Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, the hustle and bustle of the season already has a different feel from holidays past. My family has decided that since our celebrations will be radically different — void of hustling across the Midwest and attending multiple family gatherings — we will slow our other traditional hustle and bustle as well.

For my family, who generally completes Christmas shopping in a mad dash just days before Christmas, we have already started squirreling away gifts for loved ones. Similar to that extra package of toilet paper I’ve routinely added to my grocery pick-up orders since last spring, we’ve actually done quite a bit of gift planning and early purchasing this year.

My husband and I have decided that all of our Christmas shopping will conclude by the end of this week. We’ve been quite intentional this year with gifting decisions. Supporting more local businesses, ordering items from stores offering curbside pick-up services and placing orders with Kansas producers who ship their products.

I have found myself utilizing Shop Kansas Farms on both Facebook and through their website at www.shopkansasfarms.com to see what kind of goodies I can find to share with loved ones this holiday season. 

The concept of Shop Kansas Farms is quite simple: providing a direct link between consumers and Kansas farm and ranch families who sell meat, dairy, veggies and other homegrown products. It’s been so fun to search through the interactive map of Kansas highlighting the people offering great products from their farms and ranches. 

The list is quite impressive and goes well beyond meat, milk and eggs. From pork rinds to popcorn, cheese curds to jams, beef, pork or lamb sticks to farm-roasted coffee, there’s so many goodies to find to make the perfect gift box to deliver to loved ones near or mail to loved ones afar.

It’s been enlightening for me to see so many farm and ranch families get creative with their marketing strategies, and how so many producers have pivoted the way they get their goods to consumers or have partnered with other producers to offer more options. It’s also been so fun to see how consumers view these interactions with farm and ranch families. 

People are connecting with others and learning about their neighbors. Kansans are supporting Kansans by placing orders and making product recommendations. Relationships are being built, and it’s all being done online during a time where practicing social distancing is needed. 

While many families like mine have decided to keep it simple this year and to resist the traditional hustle and bustle of the season, it’s so good to know that while we won’t be together in person, our family that’s scattered across the country can still receive our love through our hand-picked selections of local products that are grown and produced on Kansas farms and ranches just like mine. 

It’s a gift of love from Kansas I plan to continue to give well after we can once again gather with those whom we will dearly miss this year.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim-Baldwin Insight.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kim-Baldwin Insight.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherAs the countdown to Christmas officially begins, the hustle and bustle of the season already has a different feel from holidays past. My family has decided that since our celebrations will be radically different — void of hustling across the Midwest and attending multiple family gatherings — we will slow our other traditional hustle and bustle as well.For my family, who generally completes Christmas shopping in a mad dash just days before Christmas, we have already started squirreling away gifts for loved ones. Similar to that extra package of toilet paper I’ve routinely added to my grocery pick-up orders since last spring, we’ve actually done quite a bit of gift planning and early purchasing this year.My husband and I have decided that all of our Christmas shopping will conclude by the end of this week. We’ve been quite intentional this year with gifting decisions. Supporting more local businesses, ordering items from stores offering curbside pick-up services and placing orders with Kansas producers who ship their products.I have found myself utilizing Shop Kansas Farms on both Facebook and through their website at www.shopkansasfarms.com to see what kind of goodies I can find to share with loved ones this holiday season. The concept of Shop Kansas Farms is quite simple: providing a direct link between consumers and Kansas farm and ranch families who sell meat, dairy, veggies and other homegrown products. It’s been so fun to search through the interactive map of Kansas highlighting the people offering great products from their farms and ranches. The list is quite impressive and goes well beyond meat, milk and eggs. From pork rinds to popcorn, cheese curds to jams, beef, pork or lamb sticks to farm-roasted coffee, there’s so many goodies to find to make the perfect gift box to deliver to loved ones near or mail to loved ones afar.It’s been enlightening for me to see so many farm and ranch families get creative with their marketing strategies, and how so many producers have pivoted the way they get their goods to consumers or have partnered with other producers to offer more options. It’s also been so fun to see how consumers view these interactions with farm and ranch families. People are connecting with others and learning about their neighbors. Kansans are supporting Kansans by placing orders and making product recommendations. Relationships are being built, and it’s all being done online during a time where practicing social distancing is needed. While many families like mine have decided to keep it simple this year and to resist the traditional hustle and bustle of the season, it’s so good to know that while we won’t be together in person, our family that’s scattered across the country can still receive our love through our hand-picked selections of local products that are grown and produced on Kansas farms and ranches just like mine. It’s a gift of love from Kansas I plan to continue to give well after we can once again gather with those whom we will dearly miss this year."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: With Love, From Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1417 as of Saturday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 49.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 86 active cases, but has been responsible for 17 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

Out of 4,726 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,243 cases in the community at large. 3,260 people have recovered thus far.

Forty-two people are in the hospital. Two hundred total have been hospitalized. Seventy have been admitted to the ICU and 24 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 28.03%. 26.83% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway 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 1417 as of Saturday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 49.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 86 active cases, but has been responsible for 17 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.Out of 4,726 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,243 cases in the community at large. 3,260 people have recovered thus far.Forty-two people are in the hospital. Two hundred total have been hospitalized. Seventy have been admitted to the ICU and 24 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 28.03%. 26.83% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County is 1417, with 1243 in community as of Saturday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson notes that his organization is using technology to get more people signed up for assistance this year.

"We are doing our registration for individuals that are needing assistance this season <a href="https://saangeltree.org/">online</a>," James said. "People can go to our Facebook page at The Salvation Army Hutchinson, KS to follow that link."

Those needing <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0LyLLULllPAYAjWRmDa5n-Vqp1drYScvJtTVHsslOQqMlpg/viewform">Christmas assistance</a> need to sign up soon. The deadline is December 2.

"Our building's not closed, but we're doing by appointments only at this point," James said. "It's just to try to keep everybody safe with the number of COVID cases increasing."

"We've got about 975 children signed up for toys and just over 700 families for food baskets," James said. "Those are single individuals as well as families with children."

If you want to help, the Salvation Army still needs bell ringers for the season. Sign up at <a href="https://www.registertoring.com/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2qRwe7-zhZQbUqjIDYnVWescoxoR_UFM9KBbCXXTKTO3eCKrXuYJFrCys">registertoring.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="salvation army" />
 <figcaption>salvation army</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson notes that his organization is using technology to get more people signed up for assistance this year."We are doing our registration for individuals that are needing assistance this season <a href="https://saangeltree.org/">online</a>," James said. "People can go to our Facebook page at The Salvation Army Hutchinson, KS to follow that link."Those needing <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0LyLLULllPAYAjWRmDa5n-Vqp1drYScvJtTVHsslOQqMlpg/viewform">Christmas assistance</a> need to sign up soon. The deadline is December 2."Our building's not closed, but we're doing by appointments only at this point," James said. "It's just to try to keep everybody safe with the number of COVID cases increasing."The need is great this year."We've got about 975 children signed up for toys and just over 700 families for food baskets," James said. "Those are single individuals as well as families with children."If you want to help, the Salvation Army still needs bell ringers for the season. Sign up at <a href="https://www.registertoring.com/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2qRwe7-zhZQbUqjIDYnVWescoxoR_UFM9KBbCXXTKTO3eCKrXuYJFrCys">registertoring.com</a>.

James: Need is great, sign up is online for Salvation Army programs, bell ringing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Citizens for Quality of Life want to make clear, they are not anti-wind, but they want to see regulations adopted that are very specific so that landowners where any project would take place can know what they are getting into when talking about things like shadow flicker and setbacks.

"There's a lot of nuance to that that isn't defined," said Andy Helten with the group. "That's what we were trying to get defined in improving our regulations, to get these sort of quantified a little bit better than they are right now."

The key may be that anything that isn't written down leaves the decision making on that point in the hands of the developer and not the landowners. Helten estimates that roughly 86% of the residents in the footprint of the original wind project proposed by NextEra that is still working through the courts are opposed to it.

"We're saying that the target area that they are looking at right now may not be the correct placement," said Wayne Mans. "They are not able to come up with shadow flicker guidelines that we deem are acceptable."

When the NextEra proposal was voted on in June of 2019, commissioners Ron Sellers and Bob Bush voted for it. Commissioner Ron Hirst voted against it. Bush has since died and been replaced by Dr. Mark Steffen. 

Steffen will leave for a seat in the Kansas Senate in January and Daniel Friesen, who was elected this month, will be on the commission after the first of the year. It appears at this point that any new regulations won't be taken up by the commission until at least early 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606494332212.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Citizens for Quality of Life want to make clear, they are not anti-wind, but they want to see regulations adopted that are very specific so that landowners where any project would take place can know what they are getting into when talking about things like shadow flicker and setbacks."There's a lot of nuance to that that isn't defined," said Andy Helten with the group. "That's what we were trying to get defined in improving our regulations, to get these sort of quantified a little bit better than they are right now."The key may be that anything that isn't written down leaves the decision making on that point in the hands of the developer and not the landowners. Helten estimates that roughly 86% of the residents in the footprint of the original wind project proposed by NextEra that is still working through the courts are opposed to it."We're saying that the target area that they are looking at right now may not be the correct placement," said Wayne Mans. "They are not able to come up with shadow flicker guidelines that we deem are acceptable."When the NextEra proposal was voted on in June of 2019, commissioners Ron Sellers and Bob Bush voted for it. Commissioner Ron Hirst voted against it. Bush has since died and been replaced by Dr. Mark Steffen. Steffen will leave for a seat in the Kansas Senate in January and Daniel Friesen, who was elected this month, will be on the commission after the first of the year. It appears at this point that any new regulations won't be taken up by the commission until at least early 2021.

Reno County Citizens for Quality of Life want more detailed wind farm regulations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A man from Gardner, Kansas is being treated at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for stab wounds and a man from Manhattan is under arrest.

According to Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp, at 11:42 p.m. Friday, officers were called to the hospital, where 52-year-old Brian Dailey was being treated for four stab wounds to his midsection. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Police say a fight broke out at 514 West 5th Ave between Dailey and 31-year-old Bryce Baker of Manhattan. In addition to Dailey's stabbing, tires were also cut on a vehicle belonging to 36-year-old Evin Crome of Manhattan. Baker fled the area. Dailey was taken to the hospital.

Baker was later found in a garage at 514 West 5th, where he had returned and a window was broken on Crome's vehicle to obtain Baker's property. Baker then forced entry into the garage owned by an acquaintance, 35-year-old Billy Joe Womack of Hutchinson.

Baker was arrested for aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and criminal tresspassing. The incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582822413263.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson police logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson police logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A man from Gardner, Kansas is being treated at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for stab wounds and a man from Manhattan is under arrest.According to Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp, at 11:42 p.m. Friday, officers were called to the hospital, where 52-year-old Brian Dailey was being treated for four stab wounds to his midsection. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.Police say a fight broke out at 514 West 5th Ave between Dailey and 31-year-old Bryce Baker of Manhattan. In addition to Dailey's stabbing, tires were also cut on a vehicle belonging to 36-year-old Evin Crome of Manhattan. Baker fled the area. Dailey was taken to the hospital.Baker was later found in a garage at 514 West 5th, where he had returned and a window was broken on Crome's vehicle to obtain Baker's property. Baker then forced entry into the garage owned by an acquaintance, 35-year-old Billy Joe Womack of Hutchinson.Baker was arrested for aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and criminal tresspassing. The incident is still under investigation.

Friday night stabbing results in arrest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1376 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 48.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 192 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 87 active cases, but has been responsible for 16 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

Out of 4,656 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,201 cases in the community at large. 3,232 people have recovered thus far.

The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.90%. 26.55% 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 1376 as of Friday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 48.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 192 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 87 active cases, but has been responsible for 16 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.Out of 4,656 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,201 cases in the community at large. 3,232 people have recovered thus far.Forty-two people are in the hospital. Two hundred total have been hospitalized. Seventy have been admitted to the ICU and 24 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 21.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.90%. 26.55% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1376, with 1201 in community as of Friday evening

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Due to a report to Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman of six cases of COVID-19 among staff at Union Valley Elementary, with two others with tests pending,&nbsp; that single attendance center will be going to the flex learning model beginning Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11.

The plan is to return to in person learning on Monday, December 14th.

USD 313 administration will host a Zoom parent meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.  Parents and guardians of all Union Valley students will receive an email from the school with the Zoom link to join the meeting.  For any parents or guardians unable to join the Zoom meeting,  it will be recorded and emailed out after the meeting.

Lunches and Breakfasts are still available for drive through pickup at Union Valley from 11:30-12:30 daily. Please sign up by Monday morning at 7:30 using <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FopPYEfRLFUpzfc877%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3MYqdM2FsnwnFKC1O3KQxoJM9TCsm0Y3vdqM3aL_jLse9_IIlwwAAUyr0&amp;h=AT0T8Fs4rbWOBgQjlwf6WPO7N1v_UuVEvrmz1oavAKeZVyFQQewuHxEmss6FdEREzPdMTM638ftWLACtrdNAs0Rc6Ubtg-CVDmmx6nwroAlrgcr5FT0r6BYqi_WeV6gv-Q&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XuxQjJPUGLQU2cTVqteBhCuB1UG7Cb2oExM_tQdEw9fZ1xZgroD5VhnvBYR1NrbvPP0HMwLUuhx5ZkGJzZ84jPEZjZgLXyXCo6imM36A9uOTA43D8lwxeMIbzqEMRnnVLwvA-X9omBnDNdc8DazmFAMjgYrQ8xVo0Tynzy45WdVM">this link</a>.

Monday:  Turkey Sandwich, Salad, Fruit, Milk

Tuesday:  Pizza, Baby Carrots, Fruit, Milk

Wednesday:  Corn Dog, Cucumbers, Fruit, Milk

Thursday:  Steak Sandwich, Broccoli, Fruit, Milk

Friday:  Chicken Nuggets, Cauliflower w/dip, Fruit, Milk

Breakfasts will be assorted grains (cereal, pop tart, honey bun, donut, or bagel, etc.) with Fruit or Juice, and Milk.

Please follow the USD 313 Buhler Facebook page or the Union Valley Elementary  Facebook page to monitor updates and further information as it becomes available. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Due to a report to Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman of six cases of COVID-19 among staff at Union Valley Elementary, with two others with tests pending,&nbsp; that single attendance center will be going to the flex learning model beginning Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11.The plan is to return to in person learning on Monday, December 14th.USD 313 administration will host a Zoom parent meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Parents and guardians of all Union Valley students will receive an email from the school with the Zoom link to join the meeting. For any parents or guardians unable to join the Zoom meeting, it will be recorded and emailed out after the meeting.Lunches and Breakfasts are still available for drive through pickup at Union Valley from 11:30-12:30 daily. Please sign up by Monday morning at 7:30 using <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FopPYEfRLFUpzfc877%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3MYqdM2FsnwnFKC1O3KQxoJM9TCsm0Y3vdqM3aL_jLse9_IIlwwAAUyr0&amp;h=AT0T8Fs4rbWOBgQjlwf6WPO7N1v_UuVEvrmz1oavAKeZVyFQQewuHxEmss6FdEREzPdMTM638ftWLACtrdNAs0Rc6Ubtg-CVDmmx6nwroAlrgcr5FT0r6BYqi_WeV6gv-Q&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XuxQjJPUGLQU2cTVqteBhCuB1UG7Cb2oExM_tQdEw9fZ1xZgroD5VhnvBYR1NrbvPP0HMwLUuhx5ZkGJzZ84jPEZjZgLXyXCo6imM36A9uOTA43D8lwxeMIbzqEMRnnVLwvA-X9omBnDNdc8DazmFAMjgYrQ8xVo0Tynzy45WdVM">this link</a>.Menu:Monday: Turkey Sandwich, Salad, Fruit, MilkTuesday: Pizza, Baby Carrots, Fruit, MilkWednesday: Corn Dog, Cucumbers, Fruit, MilkThursday: Steak Sandwich, Broccoli, Fruit, MilkFriday: Chicken Nuggets, Cauliflower w/dip, Fruit, MilkBreakfasts will be assorted grains (cereal, pop tart, honey bun, donut, or bagel, etc.) with Fruit or Juice, and Milk.Please follow the USD 313 Buhler Facebook page or the Union Valley Elementary Facebook page to monitor updates and further information as it becomes available.

Union Valley Elementary to go to flex learning beginning Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan.
—&nbsp;The traditional Christmas shopping season is upon us with Small Business Saturday this weekend.

"It's been a little harder Christmas this year," said Mark Buckley with the Toy Depot. "A lot of people are staying home. Many of the stores, like we do, you can order online, you can call us, we'll deliver to your car, we'll take you, you know, to your house. You'll find out that small business will do a lot of that."

If you need to shop in person, Buckley says you can count on small buinesses to do what it takes to be safe.

"Stores will go out and they do extra cleaning," Buckley said. "They have a machine that kills all the bacteria in the store every night. It kills all the germs. We go through and we wipe down the doorknobs three or four times a day. We wipe down the horse. We have five hand sanitizer stations. It's really a safer place to shop than a lot of the big box stores because Mom and Pop do a lot more to take care of their neighbors, I think."

Even though Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery has a bigger storefront than your usual Mom and Pop, they're still thinking safety in their showroom.

"All of our staff will be in a mask," said Kevin Rule. "We do wipedowns of all of the hard surfaces a couple, three times a day. We're out there promoting safety. Safety and savings is what we do downtown."

Both Rule and Buckley encourage shoppers to spend some time in downtown Hutchinson and see if you can find what you need locally, even if shopping online, before going to a national retailer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606498362597.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan.
—&nbsp;The traditional Christmas shopping season is upon us with Small Business Saturday this weekend."It's been a little harder Christmas this year," said Mark Buckley with the Toy Depot. "A lot of people are staying home. Many of the stores, like we do, you can order online, you can call us, we'll deliver to your car, we'll take you, you know, to your house. You'll find out that small business will do a lot of that."If you need to shop in person, Buckley says you can count on small buinesses to do what it takes to be safe."Stores will go out and they do extra cleaning," Buckley said. "They have a machine that kills all the bacteria in the store every night. It kills all the germs. We go through and we wipe down the doorknobs three or four times a day. We wipe down the horse. We have five hand sanitizer stations. It's really a safer place to shop than a lot of the big box stores because Mom and Pop do a lot more to take care of their neighbors, I think."Even though Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery has a bigger storefront than your usual Mom and Pop, they're still thinking safety in their showroom."All of our staff will be in a mask," said Kevin Rule. "We do wipedowns of all of the hard surfaces a couple, three times a day. We're out there promoting safety. Safety and savings is what we do downtown."Both Rule and Buckley encourage shoppers to spend some time in downtown Hutchinson and see if you can find what you need locally, even if shopping online, before going to a national retailer.

Downtown merchants encourage shopping local on Small Business Saturday

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with ESOP Association president and CEO Jim Bonham

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: ESOP Association president and CEO Jim Bonham" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/kdbym-f3720a?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with ESOP Association president and CEO Jim Bonham

🎤Forward Ever: ESOP Association president and CEO Jim Bonham

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


PRETTY PRAIRIE — Pretty Prairie schools will be going to remote learning after the holiday break. 

According to a Friday Facebook post from the district, as of that date, there are 10 positive cases involving students and staff.  The district says they are waiting on numerous test results for students and staff as well, with over 80 students in quarantine.  

Because of those numbers, USD 311 will be moving to remote learning for the next three weeks and plan to return to on site and in person instruction on January 5, 2021. 

The district says, "We realize remote learning is not the preferred choice of educational delivery for the majority of our families, but after consulting with the Reno County Health Department, we feel this is the safest method at this point for our students and staff."  

The district will be sending information and materials home to families.  On Monday, drivers and staff members will deliver materials home.  Teachers will be in contact with students on Monday.  Activities will follow KSHSAA guidelines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598374070179.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
PRETTY PRAIRIE — Pretty Prairie schools will be going to remote learning after the holiday break. According to a Friday Facebook post from the district, as of that date, there are 10 positive cases involving students and staff. The district says they are waiting on numerous test results for students and staff as well, with over 80 students in quarantine. Because of those numbers, USD 311 will be moving to remote learning for the next three weeks and plan to return to on site and in person instruction on January 5, 2021. The district says, "We realize remote learning is not the preferred choice of educational delivery for the majority of our families, but after consulting with the Reno County Health Department, we feel this is the safest method at this point for our students and staff." The district will be sending information and materials home to families. On Monday, drivers and staff members will deliver materials home. Teachers will be in contact with students on Monday. Activities will follow KSHSAA guidelines.

USD 311 dealing with large number of COVID cases, will go remote

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1278 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 47.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 85 active cases, but has been responsible for 15 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.

Out of 4,549 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,105 cases in the community at large. 3,224 people have recovered thus far.

Forty-five people are in the hospital. One hundred ninety-three total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.54%. 26.28% 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 1278 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 47.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 190 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 85 active cases, but has been responsible for 15 deaths. There are 44 active clusters in the county.Out of 4,549 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,105 cases in the community at large. 3,224 people have recovered thus far.Forty-five people are in the hospital. One hundred ninety-three total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 27.54%. 26.28% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1278, with 1105 in community as of Thursday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A holiday tradition at the Cosmosphere Planetarium continues starting Friday.

"It's called Mystery of the Christmas Star," said Cosmosphere Educator Chuck McClary. "It talks about the story of Christmas. In particular, the star that the three kings followed from Babylon. It goes through several different theories about what that star could have possibly been."

Such a lesson has been around in Hutchinson for decades.

"The very first show that Patty Carey ever did over at the Fairgrounds in 1962 was about the Christmas star," McClary said. "That was on December 2, 1962."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606474594926.jpeg" alt="Cosmosphere Logo" />
 <figcaption>Cosmosphere Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A holiday tradition at the Cosmosphere Planetarium continues starting Friday."It's called Mystery of the Christmas Star," said Cosmosphere Educator Chuck McClary. "It talks about the story of Christmas. In particular, the star that the three kings followed from Babylon. It goes through several different theories about what that star could have possibly been."Such a lesson has been around in Hutchinson for decades."The very first show that Patty Carey ever did over at the Fairgrounds in 1962 was about the Christmas star," McClary said. "That was on December 2, 1962."For ticket information, go to cosmo.org.

Mystery of the Christmas Star is holiday tradition at the Cosmosphere


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic had hoped earlier in the pandemic to catch asymptomatic patients through widespread community testing, but at this point, there is much more of a danger of presymptomatic spread within the community.

"The presymptomatic patients, meaning those who have already been exposed, but do not yet know they are infected, meaning they don't have symptoms as of yet, are likely the primary drivers of the transmission in the community at this time," Pauly said. 

The danger is, with as widespread as the disease is now, you're likely to have been exposed and not know it.

"Because they're presymptomatic, they're going about their daily business, maybe celebrating the holidays," Pauly said. "Unbeknownst to them, they're spreading that virus to their friends, family and colleagues. Once they do develop symptoms, you look backwards and say, where was I, who did I expose myself to, prior to me realizing I was infected."

That's one of the reasons why you would wear a mask in public, so that if you are an unknown spreader, you can minimize that effect.

"When somebody's presymptomatic, they're not necessarily cognizant of where they are going or who they are around," Pauly said. "Those things are easy to forget in the moment. It also highlights why it's so important, though, for contact tracing for this virus. When we do have somebody who becomes diagnosed, we look backwards 48 hours prior to their diagnosis and or prior to their symptoms, because we know that the people they were around during that time are just as at risk as the people they were around at the time of symptom onset or shortly thereafter."

According to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard, as of Wednesday at 11:44 a.m., there were 1,022 active cases of COVID-19 in the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601667424562.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic had hoped earlier in the pandemic to catch asymptomatic patients through widespread community testing, but at this point, there is much more of a danger of presymptomatic spread within the community."The presymptomatic patients, meaning those who have already been exposed, but do not yet know they are infected, meaning they don't have symptoms as of yet, are likely the primary drivers of the transmission in the community at this time," Pauly said. The danger is, with as widespread as the disease is now, you're likely to have been exposed and not know it."Because they're presymptomatic, they're going about their daily business, maybe celebrating the holidays," Pauly said. "Unbeknownst to them, they're spreading that virus to their friends, family and colleagues. Once they do develop symptoms, you look backwards and say, where was I, who did I expose myself to, prior to me realizing I was infected."That's one of the reasons why you would wear a mask in public, so that if you are an unknown spreader, you can minimize that effect."When somebody's presymptomatic, they're not necessarily cognizant of where they are going or who they are around," Pauly said. "Those things are easy to forget in the moment. It also highlights why it's so important, though, for contact tracing for this virus. When we do have somebody who becomes diagnosed, we look backwards 48 hours prior to their diagnosis and or prior to their symptoms, because we know that the people they were around during that time are just as at risk as the people they were around at the time of symptom onset or shortly thereafter."According to the Reno County COVID-19 dashboard, as of Wednesday at 11:44 a.m., there were 1,022 active cases of COVID-19 in the community.

Hutchinson doctor sees potential for presymptomatic COVID-19 spread

HARVEY COUNTY— 
A Wichita man was injured in an accident Thanksgiving night in Harvey County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2016 Chevy Silverado driven by 28-year-old Jose Alejandro Hernandez was eastbound on K196 just after 9 p.m., when it left the roadway to the left and vaulted over Harvest Hill Road and came to rest northeast of the intersection.

Hernandez was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for a possible injury. Whether or not Hernandez was restrained is not outlined in the report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580399705885.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY— 
A Wichita man was injured in an accident Thanksgiving night in Harvey County.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2016 Chevy Silverado driven by 28-year-old Jose Alejandro Hernandez was eastbound on K196 just after 9 p.m., when it left the roadway to the left and vaulted over Harvest Hill Road and came to rest northeast of the intersection.Hernandez was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for a possible injury. Whether or not Hernandez was restrained is not outlined in the report.

Thanksgiving night accident injures one in Harvey County

Release from Hutchinson Police Department


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Officers of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted an undercover operation into the solicitation of a child for sex on Wednesday and made an arrest. 

At 9:34 a.m. Wednesday, members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed an investigation into a Juvenile Sex Offense.  Thirty-three-year-old David A. Johnson of 907 E. 7th, Hutchinson, KS was arrested for indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and electronic solicitation. 

After lengthy conversations between Johnson and officers, who Johnson believed to be a juvenile, Johnson went to a local residence to meet up with the juvenile to engage in sexual activity, but instead Johnson met up with officers who arrested him.

The Hutchinson Police Department is asking anyone who is aware of illegal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2824, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582822413263.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Hutchinson Police Department
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Officers of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted an undercover operation into the solicitation of a child for sex on Wednesday and made an arrest. At 9:34 a.m. Wednesday, members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed an investigation into a Juvenile Sex Offense. Thirty-three-year-old David A. Johnson of 907 E. 7th, Hutchinson, KS was arrested for indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and electronic solicitation. After lengthy conversations between Johnson and officers, who Johnson believed to be a juvenile, Johnson went to a local residence to meet up with the juvenile to engage in sexual activity, but instead Johnson met up with officers who arrested him.The Hutchinson Police Department is asking anyone who is aware of illegal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2824, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

Hutchinson man arrested on sex offense charges Wednesday

RENO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Kia Sedona driven by 44-year-old Gary Lee Narron of Hutchinson was&nbsp;traveling southwest on Kansas 61 one mile northeast of Turon when the Kia struck the trailer of a northeast bound 2006 Volvo semi that had drifted on the icy road into oncoming traffic.

EMS transported Narron to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The semi driver 46-year-0ld Amir&nbsp;Vretenarevic of Waterloo, Iowa, was not injured. 

Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591395506998.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Kia Sedona driven by 44-year-old Gary Lee Narron of Hutchinson was&nbsp;traveling southwest on Kansas 61 one mile northeast of Turon when the Kia struck the trailer of a northeast bound 2006 Volvo semi that had drifted on the icy road into oncoming traffic.EMS transported Narron to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The semi driver 46-year-0ld Amir&nbsp;Vretenarevic of Waterloo, Iowa, was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Hutchinson man hospitalized after van strikes semi's trailer


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Director Darin Beck says the academy will be back in session after Thanksgiving, but COVID-19 has impacted their teaching this month.

"We had a number of our staff out on quarantine and actually a number of students, as well, but not nearly the percentage that we had of staff," Beck said. "That required us to postpone classes for a week and give people a chance to finish their quarantine and then come back to work. We have 21 instructors and out of that 21 instructors, we had 9 who were being quarantined."

They took an extra week before the holiday, as they were already going to be closed this week for Thanksgiving. The training center was already reducing class sizes before COVID for instructional reasons.

"We went to smaller cohorts with more frequent classes," Beck said. "Twenty-four to 26 in a cohort. We like to keep them at 24, but depending on demand, we will go up to 26."

Between 120 and 140 students are at the center near Yoder at any one time in different stages of the class.

"We had a surge in demand in September," Beck said. "I don't really know why. There was a surge in hirings and now there is kind of a drop off. We're having trouble filling our December class. It will probably be a 14 person class."

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC serves as the central law enforcement training facility for the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602690467753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Director Darin Beck says the academy will be back in session after Thanksgiving, but COVID-19 has impacted their teaching this month."We had a number of our staff out on quarantine and actually a number of students, as well, but not nearly the percentage that we had of staff," Beck said. "That required us to postpone classes for a week and give people a chance to finish their quarantine and then come back to work. We have 21 instructors and out of that 21 instructors, we had 9 who were being quarantined."They took an extra week before the holiday, as they were already going to be closed this week for Thanksgiving. The training center was already reducing class sizes before COVID for instructional reasons."We went to smaller cohorts with more frequent classes," Beck said. "Twenty-four to 26 in a cohort. We like to keep them at 24, but depending on demand, we will go up to 26."Between 120 and 140 students are at the center near Yoder at any one time in different stages of the class."We had a surge in demand in September," Beck said. "I don't really know why. There was a surge in hirings and now there is kind of a drop off. We're having trouble filling our December class. It will probably be a 14 person class."Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC serves as the central law enforcement training facility for the state.

KLETC to get back to class Nov. 30 after COVID extends break


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hospice and Home Care of Reno County is continuing its annual Remember Me Tree campaign.

"Since 1987, I believe, it's been a long standing tradition," said Andrea Siefkes with Hospice and Home Care of Reno County. "People could donate money and they'd have bows put on the tree in memory of or in honor of their loved ones. When Dillons Marketplace opened, we were fortunate, they were able to give us a location to display our tree and we'd have volunteers set up to take donations."

It's not quite going to be the same this year.

"We are still displaying a tree at Dillons," Siefkes said. "Actually, First National Bank has been very gracious. They redid their branch recently and we are able to display a Christmas tree there. We will have an ornament and a figurine setup right by the tree that people can see what they could get with a donation."

Gifts of $40 will be acknowledged with an ornament and $75 or more with a figurine.

"We do have a form online that people can visit at hospicerenocounty.com," Siefkes said. "They can come to our office at 2020 North Waldron. That's at Doctor's Park, right across from the Hutch Clinic, or as I mentioned, at Lyons Federal Bank, right in Lyons."

The Remember Me Tree campaign runs from November 30th to December 22nd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596115930896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hospice and Home Care of Reno County is continuing its annual Remember Me Tree campaign."Since 1987, I believe, it's been a long standing tradition," said Andrea Siefkes with Hospice and Home Care of Reno County. "People could donate money and they'd have bows put on the tree in memory of or in honor of their loved ones. When Dillons Marketplace opened, we were fortunate, they were able to give us a location to display our tree and we'd have volunteers set up to take donations."It's not quite going to be the same this year."We are still displaying a tree at Dillons," Siefkes said. "Actually, First National Bank has been very gracious. They redid their branch recently and we are able to display a Christmas tree there. We will have an ornament and a figurine setup right by the tree that people can see what they could get with a donation."Gifts of $40 will be acknowledged with an ornament and $75 or more with a figurine."We do have a form online that people can visit at hospicerenocounty.com," Siefkes said. "They can come to our office at 2020 North Waldron. That's at Doctor's Park, right across from the Hutch Clinic, or as I mentioned, at Lyons Federal Bank, right in Lyons."The Remember Me Tree campaign runs from November 30th to December 22nd.

Remember Me Tree campaign adjusting for 2020

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1066 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 46.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 182 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 14 deaths. There are 43 active clusters in the county.

There are 901 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.64%. 25.57% 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 1066 as of Tuesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 46.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 182 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases, but has been responsible for 14 deaths. There are 43 active clusters in the county.There are 901 cases in the community at large.Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Sixty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 22 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is up to 19.95%, with the overall positive test rate at 26.64%. 25.57% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is next Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1066, with 901 in community as of Tuesday evening

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson man was arrested on attempted murder charges Tuesday night.

At 9:35 p.m. Tuesday, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to 623 East Avenue F in reference to a shooting.  When officers arrived, they located 37-year-old Bryan Stallworth with a single gunshot wound to his chest.  Stallworth was later transferred to a Wichita area hospital in stable condition. 

The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred at 620 East Avenue F, and was the result of an altercation between Stallworth and an acquaintance, 31-year-old Levi Wickliffe.  Wickliffe fled the scene and was located by officers several blocks away. 

Wickliffe was arrested for attempted 2nd degree intentional murder and is in custody at the Reno County Jail.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno County, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606302573453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Hutchinson Police DepartmentHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson man was arrested on attempted murder charges Tuesday night.At 9:35 p.m. Tuesday, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to 623 East Avenue F in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived, they located 37-year-old Bryan Stallworth with a single gunshot wound to his chest. Stallworth was later transferred to a Wichita area hospital in stable condition. The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred at 620 East Avenue F, and was the result of an altercation between Stallworth and an acquaintance, 31-year-old Levi Wickliffe. Wickliffe fled the scene and was located by officers several blocks away. Wickliffe was arrested for attempted 2nd degree intentional murder and is in custody at the Reno County Jail.The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno County, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.

Shooting results in Tuesday night arrest in Hutchinson

With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!

All Hutchinson High School games will be broadcast on KWBW 1450 AM/ 98.5 FM, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com.

In January, all Hutchinson Community College Men and Women games will be broadcast on Country 102.9 KHUT, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com via the Blue Dragon Sports Network

Eagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587646217274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!All Hutchinson High School games will be broadcast on KWBW 1450 AM/ 98.5 FM, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com.In January, all Hutchinson Community College Men and Women games will be broadcast on Country 102.9 KHUT, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com via the Blue Dragon Sports NetworkEagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

Eagle Radio Sports will bring high school sports to you in 2020-21

Release from Hutchinson Fire Department

City Clerk Karen Weltmer gave the oath of office to Bryan Goble and Edvar Aguirre today as Fire Captains for the Hutchinson Fire Department. Bryan brings ten (10) years of experience while Edvar brings eight (8). Both members went through a comprehensive assessment center in competing for the positions. They will take the place of retiring Captains Jeff Miller and Gerry Wiens who both will be retiring in the very near future.

Fire Fighters Alex Clark and Drew Reidy were presented with their badges and nameplates for successful completion of one year of service taking them off of probation.

The Hutchinson Fire Department is also proud to announce the graduation of recruit firefighter class 2020-02. After seven (7) weeks of intense in-depth hands on training the following recruits have earned the right to represent the Hutchinson Fire Department as probationary firefighters.

As probationary firefighters these four (4) members will continue to improve and hone their skills under the direction of their assigned company officer. The Hutchinson Fire Department strives to deliver the best in emergency services for the citizens we serve and protect, we are confident that these four (4) firefighters share in our mission of serving our community through dedication, professionalism, and education; reflecting our passion to protect and put service above all else.

Release from Hutchinson Fire Department<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606302055532.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City Clerk Karen Weltmer gave the oath of office to Bryan Goble and Edvar Aguirre today as Fire Captains for the Hutchinson Fire Department. Bryan brings ten (10) years of experience while Edvar brings eight (8). Both members went through a comprehensive assessment center in competing for the positions. They will take the place of retiring Captains Jeff Miller and Gerry Wiens who both will be retiring in the very near future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606302068835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fire Fighters Alex Clark and Drew Reidy were presented with their badges and nameplates for successful completion of one year of service taking them off of probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606302086603.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Fire Department is also proud to announce the graduation of recruit firefighter class 2020-02. After seven (7) weeks of intense in-depth hands on training the following recruits have earned the right to represent the Hutchinson Fire Department as probationary firefighters.• Justin Crouch• Adam Gehring• Cole Inghram• Connor McPhail As probationary firefighters these four (4) members will continue to improve and hone their skills under the direction of their assigned company officer. The Hutchinson Fire Department strives to deliver the best in emergency services for the citizens we serve and protect, we are confident that these four (4) firefighters share in our mission of serving our community through dedication, professionalism, and education; reflecting our passion to protect and put service above all else.

Hutchinson Fire Department graduates four, promotes two, and two successfully compete probation


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
In a unanimous decision by the Hutch Rec Board of Commissioners, Hutch Rec activities will remain suspended through Dec. 31. Hutch Rec’s Senior Center at Elmdale Park and the Hutchinson Sports Arena will also remain closed to the public during this time. This is in an effort to stem the rising cases of COVID-19 in our community and to stop the subsequent damage to other essential services in our community, including healthcare and education, in addition to keeping our small businesses open.

It is the hope of the Board of Commissioners and Hutch Rec leadership team that our community takes this time to make serious efforts in doing their part to help lower the number of active cases in Reno County, with the ultimate goal of resuming recreation programs starting Jan. 1. Throughout COVID-19, Hutch Rec has been a leader in the community in providing recreation activities while keeping participants safe. 

Hutch Rec has been able to provide these activities in a safe and healthy environment, thanks to specific COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association.

Specific Hutch Rec program and facility updates include:

• Youth Lil Dribblers basketball: Games will resume in January. Participants will receive an email with more details, and a more specific schedule will be released by sports staff in December.

• Adult Volleyball Leagues: Teams will receive pro-rated refunds for remaining fall league games.

• Central Kansas Basketball Leagues (1st-6th Grades): Registration deadline for youth competitive basketball leagues is now Jan. 4, with a Zoom coaches meeting on Jan. 7. Games will

be played as originally scheduled (double-headers at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Jan. 16, 30; Feb. 6, 13).

• Youth Recreation Basketball Leagues (1st-6th Grades): Registration deadline for youth recreation leagues is now Jan. 8, with a Zoom coaches meeting on Jan. 14. Games will be played 4

weeks in late January through February, with two weeks scheduled as double-headers to complete the 6-game guarantee.

• MINDBODY fitness classes: Classes will resume on Jan. 1 with a FREE New Year’s Day Community Workout. Community walking will also resume on Jan. 1. Additional details will be shared in

Senior Center at Elmdale Park, 400 E. Ave. E

• Closed to the public through Dec. 31, including ongoing activities and programs.

• Senior Center members will still have the opportunity to order, purchase, and pick up lunches through the curbside carryout program, held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. Orders must be placed by noon the previous day by calling (620) 663-2811.

Hutchinson Sports Arena, 13th &amp; Sesher Plaza

• Notable programs and activities are suspended through Dec. 31, including:

o Open gym, including basketball shoot-around, pickleball, and practices

• Facility remains open to the public during regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Masks are required to be worn while inside the facility.

• Online registration for activities is also available at hutchrec.com.

• Trails &amp; grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk; the Visitor’s Center will remain open to the public during regular business hours. Masks are required to be worn while inside the Visitor’s Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603912514544.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
In a unanimous decision by the Hutch Rec Board of Commissioners, Hutch Rec activities will remain suspended through Dec. 31. Hutch Rec’s Senior Center at Elmdale Park and the Hutchinson Sports Arena will also remain closed to the public during this time. This is in an effort to stem the rising cases of COVID-19 in our community and to stop the subsequent damage to other essential services in our community, including healthcare and education, in addition to keeping our small businesses open.It is the hope of the Board of Commissioners and Hutch Rec leadership team that our community takes this time to make serious efforts in doing their part to help lower the number of active cases in Reno County, with the ultimate goal of resuming recreation programs starting Jan. 1. Throughout COVID-19, Hutch Rec has been a leader in the community in providing recreation activities while keeping participants safe. Hutch Rec has been able to provide these activities in a safe and healthy environment, thanks to specific COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association.Specific Hutch Rec program and facility updates include:Hutch Rec Programs:• Youth Lil Dribblers basketball: Games will resume in January. Participants will receive an email with more details, and a more specific schedule will be released by sports staff in December.• Adult Volleyball Leagues: Teams will receive pro-rated refunds for remaining fall league games.• Central Kansas Basketball Leagues (1st-6th Grades): Registration deadline for youth competitive basketball leagues is now Jan. 4, with a Zoom coaches meeting on Jan. 7. Games willbe played as originally scheduled (double-headers at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Jan. 16, 30; Feb. 6, 13).• Youth Recreation Basketball Leagues (1st-6th Grades): Registration deadline for youth recreation leagues is now Jan. 8, with a Zoom coaches meeting on Jan. 14. Games will be played 4weeks in late January through February, with two weeks scheduled as double-headers to complete the 6-game guarantee.• MINDBODY fitness classes: Classes will resume on Jan. 1 with a FREE New Year’s Day Community Workout. Community walking will also resume on Jan. 1. Additional details will be shared inDecember. Senior Center at Elmdale Park, 400 E. Ave. E• Closed to the public through Dec. 31, including ongoing activities and programs.• Senior Center members will still have the opportunity to order, purchase, and pick up lunches through the curbside carryout program, held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Orders must be placed by noon the previous day by calling (620) 663-2811.Hutchinson Sports Arena, 13th &amp; Sesher Plaza• Notable programs and activities are suspended through Dec. 31, including:o Community walking hourso Open gym, including basketball shoot-around, pickleball, and practicesHutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st• Facility remains open to the public during regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Masks are required to be worn while inside the facility.• Online registration for activities is also available at hutchrec.com.Dillon Nature Center, 3002 E. 30th Ave• Trails &amp; grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk; the Visitor’s Center will remain open to the public during regular business hours. Masks are required to be worn while inside the Visitor’s Center.

Hutch Rec activities remain suspended through December 31


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There was serious discussion over how to distribute the remaining CARES funding at the Board of Reno County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen wanted to be sure that smaller entities that need the money most are able to get it.

"I want to feel confident that we are using those dollars to keep as many entities afloat as possible," Steffen said. 

The big number among the latest round of CARES allocations was due to go to the Cosmosphere. It was originally supposed to be an additional $200,000, but County Commission chair Ron Sellers wanted to be sure all the entities got what they could while they could still use it and to be sure to use up all that the county was entitled to and not leave money on the table.

"Approve $150,000 for the Cosmosphere and put that $50,000 down to the nonprofits, because there's 27 of them and give that $164,329 to the nonprofits via the percentage that they received before."

The State Fair will have $45,918 eligible for reimbursement for wages. The Fairgrounds Foundation will get an additional $77,670. BrightHouse will get $7000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245627261.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There was serious discussion over how to distribute the remaining CARES funding at the Board of Reno County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen wanted to be sure that smaller entities that need the money most are able to get it."I want to feel confident that we are using those dollars to keep as many entities afloat as possible," Steffen said. The big number among the latest round of CARES allocations was due to go to the Cosmosphere. It was originally supposed to be an additional $200,000, but County Commission chair Ron Sellers wanted to be sure all the entities got what they could while they could still use it and to be sure to use up all that the county was entitled to and not leave money on the table."Approve $150,000 for the Cosmosphere and put that $50,000 down to the nonprofits, because there's 27 of them and give that $164,329 to the nonprofits via the percentage that they received before."The State Fair will have $45,918 eligible for reimbursement for wages. The Fairgrounds Foundation will get an additional $77,670. BrightHouse will get $7000."The nonprofits were very appreciative of this opportunity to receive money and it's helped a lot of them," Meagher said. "I can't say it has made them 100%, but I can tell you that we've had a lot of appreciation expressed."This is all reimbursement funds for qualified losses.

Local