
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A Hutchinson City Council member took the occasion of the approval of a bid for a zoo project to take aim at the overall idea of a zoo in the Salt City.

"I would like to see the whole thing without any animals," said Sara Bagwell. "I'm just going to throw it out there. I'm not really into the zoo. I think it's a huge expenditure on taxpayer dollars. I would like to see something that doesn't cost taxpayers so much money."

The zoo does not currently charge admission.

"I'd rather either see a zoo that has vouchers for low-income people and a $5 entry that has more to it," Bagwell said. "Right now, it's just, it is a real big money pit and you're just having an extended park. I understand that, but some of the expenses on the zoo is huge."

It's clear that the city will need to make some cuts in future years with the loss in revenue from COVID-19.

"I am just saying, like with staff, what is it, $756,000 a year?" Bagwell said. "Eight personnel. Some people would go, almost a million dollars that everybody's paying for the zoo. If you kind of put that into perspective, someone saying, okay, as a city, we're paying almost a million dollars a year for not too much."

Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho and council members Nancy Soldner and John Daveline jumped to the defense of the zoo, so it's clear that Bagwell's opinion is in the minority, but it may portend some difficult discussions to come as the city grapples with its 2021 budget in the coming months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588701701631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A Hutchinson City Council member took the occasion of the approval of a bid for a zoo project to take aim at the overall idea of a zoo in the Salt City."I would like to see the whole thing without any animals," said Sara Bagwell. "I'm just going to throw it out there. I'm not really into the zoo. I think it's a huge expenditure on taxpayer dollars. I would like to see something that doesn't cost taxpayers so much money."The zoo does not currently charge admission."I'd rather either see a zoo that has vouchers for low-income people and a $5 entry that has more to it," Bagwell said. "Right now, it's just, it is a real big money pit and you're just having an extended park. I understand that, but some of the expenses on the zoo is huge."It's clear that the city will need to make some cuts in future years with the loss in revenue from COVID-19."I am just saying, like with staff, what is it, $756,000 a year?" Bagwell said. "Eight personnel. Some people would go, almost a million dollars that everybody's paying for the zoo. If you kind of put that into perspective, someone saying, okay, as a city, we're paying almost a million dollars a year for not too much."Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho and council members Nancy Soldner and John Daveline jumped to the defense of the zoo, so it's clear that Bagwell's opinion is in the minority, but it may portend some difficult discussions to come as the city grapples with its 2021 budget in the coming months.

Bagwell expresses dissatisfaction with zoo at Tuesday city council meeting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police made two arrests on suspicion of drug and weapons charges on Monday. 

Hutchinson Police report they stopped a car driven by 40-year old Tian Patterson in the 100 block of W 9th for failing to use a turn signal around 2:25 p.m. A passenger in the vehicle, 45-year-old Bobby Hemphill was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of meth and components to manufacture meth along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Hemphill was also arrested for being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and criminal use of a weapon. Patterson was arrested for driving while suspended and criminal possession of a firearm.

Hemphill is being held on a bond of $32,500. Patterson is free on bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586783440579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police made two arrests on suspicion of drug and weapons charges on Monday. Hutchinson Police report they stopped a car driven by 40-year old Tian Patterson in the 100 block of W 9th for failing to use a turn signal around 2:25 p.m. A passenger in the vehicle, 45-year-old Bobby Hemphill was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of meth and components to manufacture meth along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.Hemphill was also arrested for being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and criminal use of a weapon. Patterson was arrested for driving while suspended and criminal possession of a firearm.Hemphill is being held on a bond of $32,500. Patterson is free on bond.

Two arrested on potential drug and weapons charges


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Right now, Kansas gas prices are some of the best in the country.

"Several states saw some gas price increases," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Less than a dozen states, but they were large enough jumps to push the national average up two cents a gallon to $1.78 and as states begin to reopen businesses, we'll see gasoline demand increase and pump prices will likely follow suit."

Kansas prices actually went down two cents in the last week to $1.47 a gallon.

"Kansas is 4th cheapest in America right now," Steward said. "Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri are the top three. If you are driving around this region, we have the benefits of the lowest prices in the country."

Reno County is right around the state average.

"Reno County and Hutchinson are right at around $1.48, depending on the station that you visit," Steward said.

Steward expects a slight uptick in prices in the next few weeks if the state is allowed to gradually reopen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577112566279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Right now, Kansas gas prices are some of the best in the country."Several states saw some gas price increases," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Less than a dozen states, but they were large enough jumps to push the national average up two cents a gallon to $1.78 and as states begin to reopen businesses, we'll see gasoline demand increase and pump prices will likely follow suit."Kansas prices actually went down two cents in the last week to $1.47 a gallon."Kansas is 4th cheapest in America right now," Steward said. "Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri are the top three. If you are driving around this region, we have the benefits of the lowest prices in the country."Reno County is right around the state average."Reno County and Hutchinson are right at around $1.48, depending on the station that you visit," Steward said.Steward expects a slight uptick in prices in the next few weeks if the state is allowed to gradually reopen.

Gas prices really good in Kansas, Reno County right now


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is able to handle the patient load they have right now both as a result of COVID-19 and as a general hospital population.

"We still continue to have the one patient in ICU on supplemental oxygen recovering post-extubation," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "We have six patients on the COVID ward awaiting test results."

As of Tuesday morning, there were around 46 total patients in the hospital for all causes. The hospital is licensed for 190 beds.

"In the last three weeks its been anywhere from 25 to, like I said a high of, I would have to look exactly, but it was in the 70s."

Authorities noted in previous weeks that the goal of flattening the curve was to ensure that medical resources were available for patients who became ill and needed hospitalization. At this point, those resources have been available in Reno County and no one in the county has died from COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574787528114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is able to handle the patient load they have right now both as a result of COVID-19 and as a general hospital population."We still continue to have the one patient in ICU on supplemental oxygen recovering post-extubation," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "We have six patients on the COVID ward awaiting test results."As of Tuesday morning, there were around 46 total patients in the hospital for all causes. The hospital is licensed for 190 beds."In the last three weeks its been anywhere from 25 to, like I said a high of, I would have to look exactly, but it was in the 70s."Authorities noted in previous weeks that the goal of flattening the curve was to ensure that medical resources were available for patients who became ill and needed hospitalization. At this point, those resources have been available in Reno County and no one in the county has died from COVID-19.

Hospital handling a handful of COVID-19 patients, but well within capacity

Polling places in Kansas are 
required by law to be open, but this year's primary and general 
elections might see fewer in-person votes and more by mail. The latter 
is a safe and convenient option in the time of coronavirus, but comes 
with its own costs and challenges.

By DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-03/protecting-voters-from-covid-19-will-cost-kansas-counties-extra">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Thousands of Reno County voters usually cast
 their ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, a central 
location with a high capacity.

Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager
 said it’ll look different for this year’s August primary and November 
general election to avoid spreading the coronavirus. How different, 
though, she’s not sure.

“We’d have to consult emergency management and our health department and just, kind of, do the best we can,” she said.

Fager
 is one of dozens of county election officials in Kansas preparing for 
two possibly unusual elections — and an expected surge in voting by 
mail. Kansas law requires polling places to be open on election days, so
 counties are looking to stock up on disinfectants and protective gear. 
And unlike neighboring Missouri, voters in Kansas don’t have to have a 
specific excuse to request a mail-in ballot.

Though mail-in voting might be a safe and convenient option for voters, it also comes with its own costs and challenges.

“The
 cost of envelopes, paper ballots, and postage will likely be 
significantly more than we budgeted for those purposes,” said Marion 
County Clerk Tina Spencer, who oversees elections for the county’s more 
than 7,500 voters and eight polling places.

Spencer said the 
county election board will also likely have to meet once or twice per 
week in the weeks leading up to election day to process the additional 
advance ballots.

Johnson County officials are shipping 
vote-by-mail applications directly to all registered voters. Election 
Commissioner Connie Schmidt said she hopes that will help prevent 
overcrowding or long lines at polling places.

“We won’t be able to have as many voting machines in some of the locations as we’ve had in the past,” she <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article242261896.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>. “They will have to be spread out. That’s another reason why we’re encouraging people to vote by mail this time.”

It’s difficult to estimate what it would take for the entire state to run elections by mail.

“Elections
 in Kansas are conducted at the county level, and depending on the 
election, the ballot length, ballot weight and a number of other 
factors,” said Joanna Dolan, principal research analyst at the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department, “costs could vary from county to county
 and election to election.”

Sending applications to its more than 
400,000 registered voters will cost Johnson County an estimated 
$120,000. They’re hoping they’ll be reimbursed with federal funds, which
 were made available through the CARES Act. Of the $400 million 
nationally, Kansas will receive just under $4 million, Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab said.

That money will help cover safety 
measures for polling places, like hand sanitizer, disinfectants and 
protective gear, as well as the additional postage and processing that’s
 expected with extra mail-in ballots.

The funds will also reimburse counties who have already incurred some of those expenses. Fager said Reno County secured protective gear and other materials for its polling places through local resources.

“We’re just kind of doing that on our own right now,” she said, “instead of depending on the state.”

With
 only two polling places and about 10,000 registered voters, 
preparations in western Kansas’ Seward County won’t be quite as 
cumbersome as others. The county is also fortunate that a 2002 
resolution allows county employees to work polls, all but guaranteeing 
ample workers.

“We have several county employees who volunteer to 
assist during elections, which makes recruiting experienced workers much
 easier,” Seward County Clerk Stacia Long said.

For counties needing help, Kansas is launching a statewide campaign to recruit poll workers, especially young ones.

“You
 can be 16, 17 years old and still volunteer as a poll board worker,” 
Schwab said. “My son doesn’t know it yet, but my 16-year-olds will be 
working at the poll in the primary this year.”

Sedgwick County 
Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman said that after multiple asks, only
 228 of nearly 2,000 current and former poll workers have agreed to work
 the elections.

Sedgwick and Johnson counties are the state’s two most populous, representing nearly 40% of <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voterreg.asp" target="_blank">registered voters</a>.
 Lehman said they’re forming similar contingency plans, like moving 
election-worker training online. And Sedgwick County will follow Johnson
 County’s lead in sending applications to active registered voters.

“We believe it is crucial that we work together to provide the best options to our voters moving forward,” she said.

Ahead
 of Georgia’s presidential primary in June, state election officials 
mailed almost 7 million mail-in voting applications to registered 
voters. Like what’s currently expected to happen in Kansas, polls will 
still be open, but officials want to limit how many people vote in 
person.

Schwab said his office is not currently planning to mail 
anything to voters statewide, and would rather leave the decision up to 
each county.

“If the state did one and the county did one, you’re 
going to have some duplication and you’re going to increase confusion,” 
he said.

He said it’s unclear at this point how many Kansans will 
vote by mail in the upcoming elections, but that will become apparent as
 applications start to come in this summer.

Schwab said the state is also looking at drive-thru voting, which <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article241912941.html" target="_blank">Missouri</a> hopes to implement for its municipal elections in June.

“I’m
 a believer of (having) every opportunity and every way possible to vote
 that you can,” he said, “as opposed to a unilateral — you can only vote
 this way and no other way.”

Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill" target="_blank"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588600227252.png" alt="A Kansas polling place in November 2018. Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas polling place in November 2018. Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Polling places in Kansas are 
required by law to be open, but this year's primary and general 
elections might see fewer in-person votes and more by mail. The latter 
is a safe and convenient option in the time of coronavirus, but comes 
with its own costs and challenges.</h2>By DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-03/protecting-voters-from-covid-19-will-cost-kansas-counties-extra">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Thousands of Reno County voters usually cast
 their ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, a central 
location with a high capacity.Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager
 said it’ll look different for this year’s August primary and November 
general election to avoid spreading the coronavirus. How different, 
though, she’s not sure.“We’d have to consult emergency management and our health department and just, kind of, do the best we can,” she said.Fager
 is one of dozens of county election officials in Kansas preparing for 
two possibly unusual elections — and an expected surge in voting by 
mail. Kansas law requires polling places to be open on election days, so
 counties are looking to stock up on disinfectants and protective gear. 
And unlike neighboring Missouri, voters in Kansas don’t have to have a 
specific excuse to request a mail-in ballot.Though mail-in voting might be a safe and convenient option for voters, it also comes with its own costs and challenges.“The
 cost of envelopes, paper ballots, and postage will likely be 
significantly more than we budgeted for those purposes,” said Marion 
County Clerk Tina Spencer, who oversees elections for the county’s more 
than 7,500 voters and eight polling places.Spencer said the 
county election board will also likely have to meet once or twice per 
week in the weeks leading up to election day to process the additional 
advance ballots.Johnson County officials are shipping 
vote-by-mail applications directly to all registered voters. Election 
Commissioner Connie Schmidt said she hopes that will help prevent 
overcrowding or long lines at polling places.“We won’t be able to have as many voting machines in some of the locations as we’ve had in the past,” she <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article242261896.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>. “They will have to be spread out. That’s another reason why we’re encouraging people to vote by mail this time.”It’s difficult to estimate what it would take for the entire state to run elections by mail.“Elections
 in Kansas are conducted at the county level, and depending on the 
election, the ballot length, ballot weight and a number of other 
factors,” said Joanna Dolan, principal research analyst at the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department, “costs could vary from county to county
 and election to election.”Sending applications to its more than 
400,000 registered voters will cost Johnson County an estimated 
$120,000. They’re hoping they’ll be reimbursed with federal funds, which
 were made available through the CARES Act. Of the $400 million 
nationally, Kansas will receive just under $4 million, Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab said.That money will help cover safety 
measures for polling places, like hand sanitizer, disinfectants and 
protective gear, as well as the additional postage and processing that’s
 expected with extra mail-in ballots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588600298363.png" alt="Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Costs, approaches vary by county</h2>The funds will also reimburse counties who have already incurred some of those expenses. Fager said Reno County secured protective gear and other materials for its polling places through local resources.“We’re just kind of doing that on our own right now,” she said, “instead of depending on the state.”With
 only two polling places and about 10,000 registered voters, 
preparations in western Kansas’ Seward County won’t be quite as 
cumbersome as others. The county is also fortunate that a 2002 
resolution allows county employees to work polls, all but guaranteeing 
ample workers.“We have several county employees who volunteer to 
assist during elections, which makes recruiting experienced workers much
 easier,” Seward County Clerk Stacia Long said.For counties needing help, Kansas is launching a statewide campaign to recruit poll workers, especially young ones.“You
 can be 16, 17 years old and still volunteer as a poll board worker,” 
Schwab said. “My son doesn’t know it yet, but my 16-year-olds will be 
working at the poll in the primary this year.”Sedgwick County 
Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman said that after multiple asks, only
 228 of nearly 2,000 current and former poll workers have agreed to work
 the elections.Sedgwick and Johnson counties are the state’s two most populous, representing nearly 40% of <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voterreg.asp" target="_blank">registered voters</a>.
 Lehman said they’re forming similar contingency plans, like moving 
election-worker training online. And Sedgwick County will follow Johnson
 County’s lead in sending applications to active registered voters.“We believe it is crucial that we work together to provide the best options to our voters moving forward,” she said.Ahead
 of Georgia’s presidential primary in June, state election officials 
mailed almost 7 million mail-in voting applications to registered 
voters. Like what’s currently expected to happen in Kansas, polls will 
still be open, but officials want to limit how many people vote in 
person.Schwab said his office is not currently planning to mail 
anything to voters statewide, and would rather leave the decision up to 
each county.“If the state did one and the county did one, you’re 
going to have some duplication and you’re going to increase confusion,” 
he said.He said it’s unclear at this point how many Kansans will 
vote by mail in the upcoming elections, but that will become apparent as
 applications start to come in this summer.Schwab said the state is also looking at drive-thru voting, which <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article241912941.html" target="_blank">Missouri</a> hopes to implement for its municipal elections in June.“I’m
 a believer of (having) every opportunity and every way possible to vote
 that you can,” he said, “as opposed to a unilateral — you can only vote
 this way and no other way.”Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill" target="_blank"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

Protecting Kan. voters from COVID-19 will be costly for counties

Today is Match Day where the Hutchinson Community Foundation will match the contributions to over 30 non-profit organizations in the community.

"I'm excited to announce that our match pool has grown from $60,000 to $100,000, because of some very generous donors who said $60,000 wasn't enough," said Aubrey Patterson with the Hutchinson Community Foundation. "However much each organization brings in as a percentage of our match, they will receive in return."

That means if an organization brings in 15% of the total, they get $15,000. In addition, Eagle Radio listeners and Hutch Post readers have added an additional impact to their donation through $5,000 in matching funds from the Bob Schmidt Foundation.

"We're seeing that a lot of non-profits, including theatrical organizations are struggling with the fact that you can't have people so close to each other," said Ethan Kaplan with Family Community Theatre. "It's our hope that we can continue to strive and provide these quality productions, and that's why hopefully Match Day will be so successful again."

Hutch Rec is also finding a way to continue to serve its constituents now and plan for a future when we can get togther in public again.

"It's not black and white," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. "We knew it would not be. Specifically regarding our recreation opportunities and activities, we're still seeking some clarification on those items and we're releasing that information to the public as soon as it becomes available. Right now, we still plan on having some sort of baseball, softball and T-ball this summer."

USD 308 is also looking for ways to use matching funds to extend its efforts out into the community.

"We have been thinking about doing a bookmobile," said board president Kail Dennison. "We want to get books out to our students. We have libraries full of books right now that we can't give our families access to. We're thinking outside the box. What can we do that can help our students learn?"

Donna Davis with Brighthouse is also extremely grateful for the opportunity to have matching funds available as Brighthouse deals with the increase in domestic violence issues brought on by the pandemic.

"We're seeing, at least here in Reno County, that we're not getting as many calls from people who just want to talk," Davis said. "People are kind of hunkering down and staying put. What we are getting is more, more, if you will, violent violence, more brutality. It's almost like the steam builds in a household where no one can get out. There's no income coming in, the children are at home, there's all kinds of stress factors and the steam is building. We're definitely seeing more brutality here."

Donate to your preffered organizations at <a href="https://www.ihearthutch.org/index.cfm">Ihearthutch.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588675560040.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Match Day where the Hutchinson Community Foundation will match the contributions to over 30 non-profit organizations in the community."I'm excited to announce that our match pool has grown from $60,000 to $100,000, because of some very generous donors who said $60,000 wasn't enough," said Aubrey Patterson with the Hutchinson Community Foundation. "However much each organization brings in as a percentage of our match, they will receive in return."That means if an organization brings in 15% of the total, they get $15,000. In addition, Eagle Radio listeners and Hutch Post readers have added an additional impact to their donation through $5,000 in matching funds from the Bob Schmidt Foundation."We're seeing that a lot of non-profits, including theatrical organizations are struggling with the fact that you can't have people so close to each other," said Ethan Kaplan with Family Community Theatre. "It's our hope that we can continue to strive and provide these quality productions, and that's why hopefully Match Day will be so successful again."Hutch Rec is also finding a way to continue to serve its constituents now and plan for a future when we can get togther in public again."It's not black and white," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. "We knew it would not be. Specifically regarding our recreation opportunities and activities, we're still seeking some clarification on those items and we're releasing that information to the public as soon as it becomes available. Right now, we still plan on having some sort of baseball, softball and T-ball this summer."USD 308 is also looking for ways to use matching funds to extend its efforts out into the community."We have been thinking about doing a bookmobile," said board president Kail Dennison. "We want to get books out to our students. We have libraries full of books right now that we can't give our families access to. We're thinking outside the box. What can we do that can help our students learn?"Donna Davis with Brighthouse is also extremely grateful for the opportunity to have matching funds available as Brighthouse deals with the increase in domestic violence issues brought on by the pandemic."We're seeing, at least here in Reno County, that we're not getting as many calls from people who just want to talk," Davis said. "People are kind of hunkering down and staying put. What we are getting is more, more, if you will, violent violence, more brutality. It's almost like the steam builds in a household where no one can get out. There's no income coming in, the children are at home, there's all kinds of stress factors and the steam is building. We're definitely seeing more brutality here."Donate to your preffered organizations at <a href="https://www.ihearthutch.org/index.cfm">Ihearthutch.org.</a>

Match Day to help non-profits is Tuesday

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced today that one resident at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the KDOC.

HCF is the seventh KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex and El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 30. This male was recently transferred to HCF as a security precaution due to his behavior while at LCF. Upon arrival to HCF, he was immediately taken to the infirmary and kept in a negative air-flow room and was never put into general population. Upon diagnosis, he was transferred back to LCF for observation and treatment. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.

The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:

“Transferring residents from Lansing to other facilities is never our first choice, but due to extenuating circumstances, it was necessary,” Zmuda said. “Thankfully our staff took every precaution and we have no reason to believe that any others at the facility are at risk.”

The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels, East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588634023977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced today that one resident at Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release from the KDOC.HCF is the seventh KDOC facility with a confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF, Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex and El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional Facility.The resident at HCF is a male over the age of 30. This male was recently transferred to HCF as a security precaution due to his behavior while at LCF. Upon arrival to HCF, he was immediately taken to the infirmary and kept in a negative air-flow room and was never put into general population. Upon diagnosis, he was transferred back to LCF for observation and treatment. In order to protect the identity of the person, no other information will be released.The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:<ol>
 <li>The resident was moved to LCF for medical isolation for treatment of his symptoms</li><li>KDHE conducted contact tracing to determine who among our staff and residents have been in close contact with this individual</li><li>KDOC will remain diligent in monitoring other staff and residents for symptoms</li>
 </ol>“Transferring residents from Lansing to other facilities is never our first choice, but due to extenuating circumstances, it was necessary,” Zmuda said. “Thankfully our staff took every precaution and we have no reason to believe that any others at the facility are at risk.”The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels, East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

Confirmed case of coronavirus at Hutchinson Correctional Facility; prisoner has been transferred

STAFFORD COUNTY—A Turon teen was injured in an accident just after 10 a.m. Monday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Expedition driven by 16-year-old Taylor Vincent&nbsp;Vagts-Newell of Turon was northbound on SE 110th Avenue one mile south of SE 80th and a 2009 Terr Gator driven by 33-year-old Zeke William Dickson of Turon was eastbound on SE 70th Street.

Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Ford rear-ended the Gator.&nbsp; &nbsp;The impact pushed the Gator into the north ditch and it rolled.

EMS transported Vagts-Newell to the hospital in Stafford.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. Dickson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

STAFFORD COUNTY—A Turon teen was injured in an accident just after 10 a.m. Monday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Expedition driven by 16-year-old Taylor Vincent&nbsp;Vagts-Newell of Turon was northbound on SE 110th Avenue one mile south of SE 80th and a 2009 Terr Gator driven by 33-year-old Zeke William Dickson of Turon was eastbound on SE 70th Street.Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Ford rear-ended the Gator.&nbsp; &nbsp;The impact pushed the Gator into the north ditch and it rolled.EMS transported Vagts-Newell to the hospital in Stafford.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. Dickson was not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reno Co. teen hospitalized after rear-end crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although it can open under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Hutchinson Public Library is staying closed for at least another week. The library announced it would not open to give staff more time to prepare for patrons again.

The library is planning to open with numerous guidelines in place to keep staff and patrons safe. But opening up the building is still some time away. Beginning Monday, May 11, the library building will still be closed, but offer a pickup service, including books and other items, copying and faxing. Officials also plan to restart the homebound delivery services with an eye toward expanding that service to a broader audience.

The library is also working hard to prepare the building to safely open to the public, but library spaces are categorized as medium- to high-risk for concentrating people in a space that doesn't fit the current guidelines.

The library says it will continue to update patrons on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchpl/">Facebook</a> and other sources of media about a possible full opening of the facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577981488127.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although it can open under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Hutchinson Public Library is staying closed for at least another week. The library announced it would not open to give staff more time to prepare for patrons again.The library is planning to open with numerous guidelines in place to keep staff and patrons safe. But opening up the building is still some time away. Beginning Monday, May 11, the library building will still be closed, but offer a pickup service, including books and other items, copying and faxing. Officials also plan to restart the homebound delivery services with an eye toward expanding that service to a broader audience.The library is also working hard to prepare the building to safely open to the public, but library spaces are categorized as medium- to high-risk for concentrating people in a space that doesn't fit the current guidelines.The library says it will continue to update patrons on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchpl/">Facebook</a> and other sources of media about a possible full opening of the facility.

Library remains closed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — TECH announced Monday that Sharri King has been named the new Director of Marketing and Development for the organization. 

King joins TECH with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic planning. Recently, she was a Senior Media Planner and Buyer for Copp Media where she partnered and strategized with businesses to creatively market their brands, services and products through multi-channel media sources. 

“The culture at TECH is part of what makes it such a great organization. It’s an honor and privilege to be part of an incredible team that celebrates diversity, bands together in a mission, and (is) passionate about making a difference in the lives of others,” King said. 

Along with her extensive marketing career, King also served in the U.S. Air Force and said patriotism has a very special place in her heart.

King began her position with TECH on Monday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588626244938.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — TECH announced Monday that Sharri King has been named the new Director of Marketing and Development for the organization. King joins TECH with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic planning. Recently, she was a Senior Media Planner and Buyer for Copp Media where she partnered and strategized with businesses to creatively market their brands, services and products through multi-channel media sources. “The culture at TECH is part of what makes it such a great organization. It’s an honor and privilege to be part of an incredible team that celebrates diversity, bands together in a mission, and (is) passionate about making a difference in the lives of others,” King said. Along with her extensive marketing career, King also served in the U.S. Air Force and said patriotism has a very special place in her heart.King began her position with TECH on Monday.

TECH hires new Director of Marketing

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While many businesses are reopening with the easing of pandemic restrictions, some agencies and local operations are going to stay under restrictions that may go further than those imposed by the state. Members of the task force assembled to get the county open again include those leaders in the long-term healthcare sector. Lowell Peachey, president of Mennonite Friendship Communities, says they are looking at keeping strict guidelines in place for dealing with the pandemic.

“We have to follow, as you all know, CMS, CDC, KDHE and Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Service guidance. And so we are subject to those regulatory authorities,” Peachey said. “We are thinking at this point that we will probably be more restrictive than those outlined in the reopening plan from the governor or the Reno County Health Department.”

Peachey hopes that any policy made by the subcommittee will be shared by all similar agencies in the area.

“(I) had a conversation with Nick (Baldetti) about maybe once this gets clearer, convening a phone call with all of the providers in the area to try and be more collaborative, and be able to have a  sort of a common voice in how we figure out what the reopening means for us.” 

While many hot spots in the COVID-19 pandemic centered around care facilities, the procedures for reopening their doors to the outside world may be very different.

“Our opening is probably going to be on a different schedule,” Peachey said. “And it may be even shaped . . . completely different than other places.”  

Several other subcommittees of the task force are also considering tighter restrictions than what is laid out by the governor. Health Director Nick Baldetti says those guidelines will come out as each subcommittee decides the course of action it will take.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584043999481.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While many businesses are reopening with the easing of pandemic restrictions, some agencies and local operations are going to stay under restrictions that may go further than those imposed by the state. Members of the task force assembled to get the county open again include those leaders in the long-term healthcare sector. Lowell Peachey, president of Mennonite Friendship Communities, says they are looking at keeping strict guidelines in place for dealing with the pandemic.“We have to follow, as you all know, CMS, CDC, KDHE and Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Service guidance. And so we are subject to those regulatory authorities,” Peachey said. “We are thinking at this point that we will probably be more restrictive than those outlined in the reopening plan from the governor or the Reno County Health Department.”Peachey hopes that any policy made by the subcommittee will be shared by all similar agencies in the area.“(I) had a conversation with Nick (Baldetti) about maybe once this gets clearer, convening a phone call with all of the providers in the area to try and be more collaborative, and be able to have a sort of a common voice in how we figure out what the reopening means for us.” While many hot spots in the COVID-19 pandemic centered around care facilities, the procedures for reopening their doors to the outside world may be very different.“Our opening is probably going to be on a different schedule,” Peachey said. “And it may be even shaped . . . completely different than other places.” Several other subcommittees of the task force are also considering tighter restrictions than what is laid out by the governor. Health Director Nick Baldetti says those guidelines will come out as each subcommittee decides the course of action it will take.

Healthcare providers still face challenges as state opens up

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formal wear for prom, and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.

Now, Hutchinson High School student Ronald Heminway has been selected to be part of a group of 64 seniors from across Kansas to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to post-secondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with the Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place April 21 via Zoom.

"Ronald Heminway has distinguished himself as an intelligent, conscientious and energetic student,” Ryan Ewy, HHS principal, said. “He has an excellent rapport with the school community and naturally gets along with everyone. Furthermore, Ronald holds himself accountable to the highest of standards. Currently, Ron's class rank is second out of 338 students with a weighted GPA of 6.63 and unweighted GPA of 3.96. He's a full IB Diploma candidate planning on studying engineering at KU next year.” 

For Heminway, challenge and change have been part of his life.

“Ron has an interesting story in that he was adopted from an orphanage in Shanghai, China, when he was young and to this day maintains an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for all his blessings,” Ewy said. “He is not easily discouraged and enthusiastically takes on challenges with a smile. It is through these traits that he serves as an outstanding role model for others."

Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588622203658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formal wear for prom, and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.Now, Hutchinson High School student Ronald Heminway has been selected to be part of a group of 64 seniors from across Kansas to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to post-secondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with the Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place April 21 via Zoom."Ronald Heminway has distinguished himself as an intelligent, conscientious and energetic student,” Ryan Ewy, HHS principal, said. “He has an excellent rapport with the school community and naturally gets along with everyone. Furthermore, Ronald holds himself accountable to the highest of standards. Currently, Ron's class rank is second out of 338 students with a weighted GPA of 6.63 and unweighted GPA of 3.96. He's a full IB Diploma candidate planning on studying engineering at KU next year.” For Heminway, challenge and change have been part of his life.“Ron has an interesting story in that he was adopted from an orphanage in Shanghai, China, when he was young and to this day maintains an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for all his blessings,” Ewy said. “He is not easily discouraged and enthusiastically takes on challenges with a smile. It is through these traits that he serves as an outstanding role model for others."Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.

Hutch High student part of COVID-19 response to BOE

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is still providing an 800 number and a new email address to provide an avenue for the general public to ask questions regarding COVID-19, or even report violations or concerns regarding the different phases of the state’s reopening plan.

“We have a specific email address that’s called <a href="mailto:publiccovid@renogov.org">publiccovid@renogov.org</a>,” Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said. “We’d like people to email those as well so we can triage not only those questions but also potentially complaints, or heads up, if you will.”

Baldetti says they have staff on standby to take those calls or email questions.

“Locally we have a team of five that are designated for responding to the 1-800 number and the public COVID email address,” Baldetti said. “We also have an overflow of a department that is on standby should the inquiries become so much that five can’t handle it.”

The Health Department hopes that violations can first be addressed on an educational basis.

“If we get a heads up that someone is not in compliance, first we’re going to vet to ensure that . . . they are not in compliance,” Baldetti stressed. “Then if they're not in compliance . . . what we’ll most likely do is contact the sheriff’s department or the Hutch PD in consultation with the district attorney’s office.”

Any action taken against a group that may want to defy the state orders for gatherings ultimately falls to the district attorney’s office.

“If we send law enforcement out and they decide to not abide, and not disperse, then it’s the teeth of the DA’s office that is essentially going to fall on any kind of movement that we have,” Baldetti said. “We’ll try as peacefully as possible to simply have a cease and desist, but if we think there’s a real public health concern with whatever actions are being taken outside of that, then we’ll probably level further action.” 

The phone number is 1-844-834-3658 and the email address is <a href="mailto:publiccovid@renogov.org">publiccovid@renogov.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584831665252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is still providing an 800 number and a new email address to provide an avenue for the general public to ask questions regarding COVID-19, or even report violations or concerns regarding the different phases of the state’s reopening plan.“We have a specific email address that’s called <a href="mailto:publiccovid@renogov.org">publiccovid@renogov.org</a>,” Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said. “We’d like people to email those as well so we can triage not only those questions but also potentially complaints, or heads up, if you will.”Baldetti says they have staff on standby to take those calls or email questions.“Locally we have a team of five that are designated for responding to the 1-800 number and the public COVID email address,” Baldetti said. “We also have an overflow of a department that is on standby should the inquiries become so much that five can’t handle it.”The Health Department hopes that violations can first be addressed on an educational basis.“If we get a heads up that someone is not in compliance, first we’re going to vet to ensure that . . . they are not in compliance,” Baldetti stressed. “Then if they're not in compliance . . . what we’ll most likely do is contact the sheriff’s department or the Hutch PD in consultation with the district attorney’s office.”Any action taken against a group that may want to defy the state orders for gatherings ultimately falls to the district attorney’s office.“If we send law enforcement out and they decide to not abide, and not disperse, then it’s the teeth of the DA’s office that is essentially going to fall on any kind of movement that we have,” Baldetti said. “We’ll try as peacefully as possible to simply have a cease and desist, but if we think there’s a real public health concern with whatever actions are being taken outside of that, then we’ll probably level further action.” The phone number is 1-844-834-3658 and the email address is <a href="mailto:publiccovid@renogov.org">publiccovid@renogov.org</a>.

New email address available to patrons regarding COVID-19

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 College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss pay for employees during the shutdown caused by the pandemic. 

If the resolution is passed by the board, the college will continue wage payments to all regular employees, including regular salaried and hourly employees and employees under the current contract with or employed by the college, including those instructed not to report to work on days they would otherwise be required.

Passage of the resolution would provide payments through June 12 unless the board takes action to authorize payment for a longer period of time.

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. and will be streamed on the college's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HutchCCMedia">YouTube site</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss pay for employees during the shutdown caused by the pandemic. If the resolution is passed by the board, the college will continue wage payments to all regular employees, including regular salaried and hourly employees and employees under the current contract with or employed by the college, including those instructed not to report to work on days they would otherwise be required.Passage of the resolution would provide payments through June 12 unless the board takes action to authorize payment for a longer period of time.Wednesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. and will be streamed on the college's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/HutchCCMedia">YouTube site</a>.

HutchCC BOT to consider resolution on pay for employees

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Monday that the downtown offices at 17&nbsp; East 1st are now open to the public for in-person registrations. This week’s hours May 4-9 are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Staff is limiting the number of customers in the lobby area at one time. No more than two customers will be allowed in the lobby to ensure the practice of safe social distancing guidelines. If two customers are currently in the lobby, Hutch Rec staff asks individuals to wait outside or in their vehicles. Customers also have the option to register for activities online at hutchrec.com.

Salt City Splash staff continues to accept applications for lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Training is available through Hutch Rec. Interested applicants should contact Ted Nelson, superintendent of aquatics, at tnelson@hutchrec.com for more information. Lifeguards must be a minimum of 15 years old; Water Safety Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years old.

At this time, Hutch Rec is planning to open the pool on May 23. Follow the Salt City Splash Facebook page and saltcitysplash.com for updates regarding the Memorial Day weekend opening of the facility.

American Red Cross swim lessons are on as scheduled. Parents may register their children online at hutchrec.com or in person at Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st. Special registration dates will be announced on the Salt City Splash Facebook page and through e-mail.

 The Senior Center at Elmdale Park continues with their curbside carryout lunch program continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Senior Center members may call to reserve their lunch at (620) 663-2811. Details and the May menu are available on the Senior Center web page at hutchrec.com.

The center will remain closed through the month of May. This includes activities taking place at the Center and group travel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584563985382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Monday that the downtown offices at 17&nbsp; East 1st are now open to the public for in-person registrations. This week’s hours May 4-9 are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.Staff is limiting the number of customers in the lobby area at one time. No more than two customers will be allowed in the lobby to ensure the practice of safe social distancing guidelines. If two customers are currently in the lobby, Hutch Rec staff asks individuals to wait outside or in their vehicles. Customers also have the option to register for activities online at hutchrec.com.Salt City Splash staff continues to accept applications for lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Training is available through Hutch Rec. Interested applicants should contact Ted Nelson, superintendent of aquatics, at tnelson@hutchrec.com for more information. Lifeguards must be a minimum of 15 years old; Water Safety Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years old.At this time, Hutch Rec is planning to open the pool on May 23. Follow the Salt City Splash Facebook page and saltcitysplash.com for updates regarding the Memorial Day weekend opening of the facility.American Red Cross swim lessons are on as scheduled. Parents may register their children online at hutchrec.com or in person at Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st. Special registration dates will be announced on the Salt City Splash Facebook page and through e-mail. The Senior Center at Elmdale Park continues with their curbside carryout lunch program continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Senior Center members may call to reserve their lunch at (620) 663-2811. Details and the May menu are available on the Senior Center web page at hutchrec.com.The center will remain closed through the month of May. This includes activities taking place at the Center and group travel.

Hutch Rec offices open again


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The first weekend of testing at the Kansas State Fairgrounds has netted around 200 tests for COVID-19. Though specific numbers were not yet available as of early Monday from official sources, Reno County Health Department director Nick Baldetti's back of the envelope calculation was 197 tests administered in the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday set of dates there.

"That 197 is not reflected, because we don't have the feed yet, on our COVID dashboard, so it does not feed into the total number of tests administered or any of those metrics yet," Baldetti said. 

The rate of positive tests to total tests administered of the ones available to the dashboard is hovering around 6%. That's actually pretty good, according to Baldetti.

"Some of the literature is suggesting about a 10 to 12% case positive rate," Baldetti said. "Last week, the state of Kansas was at a 12%. From a scientific literature perspective, the state of Kansas was kind of right at the peak. Now, I believe that percentage upticked over the weekend."

That said, Baldetti fuly expects some of the Fairgrounds testing to net positive cases, but it would be an increase in that positive test rate that would be of concern to him.

"I would be monitoring and find concerns in a short period of time if we began to jump by about a two percentage tick or more," Baldetti said. 

At this point, there are also still 41 tests from the regular health care system in Reno County that are also awaiting results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588270657627.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The first weekend of testing at the Kansas State Fairgrounds has netted around 200 tests for COVID-19. Though specific numbers were not yet available as of early Monday from official sources, Reno County Health Department director Nick Baldetti's back of the envelope calculation was 197 tests administered in the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday set of dates there."That 197 is not reflected, because we don't have the feed yet, on our COVID dashboard, so it does not feed into the total number of tests administered or any of those metrics yet," Baldetti said. The rate of positive tests to total tests administered of the ones available to the dashboard is hovering around 6%. That's actually pretty good, according to Baldetti."Some of the literature is suggesting about a 10 to 12% case positive rate," Baldetti said. "Last week, the state of Kansas was at a 12%. From a scientific literature perspective, the state of Kansas was kind of right at the peak. Now, I believe that percentage upticked over the weekend."That said, Baldetti fuly expects some of the Fairgrounds testing to net positive cases, but it would be an increase in that positive test rate that would be of concern to him."I would be monitoring and find concerns in a short period of time if we began to jump by about a two percentage tick or more," Baldetti said. At this point, there are also still 41 tests from the regular health care system in Reno County that are also awaiting results.

Around 200 tests at Fairgrounds in first weekend, but positive rate is number to watch

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has now registered 40 cases of COVID-19. The latest case is a female under the age of 18 with a known source of exposure. The subject is in home isolation as per guidelines.

Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says 21 patients of COVID-19 have fully recovered and the county has run 610 tests with 571 coming back negative for a positive case rate of 6.3%. Less than 1% of the county has been tested.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588469107657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has now registered 40 cases of COVID-19. The latest case is a female under the age of 18 with a known source of exposure. The subject is in home isolation as per guidelines.Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says 21 patients of COVID-19 have fully recovered and the county has run 610 tests with 571 coming back negative for a positive case rate of 6.3%. Less than 1% of the county has been tested.&nbsp;

COVID-19 cases up to 40 in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas voters still do not need documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. The claims of the ACLU were once again found to be valid by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last week.

"In the prior ten years, only 39 non-citizens had ever successfully registered to vote, none of them actually, in fact, voted," said KU Law Professor Lumen "Lou" Mulligan. "That represented .002% of Kansas voters. These are all the facts as found by the federal courts. After then Secretary of State Kobach enacted these new regulations 31,000 people were found to be ineligible to vote. The trial court found that well over 99% of those 31,000 people were indeed citizens. The courts found that the number would have been higher, but for the fact that the trial court issued preliminary injunctions early in the case and that this 31,000 number represented 12.4% of all newly registered voters."

The court affirmed that the policy was a violation of the federal motor voter act and a violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. 

"The test is one of balancing," Mulligan said. "You need to balance the injury to citizens on their right to vote versus the legitimate state interest in protecting the integrity of the vote. The court said, on these facts, not a hard call."

The decision is binding to the states under the 10th Circuit, including Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580231739330.jpeg" alt="KU Law Professor Lou Mulligan" />
 <figcaption>KU Law Professor Lou Mulligan</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas voters still do not need documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. The claims of the ACLU were once again found to be valid by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last week."In the prior ten years, only 39 non-citizens had ever successfully registered to vote, none of them actually, in fact, voted," said KU Law Professor Lumen "Lou" Mulligan. "That represented .002% of Kansas voters. These are all the facts as found by the federal courts. After then Secretary of State Kobach enacted these new regulations 31,000 people were found to be ineligible to vote. The trial court found that well over 99% of those 31,000 people were indeed citizens. The courts found that the number would have been higher, but for the fact that the trial court issued preliminary injunctions early in the case and that this 31,000 number represented 12.4% of all newly registered voters."The court affirmed that the policy was a violation of the federal motor voter act and a violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. "The test is one of balancing," Mulligan said. "You need to balance the injury to citizens on their right to vote versus the legitimate state interest in protecting the integrity of the vote. The court said, on these facts, not a hard call."The decision is binding to the states under the 10th Circuit, including Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.

Mulligan: Federal ruling affirms injunctions against proof of citizenship law

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Over the last two weeks, the Reno County Health Department has been working with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and the Reno County Economic Recovery Taskforce (RCERT) to present recommendations for reopening Reno County. On Thursday evening, Governor Laura Kelly outlined the first phase of the reopening plan for Kansas local governments. This framework allows Kansas counties to retain the ability to enact more restrictive orders, but not less restrictive. Reno County, at this time, does not plan to place any further restrictions over and above that which is outlined in the Governor’s phased plan timeline. Those phases and timelines are summarized in the attached spreadsheet and the full plan can be found at <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.2.pdf">covid.ks.gov</a>.

Based on the Governor Laura Kelly’s guidelines, businesses, except those specified in the state plan, will be allowed to begin opening on May 4th as directed by Kansas executive order.

Businesses not specifically prohibited may open if they can: 

• Maintain at least six feet of distance between individuals or groups. 

• Follow fundamental cleaning and public health practices. Additional sector-specific best practices guidance is also strongly encouraged. 

• Avoid instances in which groups of more than 10 people are in one location and unable to maintain a six-foot distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of close proximity.

Additional general guidelines included in the plan consist of: 

• Encouraging telework whenever possible. 

• Individuals are strongly encouraged to wear cloth masks and employers should follow industry-specific guidance on mask use in the workplace. 

• Require any employees with symptoms to stay home. 

• Minimize or eliminate non-essential travel. 

• Reconfigure spaces in your business to enable people to be located at least 6-feet apart and incorporate physical barriers where possible. 

• Provide signage at public entrances to inform all employees and customers of social distancing guidelines mandated within the business. 

Establishments and activities not allowed to open in Phase One include bars and nightclubs (except those already providing curbside/carryout service, indoor leisure spaces (theaters, museums, etc., casinos (non-tribal, fitness centers and gyms, personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided (hair and nail salons, barber shops, etc., community centers, fairs, festivals, parades, graduations, public swimming pools, organized sports facilities, and summer camps.   

Additional guiding principles have also been compiled by the RCERT sub-committees and will be posted at hutchchamber.com/coronavirus to aide in best practices with industry specific recommendations.  As additional guidance is released by the State of Kansas, it will also be made available as well.

When determining if the state is ready to move to the next phase, Governor Laura Kelly will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contract tracing, and availability of personal protective equipment.  Regardless of phase, the Reno County Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk. 

On behalf of Reno County and the RCERT, Co-chairs Nicholas Baldetti and Debra Teufel wish to thank the over 300 individuals who contributed their valuable time and efforts toward the formulation of specific guidance toward the reopening of Reno County. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585343971615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Over the last two weeks, the Reno County Health Department has been working with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and the Reno County Economic Recovery Taskforce (RCERT) to present recommendations for reopening Reno County. On Thursday evening, Governor Laura Kelly outlined the first phase of the reopening plan for Kansas local governments. This framework allows Kansas counties to retain the ability to enact more restrictive orders, but not less restrictive. Reno County, at this time, does not plan to place any further restrictions over and above that which is outlined in the Governor’s phased plan timeline. Those phases and timelines are summarized in the attached spreadsheet and the full plan can be found at <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.2.pdf">covid.ks.gov</a>. Based on the Governor Laura Kelly’s guidelines, businesses, except those specified in the state plan, will be allowed to begin opening on May 4th as directed by Kansas executive order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588378909510.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Businesses not specifically prohibited may open if they can: • Maintain at least six feet of distance between individuals or groups. • Follow fundamental cleaning and public health practices. Additional sector-specific best practices guidance is also strongly encouraged. • Avoid instances in which groups of more than 10 people are in one location and unable to maintain a six-foot distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of close proximity.Additional general guidelines included in the plan consist of: • Encouraging telework whenever possible. • Individuals are strongly encouraged to wear cloth masks and employers should follow industry-specific guidance on mask use in the workplace. • Require any employees with symptoms to stay home. • Minimize or eliminate non-essential travel. • Reconfigure spaces in your business to enable people to be located at least 6-feet apart and incorporate physical barriers where possible. • Provide signage at public entrances to inform all employees and customers of social distancing guidelines mandated within the business. Establishments and activities not allowed to open in Phase One include bars and nightclubs (except those already providing curbside/carryout service, indoor leisure spaces (theaters, museums, etc., casinos (non-tribal, fitness centers and gyms, personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided (hair and nail salons, barber shops, etc., community centers, fairs, festivals, parades, graduations, public swimming pools, organized sports facilities, and summer camps. Additional guiding principles have also been compiled by the RCERT sub-committees and will be posted at hutchchamber.com/coronavirus to aide in best practices with industry specific recommendations. As additional guidance is released by the State of Kansas, it will also be made available as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588376822505.jpeg" alt="RenoCoPhases" />
 <figcaption>RenoCoPhases</figcaption>
 </figure>When determining if the state is ready to move to the next phase, Governor Laura Kelly will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contract tracing, and availability of personal protective equipment. Regardless of phase, the Reno County Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk. On behalf of Reno County and the RCERT, Co-chairs Nicholas Baldetti and Debra Teufel wish to thank the over 300 individuals who contributed their valuable time and efforts toward the formulation of specific guidance toward the reopening of Reno County.

Reno County issues response to governor's plan to reopen businesses

CLOUD COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by 39-year-old Lisa Leann Shuflat of Valley Center, was&nbsp; northbound on 170th Road four miles south and three miles east of Concordia when Shuflat. lost control on gravel. The SUV entered the west ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Shuflat and a passenger 32-year-old Cody James Leo Armer of McPherson, to the hospital in Concordia.

They were not wearing seat belts, according to the&nbsp; KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by 39-year-old Lisa Leann Shuflat of Valley Center, was&nbsp; northbound on 170th Road four miles south and three miles east of Concordia when Shuflat. lost control on gravel. The SUV entered the west ditch and rolled.EMS transported Shuflat and a passenger 32-year-old Cody James Leo Armer of McPherson, to the hospital in Concordia.They were not wearing seat belts, according to the&nbsp; KHP.

McPherson man hospitalized after SUV rolls

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While some county offices are reopening around the area the Reno County Annex will remain closed through at least May 8. 

County Administrator Randy Partington says the county is still working on some guidelines and procedures for making sure the public and county employees are safe. 

County treasurer Brenda Kowitz says their office will be taking appointments for any title work and the outer lobby will still have a dropbox for tag renewals and real estate taxes.  

They ask that if you drop your renewals or tax payments in the box,&nbsp; make sure your phone number is on your check and enclose the coupon or renewal application.&nbsp; If you need to make an appointment you can call 694-2590. The number for an appointment for any title work is  694-2941.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576875802998.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While some county offices are reopening around the area the Reno County Annex will remain closed through at least May 8. County Administrator Randy Partington says the county is still working on some guidelines and procedures for making sure the public and county employees are safe. County treasurer Brenda Kowitz says their office will be taking appointments for any title work and the outer lobby will still have a dropbox for tag renewals and real estate taxes. They ask that if you drop your renewals or tax payments in the box,&nbsp; make sure your phone number is on your check and enclose the coupon or renewal application.&nbsp; If you need to make an appointment you can call 694-2590. The number for an appointment for any title work is 694-2941.Those wanting to file for a spot in the August primary or November general election can stop by the county annex building and they will bring the paperwork to your car. You can get information and the necessary paperwork for filing at <a href="http://renogov.org">renogov.org</a>.