Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of North Poplar Street and East 2nd Avenue.

Even though the architecture might look like a church, this building started life as a filling station.

Cities Services Oil Co. was there from 1935 to 1939.

Carl Peterson's filling station was there from 1939 to about 1945.

Harry and Howard Mock purchased the building in 1947, added on to it and ran the Hockaday Auto Supply there from 1947 to 1970. The first photo shows this enterprise in 1949.

R.E.I.B. (Real Estate and Investment Brokers) was started in 1959 by a group of local businessmen.

In 1970, Joe Gingerich and his two sons, Ron and Doc, purchased the company and moved it to the 201 E. 2nd building in 1975. The second photo shows the building and property today, still the R.E.I.B. business.

The company is run now by Ron, Doc and Robin Gingerich, and Laverle Pounds, and specializes in property auctions — just another longtime, successful, family-owned Hutchinson business.

To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

<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/2024/2/1707922797176.png" alt="Hockadays Auto Supply Co. (Harry &amp; Howard Mock) - 201 E. 2nd - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hockadays Auto Supply Co. (Harry &amp; Howard Mock) - 201 E. 2nd - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704293041402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of North Poplar Street and East 2nd Avenue.Even though the architecture might look like a church, this building started life as a filling station.Cities Services Oil Co. was there from 1935 to 1939.Carl Peterson's filling station was there from 1939 to about 1945.Harry and Howard Mock purchased the building in 1947, added on to it and ran the Hockaday Auto Supply there from 1947 to 1970. The first photo shows this enterprise in 1949.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707922797176.png" alt="Hockadays Auto Supply Co. (Harry &amp; Howard Mock) - 201 E. 2nd - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hockadays Auto Supply Co. (Harry &amp; Howard Mock) - 201 E. 2nd - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>R.E.I.B. (Real Estate and Investment Brokers) was started in 1959 by a group of local businessmen.In 1970, Joe Gingerich and his two sons, Ron and Doc, purchased the company and moved it to the 201 E. 2nd building in 1975. The second photo shows the building and property today, still the R.E.I.B. business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707922892080.png" alt="Hockadays Auto Supply Co. - R.E.I.B. - 201 E. 2nd - Jan. 11, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hockadays Auto Supply Co. - R.E.I.B. - 201 E. 2nd - Jan. 11, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The company is run now by Ron, Doc and Robin Gingerich, and Laverle Pounds, and specializes in property auctions — just another longtime, successful, family-owned Hutchinson business.To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a><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.

📷 Throwback Thursday: 201 E. 2nd - Vol. 57

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of his annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Maintenance Director Harlan Depew wanted to warn the commission to continue saving for the obsolescence of some long term county infrastructure.

"If you look through that overview, you'll be able to see a number of years coming up where those capital expenses are way higher than what we have been accustomed to," Depew said. "The reasons for that are, the two big ones coming up in 2028 would be 20 years that we did the energy project back in 2008. At that point, we had a lot of HVAC equipment replaced in multiple buildings, the boilers and chillers, hydronic pumps, that sort of thing. All of those items will be reaching end of life."

Obviously, they don't all die at the same time, but the point is that the commission should start saving money for those replacements.

"The same year, 2008, is when we opened the RCAT building," Depew said. "The roof at RCAT, all the mechanical equipment down there, will also be reaching that 20 year end of life, life cycle projection at that same time. 2028 is a fairly large year."

Also, the jail is not quite halfway through that 20 year period. It will reach 20 years of age in 2035. Also, commissioners must figure in for any inflation in cost that could continue to happen in the time between now and those life cycle end dates.

<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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706198224128.jpeg" alt="Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Sandra Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Sandra Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of his annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Maintenance Director Harlan Depew wanted to warn the commission to continue saving for the obsolescence of some long term county infrastructure."If you look through that overview, you'll be able to see a number of years coming up where those capital expenses are way higher than what we have been accustomed to," Depew said. "The reasons for that are, the two big ones coming up in 2028 would be 20 years that we did the energy project back in 2008. At that point, we had a lot of HVAC equipment replaced in multiple buildings, the boilers and chillers, hydronic pumps, that sort of thing. All of those items will be reaching end of life."Obviously, they don't all die at the same time, but the point is that the commission should start saving money for those replacements."The same year, 2008, is when we opened the RCAT building," Depew said. "The roof at RCAT, all the mechanical equipment down there, will also be reaching that 20 year end of life, life cycle projection at that same time. 2028 is a fairly large year."Also, the jail is not quite halfway through that 20 year period. It will reach 20 years of age in 2035. Also, commissioners must figure in for any inflation in cost that could continue to happen in the time between now and those life cycle end dates.<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;&nbsp;

Depew: County needs to keep saving for long term

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) is currently building an eligibility list for future firefighters to join their next Recruit Academy in Spring 2024.

HFD is an organization of&nbsp;continuous improvement that takes pride in improving its commitment to the community and has confirmed International Accreditation as well as a Class 1 rating with the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). HFD is 1 of 112 organizations in the world that currently holds both statuses.&nbsp;Establishing this:

HFD protects 50,000 residents and covers 108 square miles encompassing the City of Hutchinson and suburban and rural Reno County Fire District #2.

HFD has 89 uniformed members and 1 civilian employee and operates 6 engine companies, 2 truck companies, and Crossman 10 brush trucks, 2 water tenders, 2 reserve engines, and a heavy rescue trailer from 6 strategically located fire stations.

Fire Headquarters is located in our Command and Training Center with a 4-story training tower with 2 burn rooms and 2 large paved training pads located on 53 acres of land. The department provides fire suppression, basic life support EMS response (Tactical Emergency Medicine), hazardous material - technician level, technical heavy rescue (confined space, high and low angle, structural rescue, and water rescue), and wildland firefighting (with the possibility of federal deployment).

The Recruit Academy consists of courses designed to review IFSAC and the NFPA Standard 1001, Firefighter I and II skills, Hazardous Materials Operations skills, Kansas Emergency Medical Technician skills, and HFD policies and procedures. 

Recruits are tested and evaluated weekly throughout the process on both written and practical skills, and are given both a final written exam and a practical skills test. Recruits must pass all exams with a minimum score of 70%.

Firefighters are required to work 24-hour shift assignments - living, eating, and sleeping at the station for the entire period (including weekends and holidays), and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice.&nbsp;

Firefighters work 10 days per month with 4 consecutive days off occurring 3-4 times per month. The schedule then repeats.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchgov.applicantpro.com/jobs/2284310.html">You can apply online</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641488830033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) is currently building an eligibility list for future firefighters to join their next Recruit Academy in Spring 2024.HFD is an organization of&nbsp;continuous improvement that takes pride in improving its commitment to the community and has confirmed International Accreditation as well as a Class 1 rating with the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). HFD is 1 of 112 organizations in the world that currently holds both statuses.&nbsp;Establishing this:<ul>
 <li>Provides greater community alignment.</li><li>Encourages quality improvement.</li><li>Facilitates input from and builds positive relationships with labor.</li><li>Identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses.</li><li>Allows for the establishment of an improvement plan.</li><li>Provides data-supported decision-making.</li><li>Communicates management and leadership philosophies.</li><li>Ensures that our agency has a defined mission and related objectives.</li><li>Encourages the development of organizational procedural documents.</li><li>Is operating under industry best practices.</li>
 </ul>HFD protects 50,000 residents and covers 108 square miles encompassing the City of Hutchinson and suburban and rural Reno County Fire District #2.HFD has 89 uniformed members and 1 civilian employee and operates 6 engine companies, 2 truck companies, and Crossman 10 brush trucks, 2 water tenders, 2 reserve engines, and a heavy rescue trailer from 6 strategically located fire stations.Fire Headquarters is located in our Command and Training Center with a 4-story training tower with 2 burn rooms and 2 large paved training pads located on 53 acres of land. The department provides fire suppression, basic life support EMS response (Tactical Emergency Medicine), hazardous material - technician level, technical heavy rescue (confined space, high and low angle, structural rescue, and water rescue), and wildland firefighting (with the possibility of federal deployment).The Recruit Academy consists of courses designed to review IFSAC and the NFPA Standard 1001, Firefighter I and II skills, Hazardous Materials Operations skills, Kansas Emergency Medical Technician skills, and HFD policies and procedures. Recruits are tested and evaluated weekly throughout the process on both written and practical skills, and are given both a final written exam and a practical skills test. Recruits must pass all exams with a minimum score of 70%.Firefighters are required to work 24-hour shift assignments - living, eating, and sleeping at the station for the entire period (including weekends and holidays), and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice.&nbsp;Firefighters work 10 days per month with 4 consecutive days off occurring 3-4 times per month. The schedule then repeats.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchgov.applicantpro.com/jobs/2284310.html">You can apply online</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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; &nbsp;

Hutchinson Firefighter Academy seeking applicants

MULVANE, Kan. — Super-fast fiber internet service is now available to hundreds of Mulvane families and businesses, thanks to IdeaTek.&nbsp;

The Buhler-based internet company will begin construction within the next week, and plans to allocate additional resources and time to complete the project quickly. By mid-April,&nbsp; IdeaTek will begin delivering unlimited and uncapped speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second to the City of Mulvane. IdeaTek's 100-percent fiber investment will connect over 2,500 homes and businesses to fiber.&nbsp;

Demand for reliable internet is high in the Mulvane area and early install slots are quickly filling up. To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s service area and to sign up for service, visit hookmeup.ideatek.com.

Investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. While some providers use the term “Fiber-Powered” to hide the fact that they are using outdated technology, IdeaTek invests in true fiber connections to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, enhanced reliability and scalable capacities for the Mulvane area. IdeaTek is also able to provide more affordable pricing compared to current, often less reliable, service providers in the city.

“At IdeaTek, we're committed to bringing high-speed fiber internet to every corner of Kansas, and we're excited to make it a reality in Mulvane,” said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovation officer. “True fiber internet is the gold standard in internet connectivity. With fiber, we are providing a new foundation for innovation, creativity and progress in the age of the digital economy. Our ultimate goal is to provide fiber to all Kansas residents because fiber is hands-down the best technology for high-speed broadband.”&nbsp;

Building fiber infrastructure takes time, but residents can now look forward to:

IdeaTek has already established a presence in the region. The company is currently building fiber to the cities of Derby and Augusta. Other projects in the past year include Hutchinson, Newton, Valley Center and Goddard.&nbsp;

Access to fiber internet will provide significant advantages for residents and businesses, said Mulvane City Adminstrator Austin St. John.

“Ensuring every home in Mulvane has access to high-speed, reliable fiber internet is not only beneficial for the current generation but also for generations to come, enabling them to work and play seamlessly," he said. "Also, quality, affordable high-speed internet allows businesses to flourish and provide more customer access to their product, which is a win-win for the business, customer and community."

IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four high school friends. Today, the company employs over 150 Kansans and is continuing to grow. IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,500 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in 100 Kansas communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707935180873.png" alt="Photo Courtesy IdeaTek" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy IdeaTek</figcaption>
 </figure>IdeaTekMULVANE, Kan. — Super-fast fiber internet service is now available to hundreds of Mulvane families and businesses, thanks to IdeaTek.&nbsp;The Buhler-based internet company will begin construction within the next week, and plans to allocate additional resources and time to complete the project quickly. By mid-April,&nbsp; IdeaTek will begin delivering unlimited and uncapped speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second to the City of Mulvane. IdeaTek's 100-percent fiber investment will connect over 2,500 homes and businesses to fiber.&nbsp;Demand for reliable internet is high in the Mulvane area and early install slots are quickly filling up. To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s service area and to sign up for service, visit hookmeup.ideatek.com.Investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. While some providers use the term “Fiber-Powered” to hide the fact that they are using outdated technology, IdeaTek invests in true fiber connections to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, enhanced reliability and scalable capacities for the Mulvane area. IdeaTek is also able to provide more affordable pricing compared to current, often less reliable, service providers in the city.“At IdeaTek, we're committed to bringing high-speed fiber internet to every corner of Kansas, and we're excited to make it a reality in Mulvane,” said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovation officer. “True fiber internet is the gold standard in internet connectivity. With fiber, we are providing a new foundation for innovation, creativity and progress in the age of the digital economy. Our ultimate goal is to provide fiber to all Kansas residents because fiber is hands-down the best technology for high-speed broadband.”&nbsp;Building fiber infrastructure takes time, but residents can now look forward to:<ul>
 <li>Symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second</li><li>Unlimited data with no throttling or lag time</li><li>No annual contracts</li><li>Friendly, Kansas-based customer support</li>
 </ul>Community InvestmentIdeaTek has already established a presence in the region. The company is currently building fiber to the cities of Derby and Augusta. Other projects in the past year include Hutchinson, Newton, Valley Center and Goddard.&nbsp;Access to fiber internet will provide significant advantages for residents and businesses, said Mulvane City Adminstrator Austin St. John.“Ensuring every home in Mulvane has access to high-speed, reliable fiber internet is not only beneficial for the current generation but also for generations to come, enabling them to work and play seamlessly," he said. "Also, quality, affordable high-speed internet allows businesses to flourish and provide more customer access to their product, which is a win-win for the business, customer and community."IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four high school friends. Today, the company employs over 150 Kansans and is continuing to grow. IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,500 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in 100 Kansas communities.<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;&nbsp;

Ideatek Fiber expands to Mulvane

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jackson Swearer with StartUp Hutch announced the featured speakers for the Entrepreneurship Connections event on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20.

This month, the event will feature local entrepreneurs, Mark and Phoebe Davenport. Owners of Levare Properties, the Davenports have helped bring new life to several downtown historic properties including Plaza Towers, Leon Apartments, and their latest project - renovation of the 111-year-old Hoke Building into a boutique hotel.

This event is free, but StartUp Hutch is offering a free drink ticket to those who register in advance.

The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 at&nbsp;Sandhills Brewing at 111 W. 2nd Ave.

<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707927200659.jpeg" alt="Mark and Phoebe Davenport-Levare Properties" />
 <figcaption>Mark and Phoebe Davenport-Levare Properties</figcaption>
 </figure>StartUp HutchHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jackson Swearer with StartUp Hutch announced the featured speakers for the Entrepreneurship Connections event on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20.This month, the event will feature local entrepreneurs, Mark and Phoebe Davenport. Owners of Levare Properties, the Davenports have helped bring new life to several downtown historic properties including Plaza Towers, Leon Apartments, and their latest project - renovation of the 111-year-old Hoke Building into a boutique hotel.This event is free, but StartUp Hutch is offering a free drink ticket to those who register in advance.The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 at&nbsp;Sandhills Brewing at 111 W. 2nd Ave.<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Entrepreneurship Connections to feature Davenports

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

2/15/2024 12:21 AM-Brenna	Sue Gerard-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order&nbsp;

2/15/2024 12:18 AM-Johnathan	Amadeus Ward-Direct Contempt; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

2/14/2024 10:54 PM-Kimberly	Jo Bork-Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm

2/14/2024 4:25 PM-Ashley	Ann Rank-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

2/14/2024 12:48 PM-Solomon	Ugene Raine-Probation Violation

2/14/2024 9:13 AM-Kelby	Ray Becker-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

2/14/2024 4:02 AM-Terrence	Dean Stucky-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Failure to Appear

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/15/2024 12:21 AM-Brenna	Sue Gerard-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order&nbsp;2/15/2024 12:18 AM-Johnathan	Amadeus Ward-Direct Contempt; Viol protection order; Pre-trial order2/14/2024 10:54 PM-Kimberly	Jo Bork-Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm2/14/2024 4:25 PM-Ashley	Ann Rank-Failure to Appear&nbsp;2/14/2024 12:48 PM-Solomon	Ugene Raine-Probation Violation2/14/2024 9:13 AM-Kelby	Ray Becker-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+2/14/2024 4:02 AM-Terrence	Dean Stucky-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications Specialist

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A special event was held Tuesday as a check for $25,000 was presented to the Food Bank of Reno County, as part of the&nbsp;Pathways to a Healthy Kansas (Pathways)&nbsp;grant, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) initiative.&nbsp;Participating in the check presentation event were Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS, Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Department and Heal Reno County, Karlene Clarke, BCBSKS, Penny Taapken, Food Bank of Reno County Director, and Michelle Vakulenko, BCBSKS.

The Food Bank of Reno County signed a pledge agreement that affirmed their commitment to taking on new opportunities to provide greater access to healthy food for consumers of their services. To fulfill this pledge, the Food Bank of Reno County commits to using the Healthy Eating Research nutrition standards (HER Standards.) It will assess the current conditions of the food pantry/food bank, develop a policy to phase in healthy food from a variety of food sources over the course of at least five years, work with donors, food pantry clients, food pantry staff and volunteers to implement identified changes and will share all policies with the coalition and BCBSKS to build a portfolio of best practices.

The funds received from the&nbsp;Pathways&nbsp;grant will be used by the Food Bank of Reno County towards a refrigerator and freezer for $13,400, tablets for HER Standards tracking at approximately $1,000 and a Volunteer Coordinator at approximately $10,500. Heal Reno County will be providing an additional $10,000 towards the Food Bank of Reno County Volunteer Coordinator role.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707936891779.jpeg" alt="A special event was held Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, as a check for $25,000 was presented to the Food Bank of Reno County as part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas (Pathways) grant, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) initiative. Participating in the check presentation event were Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS Director of Blue Health Initiatives, left, Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Department Health Promotion Supervisor and Heal Reno County Chair, Karlene Clarke, BCBSKS Provider Consultant, Penny Taapken, Food Bank of Reno County Director, and Michelle Vakulenko, BCBSKS Group Sales Consultant." />
 <figcaption>A special event was held Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, as a check for $25,000 was presented to the Food Bank of Reno County as part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas (Pathways) grant, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) initiative. Participating in the check presentation event were Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS Director of Blue Health Initiatives, left, Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Department Health Promotion Supervisor and Heal Reno County Chair, Karlene Clarke, BCBSKS Provider Consultant, Penny Taapken, Food Bank of Reno County Director, and Michelle Vakulenko, BCBSKS Group Sales Consultant.</figcaption>
 </figure>SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications SpecialistHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A special event was held Tuesday as a check for $25,000 was presented to the Food Bank of Reno County, as part of the&nbsp;Pathways to a Healthy Kansas (Pathways)&nbsp;grant, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) initiative.&nbsp;Participating in the check presentation event were Virginia Barnes, BCBSKS, Candace Davidson, Reno County Health Department and Heal Reno County, Karlene Clarke, BCBSKS, Penny Taapken, Food Bank of Reno County Director, and Michelle Vakulenko, BCBSKS.The Food Bank of Reno County signed a pledge agreement that affirmed their commitment to taking on new opportunities to provide greater access to healthy food for consumers of their services. To fulfill this pledge, the Food Bank of Reno County commits to using the Healthy Eating Research nutrition standards (HER Standards.) It will assess the current conditions of the food pantry/food bank, develop a policy to phase in healthy food from a variety of food sources over the course of at least five years, work with donors, food pantry clients, food pantry staff and volunteers to implement identified changes and will share all policies with the coalition and BCBSKS to build a portfolio of best practices.The funds received from the&nbsp;Pathways&nbsp;grant will be used by the Food Bank of Reno County towards a refrigerator and freezer for $13,400, tablets for HER Standards tracking at approximately $1,000 and a Volunteer Coordinator at approximately $10,500. Heal Reno County will be providing an additional $10,000 towards the Food Bank of Reno County Volunteer Coordinator role.<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;&nbsp;

Food Bank of Reno County receives $25,000 Pathways Grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan — Local teams competed at the 2024 Kansas KidWind Southcentral Region Challenge on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Stringer Fine Arts Center.&nbsp;

Hutch STEM Blue placed first in the fourth-eighth grade division and will compete at the state finals in Salina on April 14. Stem Blue also received the Judge's Choice award.

 Bob the Winders placed third in the fourth-eighth grade division. The Bob the Winders team will go to state if the second place team which was the Sterling Black Bears, cannot make it to the competition.&nbsp;

In the high school division, the Buhler Cru Winds placed first, the Sterling White Chicks &amp; Deryn placed second and the Zip Ties 'N Bias Plies from Sterling placed third.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0493b63a-cba3-42e5-9227-548187e6e7c0">Kansas KidWind</a>&nbsp;is an energy-related STEM education event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension.&nbsp;

State winners are invited to nationals in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 5-8.&nbsp; More information about KidWind is available at <a href="http://kcc.ks.gov">kcc.ks.gov</a>.

<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/2024/2/1707930343919.jpeg" alt="Hutch STEM Blue hold up their first place and judges choice award certificates at the Southcentral Region Kansas KidWind Challenge. Hutch STEM Blue were invited to the State Competition in April at the award ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 13&nbsp; at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hutch STEM Blue hold up their first place and judges choice award certificates at the Southcentral Region Kansas KidWind Challenge. Hutch STEM Blue were invited to the State Competition in April at the award ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 13&nbsp; at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan — Local teams competed at the 2024 Kansas KidWind Southcentral Region Challenge on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Stringer Fine Arts Center.&nbsp;Hutch STEM Blue placed first in the fourth-eighth grade division and will compete at the state finals in Salina on April 14. Stem Blue also received the Judge's Choice award. Bob the Winders placed third in the fourth-eighth grade division. The Bob the Winders team will go to state if the second place team which was the Sterling Black Bears, cannot make it to the competition.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707930951315.jpeg" alt="Bob the Winders from Hutchinson hold up their third place certificate at the Southcentral Region Kansas KidWind Challenge. Bob the Winders were awarded their certificate on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bob the Winders from Hutchinson hold up their third place certificate at the Southcentral Region Kansas KidWind Challenge. Bob the Winders were awarded their certificate on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In the high school division, the Buhler Cru Winds placed first, the Sterling White Chicks &amp; Deryn placed second and the Zip Ties 'N Bias Plies from Sterling placed third.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0493b63a-cba3-42e5-9227-548187e6e7c0">Kansas KidWind</a>&nbsp;is an energy-related STEM education event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension.&nbsp;State winners are invited to nationals in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 5-8.&nbsp; More information about KidWind is available at <a href="http://kcc.ks.gov">kcc.ks.gov</a>.<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;

KidWind Challenge results from Tuesday's regional

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners at their Wednesday meeting expressed concern about a proposed bill in the Kansas Senate, SB 468, that had a hearing this morning in the Senate Tax Committee.

"The way it's written right now, if it was passed, if there was a tax exemption given by the county to a business, even if it was to help them, kind of like you guys helped APAC last year, it would then tie your hands to, at least for the next year, hold the budget at revenue-neutral rate," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington.

This would change the competitive landscape in Kansas considerably.

"An Industrial Revenue Bond, that's tax exempt for 10 years," said Commissioner Ron Hirst. "We've done two of those not too long ago, one of them was for AgriCenter and the other one was for APAC. It's going to tie our hands pretty hard. If you look at the fact that 35 mills or 34 point whatever mills times zero is still zero. But, if we get a company come in that wants to spend a billion dollars or so, or a million dollars, then that's real money, come ten years from now."

Commissioner Don Bogner did make a significant point.

"If they tie our hands, they tie our neighbors hands, too," Bogner said. "You know they can't offer something, well, I guess they can, if they're willing to take the hit."

It's not that Reno County wants to raise taxes. In fact, they've been able to hold to the Revenue Neutral rate for the past couple of years.&nbsp; However,&nbsp; the lack of flexibility, especially if a new business were to require county infrastructure investment, makes the bill problematic in its current form.

<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/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="Kansas Statehouse" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Statehouse</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners at their Wednesday meeting expressed concern about a proposed bill in the Kansas Senate, SB 468, that had a hearing this morning in the Senate Tax Committee."The way it's written right now, if it was passed, if there was a tax exemption given by the county to a business, even if it was to help them, kind of like you guys helped APAC last year, it would then tie your hands to, at least for the next year, hold the budget at revenue-neutral rate," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington.This would change the competitive landscape in Kansas considerably."An Industrial Revenue Bond, that's tax exempt for 10 years," said Commissioner Ron Hirst. "We've done two of those not too long ago, one of them was for AgriCenter and the other one was for APAC. It's going to tie our hands pretty hard. If you look at the fact that 35 mills or 34 point whatever mills times zero is still zero. But, if we get a company come in that wants to spend a billion dollars or so, or a million dollars, then that's real money, come ten years from now."Commissioner Don Bogner did make a significant point."If they tie our hands, they tie our neighbors hands, too," Bogner said. "You know they can't offer something, well, I guess they can, if they're willing to take the hit."It's not that Reno County wants to raise taxes. In fact, they've been able to hold to the Revenue Neutral rate for the past couple of years.&nbsp; However,&nbsp; the lack of flexibility, especially if a new business were to require county infrastructure investment, makes the bill problematic in its current form.<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;

Proposed change to RNR statute being watched by Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation believes that a connected community is a stronger community, and has witnessed the power and impact that can come from quality relationships within and across sectors in Reno County. 

That’s why they are inviting nonprofit staff, volunteers, and board members to a Speed Connections event on Thursday, February 22 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Sandhills Brewing at 111 West 2nd Ave.

Speed Connections is a fun, fast-paced, and highly-interactive event designed to spark and strengthen connections between local nonprofit professionals. Participants will engage in a series of timed one-on-one conversations around questions posed by a facilitator on a variety of topics related to the nonprofit sector, leadership, and the community.

Each participant is welcome to one free drink of their choice, but for them to know how many to get, advance registration is requested.

<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/2022/4/1651237155228.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation believes that a connected community is a stronger community, and has witnessed the power and impact that can come from quality relationships within and across sectors in Reno County. That’s why they are inviting nonprofit staff, volunteers, and board members to a Speed Connections event on Thursday, February 22 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Sandhills Brewing at 111 West 2nd Ave.Speed Connections is a fun, fast-paced, and highly-interactive event designed to spark and strengthen connections between local nonprofit professionals. Participants will engage in a series of timed one-on-one conversations around questions posed by a facilitator on a variety of topics related to the nonprofit sector, leadership, and the community.Each participant is welcome to one free drink of their choice, but for them to know how many to get, advance registration is requested.<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;

Non-profit Speed Connections event next week

A previous version of this story used Salt City Speedway imagery. The Fair Board did not approve the use of the name at the Tuesday meeting. Hutch Post regrets the error.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of its meeting on Tuesday, the Kansas State Fair Board officially approved the contract for the 2024 season of racing at the racetrack on the Fairgrounds.

According to information from the State of Kansas that Phil Nightingale provided to the Hutchinson City Council, the economic impact of a track event is estimated at over $140,000.

The schedule, as they know it right now, is below.

Fri. April 26 - Grand Opening - URSS Sprints, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact.

Fri. May 24 - URSS Sprints, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact

Fri. June 21 - High Plains Late Models, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact

Fri. July 19 - USAC Silver Crown Qual. URSS Sprint Cars, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact

Sat. July 20 - USAC Silver Crown 100 laps, URSS Sprints, Support Classes TBA

Sat. Aug. 3 - Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact

Fri. Sept. 20 - URSS Sprints, Final points night for Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact

Sat. Oct 12 - Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact No Points

<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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137556905.jpeg" alt="KSF Grandstand Racetrack-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>KSF Grandstand Racetrack-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>A previous version of this story used Salt City Speedway imagery. The Fair Board did not approve the use of the name at the Tuesday meeting. Hutch Post regrets the error.HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of its meeting on Tuesday, the Kansas State Fair Board officially approved the contract for the 2024 season of racing at the racetrack on the Fairgrounds.According to information from the State of Kansas that Phil Nightingale provided to the Hutchinson City Council, the economic impact of a track event is estimated at over $140,000.The schedule, as they know it right now, is below.Fri. April 26 - Grand Opening - URSS Sprints, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact.Fri. May 24 - URSS Sprints, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. CompactFri. June 21 - High Plains Late Models, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. CompactFri. July 19 - USAC Silver Crown Qual. URSS Sprint Cars, Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. CompactSat. July 20 - USAC Silver Crown 100 laps, URSS Sprints, Support Classes TBASat. Aug. 3 - Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. CompactFri. Sept. 20 - URSS Sprints, Final points night for Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. CompactSat. Oct 12 - Mod, Sp. Mod, Stock Car, Hobby, Sp. Compact No PointsSat. Nov. 16 - TBA&nbsp;&nbsp;<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;&nbsp;

Fair Board officially approves 2024 use of racetrack

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — U.S. Representative Tracey Mann will host town halls next week, Feb. 21-22, 2024, as part of his annual 60-county Mann Listening Tour. 

The town halls will take place in Reno, McPherson, Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Dickinson, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Washington counties. All town hall meetings are open to the public.

The Hutch Post area town halls are the morning of Feb. 21.&nbsp;

The Reno County town hall is at 8:30 a.m. at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Sunny's Cafe at 400 Buhler Road.

The McPherson County town hall is at 10:30 a.m. at the&nbsp;Lindsborg Community Library at 111 S. Main Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — U.S. Representative Tracey Mann will host town halls next week, Feb. 21-22, 2024, as part of his annual 60-county Mann Listening Tour. The town halls will take place in Reno, McPherson, Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Dickinson, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Washington counties. All town hall meetings are open to the public.The Hutch Post area town halls are the morning of Feb. 21.&nbsp;The Reno County town hall is at 8:30 a.m. at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Sunny's Cafe at 400 Buhler Road.The McPherson County town hall is at 10:30 a.m. at the&nbsp;Lindsborg Community Library at 111 S. Main Street.<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;

Mann in Reno and McPherson counties next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College will open its 2024 series with Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher and blogger Janelle Shane on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:30 am at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Shane’s AI humor blog, AIweirdness.com, looks at the strange side of artificial intelligence. She has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Popular Science, All Things Considered, and Slate.

In 2019 she was named one of Fast Company’s 100 most creative people in business. Her TED talk is a funny and insightful look at the nature of machine learning algorithms.

Her book You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning accessible and entertaining.

Shane received her BS in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University, her MPhil in Physics from the University of St. Andrews, and her PhD from the University of California San Diego.

Tickets to the lecture are available now at www.hutchcc.edu/dls and will also be available beginning at 9:45 am the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

She will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture. The press conference is scheduled at 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

2024 is the 43rd season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC Campus. For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.

<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707905687857.jpeg" alt="Janelle Shane-Photo Courtesy HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Janelle Shane-Photo Courtesy HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community CollegeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College will open its 2024 series with Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher and blogger Janelle Shane on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:30 am at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.Shane’s AI humor blog, AIweirdness.com, looks at the strange side of artificial intelligence. She has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Popular Science, All Things Considered, and Slate.In 2019 she was named one of Fast Company’s 100 most creative people in business. Her TED talk is a funny and insightful look at the nature of machine learning algorithms.Her book You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning accessible and entertaining.Shane received her BS in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University, her MPhil in Physics from the University of St. Andrews, and her PhD from the University of California San Diego.Tickets to the lecture are available now at www.hutchcc.edu/dls and will also be available beginning at 9:45 am the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.She will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture. The press conference is scheduled at 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.2024 is the 43rd season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC Campus. For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dillon Lecture next week to feature Artificial Intelligence researcher

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Healthy Neighborhood Initiative is looking for feedback on their <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-2i43uuhMR4uwo7OdGuCdIx8FFAG4nIg3K_qeU5-O0Lajfw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR29gZKwjA9wQqWivCZTZFqbJuquIpzks5FK557S5WBIlCzauU5bnhaWeV4">Civic Engagement survey</a>. It has just 12 questions to complete

Also, the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative is ready on March 1 to open the&nbsp;Neighborhood Play Library! 

A collection of yard games will be available for residents to check out and enjoy during neighborhood gatherings. 

As an incentive to use the program, residents who contact Adam Stewart (<a href="mailto:astewart@hutchrec.com">astewart@hutchrec.com</a>) to fill out the city’s form to temporarily close their block for a couple of hours will receive a $50.00 gift card.

This gift card can be used to purchase supplies like coffee, hotdogs, paper plates, and more for a neighborhood gathering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704988911111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Healthy Neighborhood InitiativeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Healthy Neighborhood Initiative is looking for feedback on their <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-2i43uuhMR4uwo7OdGuCdIx8FFAG4nIg3K_qeU5-O0Lajfw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR29gZKwjA9wQqWivCZTZFqbJuquIpzks5FK557S5WBIlCzauU5bnhaWeV4">Civic Engagement survey</a>. It has just 12 questions to completeAlso, the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative is ready on March 1 to open the&nbsp;Neighborhood Play Library! A collection of yard games will be available for residents to check out and enjoy during neighborhood gatherings. As an incentive to use the program, residents who contact Adam Stewart (<a href="mailto:astewart@hutchrec.com">astewart@hutchrec.com</a>) to fill out the city’s form to temporarily close their block for a couple of hours will receive a $50.00 gift card. This gift card can be used to purchase supplies like coffee, hotdogs, paper plates, and more for a neighborhood gathering.<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;&nbsp;

Healthy Neighborhood Initiative looking for public feedback, involvement

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

2/14/2024 12:51 AM-Christian	Luis Lamar Walker-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Leave the scene of an accident; Property Damage &lt; $1000; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Fail to Give Information at Unattended Property or Vehicle Accident; Possess cigarettes or tobacco under 18 yoa

2/14/2024 12:31 AM-Traci	Renee Zirbel-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

2/14/2024 12:18 AM-Nicole	Renee Hilton-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

2/13/2024 8:39 PM-Lance	Aaron Smith-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

2/13/2024 4:21 PM-Patricia	Marie Tipton-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

2/13/2024 3:32 PM-Rachel	Ann McMurphy-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;

2/13/2024 2:29 PM-Virgil	Wayne Skaggs-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting

2/13/2024 1:32 PM-Charles	Shaday Parker Jr.-Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person

2/13/2024 11:13 AM-Kacee	Charlene Probst-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

2/13/2024 7:58 AM-Ashley	Nicole Adkins-Failure to Appear

2/13/2024 7:56 AM-Douglas	Xavier Henderson-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/14/2024 12:51 AM-Christian	Luis Lamar Walker-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Leave the scene of an accident; Property Damage &lt; $1000; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Fail to Give Information at Unattended Property or Vehicle Accident; Possess cigarettes or tobacco under 18 yoa2/14/2024 12:31 AM-Traci	Renee Zirbel-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body2/14/2024 12:18 AM-Nicole	Renee Hilton-Failure to Appear&nbsp;2/13/2024 8:39 PM-Lance	Aaron Smith-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body2/13/2024 4:21 PM-Patricia	Marie Tipton-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)2/13/2024 3:32 PM-Rachel	Ann McMurphy-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;2/13/2024 2:29 PM-Virgil	Wayne Skaggs-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting2/13/2024 1:32 PM-Charles	Shaday Parker Jr.-Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person2/13/2024 11:13 AM-Kacee	Charlene Probst-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;2/13/2024 7:58 AM-Ashley	Nicole Adkins-Failure to Appear2/13/2024 7:56 AM-Douglas	Xavier Henderson-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

HARVEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in rural Harvey County.

On Tuesday morning, crews from Newton and city of Walton responded to a house and vehicle fire in Walton, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.

The house had significant damage and two vehicles burned. No occupants, pets, or firefighters were injured. Division Chief 135 and the State Fire Marshall's office are in charge of the investigation.

Newton Fire thanked fellow responders including the Harvey County Sheriff's Office, Hesston Fire/EMS, and Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707850058430.png" alt="Photos Newton Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photos Newton Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in rural Harvey County.On Tuesday morning, crews from Newton and city of Walton responded to a house and vehicle fire in Walton, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707849626755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The house had significant damage and two vehicles burned. No occupants, pets, or firefighters were injured. Division Chief 135 and the State Fire Marshall's office are in charge of the investigation.Newton Fire thanked fellow responders including the Harvey County Sheriff's Office, Hesston Fire/EMS, and Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District.<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;&nbsp;

Home damaged, vehicles destroyed in Harvey Co. fire

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson Parks Department announced Tuesday the schedule for new equipment at&nbsp;Herman &amp; Helen Bunte Park and Grandview Park.

Demolition of the old equipment will begin&nbsp;the week of February 19, 2024.

New equipment will be installed&nbsp;the week of March 18, 2024.

The department says there will be new park signs and sidewalk improvements at Herman &amp; Helen Bunte Park and a new water fountain and fresh paint at Grandview Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707848812449.jpeg" alt="3D Model of Grandview Park New Equipment-Provided by City of Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>3D Model of Grandview Park New Equipment-Provided by City of Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson Parks Department announced Tuesday the schedule for new equipment at&nbsp;Herman &amp; Helen Bunte Park and Grandview Park.Demolition of the old equipment will begin&nbsp;the week of February 19, 2024.New equipment will be installed&nbsp;the week of March 18, 2024.The department says there will be new park signs and sidewalk improvements at Herman &amp; Helen Bunte Park and a new water fountain and fresh paint at Grandview Park.<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;&nbsp;

Parks to be refreshed

Information from Kansas Forest Service and Kansas State Fire Marshal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — February 12 to 16 is Wildfire Awareness Week in Kansas. 

If you want to check on your home specifically, you can do that through the Kansas Forest Service's <a href="https://wrap.kansaswildfirerisk.org/Map/Public/#whats-your-risk">Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal</a>.

"It will zoom you right into the area that you might be interested in," said Dennis Carlson with the Kansas Forest Service. "A lot of times, people will look at this and see the street addresses, but they are so much more used to seeing aerial photos. That's easily accessed. You can change it to streets and aerial photos. Aerial photos is so much easier for people to look at, because they know what their property looks like and they can zoom into that."

The Kansas Forest Service has a tutorial video featuring Carlson. That is available below.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council offer the following tips and best practices for helping farmers and ranchers to have safe and successful prescribed burns of their fields and pastures, ensuring a burn doesn’t become a wildfire:

Below is a video from the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office on safely burning a brush pile.

<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; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654951436825.jpeg" alt="Cottonwood Complex Fire-Photo by Rod Zook" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Complex Fire-Photo by Rod Zook</figcaption>
 </figure>Information from Kansas Forest Service and Kansas State Fire MarshalHUTCHINSON, Kan. — February 12 to 16 is Wildfire Awareness Week in Kansas. If you want to check on your home specifically, you can do that through the Kansas Forest Service's <a href="https://wrap.kansaswildfirerisk.org/Map/Public/#whats-your-risk">Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal</a>."It will zoom you right into the area that you might be interested in," said Dennis Carlson with the Kansas Forest Service. "A lot of times, people will look at this and see the street addresses, but they are so much more used to seeing aerial photos. That's easily accessed. You can change it to streets and aerial photos. Aerial photos is so much easier for people to look at, because they know what their property looks like and they can zoom into that."The Kansas Forest Service has a tutorial video featuring Carlson. That is available below.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ntyGBXhwiQU?si=tb8TOqxfxzTcQTaF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Office of the State Fire Marshal and Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council offer the following tips and best practices for helping farmers and ranchers to have safe and successful prescribed burns of their fields and pastures, ensuring a burn doesn’t become a wildfire:<ul>
 <li>Know all state and local fire restrictions. Check with county officials who are charged with deciding whether burning is permissible based on local conditions.</li><li>Notify neighbors as a courtesy prior to burning.</li><li>Postpone the burn if unsure of the fuel and weather conditions.</li><li>Check the weather forecast, not just for the day you will be burning, but for a couple days afterward as well to avoid “holdover” escapes from burns that were completed and forgotten about a day or more prior.</li><li>Have adequate resources and equipment available to prevent escaped fires.</li><li>Consider smoke management to avoid unsafe roads and air quality conditions.</li><li>Do not burn to the ends of the field. Setting boundaries, “back burning” and keeping the fire off of fence rows will prevent out-of-control burns.</li>
 </ul>Below is a video from the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office on safely burning a brush pile.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAr3jJ4QKEE?si=Pty-BxYMVW4hrz4z" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><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; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎥 Wildfire Awareness Week is key for prevention

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" Act II, scene ii, Juliet asks:&nbsp;

"What’s in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet"

The folks at&nbsp;403 W. 10th Ave. in Hutchinson will be calling themselves something else, even though the state database will stay the same.

The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education voted on Monday to not make an official name change for Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen.

However, they are giving the school the opportunity to call itself its preferred name of "Allen STEM Magnet Academy."

"We like it for several reasons," principal Jessica Thomas said. "Academy is a school that specializes in something particular, which is what we want to do. We like that 'Allen' is at the beginning of the name, instead of the end of the name, because, when people refer to the school, they call it 'Allen,' so I think it's nice that's at the forefront of the name."

Since students have collaborated on the name, it will help them believe they can accomplish something at school.

"This is about building collective efficacy in our building," Thomas said. "We know that collective efficacy is something that helps. It has a high-effect size, that helps make a difference for students."

The intent is to have the preferred name on public facing, things like the website and social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707837759343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" Act II, scene ii, Juliet asks:&nbsp;"What’s in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet"The folks at&nbsp;403 W. 10th Ave. in Hutchinson will be calling themselves something else, even though the state database will stay the same.The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education voted on Monday to not make an official name change for Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen.However, they are giving the school the opportunity to call itself its preferred name of "Allen STEM Magnet Academy.""We like it for several reasons," principal Jessica Thomas said. "Academy is a school that specializes in something particular, which is what we want to do. We like that 'Allen' is at the beginning of the name, instead of the end of the name, because, when people refer to the school, they call it 'Allen,' so I think it's nice that's at the forefront of the name."Since students have collaborated on the name, it will help them believe they can accomplish something at school."This is about building collective efficacy in our building," Thomas said. "We know that collective efficacy is something that helps. It has a high-effect size, that helps make a difference for students."The intent is to have the preferred name on public facing, things like the website and social media.<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;&nbsp;

Allen calling itself something else

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Current Hutchinson Community College Assistant Athletic Director Steve Kappenman will join Hutchinson Public Schools as Athletic Director in the 2024-2025 school year. Kappenman joins the Salthawks after 12 successful years with HutchCC, where he is better known as “Kapp.”

While at HutchCC, Kapp has specialized in eligibility, compliance, scheduling, concessions, game operations, and fundraising for the Blue Dragon Athletic Department. Kapp joined HutchCC in 2012. During his time at HutchCC, the Blue Dragons went on to win four NJCAA Championships.

A graduate of Hutchinson High School and HutchCC, Kapp went on to the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a business minor. He holds a Master’s degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University.

Kappenman joins his wife, Morgan Kappenman, third grade teacher at Wiley Elementary and his three sons; Lucas, Landry, and Lawson, who also attend the district. “I am excited to be a part of making a positive impact in the culture at USD 308. I look forward to building strong relationships with students, coaches, teachers, and parents in this community. Once a Salthawk, Always a Salthawk.”

Jon McLean, outgoing Athletic Director, will join Hutchinson Middle School as teacher and girls’ basketball coach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707833846593.jpeg" alt="Steve Kappenman" />
 <figcaption>Steve Kappenman</figcaption>
 </figure>STACY GOSS Hutchinson USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Current Hutchinson Community College Assistant Athletic Director Steve Kappenman will join Hutchinson Public Schools as Athletic Director in the 2024-2025 school year. Kappenman joins the Salthawks after 12 successful years with HutchCC, where he is better known as “Kapp.”While at HutchCC, Kapp has specialized in eligibility, compliance, scheduling, concessions, game operations, and fundraising for the Blue Dragon Athletic Department. Kapp joined HutchCC in 2012. During his time at HutchCC, the Blue Dragons went on to win four NJCAA Championships.A graduate of Hutchinson High School and HutchCC, Kapp went on to the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a business minor. He holds a Master’s degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University.Kappenman joins his wife, Morgan Kappenman, third grade teacher at Wiley Elementary and his three sons; Lucas, Landry, and Lawson, who also attend the district. “I am excited to be a part of making a positive impact in the culture at USD 308. I look forward to building strong relationships with students, coaches, teachers, and parents in this community. Once a Salthawk, Always a Salthawk.”Jon McLean, outgoing Athletic Director, will join Hutchinson Middle School as teacher and girls’ basketball coach.<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kappenman to become Salthawk AD

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sixth grader Kylee Smith who attends Graber Elementary, said the grey buddy bench on the school's playground is more than just a bench.&nbsp;Smith came up with an idea for a buddy bench to be installed at her school when she was in third grade.

Smith said the buddy bench serves as a symbol to help her and her peers feel seen by one another.&nbsp;

"It kind of  makes me happy," Smith said. "Just knowing that you are not in alone, just kind of in shadows, and just be where people can see you, knowing that you are not alone and just want somebody to hang out."&nbsp;

The project was completed on Sept. 19, 2023 and was placed on the playground on Oct. 2, 2023. The cost of the bench was $700 and with some help from her mom and other adults in her life, Smith raised every single cent for the bench.

"It took a while to make, and it took a while just thinking of how to do it and where we were going to get the product from," Smith said.&nbsp;

Smith's idea for the bench stems from Girl Scouts. When she told her mom she wanted to build a bench, she said her mom realized it would fulfill her bronze award requirement and would be a good way to help people.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/highest-awards/bronze-award.html">A bronze award</a> is earned when a girl scout completes a "Take Action" project based on observations of a local issue.&nbsp;

Principal of Graber Elementary, Jesse Ediger said when Smith presented her idea about the project, she had to find a balance of how much support to give and how much not to give. She said it was important that Smith felt it was "her project."&nbsp;

"She knows that's her bench and she's talked about that," Ediger said. "You know 20 years from now, she can drive by and she will see that bench here and that legacy that she leaves behind, that kids that aren't even here right now will be using that bench."

Ediger said she worked with Smith's mom on the details of the project which included types of fundraisers that work well with the school, the size of the bench and where to purchase it. But Smith was the one who continued to stick with it and remained resilient.&nbsp;

Smith donated a children's book to the school's library titled "Buddy Bench." The book's author is Patty Brozo and illustrated by Mike Deas. The plot line resembles Smith's idea for a bench. The children in the book convince their teacher to let them build a buddy bench after experiencing exclusion at school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707780913322.jpeg" alt="Sixth graders Lily Browning (left) and Kylee Smith (right) sit on the Buddy Bench on the Graber Elementary playground on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The project was led by Smith and&nbsp; the bench was placed&nbsp; on the Graber Elementary Playground on Oct. 2, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sixth graders Lily Browning (left) and Kylee Smith (right) sit on the Buddy Bench on the Graber Elementary playground on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. The project was led by Smith and&nbsp; the bench was placed&nbsp; on the Graber Elementary Playground on Oct. 2, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sixth grader Kylee Smith who attends Graber Elementary, said the grey buddy bench on the school's playground is more than just a bench.&nbsp;Smith came up with an idea for a buddy bench to be installed at her school when she was in third grade.Smith said the buddy bench serves as a symbol to help her and her peers feel seen by one another.&nbsp;"It kind of makes me happy," Smith said. "Just knowing that you are not in alone, just kind of in shadows, and just be where people can see you, knowing that you are not alone and just want somebody to hang out."&nbsp;The project was completed on Sept. 19, 2023 and was placed on the playground on Oct. 2, 2023. The cost of the bench was $700 and with some help from her mom and other adults in her life, Smith raised every single cent for the bench."It took a while to make, and it took a while just thinking of how to do it and where we were going to get the product from," Smith said.&nbsp;Smith's idea for the bench stems from Girl Scouts. When she told her mom she wanted to build a bench, she said her mom realized it would fulfill her bronze award requirement and would be a good way to help people.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/highest-awards/bronze-award.html">A bronze award</a> is earned when a girl scout completes a "Take Action" project based on observations of a local issue.&nbsp;Principal of Graber Elementary, Jesse Ediger said when Smith presented her idea about the project, she had to find a balance of how much support to give and how much not to give. She said it was important that Smith felt it was "her project."&nbsp;"She knows that's her bench and she's talked about that," Ediger said. "You know 20 years from now, she can drive by and she will see that bench here and that legacy that she leaves behind, that kids that aren't even here right now will be using that bench."Ediger said she worked with Smith's mom on the details of the project which included types of fundraisers that work well with the school, the size of the bench and where to purchase it. But Smith was the one who continued to stick with it and remained resilient.&nbsp;Smith donated a children's book to the school's library titled "Buddy Bench." The book's author is Patty Brozo and illustrated by Mike Deas. The plot line resembles Smith's idea for a bench. The children in the book convince their teacher to let them build a buddy bench after experiencing exclusion at school.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ediger went around to each classroom at Graber to read "The Buddy Bench" to students. She said it was neat to hear students tell her they had already checked out the book.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wanted them to know and we talked about Kylee's story," Ediger said. "Just to instill that leadership of what one student can do, you can really change things and have that power. I think so often they think, I'm just a kid. You can do so much."Smith said she's at the realization that it's important to have friends and connections when you are in school. She said she feels like it can help set you up for future success when you become an adult in the workforce.&nbsp;She even had her friend Lily Browning help her place the bench on the playground to represent the importance of connection. Browning came to support her friend during the interview with Hutch Post.&nbsp;"When we were placing it, it took a lot of work and a lot of people to help move it, and she is one of the people that helped and part of the idea, was her to just experience it with her being my friend," Smith said.&nbsp;Graber Elementary is located at 1600 N. Cleveland St. in Hutchinson.&nbsp;<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;