
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Waldron Place in Hutchinson, KS, assisted living by Americare, updated its COVID-19 testing status on Thursday.

Waldron Place and the Arbors completed whole-house employee and resident testing for COVID-19 on Saturday, June 20 after learning that an employee tested positive for the virus. Results were expected earlier this week, but the laboratory the county used to process the tests is experiencing a backlog of cases. The original 72-hour turnaround time was not met.

To date, two employee test results have been received and both were negative for the virus. As of Thursday’s wellness checks there are no employees or residents exhibiting signs or symptoms.

In accordance with the facility's pandemic guidelines, all residents were placed on in-room quarantine after learning of the employee positive test. All residents have been receiving daily wellness checks since March 13 and are now being checked every 4 hours during waking hours for symptoms.

When results for all tests are received, they will be reported to state and local health departments, and all residents, employees and resident family members are being kept up to date. A media statement will be sent to local media upon receipt of results as well.

For more information on how Americare facilities are addressing the coronavirus pandemic please visit our website at <a href="https://www.americareusa.net/coronavirus">https://www.americareusa.net/coronavirus</a>.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Waldron Place in Hutchinson, KS, assisted living by Americare, updated its COVID-19 testing status on Thursday.Waldron Place and the Arbors completed whole-house employee and resident testing for COVID-19 on Saturday, June 20 after learning that an employee tested positive for the virus. Results were expected earlier this week, but the laboratory the county used to process the tests is experiencing a backlog of cases. The original 72-hour turnaround time was not met.To date, two employee test results have been received and both were negative for the virus. As of Thursday’s wellness checks there are no employees or residents exhibiting signs or symptoms.In accordance with the facility's pandemic guidelines, all residents were placed on in-room quarantine after learning of the employee positive test. All residents have been receiving daily wellness checks since March 13 and are now being checked every 4 hours during waking hours for symptoms.When results for all tests are received, they will be reported to state and local health departments, and all residents, employees and resident family members are being kept up to date. A media statement will be sent to local media upon receipt of results as well.For more information on how Americare facilities are addressing the coronavirus pandemic please visit our website at <a href="https://www.americareusa.net/coronavirus">https://www.americareusa.net/coronavirus</a>.

Waldron Place in Hutchinson updates testing for COVID-19


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the fiscal year Thursday evening.

The Board approved the renewal of the College’s property and workers compensation insurance for the coming year and conducted several items of routine business including approval of the final bills to be paid for the 2019-20 fiscal year.

In addition, the Board approved the refinancing of the College’s 2012 Dormitory Certificates of Participation issued in conjunction with the renovation of the residence halls. By taking advantage of the current interest rate environment, the College will be able to reduce the term of the bonds by two years while saving $455,469.58.

The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, July 16. The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the fiscal year Thursday evening.The Board approved the renewal of the College’s property and workers compensation insurance for the coming year and conducted several items of routine business including approval of the final bills to be paid for the 2019-20 fiscal year.In addition, the Board approved the refinancing of the College’s 2012 Dormitory Certificates of Participation issued in conjunction with the renovation of the residence halls. By taking advantage of the current interest rate environment, the College will be able to reduce the term of the bonds by two years while saving $455,469.58.The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, July 16. The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

Hutch CC BOT finishes up fiscal year

Hutchinson Police have a third K-9 officer. 

According to a Facebook post Thursday from the department, Harper is a Malinois, like his co-worker Nika. An anonymous donor family gave so Harper could come from Cause for Paws and join the force. Harper will work with Officer Gibson. 

The duo will have an Instagram account at @hpdk9harper.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593166098798.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Police have a third K-9 officer. According to a Facebook post Thursday from the department, Harper is a Malinois, like his co-worker Nika. An anonymous donor family gave so Harper could come from Cause for Paws and join the force. Harper will work with Officer Gibson. The duo will have an Instagram account at @hpdk9harper.

Third K-9 officer coming to Hutchinson Police

MARION COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Brendan Jay Reimer, 52, Hillsboro, was turning eastbound from Ash Street onto D Street in Hillsboro.

A child identified as 13-year-old A Trevor Dayton Adams Wullenweber of Milford&nbsp; was on a bicycle on the sidewalk. The bicycle traveled southbound into the intersection and struck the semi.

Wullenweber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Jost Funeral Home.&nbsp;

Reimer was not injured and not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MARION COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Peterbilt semi driven by Brendan Jay Reimer, 52, Hillsboro, was turning eastbound from Ash Street onto D Street in Hillsboro.A child identified as 13-year-old A Trevor Dayton Adams Wullenweber of Milford&nbsp; was on a bicycle on the sidewalk. The bicycle traveled southbound into the intersection and struck the semi.Wullenweber was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Jost Funeral Home.&nbsp;Reimer was not injured and not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

13-year-old Kansas boy dies after bicycle crash into semi 

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

NEWTON Kan. — The number of COVID-19 cases in Harvey County continues to rise. Four new cases of coronavirus were revealed on Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases in the county to 16.

A female in her 20s, a female in her 30s, and a female in her 50s along with a male in his 20s are the four new cases. All are in home isolation and all were tested by a private lab.

The Health Department is strongly encouraging people to wash their hands frequently and practice good hygiene and social distancing.

Harvey County has had 32 cases of COVID-19 to date.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON Kan. — The number of COVID-19 cases in Harvey County continues to rise. Four new cases of coronavirus were revealed on Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases in the county to 16.A female in her 20s, a female in her 30s, and a female in her 50s along with a male in his 20s are the four new cases. All are in home isolation and all were tested by a private lab.The Health Department is strongly encouraging people to wash their hands frequently and practice good hygiene and social distancing.Harvey County has had 32 cases of COVID-19 to date.

COVID-19 cases in Harvey County increase by four

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While the city of Hutchinson recently approved 11 applications for financial assistance through the CDBG-CV grants, Reno County is getting little response for their share of the funds.&nbsp;

The city recently handed out $90,000 from the $132,000 grant. After administrative costs, they still have about $30,000 left.&nbsp;

But so far only two businesses have applied for the grant through the county which also has $132,000 to offer.

County Administrator Randy Partington says he’s not sure why there has been such little response other than the word may not be getting out. The deadline to apply for the funds is July 2 although Partington says they may extend that deadline.&nbsp;

The grants are for small businesses with 50 employees or less providing that at least half of those workers are at the low to mid-income level.

Information on the grant and an application can be found on <a href="http://renogov.org">renogov.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694206872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While the city of Hutchinson recently approved 11 applications for financial assistance through the CDBG-CV grants, Reno County is getting little response for their share of the funds.&nbsp;The city recently handed out $90,000 from the $132,000 grant. After administrative costs, they still have about $30,000 left.&nbsp;But so far only two businesses have applied for the grant through the county which also has $132,000 to offer.County Administrator Randy Partington says he’s not sure why there has been such little response other than the word may not be getting out. The deadline to apply for the funds is July 2 although Partington says they may extend that deadline.&nbsp;The grants are for small businesses with 50 employees or less providing that at least half of those workers are at the low to mid-income level.Information on the grant and an application can be found on <a href="http://renogov.org">renogov.org</a>.

Few applications for grant funds coming into county

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson woman who was arrested for drug distribution in January is back in court Thursday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.

Forty-six-year-old&nbsp; Jennie Wallace is charged with possession of meth with intent to distribute and aggravated child endangerment.&nbsp; Wallace may face federal charges. Her arrest came after police searched her home and discovered five pounds of methamphetamine inside.&nbsp;

Wallace may also face federal charges stemming from a package that was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service. That package was addressed to Wallace and came from North Las Vegas, Nevada. The package contained six pounds of methamphetamine. The package was intercepted in Wichita when authorities were alerted to it by a K-9 unit.&nbsp;

The hearing is set for 3:30 in front of Judge Daniel Gilligan.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson woman who was arrested for drug distribution in January is back in court Thursday afternoon for a preliminary hearing.Forty-six-year-old&nbsp; Jennie Wallace is charged with possession of meth with intent to distribute and aggravated child endangerment.&nbsp; Wallace may face federal charges. Her arrest came after police searched her home and discovered five pounds of methamphetamine inside.&nbsp;Wallace may also face federal charges stemming from a package that was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Service. That package was addressed to Wallace and came from North Las Vegas, Nevada. The package contained six pounds of methamphetamine. The package was intercepted in Wichita when authorities were alerted to it by a K-9 unit.&nbsp;The hearing is set for 3:30 in front of Judge Daniel Gilligan.

Hearing set for Hutchinson woman in drug distribution case


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are continuing their traditional summer rise.

"In the past week, we've gone up four cents a gallon," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We're at $1.94, pretty much the same story with the national gas price. It went up six cents a gallon in the past week to $2.17 a gallon."

Compared to this time last year, we are still over 50 cents lower.

"Gasoline demand actually saw a small week over week decline this past week, although we've been seeing a general upward trend recently," Steward said. "Gas demand continues to be significantly lower, about 21% less, compared to one year ago."

Reno County is about at the state average for prices.

"Reno County is about a cent less than the Kansas average," Steward said. "Reno County is at $1.93. Hutchinson, it looks like many of the stations are around the $1.95 area."

Gas prices are up 27 cents a gallon over a month ago in Kansas.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are continuing their traditional summer rise."In the past week, we've gone up four cents a gallon," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We're at $1.94, pretty much the same story with the national gas price. It went up six cents a gallon in the past week to $2.17 a gallon."Compared to this time last year, we are still over 50 cents lower."Gasoline demand actually saw a small week over week decline this past week, although we've been seeing a general upward trend recently," Steward said. "Gas demand continues to be significantly lower, about 21% less, compared to one year ago."Reno County is about at the state average for prices."Reno County is about a cent less than the Kansas average," Steward said. "Reno County is at $1.93. Hutchinson, it looks like many of the stations are around the $1.95 area."Gas prices are up 27 cents a gallon over a month ago in Kansas.

Still much lower than last year, but gas prices going up


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Volunteering looks different in a pandemic.

"We recruit volunteers for non-profit and governmental organizations," said Leah Chandler with The Volunteer Center. "75% to 80% of those organizations have closed during the pandemic or have had to make major adjustments. That has left a lot of our volunteers without jobs at the moment, but they're starting to slowly reopen."

With people doing more work from home, Chandler isn't sure how much volunteering will be able to be done in that fashion.

"That's really up to the individual organizations and whether they can restructure some of the things they need volunteer assistance with to accommodate that," Chandler said. "I really don't have a good answer."

Even though some of the jobs aren't available now, Chandler will always be looking for those willing to donate their time.

"We keep a database of opportunities that are available," Chandler said. "We'll never have that completed. It will never be full. Right now, we have not seen very many new volunteers in the last few months. People still just aren't getting out and doing the extra stuff that they normally would."

Chandler said the effect on volunteering would be long-lasting, but she is optimistic that when people feel safe, they will volunteer again.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Volunteering looks different in a pandemic."We recruit volunteers for non-profit and governmental organizations," said Leah Chandler with The Volunteer Center. "75% to 80% of those organizations have closed during the pandemic or have had to make major adjustments. That has left a lot of our volunteers without jobs at the moment, but they're starting to slowly reopen."With people doing more work from home, Chandler isn't sure how much volunteering will be able to be done in that fashion."That's really up to the individual organizations and whether they can restructure some of the things they need volunteer assistance with to accommodate that," Chandler said. "I really don't have a good answer."Even though some of the jobs aren't available now, Chandler will always be looking for those willing to donate their time."We keep a database of opportunities that are available," Chandler said. "We'll never have that completed. It will never be full. Right now, we have not seen very many new volunteers in the last few months. People still just aren't getting out and doing the extra stuff that they normally would."Chandler said the effect on volunteering would be long-lasting, but she is optimistic that when people feel safe, they will volunteer again.

Volunteering difficult but still needed, even with pandemic

KINGMAN,
Kan. —&nbsp;Two teenagers were involved in an accident north of Kingman Wednesday night.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, a 2008 Chrysler 300 driven by 19-year-old Samuel B. Livingston was southbound on North Main Street near the intersection of Kansas Avenue on the north edge of Kingman when it struck 16-year-old Megan G. Hensley of Kingman, a pedestrian.

Livingston complained of pain, but was not transported. Hensley was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of her injuries. They were suspected to be minor.

<figure>
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 </figure>KINGMAN,
Kan. —&nbsp;Two teenagers were involved in an accident north of Kingman Wednesday night.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, just after 9 p.m. Wednesday, a 2008 Chrysler 300 driven by 19-year-old Samuel B. Livingston was southbound on North Main Street near the intersection of Kansas Avenue on the north edge of Kingman when it struck 16-year-old Megan G. Hensley of Kingman, a pedestrian.Livingston complained of pain, but was not transported. Hensley was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of her injuries. They were suspected to be minor.

Kingman accident sends one to hospital Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many expected the sales tax revenue in the county to take a serious downturn in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

June sales tax revenue not only held its ground in Reno County, it jumped by more than $54,000 from the previous year.&nbsp;

June sales tax revenue for Reno County totaled $395,498. Its the highest June sales tax total for the county in at least six years and is more than $12,000 higher than last month. Sales tax totals for June represent shopping for the month of April. It’s the second-highest total for 2020 with only the month of February higher.

It is unexpected good news as the budget process for area governments approaches. Still, the numbers are expected to be lower in July and August which will reflect shopping for the months of&nbsp; May and June.

To date, the county has taken in $2,247,000 in sales tax revenue.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many expected the sales tax revenue in the county to take a serious downturn in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;June sales tax revenue not only held its ground in Reno County, it jumped by more than $54,000 from the previous year.&nbsp;June sales tax revenue for Reno County totaled $395,498. Its the highest June sales tax total for the county in at least six years and is more than $12,000 higher than last month. Sales tax totals for June represent shopping for the month of April. It’s the second-highest total for 2020 with only the month of February higher.It is unexpected good news as the budget process for area governments approaches. Still, the numbers are expected to be lower in July and August which will reflect shopping for the months of&nbsp; May and June.To date, the county has taken in $2,247,000 in sales tax revenue.

June sales tax revenue surges upward from previous year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The StartUp Hutch business incubator announced the networking event Entrepreneurship Connections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The agency says the event will provide entrepreneurs the chance to mingle with other startup owners and entrepreneurs in the community. Entrepreneurship Connections will take place on Monday, July 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sandhills Brewing in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The event is free to attend and will have activities to encourage discussion and interaction among entrepreneurs. It will also include a raffle and a free drink ticket for all attendees.&nbsp;

For more information about the event, visit the StartUp Hutch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/625117385026796">Facebook page</a>. To register for the event, visit the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurship-connections-tickets-110132088040">Eventbrite page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593029653572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The StartUp Hutch business incubator announced the networking event Entrepreneurship Connections.&nbsp;&nbsp;The agency says the event will provide entrepreneurs the chance to mingle with other startup owners and entrepreneurs in the community. Entrepreneurship Connections will take place on Monday, July 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sandhills Brewing in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The event is free to attend and will have activities to encourage discussion and interaction among entrepreneurs. It will also include a raffle and a free drink ticket for all attendees.&nbsp;For more information about the event, visit the StartUp Hutch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/625117385026796">Facebook page</a>. To register for the event, visit the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurship-connections-tickets-110132088040">Eventbrite page</a>.

StartUp Hutch to host get-together

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first of two days of budget meetings is set for Thursday for the Reno County Commission. All of the department heads will be before the commission Thursday and Friday as the county tries to hammer out the 2021 numbers.

Commissioners will meet with County Administrator Randy Partington along with the sheriff’s department, the health department, information service, human and youth services, the department of aging and Rcat, and district court Thursday. The rest of the department heads will meet with commissioners on Friday.

The county is looking to cut as much as $2 million from the budget for next year as tax revenues are expected to be down because of the pandemic.

Thursday’s meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run through the noon hour at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576875802998.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first of two days of budget meetings is set for Thursday for the Reno County Commission. All of the department heads will be before the commission Thursday and Friday as the county tries to hammer out the 2021 numbers.Commissioners will meet with County Administrator Randy Partington along with the sheriff’s department, the health department, information service, human and youth services, the department of aging and Rcat, and district court Thursday. The rest of the department heads will meet with commissioners on Friday.The county is looking to cut as much as $2 million from the budget for next year as tax revenues are expected to be down because of the pandemic.Thursday’s meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run through the noon hour at the Reno County Courthouse.

County budget sessions kick off Thursday

NEWTON,
Kan. —The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:

· A female in her 40s. She is hospitalized. This case remains under investigation.

· A female in her 40s. She is in home isolation. This case remains under investigation.

· A female in her 20s. She is in home isolation. 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, and is now isolating at home. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.

One individual – the female in her 20s – is an employee of Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Her position does not have direct contact with residents or care staff of the long-term care facility. However, the Health Department will continue to work in conjunction with Kansas Christian Home to determine if additional testing of individuals is needed.

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.

“We recognize there may be worry of community spread or a cluster of cases. Our current information does not lead us to that conclusion at this time, but we will continue to monitor,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “Multiple recent cases include known transmission through family households. We’ll emphasize again that the precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not just for you, but for your loved ones, as well.”

Harvey County has had 28 COVID-19 cases to date, including 24 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 12 known active cases in Harvey County. Two individuals are hospitalized.

There have been 1,355 tests conducted in Harvey County.

As of Monday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 12,465 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 154,770 completed tests in Kansas.

<figure>
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 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. —The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:· A female in her 40s. She is hospitalized. This case remains under investigation.· A female in her 40s. She is in home isolation. This case remains under investigation.· A female in her 20s. She is in home isolation. 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, and is now isolating at home. He is a close contact in the family unit of a known active case.One individual – the female in her 20s – is an employee of Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Her position does not have direct contact with residents or care staff of the long-term care facility. However, the Health Department will continue to work in conjunction with Kansas Christian Home to determine if additional testing of individuals is needed.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.“We recognize there may be worry of community spread or a cluster of cases. Our current information does not lead us to that conclusion at this time, but we will continue to monitor,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “Multiple recent cases include known transmission through family households. We’ll emphasize again that the precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not just for you, but for your loved ones, as well.”Harvey County has had 28 COVID-19 cases to date, including 24 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 12 known active cases in Harvey County. Two individuals are hospitalized.There have been 1,355 tests conducted in Harvey County.As of Monday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 12,465 cases of COVID-19 in the state to date. The KDHE reported 154,770 completed tests in Kansas.

New cases in Harvey County include an employee of Kansas Christian Home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After taking four months off due to the pandemic the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce will begin hosting monthly gatherings again.

The usual summer lunch series will kick off again July 15 at 11:45 at the Crystal Ballroom at the Burt.

The luncheon is sponsored by Kansas Gas Service. Registration is $20 for members and $30 for non-members and flash passes can be used.

To register or for more information go to hutchchamber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578348454191.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After taking four months off due to the pandemic the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce will begin hosting monthly gatherings again.The usual summer lunch series will kick off again July 15 at 11:45 at the Crystal Ballroom at the Burt.The luncheon is sponsored by Kansas Gas Service. Registration is $20 for members and $30 for non-members and flash passes can be used.To register or for more information go to hutchchamber.com

Chamber to resume noon lunch events in July

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Emanuel Lutheran Church announced that the next TEFAP commodity distribution will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Dillon Living Center.&nbsp;

This is a change from the "usual" day and time and future dates and times will be determined.&nbsp;

The program is for low-income people of all ages. Commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register and you do not need to bring any paperwork, but you must fall within the income guidelines.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of the pandemic, no one will be allowed in the building and you will not be allowed to pick up boxes for others.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.&nbsp; The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593012197745.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Emanuel Lutheran Church announced that the next TEFAP commodity distribution will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Dillon Living Center.&nbsp;This is a change from the "usual" day and time and future dates and times will be determined.&nbsp;The program is for low-income people of all ages. Commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register and you do not need to bring any paperwork, but you must fall within the income guidelines.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of the pandemic, no one will be allowed in the building and you will not be allowed to pick up boxes for others.The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.&nbsp; The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP.

TEFAP distribution is Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Republican Kansas Senate candidate Dr. Mark Steffen opposes Medicaid expansion in Kansas for several reasons.

"The big kicker that came up in this last legislative session was the realization that it was going to funnel taxpayer money to Planned Parenthood and the taxpayers were going to be paying for abortion," Steffen said. "I sat in a Senate meeting with (State Senator Ed) Berger. We heard the expert define how that was going to happen and it was irrefutable. Berger had no questions for the gentleman. It's not pie in the sky that that's going to happen. It's happened in all the other states that have expanded. It would happen here in Kansas."

Even if it looked like the state could afford the program in previous years, it doesn't look like that now.

"It's very clear that we're going to have a budget shortfall," Steffen said. "Medicaid is a monster. The expansion is perceived as being oh, a great opportunity because so much of it is paid for by the federal government, but it eats budgets up alive on the state level. We certainly can't handle that right now."

It is not out of a lack of compassion that Steffen takes his stance.

"I'm a physician," Steffen said. "I've taken care of Medicaid patients for 30 years. I've taken care of people with no insurance for 30 years and I've done so happily. I understand my way around this issue better than most anybody. I've helped start and turn a surgery center into a full-service community hospital. When I talk about Medicaid, I know it from the inside out, not from the outside in. It's an Obamacare relic. It was never designed to do any more than put more people on socialized medicine."

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Republican Kansas Senate candidate Dr. Mark Steffen opposes Medicaid expansion in Kansas for several reasons."The big kicker that came up in this last legislative session was the realization that it was going to funnel taxpayer money to Planned Parenthood and the taxpayers were going to be paying for abortion," Steffen said. "I sat in a Senate meeting with (State Senator Ed) Berger. We heard the expert define how that was going to happen and it was irrefutable. Berger had no questions for the gentleman. It's not pie in the sky that that's going to happen. It's happened in all the other states that have expanded. It would happen here in Kansas."Even if it looked like the state could afford the program in previous years, it doesn't look like that now."It's very clear that we're going to have a budget shortfall," Steffen said. "Medicaid is a monster. The expansion is perceived as being oh, a great opportunity because so much of it is paid for by the federal government, but it eats budgets up alive on the state level. We certainly can't handle that right now."It is not out of a lack of compassion that Steffen takes his stance."I'm a physician," Steffen said. "I've taken care of Medicaid patients for 30 years. I've taken care of people with no insurance for 30 years and I've done so happily. I understand my way around this issue better than most anybody. I've helped start and turn a surgery center into a full-service community hospital. When I talk about Medicaid, I know it from the inside out, not from the outside in. It's an Obamacare relic. It was never designed to do any more than put more people on socialized medicine."The Republican primary is August 4.

Dr. Mark Steffen, running for State Senate, explains Medicaid Expansion opposition


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The state of Kansas is still seeking responses to the 2020 Census, as is Hutchinson's Complete Count Committee.

"Response rates have certainly dropped a little bit," said Ryan Hvitlok with the City of Hutchinson. "We're now about two and a half months past census day. We're doing in Kansas, better than nationally. We're at about a 65.4% response rate. Reno County is doing better than the state at 66.8% and the City of Hutchinson is doing a little bit better than the state of Kansas at 65.7%. We're getting close to those 2010 numbers."

This week is the Call for the Count in Kansas. It's an effort to get the one-third of people in the state who haven't responded to take the time.

"We need to get those numbers as close to 2010 or possibly even exceed 2010 before the Census enumerators start knocking on the doors in early August," Hvitlok said.

Just like any other activity involving people meeting in person, sending out people to count from house to house would increase COVID-19 transmission risk at least marginally.

"The census enumerators are people right here in our own community," Hvitlok said. "We're all trying to do what we can still to slow the spread of COVID-19 and so part of that really does mean not having strangers come to your door from the Census, knocking on your door and asking those questions. The other part of it is, it is a savings for the taxpayers."

Getting an accurate Census count is vital to getting the city, county and state's proper share of Federal funds and resources.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The state of Kansas is still seeking responses to the 2020 Census, as is Hutchinson's Complete Count Committee."Response rates have certainly dropped a little bit," said Ryan Hvitlok with the City of Hutchinson. "We're now about two and a half months past census day. We're doing in Kansas, better than nationally. We're at about a 65.4% response rate. Reno County is doing better than the state at 66.8% and the City of Hutchinson is doing a little bit better than the state of Kansas at 65.7%. We're getting close to those 2010 numbers."This week is the Call for the Count in Kansas. It's an effort to get the one-third of people in the state who haven't responded to take the time."We need to get those numbers as close to 2010 or possibly even exceed 2010 before the Census enumerators start knocking on the doors in early August," Hvitlok said.Just like any other activity involving people meeting in person, sending out people to count from house to house would increase COVID-19 transmission risk at least marginally."The census enumerators are people right here in our own community," Hvitlok said. "We're all trying to do what we can still to slow the spread of COVID-19 and so part of that really does mean not having strangers come to your door from the Census, knocking on your door and asking those questions. The other part of it is, it is a savings for the taxpayers."Getting an accurate Census count is vital to getting the city, county and state's proper share of Federal funds and resources.

Call for the Count looking to increase Census response


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Two people narrowly escaped fire and thick smoke at an early morning fire in Hutchinson Wednesday. 

The Hutchinson Fire Department was called just before 2 a.m. to a report of structure fire at 710 West 23rd. First on scene units reported a working fire in a brick framed ranch style home with flames coming out from the windows and the door on the front of the home. 

All the people got out, but they told the firefighters their cats were still inside. Both cats died.

Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but not before it did extensive damage to the structure. The fire is still under investigation.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Two people narrowly escaped fire and thick smoke at an early morning fire in Hutchinson Wednesday. The Hutchinson Fire Department was called just before 2 a.m. to a report of structure fire at 710 West 23rd. First on scene units reported a working fire in a brick framed ranch style home with flames coming out from the windows and the door on the front of the home. All the people got out, but they told the firefighters their cats were still inside. Both cats died.Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, but not before it did extensive damage to the structure. The fire is still under investigation.

People escape, cats perish in Wednesday morning fire

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County will soon be able to provide some personal protective equipment to businesses and organizations that request it.&nbsp;

“What that means is that we can now provide masks and face shields to any business or infrastructure inside the county,” Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar said. “So it can be big business, small business . . . even down to holding a protest, we can provide masks to them as well.”

Weishaar says that filling those requests could present a challenge for the county.

“I met with the Health Department last week and for a 30-day supply, we’re looking at somewhere around 100,000 masks and 30,000 gowns,” Weishaar said. “And we’re supposed to request 90 days.”

Weishaar says that anyone wanting protective gear should expect to wait about a week before requests can be filled and asked for patience from those wanting PPE.

“The Health Department is putting together a more streamlined form so they can handle the requests moving forward,” Weishaar said. “What we’re asking all of the businesses to do right now is to just hold tight with us . . . we probably won’t see any supplies until sometime next week.”

Weishaar says the county may need to establish a storage area and system for distributing PPE once the program gets underway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589552778361.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County will soon be able to provide some personal protective equipment to businesses and organizations that request it.&nbsp;“What that means is that we can now provide masks and face shields to any business or infrastructure inside the county,” Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar said. “So it can be big business, small business . . . even down to holding a protest, we can provide masks to them as well.”Weishaar says that filling those requests could present a challenge for the county.“I met with the Health Department last week and for a 30-day supply, we’re looking at somewhere around 100,000 masks and 30,000 gowns,” Weishaar said. “And we’re supposed to request 90 days.”Weishaar says that anyone wanting protective gear should expect to wait about a week before requests can be filled and asked for patience from those wanting PPE.“The Health Department is putting together a more streamlined form so they can handle the requests moving forward,” Weishaar said. “What we’re asking all of the businesses to do right now is to just hold tight with us . . . we probably won’t see any supplies until sometime next week.”Weishaar says the county may need to establish a storage area and system for distributing PPE once the program gets underway.

 PPE available to area businesses in coming weeks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the start of the 2020-21 school year mere weeks away, the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education reviewed district efforts to return students and staff safely to the classroom.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

During a study session at Monday night’s meeting, the board received an update on the Rapid Response Recovery teams that have been put into place. The teams are working on the plans to reopen school this fall after the coronavirus-shortened 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The teams of district staff look at the various areas of curriculum, safety, cleanliness and other factors to reopen school. The various teams, then, report to a central “control tower” that brings recommendations back to district-level administrators, the superintendent and ultimately the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Online enrollment for returning students is expected to start in mid-July. Walk-in enrollment for elementary schools and middle schools will be Aug. 5 with Hutchinson High School’s walk-in enrollment on Aug. 10.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Most staff return to work on Aug. 12. The first day of class for pre-kindergarten through ninth grade is Aug. 19. The first day for sophomores through seniors is Aug. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the start of the 2020-21 school year mere weeks away, the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education reviewed district efforts to return students and staff safely to the classroom.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; During a study session at Monday night’s meeting, the board received an update on the Rapid Response Recovery teams that have been put into place. The teams are working on the plans to reopen school this fall after the coronavirus-shortened 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The teams of district staff look at the various areas of curriculum, safety, cleanliness and other factors to reopen school. The various teams, then, report to a central “control tower” that brings recommendations back to district-level administrators, the superintendent and ultimately the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Online enrollment for returning students is expected to start in mid-July. Walk-in enrollment for elementary schools and middle schools will be Aug. 5 with Hutchinson High School’s walk-in enrollment on Aug. 10.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Most staff return to work on Aug. 12. The first day of class for pre-kindergarten through ninth grade is Aug. 19. The first day for sophomores through seniors is Aug. 20.

 USD 308 gets update on fall classes

NICKERSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is back in Kansas. Johnson just recently completed studies at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C. Johnson says it is good to be back in Kansas.

“It feels great. I forgot what Kansas wind was like and it didn’t take long to be reminded of it,” Johnson said. “Other than that, the further south and west that I drove, the more like home that it felt.”&nbsp;

Johnson says the course work was very intense and noted that only a very small handful of officers that made it into the college were in the reserves.

“There were about 300 plus folks in my class and only three of us were reserve soldiers,” Johnson said. “We had class Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and then every Wednesday we had guest speakers.” Those speakers included leaders from Google, along with other businesses and military leaders. Those discussions centered around how the military can get and keep good people, and compete with large companies for those workers. She added that getting those workers has become even more difficult with the pandemic. Completion of the coursework in Washington also meant a promotion. Johnson is now a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

“When I show it in my first reserve gig, back to one weekend a month that will be fun,” Johnson said. “I’m very humbled. There were about 1,750 folks that were up for promotion and only 435 were promoted, and so it gets thinner at the top and I feel very blessed to be one of the few to be selected to continue on.”&nbsp;

Johnson says now that she is back in Kansas it is time to start work on plans to get students back in schools this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592942090088.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostNICKERSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is back in Kansas. Johnson just recently completed studies at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C. Johnson says it is good to be back in Kansas.“It feels great. I forgot what Kansas wind was like and it didn’t take long to be reminded of it,” Johnson said. “Other than that, the further south and west that I drove, the more like home that it felt.”&nbsp;Johnson says the course work was very intense and noted that only a very small handful of officers that made it into the college were in the reserves.“There were about 300 plus folks in my class and only three of us were reserve soldiers,” Johnson said. “We had class Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and then every Wednesday we had guest speakers.” Those speakers included leaders from Google, along with other businesses and military leaders. Those discussions centered around how the military can get and keep good people, and compete with large companies for those workers. She added that getting those workers has become even more difficult with the pandemic. Completion of the coursework in Washington also meant a promotion. Johnson is now a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.“When I show it in my first reserve gig, back to one weekend a month that will be fun,” Johnson said. “I’m very humbled. There were about 1,750 folks that were up for promotion and only 435 were promoted, and so it gets thinner at the top and I feel very blessed to be one of the few to be selected to continue on.”&nbsp;Johnson says now that she is back in Kansas it is time to start work on plans to get students back in schools this fall.

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