
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The technological divide among K-12 students across the country and in parts of Kansas became incredibly visible in light of the pivot to remote learning as a result of COVID-19. It is with that in mind that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advocating for additional funding to be rolled into the proposed coronavirus relief bill to address the issue.

"The homework gap is the gap between internet haves and have nots," said Leah Fliter, Advocacy and Outreach Director for KASB. "In Kansas, a recent study found that more than 150,000 Kansas students don't have reliable home broadband internet access."

Wireless hotspots may be the quickest way to get students on to the internet right now.

"What this bill would do is, it would allow the schools and the libraries to purchase those devices for kids to use during this public health emergency," Fliter said. "Hopefully, as the emergency subsides and perhaps some physical build-out can happen of broadband the schools and libraries would be able to take back those devices and they would be able to just continue to loan them out on an as-needed basis."

Right now, this is generally falling along partisan lines.

"The Senate bill has many sponsors," Fliter said. "All of the folks who have officially signed on to support it are Democrats. I'm not aware of why the Republicans seem to be taking a hands-off on it. I think they're trying to just maybe, bide their time and see how the negotiations go."

It also could be about money, as the bill would appropriate an additional $4 billion, which is over and above what will already be spent on stimulus checks and the like.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The technological divide among K-12 students across the country and in parts of Kansas became incredibly visible in light of the pivot to remote learning as a result of COVID-19. It is with that in mind that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advocating for additional funding to be rolled into the proposed coronavirus relief bill to address the issue."The homework gap is the gap between internet haves and have nots," said Leah Fliter, Advocacy and Outreach Director for KASB. "In Kansas, a recent study found that more than 150,000 Kansas students don't have reliable home broadband internet access."Wireless hotspots may be the quickest way to get students on to the internet right now."What this bill would do is, it would allow the schools and the libraries to purchase those devices for kids to use during this public health emergency," Fliter said. "Hopefully, as the emergency subsides and perhaps some physical build-out can happen of broadband the schools and libraries would be able to take back those devices and they would be able to just continue to loan them out on an as-needed basis."Right now, this is generally falling along partisan lines."The Senate bill has many sponsors," Fliter said. "All of the folks who have officially signed on to support it are Democrats. I'm not aware of why the Republicans seem to be taking a hands-off on it. I think they're trying to just maybe, bide their time and see how the negotiations go."It also could be about money, as the bill would appropriate an additional $4 billion, which is over and above what will already be spent on stimulus checks and the like.

Bill to alleviate homework gap in U.S. Senate

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff's Office took a report from the contractor working on the K-14 West 4th Avenue interchange that someone drove through the work zone damaging a portion of the work site.

The driver went through a section of wet concrete on Tuesday causing about $40,000 in damage and forcing crews to tear out that section of the road and start over. KDOT spokesperson Tim Potter says the area measured about 18 feet by 50 feet.

Potter says the damage will delay the project by about two days. The work is now projected to finish up August 13, weather permitting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596728644302.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff's Office took a report from the contractor working on the K-14 West 4th Avenue interchange that someone drove through the work zone damaging a portion of the work site.The driver went through a section of wet concrete on Tuesday causing about $40,000 in damage and forcing crews to tear out that section of the road and start over. KDOT spokesperson Tim Potter says the area measured about 18 feet by 50 feet.Potter says the damage will delay the project by about two days. The work is now projected to finish up August 13, weather permitting.

Motorist damages construction site at K-14 and West 4th

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools announced that they are now sponsoring an adult high school completion program. The school will be housed in the Mid Town Center at 200 E Sherman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The staff at Mid Town Center will assist adult students in establishing an individualized learning plan to achieve the goal of obtaining a Hutchinson High School diploma. Courses can be in person or online. The diploma will be recognized by military recruiters, employers, colleges, and universities. The district will also help will career and college planning.

Enrollment will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 at MidTown Center, 200 E. Sherman.

For more information, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/MidTown2020">tinyurl.com/MidTown2020</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579011979634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools announced that they are now sponsoring an adult high school completion program. The school will be housed in the Mid Town Center at 200 E Sherman.&nbsp;&nbsp;The staff at Mid Town Center will assist adult students in establishing an individualized learning plan to achieve the goal of obtaining a Hutchinson High School diploma. Courses can be in person or online. The diploma will be recognized by military recruiters, employers, colleges, and universities. The district will also help will career and college planning.Enrollment will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 at MidTown Center, 200 E. Sherman.For more information, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/MidTown2020">tinyurl.com/MidTown2020</a>.

USD 308 offering adult learning program

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three teens were injured in an ATV accident just east of Hutchinson Wednesday afternoon.

The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that they were summoned along with EMS to 700 N Obee Road around 1:20 p.m.

Reports say that three 13-year-old females were operating a side by side ATV when they lost control of the vehicle rolling it on its side ejecting the passengers.

Two of the teens were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The third refused treatment.

Speed is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560362354225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three teens were injured in an ATV accident just east of Hutchinson Wednesday afternoon.The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that they were summoned along with EMS to 700 N Obee Road around 1:20 p.m.Reports say that three 13-year-old females were operating a side by side ATV when they lost control of the vehicle rolling it on its side ejecting the passengers.Two of the teens were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The third refused treatment.Speed is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation.

ATV accident injures 3


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Emporia State political science professor Michael Smith notes that the Republican primary winners for U.S. Senate and in the Second District Congressional race in Kansas used a similar strategy to get the job done.

"Roger Marshall and also Jake LaTurner in the Second District ran great campaigns," Smith said. "What they did was, they reframed the issue away from who's the most conservative to who is the most competent. Marshall and LaTurner both put a lot of emphasis on saying, I'm a conservative. They are. They're both quite conservative. That wasn't a big leap."

In the state house and senate races, Kansas Republicans seemed to go farther to the right.

"When a person is tacking conservative and they don't have baggage like Kobach or Watkins, they can still do very well in the Kansas Republican primary," Smith said. 

This fits what has been the conventional wisdom that conservatives tend to be the ones that vote in Republican primaries in Kansas, but Smith cautions not to take that thought too far.

"The winners in the Republican side were definitely conservatives," Smith said. "There's no question about that, maybe not firebrand. We have to be so careful making a leap from primary results to general election results, because the turnout is so much higher in the general, especially in a Presidential election year."

It will also be interesting to see how Medicaid expansion proposals move or don't now that Missouri has voted to expand by ballot initiative. That isn't an option in Kansas. The legislature must pass expansion if it is to happen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591302118267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Emporia State political science professor Michael Smith notes that the Republican primary winners for U.S. Senate and in the Second District Congressional race in Kansas used a similar strategy to get the job done."Roger Marshall and also Jake LaTurner in the Second District ran great campaigns," Smith said. "What they did was, they reframed the issue away from who's the most conservative to who is the most competent. Marshall and LaTurner both put a lot of emphasis on saying, I'm a conservative. They are. They're both quite conservative. That wasn't a big leap."In the state house and senate races, Kansas Republicans seemed to go farther to the right."When a person is tacking conservative and they don't have baggage like Kobach or Watkins, they can still do very well in the Kansas Republican primary," Smith said. This fits what has been the conventional wisdom that conservatives tend to be the ones that vote in Republican primaries in Kansas, but Smith cautions not to take that thought too far."The winners in the Republican side were definitely conservatives," Smith said. "There's no question about that, maybe not firebrand. We have to be so careful making a leap from primary results to general election results, because the turnout is so much higher in the general, especially in a Presidential election year."It will also be interesting to see how Medicaid expansion proposals move or don't now that Missouri has voted to expand by ballot initiative. That isn't an option in Kansas. The legislature must pass expansion if it is to happen.

Smith: Conservatives win GOP primaries, even as Kobach, Watkins lose


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 plans to start school in person September 2, but they know that the plans they are making will require adjustment once everyone gets into the buildings.

"We're doing what we call a slow start," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "September 2, we're just going to have 1st grade through 5th grade and 6th grade in our middle school and 9th grade in our high school. Then, the 2nd day, we're going to do everybody 1st through 12th. Our kindergarteners don't come for another week, due to testing. We're going to take a look at doing just a two-hour early dismissal the 3rd. Then, on Friday, we're going to take a half day of professional development and a half-day workday with our staff and say, hey, let's reevaluate, what worked and what didn't work?"

Parents and stakeholders in the district should expect communication in the days immediately following that meeting on any changes that are deemed neccessary.

"We'll have then Friday to Monday, that's a holiday weekend in there, to communicate, if there are some shifts that are going to have to happen. We will do that through probably our all alert email if there's something that needs to be changed. Flexibility is going to be key this year. I think that we're going to learn to adapt very quickly. The state likes to use the word pivot. I think we're going to have to be ready to pivot on a dime."

Kids need love and encouragement from their educators and that is something Couchman looks forward to providing, while still keeping them safe.

"That's one of the reasons we're excited and ready to have our kids back in wearing facemasks," Couchman said. "With a facemask, you can get a hug in occasionally and you can get closer than your six feet away. That's the advantage of having a facemask on. We are going to be within six feet. That's just going to have to happen in a school setting. That's one of the advantages of being on site is, I think kids need that physical interaction and so do our staff."

Couchman said one thing parents can do to help is really teach and stress the importance of handwashing along with mask wearing as they prepare kids for school. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 plans to start school in person September 2, but they know that the plans they are making will require adjustment once everyone gets into the buildings."We're doing what we call a slow start," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "September 2, we're just going to have 1st grade through 5th grade and 6th grade in our middle school and 9th grade in our high school. Then, the 2nd day, we're going to do everybody 1st through 12th. Our kindergarteners don't come for another week, due to testing. We're going to take a look at doing just a two-hour early dismissal the 3rd. Then, on Friday, we're going to take a half day of professional development and a half-day workday with our staff and say, hey, let's reevaluate, what worked and what didn't work?"Parents and stakeholders in the district should expect communication in the days immediately following that meeting on any changes that are deemed neccessary."We'll have then Friday to Monday, that's a holiday weekend in there, to communicate, if there are some shifts that are going to have to happen. We will do that through probably our all alert email if there's something that needs to be changed. Flexibility is going to be key this year. I think that we're going to learn to adapt very quickly. The state likes to use the word pivot. I think we're going to have to be ready to pivot on a dime."Kids need love and encouragement from their educators and that is something Couchman looks forward to providing, while still keeping them safe."That's one of the reasons we're excited and ready to have our kids back in wearing facemasks," Couchman said. "With a facemask, you can get a hug in occasionally and you can get closer than your six feet away. That's the advantage of having a facemask on. We are going to be within six feet. That's just going to have to happen in a school setting. That's one of the advantages of being on site is, I think kids need that physical interaction and so do our staff."Couchman said one thing parents can do to help is really teach and stress the importance of handwashing along with mask wearing as they prepare kids for school.

Couchman: USD 313 will slow start, then pivot quickly if necessary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Slowdowns in key business segments because of the pandemic tore into Arconic’s earnings as the company released its second quarter report Wednesday.&nbsp;

The aluminum components manufacturer reported second quarter revenue of $1.2 billion, down 38% year over year, and a net loss of $92 million in second quarter 2020 compared with net income of $5 million in 2019.&nbsp;

Arconic, which began operating as a standalone company on April 1, saw sudden declines in critical end markets because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down many of its customers’ production facilities around the world.&nbsp;

The company announced $200 million of cash conservation actions in early April and addressed a legacy pension obligation, reducing its gross liability by approximately $250 million, according to a company release.

Arconic in Hutchinson finishes aluminum sheets and components for the aerospace industry and carries a workforce of around 75 employees when at full production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596659479329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Slowdowns in key business segments because of the pandemic tore into Arconic’s earnings as the company released its second quarter report Wednesday.&nbsp;The aluminum components manufacturer reported second quarter revenue of $1.2 billion, down 38% year over year, and a net loss of $92 million in second quarter 2020 compared with net income of $5 million in 2019.&nbsp;Arconic, which began operating as a standalone company on April 1, saw sudden declines in critical end markets because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down many of its customers’ production facilities around the world.&nbsp;The company announced $200 million of cash conservation actions in early April and addressed a legacy pension obligation, reducing its gross liability by approximately $250 million, according to a company release.Arconic in Hutchinson finishes aluminum sheets and components for the aerospace industry and carries a workforce of around 75 employees when at full production.

Arconic battles through pandemic-driven quarter

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Voter turnout for the primary election Tuesday night was not too bad.

Numbers released by the Reno County Clerk's Office show that voter turnout in the county was 36%. There were 14,082 votes cast with more than 1,400 of them cast in advance. That does not include ballots that need to be counted by hand, nor mailed out ballots that can still come into the clerk's office until Friday. A final canvass is set for Thursday, Aug. 13.

By comparison, voter turnout for the 2016 primary was 11,976 ballots cast, or about 30%.

There are 39,183 registered voters in Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596478871632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Voter turnout for the primary election Tuesday night was not too bad.Numbers released by the Reno County Clerk's Office show that voter turnout in the county was 36%. There were 14,082 votes cast with more than 1,400 of them cast in advance. That does not include ballots that need to be counted by hand, nor mailed out ballots that can still come into the clerk's office until Friday. A final canvass is set for Thursday, Aug. 13.By comparison, voter turnout for the 2016 primary was 11,976 ballots cast, or about 30%.There are 39,183 registered voters in Reno County.

Voter turnout surpasses 2016 primary totals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Wednesday that they have started organizing and working on Hutchinson’s sixth featured neighborhood as a part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative.

The sixth featured neighborhood is the area between Main and Monroe streets, from 11th Avenue to 17th Avenue. Residents living in this neighborhood are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the CosmoWorks room at Clayworks, 1125 N. Main St. There, residents will discuss priorities, goals, and concerns for the neighborhood, as well as go over neighborhood boundaries and learn about the neighborhood development program.

This effort is part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, a partnership among Hutch Rec, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation. 

The purpose of the Healthy Neighborhood initiative was put in place to better market area neighborhoods, making them attractive places where residents choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. 

Organized efforts in the five current featured neighborhoods have led to park improvements, grants for home improvements and repairs, social events, and development of neighborhood identities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584563985382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Wednesday that they have started organizing and working on Hutchinson’s sixth featured neighborhood as a part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative.The sixth featured neighborhood is the area between Main and Monroe streets, from 11th Avenue to 17th Avenue. Residents living in this neighborhood are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the CosmoWorks room at Clayworks, 1125 N. Main St. There, residents will discuss priorities, goals, and concerns for the neighborhood, as well as go over neighborhood boundaries and learn about the neighborhood development program.This effort is part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, a partnership among Hutch Rec, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The purpose of the Healthy Neighborhood initiative was put in place to better market area neighborhoods, making them attractive places where residents choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. Organized efforts in the five current featured neighborhoods have led to park improvements, grants for home improvements and repairs, social events, and development of neighborhood identities.

Hutch Rec begins work on sixth Healthy Neighborhood


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Texas man was injured in an accident in Reno County Tuesday afternoon. 

The Reno County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Edward Thompson was traveling east on Parallel Road just before 12:15 p.m. Tuesday when he slightly veered off the roadway and overcorrected and collided into a parked and unoccupied Reno County Public Works flagging truck.

Thompson's airbags deployed. He was buckled up. He was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Texas man was injured in an accident in Reno County Tuesday afternoon. The Reno County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Edward Thompson was traveling east on Parallel Road just before 12:15 p.m. Tuesday when he slightly veered off the roadway and overcorrected and collided into a parked and unoccupied Reno County Public Works flagging truck.Thompson's airbags deployed. He was buckled up. He was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Reno County accident injures one Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kali Barnett, a teacher originally from Garden City, is the Democratic candidate that won her primary for the Kansas First District seat in Congress on Tuesday. She believes the key was listening.

"We ran a really strong campaign," Barnett said. "We worked really hard to go around to all 63 counties before COVID-19 hit and even through the pandemic, we made sure that we did a lot of listening, a lot of connecting."

COVID-19 has made campaigning more difficult, but Barnett is optimistic.

"It's a lot of digital outreach," Barnett said. "I'm confident that we can still build the bridges that we need to, to connect with people and ultimately earn votes."

Barnett grew up in agriculture, but her family lost their farm when she was seventeen. She understands that it is still a primary economic driver in the Big First.

"We know that agriculture and food and farm issues are something that are incredibly important to our Kansas economy here in the First," Barnett said. "I would make sure that I can have that seat at the table and that voice. I know from going around, we've been campaigning for over a year now. I've had many, many conversations with farmers around the district. There's many ways that I know that I can support and uplift those voices and the challenges that our farmers are facing."

Barnett will face Republican Tracey Mann in November.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kali Barnett, a teacher originally from Garden City, is the Democratic candidate that won her primary for the Kansas First District seat in Congress on Tuesday. She believes the key was listening."We ran a really strong campaign," Barnett said. "We worked really hard to go around to all 63 counties before COVID-19 hit and even through the pandemic, we made sure that we did a lot of listening, a lot of connecting."COVID-19 has made campaigning more difficult, but Barnett is optimistic."It's a lot of digital outreach," Barnett said. "I'm confident that we can still build the bridges that we need to, to connect with people and ultimately earn votes."Barnett grew up in agriculture, but her family lost their farm when she was seventeen. She understands that it is still a primary economic driver in the Big First."We know that agriculture and food and farm issues are something that are incredibly important to our Kansas economy here in the First," Barnett said. "I would make sure that I can have that seat at the table and that voice. I know from going around, we've been campaigning for over a year now. I've had many, many conversations with farmers around the district. There's many ways that I know that I can support and uplift those voices and the challenges that our farmers are facing."Barnett will face Republican Tracey Mann in November.

Barnett optimistic after Democratic primary win


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Tracey Mann is going to be the Republican nominee for the Kansas First District seat in Congress on the November ballot. He understands that the legacy of previous First District officeholders will be a challenge to obtain.

"That legacy is one of agriculture," Mann said. "One of sitting on the House Ag Committee, of representing the largest industry in this state, the largest industry in the Big First, by far. I'm a farm kid, grew up on a farm, spent hundreds of hours on a tractor, combine, worked thousands of head of cattle and excited for the opportunity to go and be a voice for Kansas agriculture."

The purse strings are the way Congress is able to hold the executive branch accountable, regardless of who is President.

"Congress is who oversees the funding for the EPA and other regulatory agencies," Mann said. "We've got to make sure they're doing what they're supposed to but are not overstepping their bounds. Agriculture continues to be plagued by a lot of burdensome regulations from the EPA and others. I think it's better than it's been, but we still have work to do there."

Mann sees part of his role, should he be elected, to educate urban members on how rural life works.

"We have members of the House Ag Committee who have never been on a modern family farm, that don't understand what agriculture is like in the year 2020," Mann said. "They don't understand what it's like to not have a good internet connection, what our rural communities go through. It's people being willing to advocate for our way of life and for agriculture."

Mann will face Democrat Kali Barnett in November.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Tracey Mann is going to be the Republican nominee for the Kansas First District seat in Congress on the November ballot. He understands that the legacy of previous First District officeholders will be a challenge to obtain."That legacy is one of agriculture," Mann said. "One of sitting on the House Ag Committee, of representing the largest industry in this state, the largest industry in the Big First, by far. I'm a farm kid, grew up on a farm, spent hundreds of hours on a tractor, combine, worked thousands of head of cattle and excited for the opportunity to go and be a voice for Kansas agriculture."The purse strings are the way Congress is able to hold the executive branch accountable, regardless of who is President."Congress is who oversees the funding for the EPA and other regulatory agencies," Mann said. "We've got to make sure they're doing what they're supposed to but are not overstepping their bounds. Agriculture continues to be plagued by a lot of burdensome regulations from the EPA and others. I think it's better than it's been, but we still have work to do there."Mann sees part of his role, should he be elected, to educate urban members on how rural life works."We have members of the House Ag Committee who have never been on a modern family farm, that don't understand what agriculture is like in the year 2020," Mann said. "They don't understand what it's like to not have a good internet connection, what our rural communities go through. It's people being willing to advocate for our way of life and for agriculture."Mann will face Democrat Kali Barnett in November.

Mann: Legacy of Republicans in First District focused on agriculture


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall knows the legacy of Pat Roberts is advocacy for agriculture and he acknowledges the importance of that in helping him get through the Republican U.S. Senate primary Tuesday.

"It's really a big part of it," Marshall said. "Forty percent of Kansas economy is driven by agriculture. There's very few of us that don't have a relative, someone that's working in agriculture. Certainly, that's one of the pillars of who we are. I was born and raised in agriculture. I live and breathe it and just enjoy working in it. I think that certainly was one of the capstones to get us to the finish line."

Marshall is looking to help Kansans continue to recover from the economic damage inflicted by COVID-19.

"I think the number one thing we can do to help the economy is to get liability protection," Marshall said. "We're not going to be able to get our kids back to school and get everybody back to work unless we have more liability protection for those decision makers, but beyond that, the economy is rolling." 

Marshall sees retaining the seat in Republican hands as the main thrust of the fall campaign at this point.

"The big issue is which direction this country wants to go," Marshall said. "The majority in the Senate will control what the future looks like for Kansas. The majority in the Senate, Republicans vs. Democrats, will decide if we're going to keep Kansas values, if we're going to protect life, protect the second amendment, have a strong military, confirm conservative judges, all those things that Kansans consider important."

Marshall will face Dr. Barbara Bollier in November.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall knows the legacy of Pat Roberts is advocacy for agriculture and he acknowledges the importance of that in helping him get through the Republican U.S. Senate primary Tuesday."It's really a big part of it," Marshall said. "Forty percent of Kansas economy is driven by agriculture. There's very few of us that don't have a relative, someone that's working in agriculture. Certainly, that's one of the pillars of who we are. I was born and raised in agriculture. I live and breathe it and just enjoy working in it. I think that certainly was one of the capstones to get us to the finish line."Marshall is looking to help Kansans continue to recover from the economic damage inflicted by COVID-19."I think the number one thing we can do to help the economy is to get liability protection," Marshall said. "We're not going to be able to get our kids back to school and get everybody back to work unless we have more liability protection for those decision makers, but beyond that, the economy is rolling." Marshall sees retaining the seat in Republican hands as the main thrust of the fall campaign at this point."The big issue is which direction this country wants to go," Marshall said. "The majority in the Senate will control what the future looks like for Kansas. The majority in the Senate, Republicans vs. Democrats, will decide if we're going to keep Kansas values, if we're going to protect life, protect the second amendment, have a strong military, confirm conservative judges, all those things that Kansans consider important."Marshall will face Dr. Barbara Bollier in November.

Marshall: Ag advocacy key in primary win, keeping GOP majority big in November

Unofficial results from August 4, 2020 primary election

U.S. Senate-Democrat Barbara Bollier DEM 152,889 86% Robert Leon Tillman DEM 25,656 14%

U.S. Senate-Republican Roger Marshall REP 158,486 40% Kris Kobach REP 103,266 26% Bob Hamilton REP 74,031 19% David Alan Lindstrom REP 25,487 6%

U.S. House-1st District-Democrat Kali Barnett DEM 15,544 63% Christy Cauble Davis DEM 9,322 37%

Tracey Mann REP 63,487 54% Bill Clifford REP 39,064 33% Jerry Molstad REP 9,205 8% Michael Soetaert REP 5,562 5% Kansas State Senate District 34-Republican

Mark Steffen REP 6,896 57% Ed Berger REP 5,105 43%

Michael Murphy REP 2,484 60% Bob Booth REP 1,677 40%

District Court Judge-District 27-Division II-Republican

Keith Schroeder REP 6,539 62% Thomas (Tad) A. Dower REP 3,955 38%

District Court Judge-District 27-Division IV-Republican

Patricia Macke Dick REP 6,244 61% Benjamin Fisher REP 4,056 39%

Daniel P. Friesen REP 2,712 68% Ronald R Vincent REP 1,249 32%

Results are still subject to a final canvass later this month.

Unofficial results from August 4, 2020 primary electionU.S. Senate-Democrat Barbara Bollier DEM 152,889 86% Robert Leon Tillman DEM 25,656 14% U.S. Senate-Republican Roger Marshall REP 158,486 40% Kris Kobach REP 103,266 26% Bob Hamilton REP 74,031 19% David Alan Lindstrom REP 25,487 6% U.S. House-1st District-Democrat Kali Barnett DEM 15,544 63% Christy Cauble Davis DEM 9,322 37% U.S. House-1st District-RepublicanTracey Mann REP 63,487 54% Bill Clifford REP 39,064 33% Jerry Molstad REP 9,205 8% Michael Soetaert REP 5,562 5% Kansas State Senate District 34-RepublicanMark Steffen REP 6,896 57% Ed Berger REP 5,105 43% Kansas House-District 114-RepublicanMichael Murphy REP 2,484 60% Bob Booth REP 1,677 40%District Court Judge-District 27-Division II-RepublicanKeith Schroeder REP 6,539 62% Thomas (Tad) A. Dower REP 3,955 38% District Court Judge-District 27-Division IV-RepublicanPatricia Macke Dick REP 6,244 61% Benjamin Fisher REP 4,056 39%County Commission-District 3-RepublicanDaniel P. Friesen REP 2,712 68% Ronald R Vincent REP 1,249 32%Results are still subject to a final canvass later this month.

Primary Election Results

The Hutchinson City Council set a public hearing date for the 2021 budget during Tuesday’s agenda session.

The budget holds the line on the tax levy at 44.431 mills, excluding Hutch Rec which will also remain the same at 3.6 mills.

The budget totals $91.9-million on total taxes levied of $13.8-million. The budget takes a large bite out of the ending fund balance for the city, dropping the cash reserve in the general fund to $3.9-million. 

The council chose to take the additional $30,000 or so for the increased salary and benefits for making the Human Relations Officer position full-time out of the ending balance, so as not to increase the mill levy.

The public hearing on the budget will be held August 18, at 9 a.m. during the regular City Council meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596556489693.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson City Council set a public hearing date for the 2021 budget during Tuesday’s agenda session.The budget holds the line on the tax levy at 44.431 mills, excluding Hutch Rec which will also remain the same at 3.6 mills.The budget totals $91.9-million on total taxes levied of $13.8-million. The budget takes a large bite out of the ending fund balance for the city, dropping the cash reserve in the general fund to $3.9-million. The council chose to take the additional $30,000 or so for the increased salary and benefits for making the Human Relations Officer position full-time out of the ending balance, so as not to increase the mill levy.The public hearing on the budget will be held August 18, at 9 a.m. during the regular City Council meeting.

Budget hearing for city set

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet Wednesday morning as part of a work-study group to address more than $12 million in coronavirus relief funds that are available.&nbsp;

“This is the $12.6 million that the CARES act sent to the state of Kansas and then the state distributes to each county,” County Administrator Randy Partington said. “So $12.6 million is what Reno County has to primarily disburse to local entities.”

“Right now its really been all fo the public school districts, the private schools in Reno County and all the cities in Reno County,” Partington said. “Entities with ties to the county, such as EMS, Horizons, the State Fair, those are some of the entities I know have put in requests.”

Most if not all fo the entities are looking to recover some of the costs associated with personal protective gear, or technology needed to provide education to students or those who may have to work outside the office due to the pandemic.

Partington says they have most of the funding spoken for but if there are still some pockets of money available they will find ways to produce grants for businesses that may need financial help. Wednesday’s meeting is at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576875802998.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet Wednesday morning as part of a work-study group to address more than $12 million in coronavirus relief funds that are available.&nbsp;“This is the $12.6 million that the CARES act sent to the state of Kansas and then the state distributes to each county,” County Administrator Randy Partington said. “So $12.6 million is what Reno County has to primarily disburse to local entities.”“Right now its really been all fo the public school districts, the private schools in Reno County and all the cities in Reno County,” Partington said. “Entities with ties to the county, such as EMS, Horizons, the State Fair, those are some of the entities I know have put in requests.”Most if not all fo the entities are looking to recover some of the costs associated with personal protective gear, or technology needed to provide education to students or those who may have to work outside the office due to the pandemic.Partington says they have most of the funding spoken for but if there are still some pockets of money available they will find ways to produce grants for businesses that may need financial help. Wednesday’s meeting is at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

County work-study group to discuss COVID relief funds during special meeting Wednesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Public Library is open, but the experience will be a little different, if you haven't been in since before COVID-19 became an issue.

"We are open to the public coming into the building for limited hours, said Library Director Gregg Wamsley. "They can come in. They'll find the stacks open just like they normally are, they can browse the collection. We have public computers available. That process has had to change slightly because of the world we live in, but those are available and many of our regular services are available, it's just that with cleaning for the coronavirus and making sure that the building is safe, we spend a lot more time doing processes that we've had to sort of improvise over the last few weeks and months."

Because of that cleaning, the library is open for shorter hours and not open on Sunday.

"The hours are Monday through Friday from from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.," Wamsley said. "On Saturday, we're open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m."

Also, when you return materials, the procedure works differently.

"We're asking patrons bring all of their items to our 24 hour book drop behind the building," said Kate Lewis with the library. "That's to prevent those items from coming inside the library through other means so we can have everything in one place. Then, we bring those items into our garage. They stay on our quarantine shelves for five days."

After that time, the covers are treated with a virucide and the item is put back in its normal place. If you have questions about the library's operations, feel free to call 620-663-5441 during the operating hours.

By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Public Library is open, but the experience will be a little different, if you haven't been in since before COVID-19 became an issue."We are open to the public coming into the building for limited hours, said Library Director Gregg Wamsley. "They can come in. They'll find the stacks open just like they normally are, they can browse the collection. We have public computers available. That process has had to change slightly because of the world we live in, but those are available and many of our regular services are available, it's just that with cleaning for the coronavirus and making sure that the building is safe, we spend a lot more time doing processes that we've had to sort of improvise over the last few weeks and months."Because of that cleaning, the library is open for shorter hours and not open on Sunday."The hours are Monday through Friday from from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.," Wamsley said. "On Saturday, we're open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m."Also, when you return materials, the procedure works differently."We're asking patrons bring all of their items to our 24 hour book drop behind the building," said Kate Lewis with the library. "That's to prevent those items from coming inside the library through other means so we can have everything in one place. Then, we bring those items into our garage. They stay on our quarantine shelves for five days."After that time, the covers are treated with a virucide and the item is put back in its normal place. If you have questions about the library's operations, feel free to call 620-663-5441 during the operating hours.

Library open, but process is different

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):

Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann has won the Republican primary in Kansas’ 1st District.

Mann defeated eye surgeon and Finney County Commissioner Bill Clifford, physician’s assistant Jerry Molstad and reverend Michael Soetaert.

Mann will face the Democratic nominee in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who ran for the U.S. Senate. But Mann will be heavily favored in a district that hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s.

Mann campaigned a an anti-abortion, pro-gun candidate. He said he planned to support President Donald Trump’s policies.

The mostly rural farming district is one of the nation’s most Republican and has elected three congress members who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596597527918.png" alt="Tracy Mann" />
 <figcaption>Tracy Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):10:15 p.m.Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann has won the Republican primary in Kansas’ 1st District.Mann defeated eye surgeon and Finney County Commissioner Bill Clifford, physician’s assistant Jerry Molstad and reverend Michael Soetaert.Mann will face the Democratic nominee in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who ran for the U.S. Senate. But Mann will be heavily favored in a district that hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s.Mann campaigned a an anti-abortion, pro-gun candidate. He said he planned to support President Donald Trump’s policies.The mostly rural farming district is one of the nation’s most Republican and has elected three congress members who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

Mann wins GOP primary in Kansas 1st


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Mark Steffen won the Republican primary Tuesday night over incumbent Ed Berger in Kansas State Senate District 34.

"I'm just humbled," Steffen said. "We started with God, family and true conservatism and that created this family, this family of support that has spread all over both Reno and Kingman County. I'm humbled, I'm the face of it, but this is a family that we created."

"My head's already into the general election," Steffen said. "The need for us to be able to articulate our Republican, conservative ideals and values in a way that people will be drawn to us and that's what I'm going to go to work on first thing in the morning."

Steffen sees his role as that of a servant and one to cast a vision for the state's future.

"It's leadership with the best interests of the others in mind," Steffen said. "It's the equivalent of washing other people's feet. He who wants to be most has to be least. I want to represent the people in a way where we look toward the future and toward a successful future and not be in this cycle of living only for today, particularly financially."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593008647850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Dr. Mark Steffen won the Republican primary Tuesday night over incumbent Ed Berger in Kansas State Senate District 34."I'm just humbled," Steffen said. "We started with God, family and true conservatism and that created this family, this family of support that has spread all over both Reno and Kingman County. I'm humbled, I'm the face of it, but this is a family that we created."Steffen knows he still has work to do."My head's already into the general election," Steffen said. "The need for us to be able to articulate our Republican, conservative ideals and values in a way that people will be drawn to us and that's what I'm going to go to work on first thing in the morning."Steffen sees his role as that of a servant and one to cast a vision for the state's future."It's leadership with the best interests of the others in mind," Steffen said. "It's the equivalent of washing other people's feet. He who wants to be most has to be least. I want to represent the people in a way where we look toward the future and toward a successful future and not be in this cycle of living only for today, particularly financially."The general election is November 3.

Steffen wins 34th District Republican primary

Kali Barnett has won the Democratic primary in Kansas’ 1st District. The 35-year-old author and music teacher from Garden City defeated Christy Davis, the former executive director of Symphony in the Flint Hills.

Barnett will face Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who on Tuesday won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.

The seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594058610345.png" alt="Kali Barnett&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kali Barnett&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on Kansas' primary election (all times local):10:30 p.m.Kali Barnett has won the Democratic primary in Kansas’ 1st District. The 35-year-old author and music teacher from Garden City defeated Christy Davis, the former executive director of Symphony in the Flint Hills.Barnett will face Salina real estate broker and former Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann in the November contest for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who on Tuesday won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.The seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since the 1950s. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years._____

Barnett wins Democratic primary in Kansas 1st

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners have adopted the budget for next year with one change from the proposed numbers.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board was in agreement to move $50,000 earmarked for the New Beginnings Detox shelter back into the general fund.

“We have no information on this and it’s been quite a while, Commissioner Ron Hirst said.&nbsp; "And so I would like to see that (funds) positioned elsewhere in the general or taken out.”&nbsp;

Commissioner Bob Bush said he wanted to be careful to make sure that the money was still there if the program did take off. Bush noted that the pandemic has slowed progress on getting such a detox facility up and running. All three commissioners agreed to move the funds into the general fund and be ready to move on the project once it gets started.

The budget totals $75,115,774 on taxes levied of $25,601,671. The mill levy will stay at 41.6-mills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575487428540.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners have adopted the budget for next year with one change from the proposed numbers.During Tuesday’s meeting, the board was in agreement to move $50,000 earmarked for the New Beginnings Detox shelter back into the general fund.“We have no information on this and it’s been quite a while, Commissioner Ron Hirst said.&nbsp; "And so I would like to see that (funds) positioned elsewhere in the general or taken out.”&nbsp;Commissioner Bob Bush said he wanted to be careful to make sure that the money was still there if the program did take off. Bush noted that the pandemic has slowed progress on getting such a detox facility up and running. All three commissioners agreed to move the funds into the general fund and be ready to move on the project once it gets started.The budget totals $75,115,774 on taxes levied of $25,601,671. The mill levy will stay at 41.6-mills.

County Commission approves budget with one change

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council gave approval to the budget for next year during their regular meeting on Monday.

The council approved the $7,755,000 budget without changes and set the public hearing for August 17th. Total taxes levied for the year will be&nbsp; $1,082,000. The tax rate will fall from 43.22 to 43.14 mills.&nbsp;

The August 17th public hearing will be a part of the City Council regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. at the South Hutchinson Community Building at 101 West C.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596557067905.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council gave approval to the budget for next year during their regular meeting on Monday.The council approved the $7,755,000 budget without changes and set the public hearing for August 17th. Total taxes levied for the year will be&nbsp; $1,082,000. The tax rate will fall from 43.22 to 43.14 mills.&nbsp;The August 17th public hearing will be a part of the City Council regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. at the South Hutchinson Community Building at 101 West C.

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