HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has a new Health Department director. The county announced Friday afternoon that Karla Nichols has been named to the position and will start her duties Nov. 30.&nbsp;

Nichols will fill the role vacated by Nick Baldetti, who left in August for a position at McPherson College. Health Department assistant directors Karen Hammersmith and Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith have been filling in as co-directors for the past three months.

Nichols is an Andale High graduate and has a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Kansas. She has held leadership roles at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, as well as Kansas Joint and Spine Specialists. Nichols was clinic administrator for Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and managed the operations, human resource functions, and risk management for the rural hospital-clinic system. Nichols lives near Pretty Prairie with her husband, Scott, and has two adult children.

Nichols will oversee the operations of the Reno County Health Department through the development of policies, setting and developing goals, managing resources, and obtaining funding through various state and federal grants. This position also serves as a bridge in describing public health philosophy and practice to elected officials and community partners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has a new Health Department director. The county announced Friday afternoon that Karla Nichols has been named to the position and will start her duties Nov. 30.&nbsp;Nichols will fill the role vacated by Nick Baldetti, who left in August for a position at McPherson College. Health Department assistant directors Karen Hammersmith and Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith have been filling in as co-directors for the past three months.Nichols is an Andale High graduate and has a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Kansas. She has held leadership roles at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, as well as Kansas Joint and Spine Specialists. Nichols was clinic administrator for Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and managed the operations, human resource functions, and risk management for the rural hospital-clinic system. Nichols lives near Pretty Prairie with her husband, Scott, and has two adult children.Nichols will oversee the operations of the Reno County Health Department through the development of policies, setting and developing goals, managing resources, and obtaining funding through various state and federal grants. This position also serves as a bridge in describing public health philosophy and practice to elected officials and community partners.

Karla Nichols named Health Department director


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Whether or not the Board of County Commissioners chooses to make a policy change regarding gathering size shouldn't make a difference in how residents look at the upcoming holidays.

"Keep your gatherings to less than ten people," said Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "If that means celebrating in very small areas, that's what we need to do."

Hammersmith has talked to her own family about it.

"My mother's 76 years old," Hammersmith said. "She does not need to be around four different households, coming from different areas, kids from colleges coming home. We need to protect her. We've got a newborn baby in the family. We need to protect that baby. These are the types of things I know that families are already thinking about, but we need to be intentional of how we decide to do those things."

Even though the point of holiday gatherings is spending extended time together, realize the risk you are choosing to take.

"You're all sitting in the living room area, or even if you have a community room, you know, you're intermingling that entire time," Hammersmith said. "That's just not safe this year. Everybody is a host, so until we get that vaccine, we're not going to be able to slow the spread. You really need to be intentionally think about it, whether we have a mandate in place or not."

As of Friday morning, there were 596 known active cases in Reno County. The county had 2,279 cases overall on Halloween and 3,166 cases as of November 12, which means 28% of the people who have contracted the virus and tested positive in Reno County since the beginning of the pandemic have received their result in the last two weeks.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Whether or not the Board of County Commissioners chooses to make a policy change regarding gathering size shouldn't make a difference in how residents look at the upcoming holidays."Keep your gatherings to less than ten people," said Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "If that means celebrating in very small areas, that's what we need to do."Hammersmith has talked to her own family about it."My mother's 76 years old," Hammersmith said. "She does not need to be around four different households, coming from different areas, kids from colleges coming home. We need to protect her. We've got a newborn baby in the family. We need to protect that baby. These are the types of things I know that families are already thinking about, but we need to be intentional of how we decide to do those things."Even though the point of holiday gatherings is spending extended time together, realize the risk you are choosing to take."You're all sitting in the living room area, or even if you have a community room, you know, you're intermingling that entire time," Hammersmith said. "That's just not safe this year. Everybody is a host, so until we get that vaccine, we're not going to be able to slow the spread. You really need to be intentionally think about it, whether we have a mandate in place or not."As of Friday morning, there were 596 known active cases in Reno County. The county had 2,279 cases overall on Halloween and 3,166 cases as of November 12, which means 28% of the people who have contracted the virus and tested positive in Reno County since the beginning of the pandemic have received their result in the last two weeks.

Hammersmith: Families need to be intentional about holiday gatherings

Beverly Jeanene Branscom, 88, passed away November 10, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born September 7, 1932, at The Salvation Army Hospital in Wichita.

Beverly was a 1950 graduate of Turon High School. During the Christmas season, Beverly helped with the gift distribution at The Salvation Army. She delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and was a former shareholder in Hilltop Manor, Inc., in Cunningham. Beverly attended various athletic events at Hutchinson Community College, was an avid supporter of the Blue Dragons, and a member of the college’s Quarterback Club. She was a member of the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, and was a tireless ‘pie maker’ at the church’s Kansas State Fair cafeteria.

She enjoyed working and volunteering, but her most precious moments were when she was supporting the activities of her family. She, along with her husband, Dean, could be seen sitting in the bleachers cheering on their grandkids and great-grandkids at just about every game or activity. She was proud to be their ‘#1 fan’.

On October 8, 1950, Beverly married Gilbert Dean Branscom, in Turon. They shared over 70 years of marriage.

She is survived by husband, Dean Branscom of Hutchinson; children, Allen Branscom of South Hutchinson, and Kathy (Scott) Hamilton of Turon; grandchildren, Casey Stiggins, Jennifer Shingleton, Allison (Jordan) Marshall, Katie Hamilton, and Conor Hamilton; and great-grandchildren, Skylar Shingleton, Clayton Shingleton, Grace Marshall, and Cooper Marshall.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Dockie Gray; and a daughter, Shirley Stiggins.

Private funeral service, due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be Friday, November 13, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with The Reverend Ronnie Dykes officiating. Burial will follow in the Turon Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2020, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Beverly’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Salvation Army or South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605132790708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beverly Jeanene Branscom, 88, passed away November 10, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born September 7, 1932, at The Salvation Army Hospital in Wichita.Beverly was a 1950 graduate of Turon High School. During the Christmas season, Beverly helped with the gift distribution at The Salvation Army. She delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and was a former shareholder in Hilltop Manor, Inc., in Cunningham. Beverly attended various athletic events at Hutchinson Community College, was an avid supporter of the Blue Dragons, and a member of the college’s Quarterback Club. She was a member of the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, and was a tireless ‘pie maker’ at the church’s Kansas State Fair cafeteria.She enjoyed working and volunteering, but her most precious moments were when she was supporting the activities of her family. She, along with her husband, Dean, could be seen sitting in the bleachers cheering on their grandkids and great-grandkids at just about every game or activity. She was proud to be their ‘#1 fan’.On October 8, 1950, Beverly married Gilbert Dean Branscom, in Turon. They shared over 70 years of marriage.She is survived by husband, Dean Branscom of Hutchinson; children, Allen Branscom of South Hutchinson, and Kathy (Scott) Hamilton of Turon; grandchildren, Casey Stiggins, Jennifer Shingleton, Allison (Jordan) Marshall, Katie Hamilton, and Conor Hamilton; and great-grandchildren, Skylar Shingleton, Clayton Shingleton, Grace Marshall, and Cooper Marshall.Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Dockie Gray; and a daughter, Shirley Stiggins.Private funeral service, due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be Friday, November 13, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with The Reverend Ronnie Dykes officiating. Burial will follow in the Turon Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2020, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Beverly’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Salvation Army or South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

Beverly Jeanene Branscom | 1932 - 2020 |


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson's annual Youth of the Year event will be a little different because of the pandemic.

"We have gone online with our Youth of the Year banquet," said Lindsey Fields with the Boys and Girls Clubs. "We will have three young people competing to become our 2021 Youth of the Year. That's an experience we couldn't skip out on this year. It's the best event we have, in my opinion, because it really showcases the impact of our work and the amazing young people that we serve."

Bri Mora, Sadye Patterson and Catelyn Washington are competing for the scholarship dollars.

"I ran the state Youth of the Year for years," said Skip Wilson with the Clubs. "What these young ladies have had to go through this year. It's almost like applying for college. They have a packet of information they have to fill out, almost like filling out a resume. They need to get letters of reference. There's just a lot of things that they have to do before even working on giving their speech."

Heartland Credit Union is providing the scholarship money for the competitors, but also, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club.

"On our website, we'll have a link, bgchutch.com," Fields said. "Also, as part of that, we'll have an auction and a raffle. We understand that just like in normal years, you might not be available during the actual event, so we've opened up the raffle and the auction to start on Monday, November 30 and end on Sunday, December 6."

Youth of the Year will be streamed live at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605121271574.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson's annual Youth of the Year event will be a little different because of the pandemic."We have gone online with our Youth of the Year banquet," said Lindsey Fields with the Boys and Girls Clubs. "We will have three young people competing to become our 2021 Youth of the Year. That's an experience we couldn't skip out on this year. It's the best event we have, in my opinion, because it really showcases the impact of our work and the amazing young people that we serve."Bri Mora, Sadye Patterson and Catelyn Washington are competing for the scholarship dollars."I ran the state Youth of the Year for years," said Skip Wilson with the Clubs. "What these young ladies have had to go through this year. It's almost like applying for college. They have a packet of information they have to fill out, almost like filling out a resume. They need to get letters of reference. There's just a lot of things that they have to do before even working on giving their speech."Heartland Credit Union is providing the scholarship money for the competitors, but also, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club."On our website, we'll have a link, bgchutch.com," Fields said. "Also, as part of that, we'll have an auction and a raffle. We understand that just like in normal years, you might not be available during the actual event, so we've opened up the raffle and the auction to start on Monday, November 30 and end on Sunday, December 6."Youth of the Year will be streamed live at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 3.

Youth of the Year coming up next month

Ronald T. Bredfeldt, 91, retired mechanical engineer, died November 7, 2020, in Wichita, KS. He was born November 9, 1928, in Bushton, Kansas, the son of Clement S. and Rachel (Brening) Bredfeldt.

Ron was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Junior College and served in the United States Army.

He is survived by: daughters, Claudia Love, Denise Bredfeldt, Shirlene Reamis; sons, Greg and Timothy Brefedlt; sister, Carol Hutton; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sherrill and wives Cara Jean and Kay.

Private family service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Partridge, Kansas Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
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 </figure>Ronald T. Bredfeldt, 91, retired mechanical engineer, died November 7, 2020, in Wichita, KS. He was born November 9, 1928, in Bushton, Kansas, the son of Clement S. and Rachel (Brening) Bredfeldt.Ron was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Junior College and served in the United States Army.He is survived by: daughters, Claudia Love, Denise Bredfeldt, Shirlene Reamis; sons, Greg and Timothy Brefedlt; sister, Carol Hutton; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sherrill and wives Cara Jean and Kay.Private family service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Partridge, Kansas Cemetery.

Ronald T. Bredfeldt | 1928 - 2020 |

Elaine J. Franz, 77, passed away November 10, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 11, 1942 in Fairview, OK to Albert and Bernice (Suderman) Karber.

She married John L. Franz on July 16, 1961 in Fairview, OK. He passed away October 17, 2009.&nbsp;

Elaine attended Corn Bible Academy, Tabor College, and Peel’s Beauty School in Hutchinson. She was a beautician for 58 years and was owner-operator of Elaine’s Hair Fashions. She was a member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church and loved the Buhler community. Elaine enjoyed fishing and playing games and cards with family and friends. She enjoyed attending activities of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and she loved her dog Rose.

Survivors include her children, Scott (Pam) Franz of Hillsboro, Sheri Lautt, of Shawnee, KS, John A. (Jessica) Franz of Olathe; ten grandchildren; a brother, Curtis (Debbie) Karber of Colorado Springs, CO; a sister-in-law Joyce Franz of Wichita; and a brother-in-law, Rod (Karen) Franz of Manhattan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John L. Franz; brother, Charles Karber; and brother-in-law, Richard Franz.

Friends may pay their respects to Elaine at Buhler Mortuary, Thursday November 12, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. The family will not be present. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2020, at Buhler Municipal Cemetery, with Pastor Curt Vogt presiding. Social distancing and masks are required. People are welcome to bring a lawn chair for their comfort. Memorials may be made to Tabor College or Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.

To send a flower arrangement to the family of&nbsp;Elaine J. Franz, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/elaine-franz/flowers">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605049067107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elaine J. Franz, 77, passed away November 10, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 11, 1942 in Fairview, OK to Albert and Bernice (Suderman) Karber.She married John L. Franz on July 16, 1961 in Fairview, OK. He passed away October 17, 2009.&nbsp;Elaine attended Corn Bible Academy, Tabor College, and Peel’s Beauty School in Hutchinson. She was a beautician for 58 years and was owner-operator of Elaine’s Hair Fashions. She was a member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church and loved the Buhler community. Elaine enjoyed fishing and playing games and cards with family and friends. She enjoyed attending activities of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and she loved her dog Rose.Survivors include her children, Scott (Pam) Franz of Hillsboro, Sheri Lautt, of Shawnee, KS, John A. (Jessica) Franz of Olathe; ten grandchildren; a brother, Curtis (Debbie) Karber of Colorado Springs, CO; a sister-in-law Joyce Franz of Wichita; and a brother-in-law, Rod (Karen) Franz of Manhattan.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John L. Franz; brother, Charles Karber; and brother-in-law, Richard Franz.Friends may pay their respects to Elaine at Buhler Mortuary, Thursday November 12, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. The family will not be present. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2020, at Buhler Municipal Cemetery, with Pastor Curt Vogt presiding. Social distancing and masks are required. People are welcome to bring a lawn chair for their comfort. Memorials may be made to Tabor College or Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.To send a flower arrangement to the family of&nbsp;Elaine J. Franz, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/elaine-franz/flowers">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Elaine J. Franz | 1942 - 2020 |

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are exactly where they anticipated being at the midway point of the season: first in the AFC West, their offense humming and their defense playing well. The only blip through eight games came against the Las Vegas Raiders, when they played their worst game of the season and had their 13-game win streak snapped. The defeat left the Chiefs (8-1) chasing the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers for the sole first-round bye in the AFC,.

UNDATED (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes piled up some big numbers at Arrowhead Stadium last week, and not just on Sunday when he threw for four touchdowns in a 33-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Mahomes and his foundation chipped in to help pay for 40 voting machines so his home stadium could serve as a giant polling place on Election Day. Mahomes said he voted for the first time this year as did Broncos star linebacker Von Miller. The AFC West rivals were among the NFL players helping to get out the vote in 2020.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — Quarterback Stetson Bennett's status as 12th-ranked Georgia's starter is uncertain even if he recovers from a shoulder injury in time to play this week at Missouri. Bennett has started the last five games, including last week's 44-28 loss to Florida that knocked the Bulldogs out of the SEC East lead. Bennett suffered an AC sprain in his right shoulder in the loss to the Gators. Coach Kirby Smart is not saying if a healthy Bennett would start against Missouri. D'Wan Mathis, who played behind Bennett against the Gators, JT Daniels and freshman Carson Beck will compete at quarterback while Bennett is out.

UNDATED (AP) — Northwestern is 3-0 start for the first time since 2015 largely because of a defense that's yet to give up a point after halftime. In a 21-13 win over Nebraska, the Cornhuskers reached the Northwestern 25, 4 and 14 after half and came away empty each time. Two of those series ended with interceptions and the third on downs. Jarek Broussard had the most rushing yards by a player in his first game for Colorado, going for 187 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-42 win over UCLA. Oklahoma sacked Kansas' Jalon Daniels a national season-high and school record-tying nine times in a 62-9 win.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten is kind of upside down early in this strange and abbreviated season. Indiana is No. 10 and Northwestern No. 23 in the latest AP Top 25. Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State are nowhere to be found. The last time that foursome of former national championship programs was unranked at the same time was Oct. 13, 2013. Though that season Michigan State would finish No. 3 in the country. The other three were out by the end.&nbsp;

Patriots storm back to beat Jets 30-27, end 4-game skid

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired, and Cam Newton and the New England Patriots rallied to beat the winless New York Jets 30-27 to end a four-game losing streak. 

Newton had two touchdown runs and the second tied it at 27 with 1:57 remaining, erasing a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. 

After the Jets went three-and-out, the Patriots got the ball back with 47 seconds left and went to work to put Folk in position for the winning field goal. 

The Jets dropped to 0-9 for the first time in franchise history, and this was an agonizing loss. 

NFL's Patriots won't have fans at any games

UNDATED (AP) — The New England Patriots won't be allowed to have fans at any home games this season at Gillette Stadium.

Team officials say they've been informed that an executive order from Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker prohibiting large capacity venues from opening to the public will remain in force for the remainder of the 2020 NFL season and the pro soccer season.

Stadium officials and Kraft Sports Entertainment tried to develop a plan to safely host a reduced number of fans that complies with guidelines issued by the CDC, the National Football League and Major League Soccer, but a rising number of virus cases in Massachusetts forced the decision.

— The Browns welcomed back several starters from injury for their first practice after the bye, but quarterback Baker Mayfield was missing. Mayfield was placed on the COVID-19 list on Sunday after coming in close contact with a staff member who tested positive with the virus. Mayfield could be back as soon as Wednesday if he continues to test negative. Running back Nick Chubb practiced for the first time since spraining his right knee last month. Chubb, who missed four games, looked quick while wearing a brace in drills. The Browns also got back starting right guard Wyatt Teller.

— Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald has tested positive for COVID-19. He's the first player from the NFL's last unbeaten team to be diagnosed with the novel coronavirus since the start of the regular season. The team says it was notified of the positive test on Monday morning, hours after the Steelers improved to 8-0 with a 24-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys. McDonald traveled to Dallas with the team and played 24 snaps against the Cowboys. He immediately self-quarantined after receiving news of the positive test and the Steelers remain in the NFL's intensive protocol.

— The San Francisco 49ers have placed receiver Kendrick Bourne back on the COVID-19 list three days after removing him. Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus last week and was forced to miss the game against Green Bay along with three teammates who were deemed "high-risk" contacts. Bourne then was removed from the list following two straight negative tests but now is back on it. The Niners also opened the 21-day practice window for cornerback Richard Sherman. Sherman has been sidelined since injuring his calf in Week 1.

— The Green Bay Packers have activated linebacker Kamal Martin and running back Jamaal Williams from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Martin and Williams both sat out the Packers' 34-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

— The Chicago Bears have activated backup offensive tackle Jason Spriggs from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Spriggs was one of two Bears players to test positive last week. Starting right guard Germain Ifedi was also placed on the C0VID list because of a close contact, and the Bears shut their facility and canceled practice last Thursday. Ifedi was cleared to play against Tennessee on Sunday. The Bears also removed defensive back Michael Joseph from the COVID list, but he's on injured reserve.

— The Denver Broncos tight end group took another hit Monday with when tests showed rookie Albert Okwuegbunam sustained a torn ACL in his right knee at Atlanta on Sunday. The fourth-round pick from Missouri had a built-in chemistry with Broncos quarterback Drew Lock after the two played together two years in college. Okwuegbunam caught 17 touchdown passes from Lock in college and last week hauled in his first TD in the NFL. He was injured on his only catch Sunday in Denver's loss at Atlanta.

— Panthers coach Matt Rhule says running back Christian McCaffrey is "day to day" with a shoulder injury he suffered in the closing minutes of Carolina's 33-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rhule would not say if McCaffrey has had an MRI or an X-ray, adding that he should know more about the extent of the injury on Wednesday. McCaffrey missed six games with a high ankle sprain before returning on Sunday against the Chiefs and racking up 151 total yards and two touchdowns. He was injured with 1:10 left in the game when he was tackled near the sideline by Chiefs linebacker Dan Sorenson and landed on his shoulder.

— The Atlanta Falcons have waived defensive end Takk McKinley, a 2017 first-round pick who recently made public his displeasure he had not been traded. McKinley battled groin injuries this season and missed five games, including Sunday's 34-27 win over Denver. The Falcons' release of McKinley was not a surprise. Interim coach Raheem Morris said last week McKinley's status with the team was uncertain after McKinley posted on his Twitter account that he requested trades in 2019 and again this year. Morris said last week he planned to determine if McKinley "can even be on this team."

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — No. 13 Wisconsin expects to play Saturday at Michigan after canceling its last two games due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the team.

Wisconsin officials said Monday they have five active COVID-19 cases involving three staff members and two players. Five of the last six days have resulted in no positive cases. Only one staffer and one player have tested positive over the last week.

Wisconsin hasn't played since a season-opening 45-7 victory over Illinois on Oct. 23. The Badgers canceled games at Nebraska and at home with Purdue over the last two weeks.

In other developments in college football:

— No. 5 Texas A&amp;M has paused in-person activities after a player and a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. The tests came after the team returned from its win at South Carolina over the weekend. Coach Jimbo Fisher says he is confident the Aggies will play Saturday at Tennessee. But he also says additional testing and contact tracing is under way. 

— LSU coach Ed Orgeron says a coronavirus outbreak and resulting quarantines among his players have made it difficult to know whether a number of starters or regulars will be available for Saturday's scheduled game against No. 1 Alabama. Orgeron says he's not even sure whether the game might need to be postponed but stresses that for now LSU is planning to play this weekend.

— Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19 and could miss the Razorbacks' game at No. 6 Florida on Saturday. The university made the announcement Monday in a news release. Pittman was tested Sunday as part of the team's regular protocol and learned Monday that his test came back positive

— No. 1 Alabama's coach Nick Saban says running back Trey Sanders is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for unspecified injuries sustained in a car accident. Saban says Sanders' surgery was successful and that he was at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. The redshirt freshman was injured in a car accident Friday morning.

— Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will be out of Saturday's lineup against No. 13 Wisconsin and likely for the rest of the season. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh says Hutchinson needs surgery after breaking his leg against Indiana. The junior led all linemen with eight tackles against Minnesota and seven tackles against Michigan State. 

Brewers' Williams, Mariners CF Lewis win Rookie of the Year

UNDATED (AP) — Seattle Mariners center fielder Kyle Lewis is the unanimous winner of the AL Rookie of the Year award, and Milwaukee Brewers reliever Devin Williams won the NL honor on Monday night.

The 25-year-old Lewis was one of baseball's breakout stars during the pandemic-shortened season, batting .262 with 11 homers and 28 RBIs in 58 games. He led big league rookies with 37 runs, 90 total bases and a .364 on-base percentage.

Lewis also made a couple of memorable plays in center, robbing Oakland's Ramón Laureano of a grand slam on Sept. 14. He is the first player to win the award for Seattle since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.

Featuring a devastating changeup and a four-seam fastball that gets into the upper 90s, Williams was practically unhittable during the pandemic-shortened season. The 26-year-old right-hander went 4-1 with a microscopic 0.33 ERA, striking out 53 in just 27 innings. 

Williams is the first player to win the award for Milwaukee since Ryan Braun in 2007. He is the first reliever to take home the honor in either league since Craig Kimbrel for Atlanta in 2011. 

San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth and Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm finished tied for second in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Dodgers organization has 5 positive virus cases

UNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers organization has five people that have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. That's according to figures from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 

County health officials say one family member from the organization also has tested positive. The identities of those testing positive have not been released and the team has not commented publicly. 

It's not clear if the number of positive tests includes third baseman Justin Turner. He was removed from the team's World Series clinching win after testing positive but after the game celebrated on the field with his teammates.

— Right-handed pitcher Dereck Rodríguez has signed a minor-league contract with the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old is the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodríguez. Dereck Rodríguez appeared in 51 games over three seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He compiled a 12-15 record with a 4.27 ERA before being designated for assignment by the Giants on Aug. 26. He was claimed off waivers five days later by Detroit before recently becoming a free agent.

— Former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the team, seeking more than $22 million in salary owed under his deal when he was fired in January. The suit filed in Houston claims Luhnow was unaware a camera was used to steal signs during the team's run to the 2017 World Series title, which Commissioner Rob Manfred found violated baseball rules against electronics. Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch were suspended for the season on Jan. 13 by Manfred and fired by the Astros later that day. 

— Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa has been charged with driving under the influence again. According to the Maricopa County Justice Courts website, the arrest occurred in February, but the case was filed on Oct. 28, one day before La Russa's hiring was announced by the White Sox. Team spokesman Scott Reifert said the White Sox were aware of the arrest when the 76-year-old La Russa was hired. La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Florida in 2007 after police found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light and smelling of alcohol. He said then he accepted full responsibility and it would never happen again.

UNDATED (AP) — Gonzaga will begin the college basketball season at No. 1 for the first time. 

The Zags earned 28 first-place votes in the preseason Top 25 from The Associated Press. That was four more first-place votes than second-place Baylor and gave the Bulldogs the top spot by a single point. 

Villanova received 11 first-place votes and was third while Virginia received one first-place vote and was fourth. Iowa was fifth behind national player of the year contender Luka Garza.

Then came a wave of bluebloods with Kansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Duke and Kentucky completing the top 10.

Syracuse's Jim Boeheim facing lawsuit in fatal crash

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim is being sued over a fatal accident he was involved in nearly two years ago. 

According to Syracuse.com, the family of Jorge Jimenez alleged the coach's actions were "negligent, reckless and wanton." 

Jimenez was struck and killed by an SUV driven by Boeheim in February 2019 after he had exited a disabled car. Boeheim hit the 51-year-old Jimenez while swerving to avoid hitting the car. Police found Boeheim was not reckless and did not charge him.

The four-page lawsuit was filed in Onondaga County Supreme Court in Syracuse and seeks an unspecified settlement.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia is the second player to withdraw from Augusta National after testing positive for the coronavirus. 

Garcia won the green jacket three years ago for his only major. Joaquin Niemann of Chile announced on social media last week that he tested positive. That brings the field to 94 players on the first day of Masters week. 

Garcia won the Sanderson Farms Championship last month for his first U.S. victory since his Masters win. He missed the cut last week in Houston. That was the first domestic PGA Tour event that allowed limited fans.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are exactly where they anticipated being at the midway point of the season: first in the AFC West, their offense humming and their defense playing well. The only blip through eight games came against the Las Vegas Raiders, when they played their worst game of the season and had their 13-game win streak snapped. The defeat left the Chiefs (8-1) chasing the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers for the sole first-round bye in the AFC,.UNDATED (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes piled up some big numbers at Arrowhead Stadium last week, and not just on Sunday when he threw for four touchdowns in a 33-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Mahomes and his foundation chipped in to help pay for 40 voting machines so his home stadium could serve as a giant polling place on Election Day. Mahomes said he voted for the first time this year as did Broncos star linebacker Von Miller. The AFC West rivals were among the NFL players helping to get out the vote in 2020.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — Quarterback Stetson Bennett's status as 12th-ranked Georgia's starter is uncertain even if he recovers from a shoulder injury in time to play this week at Missouri. Bennett has started the last five games, including last week's 44-28 loss to Florida that knocked the Bulldogs out of the SEC East lead. Bennett suffered an AC sprain in his right shoulder in the loss to the Gators. Coach Kirby Smart is not saying if a healthy Bennett would start against Missouri. D'Wan Mathis, who played behind Bennett against the Gators, JT Daniels and freshman Carson Beck will compete at quarterback while Bennett is out.UNDATED (AP) — Northwestern is 3-0 start for the first time since 2015 largely because of a defense that's yet to give up a point after halftime. In a 21-13 win over Nebraska, the Cornhuskers reached the Northwestern 25, 4 and 14 after half and came away empty each time. Two of those series ended with interceptions and the third on downs. Jarek Broussard had the most rushing yards by a player in his first game for Colorado, going for 187 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-42 win over UCLA. Oklahoma sacked Kansas' Jalon Daniels a national season-high and school record-tying nine times in a 62-9 win.UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten is kind of upside down early in this strange and abbreviated season. Indiana is No. 10 and Northwestern No. 23 in the latest AP Top 25. Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State are nowhere to be found. The last time that foursome of former national championship programs was unranked at the same time was Oct. 13, 2013. Though that season Michigan State would finish No. 3 in the country. The other three were out by the end.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-SCHEDULEPatriots storm back to beat Jets 30-27, end 4-game skidEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired, and Cam Newton and the New England Patriots rallied to beat the winless New York Jets 30-27 to end a four-game losing streak. Newton had two touchdown runs and the second tied it at 27 with 1:57 remaining, erasing a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. After the Jets went three-and-out, the Patriots got the ball back with 47 seconds left and went to work to put Folk in position for the winning field goal. The Jets dropped to 0-9 for the first time in franchise history, and this was an agonizing loss. NFL-NEWSNFL's Patriots won't have fans at any gamesUNDATED (AP) — The New England Patriots won't be allowed to have fans at any home games this season at Gillette Stadium.Team officials say they've been informed that an executive order from Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker prohibiting large capacity venues from opening to the public will remain in force for the remainder of the 2020 NFL season and the pro soccer season.Stadium officials and Kraft Sports Entertainment tried to develop a plan to safely host a reduced number of fans that complies with guidelines issued by the CDC, the National Football League and Major League Soccer, but a rising number of virus cases in Massachusetts forced the decision.Elsewhere in the NFL:— The Browns welcomed back several starters from injury for their first practice after the bye, but quarterback Baker Mayfield was missing. Mayfield was placed on the COVID-19 list on Sunday after coming in close contact with a staff member who tested positive with the virus. Mayfield could be back as soon as Wednesday if he continues to test negative. Running back Nick Chubb practiced for the first time since spraining his right knee last month. Chubb, who missed four games, looked quick while wearing a brace in drills. The Browns also got back starting right guard Wyatt Teller.— Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald has tested positive for COVID-19. He's the first player from the NFL's last unbeaten team to be diagnosed with the novel coronavirus since the start of the regular season. The team says it was notified of the positive test on Monday morning, hours after the Steelers improved to 8-0 with a 24-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys. McDonald traveled to Dallas with the team and played 24 snaps against the Cowboys. He immediately self-quarantined after receiving news of the positive test and the Steelers remain in the NFL's intensive protocol.— The San Francisco 49ers have placed receiver Kendrick Bourne back on the COVID-19 list three days after removing him. Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus last week and was forced to miss the game against Green Bay along with three teammates who were deemed "high-risk" contacts. Bourne then was removed from the list following two straight negative tests but now is back on it. The Niners also opened the 21-day practice window for cornerback Richard Sherman. Sherman has been sidelined since injuring his calf in Week 1.— The Green Bay Packers have activated linebacker Kamal Martin and running back Jamaal Williams from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Martin and Williams both sat out the Packers' 34-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.— The Chicago Bears have activated backup offensive tackle Jason Spriggs from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Spriggs was one of two Bears players to test positive last week. Starting right guard Germain Ifedi was also placed on the C0VID list because of a close contact, and the Bears shut their facility and canceled practice last Thursday. Ifedi was cleared to play against Tennessee on Sunday. The Bears also removed defensive back Michael Joseph from the COVID list, but he's on injured reserve.— The Denver Broncos tight end group took another hit Monday with when tests showed rookie Albert Okwuegbunam sustained a torn ACL in his right knee at Atlanta on Sunday. The fourth-round pick from Missouri had a built-in chemistry with Broncos quarterback Drew Lock after the two played together two years in college. Okwuegbunam caught 17 touchdown passes from Lock in college and last week hauled in his first TD in the NFL. He was injured on his only catch Sunday in Denver's loss at Atlanta.— Panthers coach Matt Rhule says running back Christian McCaffrey is "day to day" with a shoulder injury he suffered in the closing minutes of Carolina's 33-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rhule would not say if McCaffrey has had an MRI or an X-ray, adding that he should know more about the extent of the injury on Wednesday. McCaffrey missed six games with a high ankle sprain before returning on Sunday against the Chiefs and racking up 151 total yards and two touchdowns. He was injured with 1:10 left in the game when he was tackled near the sideline by Chiefs linebacker Dan Sorenson and landed on his shoulder.— The Atlanta Falcons have waived defensive end Takk McKinley, a 2017 first-round pick who recently made public his displeasure he had not been traded. McKinley battled groin injuries this season and missed five games, including Sunday's 34-27 win over Denver. The Falcons' release of McKinley was not a surprise. Interim coach Raheem Morris said last week McKinley's status with the team was uncertain after McKinley posted on his Twitter account that he requested trades in 2019 and again this year. Morris said last week he planned to determine if McKinley "can even be on this team."VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALLWisconsin expects to playMADISON, Wis. (AP) — No. 13 Wisconsin expects to play Saturday at Michigan after canceling its last two games due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the team.Wisconsin officials said Monday they have five active COVID-19 cases involving three staff members and two players. Five of the last six days have resulted in no positive cases. Only one staffer and one player have tested positive over the last week.Wisconsin hasn't played since a season-opening 45-7 victory over Illinois on Oct. 23. The Badgers canceled games at Nebraska and at home with Purdue over the last two weeks.In other developments in college football:— No. 5 Texas A&amp;M has paused in-person activities after a player and a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. The tests came after the team returned from its win at South Carolina over the weekend. Coach Jimbo Fisher says he is confident the Aggies will play Saturday at Tennessee. But he also says additional testing and contact tracing is under way. — LSU coach Ed Orgeron says a coronavirus outbreak and resulting quarantines among his players have made it difficult to know whether a number of starters or regulars will be available for Saturday's scheduled game against No. 1 Alabama. Orgeron says he's not even sure whether the game might need to be postponed but stresses that for now LSU is planning to play this weekend.— Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19 and could miss the Razorbacks' game at No. 6 Florida on Saturday. The university made the announcement Monday in a news release. Pittman was tested Sunday as part of the team's regular protocol and learned Monday that his test came back positive— No. 1 Alabama's coach Nick Saban says running back Trey Sanders is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for unspecified injuries sustained in a car accident. Saban says Sanders' surgery was successful and that he was at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. The redshirt freshman was injured in a car accident Friday morning.— Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will be out of Saturday's lineup against No. 13 Wisconsin and likely for the rest of the season. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh says Hutchinson needs surgery after breaking his leg against Indiana. The junior led all linemen with eight tackles against Minnesota and seven tackles against Michigan State. MLB-ROOKIES OF THE YEARBrewers' Williams, Mariners CF Lewis win Rookie of the YearUNDATED (AP) — Seattle Mariners center fielder Kyle Lewis is the unanimous winner of the AL Rookie of the Year award, and Milwaukee Brewers reliever Devin Williams won the NL honor on Monday night.The 25-year-old Lewis was one of baseball's breakout stars during the pandemic-shortened season, batting .262 with 11 homers and 28 RBIs in 58 games. He led big league rookies with 37 runs, 90 total bases and a .364 on-base percentage.Lewis also made a couple of memorable plays in center, robbing Oakland's Ramón Laureano of a grand slam on Sept. 14. He is the first player to win the award for Seattle since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.Featuring a devastating changeup and a four-seam fastball that gets into the upper 90s, Williams was practically unhittable during the pandemic-shortened season. The 26-year-old right-hander went 4-1 with a microscopic 0.33 ERA, striking out 53 in just 27 innings. Williams is the first player to win the award for Milwaukee since Ryan Braun in 2007. He is the first reliever to take home the honor in either league since Craig Kimbrel for Atlanta in 2011. San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth and Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm finished tied for second in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.MLB-NEWSDodgers organization has 5 positive virus casesUNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers organization has five people that have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. That's according to figures from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. County health officials say one family member from the organization also has tested positive. The identities of those testing positive have not been released and the team has not commented publicly. It's not clear if the number of positive tests includes third baseman Justin Turner. He was removed from the team's World Series clinching win after testing positive but after the game celebrated on the field with his teammates.In other baseball news:— Right-handed pitcher Dereck Rodríguez has signed a minor-league contract with the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old is the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodríguez. Dereck Rodríguez appeared in 51 games over three seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He compiled a 12-15 record with a 4.27 ERA before being designated for assignment by the Giants on Aug. 26. He was claimed off waivers five days later by Detroit before recently becoming a free agent.— Former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the team, seeking more than $22 million in salary owed under his deal when he was fired in January. The suit filed in Houston claims Luhnow was unaware a camera was used to steal signs during the team's run to the 2017 World Series title, which Commissioner Rob Manfred found violated baseball rules against electronics. Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch were suspended for the season on Jan. 13 by Manfred and fired by the Astros later that day. — Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa has been charged with driving under the influence again. According to the Maricopa County Justice Courts website, the arrest occurred in February, but the case was filed on Oct. 28, one day before La Russa's hiring was announced by the White Sox. Team spokesman Scott Reifert said the White Sox were aware of the arrest when the 76-year-old La Russa was hired. La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Florida in 2007 after police found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light and smelling of alcohol. He said then he accepted full responsibility and it would never happen again.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-POLLGonzaga starts on topUNDATED (AP) — Gonzaga will begin the college basketball season at No. 1 for the first time. The Zags earned 28 first-place votes in the preseason Top 25 from The Associated Press. That was four more first-place votes than second-place Baylor and gave the Bulldogs the top spot by a single point. Villanova received 11 first-place votes and was third while Virginia received one first-place vote and was fourth. Iowa was fifth behind national player of the year contender Luka Garza.Then came a wave of bluebloods with Kansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Duke and Kentucky completing the top 10.BOEHEIM FATAL CRASHSyracuse's Jim Boeheim facing lawsuit in fatal crashSYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim is being sued over a fatal accident he was involved in nearly two years ago. According to Syracuse.com, the family of Jorge Jimenez alleged the coach's actions were "negligent, reckless and wanton." Jimenez was struck and killed by an SUV driven by Boeheim in February 2019 after he had exited a disabled car. Boeheim hit the 51-year-old Jimenez while swerving to avoid hitting the car. Police found Boeheim was not reckless and did not charge him.The four-page lawsuit was filed in Onondaga County Supreme Court in Syracuse and seeks an unspecified settlement.GOLF-MASTERS-GARCIAGarcia is out after positive COVID testAUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia is the second player to withdraw from Augusta National after testing positive for the coronavirus. Garcia won the green jacket three years ago for his only major. Joaquin Niemann of Chile announced on social media last week that he tested positive. That brings the field to 94 players on the first day of Masters week. Garcia won the Sanderson Farms Championship last month for his first U.S. victory since his Masters win. He missed the cut last week in Houston. That was the first domestic PGA Tour event that allowed limited fans.

Sports Headlines for Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday approved the negotiated agreement with NEA-Hutchinson during its regular meeting.

The agreement calls for a 2.51 percent increase to be added to the salary schedule. A teacher new to the district with a bachelor’s degree receives $40,305 annually.

At the other end of the schedule, a teacher with 15 years of experience and a master’s degree plus 60 additional hours of college credit would make $64,940.

District licensed staff, represented by NEA-Hutchinson, approved the contract Friday.

Also during the meeting, the Board gave middle schools permission to play sports even in the orange and red zones but without spectators at this point. The previous gating criteria did not allow middle school activities in the red zone.

Other schools in the county and the Wichita Suburban League are allowing middle school activities to continue, even in the red zone of the gating criteria. District middle school students have been practicing for winter sports, which began two weeks ago, but have not been able to compete in games.

The change also allows for freshman and junior varsity teams to play with a limited number of spectators at Hutchinson High School, even when the district is in the red zone.

          Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:

Did not approve a proposal to drop temperature screenings but possibly expand the checks to other activities as needed. Of the 41 confirmed cases in district staff and students since August through last week, only 21.9 percent had a fever during their illness. Of those 21.9 percent, none of the fevers were detected at a school facility. The Board, however, decided to stay with the temperature checks because other entities in the community, including day care and medical facilities, continue to do the checks.

Approved the purchase of 21 rooftop heating/air conditioning units for Hutchinson High School as part of a five-year replacement plan. The units are beyond their normal life expectancy.

Approved minutes of the Nov. 9, 2020, Board meeting.

Approved purchase of classroom door closures. The door closures are actually designed to keep doors open and improve air flow throughout buildings and aid in reducing COVID-19 transmission. The closures, however, are easy to close in the case of an emergency lockdown and meet fire marshal regulations on hold-open devices.

Approved the purchase of outdoor classroom tables.

Approved the purchase of milk coolers as well as a refrigerator and freezers. The cooling devices are needed for the additional quantities of food needed for food distribution to families during remote and hybrid learning models.

Approved van purchases for Early Head Start.

Approved the purchase of additional Chromebooks for student use.

Approved the purchase of Cisco network switches to increase broadband capacity within the district for the additional computer devices being used.

Approve the purchase of Apple MacBooks for staff use.

Approved the purchase of HooverCam document cameras.

Approved the annual YMCA contract for swimming.

Approved outdoor classroom shade structures.

Approved Operational Expectations No. 4 – Treatment of Employees and Personnel Administration.

Approved Head Start program governance and training calendar.

Approved additional video equipment for special education to assist with training and other needs.

Approved the Accounts Payable Report for October 2020.

Appointed Board Members Tad Dower and Kail Denison to the district’s new COVID-19 Advisory Board.

Selected Kail Denison as the Board’s representative to the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly.

          The Board approved the following changes in personnel.

Brianna Buller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 30, 2020

Bradley Johnson, Technology Systems Specialist, ESC, effective November 16, 2020

Ashika Bhakta, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020

Melissa Crafton, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020

Olivia Kite, Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School Year

Claire Schreiner, Assistant Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School Year

Sean Goodwin, Assistant Coach Boys' Basketball, Hutchinson High School, effective November 10, 2020

Xeiver Jordan, from FT Custodial Sub for the District, to Night Custodian at HMS 7, effective October 28, 2020

Barb Legates, from Head Custodian at HHS, to Lead Custodian at HHS, effective November 2, 2020

          The Board formally accepted and thanked donors of the following gifts.

100 Tote Bags valued at $250 from Hubco to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for students exchange materials during remote learning

Mask for whole school from Hutchinson STEM Magnet PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for staff and student protection from COVID-19

$348 from memorial for Tricia Kirkland to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for books for library

School Supplies from Walmart to Lincoln for student use

Snacks from Eastwood Church of Christ to Lincoln for teacher appreciation

Backpacks/supplies from Midwest Ford to Lincoln for student/teacher use

Hand sanitizer and sandwich size bags from Faith Chapel Women’s Mission to Lincoln for students

$200 from American Legion Riders Post 68 to Lincoln for 6th grade Scholastic Books

$1,000 from Allen &amp; from Kristen Fee to HHS for football

$1,000 from Martha Fee to HHS for football

$100 from Kim &amp; from Eric Steinle to HHS for drama

$200 from Jonathan &amp; Tonya from Wenger to HHS for drama

$100 James &amp; from Janice Wood to HHS for drama

$100 from Gary &amp; Ruth Meier to HHS for volleyball

$100 from P.A. Alonzo to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Marne Guthmiller to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Debra Campbell to HHS for volleyball

$250 from Elite Pro Services to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Jeff Pelischek to HHS for volleyball

$100 from Joan Thompson to HHS for volleyball

          The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 23.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday approved the negotiated agreement with NEA-Hutchinson during its regular meeting.The agreement calls for a 2.51 percent increase to be added to the salary schedule. A teacher new to the district with a bachelor’s degree receives $40,305 annually.At the other end of the schedule, a teacher with 15 years of experience and a master’s degree plus 60 additional hours of college credit would make $64,940.District licensed staff, represented by NEA-Hutchinson, approved the contract Friday.Also during the meeting, the Board gave middle schools permission to play sports even in the orange and red zones but without spectators at this point. The previous gating criteria did not allow middle school activities in the red zone.Other schools in the county and the Wichita Suburban League are allowing middle school activities to continue, even in the red zone of the gating criteria. District middle school students have been practicing for winter sports, which began two weeks ago, but have not been able to compete in games.The change also allows for freshman and junior varsity teams to play with a limited number of spectators at Hutchinson High School, even when the district is in the red zone. Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:Did not approve a proposal to drop temperature screenings but possibly expand the checks to other activities as needed. Of the 41 confirmed cases in district staff and students since August through last week, only 21.9 percent had a fever during their illness. Of those 21.9 percent, none of the fevers were detected at a school facility. The Board, however, decided to stay with the temperature checks because other entities in the community, including day care and medical facilities, continue to do the checks.Approved the purchase of 21 rooftop heating/air conditioning units for Hutchinson High School as part of a five-year replacement plan. The units are beyond their normal life expectancy.Approved minutes of the Nov. 9, 2020, Board meeting.Approved purchase of classroom door closures. The door closures are actually designed to keep doors open and improve air flow throughout buildings and aid in reducing COVID-19 transmission. The closures, however, are easy to close in the case of an emergency lockdown and meet fire marshal regulations on hold-open devices.Approved the purchase of outdoor classroom tables.Approved the purchase of milk coolers as well as a refrigerator and freezers. The cooling devices are needed for the additional quantities of food needed for food distribution to families during remote and hybrid learning models.Approved van purchases for Early Head Start.Approved the purchase of additional Chromebooks for student use.Approved the purchase of Cisco network switches to increase broadband capacity within the district for the additional computer devices being used.Approve the purchase of Apple MacBooks for staff use.Approved the purchase of HooverCam document cameras.Approved the annual YMCA contract for swimming.Approved outdoor classroom shade structures.Approved Operational Expectations No. 4 – Treatment of Employees and Personnel Administration.Approved Head Start program governance and training calendar.Approved additional video equipment for special education to assist with training and other needs.Approved the Accounts Payable Report for October 2020.Appointed Board Members Tad Dower and Kail Denison to the district’s new COVID-19 Advisory Board.Selected Kail Denison as the Board’s representative to the Kansas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly.Personnel Report The Board approved the following changes in personnel.HiredBrianna Buller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 30, 2020Bradley Johnson, Technology Systems Specialist, ESC, effective November 16, 2020Ashika Bhakta, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020Melissa Crafton, Substitute Teacher, District, effective November 2, 2020Olivia Kite, Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School YearClaire Schreiner, Assistant Wellness Coordinator, District, effective 2020-21 School YearSean Goodwin, Assistant Coach Boys' Basketball, Hutchinson High School, effective November 10, 2020Position ChangesXeiver Jordan, from FT Custodial Sub for the District, to Night Custodian at HMS 7, effective October 28, 2020Barb Legates, from Head Custodian at HHS, to Lead Custodian at HHS, effective November 2, 2020Gifts to Schools The Board formally accepted and thanked donors of the following gifts.100 Tote Bags valued at $250 from Hubco to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for students exchange materials during remote learningMask for whole school from Hutchinson STEM Magnet PTA to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for staff and student protection from COVID-19$348 from memorial for Tricia Kirkland to Hutchinson STEM Magnet for books for librarySchool Supplies from Walmart to Lincoln for student useSnacks from Eastwood Church of Christ to Lincoln for teacher appreciationBackpacks/supplies from Midwest Ford to Lincoln for student/teacher useLunch from KFC to Lincoln for staffHand sanitizer and sandwich size bags from Faith Chapel Women’s Mission to Lincoln for students$200 from American Legion Riders Post 68 to Lincoln for 6th grade Scholastic Books$100 from Toni Loewen to HHS for drama$1,000 from Allen &amp; from Kristen Fee to HHS for football$1,000 from Martha Fee to HHS for football$100 from Kim &amp; from Eric Steinle to HHS for drama$200 from Jonathan &amp; Tonya from Wenger to HHS for drama$100 James &amp; from Janice Wood to HHS for drama$100 Trish Lewton to HHS for volleyball$100 from Gary &amp; Ruth Meier to HHS for volleyball$100 from P.A. Alonzo to HHS for volleyball$100 from Marne Guthmiller to HHS for volleyball$100 from Debra Campbell to HHS for volleyball$250 from Elite Pro Services to HHS for volleyball$100 from Vicki Steinle to HHS for drama$100 from Jeff Pelischek to HHS for volleyball$100 from Joan Thompson to HHS for volleyballNext Meeting The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 23.

USD 308 board approves agreement with teachers

Judy Mae Diehl, 75, died November 5, 2020, at her home. She was born December 16, 1944, in Texhoma, OK, to Howard Wayne and Ellen Mae (Blake) Helton.

Judy was a 1962 graduate of Syracuse High School. She was a Medical Records instructor at Hutchinson Community College. Judy was a member of the Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, and past president of Blowing Sands Chapter of American Business Women's Association. Anyone who came to the Diehl home was welcomed, and soon became a member of the family.

On June 2, 1962, she married Gary Wayne Diehl, in Syracuse. They shared over 51 years of marriage, prior to his death on March 28, 2014.

Judy is survived by sons, Jeffery (Olivia) Diehl of Fairport Harbor, OH, and Dwain Diehl of Liberal; longtime companion, Nick Nicholls of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Aaron Darling, Brock Darling, Jourd Anne Diehl, and Chelsea Diehl; great-grandchildren, Bryson Ferguson and Rylee Ferguson; siblings, Jan (Ronnie) Diehl of Clayton, SC, Linda Todd of Syracuse, Jim (Barbara) Helton of Cherokee Village, AR, Joe (Tammy) Helton of Holcomb, John (Anne) Helton of Council Bluffs, IA, Joyce (John Ed) Armstrong of Syracuse, Jennifer (James) Brucker of Syracuse; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Diehl; parents-in-law, W.B. and Mildred Diehl; granddaughters, Sydnei Taylor Diehl and Emily Lynn Diehl; and brother-in-law, Bill Todd.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2020, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, or Moose Lodge Children’s Endowment Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604965132153.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Judy Mae Diehl, 75, died November 5, 2020, at her home. She was born December 16, 1944, in Texhoma, OK, to Howard Wayne and Ellen Mae (Blake) Helton.Judy was a 1962 graduate of Syracuse High School. She was a Medical Records instructor at Hutchinson Community College. Judy was a member of the Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, and past president of Blowing Sands Chapter of American Business Women's Association. Anyone who came to the Diehl home was welcomed, and soon became a member of the family.On June 2, 1962, she married Gary Wayne Diehl, in Syracuse. They shared over 51 years of marriage, prior to his death on March 28, 2014.Judy is survived by sons, Jeffery (Olivia) Diehl of Fairport Harbor, OH, and Dwain Diehl of Liberal; longtime companion, Nick Nicholls of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Aaron Darling, Brock Darling, Jourd Anne Diehl, and Chelsea Diehl; great-grandchildren, Bryson Ferguson and Rylee Ferguson; siblings, Jan (Ronnie) Diehl of Clayton, SC, Linda Todd of Syracuse, Jim (Barbara) Helton of Cherokee Village, AR, Joe (Tammy) Helton of Holcomb, John (Anne) Helton of Council Bluffs, IA, Joyce (John Ed) Armstrong of Syracuse, Jennifer (James) Brucker of Syracuse; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Diehl; parents-in-law, W.B. and Mildred Diehl; granddaughters, Sydnei Taylor Diehl and Emily Lynn Diehl; and brother-in-law, Bill Todd.Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2020, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heart of Kansas Quilt Guild, or Moose Lodge Children’s Endowment Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Judy Mae Diehl | 1944 - 2020 |

Norbert John Bechtel, 75, died November 3, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1945, in Emporia, to William and Elizabeth (Brown) Bechtel.

Norbert graduated from Olpe High School and Hutchinson Community College. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve and served in the Vietnam War. Norbert was a welder for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, retiring with several decades of service. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross and Knights of Columbus Council #612, both of Hutchinson.

On April 17, 1971, he married Katherine Becker, in Raytown, MO. They shared over 49 years of marriage.

Norbert is survived by wife, Kathy Bechtel of Hutchinson; children, Jill (Chris) Bechtel-Campbell of Kansas City, MO, and Eric (Laura) Bechtel of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Katherine Campbell, Claire Campbell, Taylor Bechtel, and Cole Bechtel; siblings, Harry (Alice) Bechtel of Olpe, Carl (Sharon) Bechtel of Emporia, Arlene (Leo) Schneider of Lakewood, CO, and Dorothy (Steve) Bechtel-Parker of Lawrence; and brother-in-law, John (Linda) Becker of Murphy, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William (Janie) Bechtel; and sister-in-law, Patty Becker.

Private graveside service will be Saturday, November 7, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Olpe, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary. The family would have preferred to invite family and friends to celebrate Norbert’s life with gatherings, including a Parish Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial. Given the continued spread of the virus responsible for Covid-19, arrangements were modified to protect family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic School, Hutchinson, Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Hutchinson, or Knights of Columbus Council #612, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
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 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
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 </figure>Norbert John Bechtel, 75, died November 3, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1945, in Emporia, to William and Elizabeth (Brown) Bechtel.Norbert graduated from Olpe High School and Hutchinson Community College. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve and served in the Vietnam War. Norbert was a welder for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, retiring with several decades of service. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross and Knights of Columbus Council #612, both of Hutchinson.On April 17, 1971, he married Katherine Becker, in Raytown, MO. They shared over 49 years of marriage.Norbert is survived by wife, Kathy Bechtel of Hutchinson; children, Jill (Chris) Bechtel-Campbell of Kansas City, MO, and Eric (Laura) Bechtel of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Katherine Campbell, Claire Campbell, Taylor Bechtel, and Cole Bechtel; siblings, Harry (Alice) Bechtel of Olpe, Carl (Sharon) Bechtel of Emporia, Arlene (Leo) Schneider of Lakewood, CO, and Dorothy (Steve) Bechtel-Parker of Lawrence; and brother-in-law, John (Linda) Becker of Murphy, TX.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William (Janie) Bechtel; and sister-in-law, Patty Becker.Private graveside service will be Saturday, November 7, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Olpe, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary. The family would have preferred to invite family and friends to celebrate Norbert’s life with gatherings, including a Parish Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial. Given the continued spread of the virus responsible for Covid-19, arrangements were modified to protect family and friends.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic School, Hutchinson, Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Hutchinson, or Knights of Columbus Council #612, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Norbert John Bechtel | 1945 - 2020 |

Floyd Paul Ferguson, 88, of Hutchinson, died November 3, 2020, at his home. He was born March 17, 1932, in Liberal, to Charles and Stella (Warner) Ferguson.

Floyd graduated from Haviland Friends Academy in 1950 and Friends Bible College, Haviland, in 1952. He served the Haviland community for 40 years as the owner and operator of Ferguson Oil Company, providing auto services and fuel to local farmers. Floyd also participated in the Pratt Bowling League and enjoyed golfing, tennis, bike riding, and gardening. He had his private pilot’s license and spent many hours flying the Kansas skies. Most of all, Floyd loved spending time with his grandkids.

A resident of Hutchinson since 2001, he was a member of the Friends Church.

On November 23, 1956, Floyd married Estalene E. Glover in North Branch. They shared nearly 64 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are: children, Sheri Elliott (Raymond), Haviland, Debbie Davis (Craig), Orange, CA, Bryan Ferguson (Tina), Oregon City, OR; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Ivol Ellis, Bulah McKinney (Francis), Delmar Ferguson, Willard Ferguson (Doris); and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Robert, Wendell, and Charles Ferguson; and sister, Drula McKinney.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020, at Elliott Chapel. COVID precautions are required. The service will also be webcast on Elliott Mortuary’s website. The link will be available at the end of Floyd’s obituary beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will be in Haviland Community Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial donations are suggested to Barclay College or Serenity Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
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 </figure>Floyd Paul Ferguson, 88, of Hutchinson, died November 3, 2020, at his home. He was born March 17, 1932, in Liberal, to Charles and Stella (Warner) Ferguson.Floyd graduated from Haviland Friends Academy in 1950 and Friends Bible College, Haviland, in 1952. He served the Haviland community for 40 years as the owner and operator of Ferguson Oil Company, providing auto services and fuel to local farmers. Floyd also participated in the Pratt Bowling League and enjoyed golfing, tennis, bike riding, and gardening. He had his private pilot’s license and spent many hours flying the Kansas skies. Most of all, Floyd loved spending time with his grandkids.A resident of Hutchinson since 2001, he was a member of the Friends Church.On November 23, 1956, Floyd married Estalene E. Glover in North Branch. They shared nearly 64 years of marriage. She survives.Also surviving are: children, Sheri Elliott (Raymond), Haviland, Debbie Davis (Craig), Orange, CA, Bryan Ferguson (Tina), Oregon City, OR; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Ivol Ellis, Bulah McKinney (Francis), Delmar Ferguson, Willard Ferguson (Doris); and numerous extended family members.He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Robert, Wendell, and Charles Ferguson; and sister, Drula McKinney.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020, at Elliott Chapel. COVID precautions are required. The service will also be webcast on Elliott Mortuary’s website. The link will be available at the end of Floyd’s obituary beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will be in Haviland Community Cemetery at a later date.Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorial donations are suggested to Barclay College or Serenity Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.