
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing continues thanks to approval from Reno County Commissioners this week.

"We'll be doing the testing the next two Saturdays at the Hutchinson Clinic," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "It's a drive through from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m."

The testing at the 2107 building will take up to 250 swabs. The numbers of tests to be administered once the testing goes out into the county is still to be determined.

"We're also still working on getting people to work at that," Hammersmith said. "We're reaching out to our community partners for medical personnel to help at those sites."

Because of needing to coordinate availability, the times and dates of Reno County clinics outside of Hutchinson are still being firmed up. We will post those when they are made available.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing continues thanks to approval from Reno County Commissioners this week."We'll be doing the testing the next two Saturdays at the Hutchinson Clinic," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "It's a drive through from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m."The testing at the 2107 building will take up to 250 swabs. The numbers of tests to be administered once the testing goes out into the county is still to be determined."We're also still working on getting people to work at that," Hammersmith said. "We're reaching out to our community partners for medical personnel to help at those sites."Because of needing to coordinate availability, the times and dates of Reno County clinics outside of Hutchinson are still being firmed up. We will post those when they are made available.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing event October 3 and 10 in Hutchinson

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will continue discussion about how the city will deal with a major hike in distribution rates from Evergy once a new substation near Burrton is completed.&nbsp;

Evergy notified Haven that the monthly Wholesale Distribution Service Charge will increase from $4,000 per month to $11,839 per month. The increase amounts to $94,000 per year. The increase also affects the town of Mount Hope. City Clerk Leslie Atherton had urged the City Council to not pass the increase onto residents for now. The changes take effect next year, which is giving the community some time to prepare for the increase.&nbsp;

Brooke Carroll, CPA, Director of Administrative Services, and James Ging, Director of Engineering Services for the Kansas Power Pool, recently made an offer to the city to conduct a rate study. Meetings with the KPP representatives and the city have drawn up several matters that could be addressed. A 16-page report was provided to the council during the last meeting Sept. 8.

The report provided several options. One, according to Atherton, is to streamline the rate card for the city, eliminating several categories. Other options for consideration were increasing the base rate/customer charge, combining residential with residential all-electric, averaging the tiered rates to arrive at a flat rate, and establishing an industrial rate.&nbsp;

Atherton says it is still too early to know which direction the City Council will go with trying to recover the financial increase and, if so, how much rates could increase within the community.

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 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will continue discussion about how the city will deal with a major hike in distribution rates from Evergy once a new substation near Burrton is completed.&nbsp;Evergy notified Haven that the monthly Wholesale Distribution Service Charge will increase from $4,000 per month to $11,839 per month. The increase amounts to $94,000 per year. The increase also affects the town of Mount Hope. City Clerk Leslie Atherton had urged the City Council to not pass the increase onto residents for now. The changes take effect next year, which is giving the community some time to prepare for the increase.&nbsp;Brooke Carroll, CPA, Director of Administrative Services, and James Ging, Director of Engineering Services for the Kansas Power Pool, recently made an offer to the city to conduct a rate study. Meetings with the KPP representatives and the city have drawn up several matters that could be addressed. A 16-page report was provided to the council during the last meeting Sept. 8.The report provided several options. One, according to Atherton, is to streamline the rate card for the city, eliminating several categories. Other options for consideration were increasing the base rate/customer charge, combining residential with residential all-electric, averaging the tiered rates to arrive at a flat rate, and establishing an industrial rate.&nbsp;Atherton says it is still too early to know which direction the City Council will go with trying to recover the financial increase and, if so, how much rates could increase within the community.

Haven City Council to further discuss power rates


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic said Friday he and his colleagues are trying to get school superintendents the best information they can to help keep schools open.

"A group of pediatricians and other primary care providers including family physicians are going to get together today to hopefully give more specific instructions that we feel will answer the questions of at what point at what level can we pump the brakes but keep kids in school," Pauly said.

The issue is this is not going to get better soon.

"Our best modeling shows us that the number of COVID-19 cases we've had the first six months of this pandemic, will likely be reproduced in the next three months," Pauly said. 

In addition, it may seem like community testing hasn't helped, but Pauly believes the numbers say it has.

"Testing we have done has our positive test rate at 13%," Pauly said. "Without the community testing, our positive test rate would be 23%. It's clear to see that even though our community testing has been inadequate at this point, it's given us a nearly 10% improvement from what it would be if we were only testing those who were sick."

Assuming the positive test rate was used as the measure and the rate was at 23%, that would have been well over the 15.7% threshold to push the county into the red zone and close schools and end activities completely.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dr. Scott Pauly with the Hutchinson Clinic said Friday he and his colleagues are trying to get school superintendents the best information they can to help keep schools open.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601667424562.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>"A group of pediatricians and other primary care providers including family physicians are going to get together today to hopefully give more specific instructions that we feel will answer the questions of at what point at what level can we pump the brakes but keep kids in school," Pauly said.The issue is this is not going to get better soon."Our best modeling shows us that the number of COVID-19 cases we've had the first six months of this pandemic, will likely be reproduced in the next three months," Pauly said. In addition, it may seem like community testing hasn't helped, but Pauly believes the numbers say it has."Testing we have done has our positive test rate at 13%," Pauly said. "Without the community testing, our positive test rate would be 23%. It's clear to see that even though our community testing has been inadequate at this point, it's given us a nearly 10% improvement from what it would be if we were only testing those who were sick."Assuming the positive test rate was used as the measure and the rate was at 23%, that would have been well over the 15.7% threshold to push the county into the red zone and close schools and end activities completely.

Dr. Pauly: Community testing has helped, but cases are likely to continue to increase

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department has its Interim Chief in place. Darrin Pickering took over Thursday for former Chief Dean Harcrow, who suddenly resigned.

The police department office is closed for the time. The city asks that if you need a matter taken care of by the South Hutchinson Police Department, call 911.&nbsp;

All administrative calls are being answered by a combination voice message of the police department and municipal court at this time. That number is 620-560-6281.

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 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department has its Interim Chief in place. Darrin Pickering took over Thursday for former Chief Dean Harcrow, who suddenly resigned.The police department office is closed for the time. The city asks that if you need a matter taken care of by the South Hutchinson Police Department, call 911.&nbsp;All administrative calls are being answered by a combination voice message of the police department and municipal court at this time. That number is 620-560-6281.

Pickering takes over as Interim Chief in South Hutchinson

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>
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 </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. — According to the numbers released Friday morning, Reno County's schools will be in the orange on the county's gating criteria for next week.

The 14-day positive case count is up to 148 cases, with the county's positive test rate at 13.7%. The county is still working up to enough testing to be able to use the positive test rate as the measure. 

Right now it is still the 14-day case count that determines the criteria color.

Both <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3f31a620-9be6-4939-9eb1-738ecfc0d9d0">USD 308</a> and USD 313 are going to a hybrid learning model starting Monday.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — According to the numbers released Friday morning, Reno County's schools will be in the orange on the county's gating criteria for next week.The 14-day positive case count is up to 148 cases, with the county's positive test rate at 13.7%. The county is still working up to enough testing to be able to use the positive test rate as the measure. Right now it is still the 14-day case count that determines the criteria color.Both <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3f31a620-9be6-4939-9eb1-738ecfc0d9d0">USD 308</a> and USD 313 are going to a hybrid learning model starting Monday.

Reno County gating criteria in orange for next week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman and current U.S. Senate candidate Republican Dr. Roger Marshall said Friday that he is praying for President Trump and his wife as they deal with COVID-19.

"Like everybody in America, we're praying for the President's health, Melania's health," Marshall said. "It's certainly humbling. As a doctor, I just always learned that viruses, bacteria, your health, doesn't care who you are. It can sure impact you and we're praying for their speedy recovery."

Marshall notes that there are a lot of different options the President's doctors could take, depending on how severe his disease turns out to be.

"It could be nothing, to ending up in an ICU and everything in between," Marshall said. "I sure do believe that we've improved the treatment just so, so very much. I was on a phone call yesterday with folks that are doing the convalescent plasma and the great, great results that they're having. That's not through the studies yet, but it just looks incredibly well and there are antiviral agents out there, as well. There are lots of better treatments."

Marshall noted that campaigning from quarantine would be a challenge, one he's glad not to have in his Senate race.

"It's obviously next to impossible," Marshall said. "Kansans so badly want to see their candidate, look them in the eye. We learn more from a handshake than we do 30 minutes of a phone conversation. It's really, it's a struggle."

Marshall will be campaigning in Hutchinson this weekend as part of a statewide bus tour Saturday night.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman and current U.S. Senate candidate Republican Dr. Roger Marshall said Friday that he is praying for President Trump and his wife as they deal with COVID-19."Like everybody in America, we're praying for the President's health, Melania's health," Marshall said. "It's certainly humbling. As a doctor, I just always learned that viruses, bacteria, your health, doesn't care who you are. It can sure impact you and we're praying for their speedy recovery."Marshall notes that there are a lot of different options the President's doctors could take, depending on how severe his disease turns out to be."It could be nothing, to ending up in an ICU and everything in between," Marshall said. "I sure do believe that we've improved the treatment just so, so very much. I was on a phone call yesterday with folks that are doing the convalescent plasma and the great, great results that they're having. That's not through the studies yet, but it just looks incredibly well and there are antiviral agents out there, as well. There are lots of better treatments."Marshall noted that campaigning from quarantine would be a challenge, one he's glad not to have in his Senate race."It's obviously next to impossible," Marshall said. "Kansans so badly want to see their candidate, look them in the eye. We learn more from a handshake than we do 30 minutes of a phone conversation. It's really, it's a struggle."Marshall will be campaigning in Hutchinson this weekend as part of a statewide bus tour Saturday night.

Marshall praying for President Trump regarding COVID-19


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson USD 308 is moving from its current in-person instructional model to hybrid learning for all students on Monday, October 5.

The district is doing this to reduce class sizes that will allow for better social distancing in classrooms and to avoid, if possible, having to go to full remote learning.

Unless otherwise communicated by individual buildings, Group A will be students with last names starting with A through L, and Group B is students with last names starting with M through Z.

Because next week has parent-teacher conferences, Group A will attend on Monday and Group B will attend on Tuesday. All students will learn from home on Wednesday.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson USD 308 is moving from its current in-person instructional model to hybrid learning for all students on Monday, October 5.The district is doing this to reduce class sizes that will allow for better social distancing in classrooms and to avoid, if possible, having to go to full remote learning.Unless otherwise communicated by individual buildings, Group A will be students with last names starting with A through L, and Group B is students with last names starting with M through Z.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601570278069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Because next week has parent-teacher conferences, Group A will attend on Monday and Group B will attend on Tuesday. All students will learn from home on Wednesday.

USD 308 going hybrid learning starting Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department will be sending reinforcements to the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado when their current crew finishes its two-week stint. 

The fire now spreads over 100,000 acres and over 900 firefighters are fighting it. 

The crew worked supporting Lakeview Hotshots on Wednesday doing burn out operations. 

Two different Hutchinson firefighters and a Kansas Forest Service employee will be headed west to relieve the original crew in the coming days.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department will be sending reinforcements to the Mullen Fire in Wyoming and Colorado when their current crew finishes its two-week stint. The fire now spreads over 100,000 acres and over 900 firefighters are fighting it. The crew worked supporting Lakeview Hotshots on Wednesday doing burn out operations. Two different Hutchinson firefighters and a Kansas Forest Service employee will be headed west to relieve the original crew in the coming days.

Hutchinson firefighters continue Mullen Fire work


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The 2020 Starlight Remembrance event for the Cancer Council of Reno County is Sunday, October 4th at Avenue A Park. 

The event is to honor the loved ones who have battled or are currently battling cancer. There will be live music and special performances by the dancers at The Pointe School of Dance. 

For safety measures, participants are encouraged to decorate their lanterns in advance in order to avoid large crowds and shared use of decorative materials. 

The Cancer Council is asking everyone to please wear a mask that night.  There will be cancer patients attending and they want to do everything they can to protect them and you. If you do not bring your own masks, they will have a limited supply available. 

Please contact the Cancer Council to get your decorating kits early at 620-665-5555.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The 2020 Starlight Remembrance event for the Cancer Council of Reno County is Sunday, October 4th at Avenue A Park. The event is to honor the loved ones who have battled or are currently battling cancer. There will be live music and special performances by the dancers at The Pointe School of Dance. For safety measures, participants are encouraged to decorate their lanterns in advance in order to avoid large crowds and shared use of decorative materials. The Cancer Council is asking everyone to please wear a mask that night. There will be cancer patients attending and they want to do everything they can to protect them and you. If you do not bring your own masks, they will have a limited supply available. Please contact the Cancer Council to get your decorating kits early at 620-665-5555.

Starlight Remembrance event coming up Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An <a href="https://www.change.org/p/reno-county-health-department-remove-covid-gaiting-criteria-and-keep-kids-in-school?recruiter=1151854703&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition&amp;re&amp;fbclid=IwAR0M7Av-0mfL6bOLZ3ZvRC2TCOkSqR1oK64Q8uY15RSWqknEfZNcMzqP-P4">online petition</a> has been started, stating that the gating criteria for schools is hurting students. The petition calls for a change to keep students in class.&nbsp;

The petition is aimed at the health department and the county’s six school districts. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly 200 people have signed the petition.

The petition was started on change.org and states that the gating criteria is based on positive cases in the community, not based on positive cases in the schools. The petition asks why this should be the determining factor for closing schools.

The petition goes on to say that 155 positive cases do not justify closing schools in a county with a population of almost 62,000 people. It closes by asking residents to help keep kids in school by supporting the petition.

While the petition is not official, it does bring awareness to those who are expressing frustration by action taken during the pandemic.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An <a href="https://www.change.org/p/reno-county-health-department-remove-covid-gaiting-criteria-and-keep-kids-in-school?recruiter=1151854703&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition&amp;re&amp;fbclid=IwAR0M7Av-0mfL6bOLZ3ZvRC2TCOkSqR1oK64Q8uY15RSWqknEfZNcMzqP-P4">online petition</a> has been started, stating that the gating criteria for schools is hurting students. The petition calls for a change to keep students in class.&nbsp;The petition is aimed at the health department and the county’s six school districts. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly 200 people have signed the petition.The petition was started on change.org and states that the gating criteria is based on positive cases in the community, not based on positive cases in the schools. The petition asks why this should be the determining factor for closing schools.The petition goes on to say that 155 positive cases do not justify closing schools in a county with a population of almost 62,000 people. It closes by asking residents to help keep kids in school by supporting the petition.While the petition is not official, it does bring awareness to those who are expressing frustration by action taken during the pandemic.

Online petition asks for change in gating criteria

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 announced that Monday’s school board meeting has been postponed one week.

The district learned this week it would not have a quorum for the meeting.&nbsp;

The new meeting date is Monday, Oct. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School at 1616 Wilshire Drive.

An agenda for the meeting will be coming out later next week.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 announced that Monday’s school board meeting has been postponed one week.The district learned this week it would not have a quorum for the meeting.&nbsp;The new meeting date is Monday, Oct. 12, starting at 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School at 1616 Wilshire Drive.An agenda for the meeting will be coming out later next week.

USD 309 board meeting moved to Oct. 12

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three major Public Works projects are up for consideration by the Hutchinson City Council next week.

The council will seek approval of the bid from Pearson Construction, LLC, for the Apple Lane reconstruction project. The project includes a complete reconstruction of Apple Lane from 17th to 30th avenues and the replacement of a small bridge just south of 22nd Avenue.

The low bid from Pearson totals $1,215,774 — which is below the engineer's estimate. KDOT is providing a grant that will pay for 50% of the project with the rest bonded by the city.&nbsp;

Also, the council will be asked to approve a bid for design work at the Hutchinson Airport. The design work will be for improvements to the airport apron adjacent to the Airport Steakhouse. Cost of the study is just under $50,000 and will mostly be paid for through an FAA grant.

Finally, the council will look over the 2021 street maintenance work for the city. The city works to do complete maintenance on every street every eight years. For the year, the city has budgeted $894,000. Most of the work will be done in an area between 17th and 30th, north and south; and from Severance east to Lorraine. It also includes work between Lorraine and Halstead north of 30th.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three major Public Works projects are up for consideration by the Hutchinson City Council next week.The council will seek approval of the bid from Pearson Construction, LLC, for the Apple Lane reconstruction project. The project includes a complete reconstruction of Apple Lane from 17th to 30th avenues and the replacement of a small bridge just south of 22nd Avenue.The low bid from Pearson totals $1,215,774 — which is below the engineer's estimate. KDOT is providing a grant that will pay for 50% of the project with the rest bonded by the city.&nbsp;Also, the council will be asked to approve a bid for design work at the Hutchinson Airport. The design work will be for improvements to the airport apron adjacent to the Airport Steakhouse. Cost of the study is just under $50,000 and will mostly be paid for through an FAA grant.Finally, the council will look over the 2021 street maintenance work for the city. The city works to do complete maintenance on every street every eight years. For the year, the city has budgeted $894,000. Most of the work will be done in an area between 17th and 30th, north and south; and from Severance east to Lorraine. It also includes work between Lorraine and Halstead north of 30th.

City Council to discuss several Public Works projects

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man is being held on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping and other charges following a disturbance in the city early Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Twenty-one-year-old Braxton Allen is being held on a bond of $350,000. The charges listed on the booking sheet include two counts each of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and aggravated robbery and a single count of felony criminal damage to property.

Police report that 24-year-old Sierra Owens of Hutchinson and 22-year-old Ashlee Tingle of Lyons told them they were beaten, restrained and had property damaged and taken from them.

Authorities located Allen and booked him into the Reno County Correctional Facility around 3:30 a.m. He has not made a first appearance in Reno County District Court as of Thursday morning.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man is being held on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping and other charges following a disturbance in the city early Thursday morning.&nbsp;Twenty-one-year-old Braxton Allen is being held on a bond of $350,000. The charges listed on the booking sheet include two counts each of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and aggravated robbery and a single count of felony criminal damage to property.Police report that 24-year-old Sierra Owens of Hutchinson and 22-year-old Ashlee Tingle of Lyons told them they were beaten, restrained and had property damaged and taken from them.Authorities located Allen and booked him into the Reno County Correctional Facility around 3:30 a.m. He has not made a first appearance in Reno County District Court as of Thursday morning.

Hutchinson man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping


MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
A teenager from McPherson was shot and wounded Thursday morning and police are investigating.

Police, Fire and EMS were sent just before 8 a.m. to a residence in the 100 block of Lake Road. 

The 13-year-old, who is believed to have inflicted the gunshot, was taken to McPherson Hospital and then to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. 

The teen was critical at the time of transport.

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MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
A teenager from McPherson was shot and wounded Thursday morning and police are investigating.Police, Fire and EMS were sent just before 8 a.m. to a residence in the 100 block of Lake Road. The 13-year-old, who is believed to have inflicted the gunshot, was taken to McPherson Hospital and then to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. The teen was critical at the time of transport.

McPherson police investigating shot teenager, wound believed to be self-inflicted

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Strataca/Kansas Underground Salt Museum will be hosting a Strataca Trifecta virtually this year! What is a Strataca Trifecta? It is a 5K Walk/Run, a 10K Walk/Run and a 5K Bike Ride.

Race weekend is set for November 14th &amp; 15th. You walk/run &amp; bike when you have time and where you choose to be. Strataca is just asking that you take photos and share them.

<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/anycity/StratacaVirtualTrifecta">Registrations opened Thursday</a>. They will close on Saturday, October 31st at 11:59 p.m.&nbsp;

The first 150 participants will receive a race bib and medal.

This is a fundraiser for Strataca/Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Registration is $25.00 plus shipping, fees and taxes. Register early to receive your bib and medal by race weekend.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Strataca/Kansas Underground Salt Museum will be hosting a Strataca Trifecta virtually this year! What is a Strataca Trifecta? It is a 5K Walk/Run, a 10K Walk/Run and a 5K Bike Ride.Race weekend is set for November 14th &amp; 15th. You walk/run &amp; bike when you have time and where you choose to be. Strataca is just asking that you take photos and share them.<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/anycity/StratacaVirtualTrifecta">Registrations opened Thursday</a>. They will close on Saturday, October 31st at 11:59 p.m.&nbsp;The first 150 participants will receive a race bib and medal.This is a fundraiser for Strataca/Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Registration is $25.00 plus shipping, fees and taxes. Register early to receive your bib and medal by race weekend.

STRATACA Trifecta fundraiser set


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department plans to use social media more than previous years in commemorating Fire Prevention Week October 4th-10th.

Usually, the Hutchinson Fire Department visits all the schools in Hutchinson to talk to the kids about fire safety. Because of COVID-19 they won't be able to do that. 

The department plans live segments on Facebook about cooking safety, how to use a portable fire extinguisher, and home fire drills and escape plans. Those will happen Monday the 5th, Tuesday the 7th, and Friday the 9th at 2:00 p.m. 

Since it will be live, you can ask questions in the comment section of the feed. They will be answered during the segments.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department plans to use social media more than previous years in commemorating Fire Prevention Week October 4th-10th.Usually, the Hutchinson Fire Department visits all the schools in Hutchinson to talk to the kids about fire safety. Because of COVID-19 they won't be able to do that. The department plans live segments on Facebook about cooking safety, how to use a portable fire extinguisher, and home fire drills and escape plans. Those will happen Monday the 5th, Tuesday the 7th, and Friday the 9th at 2:00 p.m. Since it will be live, you can ask questions in the comment section of the feed. They will be answered during the segments.

Hutchinson Fire Department to use Facebook Live for Fire Prevention Week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The United Way of Reno County wants to see kids read.

"United Way is doing a book drive right now, United for Reading," said Lisa Gleason with the United Way. "Our goal is to promote literacy in our community, whether it be the youngest of kiddos zero to five through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, or those who are in elementary school."

Reading really makes a difference in the educational success of kids.

"Students not reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school," Gleason said. "We want to help all of our kids succeed."

Either buy or donate books for elementary kids in good condition for the drive.

"You can drop them off at four different locations, at the United Way office, at Crow and Co., our new bookstore that replaced Bluebird Books on Main Street, at Bookends, 123 North Main, or up on 30th you can drop them off at Salt City Chiropractic."

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The United Way of Reno County wants to see kids read."United Way is doing a book drive right now, United for Reading," said Lisa Gleason with the United Way. "Our goal is to promote literacy in our community, whether it be the youngest of kiddos zero to five through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, or those who are in elementary school."Reading really makes a difference in the educational success of kids."Students not reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school," Gleason said. "We want to help all of our kids succeed."Either buy or donate books for elementary kids in good condition for the drive."You can drop them off at four different locations, at the United Way office, at Crow and Co., our new bookstore that replaced Bluebird Books on Main Street, at Bookends, 123 North Main, or up on 30th you can drop them off at Salt City Chiropractic."The drive runs through October 12.

United Way book drive ongoing for kids


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 has modified its gating criteria in case the county goes into the orange zone regarding either 14-day case count or positive test rate.

"It was, in the orange zone, we would go into flex," said Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "We did not have a hybrid model built originally and in the orange zone, no competitions. We've loosened that up a little bit. Instead of going full flex in orange, we created a hybrid model. This allows, sort of a transition from full in person to the flex. The same is true with our activities. We said, okay, we are going to allow competitions, but how else can we limit the exposure and we said, no fans."

Pre-K through 5th grade were already to continue in person in the orange zone.

The gating criteria fell almost at the top end of the yellow zone last week. A new decision on the gating criteria color will come out on Friday.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 has modified its gating criteria in case the county goes into the orange zone regarding either 14-day case count or positive test rate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601548097354.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>"It was, in the orange zone, we would go into flex," said Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "We did not have a hybrid model built originally and in the orange zone, no competitions. We've loosened that up a little bit. Instead of going full flex in orange, we created a hybrid model. This allows, sort of a transition from full in person to the flex. The same is true with our activities. We said, okay, we are going to allow competitions, but how else can we limit the exposure and we said, no fans."Pre-K through 5th grade were already to continue in person in the orange zone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601548386735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The gating criteria fell almost at the top end of the yellow zone last week. A new decision on the gating criteria color will come out on Friday.

USD 313 modifies gating criteria, creates hybrid model

Release from Reno County Health Department


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
COVID-19 Community testing is free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or for 250 swabs on October 3 and October 10, 2020. The testing&nbsp; will occur at the Hutchinson Clinic 2107 Building driveway. 

• not be a direct contact of someone that has COVID-19

• have NOT tested positive in the last 90 days to COVID-19

• have NOT been tested in the last 30 days

The purpose of the testing is to have a larger sampling of individuals who do not have symptoms, which should give an accurate picture of the positive rate in Reno County.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Release from Reno County Health Department
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
COVID-19 Community testing is free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or for 250 swabs on October 3 and October 10, 2020. The testing&nbsp; will occur at the Hutchinson Clinic 2107 Building driveway. You need to:• be a resident of Reno County,• be asymptomatic (no symptoms)• not be a direct contact of someone that has COVID-19• have NOT tested positive in the last 90 days to COVID-19• have NOT been tested in the last 30 daysThe purpose of the testing is to have a larger sampling of individuals who do not have symptoms, which should give an accurate picture of the positive rate in Reno County.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing event extended for two more Saturdays in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of students taking online courses at Hutchinson Community College is up this semester as expected. Online classes have been offered at the college for many years, but with the pandemic, the numbers have been increasing.

“Our online enrollment, not surprisingly, is stronger this semester than it was a year ago,” College Spokesperson Denny Stoecklein said. “But even at that, it’s between 35 and 40% of our total credit load being online.”

That means more than 60% of the student enrollment still prefers to take classes face-to-face.

Stoecklein says the increase in online learning partially stems from students deciding to stay close to home and not attend a four-year college as originally planned.

“As some of them (students) had gone onto their four-year, wherever that may have been, they get there and realize in the days leading up that a lot of their classes may be transitioned online that they thought we’re going to be face-to-face,” Stoecklein said. “Some of them made the decision to come back home and take those classes in a more economical setting.”

As far as whether students having to take classes from home are doing better or worse is unknown, but Stoecklein says it really depends on the student.

“Everyone’s learning style is different,” Stoecklein said. “Some succeed better in a face-to-face setting, some are very comfortable taking the online, so it’s really an individual situation.”

For students who may have had class hours disrupted by the pandemic, the college will be offering quick learning courses that will run through December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of students taking online courses at Hutchinson Community College is up this semester as expected. Online classes have been offered at the college for many years, but with the pandemic, the numbers have been increasing.“Our online enrollment, not surprisingly, is stronger this semester than it was a year ago,” College Spokesperson Denny Stoecklein said. “But even at that, it’s between 35 and 40% of our total credit load being online.”That means more than 60% of the student enrollment still prefers to take classes face-to-face.Stoecklein says the increase in online learning partially stems from students deciding to stay close to home and not attend a four-year college as originally planned.“As some of them (students) had gone onto their four-year, wherever that may have been, they get there and realize in the days leading up that a lot of their classes may be transitioned online that they thought we’re going to be face-to-face,” Stoecklein said. “Some of them made the decision to come back home and take those classes in a more economical setting.”As far as whether students having to take classes from home are doing better or worse is unknown, but Stoecklein says it really depends on the student.“Everyone’s learning style is different,” Stoecklein said. “Some succeed better in a face-to-face setting, some are very comfortable taking the online, so it’s really an individual situation.”For students who may have had class hours disrupted by the pandemic, the college will be offering quick learning courses that will run through December.

As expected, online student enrollment up at HutchCC

WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A second defendant pleaded guilty Wednesday to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, Stephen McAllister said.

Twenty-eight-year-old Rico Montes, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Montes admitted he and co-defendant 25-year-old Jorge Correa, robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton, Kan., while another man waited in the car. Montes and Correa were armed when they entered the store.

Montes is set for sentencing Dec. 16. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Correa pleaded guilty last week and is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He admitted firing several shots during the robbery. No one was injured. A third defendant, 18-year-old Jeremiah Urias who is alleged to have driven the&nbsp;getaway car, is set for a change of plea hearing Oct. 13.

<figure>
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 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.&nbsp;– A second defendant pleaded guilty Wednesday to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, Stephen McAllister said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580826387253.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia in Salina -photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia in Salina -photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-eight-year-old Rico Montes, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Montes admitted he and co-defendant 25-year-old Jorge Correa, robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton, Kan., while another man waited in the car. Montes and Correa were armed when they entered the store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099764567.png" alt="Correa photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Correa photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Montes is set for sentencing Dec. 16. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099636176.png" alt="Urias photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Urias photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Correa pleaded guilty last week and is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He admitted firing several shots during the robbery. No one was injured. A third defendant, 18-year-old Jeremiah Urias who is alleged to have driven the&nbsp;getaway car, is set for a change of plea hearing Oct. 13.

2nd suspect admits role in Newton armed robbery

The Reno County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help as there have been multiple reports of street signs stolen and several signs and mailboxes in The Highlands have been damaged over the past couple of weeks. 

 The sheriff's office is asking anyone who has information on these crimes to either contact the Reno County Sheriff's Office at 620-694-2735 or you can anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers at 620-694-2666 or use www.p3tips.com. 

 Your information could lead to a reward if it leads to solving the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601482604375.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Reno County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help as there have been multiple reports of street signs stolen and several signs and mailboxes in The Highlands have been damaged over the past couple of weeks. The sheriff's office is asking anyone who has information on these crimes to either contact the Reno County Sheriff's Office at 620-694-2735 or you can anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers at 620-694-2666 or use www.p3tips.com. Your information could lead to a reward if it leads to solving the crime.

Sheriff's office looking for sign thieves, vandals in The Highlands


RENO COUNTY — 
A Wichita man was taken by ambulance from the scene of a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Reno County. 

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, at 7:42 p.m. Tuesday, deputies and Pretty Prairie Fire and Haven EMS were dispatched to a half mile south of Sun City on Yoder Rd for an injury motorcycle accident.

The 23-year-old man told deputies he was south bound on Yoder Rd. when he failed to negotiate the curve and continued south onto the gravel. The man laid the motorcycle over and left the roadway to the right. 

The driver was transported by Haven EMS for possible injuries. His motorcycle was towed away from the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.

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RENO COUNTY — 
A Wichita man was taken by ambulance from the scene of a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Reno County. According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, at 7:42 p.m. Tuesday, deputies and Pretty Prairie Fire and Haven EMS were dispatched to a half mile south of Sun City on Yoder Rd for an injury motorcycle accident.The 23-year-old man told deputies he was south bound on Yoder Rd. when he failed to negotiate the curve and continued south onto the gravel. The man laid the motorcycle over and left the roadway to the right. The driver was transported by Haven EMS for possible injuries. His motorcycle was towed away from the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.

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