HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office revealed the details of a Sunday evening injury accident east of Hutchinson.

According to the department, 25-year-old Brandon Bertholf was driving a vehicle southbound in the 1400 block of South Kent Road around 8 p.m. Sunday night with his body half out the window of his vehicle, when passenger, 23-year-old Tyler Korb saw Bertholf fall out.&nbsp;

Korb was able to get control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop. He called 911 and EMS took Bertholf to an area hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office revealed the details of a Sunday evening injury accident east of Hutchinson.According to the department, 25-year-old Brandon Bertholf was driving a vehicle southbound in the 1400 block of South Kent Road around 8 p.m. Sunday night with his body half out the window of his vehicle, when passenger, 23-year-old Tyler Korb saw Bertholf fall out.&nbsp;Korb was able to get control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop. He called 911 and EMS took Bertholf to an area hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

Details revealed of Sunday evening injury accident

BURRTON, Kan. —&nbsp;One person is dead after a train accident Monday afternoon four-miles east of Burrton.

A farm tractor was pulling disc equipment southbound on South River Park Road, crossing railroad tracks near Southwest 24th Street, when it was struck by a westbound BNSF freight train around 3:48 p.m. Monday.

The impact caused the two lead locomotives to leave the tracks although both stayed upright. The train traveled another 1/4 mile from the point of impact. Crews were able to move the rest of the train away from the scene and BNSF was preparing to make repairs to the damaged track and get the locomotives back on the rails. No word on how long the tracks will be closed or how much if any delay this will cause for Amtrak which uses the route in the middle of the night.

Identification of the victim will be made available at a later time, pending notification of family.

The crossing at River Park Road was closed as well as the crossing on SW 24th just west of the accident site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595893033834.jpeg" alt="Photo: hutchpost.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo: hutchpost.com</figcaption>
 </figure>BURRTON, Kan. —&nbsp;One person is dead after a train accident Monday afternoon four-miles east of Burrton.A farm tractor was pulling disc equipment southbound on South River Park Road, crossing railroad tracks near Southwest 24th Street, when it was struck by a westbound BNSF freight train around 3:48 p.m. Monday.The impact caused the two lead locomotives to leave the tracks although both stayed upright. The train traveled another 1/4 mile from the point of impact. Crews were able to move the rest of the train away from the scene and BNSF was preparing to make repairs to the damaged track and get the locomotives back on the rails. No word on how long the tracks will be closed or how much if any delay this will cause for Amtrak which uses the route in the middle of the night.Identification of the victim will be made available at a later time, pending notification of family.The crossing at River Park Road was closed as well as the crossing on SW 24th just west of the accident site.

One person dead in train tractor accident in Harvey County Monday

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Josef A.&nbsp;Whitaker, 23, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 135 seven miles southeast of McPherson.

The Chevy rear-ended a 2013 Hyundai Sonata driven Andrea K.&nbsp;Winkleman, 35, Wichita.

EMS transported Whitaker the hospital in Wichita. Winkleman was not injured.&nbsp; Whitaker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in McPherson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Josef A.&nbsp;Whitaker, 23, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 135 seven miles southeast of McPherson.The Chevy rear-ended a 2013 Hyundai Sonata driven Andrea K.&nbsp;Winkleman, 35, Wichita.EMS transported Whitaker the hospital in Wichita. Winkleman was not injured.&nbsp; Whitaker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after rear-end crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another unmanned mission to Mars blasts off on Thursday. And the Cosmosphere is inviting the public to join them in a Q and A session with one of the engineers that will work the mission.&nbsp;

Tune-in to the Cosmosphere this Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 a.m. CDT as<a href="https://www.facebook.com/michael.staab.37?__cft__[0]=AZUsaAO_q7bLcyYZI9KCvi9z114QrS3v_tl2B_DuaVW9vVX8Sl2qhGmdg41dxHQXZUcPqYnN6n75jyC7X41593uIuvbIbVuWS7SNK4H6GlYsgMLpRRr7sQ4po96lBpMs96bPURdYGTWVuZ7Iqc8CRP1Yi1VV3UYZYdVYYzN9FAHu-Q&amp;__tn__=-]K-R"> Michael Staab</a> Cosmosphere Camp alumnus and current Fault Management Systems Principal Engineer for the Lunar Lander and Lunar Gateway programs at Northrop Grumman, will be on hand for the virtual event leading up to the live launch of the next Mars rover: Perseverance. Perseverance is set to launch at 6:50 a.m. CDT on Thursday.

Perseverance’s mission is to search for ancient life on the Red Planet.

Staab will offer insights about the rover and its mission before the launch and commentary during the live-streamed NASA event. Following the launch, Staab will take questions from the Cosmosphere's online audience.

Join this virtual event by visiting<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmomeeting.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3nt_CThhTXfa3TdnFjALk9hw_Eo_4IY_MVDxaMsnjDbX3R33k0aw1hGeo&amp;h=AT1toTaNedLWeXcr4lja5kxIOlBPqPWipY7whcZ_0jsJHP3ibBRYsIbDPQB-osT6R779Q0_4UG-WoTj_vU1R9_MZn4O3sGz7qG0s5ZdOwZyZwAivz5NTjUuSFkdrr3HE8uKr&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2AGZ6DJTGwCB-oEn0jM-9xJk5-sKBhlZRk8HTAlX7kgiPZmhdOE5ZBIEYORQ9wSLO3zQ1MjaPSQEBVkHAAYWnWFEFW3yr1kcpnrftC5Xca2cMqmrbpHNTHTYYHtJQZa44Ka8U7afQF4XiX5jGw2HKJFdFjR2-YrgHhP86xLui9Ozt0xQ63QnyqPEk"> www.cosmomeeting.org</a> or the Cosmosphere’s Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595881460422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another unmanned mission to Mars blasts off on Thursday. And the Cosmosphere is inviting the public to join them in a Q and A session with one of the engineers that will work the mission.&nbsp;Tune-in to the Cosmosphere this Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 a.m. CDT as<a href="https://www.facebook.com/michael.staab.37?__cft__[0]=AZUsaAO_q7bLcyYZI9KCvi9z114QrS3v_tl2B_DuaVW9vVX8Sl2qhGmdg41dxHQXZUcPqYnN6n75jyC7X41593uIuvbIbVuWS7SNK4H6GlYsgMLpRRr7sQ4po96lBpMs96bPURdYGTWVuZ7Iqc8CRP1Yi1VV3UYZYdVYYzN9FAHu-Q&amp;__tn__=-]K-R"> Michael Staab</a> Cosmosphere Camp alumnus and current Fault Management Systems Principal Engineer for the Lunar Lander and Lunar Gateway programs at Northrop Grumman, will be on hand for the virtual event leading up to the live launch of the next Mars rover: Perseverance. Perseverance is set to launch at 6:50 a.m. CDT on Thursday.Perseverance’s mission is to search for ancient life on the Red Planet.Staab will offer insights about the rover and its mission before the launch and commentary during the live-streamed NASA event. Following the launch, Staab will take questions from the Cosmosphere's online audience.Join this virtual event by visiting<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmomeeting.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3nt_CThhTXfa3TdnFjALk9hw_Eo_4IY_MVDxaMsnjDbX3R33k0aw1hGeo&amp;h=AT1toTaNedLWeXcr4lja5kxIOlBPqPWipY7whcZ_0jsJHP3ibBRYsIbDPQB-osT6R779Q0_4UG-WoTj_vU1R9_MZn4O3sGz7qG0s5ZdOwZyZwAivz5NTjUuSFkdrr3HE8uKr&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2AGZ6DJTGwCB-oEn0jM-9xJk5-sKBhlZRk8HTAlX7kgiPZmhdOE5ZBIEYORQ9wSLO3zQ1MjaPSQEBVkHAAYWnWFEFW3yr1kcpnrftC5Xca2cMqmrbpHNTHTYYHtJQZa44Ka8U7afQF4XiX5jGw2HKJFdFjR2-YrgHhP86xLui9Ozt0xQ63QnyqPEk"> www.cosmomeeting.org</a> or the Cosmosphere’s Facebook page.

Cosmosphere to show launch of next Mars mission

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Schools are looking ahead to the start of a new year, whatever that may look like. That includes Hutchinson Community College who announced earlier that they would not start classes until August 12 and stop classes for the first semester after the Thanksgiving break. College Spokesperson Denny Stoecklein says there are things in place for the start of the semester which will offer a wide variety of class options.

“It will be a combination of face-to-face, hybrid and online classes,” Stoecklein said. “Those that are face-to-face will be practicing social distancing guidelines that are outlined in terms of distances between chairs, and mask wearing to comply with the mandate.”

Although it will be limited, Stoecklein says the college will have the resident and dining halls open for students.

“We’re planning on having students in the resident’s hall although the capacity will be reduced over what it historically has been,” Stoecklenin noted. “The disappointment is, we’re just approaching the end of an extensive renovation of that facility (dining hall). The first time it’s been renovated in decades and students aren’t going to be able to at least initially enjoy it quite to the level we’d hope they would be able to.”

Stoekclein says that the overall enrollment picture is currently mixed but says that could change in the coming weeks.

“Online credit hours are up over last fall. Not surprisingly really because I think they’re some students that say I’m going to play it safe and go online,” Stoecklein said. “Total enrollment is down a little bit for the fall.” 

Stoecklein says that could be attributed to the disconnect the college had with students during the spring when school buildings were closed and students finished the year learning at home.

“One of the major factors in that we can easily look at and see where a part of that fall is in our high school numbers,” Stoecklein noted. “Historically at the end of last school year, we would have enrolled a number of high school students for the fall.”  

Stoecklein says that it’s possible more and more students will stay away from four-year schools and get at least their first year of a college education from home online, thus pushing enrollment numbers up before the start of the fall semester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Rod Zookhutchpost.comHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Schools are looking ahead to the start of a new year, whatever that may look like. That includes Hutchinson Community College who announced earlier that they would not start classes until August 12 and stop classes for the first semester after the Thanksgiving break. College Spokesperson Denny Stoecklein says there are things in place for the start of the semester which will offer a wide variety of class options.“It will be a combination of face-to-face, hybrid and online classes,” Stoecklein said. “Those that are face-to-face will be practicing social distancing guidelines that are outlined in terms of distances between chairs, and mask wearing to comply with the mandate.”Although it will be limited, Stoecklein says the college will have the resident and dining halls open for students.“We’re planning on having students in the resident’s hall although the capacity will be reduced over what it historically has been,” Stoecklenin noted. “The disappointment is, we’re just approaching the end of an extensive renovation of that facility (dining hall). The first time it’s been renovated in decades and students aren’t going to be able to at least initially enjoy it quite to the level we’d hope they would be able to.”Stoekclein says that the overall enrollment picture is currently mixed but says that could change in the coming weeks.“Online credit hours are up over last fall. Not surprisingly really because I think they’re some students that say I’m going to play it safe and go online,” Stoecklein said. “Total enrollment is down a little bit for the fall.” Stoecklein says that could be attributed to the disconnect the college had with students during the spring when school buildings were closed and students finished the year learning at home.“One of the major factors in that we can easily look at and see where a part of that fall is in our high school numbers,” Stoecklein noted. “Historically at the end of last school year, we would have enrolled a number of high school students for the fall.” Stoecklein says that it’s possible more and more students will stay away from four-year schools and get at least their first year of a college education from home online, thus pushing enrollment numbers up before the start of the fall semester.

HutchCC preparing for the start of fall semester

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission got a first look at a new draft of regulations for wind energy during a meeting on Thursday.

The new regulations were put together in hopes of being able to ease public concerns for wind farms, while keeping the county open to wind farm proposals. County Planner Mark Vonachen says the proposed regulations combines three of the most talked-about issues when it comes to wind farms.

“We combined the set, we combined the noise, the shadow flicker all into one, and so even though you may meet minimum setback requirements if you don’t meet the maximum flicker or the maximum noise, you won’t be able to put your turbine in that location,” Vonachen said. “All three of those elements have to be in compliance for you to locate that turbine.”

Some of the regulations include how property owners will be notified of any plans for a wind farm that could affect them, how shadow flicker, noise, and setbacks will be determined, and how any wind farm proposals would be reviewed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife. The proposed regulations also deal with public and private airstrips.&nbsp; It would leave collateral issues related to wind farms such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructures out of the Planning Department’s hands.

The development of the regulations comes after NextEra saw their proposed wind farm essentially stopped due to objections from landowners. Vonachen wanted to stress that the proposed regulations were not put in place to stunt wind farm development in the county.&nbsp;

“We are not bringing forth a document that effectively bans wind turbines in this county,” Vonachen stressed noting that if the county wanted to do that they should have just placed a ban on wind farms, similar to what Sedgwick County has done. “They did not do that so we can not bring forth a document that does that even though we have regulations.”

The committee will go over some small changes to the regulations before bringing it back to the Planning Commission during their August meeting. If approved, the regulations would go before a public hearing and formal approval which could happen in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579705802237.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission got a first look at a new draft of regulations for wind energy during a meeting on Thursday.The new regulations were put together in hopes of being able to ease public concerns for wind farms, while keeping the county open to wind farm proposals. County Planner Mark Vonachen says the proposed regulations combines three of the most talked-about issues when it comes to wind farms.“We combined the set, we combined the noise, the shadow flicker all into one, and so even though you may meet minimum setback requirements if you don’t meet the maximum flicker or the maximum noise, you won’t be able to put your turbine in that location,” Vonachen said. “All three of those elements have to be in compliance for you to locate that turbine.”Some of the regulations include how property owners will be notified of any plans for a wind farm that could affect them, how shadow flicker, noise, and setbacks will be determined, and how any wind farm proposals would be reviewed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife. The proposed regulations also deal with public and private airstrips.&nbsp; It would leave collateral issues related to wind farms such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructures out of the Planning Department’s hands.The development of the regulations comes after NextEra saw their proposed wind farm essentially stopped due to objections from landowners. Vonachen wanted to stress that the proposed regulations were not put in place to stunt wind farm development in the county.&nbsp;“We are not bringing forth a document that effectively bans wind turbines in this county,” Vonachen stressed noting that if the county wanted to do that they should have just placed a ban on wind farms, similar to what Sedgwick County has done. “They did not do that so we can not bring forth a document that does that even though we have regulations.”The committee will go over some small changes to the regulations before bringing it back to the Planning Commission during their August meeting. If approved, the regulations would go before a public hearing and formal approval which could happen in September.

Draft of wind farm regulations looked over by Planning Commission

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

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council will go over the budget during Tuesday’s regular agenda session. The proposed budget for 2021 totals $1,657,084 on total taxes levied of $358,713.

The mill levy will fall from 51.22 to 50.65 mills. A public hearing date will also be set. The Council will also go over a tower lease agreement with IdeaTek and hear the council reports.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Buhler City Council begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 219 N. Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579535694180.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council will go over the budget during Tuesday’s regular agenda session. The proposed budget for 2021 totals $1,657,084 on total taxes levied of $358,713.The mill levy will fall from 51.22 to 50.65 mills. A public hearing date will also be set. The Council will also go over a tower lease agreement with IdeaTek and hear the council reports.Tuesday’s meeting of the Buhler City Council begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 219 N. Main.

Buhler City Council to address 2021 budget

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Crews responded to 317 Logan for a structure fire just after 7 p.m. Saturday evening.

Crews arrived to find a fire in the attic of the home. The fire was quickly extinguished, but still caused damage to the attic and water damage to the home.&nbsp;

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was an overloaded electrical circuit.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595864265242.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Crews responded to 317 Logan for a structure fire just after 7 p.m. Saturday evening.Crews arrived to find a fire in the attic of the home. The fire was quickly extinguished, but still caused damage to the attic and water damage to the home.&nbsp;There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was an overloaded electrical circuit.&nbsp;

HFD works structure fire Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair generally pays its bills from the year to year proceeds of the event, but with no 2020 Fair, they're going to need some help.

"We're actually starting a Kansas Cares About the Fair campaign through the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation," said Interim General Manager David Tobias. "We need support from our Fair friends and businesses to secure the future of the fair, for the generations to come."

The Kansas Legislature has not kept up its end of the bargain on maintenance of fair buildings in previous years, but it's not clear if they will give any support to the fair in the coming session.

"Most people love the fair, you know," Tobias said. "They want to give and they want to support it. It's in our community. It has a great economic impact. In a 60 mile radius of Hutchinson, it's a $40 million impact."

If the fair doesn't get either substantial gifts or state help, letting staff go either temporarily or permanently is on the table.

"We're definitely going to need additional funding to sustain our staff, to keep our staff," Tobias said. "That's something we all don't want. We don't want to let anybody go or have to furlough, but these are unprecedented times in the world and in Kansas. You know, we have to do what we have to do to keep a business alive."

The 2021 Kansas State Fair is scheduled for September 10-19.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas State Fair generally pays its bills from the year to year proceeds of the event, but with no 2020 Fair, they're going to need some help."We're actually starting a Kansas Cares About the Fair campaign through the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation," said Interim General Manager David Tobias. "We need support from our Fair friends and businesses to secure the future of the fair, for the generations to come."The Kansas Legislature has not kept up its end of the bargain on maintenance of fair buildings in previous years, but it's not clear if they will give any support to the fair in the coming session."Most people love the fair, you know," Tobias said. "They want to give and they want to support it. It's in our community. It has a great economic impact. In a 60 mile radius of Hutchinson, it's a $40 million impact."If the fair doesn't get either substantial gifts or state help, letting staff go either temporarily or permanently is on the table."We're definitely going to need additional funding to sustain our staff, to keep our staff," Tobias said. "That's something we all don't want. We don't want to let anybody go or have to furlough, but these are unprecedented times in the world and in Kansas. You know, we have to do what we have to do to keep a business alive."The 2021 Kansas State Fair is scheduled for September 10-19.

Tobias: Fair is going to need help to secure its future

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Revenue is temporarily closing its Hutchinson Driver’s License Office located at 125 W. 2nd Street Suite A, beginning July 27.

The office is closed while KDOR follows Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleaning guidelines following a result of a suspected COVID-19 case. This closure is expected to last one week. To protect medical information related to the case, no further details will be released.

Appointments for this office are being rescheduled. The anticipated date to reopen is Monday, August 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595865159371.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Revenue is temporarily closing its Hutchinson Driver’s License Office located at 125 W. 2nd Street Suite A, beginning July 27.The office is closed while KDOR follows Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleaning guidelines following a result of a suspected COVID-19 case. This closure is expected to last one week. To protect medical information related to the case, no further details will be released.Appointments for this office are being rescheduled. The anticipated date to reopen is Monday, August 3.

Hutchinson Driver's License Office closed this week

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

Spending time at a pool has always been an integral part of summer for my little family. My kids have participated in swim lessons every summer since they were born. From participating in the “mommy and me” lessons offered by a local YMCA, to group lessons at a nearby community pool, my two children have spent many of their summer days looking forward to a refreshing break from the Kansas heat by jumping into a pool.

Over the years my kids have become accustomed to the luxury of pool time to include a herd of kids lined up patiently waiting to jump off a diving board, summer jams blaring over loud speakers and a concession stand readily available to sell them a nice sugary treat. This year, however, has offered a new pool experience.

While my family has remained on the farm this summer, we have introduced the kids to the joys of our own “private” pool. Our pool is a bit smaller than the average community pool. 

It doesn’t offer a diving board. There is no deep end to toss diving toys into. You definitely can’t practice handstands or dolphin kicks or even swim laps at our pool. A ladder is not available to climb out of it when the lifeguard blows the whistle for a break. In fact, our pool’s lifeguard lacks a whistle. The lifeguard tower isn’t as high as you would see at other pools, and our lifeguard’s seat lacks any flotation devices — but does offer two mesh drink holders. 

While we still have many days of excellent pool time temperatures, when it is time to close the pool because of changing of seasons, we won’t have to winterize our pool. Instead, we’ll just need to move it to the other side of the fence so the cattle will have another place to drink.

Yes, we have introduced our kids to the stock tank pool this summer. And they are truly loving it!

Our pool is convenient and refreshing and has become a place for my family of four to enjoy summer mornings, afternoons and evenings taking a dip.

Our pool has allowed the kids to go for their “morning swims” before breakfast. In fact, many mornings while getting breakfast together, I watch my two race each other down the hill to see who can jump into the water first. 

In the evenings, I’ll sit in my comfortable camp chair, put a drink in a cup holder, place my feet up on the edge of the pool and read the newspaper while simultaneously trying to avoid getting splashed by the young swimmers occupying the space.

While the space is best for two small children, there are even times you’ll see my husband or myself sitting in the pool helping the kids create a giant whirlpool. Even Rosie the farm dog has jumped in at times to demonstrate proper doggy paddle technique to her two small humans.

While our pool may lack crowds and chlorine, it has allowed us to continue to enjoy breaks from the heat and has given the kids something extra to look forward to — and will perhaps become another happy memory of what the summer of 2020 was like home on the farm.

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

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 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherSpending time at a pool has always been an integral part of summer for my little family. My kids have participated in swim lessons every summer since they were born. From participating in the “mommy and me” lessons offered by a local YMCA, to group lessons at a nearby community pool, my two children have spent many of their summer days looking forward to a refreshing break from the Kansas heat by jumping into a pool.Over the years my kids have become accustomed to the luxury of pool time to include a herd of kids lined up patiently waiting to jump off a diving board, summer jams blaring over loud speakers and a concession stand readily available to sell them a nice sugary treat. This year, however, has offered a new pool experience.While my family has remained on the farm this summer, we have introduced the kids to the joys of our own “private” pool. Our pool is a bit smaller than the average community pool. It doesn’t offer a diving board. There is no deep end to toss diving toys into. You definitely can’t practice handstands or dolphin kicks or even swim laps at our pool. A ladder is not available to climb out of it when the lifeguard blows the whistle for a break. In fact, our pool’s lifeguard lacks a whistle. The lifeguard tower isn’t as high as you would see at other pools, and our lifeguard’s seat lacks any flotation devices — but does offer two mesh drink holders. While we still have many days of excellent pool time temperatures, when it is time to close the pool because of changing of seasons, we won’t have to winterize our pool. Instead, we’ll just need to move it to the other side of the fence so the cattle will have another place to drink.Yes, we have introduced our kids to the stock tank pool this summer. And they are truly loving it!Our pool is convenient and refreshing and has become a place for my family of four to enjoy summer mornings, afternoons and evenings taking a dip.Our pool has allowed the kids to go for their “morning swims” before breakfast. In fact, many mornings while getting breakfast together, I watch my two race each other down the hill to see who can jump into the water first. In the evenings, I’ll sit in my comfortable camp chair, put a drink in a cup holder, place my feet up on the edge of the pool and read the newspaper while simultaneously trying to avoid getting splashed by the young swimmers occupying the space.While the space is best for two small children, there are even times you’ll see my husband or myself sitting in the pool helping the kids create a giant whirlpool. Even Rosie the farm dog has jumped in at times to demonstrate proper doggy paddle technique to her two small humans.While our pool may lack crowds and chlorine, it has allowed us to continue to enjoy breaks from the heat and has given the kids something extra to look forward to — and will perhaps become another happy memory of what the summer of 2020 was like home on the farm."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Swimming Through Summer


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell said City Hall is closed right now and recent experience has shown him the reason why.

"We had a brief period where we lost two or three key positions at City Hall," Cantrell said. "It was not really in response to, or a causal factor with the public having access to the building. This was three or four weeks ago. It was eye opening to see how big of an impact that had on our internal process flow in the operations. It just almost shut us down. So, when the case count started going back up again, we had a new opinion as to how serious an event that would be for a City Hall that is, what I would call, minimally staffed."

It's difficult to strike the balance between not spending too much government money on employees in good times and having the replacements in case of illness.

"Everybody for the last 30 years has seen the benefit of cross-training," Cantrell said. "We're appreciative of that and we understand that and we do that, but you still have to have a body count that's sufficient enough to maintain the daily operations."

It does appear to be the will of the governing body, though, to allow for the public to comment in person at council meetings.

"Just like historically has been allowed, people walk up to the podium and give their two cents and have that dialogue with the governing body," Cantrell said. "That is going to happen at the very next meeting. We anticipate that being offered long term. I think it would have to be a real bad situation before that would be shut off again."

That said, the intent is to require face coverings for those who want to attend in person and comment and it is up to the governing body as to their comfort level if someone appears to be ill or is unmasked when they come to the meeting as to whether or not it will go forward as scheduled.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell said City Hall is closed right now and recent experience has shown him the reason why."We had a brief period where we lost two or three key positions at City Hall," Cantrell said. "It was not really in response to, or a causal factor with the public having access to the building. This was three or four weeks ago. It was eye opening to see how big of an impact that had on our internal process flow in the operations. It just almost shut us down. So, when the case count started going back up again, we had a new opinion as to how serious an event that would be for a City Hall that is, what I would call, minimally staffed."It's difficult to strike the balance between not spending too much government money on employees in good times and having the replacements in case of illness."Everybody for the last 30 years has seen the benefit of cross-training," Cantrell said. "We're appreciative of that and we understand that and we do that, but you still have to have a body count that's sufficient enough to maintain the daily operations."It does appear to be the will of the governing body, though, to allow for the public to comment in person at council meetings."Just like historically has been allowed, people walk up to the podium and give their two cents and have that dialogue with the governing body," Cantrell said. "That is going to happen at the very next meeting. We anticipate that being offered long term. I think it would have to be a real bad situation before that would be shut off again."That said, the intent is to require face coverings for those who want to attend in person and comment and it is up to the governing body as to their comfort level if someone appears to be ill or is unmasked when they come to the meeting as to whether or not it will go forward as scheduled.

Hutchinson City Hall generally closed, but will be open for public comment during council meetings

NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its 139th and 140th cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:

A male in his 50s. He is in home isolation. His source of exposure is unknown.

A male in his 30s. He is in home isolation. He had known out-of-state travel.

The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all close contacts.

Harvey County has had 140 COVID-19 cases to date, including 134 confirmed and six probable cases. There are 20 known active cases in Harvey County. One individual remains hospitalized.

There have been 3,130 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.

As of Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 25,109 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 277,967 completed tests in Kansas.

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 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed its 139th and 140th cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:A male in his 50s. He is in home isolation. His source of exposure is unknown.A male in his 30s. He is in home isolation. He had known out-of-state travel.The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all close contacts.Harvey County has had 140 COVID-19 cases to date, including 134 confirmed and six probable cases. There are 20 known active cases in Harvey County. One individual remains hospitalized.There have been 3,130 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.As of Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 25,109 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 277,967 completed tests in Kansas.

Harvey County now at 140 cases including probables, 20 active


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service wants to let seniors know that if they don't need their retirement money right away, they don't have to take it out this year.

"Normally, once you reach the age of 72 and a half, you have to start taking money out of retirement accounts," said spokesman Michael Devine. "Those are traditional IRA's and 401(k) plans and those kind of things, but the CARES Act has waived the Required Minimum Distribution for 2020 for most plans."

If you've already taken the distribution, you can reverse that.

"You have the option to put it back before the end of August," Devine said. "That way, you won't have to pay tax on the money that you've taken out of your retirement account."

There is usually a significant penalty if RMDs are not taken, but that's not true this year.

"Normally, if you don't take that money out, there's a 50% penalty for not taking out a Required Minimum Distribution," Devine said. "Your money can't sit in a retirement account forever, so you have to take it out, but the rules have changed for 2020. If you've got a retirement account and you're a senior citizen, you probably want to check into that."

IRS Notice 2020-51 also provides that the one rollover per 12-month period limitation and the restriction on rollovers to inherited IRAs do not apply to a repayment in this case.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service wants to let seniors know that if they don't need their retirement money right away, they don't have to take it out this year."Normally, once you reach the age of 72 and a half, you have to start taking money out of retirement accounts," said spokesman Michael Devine. "Those are traditional IRA's and 401(k) plans and those kind of things, but the CARES Act has waived the Required Minimum Distribution for 2020 for most plans."If you've already taken the distribution, you can reverse that."You have the option to put it back before the end of August," Devine said. "That way, you won't have to pay tax on the money that you've taken out of your retirement account."There is usually a significant penalty if RMDs are not taken, but that's not true this year."Normally, if you don't take that money out, there's a 50% penalty for not taking out a Required Minimum Distribution," Devine said. "Your money can't sit in a retirement account forever, so you have to take it out, but the rules have changed for 2020. If you've got a retirement account and you're a senior citizen, you probably want to check into that."IRS Notice 2020-51 also provides that the one rollover per 12-month period limitation and the restriction on rollovers to inherited IRAs do not apply to a repayment in this case.

IRS: Required Minimum Distributions not 'required' in 2020


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There will be a Social Connection opportunity via Zoom on Tuesday afternoon for the Creating New Connections group in Reno County. 

You can join via Zoom Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., where Laurie Carr from the Reno County Health Department will share the latest information about the Health Department's response to COVID-19, including current statistics. Learn about the many programs and services offered by the Health Department.

Email diane.swinney@renogov.org for the link to this Zoom event.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There will be a Social Connection opportunity via Zoom on Tuesday afternoon for the Creating New Connections group in Reno County. You can join via Zoom Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., where Laurie Carr from the Reno County Health Department will share the latest information about the Health Department's response to COVID-19, including current statistics. Learn about the many programs and services offered by the Health Department.Email diane.swinney@renogov.org for the link to this Zoom event.

Health Department to host virtual social connection opportunity Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County crossed the 200 positive cases threshold for COVID-19 over the weekend. The first death in the county happened last Wednesday. 

There are 48 active cases as of Sunday night. 

Three people are hospitalized. 24 out of the 201 cases were hospitalized at some point. Fifteen required ICU care. Four were intubated. 

4,113 total tests have been administered in the county, with 3,912 negative, for a positive test rate of 4.89%. 6.54% of the population has been tested.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County crossed the 200 positive cases threshold for COVID-19 over the weekend. The first death in the county happened last Wednesday. There are 48 active cases as of Sunday night. Three people are hospitalized. 24 out of the 201 cases were hospitalized at some point. Fifteen required ICU care. Four were intubated. 4,113 total tests have been administered in the county, with 3,912 negative, for a positive test rate of 4.89%. 6.54% of the population has been tested.

Reno County now with 48 active cases, over 200 since pandemic began


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Scouting for Food Drive Saturday in Hutchinson netted 861 pounds of food for the Reno County Food Bank along with $478.61 in cash donations to buy another pallet of food.

Midwest Ford provided trucks to put the food in at the 30th Street Dillons, as well. Troop #1 was responsible at Dillons, Pack 306 handled the Park Place Church location and Troop 321 took care of Walmart.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Scouting for Food Drive Saturday in Hutchinson netted 861 pounds of food for the Reno County Food Bank along with $478.61 in cash donations to buy another pallet of food.Midwest Ford provided trucks to put the food in at the 30th Street Dillons, as well. Troop #1 was responsible at Dillons, Pack 306 handled the Park Place Church location and Troop 321 took care of Walmart.

Scouting for Food Drive nets 861 pounds in Hutchinson Saturday

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board will hold its annual retreat on Monday.

The retreat is held each year to set goals for the year. This year will also include a look over the plans to restart school this fall. Like all districts, Haven is trying to come up with a plan to kick off the school year and how that year will look both at school and with any possible remote learning. The board will consider a revised calendar for the school year at that meeting.

The board will also go over its start-of-the-year governance at the retreat, which will be held at 6 p.m. at the Haven Community Building.

<figure>
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 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board will hold its annual retreat on Monday.The retreat is held each year to set goals for the year. This year will also include a look over the plans to restart school this fall. Like all districts, Haven is trying to come up with a plan to kick off the school year and how that year will look both at school and with any possible remote learning. The board will consider a revised calendar for the school year at that meeting.The board will also go over its start-of-the-year governance at the retreat, which will be held at 6 p.m. at the Haven Community Building.

Haven USD 312 to hold annual retreat Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has been considering vacating a small portion of Mohawk Road near the landfill since early April. On Tuesday, that process will begin during the County Commissioners regular agenda session. The closing is part of an overall master plan for the landfill for the next five to 10 years. 

The closing would involve the half-mile of Mohawk along the east side of the landfill. Plans are to build two new buildings including a new scale house that would be on top of the existing road, according to landfill Director Megan Davidson. 

The change would also allow better use of the section of land the county has east of Mohawk. While the land can’t be used as a landfill because of numerous pipelines that run through the area, it can be used for other things to benefit the landfill.

During Tuesday’s meeting, County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan will outline the verbiage for a resolution vacating the road and set dates for public viewing and a public hearing.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has been considering vacating a small portion of Mohawk Road near the landfill since early April. On Tuesday, that process will begin during the County Commissioners regular agenda session. The closing is part of an overall master plan for the landfill for the next five to 10 years. The closing would involve the half-mile of Mohawk along the east side of the landfill. Plans are to build two new buildings including a new scale house that would be on top of the existing road, according to landfill Director Megan Davidson. The change would also allow better use of the section of land the county has east of Mohawk. While the land can’t be used as a landfill because of numerous pipelines that run through the area, it can be used for other things to benefit the landfill.During Tuesday’s meeting, County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan will outline the verbiage for a resolution vacating the road and set dates for public viewing and a public hearing.Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

County Commission to discuss closing Mohawk Road near landfill

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Don't miss Family Community Theatre's&nbsp;radio melodrama "Not Worth Your Salt" on tonight, July 24 at 7:00pm. 

Though shown live as it is being broadcast, the production will be done as a radio show. It will be stream live from the Flag Theatre on&nbsp;<a href="http://hutchpost.com/?fbclid=IwAR0IZS0oZZUAbz55Aygb6F_HHMtBV1iigHgCtxA-SqQO10BwBfHQG9UHQ30" target="_blank">HutchPost.com.</a>

The show is free, but good will donations would be very much appreciated. &nbsp;You can send your checks to Family Community Theatre at 310 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Don't miss Family Community Theatre's&nbsp;radio melodrama "Not Worth Your Salt" on tonight, July 24 at 7:00pm. Though shown live as it is being broadcast, the production will be done as a radio show. It will be stream live from the Flag Theatre on&nbsp;<a href="http://hutchpost.com/?fbclid=IwAR0IZS0oZZUAbz55Aygb6F_HHMtBV1iigHgCtxA-SqQO10BwBfHQG9UHQ30" target="_blank">HutchPost.com.</a>The show is free, but good will donations would be very much appreciated. &nbsp;You can send your checks to Family Community Theatre at 310 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e-TeVa_VdKQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 RE-BROADCAST: The Family Community Theatre presents "Not Worth Your Salt"

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County will hold its annual Festival of Remembrance again this year, but the event will have an entirely different look. Because of the pandemic, the event will be in a virtual format.

Tara Dahlstrom, business development/ancillary services director, said it is necessary this year to think outside of the box in an effort to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Hospice hopes the virtual festival with an online raffle will be a safe and fun way to raise money for a great cause.

The month-long raffle ticket sale kicks off 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Northgate Plaza located at 30th and Plum. Interested parties can view raffle items, purchase raffle tickets and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Raffle tickets can be purchased online between Aug. 1 and Aug. 27 at <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/locations-services/hospice-homecare-reno-county/">HospiceRenoCounty.com</a>. Winners will be drawn on Facebook Live the evening of Friday, Aug. 28.

A single ticket is $25, you can purchase six tickets for $100 and 15 tickets for $200.

All proceeds are earmarked for Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County.

Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County provides services to those who reside within a 50-mile radius of Hutchinson.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County will hold its annual Festival of Remembrance again this year, but the event will have an entirely different look. Because of the pandemic, the event will be in a virtual format.Tara Dahlstrom, business development/ancillary services director, said it is necessary this year to think outside of the box in an effort to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Hospice hopes the virtual festival with an online raffle will be a safe and fun way to raise money for a great cause.The month-long raffle ticket sale kicks off 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Northgate Plaza located at 30th and Plum. Interested parties can view raffle items, purchase raffle tickets and enjoy a complimentary lunch.Raffle tickets can be purchased online between Aug. 1 and Aug. 27 at <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/locations-services/hospice-homecare-reno-county/">HospiceRenoCounty.com</a>. Winners will be drawn on Facebook Live the evening of Friday, Aug. 28.A single ticket is $25, you can purchase six tickets for $100 and 15 tickets for $200.All proceeds are earmarked for Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County.Hospice &amp; Homecare of Reno County provides services to those who reside within a 50-mile radius of Hutchinson.

Hospice Festival of Remembrance kicks off Aug. 1 with virtual format

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The shape of things to come in regard to the approaching school year in USD 308 will be better known on Monday.

The USD 308 School Board will hold a regular meeting on Monday with plans to lay out how the school system will run this fall. Groups within the district have been meeting throughout the summer to come up with a way to make sure children return to class. The action comes after the Kansas State Board of Education ruled that the opening of classes would be left up to local districts. Since that time, several of the larger school districts have opted to wait until September to start classes.

The board will take a look at the current calendar and make possible adjustments to the start of the 2020-21 school year. Any action will follow a report and recommendations on how the year will kick off.&nbsp;

One area that could drive the start of classes is making sure there is enough protective equipment for teachers and students. District Nurse Olivia Kite will report to the board that they have secured a quote from Cintas for a large number of masks for the district.&nbsp;

The cost to the district for 250,000 adult and 100,000 children's masks is $99,500. The district has also filed a request with the county for another 250,000 masks. That request is still pending. If approved, the contract would supply enough masks to get through the rest of 2020.

Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board beings at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The shape of things to come in regard to the approaching school year in USD 308 will be better known on Monday.The USD 308 School Board will hold a regular meeting on Monday with plans to lay out how the school system will run this fall. Groups within the district have been meeting throughout the summer to come up with a way to make sure children return to class. The action comes after the Kansas State Board of Education ruled that the opening of classes would be left up to local districts. Since that time, several of the larger school districts have opted to wait until September to start classes.The board will take a look at the current calendar and make possible adjustments to the start of the 2020-21 school year. Any action will follow a report and recommendations on how the year will kick off.&nbsp;One area that could drive the start of classes is making sure there is enough protective equipment for teachers and students. District Nurse Olivia Kite will report to the board that they have secured a quote from Cintas for a large number of masks for the district.&nbsp;The cost to the district for 250,000 adult and 100,000 children's masks is $99,500. The district has also filed a request with the county for another 250,000 masks. That request is still pending. If approved, the contract would supply enough masks to get through the rest of 2020.Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board beings at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

USD 308 to lay out plans for school year Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Add another area lake to the long list of blue-green algae warnings issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Marion Reservoir was added to the list after spending the past several weeks on the watch list. Marion joins Cheney Lake and Marion County Lake on the warning list. They are the only area lakes on the list.

The warning means most, if not all, contact with the water should be avoided. Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. Do not allow pets to eat dried algae and, if lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

If you need more information on the algae alerts, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/">kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Add another area lake to the long list of blue-green algae warnings issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Marion Reservoir was added to the list after spending the past several weeks on the watch list. Marion joins Cheney Lake and Marion County Lake on the warning list. They are the only area lakes on the list.The warning means most, if not all, contact with the water should be avoided. Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. Do not allow pets to eat dried algae and, if lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.If you need more information on the algae alerts, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/">kdheks.gov</a>.

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