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

The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed eight new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:

• A female in her 40s. She is a close contact of a known active case. • A female in her 40s. She is a close contact of a known active case. • A female in her 20s. She had previously quarantined as a precaution. She is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.

• A female between 10-and-19 years old. She had known out-of-state travel. • A female between 10-and-19 years old. She had known out-of-state travel. • A female under 10 years old. She had previously quarantined as a precaution. She is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.

• A male in his 20s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.

• A male in his 20s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact of a known active case.

All individuals are in home isolation. Testing in all cases was completed by private labs. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all contacts.

Harvey County has had 40 COVID-19 cases to date, including 36 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 23 known active cases in Harvey County. There are no individuals in Harvey County cases currently hospitalized.

There have been 1,648 tests conducted in Harvey County.

As of Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 13,538 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 167,548 completed tests in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588297826823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed eight new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:• A female in her 40s. She is a close contact of a known active case. • A female in her 40s. She is a close contact of a known active case. • A female in her 20s. She had previously quarantined as a precaution. She is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.• A female between 10-and-19 years old. She had known out-of-state travel. • A female between 10-and-19 years old. She had known out-of-state travel. • A female under 10 years old. She had previously quarantined as a precaution. She is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.• A male in his 20s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.• A male in his 20s. He had previously quarantined as a precaution. He is a close contact of a known active case.All individuals are in home isolation. Testing in all cases was completed by private labs. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all contacts.Harvey County has had 40 COVID-19 cases to date, including 36 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 23 known active cases in Harvey County. There are no individuals in Harvey County cases currently hospitalized.There have been 1,648 tests conducted in Harvey County.As of Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 13,538 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 167,548 completed tests in Kansas.

Harvey County announces eight new cases of COVID-19, no hospitalizations

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Construction season is in full swing and Reno County Public Works said Monday that the Nickerson Road Bridge over the Arkansas River near 69th Avenue will close for bridge replacement beginning Wednesday, July 8th.

The project will have 280 working days. Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain said that crews typically don't work on Sunday and he doesn't count bad weather days toward their allotment, so it will likely be almost a year before the bridge reopens again. The hope is that they would not have the bridge closed for the 2021 harvest season. A detour route around the bridge will be signed.

Also underway is a resurfacing project on Parallel Road from K-11 east to Dean Road. That project, which started last week, should take about a month.

If you have any questions about Reno County projects, call Public Works at 620-694-2976.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592505431902.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Construction season is in full swing and Reno County Public Works said Monday that the Nickerson Road Bridge over the Arkansas River near 69th Avenue will close for bridge replacement beginning Wednesday, July 8th.The project will have 280 working days. Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain said that crews typically don't work on Sunday and he doesn't count bad weather days toward their allotment, so it will likely be almost a year before the bridge reopens again. The hope is that they would not have the bridge closed for the 2021 harvest season. A detour route around the bridge will be signed.Also underway is a resurfacing project on Parallel Road from K-11 east to Dean Road. That project, which started last week, should take about a month.If you have any questions about Reno County projects, call Public Works at 620-694-2976.

Nickerson Road bridge project to start July 8

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

As the days wind down in June, wheat harvest has just now begun for our family. It’s a late harvest this year, but we are glad we are able to get into the fields to harvest the grain. It’s perhaps my most favorite event of the year on the farm. We’ve watched this crop since last fall when it was sown into the soil and emerged as a small plant. We’ve watched as it’s carpeted the ground, survived a cold winter, transformed into the most vivid green before ripening into the most beautiful yellow. We’ve invested a lot of time and hope in the crop, and now it’s time to harvest the grain.

One of the other reasons I love wheat harvest is because the entire family is involved. Since the kids are out of school for the summer, they get to experience harvest in all of its glory as well. Both Banks and Isannah have always played an active role in wheat harvest. When both were younger many of their nap times happened in their car seats while I would drive meals or machine parts out to the fields. I would hold my babies on my hips, and we'd wave to the combines and cheer as they'd roar past making another round in a field.

Every year my kids get to help bake cookies, pack meals and distribute drinks for our harvest crew. They get to sink their toes in the spilled wheat before it's shoveled up. They love to drive out to the fields and watch our crew and machines run. They enjoy meals out in the field and riding in the combine’s buddy seat next to their dad or grandpa as they move from one side of the field to the other cutting the wheat. It’s a beautiful tradition we experience every summer, and I often wonder if harvest will call my two home when they are older with children of their own.

Last night, after we had driven out to the field with food for the crew, the guys began walking back to the tractor, combines and trucks to continue cutting the wheat into the night. As we were walking back to the car, my 4-year-old daughter began weeping. The weeping quickly turned into sobs. As I was attempting to calm her down to find out what was wrong, she was pointing to the combines and grain cart already moving to the opposite end of the field. 

After encouraging her to take deep breaths so she could express what was wrong, she began to hiccup her explanation while tears rolled down her face. It turns out she had planned to ride in a combine after dinner and clearly she was not in one of the cabs. She wanted me to call one of the combines back so she could get in and help cut wheat. I assured her she’d get to ride later. Hesitantly, she climbed into her car seat and we drove home.

For the next few hours, Isannah would ask if it was time for her to go cut. Near bedtime, my husband briefly came into the house to get an item before getting back out to the field. Isannah cornered him and asked if it was time for her to go cut wheat. He knew she would not take “no” for an answer. So even though it was already past her bedtime, at 9 p.m., the two of them headed back to the field. According to Adam, she fell asleep on the drive out to the field, but woke up to help cut wheat for another couple hours.

He carried her to bed shortly before midnight, both exhausted from another day of wheat harvest. 

This morning as we all slowly made our way to the breakfast table, Isannah, still sleepy eyed with dirt on her face and wearing the same clothes from yesterday, sat down at the table, crossed her arms and proceeded to ask Adam, “When are WE cutting wheat today?” 

How can you not love wheat harvest when it’s clearly a family affair?

"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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherAs the days wind down in June, wheat harvest has just now begun for our family. It’s a late harvest this year, but we are glad we are able to get into the fields to harvest the grain. It’s perhaps my most favorite event of the year on the farm. We’ve watched this crop since last fall when it was sown into the soil and emerged as a small plant. We’ve watched as it’s carpeted the ground, survived a cold winter, transformed into the most vivid green before ripening into the most beautiful yellow. We’ve invested a lot of time and hope in the crop, and now it’s time to harvest the grain.One of the other reasons I love wheat harvest is because the entire family is involved. Since the kids are out of school for the summer, they get to experience harvest in all of its glory as well. Both Banks and Isannah have always played an active role in wheat harvest. When both were younger many of their nap times happened in their car seats while I would drive meals or machine parts out to the fields. I would hold my babies on my hips, and we'd wave to the combines and cheer as they'd roar past making another round in a field.Every year my kids get to help bake cookies, pack meals and distribute drinks for our harvest crew. They get to sink their toes in the spilled wheat before it's shoveled up. They love to drive out to the fields and watch our crew and machines run. They enjoy meals out in the field and riding in the combine’s buddy seat next to their dad or grandpa as they move from one side of the field to the other cutting the wheat. It’s a beautiful tradition we experience every summer, and I often wonder if harvest will call my two home when they are older with children of their own.Last night, after we had driven out to the field with food for the crew, the guys began walking back to the tractor, combines and trucks to continue cutting the wheat into the night. As we were walking back to the car, my 4-year-old daughter began weeping. The weeping quickly turned into sobs. As I was attempting to calm her down to find out what was wrong, she was pointing to the combines and grain cart already moving to the opposite end of the field. After encouraging her to take deep breaths so she could express what was wrong, she began to hiccup her explanation while tears rolled down her face. It turns out she had planned to ride in a combine after dinner and clearly she was not in one of the cabs. She wanted me to call one of the combines back so she could get in and help cut wheat. I assured her she’d get to ride later. Hesitantly, she climbed into her car seat and we drove home.For the next few hours, Isannah would ask if it was time for her to go cut. Near bedtime, my husband briefly came into the house to get an item before getting back out to the field. Isannah cornered him and asked if it was time for her to go cut wheat. He knew she would not take “no” for an answer. So even though it was already past her bedtime, at 9 p.m., the two of them headed back to the field. According to Adam, she fell asleep on the drive out to the field, but woke up to help cut wheat for another couple hours.He carried her to bed shortly before midnight, both exhausted from another day of wheat harvest. This morning as we all slowly made our way to the breakfast table, Isannah, still sleepy eyed with dirt on her face and wearing the same clothes from yesterday, sat down at the table, crossed her arms and proceeded to ask Adam, “When are WE cutting wheat today?” How can you not love wheat harvest when it’s clearly a family affair?"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: A Family Harvest

DESOTO, Kan., June 29, 2020 – Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, today announced an investment of $100 million in facility expansion and enhancement efforts in its U.S. manufacturing site in DeSoto, Kansas. Investments to the site include a technological expansion of the vaccine production facility, which will come on line this year, plus an additional investment of $66 million that will provide for added enhancement capabilities to be realized over the coming years.

     The DeSoto site develops and manufactures a broad portfolio of vaccines for Swine, Cattle and Equine with key technologies in research and development, manufacturing and quality operations. Particularly, the site houses large-scale fermentation and cell culture, blending and filling operations and packaging, along with monoclonal antibody manufacturing for Companion Animals.

     “Merck Animal Health continues to be a strong source of innovation and growth in Kansas and are a leading force in vaccine production and research in the Animal Health Corridor,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The upgrades to these facilities will lead to more advancements in animal health and reinforce the importance of supporting biotechnology companies in the state.”

     “We are excited about the opportunity to bring capital improvements, expansion in our manufacturing capacity and capabilities and advanced technology to our DeSoto facility, thereby, strengthening our footprint in the state and increasing our ability to fulfill customer demand for our portfolio of products,” said Pamela Stoops, Executive Director, DeSoto Operations, Merck Animal Health. “Our Merck Animal Health business is making great strides in building our business for the future. That means we need to ensure our place as a leader in animal health with a substantial and sustainable U.S. facility footprint, which includes investment and expansion in our key facilities. As a leader in delivering innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines to advance animal health and meet customer needs, this investment reflects our commitment in producing a range of animal health vaccines and pharmaceuticals for animal health diseases.” 

     Because of the company’s strong growth, broad product portfolio, and enhanced manufacturing capacity and capabilities, Merck Animal Health continues to explore ways in the U.S. and globally to improve existing facilities with upgraded equipment or technology, further expand its facilities with advanced technology platforms and increase capacity and capabilities in manufacturing to meet the rapidly growing demand and flexibility for its vaccine and biologic products.

     "We continually seek new ways to improve and enhance our production and manufacturing capacity at our facilities to meet the growing needs of our animal health customers,” said Scott Bormann, Senior Vice President, North America Commercial Operations, Merck Animal Health. “Our investment in DeSoto positions us for strong long-term growth and enables us to remain a valued partner to our loyal customers through reliability and responsiveness to their needs.” 

     Vaccines play an important role in protecting animal and public health. Timely and effective vaccination reduces the incidence and severity of disease, enabling efficient production of food animals. Vaccines also have had a significant impact on the health of pets, preventing serious illnesses and helping them live longer and healthier lives. The company continues to invest in expanding its manufacturing and distribution facilities in Millsboro, Delaware; Ames, Iowa; Worthington, Minnesota; and Elkhorn and Omaha, Nebraska. 

     The health and well-being of animals is the first and foremost priority of Merck Animal Health. The company strongly supports the responsible use of enhanced vaccine and pharmaceutical production platforms to improve and maintain the health of animals, as well as discovery of new tools to prevent, treat, and in some cases, even eradicate diseases. 

     For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&amp;D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

     This news release of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

     Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19);  the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

     The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593441313289.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DESOTO, Kan., June 29, 2020 – Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, today announced an investment of $100 million in facility expansion and enhancement efforts in its U.S. manufacturing site in DeSoto, Kansas. Investments to the site include a technological expansion of the vaccine production facility, which will come on line this year, plus an additional investment of $66 million that will provide for added enhancement capabilities to be realized over the coming years. The DeSoto site develops and manufactures a broad portfolio of vaccines for Swine, Cattle and Equine with key technologies in research and development, manufacturing and quality operations. Particularly, the site houses large-scale fermentation and cell culture, blending and filling operations and packaging, along with monoclonal antibody manufacturing for Companion Animals. “Merck Animal Health continues to be a strong source of innovation and growth in Kansas and are a leading force in vaccine production and research in the Animal Health Corridor,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The upgrades to these facilities will lead to more advancements in animal health and reinforce the importance of supporting biotechnology companies in the state.” “We are excited about the opportunity to bring capital improvements, expansion in our manufacturing capacity and capabilities and advanced technology to our DeSoto facility, thereby, strengthening our footprint in the state and increasing our ability to fulfill customer demand for our portfolio of products,” said Pamela Stoops, Executive Director, DeSoto Operations, Merck Animal Health. “Our Merck Animal Health business is making great strides in building our business for the future. That means we need to ensure our place as a leader in animal health with a substantial and sustainable U.S. facility footprint, which includes investment and expansion in our key facilities. As a leader in delivering innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines to advance animal health and meet customer needs, this investment reflects our commitment in producing a range of animal health vaccines and pharmaceuticals for animal health diseases.” Because of the company’s strong growth, broad product portfolio, and enhanced manufacturing capacity and capabilities, Merck Animal Health continues to explore ways in the U.S. and globally to improve existing facilities with upgraded equipment or technology, further expand its facilities with advanced technology platforms and increase capacity and capabilities in manufacturing to meet the rapidly growing demand and flexibility for its vaccine and biologic products. "We continually seek new ways to improve and enhance our production and manufacturing capacity at our facilities to meet the growing needs of our animal health customers,” said Scott Bormann, Senior Vice President, North America Commercial Operations, Merck Animal Health. “Our investment in DeSoto positions us for strong long-term growth and enables us to remain a valued partner to our loyal customers through reliability and responsiveness to their needs.” Vaccines play an important role in protecting animal and public health. Timely and effective vaccination reduces the incidence and severity of disease, enabling efficient production of food animals. Vaccines also have had a significant impact on the health of pets, preventing serious illnesses and helping them live longer and healthier lives. The company continues to invest in expanding its manufacturing and distribution facilities in Millsboro, Delaware; Ames, Iowa; Worthington, Minnesota; and Elkhorn and Omaha, Nebraska. The health and well-being of animals is the first and foremost priority of Merck Animal Health. The company strongly supports the responsible use of enhanced vaccine and pharmaceutical production platforms to improve and maintain the health of animals, as well as discovery of new tools to prevent, treat, and in some cases, even eradicate diseases. About Merck Animal Health For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&amp;D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.Forward-Looking Statement of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA This news release of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Merck Animal Health Announces $100 Million Investment in its DeSoto, Kansas, Manufacturing Operations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Denise Brodsky, Reno County Area Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters came to Hutchinson last year when her husband, Chuck Miller took the job as the executive director of the Fox Theater, but her passion for non-profit work was kindled again by this opportunity.

"When I came here to Reno County, I really was attracted and compelled to become more involved and learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters," Brodsky said. "We're really making a genuine impact on the children right here in our own community. I'm very pleased and excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization."

The need for help is greater than the supply of Bigs right now.

"Right now, here in Reno County, our goal is to reach at least 75 youth this year through our programming," Brodsky said. "Right now, we have at least 45 or more children who are just waiting, waiting for that special adult to be paired with them and to mentor them."

If you want to learn more about how to be a Big, there is an opportunity coming up soon.

"We're having our first info session which is live at CosmoWorks, which is right next door to ClayWorks on Main Street on July 23rd at noon," Brodsky said. 

They are also planning a webinar for that same time for those who may not be comfortable with going to a public event yet at that point. Seating will be limited to 20 people in person to accommodate social distancing. More information is available on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BBBSRenoCounty/">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593439238171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Denise Brodsky, Reno County Area Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters came to Hutchinson last year when her husband, Chuck Miller took the job as the executive director of the Fox Theater, but her passion for non-profit work was kindled again by this opportunity."When I came here to Reno County, I really was attracted and compelled to become more involved and learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters," Brodsky said. "We're really making a genuine impact on the children right here in our own community. I'm very pleased and excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization."The need for help is greater than the supply of Bigs right now."Right now, here in Reno County, our goal is to reach at least 75 youth this year through our programming," Brodsky said. "Right now, we have at least 45 or more children who are just waiting, waiting for that special adult to be paired with them and to mentor them."If you want to learn more about how to be a Big, there is an opportunity coming up soon."We're having our first info session which is live at CosmoWorks, which is right next door to ClayWorks on Main Street on July 23rd at noon," Brodsky said. They are also planning a webinar for that same time for those who may not be comfortable with going to a public event yet at that point. Seating will be limited to 20 people in person to accommodate social distancing. More information is available on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BBBSRenoCounty/">Facebook page</a>.

New director highlights need for mentors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Phil Kerpen with American Commitment testified before Congress recently about focusing the government's attention where the risk of COVID-19 mortality appears to be highest, in the nation's long-term care facilities.

"About 55% of all of the deaths we've seen with coronavirus nationally, excluding New York, whose numbers are not reliable, took place in the long-term care facilities," Kerpen said. "The actual risk outside of them is much lower than people generally perceive, but the risk inside is quite extraordinarily high."

The Sunflower State also has more than half of its deaths from COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.

"Kansas is basically in line with that national average," Kerpen said. "You've had 149 of your 246 coronavirus deaths among residents of long-term care facilities. You're at 57%, a couple of ticks above that."

Kerpen cited those numbers Friday. As for federal policy from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Kerpen thinks for the most part, they have done okay.

"The problem at the federal level is a failure, from a communication standpoint, to explain who is at risk and to sort of focus, to say who needs to be protected," Kerpen said. "I think that the President and the CDC and NIH and the task force and all of these people, they should make very, very clear where most of the disease burden is in all of their messaging."

For those who continue to have concerns about an inability to see their loved ones in long-term care facilities, these statistics are the reason why leadership has made some unpopular choices thus far, and why those choices may not be reversed as soon as some would hope.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346070421.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Phil Kerpen with American Commitment testified before Congress recently about focusing the government's attention where the risk of COVID-19 mortality appears to be highest, in the nation's long-term care facilities."About 55% of all of the deaths we've seen with coronavirus nationally, excluding New York, whose numbers are not reliable, took place in the long-term care facilities," Kerpen said. "The actual risk outside of them is much lower than people generally perceive, but the risk inside is quite extraordinarily high."The Sunflower State also has more than half of its deaths from COVID-19 in long-term care facilities."Kansas is basically in line with that national average," Kerpen said. "You've had 149 of your 246 coronavirus deaths among residents of long-term care facilities. You're at 57%, a couple of ticks above that."Kerpen cited those numbers Friday. As for federal policy from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Kerpen thinks for the most part, they have done okay."The problem at the federal level is a failure, from a communication standpoint, to explain who is at risk and to sort of focus, to say who needs to be protected," Kerpen said. "I think that the President and the CDC and NIH and the task force and all of these people, they should make very, very clear where most of the disease burden is in all of their messaging."For those who continue to have concerns about an inability to see their loved ones in long-term care facilities, these statistics are the reason why leadership has made some unpopular choices thus far, and why those choices may not be reversed as soon as some would hope.

Kerpen: COVID-19 risk in long term care facilities needs focus


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The American Red Cross is doing COVID-19 antibody testing on donated blood. This is not a diagnostic test.

"A diagnostic test would be one that you would be given if you had symptoms of the coronavirus," said spokesperson Jan Hale. "This antibody test is going to see if perhaps your body did build up some antibodies to the virus and you may not have even had symptoms."

Blood that is donated is tested for many diseases already before it is released into the blood supply.

"Every blood donation goes through some rigorous testing," Hale said. "This is just in addition to those tests. The Red Cross feels like this is kind of a win-win situation. We're thanking our generous donors for coming in to give and to help save a life and in return, we're saying, we know that you want additional information during these uncertain times."

It's still important that you only donate if you feel well.

"Again, this is not a diagnostic test," Hale said. "It's not going to be done at the drive. This is something that happens to your donation. That test will be administered after you have donated and when that collection unit has been sent for testing."

The best way for you to sign up for a blood drive and give them your information so they can get back with you is to use the Red Cross Blood Donor app. You can find it on your app store. The next public blood drive scheduled in Hutchinson is July 18 at the Hutchinson Mall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564513943921.jpeg" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The American Red Cross is doing COVID-19 antibody testing on donated blood. This is not a diagnostic test."A diagnostic test would be one that you would be given if you had symptoms of the coronavirus," said spokesperson Jan Hale. "This antibody test is going to see if perhaps your body did build up some antibodies to the virus and you may not have even had symptoms."Blood that is donated is tested for many diseases already before it is released into the blood supply."Every blood donation goes through some rigorous testing," Hale said. "This is just in addition to those tests. The Red Cross feels like this is kind of a win-win situation. We're thanking our generous donors for coming in to give and to help save a life and in return, we're saying, we know that you want additional information during these uncertain times."It's still important that you only donate if you feel well."Again, this is not a diagnostic test," Hale said. "It's not going to be done at the drive. This is something that happens to your donation. That test will be administered after you have donated and when that collection unit has been sent for testing."The best way for you to sign up for a blood drive and give them your information so they can get back with you is to use the Red Cross Blood Donor app. You can find it on your app store. The next public blood drive scheduled in Hutchinson is July 18 at the Hutchinson Mall.

Red Cross testing donated blood for COVID-19 antibodies

MCPHERSON COUNTY —&nbsp;McPherson County continues to have a tremendous increase in coronavirus disease case count, with twelve new cases announced over the weekend. Many of those cases are asymptomatic, meaning they do not have any signs or symptoms. A portion of these positive cases report attending gatherings at local lakes, parties, or traveling sport tournaments while contagious.

These are events both inside and outside of McPherson County. If you are notified by the Health Department of being a contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19, the health department says you MUST quarantine at home for 14 days. This means that a negative test will not return an exposed person to work/sports/daycare/etc. sooner than 14 days. If you are a contact, decide to be tested, and it comes back negative, you still have to finish your 14-day period because you may become contagious anytime during the rest of the 14 days. 

If you are being tested for COVID-19, you are considered a Person Under Investigation. A person under investigation must isolate while waiting on results. That person should isolate away from anyone in their household. If they are not able to isolate away from the household members by staying in their own room, the entire household must quarantine while awaiting results to reduce exposure. 

If a person in quarantine does not develop any COVID-19 symptoms, then they are released from quarantine at the end of 14 days. If symptoms do develop during those 14 days, the person is to contact their primary provider for further evaluation or testing. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 may be released from isolation at the direction of the Health Department when it has been 10 days since the onset of symptoms and 72 hours since symptoms have resolved. This symptom-based method of returning people to work is preferred to a testing-based method of returning people to work because tests can still remain positive long after the virus is no longer active. 

These are challenging days for groups and businesses. They are responsible for providing a safe environment for their employees and participants. They are severely affected when their employees and participants are excluded due to exposure. Much of this exposure is occurring outside of work. The best way to keep our businesses open and functional and keep our social interactions available is to maintain a 6-foot physical distance between people and wear a mask when in public when physical distancing may be difficult to maintain. 

McPherson County Health Department reports 74 total confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in McPherson County. 42 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the KDHE. 

• Positive case #63 is a symptomatic female in her teens with known exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #64 is a symptomatic male in his 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #65 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #66 is a symptomatic female in her teens with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #67 is an asymptomatic male in his teens with known exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #68 is a symptomatic male in his 60s with known exposure and is hospitalized. 

• Positive case #69 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #70 is a symptomatic male in his 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #71 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #72 is a symptomatic female under the age of 3 with known exposure and is recovering at home.

• Positive case #73 is a symptomatic male in his 30s with known exposure and is recovering at home. 

• Positive case #74 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586828341581.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —&nbsp;McPherson County continues to have a tremendous increase in coronavirus disease case count, with twelve new cases announced over the weekend. Many of those cases are asymptomatic, meaning they do not have any signs or symptoms. A portion of these positive cases report attending gatherings at local lakes, parties, or traveling sport tournaments while contagious.These are events both inside and outside of McPherson County. If you are notified by the Health Department of being a contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19, the health department says you MUST quarantine at home for 14 days. This means that a negative test will not return an exposed person to work/sports/daycare/etc. sooner than 14 days. If you are a contact, decide to be tested, and it comes back negative, you still have to finish your 14-day period because you may become contagious anytime during the rest of the 14 days. If you are being tested for COVID-19, you are considered a Person Under Investigation. A person under investigation must isolate while waiting on results. That person should isolate away from anyone in their household. If they are not able to isolate away from the household members by staying in their own room, the entire household must quarantine while awaiting results to reduce exposure. If a person in quarantine does not develop any COVID-19 symptoms, then they are released from quarantine at the end of 14 days. If symptoms do develop during those 14 days, the person is to contact their primary provider for further evaluation or testing. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 may be released from isolation at the direction of the Health Department when it has been 10 days since the onset of symptoms and 72 hours since symptoms have resolved. This symptom-based method of returning people to work is preferred to a testing-based method of returning people to work because tests can still remain positive long after the virus is no longer active. These are challenging days for groups and businesses. They are responsible for providing a safe environment for their employees and participants. They are severely affected when their employees and participants are excluded due to exposure. Much of this exposure is occurring outside of work. The best way to keep our businesses open and functional and keep our social interactions available is to maintain a 6-foot physical distance between people and wear a mask when in public when physical distancing may be difficult to maintain. McPherson County Health Department reports 74 total confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in McPherson County. 42 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the KDHE. • Positive case #63 is a symptomatic female in her teens with known exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #64 is a symptomatic male in his 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #65 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #66 is a symptomatic female in her teens with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #67 is an asymptomatic male in his teens with known exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #68 is a symptomatic male in his 60s with known exposure and is hospitalized. • Positive case #69 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #70 is a symptomatic male in his 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #71 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #72 is a symptomatic female under the age of 3 with known exposure and is recovering at home.• Positive case #73 is a symptomatic male in his 30s with known exposure and is recovering at home. • Positive case #74 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home.

McPherson County announces 12 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend


CRAWFORD COUNTY —&nbsp;Two people from Hesston were hurt in a rear-end accident in Crawford County Sunday evening.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, a 2017 Dodge pickup driven by 28-year-old Justin R. Bole of Cherokee was westbound on U.S. 400 a mile and a half west of the U.S. 69 intersection when a 2018 Chevy pickup driven by 49-year-old Ronald C. Dunlavy of Hesston slowed down due to traffic. Bole's Dodge rear-ended Dunlavy's Chevy and pushed it into the ditch, where it rolled. 

Both Ronald Dunlavy and his passenger 46-year-old Anna Dunlavy were taken to Via Christi in Pittsburg for treatment for suspected minor injuries. Bole was not hurt. All three were buckled up. 

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CRAWFORD COUNTY —&nbsp;Two people from Hesston were hurt in a rear-end accident in Crawford County Sunday evening.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, a 2017 Dodge pickup driven by 28-year-old Justin R. Bole of Cherokee was westbound on U.S. 400 a mile and a half west of the U.S. 69 intersection when a 2018 Chevy pickup driven by 49-year-old Ronald C. Dunlavy of Hesston slowed down due to traffic. Bole's Dodge rear-ended Dunlavy's Chevy and pushed it into the ditch, where it rolled. Both Ronald Dunlavy and his passenger 46-year-old Anna Dunlavy were taken to Via Christi in Pittsburg for treatment for suspected minor injuries. Bole was not hurt. All three were buckled up.

Two people from Hesston hurt in Sunday wreck in Crawford County

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A commercial real estate broker from Salina who ran for Congress 10 years ago and an eye surgeon from Finney County are trying to draw attention to themselves and distinctions from one another ahead of an August Republican primary that’s likely to decide who will win Kansas’ 1st District seat.

The two candidates with the most active campaigns, Tracey Mann, a real estate broker who was briefly lieutenant governor, and Bill Clifford, a doctor, U.S. Air Force veteran and Finney County commissioner, are both anti-abortion, pro-gun and say they plan to support President Donald Trump’s policies. So voters will be looking at other issues to differentiate the candidates who seek to replace Rep. Roger Marshall, who’s running for the U.S. Senate.

The candidate with the most votes will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. The seat seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since 1952. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican congressional districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.

The Aug. 4 primary is “Mann’s to lose,” said Patrick Miller, a University of Kansas political scientist, but he added that Clifford could make the race competitive if he “puts himself on people’s radar.”

The 1st District’s congressperson is expected to represent Kansas on the House Agriculture Committee, a post former Rep. Tim Huelskamp lost after clashes with former House Speaker John Boehner and other GOP leaders. The removal caused local farm groups to turn against Huelskamp before he was ousted in 2016 by Marshall, who gained a seat on the committee.

The state’s main farm lobby, the Kansas Farm Bureau,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Kansas-Farm-Bureau-endorses-Mann-LaTurner-Estes-for-US-House" target="_blank">endorsed</a>&nbsp;Mann last month. That endorsement is “probably the most important endorsement any (1st Congressional District) candidate can get,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University political scientist.

Other candidates on the primary ballot are Jerry Molstad, a physician’s assistant, and Michael Soetaert, who listed himself as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20191023/council-grove-man-running-for-city-offices-congress" target="_blank">reverend</a>. The Democratic candidates are Kali Barnett, an author and music teacher, and Christy Davis, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20191015/congressional-race-attracts-democrat/1" target="_blank">former nonprofit executive director</a>.

Mann has been increasing his profile in the area since his failed effort in the GOP primary for the seat in 2010, former Kansas GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold said.

“He did extremely well in that primary. He raised a lot of money, made a lot of inroads with people across the district, but ultimately, with a five-way primary, with basically five heavy-hitters, the vote split on that,” Arnold said.

Mann’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0KS01123/" target="_blank">April campaign finance reports</a>&nbsp;showed he received $548,667 in total contributions. Clifford’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0KS01198/?tab=raising" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;showed total contributions of $703,678, including $435,000 he loaned the campaign

“A lot of people would say that Tracey Mann is in a good position, but if Clifford is able to put a lot of resources in, he can make it competitive,” Beatty said. “If Clifford doesn’t do anything, I would guess Tracey Mann wins because of such high name recognition, but Clifford is already doing what he needs to be doing at this point.”

Some Republican voters have already made up their minds. Celia Beymer, a GOP activist from Kearny County, is supporting Mann, who was born and raised on a family farm. Clifford may be “talented with the knife on the eye,” Beymer said, referring to Clifford’s background as an ophthalmologist, but she doesn’t like his lack of an agricultural background.

“He’s not a farmer for crying out loud,” she said.

State Rep. Don Hineman, a Dighton Republican, and former Kansas Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican, are supporting Clifford, who removed both their cataracts.

“I just know him better and I just know his background and I’m retired Air Force also,” Morris said.

Hineman is backing Clifford partly due to his “age and experience and maturity,” but he said he still thinks Mann, if elected, would “do a great job for the Big First.”

“I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I have confidence in both candidates,” Hineman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593309075675.png" alt="Dr. Bill Clifford- photo courtesy Bill Clifford for Congress" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Bill Clifford- photo courtesy Bill Clifford for Congress</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A commercial real estate broker from Salina who ran for Congress 10 years ago and an eye surgeon from Finney County are trying to draw attention to themselves and distinctions from one another ahead of an August Republican primary that’s likely to decide who will win Kansas’ 1st District seat.The two candidates with the most active campaigns, Tracey Mann, a real estate broker who was briefly lieutenant governor, and Bill Clifford, a doctor, U.S. Air Force veteran and Finney County commissioner, are both anti-abortion, pro-gun and say they plan to support President Donald Trump’s policies. So voters will be looking at other issues to differentiate the candidates who seek to replace Rep. Roger Marshall, who’s running for the U.S. Senate.The candidate with the most votes will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. The seat seat hasn’t been won by a Democrat since 1952. It’s one of the nation’s most Republican congressional districts and has elected three congressmen who went on to become U.S. senators over the past 50 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593308868850.png" alt="The Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Bankers endorsed Tracey Mann. He served as Lt. Governor in 2018-19 for Jeff Colyer when Sam Brownback resigned to join the Trump administration." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Bankers endorsed Tracey Mann. He served as Lt. Governor in 2018-19 for Jeff Colyer when Sam Brownback resigned to join the Trump administration.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Aug. 4 primary is “Mann’s to lose,” said Patrick Miller, a University of Kansas political scientist, but he added that Clifford could make the race competitive if he “puts himself on people’s radar.”The 1st District’s congressperson is expected to represent Kansas on the House Agriculture Committee, a post former Rep. Tim Huelskamp lost after clashes with former House Speaker John Boehner and other GOP leaders. The removal caused local farm groups to turn against Huelskamp before he was ousted in 2016 by Marshall, who gained a seat on the committee.The state’s main farm lobby, the Kansas Farm Bureau,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Kansas-Farm-Bureau-endorses-Mann-LaTurner-Estes-for-US-House" target="_blank">endorsed</a>&nbsp;Mann last month. That endorsement is “probably the most important endorsement any (1st Congressional District) candidate can get,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University political scientist.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593309221867.png" alt="Democrat Kali Barnett photo courtesy Barnett for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Democrat Kali Barnett photo courtesy Barnett for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Other candidates on the primary ballot are Jerry Molstad, a physician’s assistant, and Michael Soetaert, who listed himself as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20191023/council-grove-man-running-for-city-offices-congress" target="_blank">reverend</a>. The Democratic candidates are Kali Barnett, an author and music teacher, and Christy Davis, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20191015/congressional-race-attracts-democrat/1" target="_blank">former nonprofit executive director</a>.Mann has been increasing his profile in the area since his failed effort in the GOP primary for the seat in 2010, former Kansas GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold said.“He did extremely well in that primary. He raised a lot of money, made a lot of inroads with people across the district, but ultimately, with a five-way primary, with basically five heavy-hitters, the vote split on that,” Arnold said.Mann’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0KS01123/" target="_blank">April campaign finance reports</a>&nbsp;showed he received $548,667 in total contributions. Clifford’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0KS01198/?tab=raising" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;showed total contributions of $703,678, including $435,000 he loaned the campaign“A lot of people would say that Tracey Mann is in a good position, but if Clifford is able to put a lot of resources in, he can make it competitive,” Beatty said. “If Clifford doesn’t do anything, I would guess Tracey Mann wins because of such high name recognition, but Clifford is already doing what he needs to be doing at this point.”Some Republican voters have already made up their minds. Celia Beymer, a GOP activist from Kearny County, is supporting Mann, who was born and raised on a family farm. Clifford may be “talented with the knife on the eye,” Beymer said, referring to Clifford’s background as an ophthalmologist, but she doesn’t like his lack of an agricultural background.“He’s not a farmer for crying out loud,” she said.State Rep. Don Hineman, a Dighton Republican, and former Kansas Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican, are supporting Clifford, who removed both their cataracts.“I just know him better and I just know his background and I’m retired Air Force also,” Morris said.Hineman is backing Clifford partly due to his “age and experience and maturity,” but he said he still thinks Mann, if elected, would “do a great job for the Big First.”“I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I have confidence in both candidates,” Hineman said.___

Farm issues key in Kansas Republican congressional race


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Federal disaster funding takes a while to get to the states, counties and townships that need it, even after the damage threshold is met and a disaster is declared.

"You send in all your paperwork saying, yes, I do want this funding or I do need this reimbursement and you show your expenses," said Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar. "From there, they'll assign a program delivery manager to you to go through all of your damages, all your reimbursements you are requesting and say those are applicable or not applicable. It goes to the state for approval and then it goes to the federal goverment for approval."

The money then flows back down from the federal government to the states and then to either the counties or townships depending on how the specific disaster is structured.

"For an event that doesn't have a whole bunch of counties tied to it, we usually tell people funding is about a year out, maybe a year and a half," Weishaar said. "That would be for an event such as a fire or a tornado where its just one county, you've got your program delivery manager assigned and the state is really not inundated."

When the state is overwhelmed with requests, which happens in large events, it can take years to get that money.

"For something such as flooding that was widespread all the way across the state, we still haven't seen money from 2018 that the county had damages from," Weishaar said. "We've gotten with the program delivery manager and everything else. We have all our paperwork submitted. At this point, we're just waiting on the state and federal government to work their processes. For the large events, I'm going to say, on a good day, maybe two years, it could be as long as three years. Then, once you throw COVID into the mix, really everyone in the U.S. is going to be asking for this funding, I think it's going to be quite some time before we see any sort of reimbursement."

Weishaar is not concerned at this point that the money won't be there, just that it will take a really long time to get it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560133940225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Federal disaster funding takes a while to get to the states, counties and townships that need it, even after the damage threshold is met and a disaster is declared."You send in all your paperwork saying, yes, I do want this funding or I do need this reimbursement and you show your expenses," said Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar. "From there, they'll assign a program delivery manager to you to go through all of your damages, all your reimbursements you are requesting and say those are applicable or not applicable. It goes to the state for approval and then it goes to the federal goverment for approval."The money then flows back down from the federal government to the states and then to either the counties or townships depending on how the specific disaster is structured."For an event that doesn't have a whole bunch of counties tied to it, we usually tell people funding is about a year out, maybe a year and a half," Weishaar said. "That would be for an event such as a fire or a tornado where its just one county, you've got your program delivery manager assigned and the state is really not inundated."When the state is overwhelmed with requests, which happens in large events, it can take years to get that money."For something such as flooding that was widespread all the way across the state, we still haven't seen money from 2018 that the county had damages from," Weishaar said. "We've gotten with the program delivery manager and everything else. We have all our paperwork submitted. At this point, we're just waiting on the state and federal government to work their processes. For the large events, I'm going to say, on a good day, maybe two years, it could be as long as three years. Then, once you throw COVID into the mix, really everyone in the U.S. is going to be asking for this funding, I think it's going to be quite some time before we see any sort of reimbursement."Weishaar is not concerned at this point that the money won't be there, just that it will take a really long time to get it.

Federal disaster aid  delivery is lengthy process


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sgt. Travis Lahann with the Hutchinson Police Department has some advice for the new drivers learning behind the wheel this summer.

"Obviously, be aware of your surroundings," Lahann said. "Try and forecast, if you can, what other drivers around you might be doing. I know sometimes that's hard and its something that you acquire with experience, but just trying to predict or be aware of those immediately around you and obviously all the traffic laws, your speed, turn signals, all that stuff is really important."

Maybe one of the most important things to learn at any age is to keep your focus on the road.

"The other most important thing for new drivers, especially teenagers is just distracted driving, making sure they don't have that cellphone in their hand or aren't distracted by passengers they might have in the car while they are still learning how to drive," Lahann said.

Stopping a vehicle on suspicion of texting and driving has some telltale signs.

"A lot of times you'll see a car that, it catches your attention because it might look like a drunk driver," Lahann said. "They might be swerving in their lane a little bit, they might be drifting off to the side and that's because they're not even looking at the road. They're looking at their cell phone. If you're stopped at a light, or if you're behind a vehicle and they are clearly staring at something in their hand and it's pretty obvious that they may be sitting through a green light or failing to recognize what's around them, that might be something that the officer might use to initiate a traffic stop."

It is still a violation of statute to text on the roadway, even if stopped at a red light.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582822413263.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sgt. Travis Lahann with the Hutchinson Police Department has some advice for the new drivers learning behind the wheel this summer."Obviously, be aware of your surroundings," Lahann said. "Try and forecast, if you can, what other drivers around you might be doing. I know sometimes that's hard and its something that you acquire with experience, but just trying to predict or be aware of those immediately around you and obviously all the traffic laws, your speed, turn signals, all that stuff is really important."Maybe one of the most important things to learn at any age is to keep your focus on the road."The other most important thing for new drivers, especially teenagers is just distracted driving, making sure they don't have that cellphone in their hand or aren't distracted by passengers they might have in the car while they are still learning how to drive," Lahann said.Stopping a vehicle on suspicion of texting and driving has some telltale signs."A lot of times you'll see a car that, it catches your attention because it might look like a drunk driver," Lahann said. "They might be swerving in their lane a little bit, they might be drifting off to the side and that's because they're not even looking at the road. They're looking at their cell phone. If you're stopped at a light, or if you're behind a vehicle and they are clearly staring at something in their hand and it's pretty obvious that they may be sitting through a green light or failing to recognize what's around them, that might be something that the officer might use to initiate a traffic stop."It is still a violation of statute to text on the roadway, even if stopped at a red light.

Hutch PD sergeant gives advice for young drivers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use West 4th Avenue can expect to see road work at the K-96 interchange on the west side of Hutchinson later in July.

KDOT will be replacing the on- and off-ramps on K-96 starting July 20. Access to K-96 will be closed at 4th along with all through traffic on 4th. K-96 will remain open during the work.

The project is expected to be completed by the start of the school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591291979368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Motorists who use West 4th Avenue can expect to see road work at the K-96 interchange on the west side of Hutchinson later in July.KDOT will be replacing the on- and off-ramps on K-96 starting July 20. Access to K-96 will be closed at 4th along with all through traffic on 4th. K-96 will remain open during the work.The project is expected to be completed by the start of the school year.

4th Avenue K-96 interchange closed starting July 20

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents can buy and shoot off fireworks in the area starting Tuesday, June 30.

There will be plenty of places to purchase fireworks again this year. In Hutchinson, five fireworks stands will be open. Fireworks can be discharged between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. Fireworks regulations in the county and in Hutchinson allow only fireworks that travel less than six feet in the air. Permits for fireworks stands are $2,500 and the funds go to the annual fireworks show at the fairgrounds.

In South Hutchinson, there are seven fireworks stands open this year and, like Hutchinson, can be shot off from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. through July 4.&nbsp;

Unlike the county and the city of Hutchinson, all fireworks that are legal in Kansas may be discharged in South Hutchinson. Permits for fireworks stands in South Hutchinson are also $2,500 with the money going into the general fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592962080634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents can buy and shoot off fireworks in the area starting Tuesday, June 30.There will be plenty of places to purchase fireworks again this year. In Hutchinson, five fireworks stands will be open. Fireworks can be discharged between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. Fireworks regulations in the county and in Hutchinson allow only fireworks that travel less than six feet in the air. Permits for fireworks stands are $2,500 and the funds go to the annual fireworks show at the fairgrounds.In South Hutchinson, there are seven fireworks stands open this year and, like Hutchinson, can be shot off from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. through July 4.&nbsp;Unlike the county and the city of Hutchinson, all fireworks that are legal in Kansas may be discharged in South Hutchinson. Permits for fireworks stands in South Hutchinson are also $2,500 with the money going into the general fund.

Fireworks go on sale Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In responding to COVID-19, the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to provide teens with a summer day camp focused on workforce readiness.&nbsp;

The program is called "The Mine" and it’s housed in the former Red Cross office adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce offices. The area has been vacant since late 2014. As the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs worked carefully to plan its summer programs amidst changing requirements on group gathering sizes, it appeared unlikely the club would be able to serve teens during the day this summer. Skip Wilson, chief professional officer of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, approached the Chamber about working together on the program that helps teens find a possible career path.

The two agencies worked together to ready the site in time for its opening date on June 15. Walls were repainted in vibrant club colors. The club brought in recreation activities and comfortable furniture. The Chamber donated conference tables and chairs. The club says 35 teens are engaging in hands-on career learning and participating in recreational activities.&nbsp;

The daily teen program at The Mine focuses on employability skills, career exploration and personal branding. Career lessons are complemented with trips into local businesses to meet business professionals and see career opportunities firsthand. The club hopes its program at The Mine will spark occupational interest for local teens while giving them a productive, fun and safe place to spend their summer.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593199009830.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In responding to COVID-19, the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to provide teens with a summer day camp focused on workforce readiness.&nbsp;The program is called "The Mine" and it’s housed in the former Red Cross office adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce offices. The area has been vacant since late 2014. As the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs worked carefully to plan its summer programs amidst changing requirements on group gathering sizes, it appeared unlikely the club would be able to serve teens during the day this summer. Skip Wilson, chief professional officer of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, approached the Chamber about working together on the program that helps teens find a possible career path.The two agencies worked together to ready the site in time for its opening date on June 15. Walls were repainted in vibrant club colors. The club brought in recreation activities and comfortable furniture. The Chamber donated conference tables and chairs. The club says 35 teens are engaging in hands-on career learning and participating in recreational activities.&nbsp;The daily teen program at The Mine focuses on employability skills, career exploration and personal branding. Career lessons are complemented with trips into local businesses to meet business professionals and see career opportunities firsthand. The club hopes its program at The Mine will spark occupational interest for local teens while giving them a productive, fun and safe place to spend their summer.&nbsp;

Boys & Girls Club opens teen career center


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson man was arrested on multiple drug charges after a search warrant was executed Friday just before 6 p.m.

Hutchinson Police say 51-year-old Randall J. Sipes was arrested for possession of Heroin with intent to distribute, possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. 

Seized in the arrest were 44 balloons with each balloon containing .5 grams black tar heroin, 14 Oxycodone 30 mg pills, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Hutchinson man was arrested on multiple drug charges after a search warrant was executed Friday just before 6 p.m.Hutchinson Police say 51-year-old Randall J. Sipes was arrested for possession of Heroin with intent to distribute, possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. Seized in the arrest were 44 balloons with each balloon containing .5 grams black tar heroin, 14 Oxycodone 30 mg pills, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Hutchinson Police seize drugs Friday, make arrest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the last County Commission meeting, Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar announced that a supply of free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was being sent to Reno County from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.&nbsp;

The supply would allow all infrastructure, businesses, venues, events, faith-based groups, restaurants and schools to submit an application to help fill the gap of necessary PPE in order to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.

Entities that would like to request PPE from this inventory will need to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139">www.renogov.org</a>&nbsp;to access the form. Instructions for where to email the completed request form are located at the bottom.&nbsp;

Once the form is received, you will be notified of a pick-up date and time along with additional instructions for when you arrive. The Reno County Health Department says it will do its best to fill the requests with the supply on hand.&nbsp;

All requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589552778361.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the last County Commission meeting, Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar announced that a supply of free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was being sent to Reno County from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.&nbsp;The supply would allow all infrastructure, businesses, venues, events, faith-based groups, restaurants and schools to submit an application to help fill the gap of necessary PPE in order to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.Entities that would like to request PPE from this inventory will need to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139">www.renogov.org</a>&nbsp;to access the form. Instructions for where to email the completed request form are located at the bottom.&nbsp;Once the form is received, you will be notified of a pick-up date and time along with additional instructions for when you arrive. The Reno County Health Department says it will do its best to fill the requests with the supply on hand.&nbsp;All requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

PPE applications can be filled out online

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson woman who was arrested for drug distribution in January waived her right to a preliminary hearing and entered guilty pleas to six different counts Friday morning.

Forty-six-year-old Jennie Wallace entered the guilty plea to possession of meth with intent to sell, conspiracy and two additional counts of possession of meth with intent to distribute. She was also convicted of aggravated child endangerment. A count of possession of heroin was dismissed.

As part of the plea deal, the state will recommend concurrent sentences. The most serious charges could mean a prison sentence of 11 to 17 years. The defense will get to ask for less time for Wallace at sentencing, which is set for July 10.

Along with this conviction, Wallace may face federal charges stemming from a package that was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service. The package, addressed to Wallace, contained six pounds of meth.&nbsp;

The package was intercepted in Wichita after authorities were alerted to it by a K-9 unit.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson woman who was arrested for drug distribution in January waived her right to a preliminary hearing and entered guilty pleas to six different counts Friday morning.Forty-six-year-old Jennie Wallace entered the guilty plea to possession of meth with intent to sell, conspiracy and two additional counts of possession of meth with intent to distribute. She was also convicted of aggravated child endangerment. A count of possession of heroin was dismissed.As part of the plea deal, the state will recommend concurrent sentences. The most serious charges could mean a prison sentence of 11 to 17 years. The defense will get to ask for less time for Wallace at sentencing, which is set for July 10.Along with this conviction, Wallace may face federal charges stemming from a package that was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service. The package, addressed to Wallace, contained six pounds of meth.&nbsp;The package was intercepted in Wichita after authorities were alerted to it by a K-9 unit.

Hutchinson woman enters plea in drug distribution case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and Alan Samuels will hold a special fundraiser on Saturday. The club will be holding a car wash at the dealership at 30th and Lorraine from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.&nbsp;

The suggested donation for a car wash is&nbsp; $10. Allen Samuels will also donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Club for each test drive that day and $25 for each car sold.&nbsp;

All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club to pay for their many programs for area youth.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and Alan Samuels will hold a special fundraiser on Saturday. The club will be holding a car wash at the dealership at 30th and Lorraine from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.&nbsp;The suggested donation for a car wash is&nbsp; $10. Allen Samuels will also donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Club for each test drive that day and $25 for each car sold.&nbsp;All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club to pay for their many programs for area youth.

Boys and Girls Club car wash on Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Low-income Kansas seniors may be eligible for a program that provides checks to purchase fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables and honey at farmers’ markets in Reno County.

The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is providing low-income seniors who meet age and income requirements with $35 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets through November 1, 2020. Checks are available in $5 increments.

To be eligible to receive KSFMNP checks, a senior must be 60 years old or older on the day the money is issued and have an annual gross household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $23,606, or a monthly gross income at or below $1,968.&nbsp;

Due to COVID 19, the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program application process in Reno County will be conducted by telephone only – no walk-ins.&nbsp; The application period begins on July 14. Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.&nbsp;

To apply, Seniors may call 620-694–2911 beginning July 14, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589540751814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Low-income Kansas seniors may be eligible for a program that provides checks to purchase fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables and honey at farmers’ markets in Reno County.The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is providing low-income seniors who meet age and income requirements with $35 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets through November 1, 2020. Checks are available in $5 increments.To be eligible to receive KSFMNP checks, a senior must be 60 years old or older on the day the money is issued and have an annual gross household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $23,606, or a monthly gross income at or below $1,968.&nbsp;Due to COVID 19, the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program application process in Reno County will be conducted by telephone only – no walk-ins.&nbsp; The application period begins on July 14. Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.&nbsp;To apply, Seniors may call 620-694–2911 beginning July 14, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program now available

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/yhb92-e13534?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A prospective Eagle Scout is holding a blood drive this weekend in Hutchinson.

"This blood drive is because my very first Eagle project that I was a part of was an actual blood drive," said Blake Luman. "Therefore, it was the first thing I thought of when I came to do mine."

His blood drive is at First Congregational Church on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all of the appointments except for one were booked when we talked to him this week.

"I just turned 17 and I have already donated twice," Luman said. 

The need for blood never goes away, because blood is a perishable item.

"Right now, the American Red Cross is short on blood," Luman said. "This is just a little contribution that I can do. I have about 56 appointments. They need blood every two to three seconds and they're running low. I think this is a very important cause."

A person can donate blood once every 56 days, or give a power red (double red blood cell) donation every 112 days.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A prospective Eagle Scout is holding a blood drive this weekend in Hutchinson."This blood drive is because my very first Eagle project that I was a part of was an actual blood drive," said Blake Luman. "Therefore, it was the first thing I thought of when I came to do mine."His blood drive is at First Congregational Church on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all of the appointments except for one were booked when we talked to him this week."I just turned 17 and I have already donated twice," Luman said. The need for blood never goes away, because blood is a perishable item."Right now, the American Red Cross is short on blood," Luman said. "This is just a little contribution that I can do. I have about 56 appointments. They need blood every two to three seconds and they're running low. I think this is a very important cause."A person can donate blood once every 56 days, or give a power red (double red blood cell) donation every 112 days.

Weekend blood drive is Eagle Scout project


RENO COUNTY — 
A Friday morning head-on accident on Yoder Road sent two people to the hospital. 

Evidence suggests that a silver Chevrolet Malibu driven by 44-year-old Ivanhoe Love III crossed the center line while traveling north on Yoder Road just after 6:15 a.m. The Malibu struck a south bound black Toyota Tacoma, driven by 60-year-old James Barrett of Hutchinson. Both men were taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. 

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RENO COUNTY — 
A Friday morning head-on accident on Yoder Road sent two people to the hospital. Evidence suggests that a silver Chevrolet Malibu driven by 44-year-old Ivanhoe Love III crossed the center line while traveling north on Yoder Road just after 6:15 a.m. The Malibu struck a south bound black Toyota Tacoma, driven by 60-year-old James Barrett of Hutchinson. Both men were taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The accident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed the accident and hasn't talked to law enforcement, call 620-694-2735.

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