
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Tracey File with Central State Academy Virtual School, accredited through USD 309, notes that they have been doing virtual school for a few years and so they have their system down for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

"There are choices out there," File said. "We've worked real hard to give our students good choices. We have a very good curriculum that we purchase through Acellus. Our students really like it. It's very student and parent friendly. I've worked with a number of different curriculums in a number of different virtual and alternative settings and this is, by far, the best curriculum I've seen. Our students and parents do really well with it."

Part of the advantage of a virtual school is the ability for a student to work faster, if they want to.

"We develop individual plans of study for our students," File said. "We want our kids to get that early college experience. We want them to have the opportunity to have the advantage of taking early college and career, tech ed classes, we partner closely with Hutchinson Community College, just like the other area high schools, with their Step Ahead program."

Central State Academy is also available for those who may have struggled to catch up.

"Our curriculum and our staff really work well to help students," File said. "The way the program is set up is that if a student is struggling with a concept and is unable to pass that unit lesson, the program will take them back through help videos and help reteach those concepts that they missed and then give them another exam to test them in a different way."

For more information, you can contact File at (620) 200-5945, or email <a href="http://tfile@usd309ks.org">tfile@usd309ks.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627135841970.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Tracey File with Central State Academy Virtual School, accredited through USD 309, notes that they have been doing virtual school for a few years and so they have their system down for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year."There are choices out there," File said. "We've worked real hard to give our students good choices. We have a very good curriculum that we purchase through Acellus. Our students really like it. It's very student and parent friendly. I've worked with a number of different curriculums in a number of different virtual and alternative settings and this is, by far, the best curriculum I've seen. Our students and parents do really well with it."Part of the advantage of a virtual school is the ability for a student to work faster, if they want to."We develop individual plans of study for our students," File said. "We want our kids to get that early college experience. We want them to have the opportunity to have the advantage of taking early college and career, tech ed classes, we partner closely with Hutchinson Community College, just like the other area high schools, with their Step Ahead program."Central State Academy is also available for those who may have struggled to catch up."Our curriculum and our staff really work well to help students," File said. "The way the program is set up is that if a student is struggling with a concept and is unable to pass that unit lesson, the program will take them back through help videos and help reteach those concepts that they missed and then give them another exam to test them in a different way."For more information, you can contact File at (620) 200-5945, or email <a href="http://tfile@usd309ks.org">tfile@usd309ks.org</a>.

USD 309 virtual school seeking students for fall


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The tragic death of a AAA tow truck driver in Ohio earlier this year highlights the risks faced by emergency first responders here in Kansas and around the country. That's why Move Over laws were enacted.

The Kansas law not only includes police and first responders like ambulances, but also, tow truck vehicles," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Recently, it was added to include waste collection vehicles and just this year the move over law was updated to include telecom and utility vehicles."

Always be looking ahead. If you see a vehicle on the shoulder, look to be sure it's safe and move over as soon as possible.

"Speed causes issues," Steward said. "If you're really exceeding the speed limit, that can be very dangerous in many ways. Try to stick to that speed limit as much as you can and just be aware of those people trying to do their jobs on the side of the road."

Distraction when driving can also leave you less time to move over.

"Distracted driving is a big issue on our roads, people using their phones, primarily," Steward said. "Also, distraction can take the form of many other things like talking with passengers in the vehicle, setting your navigation system, so, it's important as you're driving, to keep your eyes and your mind on the road."

If motorists are cited for violating the Move Over statute in Kansas, they will face a $75 fine and they could face additional court costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627133682228.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The tragic death of a AAA tow truck driver in Ohio earlier this year highlights the risks faced by emergency first responders here in Kansas and around the country. That's why Move Over laws were enacted.The Kansas law not only includes police and first responders like ambulances, but also, tow truck vehicles," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Recently, it was added to include waste collection vehicles and just this year the move over law was updated to include telecom and utility vehicles."Always be looking ahead. If you see a vehicle on the shoulder, look to be sure it's safe and move over as soon as possible."Speed causes issues," Steward said. "If you're really exceeding the speed limit, that can be very dangerous in many ways. Try to stick to that speed limit as much as you can and just be aware of those people trying to do their jobs on the side of the road."Distraction when driving can also leave you less time to move over."Distracted driving is a big issue on our roads, people using their phones, primarily," Steward said. "Also, distraction can take the form of many other things like talking with passengers in the vehicle, setting your navigation system, so, it's important as you're driving, to keep your eyes and your mind on the road."If motorists are cited for violating the Move Over statute in Kansas, they will face a $75 fine and they could face additional court costs.

AAA: Move Over laws can save lives

HARVEY COUNTY— Two people died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy G3500 Van driven by Stephanie Manyseng, 35, Wichita,&nbsp;was southbound on Interstate 135 just north of SE 14th in the city of Newton. 

The van left the roadway to the left, struck a KDOT guardrail, continued southbound, vaulted, stuck the northbound bridge structure and a concrete embankment.

Manyseng and a passenger Rudy A&nbsp;Perez-Marcial, 43, Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.

EMS transported Gasasira&nbsp;Laurent, 58; Rosa Sanchez, 48;&nbsp; Manzere Kanyamibwa, 19; David&nbsp; Salinas-Hernandez, 53; Cesar&nbsp;De Lara, 46, all of Wichita to Wesley Medical Center.

Perez-Marcial was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NEWTON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Highway Patrol is working a deadly one-vehicle crash in Newton this morning at I-135 and Southeast 14th Connector. 

According to a release from Newton Police, a 16-passenger van carrying seven adults was traveling southbound on I-135 when it left the highway between the two bridges, went down the embankment, and hit the bridge pillar below. There's no indication of why the van left the highway. 

Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, two were in very critical condition, and three others had serious injuries. 

I-135 remains open to traffic, but please avoid SE 14th Connector as it is still an active scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627153976544.png" alt="According to the KHP, only one person was wearing a seat belt. -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>According to the KHP, only one person was wearing a seat belt. -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY— Two people died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in Harvey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy G3500 Van driven by Stephanie Manyseng, 35, Wichita,&nbsp;was southbound on Interstate 135 just north of SE 14th in the city of Newton. The van left the roadway to the left, struck a KDOT guardrail, continued southbound, vaulted, stuck the northbound bridge structure and a concrete embankment.Manyseng and a passenger Rudy A&nbsp;Perez-Marcial, 43, Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.EMS transported Gasasira&nbsp;Laurent, 58; Rosa Sanchez, 48;&nbsp; Manzere Kanyamibwa, 19; David&nbsp; Salinas-Hernandez, 53; Cesar&nbsp;De Lara, 46, all of Wichita to Wesley Medical Center.Perez-Marcial was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.-------NEWTON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Highway Patrol is working a deadly one-vehicle crash in Newton this morning at I-135 and Southeast 14th Connector. According to a release from Newton Police, a 16-passenger van carrying seven adults was traveling southbound on I-135 when it left the highway between the two bridges, went down the embankment, and hit the bridge pillar below. There's no indication of why the van left the highway. Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, two were in very critical condition, and three others had serious injuries. I-135 remains open to traffic, but please avoid SE 14th Connector as it is still an active scene.

UPDATE: KHP IDs victims in fatal crash in Newton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 and the local teachers union will meet again next month to try to come up with an agreement for the next school year.&nbsp;

The next meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308">The negotiations session will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the district’s Facebook page</a>.

Except for caucus periods of the individual groups, the negotiations are open meetings. Normally, the two groups meet several times for negotiations.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 and the local teachers union will meet again next month to try to come up with an agreement for the next school year.&nbsp;The next meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308">The negotiations session will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the district’s Facebook page</a>.Except for caucus periods of the individual groups, the negotiations are open meetings. Normally, the two groups meet several times for negotiations.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 and teachers to meet again Aug. 11

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic caused many disruptions in schools over the past year and it’s showing up in one area that will need to be addressed before school starts.

In checking around the area school districts, all are in need of bus drivers. Haven, Pretty Prairie, Buhler and Nickerson are all seeking people to drive buses. The drivers are not only needed for the regular school routes, but for activities as well. Many are offering solid pay and incentives to get more people behind the wheel. Some districts are offering as much as $25 per hour.

If you might be interested in such a job, contact the school districts directly or gather information on the district websites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565732153428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic caused many disruptions in schools over the past year and it’s showing up in one area that will need to be addressed before school starts.In checking around the area school districts, all are in need of bus drivers. Haven, Pretty Prairie, Buhler and Nickerson are all seeking people to drive buses. The drivers are not only needed for the regular school routes, but for activities as well. Many are offering solid pay and incentives to get more people behind the wheel. Some districts are offering as much as $25 per hour.If you might be interested in such a job, contact the school districts directly or gather information on the district websites.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

School districts in need of bus drivers


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Republican Kansas State Treasurer candidate Michael Austin sees an opportunity for tax relief from local jurisdictions through federal ARP money.

"Despite the legislative effort on property taxes, I think it's clear that more work needs to be done," Austin said. "Inflation is rising. Kansans, especially those on retirement, seem to be paying more and more in property taxes. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is gifting our tax dollars to governments to support higher local government spending. Something has to give. What I'm doing is, I'm making a call for localities to give back our federal tax dollars in the form of a federal tax rebate."

It appeared to be the intent of Congress not to allow that at some levels of government.

"There are provisions in that, that kind of limited what state governments could use that money for," Austin said. "Obviously, there are plenty of attorneys general who are pushing back, saying, no, state governments, if they wish, can use this money to provide tax relief. At the local level, for city and county governments, there is no such restriction."

Austin wants to be sure that presumably one-time money is used for a one-time solution.

"When you have this type of federal tax dollar infusion, you don't want to put it into an ongoing expense," Austin said. "Here in Kansas, we learned a good while ago, after the onset of the great recession, that if you take federal money and you just put it into the budget, you're going to leave yourself a big, gaping hole to fill once that federal money dries away."

Austin is one of at least three Republican candidates who have declared their intent to run for State Treasurer, an office currently held by Democrat Lynn Rogers after his appointment by Gov. Laura Kelly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627137763331.jpeg" alt="MichaelAustin.JPG" />
 <figcaption>MichaelAustin.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Republican Kansas State Treasurer candidate Michael Austin sees an opportunity for tax relief from local jurisdictions through federal ARP money."Despite the legislative effort on property taxes, I think it's clear that more work needs to be done," Austin said. "Inflation is rising. Kansans, especially those on retirement, seem to be paying more and more in property taxes. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is gifting our tax dollars to governments to support higher local government spending. Something has to give. What I'm doing is, I'm making a call for localities to give back our federal tax dollars in the form of a federal tax rebate."It appeared to be the intent of Congress not to allow that at some levels of government."There are provisions in that, that kind of limited what state governments could use that money for," Austin said. "Obviously, there are plenty of attorneys general who are pushing back, saying, no, state governments, if they wish, can use this money to provide tax relief. At the local level, for city and county governments, there is no such restriction."Austin wants to be sure that presumably one-time money is used for a one-time solution."When you have this type of federal tax dollar infusion, you don't want to put it into an ongoing expense," Austin said. "Here in Kansas, we learned a good while ago, after the onset of the great recession, that if you take federal money and you just put it into the budget, you're going to leave yourself a big, gaping hole to fill once that federal money dries away."Austin is one of at least three Republican candidates who have declared their intent to run for State Treasurer, an office currently held by Democrat Lynn Rogers after his appointment by Gov. Laura Kelly.

Austin: Locals can use fed money for property tax relief

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another salvo was fired in the continued disagreement over the small Scott Boulevard bridge in South Hutchinson.

South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner announced Friday afternoon that Avenue F will be closed to complete a planned waterline replacement project. The closure is slated to begin on Monday, Aug. 2, and last for approximately 90 days.

Avenue F will be open to local residents only and vendors directly providing goods and service to them. Barricades will be erected at the railroad tracks.

Turner says he was notified Friday that the contractor is preparing to start the project, which as a coincidence, carries a $700,000 price tag. That is the same cost as the bridge that needs replacing. Turner says the project follows two years of nonstop leaks that he claims were caused by trucks from Reno County Public Works.

Closing the road leaves Public Works no way in or out of its facility with heavy equipment. It's the latest in the ongoing argument over who owns the small span.

County Commissioner Ron Hirst noted Friday morning that the county cannot legally spend money on the span, but said they would offer any services that they legally can provide to come up with a resolution to the problem.

The road was being kept by both parties, but claim the road was annexed by the city. The city and county used funds under a link agreement. When the state determined that three South Hutchinson Streets — Scott Boulevard, Blanchard and 6th Avenue — were not connecting links and that the county could not share in that funding, the county terminated all link agreements on the three streets.&nbsp;

There could be questions raised about land just to the east of Scott Boulevard that was not annexed by the city and whether half of the road is a township road. The county says when the streets were annexed, the entire street became the city’s property and that was agreed upon by the city.

In a letter to County Administrator Randy Partington, Turner stated that they would allow Public Works to store some light vehicles in the city Public Works yard until the project is finished. He said that he wanted to give county Public Works time to relocate heavy equipment before closing the road.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627072266803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another salvo was fired in the continued disagreement over the small Scott Boulevard bridge in South Hutchinson.South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner announced Friday afternoon that Avenue F will be closed to complete a planned waterline replacement project. The closure is slated to begin on Monday, Aug. 2, and last for approximately 90 days.Avenue F will be open to local residents only and vendors directly providing goods and service to them. Barricades will be erected at the railroad tracks.Turner says he was notified Friday that the contractor is preparing to start the project, which as a coincidence, carries a $700,000 price tag. That is the same cost as the bridge that needs replacing. Turner says the project follows two years of nonstop leaks that he claims were caused by trucks from Reno County Public Works.Closing the road leaves Public Works no way in or out of its facility with heavy equipment. It's the latest in the ongoing argument over who owns the small span.County Commissioner Ron Hirst noted Friday morning that the county cannot legally spend money on the span, but said they would offer any services that they legally can provide to come up with a resolution to the problem.The road was being kept by both parties, but claim the road was annexed by the city. The city and county used funds under a link agreement. When the state determined that three South Hutchinson Streets — Scott Boulevard, Blanchard and 6th Avenue — were not connecting links and that the county could not share in that funding, the county terminated all link agreements on the three streets.&nbsp;There could be questions raised about land just to the east of Scott Boulevard that was not annexed by the city and whether half of the road is a township road. The county says when the streets were annexed, the entire street became the city’s property and that was agreed upon by the city.In a letter to County Administrator Randy Partington, Turner stated that they would allow Public Works to store some light vehicles in the city Public Works yard until the project is finished. He said that he wanted to give county Public Works time to relocate heavy equipment before closing the road.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

South Hutchinson to close Avenue F for at least 3 months


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department wants to reemphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, especially against COVID-19. All of the approved types of vaccine are available at a special clinic on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Health Department.

"All three vaccines are available," Nichols said. "We will have the Pfizer, which is available for those 12 and older, we will have the Moderna and we will have that one dose Johnson and Johnson."

The county is also planning to increase its notification of the public of case counts in the county again, since numbers have been going up in the last couple of weeks.

"Starting next week, we'll start updating those case totals on a workday daily basis, so the public can be aware of cases in the community," Nichols said. "It's a way for us to continue to remind the community. We need their help in getting vaccinated."

As of the last update 40.7% of Reno County residents have had at least one dose of vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617122131504.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department wants to reemphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, especially against COVID-19. All of the approved types of vaccine are available at a special clinic on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Health Department."All three vaccines are available," Nichols said. "We will have the Pfizer, which is available for those 12 and older, we will have the Moderna and we will have that one dose Johnson and Johnson."The county is also planning to increase its notification of the public of case counts in the county again, since numbers have been going up in the last couple of weeks."Starting next week, we'll start updating those case totals on a workday daily basis, so the public can be aware of cases in the community," Nichols said. "It's a way for us to continue to remind the community. We need their help in getting vaccinated."As of the last update 40.7% of Reno County residents have had at least one dose of vaccine.

Health Department will update dashboard more often, vaccine event Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchison man who was just released from prison in May is in trouble with the law again.

Manuel Zapien Jr. is charged with one count of indecent liberties with a child. He is being held on a bond of $10,000.&nbsp;

Zapien served time in prison for a similar offense in Reno County back in 2007 and has numerous other drug related convictions and cases out of Saline and Pratt Counties.

Zapien made his first appearance Friday morning. His next court date is August 25th.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627056596783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchison man who was just released from prison in May is in trouble with the law again.Manuel Zapien Jr. is charged with one count of indecent liberties with a child. He is being held on a bond of $10,000.&nbsp;Zapien served time in prison for a similar offense in Reno County back in 2007 and has numerous other drug related convictions and cases out of Saline and Pratt Counties.Zapien made his first appearance Friday morning. His next court date is August 25th.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson man facing more charges after just being released

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Hutchinson Police arrested a man after he thought he was soliciting a 14- year-old subject.

Instead Kelly Andrade was texting and Emailing a police officer. He's being held in the Reno County Jail on a bond of $25,500.

Andrade was arrested in a case which dates back to November of last year. He’s accused of attempting to contact a 14-year-old and asking to meet that subject. Police took him into custody and a search of his home turned up meth and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

He is currently on parole for 2007 convictions out of&nbsp; Reno County on drug manufacturing and possession along with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was released in July of 2019.

Andrade is expected to be back in court July 30 for the formal reading of charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627056487896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Hutchinson Police arrested a man after he thought he was soliciting a 14- year-old subject.Instead Kelly Andrade was texting and Emailing a police officer. He's being held in the Reno County Jail on a bond of $25,500.Andrade was arrested in a case which dates back to November of last year. He’s accused of attempting to contact a 14-year-old and asking to meet that subject. Police took him into custody and a search of his home turned up meth and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;He is currently on parole for 2007 convictions out of&nbsp; Reno County on drug manufacturing and possession along with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. He was released in July of 2019.Andrade is expected to be back in court July 30 for the formal reading of charges.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Man arrested for soliciting in November 2020 case


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theatre performances of Frozen Jr. continue this weekend.

"The only thing that's changed about the story from the animated film that we're familiar with is that it is a tad bit shorter," said Craig Williams with Family Community Theatre. "They have taken and shortened up the songs with it and some of the dialogue. Otherwise, it's the same storyline and actually they've added more new songs to the show, because it is a compacted version of the Broadway show."

Williams said the Thursday performance went extremely well.

"We had over 200 in attendance," Williams said. "It was fun to watch all of the audience interact with the actors after it was completed. The number of pictures that Anna and Elsa took and Olaf and Sven had taken of them would fill many albums."

Performances continue Friday night and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. The tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and $5 for children. You can get seats online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627054715448.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theatre performances of Frozen Jr. continue this weekend."The only thing that's changed about the story from the animated film that we're familiar with is that it is a tad bit shorter," said Craig Williams with Family Community Theatre. "They have taken and shortened up the songs with it and some of the dialogue. Otherwise, it's the same storyline and actually they've added more new songs to the show, because it is a compacted version of the Broadway show."Williams said the Thursday performance went extremely well."We had over 200 in attendance," Williams said. "It was fun to watch all of the audience interact with the actors after it was completed. The number of pictures that Anna and Elsa took and Olaf and Sven had taken of them would fill many albums."Performances continue Friday night and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. The tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and $5 for children. You can get seats online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

Frozen Jr. continues this weekend at FCT

LITTLE ROCK, AR– The Wind Surge clinched the series against the Arkansas Travelers Saturday night with a 5-4 win in 10 innings. Wichita doubled up Arkansas in hits (12-6) to lead themselves to a game five victory.

The Surge continued the trend of jumping out first with an RBI single by Roy Morales in the top of the third. With runners on the corners, Morales picked up an RBI for the fourth time this series by pushing one through the right side and allowing Whitefield to trot home.

Wichita pushed three more runs across in the top of the fifth off the powerful bat of Jermaine Palacios. For the second time in as many games, Palacios homered to deep left field with two runners on to bring the Wind Surge advantage to 4-0. Palacios’ 12th long ball of the year moved him into a tie with Andrew Bechtold for the clubhouse lead.

The Travelers managed to score four runs off an RBI triple and three RBI singles to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. The game remained tied as the Surge and Travelers needed extra innings to determine a winner tonight.

Wichita scored first in the top of the 10th to take the lead back. D.J. Burt, the first batter of the inning, laid down a bunt to move Bechtold to third and set up Aaron Whitefield to plate the go-ahead run.

Ryan Mason came out of the pen to close out the game for Wichita. Mason successfully picked up his fifth save opportunity as he recorded a strikeout and a groundout to strand the designated runner at second.

The Wind Surge improve to 4-2 in extra-inning games this season.

Wichita will play the series finale against the Arkansas Travelers Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:10 pm from Little Rock.

LITTLE ROCK, AR– The Wind Surge clinched the series against the Arkansas Travelers Saturday night with a 5-4 win in 10 innings. Wichita doubled up Arkansas in hits (12-6) to lead themselves to a game five victory.The Surge continued the trend of jumping out first with an RBI single by Roy Morales in the top of the third. With runners on the corners, Morales picked up an RBI for the fourth time this series by pushing one through the right side and allowing Whitefield to trot home.Wichita pushed three more runs across in the top of the fifth off the powerful bat of Jermaine Palacios. For the second time in as many games, Palacios homered to deep left field with two runners on to bring the Wind Surge advantage to 4-0. Palacios’ 12th long ball of the year moved him into a tie with Andrew Bechtold for the clubhouse lead.The Travelers managed to score four runs off an RBI triple and three RBI singles to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. The game remained tied as the Surge and Travelers needed extra innings to determine a winner tonight.Wichita scored first in the top of the 10th to take the lead back. D.J. Burt, the first batter of the inning, laid down a bunt to move Bechtold to third and set up Aaron Whitefield to plate the go-ahead run.Ryan Mason came out of the pen to close out the game for Wichita. Mason successfully picked up his fifth save opportunity as he recorded a strikeout and a groundout to strand the designated runner at second.The Wind Surge improve to 4-2 in extra-inning games this season.Wichita will play the series finale against the Arkansas Travelers Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:10 pm from Little Rock.

Surge win over Arkansas in extra innings Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off training camp Saturday by placing veteran safety Armani Watts on the physically unable to perform list and moving rookie defensive end Malik Herring to the non-football injury list. 

Watts sustained a foot fracture during offseason workouts in May and wasn’t expected to be ready to practice when veterans report to training camp on Monday. Head coach Andy Reid said Friday that Watts is progressing well in his recovery but he didn’t place a timetable on the safety’s return to action. 

Herring, an undrafted rookie free agent, suffered a torn ACL during practice for the Senior Bowl in January and is expected to miss the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off training camp Saturday by placing veteran safety Armani Watts on the physically unable to perform list and moving rookie defensive end Malik Herring to the non-football injury list. Watts sustained a foot fracture during offseason workouts in May and wasn’t expected to be ready to practice when veterans report to training camp on Monday. Head coach Andy Reid said Friday that Watts is progressing well in his recovery but he didn’t place a timetable on the safety’s return to action. Herring, an undrafted rookie free agent, suffered a torn ACL during practice for the Senior Bowl in January and is expected to miss the season.

Chiefs make two roster moves Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez and Carlos Santana hit three-run homers in the Kansas City Royals’ 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night. 

Perez hit his 23rd home run of the season to highlight a four-run fourth. Santana gave the Royals the lead with a three-run homer to right in a five-run seventh. Hanser Alberto rounded out a five-run seventh with a two-run, pinch-hit triple. Nicky Lopez went 3 for 3 with an RBI and a walk from No. 9 spot to help Kansas City win its fourth straight. 

Jake Brentz (3-2) was the winner. Wade Davis finished for his second save of the season after Greg Holland gave up two runs in the ninth.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez and Carlos Santana hit three-run homers in the Kansas City Royals’ 9-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night. Perez hit his 23rd home run of the season to highlight a four-run fourth. Santana gave the Royals the lead with a three-run homer to right in a five-run seventh. Hanser Alberto rounded out a five-run seventh with a two-run, pinch-hit triple. Nicky Lopez went 3 for 3 with an RBI and a walk from No. 9 spot to help Kansas City win its fourth straight. Jake Brentz (3-2) was the winner. Wade Davis finished for his second save of the season after Greg Holland gave up two runs in the ninth.&nbsp;

Royals win over Detroit Saturday

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs outhit the Newton Rebels for 22 runs, including 10 in the 7th inning alone, in a 22-2 win in Newton on Saturday.

Every Monarch that batted drove in at least one run, led by Jordan Ardoin's 4 for 5 day with 5 RBI. Chaney Dodge drove in four runs, Cole Cosman had three RBI.

The Monarchs are 28-9. Newton is 12-26. The two teams play Sunday at 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs outhit the Newton Rebels for 22 runs, including 10 in the 7th inning alone, in a 22-2 win in Newton on Saturday.Every Monarch that batted drove in at least one run, led by Jordan Ardoin's 4 for 5 day with 5 RBI. Chaney Dodge drove in four runs, Cole Cosman had three RBI.The Monarchs are 28-9. Newton is 12-26. The two teams play Sunday at 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

Monarchs win big over Newton Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals announced Saturday that they have signed 20 of their 21 selections from the 2021 First-Year Player Draft, adding two more to the list this afternoon.

The most recent signees include infielder Peyton Wilson (Competitive Balance Round B, 66th overall) and right-handed pitcher Eric Cerantola (fifth round, 139th overall).

Wilson started all 58 games as a sophomore at the University of Alabama this season, batting .290 (72-for-248) with 23 extra-base hits (9 HR), 10 stolen bases and an .812 OPS. He led the Crimson Tide in runs scored (46), steals, hits, and doubles (13). He graduated from Hoover High School (Ala.), in 2019, where he was a two-sport athlete as a catcher in baseball and also played football his first three years.

Cerantola recorded 24 strikeouts over 17.1 innings in 10 appearances (4 starts) as a junior at Mississippi State University. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 30th round of the 2018 Draft, while he was also selected in the eighth round of the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Draft. He is a 2018 graduate from École secondaire catholique Sainte-Trinité school in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where he played baseball, hockey, and volleyball.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals announced Saturday that they have signed 20 of their 21 selections from the 2021 First-Year Player Draft, adding two more to the list this afternoon.The most recent signees include infielder Peyton Wilson (Competitive Balance Round B, 66th overall) and right-handed pitcher Eric Cerantola (fifth round, 139th overall).Wilson started all 58 games as a sophomore at the University of Alabama this season, batting .290 (72-for-248) with 23 extra-base hits (9 HR), 10 stolen bases and an .812 OPS. He led the Crimson Tide in runs scored (46), steals, hits, and doubles (13). He graduated from Hoover High School (Ala.), in 2019, where he was a two-sport athlete as a catcher in baseball and also played football his first three years.Cerantola recorded 24 strikeouts over 17.1 innings in 10 appearances (4 starts) as a junior at Mississippi State University. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 30th round of the 2018 Draft, while he was also selected in the eighth round of the 2016 Ontario Hockey League Draft. He is a 2018 graduate from École secondaire catholique Sainte-Trinité school in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where he played baseball, hockey, and volleyball.

Royals have 20 of 21 draft picks signed

Royals win, Monarchs win, Surge lose, Bill Self has COVID, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592395252100.jpeg" alt="Eagle Sports with Mic.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Sports with Mic.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Royals win, Monarchs win, Surge lose, Bill Self has COVID, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="July 24, 2021 Saturday Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=h3ztq-1098df8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

July 24, 2021 Saturday Sports

LAWRENCE, Kan - In a statement released by the University of Kansas basketball program on Friday, Bill Self announced he has tested positive for COVID-19. Self said he is fully vaccinated and is "feeling pretty good right now."

Self is in isolation, but he wants to see KU fans get vaccinated.

"If you have not, please get vaccinated so we don't have to worry about this virus continuing to affect our communities and loved ones," Self said. "I fully believe I would be in a much worse condition if not for the vaccine."&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan - In a statement released by the University of Kansas basketball program on Friday, Bill Self announced he has tested positive for COVID-19. Self said he is fully vaccinated and is "feeling pretty good right now."Self is in isolation, but he wants to see KU fans get vaccinated."If you have not, please get vaccinated so we don't have to worry about this virus continuing to affect our communities and loved ones," Self said. "I fully believe I would be in a much worse condition if not for the vaccine."&nbsp;

Bill Self has COVID-19

LITTLE ROCK, AR– The Surge were on the verge of a fourth straight victory against the Travelers until Arkansas walked it off in the ninth inning to steal game four. Wichita held the lead for the entire game until the ninth inning.

Just like the first three games of this series, the Surge continued the trend tonight by jumping out ahead first. Jermaine Palacios led off the second inning with his 11th home run of the season over the left field wall. Palacios’ homer traveled 368 feet at 103 miles per hour off his bat and the Surge, once again, went on top first 1-0.

Wichita gained two more runs to up their lead to three in the top of the third. With runners on first and second, Roy Morales continued his hot hitting with another RBI single to right field. Including tonight, Morales has a hit in 13 of his last 15 games and 7 RBIs. After BJ Boyd advanced to third on the Morales hit, Trey Cabbage allowed Boyd to trot home on a sacrifice fly to center field.

The Travelers cut the Surge lead to win with two runs in the bottom half of the third. Dom Thompson-Williams grounded out to score a run and Josh Morgan brought another Traveler home with a sacrifice fly to trim down the Surge lead to 3-2. Despite the ability to keep the Travelers off the board for most of the game, Arkansas entered the ninth inning trailing by one run. They tied the game on a Stephen Wrenn double and eventually won the game a Josh Morgan walk-off single. The two teams play again tonight in Little Rock. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.

LITTLE ROCK, AR– The Surge were on the verge of a fourth straight victory against the Travelers until Arkansas walked it off in the ninth inning to steal game four. Wichita held the lead for the entire game until the ninth inning.Just like the first three games of this series, the Surge continued the trend tonight by jumping out ahead first. Jermaine Palacios led off the second inning with his 11th home run of the season over the left field wall. Palacios’ homer traveled 368 feet at 103 miles per hour off his bat and the Surge, once again, went on top first 1-0.Wichita gained two more runs to up their lead to three in the top of the third. With runners on first and second, Roy Morales continued his hot hitting with another RBI single to right field. Including tonight, Morales has a hit in 13 of his last 15 games and 7 RBIs. After BJ Boyd advanced to third on the Morales hit, Trey Cabbage allowed Boyd to trot home on a sacrifice fly to center field.The Travelers cut the Surge lead to win with two runs in the bottom half of the third. Dom Thompson-Williams grounded out to score a run and Josh Morgan brought another Traveler home with a sacrifice fly to trim down the Surge lead to 3-2. Despite the ability to keep the Travelers off the board for most of the game, Arkansas entered the ninth inning trailing by one run. They tied the game on a Stephen Wrenn double and eventually won the game a Josh Morgan walk-off single. The two teams play again tonight in Little Rock. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.

Surge lose in Little Rock Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs scored seven runs in the first two innings and then held off a Newton Rebels comeback Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field. Hutchinson won 9-6. 

Tanner White was 3 for 5 at the plate with two doubles and 3 RBI. Cole Cosman, Carter Young and Breck Nowik all had doubles and each had an RBI. Mikel Howell took advantage of the run support to get the win as he went five innings and gave up four runs on eight hits. 

Hutchinson and Newton meet again tonight in Newton at Centennial Park. First pitch is at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs scored seven runs in the first two innings and then held off a Newton Rebels comeback Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field. Hutchinson won 9-6. Tanner White was 3 for 5 at the plate with two doubles and 3 RBI. Cole Cosman, Carter Young and Breck Nowik all had doubles and each had an RBI. Mikel Howell took advantage of the run support to get the win as he went five innings and gave up four runs on eight hits. Hutchinson and Newton meet again tonight in Newton at Centennial Park. First pitch is at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Monarchs win Friday over Rebels

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan O’Hearn hit a three-run homer and Carlos Santana also connected as the Kansas City Royals beat Detroit 5-3, ending the Tigers’ seven-game winning streak. 

The Tigers had been 7-0 since the All-Star break. It was their longest winning string since an eight-game run in 2016. Kansas City has won three in a row for the first time since June 4. 

Kris Bubic gave up one earned run and six hits in six innings. He ended his outing by getting Jeimer Candelario to ground into a double play with the bases loaded.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ryan O’Hearn hit a three-run homer and Carlos Santana also connected as the Kansas City Royals beat Detroit 5-3, ending the Tigers’ seven-game winning streak. The Tigers had been 7-0 since the All-Star break. It was their longest winning string since an eight-game run in 2016. Kansas City has won three in a row for the first time since June 4. Kris Bubic gave up one earned run and six hits in six innings. He ended his outing by getting Jeimer Candelario to ground into a double play with the bases loaded.

Royals win over Tigers Friday

FULTON, Mo. (AP) — A central Missouri woman who shot and killed her boyfriend while acting out a scene from the movie “Deadpool” was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison.

Kalesha Marie Peterson, 40, of Fulton was sentenced after she pleaded guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter during a court hearing. She had been scheduled to go to trial Aug. 31.

She told investigators she and her boyfriend, 36-year-old David Dalton, were drinking at a Fulton home in March 2019 when they decided to act out the scene, which involved a firearm, KRCG-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/fulton-woman-sentenced-for-drunkenly-shooting-boyfriend-while-acting-out-movie-scene">reported</a>. Peterson admitted that she knew the gun was loaded.

Peterson called 911 immediately after the shooting but Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569271914445.png" alt="Kalesha Peterson-photo Callaway Co." />
 <figcaption>Kalesha Peterson-photo Callaway Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FULTON, Mo. (AP) — A central Missouri woman who shot and killed her boyfriend while acting out a scene from the movie “Deadpool” was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison.Kalesha Marie Peterson, 40, of Fulton was sentenced after she pleaded guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter during a court hearing. She had been scheduled to go to trial Aug. 31.She told investigators she and her boyfriend, 36-year-old David Dalton, were drinking at a Fulton home in March 2019 when they decided to act out the scene, which involved a firearm, KRCG-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/fulton-woman-sentenced-for-drunkenly-shooting-boyfriend-while-acting-out-movie-scene">reported</a>. Peterson admitted that she knew the gun was loaded.Peterson called 911 immediately after the shooting but Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Woman sentenced in boyfriend's movie scene killing

OMAHA — -A Nebraska man was sentenced Friday for possession of a fraudulent passport, according to acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp

Jesse Chase Swartz, 31, North Platte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.&nbsp;

On July 29, 2020, Swartz was involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County, Nebraska.&nbsp; Swartz was ejected from the vehicle. While investigating the accident, law enforcement officers discovered what appeared to be a passport card which displayed Swartz’s picture, but listed a different name.&nbsp; 

The passport card was discovered to be a fake.&nbsp; At sentencing, Judge Gerrard noted that Swartz had outstanding arrest warrants in several other states and that Swartz was using the fake passport as part of his efforts to avoid being arrested for the other warrants.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, and by the United States Department of State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627125714691.png" alt="Swartz photo Lincoln County" />
 <figcaption>Swartz photo Lincoln County</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA — -A Nebraska man was sentenced Friday for possession of a fraudulent passport, according to acting United States Attorney Jan SharpJesse Chase Swartz, 31, North Platte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.&nbsp;On July 29, 2020, Swartz was involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County, Nebraska.&nbsp; Swartz was ejected from the vehicle. While investigating the accident, law enforcement officers discovered what appeared to be a passport card which displayed Swartz’s picture, but listed a different name.&nbsp; The passport card was discovered to be a fake.&nbsp; At sentencing, Judge Gerrard noted that Swartz had outstanding arrest warrants in several other states and that Swartz was using the fake passport as part of his efforts to avoid being arrested for the other warrants.This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, and by the United States Department of State.

Man gets federal prison time for using fake passport 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug charges after a traffic stop on a bicycle.

Just before 9:30p.m. July 22, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle in the 300 block of NW Paramore Street in Topeka for failing to have a headlight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the bicycle rider 31-year-0ld Carlos A. Brown of Topeka, had a felony warrant out of Jackson County. Brown was placed into custody and deputies also located illegal narcotics.

Brown was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his felony warrant and also faced requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and a bicycle not equipped with a lamp when in use at night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627058598163.png" alt="Brown remains jailed in Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown remains jailed in Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug charges after a traffic stop on a bicycle.Just before 9:30p.m. July 22, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicycle in the 300 block of NW Paramore Street in Topeka for failing to have a headlight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, it was discovered that the bicycle rider 31-year-0ld Carlos A. Brown of Topeka, had a felony warrant out of Jackson County. Brown was placed into custody and deputies also located illegal narcotics.Brown was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for his felony warrant and also faced requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and a bicycle not equipped with a lamp when in use at night.

Deputies catch wanted Kan. man riding a bike in the dark

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita-area splash park that closed after an illness outbreak has been allowed to reopen. Sedgwick County health officials said the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard has exceeded health recommendations and could for reopen this weekend. 

The splash park closed June 18 after several people became ill with bacterial infections. The approval to reopen comes after the facility made several changes and after testing done on July 21 and an inspection on July 16. 

Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns told the park in a letter on Friday that the health department is satisfied the park meets all requirements and there is no risk of infection.

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita-area splash park that closed after an illness outbreak has been allowed to reopen. Sedgwick County health officials said the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard has exceeded health recommendations and could for reopen this weekend. The splash park closed June 18 after several people became ill with bacterial infections. The approval to reopen comes after the facility made several changes and after testing done on July 21 and an inspection on July 16. Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns told the park in a letter on Friday that the health department is satisfied the park meets all requirements and there is no risk of infection.

Kansas splash park reopens after illness outbreak

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-23/a-lot-of-confusion-here-communication-gaps-leave-kansas-refugees-puzzled-about-child-tax-credit">Kansas News Service</a>

Congress OK’d the spending of trillions in pandemic relief to resuscitate the economy, part of it directed at lifting <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016980157/the-new-child-tax-credit-is-here-will-millions-get-cash-permanently" target="_blank">tens of millions</a> of children out of poverty.

But
 money coming in advance child tax credits often doesn’t find its way to
 refugees in southwest Kansas, or when it does, they’re confused about 
what’s landed in their mailboxes or checking accounts.

Elama Mohamud, a Somali-American mother of two in Garden City, said people in her community don’t know what to do.

“Some
 people don’t watch news or they don’t understand the English,” Mohamud 
said. “So, abruptly, they just get this money, and it’s like, ‘What!?’ ”

She’s
 gotten several anxious calls from other people in local Somali and 
Congolese refugee communities caught off guard by the payments.

“There’s a lot of rumors going around,” Mohamud said. “There’s a lot of confusion here.”

Some
 of her neighbors are worried the checks could be some kind of scam. 
Others think the payments might be part of a low-income assistance 
program that’s separate from their tax returns entirely.

There’s
 also some confusion about how many monthly payments they’ll receive and
 if they’ll need to pay that money back at some point.

The payments are an <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/15/1016122095/the-expanded-child-tax-credit-is-here-heres-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">advance</a>
 on half of the child tax credit that families have historically 
received after they file their taxes each spring. The monthly payments 
are scheduled to run from now until December.

The problem, 
Mohamed said, is that many refugees haven’t seen information from the 
federal government about the child tax credit in their native languages.

The Internal Revenue Service’s website shows tax information in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages" target="_blank">20 languages</a>.
 But Somali, Congolese and several other languages spoken in Garden City
 aren’t on the list. And the letters that families have received in the 
mail explaining the advance payments are written only in English and 
Spanish.

That has left a critical gap in these families’ understanding of a program that’s intended to help them care for their children.

“Most people in the community,” Mohamud said, “they don’t understand what this money is.”

This confusion goes well beyond Garden City.

As
 director of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants office in 
Des Moines, Kerri True-Funk has heard similar questions and concerns 
from refugee families in Iowa going back to the first round of COVID 
stimulus checks last year.

She said it points to a larger 
disconnect that often leaves refugee communities in the dark when it 
comes to government communications.

“It's something that we see pretty routinely with both the state and the federal government,” True-Funk said.

While
 official notices often cover at least a couple of languages spoken 
among residents, she said it’s common for smaller ethnic groups to fall 
through the cracks.

Refugee populations also change 
constantly as new arrivals come from different parts of the world. So 
the primary languages spoken by refugees in a given town ten years ago 
might not be the same ones spoken today.

“With the speed at which the federal government works,” she said, “it’s hard for them to keep up.”

The arrival of tax credit payments in Iowa refugee communities has triggered new questions about eligibility.

Some
 families aren’t getting the full credit they are entitled to, either 
because they are new to the tax system or because they have a new baby 
that’s not in the system yet, and don’t know how to sign up. (The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-a-general-information#a16#a16" target="_blank">website</a>
 currently states — in English — that families won’t be able to add new 
dependents for the child tax credit until later this summer.)

But
 True-Funk said that even if a refugee family realizes they need to 
register for the money, they often don’t have the resources or the 
skills to easily navigate the online process on their own.

“The
 IRS website is not super user-friendly to begin with,” she said. “And 
then if you don't have a lot of technological literacy or a good grasp 
of the written English language, it’s that much more complicated.”

And
 when government communications and resources don’t reach refugee 
families in a meaningful way, that often leaves local support 
organizations to pick up the slack.

In Garden City, Mohamud
 plans to create her own flyer explaining the advance child tax credit 
in Somali that she can distribute to neighbors and local businesses. But
 first, she needs to find answers to her own questions about it.

“I have to understand this clearly,” she said, “before I can tell them anything.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627067734665.png" alt="The White House mailed a letter explaining the advance child tax credit to families who would receive it, but it's only in English and Spanish. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The White House mailed a letter explaining the advance child tax credit to families who would receive it, but it's only in English and Spanish. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>“There’s a lot of confusion here”</h2>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-23/a-lot-of-confusion-here-communication-gaps-leave-kansas-refugees-puzzled-about-child-tax-credit">Kansas News Service</a>Congress OK’d the spending of trillions in pandemic relief to resuscitate the economy, part of it directed at lifting <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016980157/the-new-child-tax-credit-is-here-will-millions-get-cash-permanently" target="_blank">tens of millions</a> of children out of poverty.But
 money coming in advance child tax credits often doesn’t find its way to
 refugees in southwest Kansas, or when it does, they’re confused about 
what’s landed in their mailboxes or checking accounts.Elama Mohamud, a Somali-American mother of two in Garden City, said people in her community don’t know what to do.“Some
 people don’t watch news or they don’t understand the English,” Mohamud 
said. “So, abruptly, they just get this money, and it’s like, ‘What!?’ ”She’s
 gotten several anxious calls from other people in local Somali and 
Congolese refugee communities caught off guard by the payments.“There’s a lot of rumors going around,” Mohamud said. “There’s a lot of confusion here.”Some
 of her neighbors are worried the checks could be some kind of scam. 
Others think the payments might be part of a low-income assistance 
program that’s separate from their tax returns entirely.There’s
 also some confusion about how many monthly payments they’ll receive and
 if they’ll need to pay that money back at some point.The payments are an <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/15/1016122095/the-expanded-child-tax-credit-is-here-heres-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">advance</a>
 on half of the child tax credit that families have historically 
received after they file their taxes each spring. The monthly payments 
are scheduled to run from now until December.The problem, 
Mohamed said, is that many refugees haven’t seen information from the 
federal government about the child tax credit in their native languages.The Internal Revenue Service’s website shows tax information in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages" target="_blank">20 languages</a>.
 But Somali, Congolese and several other languages spoken in Garden City
 aren’t on the list. And the letters that families have received in the 
mail explaining the advance payments are written only in English and 
Spanish.That has left a critical gap in these families’ understanding of a program that’s intended to help them care for their children.“Most people in the community,” Mohamud said, “they don’t understand what this money is.”<h2>Tower of Babel</h2>This confusion goes well beyond Garden City.As
 director of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants office in 
Des Moines, Kerri True-Funk has heard similar questions and concerns 
from refugee families in Iowa going back to the first round of COVID 
stimulus checks last year.She said it points to a larger 
disconnect that often leaves refugee communities in the dark when it 
comes to government communications.“It's something that we see pretty routinely with both the state and the federal government,” True-Funk said.While
 official notices often cover at least a couple of languages spoken 
among residents, she said it’s common for smaller ethnic groups to fall 
through the cracks.Refugee populations also change 
constantly as new arrivals come from different parts of the world. So 
the primary languages spoken by refugees in a given town ten years ago 
might not be the same ones spoken today.“With the speed at which the federal government works,” she said, “it’s hard for them to keep up.”The arrival of tax credit payments in Iowa refugee communities has triggered new questions about eligibility.Some
 families aren’t getting the full credit they are entitled to, either 
because they are new to the tax system or because they have a new baby 
that’s not in the system yet, and don’t know how to sign up. (The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-a-general-information#a16#a16" target="_blank">website</a>
 currently states — in English — that families won’t be able to add new 
dependents for the child tax credit until later this summer.)But
 True-Funk said that even if a refugee family realizes they need to 
register for the money, they often don’t have the resources or the 
skills to easily navigate the online process on their own.“The
 IRS website is not super user-friendly to begin with,” she said. “And 
then if you don't have a lot of technological literacy or a good grasp 
of the written English language, it’s that much more complicated.”And
 when government communications and resources don’t reach refugee 
families in a meaningful way, that often leaves local support 
organizations to pick up the slack.In Garden City, Mohamud
 plans to create her own flyer explaining the advance child tax credit 
in Somali that she can distribute to neighbors and local businesses. But
 first, she needs to find answers to her own questions about it.“I have to understand this clearly,” she said, “before I can tell them anything.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

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