
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The digitization project of the collection of Pat Mitchell for the Reno County Museum is progressing.

"With our grant for $3,498 from Humanities Kansas we have purchased all the storage supplies we need for processing Pat Mitchell's collection to get it ready to digitize," said Thomas Walters, Lead Archivist. "We have processed 582 items. We are focusing predominantly on her collection of photo negatives from Hirst studio here in Hutchinson, all from the 1930s with the vast majority of the people in the photos named."

The Hutchinson Community Foundation – Fund for Hutchinson <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5ec42bedeb7f1705360554b8">awarded over $15,000 a year for two years </a>to the project back in May, so the items could be digitized by Wichita State University and the resulting images will be made freely available to the public via WSU’s special collections website.

"We are hoping to send the first batch of items for digitization to WSU by the end of the month," Walters said. "Nothing is certain yet."

The Pat Mitchell collection has over thirty thousand artifacts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597239882990.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The digitization project of the collection of Pat Mitchell for the Reno County Museum is progressing."With our grant for $3,498 from Humanities Kansas we have purchased all the storage supplies we need for processing Pat Mitchell's collection to get it ready to digitize," said Thomas Walters, Lead Archivist. "We have processed 582 items. We are focusing predominantly on her collection of photo negatives from Hirst studio here in Hutchinson, all from the 1930s with the vast majority of the people in the photos named."The Hutchinson Community Foundation – Fund for Hutchinson <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5ec42bedeb7f1705360554b8">awarded over $15,000 a year for two years </a>to the project back in May, so the items could be digitized by Wichita State University and the resulting images will be made freely available to the public via WSU’s special collections website."We are hoping to send the first batch of items for digitization to WSU by the end of the month," Walters said. "Nothing is certain yet."The Pat Mitchell collection has over thirty thousand artifacts.

Digitization project of Pat Mitchell collection continues


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Now that the 2020 State Fair lineup has been confirmed for 2021, you can just keep your tickets. Your physical ticket will be honored in 2021. Your seat is safe. 

If you won tickets through a radio or TV station contest for the 2020 fair, those tickets will also be honored, as long as you keep the physical ticket until then.

If your plans have changed, the Kansas State Fair will provide full refunds to all ticket buyers who purchased their tickets directly from the Fair through ETIX. Refunds will follow the purchasers’ original method of payment. In other words, if you paid with a credit card, funds will be returned to that card.

Refunds will be offered for 30 days ending Sept. 4. Refund requests must be initiated by Sept. 4, 2020 or the tickets will automatically be rolled over for use at the 2021 Kansas State Fair.

To initiate the refund process, please contact the fair <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEhdRU9roziyX82cxzrsH11vqUT4FQbcvnPxOj7rFsmCRE1Q/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1">online</a>, or call 620-669-3618 or if you have your tickets with your order number, you can stop by the Administration Office front desk, and they will help you fill out the form.

The Fair can only refund to the original purchaser. If you received your tickets as a gift, or purchased the tickets from another person or through another website, you cannot be refunded by the Fair.

If you purchased your tickets from the Fair directly via the Fair’s website or in person at the office and paid by credit card, a full refund will be issued automatically to the credit card that you used when you bought the tickets.

If you purchased in person at the office and paid by cash, the Fair will mail you a refund check. Checks will be sent automatically to the address used at the time of purchase.

No matter how you paid the Fair for your tickets, your refund will be processed after completing the Request For Refund Form.

All refunds will begin being processing within 30 days of your initical request. Credit card refunds may not appear on your statement until your next credit card billing cycle.

All food, midway and packages (ie: Family, Couples, Seniors and Kids) will be honored in 2021. To request a refund, you must bring in your physical package or food tickets by Sept. 4. After that date, all tickets will be rolled to 2021. 

To reach a member of ticket office staff, email <a href="http://ksf.ticketoffice@ks.gov">ksf.ticketoffice@ks.gov</a> or call the ticket office at 620.669.3618 and leave a message.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594650625292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Now that the 2020 State Fair lineup has been confirmed for 2021, you can just keep your tickets. Your physical ticket will be honored in 2021. Your seat is safe. If you won tickets through a radio or TV station contest for the 2020 fair, those tickets will also be honored, as long as you keep the physical ticket until then.If your plans have changed, the Kansas State Fair will provide full refunds to all ticket buyers who purchased their tickets directly from the Fair through ETIX. Refunds will follow the purchasers’ original method of payment. In other words, if you paid with a credit card, funds will be returned to that card.Refunds will be offered for 30 days ending Sept. 4. Refund requests must be initiated by Sept. 4, 2020 or the tickets will automatically be rolled over for use at the 2021 Kansas State Fair.To initiate the refund process, please contact the fair <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEhdRU9roziyX82cxzrsH11vqUT4FQbcvnPxOj7rFsmCRE1Q/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1">online</a>, or call 620-669-3618 or if you have your tickets with your order number, you can stop by the Administration Office front desk, and they will help you fill out the form.The Fair can only refund to the original purchaser. If you received your tickets as a gift, or purchased the tickets from another person or through another website, you cannot be refunded by the Fair.If you purchased your tickets from the Fair directly via the Fair’s website or in person at the office and paid by credit card, a full refund will be issued automatically to the credit card that you used when you bought the tickets.If you purchased in person at the office and paid by cash, the Fair will mail you a refund check. Checks will be sent automatically to the address used at the time of purchase.No matter how you paid the Fair for your tickets, your refund will be processed after completing the Request For Refund Form.All refunds will begin being processing within 30 days of your initical request. Credit card refunds may not appear on your statement until your next credit card billing cycle.All food, midway and packages (ie: Family, Couples, Seniors and Kids) will be honored in 2021. To request a refund, you must bring in your physical package or food tickets by Sept. 4. After that date, all tickets will be rolled to 2021. To reach a member of ticket office staff, email <a href="http://ksf.ticketoffice@ks.gov">ksf.ticketoffice@ks.gov</a> or call the ticket office at 620.669.3618 and leave a message.

Kansas State Fair will honor refund requests until September 4


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Police issued thanks on Tuesday to a Caney, KS police officer who saved one of their trainees from choking at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

In a Facebook post, Caney police said the Hutchinson officer turned purple due to lack of air and not being able to get the food out of his throat during a meal at the training academy.

Caney Officer Joe Elliott, recognized that the fellow officer was in serious trouble and performed a Heimlich maneuver on the Officer. 

As a result of Officer Elliott's quick actions the officers airway was cleared and he was able to breath again.  The Officer was transported to an area hospital to be checked out.

The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Yoder is the main police academy for officers outside the state's largest cities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597226363937.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Police issued thanks on Tuesday to a Caney, KS police officer who saved one of their trainees from choking at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.In a Facebook post, Caney police said the Hutchinson officer turned purple due to lack of air and not being able to get the food out of his throat during a meal at the training academy.Caney Officer Joe Elliott, recognized that the fellow officer was in serious trouble and performed a Heimlich maneuver on the Officer. As a result of Officer Elliott's quick actions the officers airway was cleared and he was able to breath again. The Officer was transported to an area hospital to be checked out.The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Yoder is the main police academy for officers outside the state's largest cities.

Caney police officer saves Hutchinson officer's life at KLETC

Kansas State Fair announces 2020 concerts and events have been rescheduled for 2021

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;As part of the <a href="http://usd308.com/sites/default/files/ParentResources/Salthawk%20Restart%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf">Salthawk Restart plan</a> for Hutchinson Public Schools, there will be a designated entrance for students each morning as they come to school.

"We're going to do temperature checks," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "With Executive Order 20-59, it requires temperature checks before you enter the building. One of the things that we're going to ask parents is to do an assessment at home before they send their child and then 308 will do the temperature checks before entering the building."

If your	child’s	temperature is higher than 100	degrees, he or she will	be referred to the school nurse	for a second temperature check and further assessment as needed.

"The student will be taken aside and we'll try to get a hold of the parents as quickly as we can," said USD 308 spokesperson Ray Hemman. "They'll be placed in a room where there's no other students to avoid any kind of exposure, whether it's COVID-19, whether it's a bacterial infection or other viral infection. We want to make sure that student doesn't pass that along to other students."

Also, mask wearing is mandated, with very few exceptions.

"We want students and staff to wear masks," Folks said. "There's a few times that are spelled out in our plan, which follows Executive Order 20-59, when you can have a reprieve from the mask, but the general rule of thumb is yes. We want students and staff to have a mask on to mitigate the spread as much as possible."

Exceptions for eating and active participation in athletics are a couple of examples. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;As part of the <a href="http://usd308.com/sites/default/files/ParentResources/Salthawk%20Restart%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf">Salthawk Restart plan</a> for Hutchinson Public Schools, there will be a designated entrance for students each morning as they come to school."We're going to do temperature checks," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "With Executive Order 20-59, it requires temperature checks before you enter the building. One of the things that we're going to ask parents is to do an assessment at home before they send their child and then 308 will do the temperature checks before entering the building."If your	child’s	temperature is higher than 100	degrees, he or she will	be referred to the school nurse	for a second temperature check and further assessment as needed."The student will be taken aside and we'll try to get a hold of the parents as quickly as we can," said USD 308 spokesperson Ray Hemman. "They'll be placed in a room where there's no other students to avoid any kind of exposure, whether it's COVID-19, whether it's a bacterial infection or other viral infection. We want to make sure that student doesn't pass that along to other students."Also, mask wearing is mandated, with very few exceptions."We want students and staff to wear masks," Folks said. "There's a few times that are spelled out in our plan, which follows Executive Order 20-59, when you can have a reprieve from the mask, but the general rule of thumb is yes. We want students and staff to have a mask on to mitigate the spread as much as possible."Exceptions for eating and active participation in athletics are a couple of examples.

Designated entrances, temp checks, masks all part of 308 plan


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;It only takes a few seconds to damage a buried pipeline, but the consequences could last much longer. To prevent hit gas lines and unnecessary outages, homeowners and excavators should always call 811 to have utility lines marked prior to any digging project. That’s why Kansas Gas Service is joining other utilities in recognizing Tuesday, August 11 (8/11) as National 811 Day.

"What we want to do is make sure that our customers, that Kansas residents stay safe," said spokesperson Dawn Tripp. "That includes digging projects. Whether its a small project like installing a new fencepost or mailbox or planting a tree to a larger excavation, there's no way you can know what lies underneath the ground without calling first."

Kansas Gas Service wants to make sure everyone knows how to dig safely to avoid injury and protect the community from an outage. Underground utility lines may be found in their yards or below their sidewalks, driveways or streets. 

"Make that call and don't count that day that you call," Tripp said. "Add two full business days beyond that. You should get a confirmation of the underground utility lines that have been marked. If you submit your request online, you will get that confirmation and if you have any questions and you're unsure, please contact Kansas 811 to verify that those lines have been marked."

To learn more about safe digging, visit <a href="https://microsite.kansasgasservice.com/BeADigHero/">BeADigHeroKansas.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597171509764.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;It only takes a few seconds to damage a buried pipeline, but the consequences could last much longer. To prevent hit gas lines and unnecessary outages, homeowners and excavators should always call 811 to have utility lines marked prior to any digging project. That’s why Kansas Gas Service is joining other utilities in recognizing Tuesday, August 11 (8/11) as National 811 Day."What we want to do is make sure that our customers, that Kansas residents stay safe," said spokesperson Dawn Tripp. "That includes digging projects. Whether its a small project like installing a new fencepost or mailbox or planting a tree to a larger excavation, there's no way you can know what lies underneath the ground without calling first."Kansas Gas Service wants to make sure everyone knows how to dig safely to avoid injury and protect the community from an outage. Underground utility lines may be found in their yards or below their sidewalks, driveways or streets. "Make that call and don't count that day that you call," Tripp said. "Add two full business days beyond that. You should get a confirmation of the underground utility lines that have been marked. If you submit your request online, you will get that confirmation and if you have any questions and you're unsure, please contact Kansas 811 to verify that those lines have been marked."To learn more about safe digging, visit <a href="https://microsite.kansasgasservice.com/BeADigHero/">BeADigHeroKansas.com</a>

8-11 provides opportunity to remind public to call 8-1-1 before you dig


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Officer Nick Baldetti made it clear that he believes that masks need to be worn in schools. The issue came up as the Reno County Commission had a resolution before it to leave the decision of K-6th grade mask use or not up to specific school districts.

"My fear is that, given the option, that we may have some districts that loosen restrictions on mask use," Baldetti said Tuesday. "In some of the plans that were presented to Mr. O'Sullivan and myself. The plans themselves suggest no mask use at the beginning and then we'll shift to mask use once cases present in schools. That strategy is opposite of the very mitigating strategy. We are trying to prevent cases from presenting and mass spreading in schools, not react by slowing the spread and the dispersal pattern waiting for a positive to already be within the schools."

Commission Chair Ron Sellers has changed his position on the resolution in recent days.

"A week ago, I probably would have voted for this resolution," Sellers said. "I have listened to people that have written me. I think teachers are very, very concerned about their safety and they should be. I concur with Ms. Neal that said children are capable of doing this. I think children can spread this terrible virus. They can take it home to their elders, their grandparents."

Commissioner Bob Bush joined Sellers in upholding the county's current position.

"Today, it was very clear to me that we need to keep the local control of this particular issue at the department of health and within the Reno County government," Bush said. 

Commissioner Ron Hirst still believes that the spread may be overstated.

"We're assuming that we're going to have terrible spread of this virus, without assuming that we may not have," Hirst said. "Communication has been excellent. There's been good conversations between the health department and our school superintendents and I just believe that those folks at the local areas can decide what's best for them."

Ultimately, the resolution was voted down 2-1 so the mask restrictions that are currently in place for schools as they prepare to start will remain in effect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596884102345.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Officer Nick Baldetti made it clear that he believes that masks need to be worn in schools. The issue came up as the Reno County Commission had a resolution before it to leave the decision of K-6th grade mask use or not up to specific school districts."My fear is that, given the option, that we may have some districts that loosen restrictions on mask use," Baldetti said Tuesday. "In some of the plans that were presented to Mr. O'Sullivan and myself. The plans themselves suggest no mask use at the beginning and then we'll shift to mask use once cases present in schools. That strategy is opposite of the very mitigating strategy. We are trying to prevent cases from presenting and mass spreading in schools, not react by slowing the spread and the dispersal pattern waiting for a positive to already be within the schools."Commission Chair Ron Sellers has changed his position on the resolution in recent days."A week ago, I probably would have voted for this resolution," Sellers said. "I have listened to people that have written me. I think teachers are very, very concerned about their safety and they should be. I concur with Ms. Neal that said children are capable of doing this. I think children can spread this terrible virus. They can take it home to their elders, their grandparents."Commissioner Bob Bush joined Sellers in upholding the county's current position."Today, it was very clear to me that we need to keep the local control of this particular issue at the department of health and within the Reno County government," Bush said. Commissioner Ron Hirst still believes that the spread may be overstated."We're assuming that we're going to have terrible spread of this virus, without assuming that we may not have," Hirst said. "Communication has been excellent. There's been good conversations between the health department and our school superintendents and I just believe that those folks at the local areas can decide what's best for them."Ultimately, the resolution was voted down 2-1 so the mask restrictions that are currently in place for schools as they prepare to start will remain in effect.

Reno County Commission decides to leave school mask mandates in place

MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
A drug that has shown promise in treating COVID-19 patients will be produced in McPherson.

Pfizer <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200807005213/en/Pfizer-Announces-Agreement-Gilead-Manufacture-Remdesivir-Treatment?fbclid=IwAR2zobDz6Z_uP0U5xFCR4AZp5yGWbBGhODGbWDn52f796hs6KDlIiCfudlI">announced last week</a> a multi-year agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to manufacture and supply Gilead’s investigational antiviral remdesivir, as one of multiple external manufacturing organizations supporting efforts to scale up supply of the investigational treatment for COVID-19. Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will provide contract manufacturing services at Pfizer’s McPherson, Kansas facility to manufacture and supply remdesivir for Gilead.

<a href="https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/press-room/press-releases/2020/8/gilead-submits-new-drug-application-to-us-food-and-drug-administration-for-veklury-remdesivir-for-the-treatment-of-covid19">Gilead said Monday</a> it has filed a New Drug Application with the FDA on the basis of two randomized, open-label, multi-center Phase 3 clinical studies conducted by itself, and one other study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The company claims the drug led to faster recovery from COVID-19 compared to placebo, and a 5-to-10-day treatment led to clinical improvements. Gilead noted that the drug was well-tolerated with no new safety signals identified.

The McPherson drug manufacturing plant employs around 1800 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597144800526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON,
Kan. — 
A drug that has shown promise in treating COVID-19 patients will be produced in McPherson.Pfizer <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200807005213/en/Pfizer-Announces-Agreement-Gilead-Manufacture-Remdesivir-Treatment?fbclid=IwAR2zobDz6Z_uP0U5xFCR4AZp5yGWbBGhODGbWDn52f796hs6KDlIiCfudlI">announced last week</a> a multi-year agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to manufacture and supply Gilead’s investigational antiviral remdesivir, as one of multiple external manufacturing organizations supporting efforts to scale up supply of the investigational treatment for COVID-19. Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will provide contract manufacturing services at Pfizer’s McPherson, Kansas facility to manufacture and supply remdesivir for Gilead.<a href="https://www.gilead.com/news-and-press/press-room/press-releases/2020/8/gilead-submits-new-drug-application-to-us-food-and-drug-administration-for-veklury-remdesivir-for-the-treatment-of-covid19">Gilead said Monday</a> it has filed a New Drug Application with the FDA on the basis of two randomized, open-label, multi-center Phase 3 clinical studies conducted by itself, and one other study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.The company claims the drug led to faster recovery from COVID-19 compared to placebo, and a 5-to-10-day treatment led to clinical improvements. Gilead noted that the drug was well-tolerated with no new safety signals identified.The McPherson drug manufacturing plant employs around 1800 people.

Remdesivir to be produced in McPherson by Pfizer; Gilead seeking FDA approval


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you are planning to go to Horizons Mental Health Center for in-person treatment, bring your mask.

"Ever since we started seeing people face to face again, we have asked that, in order to protect our staff and the other clients, we ask everyone to wear a mask that's coming in to our building," said Beth Akins with Horizons. "All of our staff are wearing masks when they're in the building and we also ask all of the clients to wear masks as well."

It's important to remember, you're not doing it for yourself, you're doing it for others.

"My mask is going to protect you, you wearing a mask is going to protect me," Akins said. "We're just trying to be overly cautious in our efforts to keep the people that we're serving safe."

With that said, if you are uncomfortable wearing a mask, Horizons still wants to treat you. They just want to do it via telehealth or other technology to keep the safety factor.

"We can provide services by televideo, telehealth," Akins said. "We'll do whatever we need to do to help our clients get comfortable with being provided services by that method."

Akins wants to make clear that no one should go without services because of their level of comfort with technology or with wearing or not wearing a mask. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587129819284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you are planning to go to Horizons Mental Health Center for in-person treatment, bring your mask."Ever since we started seeing people face to face again, we have asked that, in order to protect our staff and the other clients, we ask everyone to wear a mask that's coming in to our building," said Beth Akins with Horizons. "All of our staff are wearing masks when they're in the building and we also ask all of the clients to wear masks as well."It's important to remember, you're not doing it for yourself, you're doing it for others."My mask is going to protect you, you wearing a mask is going to protect me," Akins said. "We're just trying to be overly cautious in our efforts to keep the people that we're serving safe."With that said, if you are uncomfortable wearing a mask, Horizons still wants to treat you. They just want to do it via telehealth or other technology to keep the safety factor."We can provide services by televideo, telehealth," Akins said. "We'll do whatever we need to do to help our clients get comfortable with being provided services by that method."Akins wants to make clear that no one should go without services because of their level of comfort with technology or with wearing or not wearing a mask.

Horizons Mental Health Center requires masks for in-person treatment


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved plans for the start of the 2020-21 school year Monday during a regular meeting at the MidTown Center.

The plans call for the district to offer a both in-school and online education for students during the 2020-21 school year. The plan is flexible enough that if the Covid-19 pandemic worsens in the area, all district students can convert to online learning.

All students and staff will wear face masks for in-school services. The plans, which will be posted to the district website, also include safety and cleaning protocols for USD 308 facilities. The full plan is available <a href="http://www.usd308.com/sites/default/files/ParentResources/Salthawk%20Restart%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf\">here</a>.

School starts for pre-kindergarten through ninth grade on Aug. 27 and on Aug. 28 for sophomores through seniors. Teaching staff return on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for professional development designed for the in-person and online learning experiences.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board took its first look at the 2020-21 budget, a budget that keeps the mill levy for district taxpayers relatively unchanged.

The 2020-21 budget calls for a slight decrease 0.936 mills. The proposed mill levy for 2020-21 is 53.520, compared to 54.456 in 2019-20. The Board set the formal hearing for the 2020-21 budget for 5:50 p.m. Aug. 24, 2020, at the MidTown Center.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at MidTown Center. Prior to the meeting, the formal public hearing for the 2020-21 budget will be held at the MidTown Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education approved plans for the start of the 2020-21 school year Monday during a regular meeting at the MidTown Center.The plans call for the district to offer a both in-school and online education for students during the 2020-21 school year. The plan is flexible enough that if the Covid-19 pandemic worsens in the area, all district students can convert to online learning.All students and staff will wear face masks for in-school services. The plans, which will be posted to the district website, also include safety and cleaning protocols for USD 308 facilities. The full plan is available <a href="http://www.usd308.com/sites/default/files/ParentResources/Salthawk%20Restart%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf\">here</a>.School starts for pre-kindergarten through ninth grade on Aug. 27 and on Aug. 28 for sophomores through seniors. Teaching staff return on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for professional development designed for the in-person and online learning experiences.Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board took its first look at the 2020-21 budget, a budget that keeps the mill levy for district taxpayers relatively unchanged.The 2020-21 budget calls for a slight decrease 0.936 mills. The proposed mill levy for 2020-21 is 53.520, compared to 54.456 in 2019-20. The Board set the formal hearing for the 2020-21 budget for 5:50 p.m. Aug. 24, 2020, at the MidTown Center.The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at MidTown Center. Prior to the meeting, the formal public hearing for the 2020-21 budget will be held at the MidTown Center.

USD 308 approves Salthawk Restart plan


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The gas prices in Kansas continue to stay below $2 a gallon on average.

"We're at $1.96," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "About the same as we were a week ago, but two cents less than where we've been for the last month. "We're seeing a slight decline."

Reno County is slightly above that at an average of $1.97 a gallon.

"Last week we saw a small decrease in demand for the first time in the last six or eight weeks," Steward said. "We had been seeing a slow increase in demand for gasoline at the pumps. That kept gas prices fairly stable."

COVID-19, as it is in so much of the economy is the wild card when it comes to the future of gas prices.

"It remains to be seen where we head," Steward said. "COVID-19 is still impacting the country. It remains to be seen where that's going to take us through the fall and winter months."

Traditionally, the fall sees a slight drop in gas prices every year because the winter blend of gasoline is less expensive to make than the summer blend. Part of the drag on prices this spring was that cheaper winter blend gas remained in the system well into the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579620767389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The gas prices in Kansas continue to stay below $2 a gallon on average."We're at $1.96," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "About the same as we were a week ago, but two cents less than where we've been for the last month. "We're seeing a slight decline."Reno County is slightly above that at an average of $1.97 a gallon."Last week we saw a small decrease in demand for the first time in the last six or eight weeks," Steward said. "We had been seeing a slow increase in demand for gasoline at the pumps. That kept gas prices fairly stable."COVID-19, as it is in so much of the economy is the wild card when it comes to the future of gas prices."It remains to be seen where we head," Steward said. "COVID-19 is still impacting the country. It remains to be seen where that's going to take us through the fall and winter months."Traditionally, the fall sees a slight drop in gas prices every year because the winter blend of gasoline is less expensive to make than the summer blend. Part of the drag on prices this spring was that cheaper winter blend gas remained in the system well into the spring.

AAA: Average gas prices still below $2 a gallon, no upward spike expected


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The active COVID-19 case count in Reno County has bounced back above 50.

As of 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon August 10, 2020, there were 54 active cases in Reno County, with 273 total cases throughout the pandemic and 218 recovered.

4,854 Reno County residents have been tested, with 4,581 negatives for a positive test rate of 5.62% and 7.72% of the population tested thus far.

Hospital activity includes a census of 57 total patients for all causes. Five prospective COVID patients are awaiting results, while six are currently admitted. None are currently intubated or in ICU. 

Only one patient in Reno County thus far has died with COVID-19 as the primary cause of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593790914635.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The active COVID-19 case count in Reno County has bounced back above 50.As of 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon August 10, 2020, there were 54 active cases in Reno County, with 273 total cases throughout the pandemic and 218 recovered.4,854 Reno County residents have been tested, with 4,581 negatives for a positive test rate of 5.62% and 7.72% of the population tested thus far.Hospital activity includes a census of 57 total patients for all causes. Five prospective COVID patients are awaiting results, while six are currently admitted. None are currently intubated or in ICU. Only one patient in Reno County thus far has died with COVID-19 as the primary cause of death.

Active case count in Reno County back above 50


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutch CC spokesperson Denny Stoecklein said Monday that the school is getting ready for some on-campus instruction to begin with students moving in this week.

"We have been going around setting classrooms for social distancing," Stoecklein said. "The mask mandate dictates that students and faculty and employees, that everyone on campus should be wearing a mask. As we adhere to those guidelines and regulations, face to face is certainly going to have a different look and feel to it. Our online enrollment is up a little bit over what it historically is."

Mask mandates will include all public areas of campus and that starts in the dorm.

"They are going to be required to be worn anytime someone is outside of their dorm room," Stoecklein said. "If they are in a common area or coming and going, they are going to need to have face coverings on anytime other than when they are in their own room."

Obviously, the exception is outdoor campus areas where social distancing can be maintained.

"We can put things in place while they are here, while they are on campus, while they are in classrooms," Stoecklein said. "What we really ask of our students, of our employees, of everyone, and expect, is that the same level of responsible behavior carries over to when they are not here. Don't have parties. Don't go to large gatherings. Don't do things when you're not on campus that could risk bringing some of those things back to your fellow students and co-workers."

The first semester is scheduled to be completed in time for Thanksgiving break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588955468734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutch CC spokesperson Denny Stoecklein said Monday that the school is getting ready for some on-campus instruction to begin with students moving in this week."We have been going around setting classrooms for social distancing," Stoecklein said. "The mask mandate dictates that students and faculty and employees, that everyone on campus should be wearing a mask. As we adhere to those guidelines and regulations, face to face is certainly going to have a different look and feel to it. Our online enrollment is up a little bit over what it historically is."Mask mandates will include all public areas of campus and that starts in the dorm."They are going to be required to be worn anytime someone is outside of their dorm room," Stoecklein said. "If they are in a common area or coming and going, they are going to need to have face coverings on anytime other than when they are in their own room."Obviously, the exception is outdoor campus areas where social distancing can be maintained."We can put things in place while they are here, while they are on campus, while they are in classrooms," Stoecklein said. "What we really ask of our students, of our employees, of everyone, and expect, is that the same level of responsible behavior carries over to when they are not here. Don't have parties. Don't go to large gatherings. Don't do things when you're not on campus that could risk bringing some of those things back to your fellow students and co-workers."The first semester is scheduled to be completed in time for Thanksgiving break.

Hutch CC ready for start of semester with masks

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Supreme Court justice K. J. Wall

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: K. J. Wall" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ptu86-e66b74?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=3&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Supreme Court justice K. J. Wall

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Supreme Court Justice K. J. Wall

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

RENO COUNTY — 
Reno County authorities are still trying to find out information about the victim of a fatal accident Sunday night.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, at 6:39 p.m. Sunday, deputies were dispatched to Yaggy Road under K-14 for a pickup that struck one of the pillars for the highway. 

Deputies found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The male driver made it partially out of the truck, but his legs were pinned under the dash and the truck burned with the driver inside. He died at the scene. 

The incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — 
Reno County authorities are still trying to find out information about the victim of a fatal accident Sunday night.According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, at 6:39 p.m. Sunday, deputies were dispatched to Yaggy Road under K-14 for a pickup that struck one of the pillars for the highway. Deputies found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The male driver made it partially out of the truck, but his legs were pinned under the dash and the truck burned with the driver inside. He died at the scene. The incident is still under investigation.

Accident in Reno County kills one Sunday

Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, also known as VOTE FBF, scored perfect marks in federal races during the primary earlier this month. Three endorsements, three wins, three candidates who understand agriculture moving on to November’s general election.

Dr. Roger Marshall came out on top of a competitive and crowded field to win the GOP nomination to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Sen. Pat Roberts.

Tracey Mann, who is the odds on favorite to take over Marshall’s seat in the U.S. House, secured the Republican nomination in the race to represent the Big First. And Jake LaTurner upset an incumbent in his bid for the second congressional district.

This hat-trick of victories isn’t an aberration for VOTE FBF, which has seen a success rate topping 90 percent since its inception nearly three decades ago. The secret to the success? A grassroots process that ensures endorsements come from the bottom up, rather than the top down.

As a relatively new face at Kansas Farm Bureau, this was my first time seeing the process unfold up close. Each of the state’s 105 counties had the opportunity to hear from candidates and make recommendations to the VOTE FBF board, which pooled the feedback from counties to make its endorsements.

The decisions are political, but they’re not partisan. The goal isn’t to elect candidates our members will always agree with, its mission is simply to elect ones who understand and value the work Kansas farmers and ranchers do each and every day.

Of course, despite eschewing partisanship, it wouldn’t be politics without a few snide remarks as seen on KFB’s Facebook page. Throughout the primary process I learned Kansas Farm Bureau “doesn’t represent real farmers,” and our endorsed candidates “weren’t real conservatives,” “were too conservative” or some variation in the run-up to the election.

At its core, VOTE FBF is successful because of its pragmatism. Counties and the VOTE FBF board don’t feel the need to make endorsements just for the heck of it. If no candidate in a race has earned the confidence of members or there’s more than one acceptable challenger, making no endorsement is an option.

In short, securing a Kansas Farm Bureau endorsement is similar to a candidate securing an individual’s vote. And the endorsement carries value beyond any possible monetary contribution VOTE FBF may decide to make.

Contrary to what some believe about Kansas Farm Bureau not representing “real farmers (and ranchers),” we’re the state’s largest general farm organization. The grassroots process employed by VOTE FBF has been part of the organization for more than 100 years, and it’s representative of not only our members, but the view of Kansans at large as the recent election results show.

While those results are still fresh, they’re also only the halfway point for this cycle. Advance voting in person and by mail begins Oct. 14 and Election Day is Nov. 3. If you turn 18 before then or sat out the primary because you weren’t registered, you have until Oct. 13 to do so.

Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, I encourage you to cast an informed vote for the candidate of your choice. Because the leadership of our country, state and counties relies on the same grassroots support Kansas Farm Bureau uses in all its decision making.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauVoters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, also known as VOTE FBF, scored perfect marks in federal races during the primary earlier this month. Three endorsements, three wins, three candidates who understand agriculture moving on to November’s general election.Dr. Roger Marshall came out on top of a competitive and crowded field to win the GOP nomination to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Sen. Pat Roberts.Tracey Mann, who is the odds on favorite to take over Marshall’s seat in the U.S. House, secured the Republican nomination in the race to represent the Big First. And Jake LaTurner upset an incumbent in his bid for the second congressional district.This hat-trick of victories isn’t an aberration for VOTE FBF, which has seen a success rate topping 90 percent since its inception nearly three decades ago. The secret to the success? A grassroots process that ensures endorsements come from the bottom up, rather than the top down.As a relatively new face at Kansas Farm Bureau, this was my first time seeing the process unfold up close. Each of the state’s 105 counties had the opportunity to hear from candidates and make recommendations to the VOTE FBF board, which pooled the feedback from counties to make its endorsements.The decisions are political, but they’re not partisan. The goal isn’t to elect candidates our members will always agree with, its mission is simply to elect ones who understand and value the work Kansas farmers and ranchers do each and every day.Of course, despite eschewing partisanship, it wouldn’t be politics without a few snide remarks as seen on KFB’s Facebook page. Throughout the primary process I learned Kansas Farm Bureau “doesn’t represent real farmers,” and our endorsed candidates “weren’t real conservatives,” “were too conservative” or some variation in the run-up to the election.At its core, VOTE FBF is successful because of its pragmatism. Counties and the VOTE FBF board don’t feel the need to make endorsements just for the heck of it. If no candidate in a race has earned the confidence of members or there’s more than one acceptable challenger, making no endorsement is an option.In short, securing a Kansas Farm Bureau endorsement is similar to a candidate securing an individual’s vote. And the endorsement carries value beyond any possible monetary contribution VOTE FBF may decide to make.Contrary to what some believe about Kansas Farm Bureau not representing “real farmers (and ranchers),” we’re the state’s largest general farm organization. The grassroots process employed by VOTE FBF has been part of the organization for more than 100 years, and it’s representative of not only our members, but the view of Kansans at large as the recent election results show.While those results are still fresh, they’re also only the halfway point for this cycle. Advance voting in person and by mail begins Oct. 14 and Election Day is Nov. 3. If you turn 18 before then or sat out the primary because you weren’t registered, you have until Oct. 13 to do so.Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, I encourage you to cast an informed vote for the candidate of your choice. Because the leadership of our country, state and counties relies on the same grassroots support Kansas Farm Bureau uses in all its decision making.

Insight: Election Perfection

Dale Younker, Soil Health Specialist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

It has been a very challenging summer when it comes to controlling weeds in fallow and wheat stubble fields. While timely rains have been great for fall crops, they have made staying ahead of the weeds very difficult. About the time you get ready to do an herbicide application it rains again, keeping the sprayer out of the field for a few more days.

For producers using tillage to control weeds its even been worse. In many parts of the state there has been very few days where field conditions have been dry enough to do any sort of tillage operation. If a rain occurred shortly after the field was worked the weeds just re-rooted and kept growing.

Combine that with a growing list of weeds that are now resistant to several different types of herbicides it makes you wonder if we’ll ever get a handle on effective weed control in these fallow cropping systems.

One weed control strategy that many times gets overlooked, and certainly underutilized, is planting cover crops during the fallow periods of the rotation. Cover crops provide weed management benefits in several different ways. Many small seeded weed species, like kochia, palmer amaranth and other pigweed species need sunlight for seedlings to emerge. Living cover crops, or the residue that is left after it is terminated, reduces the sunlight reaching the soil surface thus reducing the number of weeds that come up. Cover crops also compete with weeds for moisture, nutrients and sunlight keeping the weeds in a weak, easy to kill condition, or preventing them from coming up at all. Some cover crop species, like rye and some brassicas, control weeds through a process called allelopathy. 

This is where decaying residue release chemicals that inhibit the germination of weed seeds. Here are a few strategies to consider when utilizing cover crops for weed suppression in dryland cropping systems.

1. Know what your problem weeds are and get the cover crops well established before those weeds emerge. For western Kansas, most of the time, those weeds are going to be kochia and palmer amaranth. Kochia comes up early in the spring, so to get ahead of this weed a cover crop needs to be planted as soon as possible after the fall crops are harvested or very early in the spring. If time allows a fall seeding is the preferred method, but once it gets to about October 25th, I would delay the planting to early spring in mid to late February. 

2. Select species that grow aggressively and shade the ground quickly and provide a mat biomass on the soil surface once the cover crop is terminated. For a late fall or early spring planting cereal grains like rye, triticale, barley, oats and wheat work well. For a summer mix that is planted after wheat harvest, forage sorghums, sorghum sudans and millets are good species to use. Brassicas like turnips and radishes can also provide a fair amount of biomass before freezing out.

3. Take advantage of the allelopathy effect some species, like rye provide. This process works like using a preemergent herbicide. Once the cover crop is terminated, chemicals are released from the decomposing plant residue that inhibit weeds seeds from germinating. This works well in controlling palmer amaranth when terminating a cereal grain cover crop right around the time it is heading in early to mid-May.

4. Terminate the cover crop early if there is a persistent dry period and the long-term weather forecast is not favorable for adequate moisture to replenish the soil profile. The key to making cover crops work in these dryland fallow systems is for the cover crop to utilize the moisture we would lose anyway through evaporation, runoff and transpiration through weeds, but still leave adequate soil moisture for the next cash crop.

5. Always look at the economic side of things and compare your current weed control cost and what it will cost to incorporate cover crops into your system. Herbicide applications can get pricey and many times don’t work well. Multiple tillage operations can also add up to a substantial amount of money.

Cover crops can help with weed suppression, but they are not a “silver bullet”. They are just another tool in the toolbox, that along with other weed control measures, can help in controlling weeds more effectively. For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593956642758.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dale Younker, Soil Health Specialist, Natural Resources Conservation ServiceIt has been a very challenging summer when it comes to controlling weeds in fallow and wheat stubble fields. While timely rains have been great for fall crops, they have made staying ahead of the weeds very difficult. About the time you get ready to do an herbicide application it rains again, keeping the sprayer out of the field for a few more days.For producers using tillage to control weeds its even been worse. In many parts of the state there has been very few days where field conditions have been dry enough to do any sort of tillage operation. If a rain occurred shortly after the field was worked the weeds just re-rooted and kept growing.Combine that with a growing list of weeds that are now resistant to several different types of herbicides it makes you wonder if we’ll ever get a handle on effective weed control in these fallow cropping systems.One weed control strategy that many times gets overlooked, and certainly underutilized, is planting cover crops during the fallow periods of the rotation. Cover crops provide weed management benefits in several different ways. Many small seeded weed species, like kochia, palmer amaranth and other pigweed species need sunlight for seedlings to emerge. Living cover crops, or the residue that is left after it is terminated, reduces the sunlight reaching the soil surface thus reducing the number of weeds that come up. Cover crops also compete with weeds for moisture, nutrients and sunlight keeping the weeds in a weak, easy to kill condition, or preventing them from coming up at all. Some cover crop species, like rye and some brassicas, control weeds through a process called allelopathy. This is where decaying residue release chemicals that inhibit the germination of weed seeds. Here are a few strategies to consider when utilizing cover crops for weed suppression in dryland cropping systems.1. Know what your problem weeds are and get the cover crops well established before those weeds emerge. For western Kansas, most of the time, those weeds are going to be kochia and palmer amaranth. Kochia comes up early in the spring, so to get ahead of this weed a cover crop needs to be planted as soon as possible after the fall crops are harvested or very early in the spring. If time allows a fall seeding is the preferred method, but once it gets to about October 25th, I would delay the planting to early spring in mid to late February. 2. Select species that grow aggressively and shade the ground quickly and provide a mat biomass on the soil surface once the cover crop is terminated. For a late fall or early spring planting cereal grains like rye, triticale, barley, oats and wheat work well. For a summer mix that is planted after wheat harvest, forage sorghums, sorghum sudans and millets are good species to use. Brassicas like turnips and radishes can also provide a fair amount of biomass before freezing out.3. Take advantage of the allelopathy effect some species, like rye provide. This process works like using a preemergent herbicide. Once the cover crop is terminated, chemicals are released from the decomposing plant residue that inhibit weeds seeds from germinating. This works well in controlling palmer amaranth when terminating a cereal grain cover crop right around the time it is heading in early to mid-May.4. Terminate the cover crop early if there is a persistent dry period and the long-term weather forecast is not favorable for adequate moisture to replenish the soil profile. The key to making cover crops work in these dryland fallow systems is for the cover crop to utilize the moisture we would lose anyway through evaporation, runoff and transpiration through weeds, but still leave adequate soil moisture for the next cash crop.5. Always look at the economic side of things and compare your current weed control cost and what it will cost to incorporate cover crops into your system. Herbicide applications can get pricey and many times don’t work well. Multiple tillage operations can also add up to a substantial amount of money.Cover crops can help with weed suppression, but they are not a “silver bullet”. They are just another tool in the toolbox, that along with other weed control measures, can help in controlling weeds more effectively. For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Using Cover Crops to Manage Weeds


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Police Department is having a swearing in ceremony for new employees Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Stringer Fine Arts Center in the banquet room.

New employees to be introduced are Animal Shelter Director Michaela Schommer, Animal Shelter Tech Siera Simon, Evidence Technician Clifton Riggs, dispatchers Janelle Allen, Joseph Hermes, Penelope Kaiser, Jessica McLauhlin, Fermina Orosco, Warren Storrie, Taylor Stanley, Kayli Goodheart and Karen Ridgeway.

Also, new officers Logan Corley, Benjamin Smalling and Trevor Stoll will be sworn in. K9 Harper will also get a formal introduction.

Corley is a Georgia native who was stationed at Fort Riley. Corley served three and a half years as an infantryman deploying twice overseas to multiple countries. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family camping, working out and doing other outdoor activities.

Smalling grew up in Nickerson. He is a 2015 graduate of Nickerson High School and went on to graduate from Hutchinson Community College in 2017 with an associates of science. Then I transferred to Wichita State University and graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In my free time I like to fish and spend time with friends and family.

Stoll was born and raised in Hutchinson. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2015. His goal with the department is to combat local drug issues and to hopefully serve as a K9 officer one day. In his free time he enjoys hunting, hanging out with friends and going on trips with his fiancé.  

Award winners who were unable to be recognized at the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police event will be recognized locally, as well. The officers and Deputies to be award KACP awards are:

Sgt. Josh Long, Ofc. Ricky Garcia, Ofc. Cory Ogburn, Sgt. Garret Leslie, Ofc. Tony Garcia, Ofc. Tim Williams, Ofc. James Sanders, Deputy Jack Trussell and Deputy Eric De La Cruz.

Sgt. Lance Hirt, Ofc. Matthew Gabrielson, Ofc. John Williams

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582822413263.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Police Department is having a swearing in ceremony for new employees Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Stringer Fine Arts Center in the banquet room.New employees to be introduced are Animal Shelter Director Michaela Schommer, Animal Shelter Tech Siera Simon, Evidence Technician Clifton Riggs, dispatchers Janelle Allen, Joseph Hermes, Penelope Kaiser, Jessica McLauhlin, Fermina Orosco, Warren Storrie, Taylor Stanley, Kayli Goodheart and Karen Ridgeway.Also, new officers Logan Corley, Benjamin Smalling and Trevor Stoll will be sworn in. K9 Harper will also get a formal introduction.Corley is a Georgia native who was stationed at Fort Riley. Corley served three and a half years as an infantryman deploying twice overseas to multiple countries. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family camping, working out and doing other outdoor activities.Smalling grew up in Nickerson. He is a 2015 graduate of Nickerson High School and went on to graduate from Hutchinson Community College in 2017 with an associates of science. Then I transferred to Wichita State University and graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In my free time I like to fish and spend time with friends and family.Stoll was born and raised in Hutchinson. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2015. His goal with the department is to combat local drug issues and to hopefully serve as a K9 officer one day. In his free time he enjoys hunting, hanging out with friends and going on trips with his fiancé. Award winners who were unable to be recognized at the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police event will be recognized locally, as well. The officers and Deputies to be award KACP awards are:Gold award-Sgt. Josh Long, Ofc. Ricky Garcia, Ofc. Cory Ogburn, Sgt. Garret Leslie, Ofc. Tony Garcia, Ofc. Tim Williams, Ofc. James Sanders, Deputy Jack Trussell and Deputy Eric De La Cruz.Silver award-Sgt. Lance Hirt, Ofc. Matthew Gabrielson, Ofc. John Williams

Hutchinson Police to have ceremony Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar knows the job of his office is to anticipate what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic in regard to supply chain, both in the short and the long term.

"We know it's not going to end," Weishaar said Monday. "We're being told its 12 to 18 months is what we need to prepare for. It's completely different. We're trying to put plans in place now for the fall. We are also trying to get a lot of personal protective equipment, not only for county employees, but all of our health care professionals, so that's the clinic, that's the hospital and then our first responders, as well."

The concern is that the state, which has been able to provide resources to the county, may not be able to do so as readily in the coming months.

"It's really hard to forecast it, but what we try to do is we try to order enough from the state to get us, at our current burn rate, for approximately 60 days and we stock that. As agencies request that, it comes out of our stock and we fulfill those requests. When we get to under 15 days, that's when we'll make a new request from the state."

The county, for the most part, has been able to get their PPE via the state, but they're pretty sure that's not going to continue indefinitely, so they're looking to put money aside for when they have to purchase themselves.

"We've requested some of the CARES funding that's come to the county," Weishaar said. "We've requested some of that money to be able to purchase a 30 day stock of that personal protective equipment at current burn rates. That way, we can get it out to all the agencies."

The County Commission will look at those CARES funding requests as part of their meeting agenda Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585131092050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar knows the job of his office is to anticipate what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic in regard to supply chain, both in the short and the long term."We know it's not going to end," Weishaar said Monday. "We're being told its 12 to 18 months is what we need to prepare for. It's completely different. We're trying to put plans in place now for the fall. We are also trying to get a lot of personal protective equipment, not only for county employees, but all of our health care professionals, so that's the clinic, that's the hospital and then our first responders, as well."The concern is that the state, which has been able to provide resources to the county, may not be able to do so as readily in the coming months."It's really hard to forecast it, but what we try to do is we try to order enough from the state to get us, at our current burn rate, for approximately 60 days and we stock that. As agencies request that, it comes out of our stock and we fulfill those requests. When we get to under 15 days, that's when we'll make a new request from the state."The county, for the most part, has been able to get their PPE via the state, but they're pretty sure that's not going to continue indefinitely, so they're looking to put money aside for when they have to purchase themselves."We've requested some of the CARES funding that's come to the county," Weishaar said. "We've requested some of that money to be able to purchase a 30 day stock of that personal protective equipment at current burn rates. That way, we can get it out to all the agencies."The County Commission will look at those CARES funding requests as part of their meeting agenda Tuesday.

Emergency management office still trying to keep PPE pipeline full


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Enrollment for new students in Nickerson USD 309 is today. 

Enrollment is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School. You must call ahead for an appointment.

Pre-K enrollment is tomorrow. Appointments are required for that enrollment as well. It will also take place at Reno Valley Middle School.

Current students should enroll online at <a href="https://usd309.powerschool.com/public/">usd309.powerschool.com/public/</a>.

Classes begin September 2. The district will have both at home and in-person learning this year. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Enrollment for new students in Nickerson USD 309 is today. Enrollment is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Reno Valley Middle School. You must call ahead for an appointment.Pre-K enrollment is tomorrow. Appointments are required for that enrollment as well. It will also take place at Reno Valley Middle School.Current students should enroll online at <a href="https://usd309.powerschool.com/public/">usd309.powerschool.com/public/</a>.Classes begin September 2. The district will have both at home and in-person learning this year.

In-person enrollment in Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 today

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will set a public hearing date for the budget during their regular agenda session.&nbsp;

If approved the hearing would be held August 24th at 5:50 p.m. just prior to the regular agenda session. The Board will also go over a proposal for increasing pay for substitute teachers. The district feels the increase is necessary to keep the shallow pool of substitute teachers in place for the district.&nbsp;

Human Resources Director Rick Kraus had indicated several months ago that finding enough teachers to fill in might be a problem due to the pandemic. If approved the pay would increase from $104.00 per day to $110.00.&nbsp;

And the district will seek Board approval to purchase 160 additional Apple iPads for student use. Blended and distance learning planning changed the plan for Pre-K through grade three students to have a device assigned to each student to enable quick and efficient transition to distance learning if needed.

The new devices will complete a 1:1 iPad ratio for grades Pre-K through grade 3 beginning with the 20-21 school year. Total price of iPads is $70,532.00. The equipment will be purchased using SPARK funds.

Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board begins at 6 p.m. at the Mid Town center at 200 E Sherman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will set a public hearing date for the budget during their regular agenda session.&nbsp;If approved the hearing would be held August 24th at 5:50 p.m. just prior to the regular agenda session. The Board will also go over a proposal for increasing pay for substitute teachers. The district feels the increase is necessary to keep the shallow pool of substitute teachers in place for the district.&nbsp;Human Resources Director Rick Kraus had indicated several months ago that finding enough teachers to fill in might be a problem due to the pandemic. If approved the pay would increase from $104.00 per day to $110.00.&nbsp;And the district will seek Board approval to purchase 160 additional Apple iPads for student use. Blended and distance learning planning changed the plan for Pre-K through grade three students to have a device assigned to each student to enable quick and efficient transition to distance learning if needed.The new devices will complete a 1:1 iPad ratio for grades Pre-K through grade 3 beginning with the 20-21 school year. Total price of iPads is $70,532.00. The equipment will be purchased using SPARK funds.Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board begins at 6 p.m. at the Mid Town center at 200 E Sherman.

USD 308 to set public hearing for budget

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of Reno County Commissioners plans to leave the decision on mask wearing in schools in the county regarding elementary school students to local school boards and will propose a resolution to that effect at their Tuesday meeting.

The resolution reads, in part, "Requiring students in grades K through 6 to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or face covering at all times while at school attendance centers shall not be required of public and private school governing bodies or administrators within Reno County."

Also on the agenda Tuesday is an update from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, the consent agenda, including setting the canvass of the August 4 primary election for August 13, the county's 2021 budget hearing and also the disbursement of the first round of SPARK money to public entities for COVID-19 related expenses.

The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Commission Chambers. The Canvass of the August 4th Primary Election will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in the Annex Conference Room.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596884102345.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of Reno County Commissioners plans to leave the decision on mask wearing in schools in the county regarding elementary school students to local school boards and will propose a resolution to that effect at their Tuesday meeting.The resolution reads, in part, "Requiring students in grades K through 6 to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or face covering at all times while at school attendance centers shall not be required of public and private school governing bodies or administrators within Reno County."Also on the agenda Tuesday is an update from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, the consent agenda, including setting the canvass of the August 4 primary election for August 13, the county's 2021 budget hearing and also the disbursement of the first round of SPARK money to public entities for COVID-19 related expenses.The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Commission Chambers. The Canvass of the August 4th Primary Election will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in the Annex Conference Room.

Reno County Commissioners to loosen mask strings on elementary schools Tuesday


BUHLER,
Kan. —The Buhler USD 313 school board will have their regular meeting Monday in the Buhler High School Library.

On the agenda for the 6 p.m. meeting is the 2020-2021 budget hearing along with reports from the finance director and superintendent and their consent agenda.

The board will also look at the 2020 dual credit courses for Crusaders and the treasurer's report and have several executive sessions regarding personnel, legal matters and real estate. 

Each of those could possibly be followed by action from the board. Buhler USD 313 plans to start school September 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
BUHLER,
Kan. —The Buhler USD 313 school board will have their regular meeting Monday in the Buhler High School Library.On the agenda for the 6 p.m. meeting is the 2020-2021 budget hearing along with reports from the finance director and superintendent and their consent agenda.The board will also look at the 2020 dual credit courses for Crusaders and the treasurer's report and have several executive sessions regarding personnel, legal matters and real estate. Each of those could possibly be followed by action from the board. Buhler USD 313 plans to start school September 2.

Budget hearing part of USD 313 Board meeting Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti is leaving the county later this month to go to McPherson College to become its executive director of Health Care Initiatives on August 14. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. McPherson College President Michael Schneider briefly explained the program's goal.

"Our program is market-driven," said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. "Very much a broad program that students can study health science or healthcare management, with emphasis in public health, behavioral health management, clinical health, so that they can go out and pursue multiple pathways to a career in health care."

Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. Schneider says they already have a robust cohort of students coming in.

"I'm excited that we've got over 30 new Health Science majors coming in," Schneider said, we have eight Health Science Scholars."

Two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. The long term goal is for the Health Care initiatives program to potentially be as big or bigger than the college's Auto Restoration program, which currently has between 150 and 160 students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577416544200.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti is leaving the county later this month to go to McPherson College to become its executive director of Health Care Initiatives on August 14. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. McPherson College President Michael Schneider briefly explained the program's goal."Our program is market-driven," said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. "Very much a broad program that students can study health science or healthcare management, with emphasis in public health, behavioral health management, clinical health, so that they can go out and pursue multiple pathways to a career in health care."Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. Schneider says they already have a robust cohort of students coming in."I'm excited that we've got over 30 new Health Science majors coming in," Schneider said, we have eight Health Science Scholars."Two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. The long term goal is for the Health Care initiatives program to potentially be as big or bigger than the college's Auto Restoration program, which currently has between 150 and 160 students.

Local