have in the county right now should get us through for a while."

The Board of County Commissioners did not meet Tuesday the 8th because they did not have a quorum, but they plan to meet next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585131092050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar plans to have the Board of County Commissioners discuss extending the COVID-19 emergency declaration for the county soon. It's currently in effect until December 31."It opens up our state supply lines," Weishaar said. "Without that disaster declaration, I couldn't put in any sort of resource request or request assistance from the state. As it stands right now, I can get on what we call WebEOC and put in a resource request for what supplies we need and justify those and the state sends it."Recently the state has sent everything from PPE to testing supplies to ventilators."The idea of putting it on the county commission meeting as a discussion item is to figure out what they are comfortable with," Weishaar said. "How long do they want to extend it? I wouldn't expect anything to have a signature on it until the meeting on December 29th."With a new member in Daniel Friesen coming on to the commission after the first of the year, it could just be extended for a week until he gets on, or it could be longer. Weishaar said for the most part, they're doing okay for their PPE resources, as an example."I know gloves are still a challenge to get, but they are also a challenge for the state to get, as well," Weishaar said. "We've placed a large order of gloves with CARES money and we hope to see that by the end of December. Across the board, gloves are probably the hardest thing to get right now. Other than that, our three-ply masks, N95's, gowns, etc., the supply we have in the county right now should get us through for a while."The Board of County Commissioners did not meet Tuesday the 8th because they did not have a quorum, but they plan to meet next week.

Weishaar plans to bring up disaster declaration extension soon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and Circles of Hope of Reno County were the two major beneficiaries of the latest round of donations from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The two organizations were among nine total that were awarded funding for the year. The agency awarded $44,190 to six nonprofit organizations in November, concluding its 2020 Fund for Hutchinson grant cycle.

Three organizations also received a total of $21,834.50 in continued funding of previously awarded multi-year grants. The Boys and Girls Club received $20,000 as part of a two year grant towards the club's development project which includes a full time workforce readiness coordinator for the organization. Circles of hope received &nbsp;$13,994.50 for the second year of a three-year grant to support a part-time director for the organization who will provide needed focus, structure, and supervision of staff and volunteers to grow the impact of this initiative.

These latest awards bring the total amount of competitive grants issued in 2020 from the Fund for Hutchinson Endowment to $216,184. In all, 24 projects across 36 nonprofit agencies received funding this year.

Established in 1990, the Fund for Hutchinson serves as a permanent resource for the changing needs of Reno County. More than $3.7 million have been awarded to more than 170 area organizations and agencies from the fund.

Proposals for the grants are accepted year-round, with awards decided in March, May, July, September and November.

The following organizations received grants in November:

Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson Inc. – $20,000: First year of a two-year grant toward the club’s workforce development project, which includes hiring a full-time Workforce Readiness Coordinator to bring high-yield workforce exploration and education opportunities to USD 308 students through elementary classroom projects, middle school hands-on learning and tours, and maintained relationships with high-schoolers as they search for internship and first job experiences.

Buhler Public Library – $1,500: First year of a two-year grant that will cover the annual fee for Apollo Biblionix, a host platform that allows the library to be fully automated, increasing its capacity to serve patrons effectively and make their collection more easily available during the pandemic and beyond. This bridge funding will allow the library staff and board time to secure funding for future years.

Healthy Families-Reno County – $2,500: Funds go toward the purchase of an updated copier/printer/scanner, which will increase the program's efficiency and its capacity to serve Reno County families.

TECH Inc. – $9,690: Grant will be used to replace outdated and ineffective equipment in the client computer lab, which is accessed by clients for educational opportunities and development of life skills, research and communicating with family members.

Crime Stoppers of Reno County Inc. – $2,500: Funds will go toward advertising and operations associated with continued efforts to engage the community in providing helpful crime tips, resulting in a safer community.

New Beginnings Inc. – $8,000: Funding will help support a program providing a more comprehensive support system to low-income individuals and families residing in New Beginnings Inc.’s affordable housing, with the goal of providing more streamlined access to other resources within New Beginnings Inc. and throughout the community.

Resilience Reno County – $5,840: Second year of a three-year grant to support work aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping the community with resources on healing from adverse childhood experiences (ACE's). Funding helps cover the costs of an AmeriCorps VISTA for three years.

Circles of Hope Reno County – $13,994.50: Second year of a three-year grant to support a part-time director for the organization who will provide needed focus, structure, and supervision of staff and volunteers to grow the impact of this initiative.

Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas – $2,000: Final year of a three-year grant for the group’s Program Expansion Initiative that ensures girls who would not typically have access to quality youth programming can participate in Girls on the Run (third through fifth grade) or Heart &amp; Sole (sixth through eighth grade).

To learn more about other projects that received funding this year, visit hutchcf.org.

Hutchinson Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration and innovative leadership to strengthen Reno County communities. Since 1989, the foundation has made grants of more than $70 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583769773124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and Circles of Hope of Reno County were the two major beneficiaries of the latest round of donations from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The two organizations were among nine total that were awarded funding for the year. The agency awarded $44,190 to six nonprofit organizations in November, concluding its 2020 Fund for Hutchinson grant cycle.Three organizations also received a total of $21,834.50 in continued funding of previously awarded multi-year grants. The Boys and Girls Club received $20,000 as part of a two year grant towards the club's development project which includes a full time workforce readiness coordinator for the organization. Circles of hope received &nbsp;$13,994.50 for the second year of a three-year grant to support a part-time director for the organization who will provide needed focus, structure, and supervision of staff and volunteers to grow the impact of this initiative.These latest awards bring the total amount of competitive grants issued in 2020 from the Fund for Hutchinson Endowment to $216,184. In all, 24 projects across 36 nonprofit agencies received funding this year.Established in 1990, the Fund for Hutchinson serves as a permanent resource for the changing needs of Reno County. More than $3.7 million have been awarded to more than 170 area organizations and agencies from the fund.Proposals for the grants are accepted year-round, with awards decided in March, May, July, September and November.The following organizations received grants in November:Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson Inc. – $20,000: First year of a two-year grant toward the club’s workforce development project, which includes hiring a full-time Workforce Readiness Coordinator to bring high-yield workforce exploration and education opportunities to USD 308 students through elementary classroom projects, middle school hands-on learning and tours, and maintained relationships with high-schoolers as they search for internship and first job experiences.Buhler Public Library – $1,500: First year of a two-year grant that will cover the annual fee for Apollo Biblionix, a host platform that allows the library to be fully automated, increasing its capacity to serve patrons effectively and make their collection more easily available during the pandemic and beyond. This bridge funding will allow the library staff and board time to secure funding for future years.Healthy Families-Reno County – $2,500: Funds go toward the purchase of an updated copier/printer/scanner, which will increase the program's efficiency and its capacity to serve Reno County families.TECH Inc. – $9,690: Grant will be used to replace outdated and ineffective equipment in the client computer lab, which is accessed by clients for educational opportunities and development of life skills, research and communicating with family members.Crime Stoppers of Reno County Inc. – $2,500: Funds will go toward advertising and operations associated with continued efforts to engage the community in providing helpful crime tips, resulting in a safer community.New Beginnings Inc. – $8,000: Funding will help support a program providing a more comprehensive support system to low-income individuals and families residing in New Beginnings Inc.’s affordable housing, with the goal of providing more streamlined access to other resources within New Beginnings Inc. and throughout the community.Resilience Reno County – $5,840: Second year of a three-year grant to support work aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping the community with resources on healing from adverse childhood experiences (ACE's). Funding helps cover the costs of an AmeriCorps VISTA for three years.Circles of Hope Reno County – $13,994.50: Second year of a three-year grant to support a part-time director for the organization who will provide needed focus, structure, and supervision of staff and volunteers to grow the impact of this initiative.Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas – $2,000: Final year of a three-year grant for the group’s Program Expansion Initiative that ensures girls who would not typically have access to quality youth programming can participate in Girls on the Run (third through fifth grade) or Heart &amp; Sole (sixth through eighth grade).To learn more about other projects that received funding this year, visit hutchcf.org.Hutchinson Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration and innovative leadership to strengthen Reno County communities. Since 1989, the foundation has made grants of more than $70 million.