HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday via Zoom.

The Board will discuss the now vacant General Manager's position during the meeting. Robin Jennison announced last week that he was resigning, stating that it would not be fair for him to keep his job at the expense of other front line workers losing theirs due to the cancellation of this year's fair.

The Board will also go into executive session during the meeting. No other items are on the agenda. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast on Zoom.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586266027570.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday via Zoom.</p><p>The Board will discuss the now vacant General Manager's position during the meeting. Robin Jennison announced last week that he was resigning, stating that it would not be fair for him to keep his job at the expense of other front line workers losing theirs due to the cancellation of this year's fair.</p><p>The Board will also go into executive session during the meeting. No other items are on the agenda. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast on Zoom.</p>

State Fair Board to address GM position on Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Not Worth Your Salt is a melodrama being put on this Friday on Hutch Post by the Family Community Theatre.

"Melodramas generally have a downtrodden family, or a person who is having an extreme lot of bad luck," said director Craig Williams. "That bad luck is being intensified by a villain. The villain can be any number of people or whatever, but they are after whatever the hero's assets are and they are trying to make it worse for them."

In Not Worth Your Salt, the Salts, a family with a long and proud history, live in Salt City. The town was founded by I.Scream Salt. However, the obsession of I.Scream Salt’s to create a salt shaker, led to financial woes resulting in the loss of the salt mine that is under Salt City. Through tenacity and will-power the Salts were able to remain in control of one, very important tunnel in the mine.

The rest of the salt mine now belongs to the villainous family who have schemed and cheated the citizens of Salt City, the Rosions. Since the founding of Salt City the Salts and Rosions have been pitted against one another. Corr Rosion is the head of the Rosions and he is a cruel, black-hearted villain intent of gaining complete control of the salt mine and all the money in Salt City.

Our story tells the events of the final showdown between the Salts and Rosions. The Rosions are intent on destroying the Salts and becoming the wealthiest family in Salt City. The poor, but trustworthy Salts only want to protect their reputation, their heritage and the citizens of Salt City.

"We have modified this stage play so that it would be given as a radio show as you might have heard back in the 1930s and 1940s," Williams said. "Though it will be streamed live over Hutch Post, we will be doing it as a radio show."

The melodrama uses Hutchinson as its basis. You will find references to the Salt Shakers, the Hutchinson High School dance team, Allagaroo, the name of the annual and a cheer as well as Salt City, a named used frequently in referring to Hutchinson.

"We'll be utilizing a number of sound effects," Williams said. "We'll do it by actually doing those sound effects live, such as the steps, where shoes will be used on tables or wood to give the sound effects. Aaron Parker will be doing all of the sound effects for us. That's another fun aspect of doing this particular type of show."

The cast will be performing in the Flag Theatre. The stream will begin at 7 p.m. Friday on Hutch Post.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595257877104.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Not Worth Your Salt is a melodrama being put on this Friday on Hutch Post by the Family Community Theatre.</p><p>"Melodramas generally have a downtrodden family, or a person who is having an extreme lot of bad luck," said director Craig Williams. "That bad luck is being intensified by a villain. The villain can be any number of people or whatever, but they are after whatever the hero's assets are and they are trying to make it worse for them."</p><p>In Not Worth Your Salt, the Salts, a family with a long and proud history, live in Salt City. The town was founded by I.Scream Salt. However, the obsession of I.Scream Salt’s to create a salt shaker, led to financial woes resulting in the loss of the salt mine that is under Salt City. Through tenacity and will-power the Salts were able to remain in control of one, very important tunnel in the mine.</p><p>The rest of the salt mine now belongs to the villainous family who have schemed and cheated the citizens of Salt City, the Rosions. Since the founding of Salt City the Salts and Rosions have been pitted against one another. Corr Rosion is the head of the Rosions and he is a cruel, black-hearted villain intent of gaining complete control of the salt mine and all the money in Salt City.</p><p>Our story tells the events of the final showdown between the Salts and Rosions. The Rosions are intent on destroying the Salts and becoming the wealthiest family in Salt City. The poor, but trustworthy Salts only want to protect their reputation, their heritage and the citizens of Salt City.</p><p>"We have modified this stage play so that it would be given as a radio show as you might have heard back in the 1930s and 1940s," Williams said. "Though it will be streamed live over Hutch Post, we will be doing it as a radio show."</p><p>The melodrama uses Hutchinson as its basis. You will find references to the Salt Shakers, the Hutchinson High School dance team, Allagaroo, the name of the annual and a cheer as well as Salt City, a named used frequently in referring to Hutchinson.</p><p>"We'll be utilizing a number of sound effects," Williams said. "We'll do it by actually doing those sound effects live, such as the steps, where shoes will be used on tables or wood to give the sound effects. Aaron Parker will be doing all of the sound effects for us. That's another fun aspect of doing this particular type of show."</p><p>The cast will be performing in the Flag Theatre. The stream will begin at 7 p.m. Friday on Hutch Post.</p>

Melodrama in radio style coming up Friday on Hutch Post

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Board of Regents member Allen Schmidt.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: KBOR member Allen Schmidt" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/uprmx-e3e2ea?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=3&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div><p>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Board of Regents member Allen Schmidt.</p>

🎤Forward Ever: KBOR member Allen Schmidt


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 309 Interim Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Stroh explained where the district is in the process of getting ready for the 2020-2021 school year.

"It's a three-tiered plan, opening up with our students coming back to school, with all the safety precautions, of course," Stroh said. "Then, an online option, in addition to our virtual school. At some point in the year, it may be necessary to go to 50% of our kids coming to school and the other 50% being online and switching that back and forth."

Stroh explained the difference between virtual school and the online option.

"In virtual school, we have a teacher who works with our virtual students on a prescribed virtual curriculum," Stroh said. "Those students don't come in to school. She's in touch with those students and their parents on a regular basis, but not every single day. The expectation with virtual school is that students move at their own pace and complete assignments in units and so on. With an online school with our own district curriculum, that would be very different. It would be daily with a district teacher and students would keep a log and it would be our curriculum."

The Kansas State High School Activities Association has yet to say how activities will work.

"We're waiting for guidance from KSHSAA," Stroh said. "They met on Friday and will meet again this week and we'll proceed from there once we have their guidance."

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is planning to issue an executive order delaying the start of school until after Labor Day. 

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                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;USD 309 Interim Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Stroh explained where the district is in the process of getting ready for the 2020-2021 school year.</p><p>"It's a three-tiered plan, opening up with our students coming back to school, with all the safety precautions, of course," Stroh said. "Then, an online option, in addition to our virtual school. At some point in the year, it may be necessary to go to 50% of our kids coming to school and the other 50% being online and switching that back and forth."</p><p>Stroh explained the difference between virtual school and the online option.</p><p>"In virtual school, we have a teacher who works with our virtual students on a prescribed virtual curriculum," Stroh said. "Those students don't come in to school. She's in touch with those students and their parents on a regular basis, but not every single day. The expectation with virtual school is that students move at their own pace and complete assignments in units and so on. With an online school with our own district curriculum, that would be very different. It would be daily with a district teacher and students would keep a log and it would be our curriculum."</p><p>The Kansas State High School Activities Association has yet to say how activities will work.</p><p>"We're waiting for guidance from KSHSAA," Stroh said. "They met on Friday and will meet again this week and we'll proceed from there once we have their guidance."</p><p>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is planning to issue an executive order delaying the start of school until after Labor Day. </p>

Nickerson USD 309 Interim Superintendent explains preparations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A domestic dispute on Friday night turned into a standoff on Saturday in Reno County. 

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, Justin Mario Kidd was involved in a domestic dispute between himself and his spouse around 8 p.m. Friday. This resulted in criminal charges being sent to the District Attorney for prosecution. The Sheriff’s Office exhausted resources that evening attempting to locate him while the spouse was placed into a shelter. 

Late morning on the 18th, Justin began to text his spouse again with suicidal threats. Deputies attempted to contact Justin at his residence and he walked into the street and fired twice at deputies. No injuries or damage to property occurred.

It took until just after 5 p.m. for the Reno County Emergency Response Team to talk him into coming out peacefully. Local neighbors were evacuated.

Kidd was booked on aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and criminal threat charges. His bond is set at over $100,000. 

Deputies executed a search warrant over the weekend at Kidd's residence. Eight firearms and ammunition were seized.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595241791854.png" alt="Multiple agencies responded to the scene on Saturday in Reno County -photo courtesy KWCH" />
                        <figcaption>Multiple agencies responded to the scene on Saturday in Reno County -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A domestic dispute on Friday night turned into a standoff on Saturday in Reno County. </p><p>According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, Justin Mario Kidd was involved in a domestic dispute between himself and his spouse around 8 p.m. Friday. This resulted in criminal charges being sent to the District Attorney for prosecution. The Sheriff’s Office exhausted resources that evening attempting to locate him while the spouse was placed into a shelter. </p><p>Late morning on the 18th, Justin began to text his spouse again with suicidal threats. Deputies attempted to contact Justin at his residence and he walked into the street and fired twice at deputies. No injuries or damage to property occurred.</p><p>It took until just after 5 p.m. for the Reno County Emergency Response Team to talk him into coming out peacefully. Local neighbors were evacuated.</p><p>Kidd was booked on aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and criminal threat charges. His bond is set at over $100,000. </p><p>Deputies executed a search warrant over the weekend at Kidd's residence. Eight firearms and ammunition were seized.</p>

Rural Hutchinson man arrested after firing at deputies Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Art Center is excited to announce that Dialogue Reconstructed: Celebrating Diversity Through Art has received funding from the Hutchinson Community Foundation's Fund for Hutchinson grant for $5,560.

The center is encouraging artists to showcase their work to celebrate diversity in the communities. There is no specific theme requirement for submission. The selected winners' artwork will then be presented to the HAC Collections Committee to be considered for addition into the HAC Permanent Collection.

Sia Joung, assistant professor of art at Sterling College, and Patrick Calvillo, director of the Hutchinson Art Center, will be curating this exhibition. The selected jurors will include a representative from each of the collaborating organizations. 

There are cash prizes. First place is $1500. Second place is $1000. Third place is $500. 

The deadline for submissions is August 16th and you can email hutchartcenter@gmail.com for a submission form.

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                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Art Center is excited to announce that Dialogue Reconstructed: Celebrating Diversity Through Art has received funding from the Hutchinson Community Foundation's Fund for Hutchinson grant for $5,560.</p><p>The center is encouraging artists to showcase their work to celebrate diversity in the communities. There is no specific theme requirement for submission. The selected winners' artwork will then be presented to the HAC Collections Committee to be considered for addition into the HAC Permanent Collection.</p><p>Sia Joung, assistant professor of art at Sterling College, and Patrick Calvillo, director of the Hutchinson Art Center, will be curating this exhibition. The selected jurors will include a representative from each of the collaborating organizations. </p><p>There are cash prizes. First place is $1500. Second place is $1000. Third place is $500. </p><p>The deadline for submissions is August 16th and you can email hutchartcenter@gmail.com for a submission form.</p>

Diversity exhibition gets grant funding

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will cover several matters connected to the approaching elections during Tuesday’s agenda session.

The board will set dates for the canvassing of votes for both the primary and general elections. There will be discussion regarding the COVID-19 CDBG funds that have been made available to the county. So far there have been few applicants for the $132,000 in funds that were also handed out to the city.

The board will get an update on the pandemic from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar.

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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575487428540.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will cover several matters connected to the approaching elections during Tuesday’s agenda session.</p><p>The board will set dates for the canvassing of votes for both the primary and general elections. There will be discussion regarding the COVID-19 CDBG funds that have been made available to the county. So far there have been few applicants for the $132,000 in funds that were also handed out to the city.</p><p>The board will get an update on the pandemic from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar.</p><p>Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse. </p>

Commission to set dates for canvassing ballots

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After tabling action on the matter, the Hutchinson City Council will readdress a new collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police during a regular meeting Tuesday.&nbsp;

The council was supposed to pass the contract last month, but some wording needed to be corrected, so the matter was set aside until now. It is the only action item on the agenda for the council when it meets at 9 a.m. in the Hutchinson city offices.&nbsp;

The meeting will be closed to the public, but will be streamed on the city’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CityOfHutchinson">YouTube channel</a> and cable channel 7.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594149629780.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After tabling action on the matter, the Hutchinson City Council will readdress a new collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police during a regular meeting Tuesday.&nbsp;</p><p>The council was supposed to pass the contract last month, but some wording needed to be corrected, so the matter was set aside until now. It is the only action item on the agenda for the council when it meets at 9 a.m. in the Hutchinson city offices.&nbsp;</p><p>The meeting will be closed to the public, but will be streamed on the city’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CityOfHutchinson">YouTube channel</a> and cable channel 7.</p>

City Council to readdress police contract

NICKERSON, Kan. — After extending her contract through the end of July, the Nickerson USD 309 School Board will seek approval to extend the contract of interim Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Stroh through the end of September.

Stroh has been filling in for Superintendent Dawn Johnson while she attended military school in Washington, D.C. Johnson completed her stint in Washington but has been ordered by the military to support Army Reserve COVID-19 efforts through the end of September.

Also Monday, the board will seek approval of two major capital improvements to the district’s athletic facilities. That includes going over two proposals for a new running track at the high school and a new football field. The board has been discussing making improvements to the facility for several months.

The board will take action on whether to open up school facilities for public use. Right now, all buildings and facilities are closed to the public because of the pandemic.

Finally, the board will go over all the housekeeping needs to start off the new school year. Monday’s meeting of the Nickerson USD 309 School Board begins at 7 p.m. at the district offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NICKERSON, Kan. — After extending her contract through the end of July, the Nickerson USD 309 School Board will seek approval to extend the contract of interim Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Stroh through the end of September.</p><p>Stroh has been filling in for Superintendent Dawn Johnson while she attended military school in Washington, D.C. Johnson completed her stint in Washington but has been ordered by the military to support Army Reserve COVID-19 efforts through the end of September.</p><p>Also Monday, the board will seek approval of two major capital improvements to the district’s athletic facilities. That includes going over two proposals for a new running track at the high school and a new football field. The board has been discussing making improvements to the facility for several months.</p><p>The board will take action on whether to open up school facilities for public use. Right now, all buildings and facilities are closed to the public because of the pandemic.</p><p>Finally, the board will go over all the housekeeping needs to start off the new school year. Monday’s meeting of the Nickerson USD 309 School Board begins at 7 p.m. at the district offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave.</p>

USD 309 to consider contract extension for Stroh


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti didn't know Governor Laura Kelly was going to call for a delay in the start of the 2020-2021 school year. He can see her point from a purely epidemiological perspective, but the decision needs to be more nuanced and targeted than that.

I think, if we are solely speaking on the foundations of epidemiology and disease investigation, simply not aggregating bodies in one place, such as we do in school, would certainly be beneficial. With that said, I think every public health professional was all surprised by the information of an Executive Order that's delaying school."

So, what happens if there is COVID-19 activity in a school this year?

"The public health department would work very closely with each school district in concert with each individual school itself in terms of activity, should we have a positive COVID-19 case," Baldetti said. "Epidemiologically, we would associate the investigation status with the plans that each school is putting into place, establishing classes as cohorts, not intermingling those classes, etc."

The hope would be to at the very least keep any school closures at a building level if absolutely necessary, but maybe even being able to just do deep cleaning at a classroom level, depending on the specific circumstances of the infection. 

"Things are changing almost daily," Baldetti said. "That's some semblance of the plan that's being discussed with superintendents right now," Baldetti said. "If there's further direction that's given to us at higher levels, then obviously that shifts, but that's the expectation."

It remains to be seen if there is some push back from the State Board of Education and maybe a further change in policy before kids get back to school.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti didn't know Governor Laura Kelly was going to call for a delay in the start of the 2020-2021 school year. He can see her point from a purely epidemiological perspective, but the decision needs to be more nuanced and targeted than that.</p><p>I think, if we are solely speaking on the foundations of epidemiology and disease investigation, simply not aggregating bodies in one place, such as we do in school, would certainly be beneficial. With that said, I think every public health professional was all surprised by the information of an Executive Order that's delaying school."</p><p>So, what happens if there is COVID-19 activity in a school this year?</p><p>"The public health department would work very closely with each school district in concert with each individual school itself in terms of activity, should we have a positive COVID-19 case," Baldetti said. "Epidemiologically, we would associate the investigation status with the plans that each school is putting into place, establishing classes as cohorts, not intermingling those classes, etc."</p><p>The hope would be to at the very least keep any school closures at a building level if absolutely necessary, but maybe even being able to just do deep cleaning at a classroom level, depending on the specific circumstances of the infection. </p><p>"Things are changing almost daily," Baldetti said. "That's some semblance of the plan that's being discussed with superintendents right now," Baldetti said. "If there's further direction that's given to us at higher levels, then obviously that shifts, but that's the expectation."</p><p>It remains to be seen if there is some push back from the State Board of Education and maybe a further change in policy before kids get back to school.</p>

Baldetti: COVID response in schools up to districts, unless state intervenes


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Biogen announced the completion of its regulatory filing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on aducanumab for the treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's. If approved, aducanumab would become the first therapy to reduce the cognitive and functional decline of people living with the disease.

"This will actually be the first therapy to reduce the cognitive and functional decline for people living with Alzheimer's, said Breana Tucker, Central &amp; Western Kansas Chapter Program Director and Region 6 Research Champion. "It's actually the first drug to demonstrate that removing amyloid-beta resulted in better clinical outcomes."

The number of people in the United States living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is expected to triple to nearly 14 million by 2050 without effective treatments, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Right now, we have invested over $185 million in research, providing for 540 different projects in 30 different countries," Tucker said. "We are leaving no stone unturned trying to combat this disease from all different angles."

The Alzheimer’s Association directly funds science and unites the scientific academic, government and industry leaders worldwide to accelerate research.

"In the trial, it did show improvement for mild cognitive impairment, which is the stage before Alzheimer's disease," Tucker said. "Everybody that has Alzheimer's disease passes through the mild cognitive impairment. If we catch these cases early in that mild cognitive impairment, we could potentially continue to reduce the cases of Alzheimer's disease."

Alzheimer’s and other dementias are complex, and their effective treatment and prevention will likely also be a complex task, but the Alzheimer’s Association believes it can be achieved.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589816811323.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Biogen announced the completion of its regulatory filing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on aducanumab for the treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's. If approved, aducanumab would become the first therapy to reduce the cognitive and functional decline of people living with the disease.</p><p>"This will actually be the first therapy to reduce the cognitive and functional decline for people living with Alzheimer's, said Breana Tucker, Central &amp; Western Kansas Chapter Program Director and Region 6 Research Champion. "It's actually the first drug to demonstrate that removing amyloid-beta resulted in better clinical outcomes."</p><p>The number of people in the United States living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is expected to triple to nearly 14 million by 2050 without effective treatments, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><p>"Right now, we have invested over $185 million in research, providing for 540 different projects in 30 different countries," Tucker said. "We are leaving no stone unturned trying to combat this disease from all different angles."</p><p>The Alzheimer’s Association directly funds science and unites the scientific academic, government and industry leaders worldwide to accelerate research.</p><p>"In the trial, it did show improvement for mild cognitive impairment, which is the stage before Alzheimer's disease," Tucker said. "Everybody that has Alzheimer's disease passes through the mild cognitive impairment. If we catch these cases early in that mild cognitive impairment, we could potentially continue to reduce the cases of Alzheimer's disease."</p><p>Alzheimer’s and other dementias are complex, and their effective treatment and prevention will likely also be a complex task, but the Alzheimer’s Association believes it can be achieved.</p>

New Alzheimer's drug going through FDA approval process

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use 4th Avenue going west out of Hutchinson will need to find another route starting Monday. 

KDOT will close off West 4th at the K-14 interchange to repair the on- and off-ramps and the portion of 4th Avenue running underneath the overpass. Access to K-14 will be closed at 4th to all through traffic. K-14 will remain open during the work. 

Those who want to go to Fun Valley and points west will need to go to South Hutchinson and then go west on 6th Avenue to Broadacres. From there, motorists will have to go north to Clark and then west to Mohawk before turning back north to 4th Avenue. 

The project is expected to be completed in about three weeks.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591291979368.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use 4th Avenue going west out of Hutchinson will need to find another route starting Monday. </p><p>KDOT will close off West 4th at the K-14 interchange to repair the on- and off-ramps and the portion of 4th Avenue running underneath the overpass. Access to K-14 will be closed at 4th to all through traffic. K-14 will remain open during the work. </p><p>Those who want to go to Fun Valley and points west will need to go to South Hutchinson and then go west on 6th Avenue to Broadacres. From there, motorists will have to go north to Clark and then west to Mohawk before turning back north to 4th Avenue. </p><p>The project is expected to be completed in about three weeks.</p>

West 4th Avenue and K-14 interchange to close starting Monday

Congrats to the Trinity Catholic High School class of 2020!

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595016433051.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><h2>Congrats to the Trinity Catholic High School class of 2020!</h2><div>
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Hutch Post Salutes Trinity CHS Class of 2020

Congrats to the Fairfield High Class of 2020!

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595015654210.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><h2>Congrats to the Fairfield High Class of 2020!</h2><div>
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Hutch Post Salutes the Fairfield Class of 2020

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><p>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.</p><p>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>.</p>

Recent obituaries

Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall believes progress is being made in the fight against COVID-19, even as the case count rises.

"Of course, the number of new infections is going up," Marshall said. "It looks like this virus is getting weaker. We're treating it so much better."

Dr. Marshall is optimistic that a vaccine is coming soon.

"We have two vaccines that are now through Phase II," Marshall said. "We're going to start manufacturing those right now and then they'll start Phase III. If one of them pans out, which we're hopeful, we'll probably have vaccines for high-risk people by November and by Christmastime, maybe for everybody."

Marshall also believes kids should be back in school.

"Healthy children, if they catch the virus, the chances of them dying is one in a million," Marshall said. "If that's the risk, I think the benefits of going back to school outweigh the risk. We should respect the virus, don't get me wrong. I think that we have to respect the virus, just like if we're driving a car. We respect driving. Every day in Kansas, one or two people are dying from driving a car. Every day in Kansas, one or two people die from this virus."

Marshall noted that the benefits of in person education, getting a nutritious lunch through the school lunch program and mitigating abuse risk with spending less time in the home in some cases, are all important as local and state officials weigh how to best open schools this fall.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593463079407.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall believes progress is being made in the fight against COVID-19, even as the case count rises.</p><p>"Of course, the number of new infections is going up," Marshall said. "It looks like this virus is getting weaker. We're treating it so much better."</p><p>Dr. Marshall is optimistic that a vaccine is coming soon.</p><p>"We have two vaccines that are now through Phase II," Marshall said. "We're going to start manufacturing those right now and then they'll start Phase III. If one of them pans out, which we're hopeful, we'll probably have vaccines for high-risk people by November and by Christmastime, maybe for everybody."</p><p>Marshall also believes kids should be back in school.</p><p>"Healthy children, if they catch the virus, the chances of them dying is one in a million," Marshall said. "If that's the risk, I think the benefits of going back to school outweigh the risk. We should respect the virus, don't get me wrong. I think that we have to respect the virus, just like if we're driving a car. We respect driving. Every day in Kansas, one or two people are dying from driving a car. Every day in Kansas, one or two people die from this virus."</p><p>Marshall noted that the benefits of in person education, getting a nutritious lunch through the school lunch program and mitigating abuse risk with spending less time in the home in some cases, are all important as local and state officials weigh how to best open schools this fall.</p>

Marshall: Virus getting weaker, vaccines look promising


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The July Rural Mainstreet Index from Creighton University was released and July’s reading represented the fourth straight month with a reading indicating recessionary economic conditions.

"This, of course, is a survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of ten states, including Kansas," said economist Ernie Goss. "I'd say we're crawling out of the economic downturn. We're still well below pre-COVID-19 levels. For example, in the overall region, we're down about 8 to 8 and a half percent in terms of jobs. Kansas number is about around 6% below COVID level. We're crawling out of it, but we've still got a long way to go."

From an economic perspective, Goss sees the actions of some officials as having a negative effect.

"Across the nation, we have decision makers, political decision makers locking down again," Goss said. "In my judgment, data suggests that's not the way to go. In other words, it definitely increases unemployment rates and yet, I've found it doesn't have that much of an impact on, believe it or not, COVID-19 death rates or infection rates."

Business is slowing down, even in the areas where there aren't as many people.

"38% said they had declines in customers coming in to the bank," Goss said. "That's quite significant. Also, one-third said that farmers had cut back on their loan outs. That's a pretty big number. All in all, it's having a much bigger impact in urban areas, but still, in rural areas it's having some fairly significant impacts, as well."

The overall index for July climbed to 44.1, well below growth neutral, but up from June’s 37.9 and April’s record low 12.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592838771182.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The July Rural Mainstreet Index from Creighton University was released and July’s reading represented the fourth straight month with a reading indicating recessionary economic conditions.</p><p>"This, of course, is a survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of ten states, including Kansas," said economist Ernie Goss. "I'd say we're crawling out of the economic downturn. We're still well below pre-COVID-19 levels. For example, in the overall region, we're down about 8 to 8 and a half percent in terms of jobs. Kansas number is about around 6% below COVID level. We're crawling out of it, but we've still got a long way to go."</p><p>From an economic perspective, Goss sees the actions of some officials as having a negative effect.</p><p>"Across the nation, we have decision makers, political decision makers locking down again," Goss said. "In my judgment, data suggests that's not the way to go. In other words, it definitely increases unemployment rates and yet, I've found it doesn't have that much of an impact on, believe it or not, COVID-19 death rates or infection rates."</p><p>Business is slowing down, even in the areas where there aren't as many people.</p><p>"38% said they had declines in customers coming in to the bank," Goss said. "That's quite significant. Also, one-third said that farmers had cut back on their loan outs. That's a pretty big number. All in all, it's having a much bigger impact in urban areas, but still, in rural areas it's having some fairly significant impacts, as well."</p><p>The overall index for July climbed to 44.1, well below growth neutral, but up from June’s 37.9 and April’s record low 12.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.</p>

Rural economy still struggling, but up from last month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 announced on Thursday it is extending the summer meal program by two additional weeks.

With the delay of school, the district will now offer free summer meals until at least Aug. 7. No word on where the program will go following that date.

Meals are available from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at McCandless Elementary and at HMS-7 and HMS-8. Meals are also available from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the library and the fairgrounds splash pad.

Meals are free for anyone 18 and younger, but the student/child must be present in the vehicle or the driver must show a Grab and Go Meal Pass. For each student/child, they will receive one lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning with additional food for Saturday provided on Friday.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569532458211.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 announced on Thursday it is extending the summer meal program by two additional weeks.</p><p>With the delay of school, the district will now offer free summer meals until at least Aug. 7. No word on where the program will go following that date.</p><p>Meals are available from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at McCandless Elementary and at HMS-7 and HMS-8. Meals are also available from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the library and the fairgrounds splash pad.</p><p>Meals are free for anyone 18 and younger, but the student/child must be present in the vehicle or the driver must show a Grab and Go Meal Pass. For each student/child, they will receive one lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning with additional food for Saturday provided on Friday.</p>

USD 308 meal program extended 2 weeks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cheney Lake is still under a blue-green algae warning for the entire lake after the latest advisories were issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

The lake has been under a warning for the past three weeks after the toxic growth was discovered in many places at the lake. 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.

Marion County Lake is also under a warning. Marion Reservoir is under an algae watch.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588189401552.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cheney Lake is still under a blue-green algae warning for the entire lake after the latest advisories were issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;</p><p>The lake has been under a warning for the past three weeks after the toxic growth was discovered in many places at the lake. 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.</p><p>Marion County Lake is also under a warning. Marion Reservoir is under an algae watch.</p>

Cheney Lake still under algae warning

Congrats to the Buhler High Class of 2020!

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                    </figure><h2>Congrats to the Buhler High Class of 2020!</h2><figure>
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Hutch Post Salutes the Buhler Class of 2020

Congrats to the Haven High School class of 2020!

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591132145254.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><h2>Congrats to the Haven High School class of 2020!</h2><div>
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Hutch Post Salutes the Haven High School Class of 2020

Congrats to the Pretty Prairie Class of 2020!

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595012467341.jpeg" alt="" />
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                    </figure><h2>Congrats to the Pretty Prairie Class of 2020!</h2><div>
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Hutch Post Salutes the Pretty Prairie HS Class of 2020


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have relatives in long-term care facilities.

"People who are on Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's not correct."

Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities.

"The way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. "That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate the economy."

Schmidt notes that his office has not received any such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back that money.

"We have received quite a few inquiries from people in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to contact our consumer division if it happens to them."

Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is urging Kansans to use caution with regard to federal COVID-19 stimulus checks if they have relatives in long-term care facilities.</p><p>"People who are on Medicaid and live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, when they've received their stimulus checks from the federal government as part of this COVID response, in some cases, the nursing facility or the long-term care facility has told the person, you have to sign that check over to us, or we claim an interest in the money, because now you're making too much and so the regular Medicaid rules don't apply. That's not correct."</p><p>Congress did not intend for stimulus checks to be paid back in to those facilities.</p><p>"The way Congress structured the stimulus payments, they don't count as what's called resources of a Medicaid beneficiary," Schmidt said. "That's a defined term of art. The whole point of the stimulus payment was to put money in the pockets of people who may spend it to stimulate the economy."</p><p>Schmidt notes that his office has not received any such complaints yet, but he wants to know if facilities try to claw back that money.</p><p>"We have received quite a few inquiries from people in Kansas asking if it's happening here," Schmidt said. "We decided to put the word out, to explain what the rules are and to invite people to contact our consumer division if it happens to them."</p><p>Consumers may contact the office by phone at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail or log on to <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.</p>

Let AG's office know if nursing home tries to appropriate stimulus check

MCPHERSON COUNTY — 
The Kansas Department of Transportation will temporarily close I-135 on Friday, July 17, from mile marker 58 to 60 for the demolition of the Avenue A bridge. The bridge is located approximately one-half mile south of the U.S. 56 exit.

Northbound and southbound I-135 will close at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17. Southbound I-135 will reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, and northbound I-135 will reopen by 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, weather permitting. 

Traffic will follow the signed detour through McPherson via U.S. 56, Main Street, and K-61.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592505431902.png" alt="" />
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                    </figure><p>MCPHERSON COUNTY — 
The Kansas Department of Transportation will temporarily close I-135 on Friday, July 17, from mile marker 58 to 60 for the demolition of the Avenue A bridge. The bridge is located approximately one-half mile south of the U.S. 56 exit.</p><p>Northbound and southbound I-135 will close at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17. Southbound I-135 will reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, and northbound I-135 will reopen by 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, weather permitting. </p><p>Traffic will follow the signed detour through McPherson via U.S. 56, Main Street, and K-61.</p>

I-135 to close Friday, reopen Saturday in McPherson County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Kansas State Fair and lack of anticipated revenue, Robin Jennison, the fair’s general manager, announced he is stepping down.

Jennison sent his resignation to the board Tuesday, stating it was an effort to help keep the jobs of full-time employees who work all year to make the fair an annual tradition. The fair board voted unanimously Monday to cancel the 2020 fair, scheduled for Sept. 11-20.

“The impact that COVID-19 has had and will continue to have on the Kansas State Fair will be significant,” Jennison said in the letter. “It is my intent that — in serving as the first casualty — it hopefully will lessen the impact on our other employees.”

“It will be a welcome surprise if the fair is able to weather this storm without some furloughs or even a reduction in workforce,” Jennison added. “Having the highest-placed administrator surviving while frontline essential employees bear the brunt is something I will not do.”

The Kansas State Fair is a fee-funded state agency. The fair survives on what it makes from each fair, which includes gate admission, grandstand entertainment, food and beverage sales and vendor fees, plus RV park rentals and non-fair events. 

In a letter to the Kansas Division of Budget, Jennison noted the fair’s situation and reminded them the state still owes the fair its statutory share to the State Fair Capital Improvement Fund.

The Kansas Legislature was required to match what the fair put into the fund — up to $300,000 each year — to help with building upkeep and improvements. However, those transfers were not made regularly, or on occasion, adequately, for several years — leaving the fair at a more than $1.8 million shortfall to the account.

Subsequently, legislation passed in 2018 allows the Kansas State Fair to capture the portion of sales tax that is generated on the Kansas State Fairgrounds to cover the state’s statutory share. In 2019, this generated about $312,000. However, without the sales tax collections for the 2020 fair, not only will the fair not be able to make the $300,000 transfer to the capital improvement fund, but it won’t collect that amount in sales tax dollars, either.

The first official Kansas State Fair was held in September 1913. For 106 uninterrupted years, the fair has been the state’s largest gathering of Kansans — with not even the Spanish flu, world wars or the 2001 terrorist attacks halting the annual end-of-summer rite. 

Jennison said protecting the future of the fair and its employees is the highest priority. 

“It has been my great privilege to be given this opportunity to work with an absolutely great staff that love their jobs, work well together and are not afraid to think outside the box,” he said. “That is what it will take to get past this, and we need to do all we can to protect the Kansas State Fair’s most valuable asset, our employees.”

The 2021 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 10-19.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594205779878.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Kansas State Fair and lack of anticipated revenue, Robin Jennison, the fair’s general manager, announced he is stepping down.</p><p>Jennison sent his resignation to the board Tuesday, stating it was an effort to help keep the jobs of full-time employees who work all year to make the fair an annual tradition. The fair board voted unanimously Monday to cancel the 2020 fair, scheduled for Sept. 11-20.</p><p>“The impact that COVID-19 has had and will continue to have on the Kansas State Fair will be significant,” Jennison said in the letter. “It is my intent that — in serving as the first casualty — it hopefully will lessen the impact on our other employees.”</p><p>“It will be a welcome surprise if the fair is able to weather this storm without some furloughs or even a reduction in workforce,” Jennison added. “Having the highest-placed administrator surviving while frontline essential employees bear the brunt is something I will not do.”</p><p>The Kansas State Fair is a fee-funded state agency. The fair survives on what it makes from each fair, which includes gate admission, grandstand entertainment, food and beverage sales and vendor fees, plus RV park rentals and non-fair events. </p><p>In a letter to the Kansas Division of Budget, Jennison noted the fair’s situation and reminded them the state still owes the fair its statutory share to the State Fair Capital Improvement Fund.</p><p>The Kansas Legislature was required to match what the fair put into the fund — up to $300,000 each year — to help with building upkeep and improvements. However, those transfers were not made regularly, or on occasion, adequately, for several years — leaving the fair at a more than $1.8 million shortfall to the account.</p><p>Subsequently, legislation passed in 2018 allows the Kansas State Fair to capture the portion of sales tax that is generated on the Kansas State Fairgrounds to cover the state’s statutory share. In 2019, this generated about $312,000. However, without the sales tax collections for the 2020 fair, not only will the fair not be able to make the $300,000 transfer to the capital improvement fund, but it won’t collect that amount in sales tax dollars, either.</p><p>The first official Kansas State Fair was held in September 1913. For 106 uninterrupted years, the fair has been the state’s largest gathering of Kansans — with not even the Spanish flu, world wars or the 2001 terrorist attacks halting the annual end-of-summer rite. </p><p>Jennison said protecting the future of the fair and its employees is the highest priority. </p><p>“It has been my great privilege to be given this opportunity to work with an absolutely great staff that love their jobs, work well together and are not afraid to think outside the box,” he said. “That is what it will take to get past this, and we need to do all we can to protect the Kansas State Fair’s most valuable asset, our employees.”</p><p>The 2021 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 10-19.</p>