MCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stagedoor43productions.com/">StageDoor43 Productions</a> brings&nbsp;the&nbsp;musical Arthurian tale, Camelot, to the stage of the <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/">McPherson Opera House</a> this weekend. &nbsp;

From March 23 to March 26, people can enjoy the&nbsp;legend of King Arthur as told by the just as legendary partnership of Lerner and Loewe.&nbsp;

“With this Camelot version, one of the things that StageDoor43 does is we really bring shows that our family friendly and that has content that is appropriate to all ages that everyone can come and enjoy,” said Kevin Samuelson, director and producer of the show. “Camelot is one of those shows. It's generational.”&nbsp;

Camelot is an adaptation from the 1958 novel&nbsp;The Once and Future King&nbsp;by&nbsp;T. H. White.&nbsp;

“We have a&nbsp;whole up-and-coming base on potential actors that&nbsp;don't know the story of Camelot, which is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and Guinevere and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. “This is a show that really condenses the story and tells it from the beginning and the end.” &nbsp;

Samuelson is very proud of what StageDoor43 Productions sets out to do. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our mission is basically to provide live theatre opportunities for basically rural communities that may not have otherwise have access to live theatre or, in the case of what we're doing with the McPherson Opera House, to support the community with their live theater,” Samuelson said. “It's just another opportunity for people to see the importance of live theatre in in their in their towns.”&nbsp;

For Samuelson, a retired performer&nbsp;himself, performing at the McPherson Opera House is a labor of love.&nbsp;

“I was brought to the McPherson Opera House about nine years ago to do a one-man show and I absolutely fell in love with the Opera House itself,” Samuelson said. “The fact that it was a historical venue that had been rescued from the brink, if you saw the pictures before it was ready to collapse in on itself, but the community rallied and spent lots of money to refurbish the Opera House and bring it back to its original state, which is unusual.”&nbsp;

The McPherson Opera House is one of the few opera houses on the original Orpheum Circuit from the early 1900s that is still in existence today. &nbsp;

A lot of those historical opera houses&nbsp;fell into disrepair or were the unfortunate victims of COVID-19.&nbsp;

“The McPherson Opera House has been able to survive with an&nbsp;excellent board of directors and an executive director who really put a lot of work into keeping it open,” Samuelson said. “The mission and the venue itself, I just kind of adopted them, so I make sure that in the schedule&nbsp;we make sure that we have one time a year that we take the show to the McPherson Opera House.”

All of the proceeds earned from any show done at the McPherson Opera House,&nbsp;goes directly back to the Opera House to maintain it&nbsp;so they can bring other shows into the community to support live theatre.&nbsp;

Camelot at the McPherson Opera House is set to be a lively show of romance and action with something for everyone to enjoy. &nbsp;

“There's jousting, there's fighting, there's swords, there's all sorts of entertainment value other than the love story between&nbsp;Guenevere&nbsp;and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. &nbsp;

StageDoor43 took into account how cerebral the Arthurian mythos can be. &nbsp;

“What we've done with this show is actually a condensed version,” Samuelson explained. “We don't get into the background of Merlin and Nimue and some of that. We focus really on the story of Arthur's meeting Guenevere, Guenevere&nbsp;meeting Lancelot, the story that revolves around the three of them, to the point of creation of the round table.”&nbsp;

According to Samuelson, the cast for Camelot is relatively small compared to other shows put on by StageDoor43 Productions. 

“Our casts are usually in the hundreds,” Samuelson.&nbsp;“This cast is running about 35.” &nbsp;

In addition to the principals who are professional, Stage43 auditioned local people area like Hutchinson and McPherson as well as surrounding towns. &nbsp;

On stage will be child cast members which is not usual for a production of Camelot.&nbsp;

“The average age is a bit younger than people might expect, other than the principals, and that's what's really going to be fun about the show, is seeing that it is multi-generational, and for a number of the actors on stage, this is their first time on stage,” Samuelson said. “Anybody that wants to appear on a stage, they ought to take an opportunity, even if it's just a walk on part, just to have an opportunity to know what it feels like.”&nbsp;

The principal cast for the show includes two people from the Wichita Grand Opera. &nbsp;

Reece Ruhl from the Wichita State University Opera Program and the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lancelot. &nbsp;

Erin Wright from the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lady Clarinda.&nbsp;

The other two members of the principal cast are local from McPherson.&nbsp;

Brandt Busse&nbsp;is playing King Arthur. &nbsp;

Alyson Holman is playing Guenevere. &nbsp;

“It's kind of nice having local plus outside of the community but then we bring in these people that are from the Wichita Grand Opera and Wichita State University, and then they spend that time mentoring&nbsp;the performers and give them you know a little extra training to support what they're learning in their music education classes,” Samuelson said. “But it also gives them a little extra support from somebody that's been on the stage and has some experience.”&nbsp;

Performances for Camelot are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and&nbsp;matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. &nbsp;

General tickets are $20 to $30 while student tickets are $10, and are available at <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/event/camelot/" target="_blank">mcphersonoperahouse.org.</a> People can also buy tickets the day of the show or call the box office at (620) 241-1952.

StageDoor43 Productions’ next show will be a dinner-theatre performance in&nbsp;Hutchinson in October called the Masquerade Ball. &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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679434966043.jpeg" alt="A few of the cast of Camelot at the McPherson Opera House. [Submitted Photo]&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A few of the cast of Camelot at the McPherson Opera House. [Submitted Photo]&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostMCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stagedoor43productions.com/">StageDoor43 Productions</a> brings&nbsp;the&nbsp;musical Arthurian tale, Camelot, to the stage of the <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/">McPherson Opera House</a> this weekend. &nbsp;From March 23 to March 26, people can enjoy the&nbsp;legend of King Arthur as told by the just as legendary partnership of Lerner and Loewe.&nbsp;“With this Camelot version, one of the things that StageDoor43 does is we really bring shows that our family friendly and that has content that is appropriate to all ages that everyone can come and enjoy,” said Kevin Samuelson, director and producer of the show. “Camelot is one of those shows. It's generational.”&nbsp;Camelot is an adaptation from the 1958 novel&nbsp;The Once and Future King&nbsp;by&nbsp;T. H. White.&nbsp;“We have a&nbsp;whole up-and-coming base on potential actors that&nbsp;don't know the story of Camelot, which is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and Guinevere and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. “This is a show that really condenses the story and tells it from the beginning and the end.” &nbsp;Samuelson is very proud of what StageDoor43 Productions sets out to do. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Our mission is basically to provide live theatre opportunities for basically rural communities that may not have otherwise have access to live theatre or, in the case of what we're doing with the McPherson Opera House, to support the community with their live theater,” Samuelson said. “It's just another opportunity for people to see the importance of live theatre in in their in their towns.”&nbsp;For Samuelson, a retired performer&nbsp;himself, performing at the McPherson Opera House is a labor of love.&nbsp;“I was brought to the McPherson Opera House about nine years ago to do a one-man show and I absolutely fell in love with the Opera House itself,” Samuelson said. “The fact that it was a historical venue that had been rescued from the brink, if you saw the pictures before it was ready to collapse in on itself, but the community rallied and spent lots of money to refurbish the Opera House and bring it back to its original state, which is unusual.”&nbsp;The McPherson Opera House is one of the few opera houses on the original Orpheum Circuit from the early 1900s that is still in existence today. &nbsp;A lot of those historical opera houses&nbsp;fell into disrepair or were the unfortunate victims of COVID-19.&nbsp;“The McPherson Opera House has been able to survive with an&nbsp;excellent board of directors and an executive director who really put a lot of work into keeping it open,” Samuelson said. “The mission and the venue itself, I just kind of adopted them, so I make sure that in the schedule&nbsp;we make sure that we have one time a year that we take the show to the McPherson Opera House.”All of the proceeds earned from any show done at the McPherson Opera House,&nbsp;goes directly back to the Opera House to maintain it&nbsp;so they can bring other shows into the community to support live theatre.&nbsp;Camelot at the McPherson Opera House is set to be a lively show of romance and action with something for everyone to enjoy. &nbsp;“There's jousting, there's fighting, there's swords, there's all sorts of entertainment value other than the love story between&nbsp;Guenevere&nbsp;and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. &nbsp;StageDoor43 took into account how cerebral the Arthurian mythos can be. &nbsp;“What we've done with this show is actually a condensed version,” Samuelson explained. “We don't get into the background of Merlin and Nimue and some of that. We focus really on the story of Arthur's meeting Guenevere, Guenevere&nbsp;meeting Lancelot, the story that revolves around the three of them, to the point of creation of the round table.”&nbsp;According to Samuelson, the cast for Camelot is relatively small compared to other shows put on by StageDoor43 Productions. “Our casts are usually in the hundreds,” Samuelson.&nbsp;“This cast is running about 35.” &nbsp;In addition to the principals who are professional, Stage43 auditioned local people area like Hutchinson and McPherson as well as surrounding towns. &nbsp;On stage will be child cast members which is not usual for a production of Camelot.&nbsp;“The average age is a bit younger than people might expect, other than the principals, and that's what's really going to be fun about the show, is seeing that it is multi-generational, and for a number of the actors on stage, this is their first time on stage,” Samuelson said. “Anybody that wants to appear on a stage, they ought to take an opportunity, even if it's just a walk on part, just to have an opportunity to know what it feels like.”&nbsp;The principal cast for the show includes two people from the Wichita Grand Opera. &nbsp;Reece Ruhl from the Wichita State University Opera Program and the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lancelot. &nbsp;Erin Wright from the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lady Clarinda.&nbsp;The other two members of the principal cast are local from McPherson.&nbsp;Brandt Busse&nbsp;is playing King Arthur. &nbsp;Alyson Holman is playing Guenevere. &nbsp; “It's kind of nice having local plus outside of the community but then we bring in these people that are from the Wichita Grand Opera and Wichita State University, and then they spend that time mentoring&nbsp;the performers and give them you know a little extra training to support what they're learning in their music education classes,” Samuelson said. “But it also gives them a little extra support from somebody that's been on the stage and has some experience.”&nbsp;Performances for Camelot are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and&nbsp;matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. &nbsp;General tickets are $20 to $30 while student tickets are $10, and are available at <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/event/camelot/" target="_blank">mcphersonoperahouse.org.</a> People can also buy tickets the day of the show or call the box office at (620) 241-1952.StageDoor43 Productions’ next show will be a dinner-theatre performance in&nbsp;Hutchinson in October called the Masquerade Ball. &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;

Camelot at the McPherson Opera House opens Thursday

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced this week the recipients of waste tire product grants. Three entities in the area received grant funding.

“These grants will help handle the costs of proper disposal of many materials scrap tires and assist many important local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction. KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation that our communities have in reusing materials that help support the mission of protecting the health and environment of all Kansans” said&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

The three area grants are to the city of Sterling for&nbsp;$2,571.50, the city of North Newton for&nbsp;$1,134.00 and the city of Sedgwick for&nbsp;$2,072.00

The grants across the state totaled $522,312.25, an almost 20 percent (19.8%) increase from 2022. The grants were awarded to 45 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables.

<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/2019/8/1565126482594.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced this week the recipients of waste tire product grants. Three entities in the area received grant funding.“These grants will help handle the costs of proper disposal of many materials scrap tires and assist many important local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction. KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation that our communities have in reusing materials that help support the mission of protecting the health and environment of all Kansans” said&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.The three area grants are to the city of Sterling for&nbsp;$2,571.50, the city of North Newton for&nbsp;$1,134.00 and the city of Sedgwick for&nbsp;$2,072.00The grants across the state totaled $522,312.25, an almost 20 percent (19.8%) increase from 2022. The grants were awarded to 45 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables.<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;

Three area cities receive waste tire product grants

The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until noon Wednesday.

Visibility will be one quarter mile or less at times in dense fog in Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice,  McPherson and Reno Counties.

Hazardous driving conditions will occur at times due to low visibility.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679480850690.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until noon Wednesday.Visibility will be one quarter mile or less at times in dense fog in Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson and Reno Counties.Hazardous driving conditions will occur at times due to low visibility.If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.<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;

Dense Fog Advisory until noon Wednesday

RICE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rice County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Pallisade driven by Hua Lin, 33, Wichita, was westbound on Avenue Q five miles north of Sterling, when the driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Kansas 14 and collided with a northbound 2017 Ford Focus driven by Christy A. Morrison, 50, Lyons. Both vehicles came to rest in the northwest ditch.

EMS transported Morrison to a hospital in Wichita and a passenger in the Ford Christopher A. Morrison, 60, Lyons, to Lyons Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Lin and a passenger in the Hyundai were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574443414576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rice County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Pallisade driven by Hua Lin, 33, Wichita, was westbound on Avenue Q five miles north of Sterling, when the driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Kansas 14 and collided with a northbound 2017 Ford Focus driven by Christy A. Morrison, 50, Lyons. Both vehicles came to rest in the northwest ditch.EMS transported Morrison to a hospital in Wichita and a passenger in the Ford Christopher A. Morrison, 60, Lyons, to Lyons Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Lin and a passenger in the Hyundai were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.<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;

Kansas man dies after SUV, car crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Join Downtown Hutch as they celebrate Easter April 8. There will be a kids Egg Hunt at George Pyle Park, located at 118 S. Poplar Street beginning at 9 a.m. There will be 2 hunts starting at 9 a.m., one for littles and one for older kids. Areas will be designated upon arrival.

Free pictures with Easter Bunny will happen at The Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery from 10 a.m. to noon. The photos are sponsored by Sleep Shoppe and bEpic Events!

Also you can hop on over to one of the creative spots downtown or all of them where you can take part in a $5 activity from participating businesses! (while supplies last). 

Businesses are listed from north to south.

Splinters-N-Rust (125 N Main Street) wooden birdhouse painting project for all ages.

Lit Studios Paint &amp; Pottery (23 North Main Street- South Location) Peep Party! Paint a $5 ceramic peep.

Board &amp; Brush (115 S. Main Street) $5 sidewalk make-n-take projects.

Holly’s Sweet Treats (205 S. Main Street) cookie kits that include a single cookie, 2 frosting bags and 1 sprinkle kit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679477000115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Join Downtown Hutch as they celebrate Easter April 8. There will be a kids Egg Hunt at George Pyle Park, located at 118 S. Poplar Street beginning at 9 a.m. There will be 2 hunts starting at 9 a.m., one for littles and one for older kids. Areas will be designated upon arrival.Free pictures with Easter Bunny will happen at The Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery from 10 a.m. to noon. The photos are sponsored by Sleep Shoppe and bEpic Events!Also you can hop on over to one of the creative spots downtown or all of them where you can take part in a $5 activity from participating businesses! (while supplies last). Businesses are listed from north to south.Splinters-N-Rust (125 N Main Street) wooden birdhouse painting project for all ages.Lit Studios Paint &amp; Pottery (23 North Main Street- South Location) Peep Party! Paint a $5 ceramic peep.Board &amp; Brush (115 S. Main Street) $5 sidewalk make-n-take projects.Holly’s Sweet Treats (205 S. Main Street) cookie kits that include a single cookie, 2 frosting bags and 1 sprinkle kit.<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;

Downtown Hutch busy the Saturday before Easter

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;——————————————

3/22/2023 1:10 AM-Brenden	Cale Baker-Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten

3/21/2023 9:08 PM-Mersade	Elizabeth Gonzales-Failure to Appear

3/21/2023 6:19 PM-Deandra	Marquize Franklin-Failure to Appear

3/21/2023 3:16 PM-Trenton	Ray Kruse-Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Fail to Give Information at Unattended Property or Vehicle Accident; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; DUI; 1st conv; combination of drugs and alcohol

3/21/2023 11:36 AM-Larry	Robert Mack-Probation Violation; Indirect Contempt

3/21/2023 11:09 AM-Jolan	Lee Holloway-Probation Violation

3/21/2023 10:34 AM-Johnny	Ray Nance-Failure to Appear

3/21/2023 6:08 AM-Keyra	Crystal Molina-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Failure to Appear

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;——————————————3/22/2023 1:10 AM-Brenden	Cale Baker-Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten3/21/2023 9:08 PM-Mersade	Elizabeth Gonzales-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 6:19 PM-Deandra	Marquize Franklin-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 3:16 PM-Trenton	Ray Kruse-Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Fail to Give Information at Unattended Property or Vehicle Accident; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; DUI; 1st conv; combination of drugs and alcohol3/21/2023 11:36 AM-Larry	Robert Mack-Probation Violation; Indirect Contempt3/21/2023 11:09 AM-Jolan	Lee Holloway-Probation Violation3/21/2023 10:34 AM-Johnny	Ray Nance-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 6:08 AM-Keyra	Crystal Molina-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pretrial hearing in the case of a former Hutchinson police officer accused of rape has been changed to a plea hearing.

According to <a href="https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/DocumentViewer/Index/43F0EC8AB710D04DFCD20C18987798B085437CF5875B139CCC9C1B0AEE9A031E4CC635DB18E72F8A265897A18075311581F52F44633A0266E6DF3F434A758A0A8C5DA74150E312FE02F4DFBA7A232C19CDC83B4D2338151801374FD300B7D01F?caseNum=2022-CR-000530&amp;docType=eFiled%20Public%20Document&amp;docName=Notice%20of%20Hearing%3A%20Plea%20Hearing%20%2804%2F10%2F2023%2002%3A30%20PM%29&amp;eventName=NOT%3A%20Notice%20-%20No%20Sheriff%20Service%20Required&amp;docTypeId=75&amp;isVersionId=False&amp;p=0">official documents filed earlier this month</a>, the pretrial hearing for Todd W. Allen scheduled for April 10 has been changed to a plea hearing.

The formal charges as originally filed against Allen included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors. Hutch Post does not know the terms of the plea agreement.&nbsp;

Allen was arrested August 17, 2022 and was subsequently charged with two counts of rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;

The charges also included three counts of attempted rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery, two more counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;

The two counts of rape, as originally charged, are level one person felonies.&nbsp;

Allen also was originally charged with five counts of breach of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. &nbsp;

He is currently free on a $250,000 bond. The plea hearing will be before Judge Jeff Newsum at 2:30 p.m. April 10.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660773528862.png" alt="Todd W. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Todd W. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pretrial hearing in the case of a former Hutchinson police officer accused of rape has been changed to a plea hearing.According to <a href="https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/DocumentViewer/Index/43F0EC8AB710D04DFCD20C18987798B085437CF5875B139CCC9C1B0AEE9A031E4CC635DB18E72F8A265897A18075311581F52F44633A0266E6DF3F434A758A0A8C5DA74150E312FE02F4DFBA7A232C19CDC83B4D2338151801374FD300B7D01F?caseNum=2022-CR-000530&amp;docType=eFiled%20Public%20Document&amp;docName=Notice%20of%20Hearing%3A%20Plea%20Hearing%20%2804%2F10%2F2023%2002%3A30%20PM%29&amp;eventName=NOT%3A%20Notice%20-%20No%20Sheriff%20Service%20Required&amp;docTypeId=75&amp;isVersionId=False&amp;p=0">official documents filed earlier this month</a>, the pretrial hearing for Todd W. Allen scheduled for April 10 has been changed to a plea hearing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679423052720.jpeg" alt="Screenshot of plea hearing document for Todd W. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot of plea hearing document for Todd W. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>The formal charges as originally filed against Allen included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors. Hutch Post does not know the terms of the plea agreement.&nbsp;Allen was arrested August 17, 2022 and was subsequently charged with two counts of rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The charges also included three counts of attempted rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery, two more counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The two counts of rape, as originally charged, are level one person felonies.&nbsp;Allen also was originally charged with five counts of breach of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. &nbsp;He is currently free on a $250,000 bond. The plea hearing will be before Judge Jeff Newsum at 2:30 p.m. April 10.<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;

Allen to have plea hearing April 10

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Final approval of a contract for a long-awaited stormwater control measure on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was approved by the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday.

"This is of great benefit to the city," said City Attorney Paul Brown. "There are very few open areas within the city limits where stormwater control measures can be built. We have talked about this for several years with the Fair and you can understand their being good stewards of their area, because they are landlocked. Giving up a portion of that is a serious matter for them. It's taken some time."

The City of Hutchinson has an existing lease from 1994 with the Kansas State Fair for a real estate tract adjacent to the water treatment center on East 23rd Avenue. 

"There is a 75 year lease on that area," Brown said. "It has a possible 25 year extension in that same lease. As far as commitments, we can be good until 2094."

The City of Hutchinson wishes to build a stormwater control measure on that tract. The stormwater control measure will manage stormwater runoff from an upstream tributary area. The stormwater control measure will be built of a sufficient size for the Kansas State Fair to receive the maximum stormwater credit of fifty percent (50%) deducted from the Fair’s stormwater utility fees assessed by the City.

The fifty percent (50%) credit will commence upon approval of the contract. The stormwater control measure will be constructed within three (3) years from the date of execution of the agreement.

This proposed contract has been previously approved by the Board of the Kansas State Fair.

The contract was approved unanimously on Tuesday.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679422234177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Final approval of a contract for a long-awaited stormwater control measure on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was approved by the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday."This is of great benefit to the city," said City Attorney Paul Brown. "There are very few open areas within the city limits where stormwater control measures can be built. We have talked about this for several years with the Fair and you can understand their being good stewards of their area, because they are landlocked. Giving up a portion of that is a serious matter for them. It's taken some time."The City of Hutchinson has an existing lease from 1994 with the Kansas State Fair for a real estate tract adjacent to the water treatment center on East 23rd Avenue. "There is a 75 year lease on that area," Brown said. "It has a possible 25 year extension in that same lease. As far as commitments, we can be good until 2094."The City of Hutchinson wishes to build a stormwater control measure on that tract. The stormwater control measure will manage stormwater runoff from an upstream tributary area. The stormwater control measure will be built of a sufficient size for the Kansas State Fair to receive the maximum stormwater credit of fifty percent (50%) deducted from the Fair’s stormwater utility fees assessed by the City.The fifty percent (50%) credit will commence upon approval of the contract. The stormwater control measure will be constructed within three (3) years from the date of execution of the agreement.This proposed contract has been previously approved by the Board of the Kansas State Fair.The contract was approved unanimously on Tuesday.<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;

Stormwater agreement with Fair approved by city

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to an overwhelming response from residents, IdeaTek is expanding its popular ultra-fast fiber internet to more Hutchinson residential areas and businesses. This expansion will give thousands more households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices.&nbsp;

The company expects a large portion of the build to be completed in 2023, with the goal to finish up the city in 2024.

After building&nbsp;north of 30th, Ideatek will continue to work their way south, opening up zones as fiber is laid. Residents who sign up for service will be notified when their area is live via email. They can sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com/" target="_blank">hookmeup.ideatek.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IdeaTek has already begun building fiber in many residential areas in Hutchinson. The entire project represents more than $12 million in new investment in the city and will provide dozens of new, well-paid technology jobs, as well.

Daniel Friesen with IdeaTek said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, scalable capacities for decades of future bandwidth demands, plus more reliability than the city’s current service providers.&nbsp;

“We build to the standards of the future, not today,” he said. "Fiber internet is the gold standard for internet connectivity, and we want to bring this technology to as many communities as possible, including Hutchinson.”

With this rollout, IdeaTek offers unlimited, uncapped, symmetrical speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second. IdeaTek also does not require contracts.&nbsp;

“We’re fortunate to have a homegrown company in Reno County bringing unprecedented reliable and fast internet connectivity to our local areas,” said Debra Teufel, president and CEO of the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great to have a growing list of options for consumers, residents, businesses and entrepreneurs to access the fastest in high-speed internet right here in Hutchinson and our neighboring communities.”

IdeaTek will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. March 30 at the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the build. 

Refreshments will be served, and IdeaTek’s sales team will be available to discuss service plans.

Based in Buhler, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four high school friends. Today, the company employs over 130 Kansans and is continuing to grow. IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,000 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in nearly 90 Kansas communities.&nbsp;

Again, to see if your home is already in IdeaTek’s residential build, visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">hookmeup.ideatek.com</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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584960838544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to an overwhelming response from residents, IdeaTek is expanding its popular ultra-fast fiber internet to more Hutchinson residential areas and businesses. This expansion will give thousands more households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices.&nbsp;The company expects a large portion of the build to be completed in 2023, with the goal to finish up the city in 2024. After building&nbsp;north of 30th, Ideatek will continue to work their way south, opening up zones as fiber is laid. Residents who sign up for service will be notified when their area is live via email. They can sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com/" target="_blank">hookmeup.ideatek.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;IdeaTek has already begun building fiber in many residential areas in Hutchinson. The entire project represents more than $12 million in new investment in the city and will provide dozens of new, well-paid technology jobs, as well.Daniel Friesen with IdeaTek said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, scalable capacities for decades of future bandwidth demands, plus more reliability than the city’s current service providers.&nbsp;“We build to the standards of the future, not today,” he said. "Fiber internet is the gold standard for internet connectivity, and we want to bring this technology to as many communities as possible, including Hutchinson.”With this rollout, IdeaTek offers unlimited, uncapped, symmetrical speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second. IdeaTek also does not require contracts.&nbsp;“We’re fortunate to have a homegrown company in Reno County bringing unprecedented reliable and fast internet connectivity to our local areas,” said Debra Teufel, president and CEO of the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great to have a growing list of options for consumers, residents, businesses and entrepreneurs to access the fastest in high-speed internet right here in Hutchinson and our neighboring communities.”IdeaTek will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. March 30 at the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the build. Refreshments will be served, and IdeaTek’s sales team will be available to discuss service plans.Based in Buhler, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four high school friends. Today, the company employs over 130 Kansans and is continuing to grow. IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,000 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in nearly 90 Kansas communities.&nbsp;Again, to see if your home is already in IdeaTek’s residential build, visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">hookmeup.ideatek.com</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;&nbsp;

More of Hutch to get IdeaTek fiber

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Jon Richardson addressed the situation with former police chief Jeff Hooper at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

"I've had a number of phone calls," Richardson said. "I've had some people reach out to me citing the Freedom of Information Act. That doesn't apply here. That's a federal issue, or using the Kansas Open Records Act. There are exceptions in the Kansas Open Records Act in regard to privacy. We want to be transparent. We also have a responsibility to protect the privacy of those who are employed or have been employed by the city."

Hutch Post is one of the entities seeking additional information regarding the chief's termination through the Kansas Open Records Act. Our formal request was filed via an email to city staff this past Friday.&nbsp;

"It's an unfortunate situation," Richardson said. "I would ask that people in our community that are on one side of it, that it is not something to be relished, when someone's employment is ended. On the other side of things, I would mention, don't feed into conspiracy theories. Nothing big has to happen for someone to be let go. There are multiple reasons. It doesn't have to be one big item. That's all I'm going to say about that. I just ask that you respect that all of us were involved in the decision in one way or another. There are reasons for things happening and it is not an easy decision. It is not something that we look forward to, but it is something that we decided on."

Government agencies have 72 hours from the receipt of a Kansas Open Records Act request to respond to that request. Any citizen can make such a request, it is not limited to journalists.

<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/2023/3/1679416587639.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Jon Richardson addressed the situation with former police chief Jeff Hooper at Tuesday's City Council meeting."I've had a number of phone calls," Richardson said. "I've had some people reach out to me citing the Freedom of Information Act. That doesn't apply here. That's a federal issue, or using the Kansas Open Records Act. There are exceptions in the Kansas Open Records Act in regard to privacy. We want to be transparent. We also have a responsibility to protect the privacy of those who are employed or have been employed by the city."Hutch Post is one of the entities seeking additional information regarding the chief's termination through the Kansas Open Records Act. Our formal request was filed via an email to city staff this past Friday.&nbsp;"It's an unfortunate situation," Richardson said. "I would ask that people in our community that are on one side of it, that it is not something to be relished, when someone's employment is ended. On the other side of things, I would mention, don't feed into conspiracy theories. Nothing big has to happen for someone to be let go. There are multiple reasons. It doesn't have to be one big item. That's all I'm going to say about that. I just ask that you respect that all of us were involved in the decision in one way or another. There are reasons for things happening and it is not an easy decision. It is not something that we look forward to, but it is something that we decided on."Government agencies have 72 hours from the receipt of a Kansas Open Records Act request to respond to that request. Any citizen can make such a request, it is not limited to journalists.<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;

Mayor speaks briefly addressing Hooper situation Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council passed an agreement with United Way of Reno County for its portion of ARPA funds related to childcare needs at the council's meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;The amount allocated from the city is $1,773,844.61.

The United Way will spend the City's allocation in two areas.

Support for Current providers / Sustainability Grants for Current Providers:&nbsp;These grants would be used to help current providers upgrade their facilities, overcome barriers to childcare relicensing, increase pay to sustain, and incentivize their work in the community.

This would provide direct funding to providers in the least restrictive manner possible that would allow them access to funding they need while innovative approaches are being put in place.

This is a direct impact to maintain the childcare that currently exists in Reno County while growing the industry in other ways. Grantees would be required to submit a report on how the funds were utilized to maintain the integrity of the program.

Innovative Models:&nbsp;These funds would allow the setup of a childcare Co-Op therefore, providers could access health insurance and retirement benefits, additional training etc. Additionally a Co-Op, would allow for experimentation with shared services and provide potential solutions for a community wide substitute pool, allow for business to partner with the Co-Op to provide childcare for their employees and set up neighborhood childcare using the Co-Op model.

A Director of Early Childhood Systems, as recommended by the KSU Child Care Needs Assessment, would be part of the budget.

Council member Stuart Conklin raised the question of what happens in three years when these funds are expended? Lisa Gleason with the United Way admitted they don't know yet.

"We don't have all the answers right now, you're right," Gleason said. "We have been working on them. We've been working on them before ARPA dollars even became a thing. We have partners at the table from all over this community trying to solve this problem together. We know that ARPA funds are going to help us be able to experiment and try things we would never have been able to try before."

Denice Gilliland from United Way invited the Council to a meeting next week where they can learn more on the topic, as well.

"I think I want to take this opportunity to invite you to our Communities in Action workshop, which we are hosting on the 29th of this month at HutchCC," Gilliland said. "We're going to have Child Care Aware there to help facilitate some conversations. I know [Council member Stacy Goss] is planning on being there. I think you would find a lot of value in that, to hear from the entire system, everything that is being worked on, not only locally, but at the state level."

The council passed the allocation unanimously on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677097470001.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council passed an agreement with United Way of Reno County for its portion of ARPA funds related to childcare needs at the council's meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;The amount allocated from the city is $1,773,844.61.The United Way will spend the City's allocation in two areas.Support for Current providers / Sustainability Grants for Current Providers:&nbsp;These grants would be used to help current providers upgrade their facilities, overcome barriers to childcare relicensing, increase pay to sustain, and incentivize their work in the community.This would provide direct funding to providers in the least restrictive manner possible that would allow them access to funding they need while innovative approaches are being put in place.This is a direct impact to maintain the childcare that currently exists in Reno County while growing the industry in other ways. Grantees would be required to submit a report on how the funds were utilized to maintain the integrity of the program.Innovative Models:&nbsp;These funds would allow the setup of a childcare Co-Op therefore, providers could access health insurance and retirement benefits, additional training etc. Additionally a Co-Op, would allow for experimentation with shared services and provide potential solutions for a community wide substitute pool, allow for business to partner with the Co-Op to provide childcare for their employees and set up neighborhood childcare using the Co-Op model.A Director of Early Childhood Systems, as recommended by the KSU Child Care Needs Assessment, would be part of the budget.Council member Stuart Conklin raised the question of what happens in three years when these funds are expended? Lisa Gleason with the United Way admitted they don't know yet."We don't have all the answers right now, you're right," Gleason said. "We have been working on them. We've been working on them before ARPA dollars even became a thing. We have partners at the table from all over this community trying to solve this problem together. We know that ARPA funds are going to help us be able to experiment and try things we would never have been able to try before."Denice Gilliland from United Way invited the Council to a meeting next week where they can learn more on the topic, as well."I think I want to take this opportunity to invite you to our Communities in Action workshop, which we are hosting on the 29th of this month at HutchCC," Gilliland said. "We're going to have Child Care Aware there to help facilitate some conversations. I know [Council member Stacy Goss] is planning on being there. I think you would find a lot of value in that, to hear from the entire system, everything that is being worked on, not only locally, but at the state level."The council passed the allocation unanimously on Tuesday.<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;

City approves childcare ARPA distribution

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved the ordinance for an additional sales tax added on to activities at the new Amber Hotel property as part of its meeting on Tuesday. The public hearing for the CID took less than five minutes and no members of the public showed up to speak on the issue.

"We have a CID fund," said city finance director Angela Richard. "We have five current CIDs. We have two hotels, we have the mall, which is divided into two and then we have another location by the mall that has a CID. This is not a new process for us. It's just an additional CID."

The City Council has entered into a development agreement with Amber Hotel LLC to design, develop, construct, operate, and maintain a hotel, conference center, and restaurant at 1715 N Waldron.

"The ordinance before you establishes the Community Improvement District at that location to&nbsp;collect an additional 2% sales tax by businesses located at that location," Richard said. "It is not for the entire city as a whole."

The CID is authorized to collect up to $18,000,000 to reimburse costs for the construction, redevelopment, renovation, and procurement of certain improvements within the district. The CID will remain in effect for 22 years or until $18,000,000 of CID sales tax is collected.

Once the project is complete, the City will notify the Kansas Department of Revenue to commence the start of CID sales tax collections. The City will receive the CID proceeds from the State and reimburse Amber Hotel for any eligible expenses.

The ordinance establishing the CID passed unanimously Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679146199969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved the ordinance for an additional sales tax added on to activities at the new Amber Hotel property as part of its meeting on Tuesday. The public hearing for the CID took less than five minutes and no members of the public showed up to speak on the issue."We have a CID fund," said city finance director Angela Richard. "We have five current CIDs. We have two hotels, we have the mall, which is divided into two and then we have another location by the mall that has a CID. This is not a new process for us. It's just an additional CID."The City Council has entered into a development agreement with Amber Hotel LLC to design, develop, construct, operate, and maintain a hotel, conference center, and restaurant at 1715 N Waldron."The ordinance before you establishes the Community Improvement District at that location to&nbsp;collect an additional 2% sales tax by businesses located at that location," Richard said. "It is not for the entire city as a whole."The CID is authorized to collect up to $18,000,000 to reimburse costs for the construction, redevelopment, renovation, and procurement of certain improvements within the district. The CID will remain in effect for 22 years or until $18,000,000 of CID sales tax is collected.Once the project is complete, the City will notify the Kansas Department of Revenue to commence the start of CID sales tax collections. The City will receive the CID proceeds from the State and reimburse Amber Hotel for any eligible expenses.The ordinance establishing the CID passed unanimously Tuesday.<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;

Additional taxing district passes Tuesday

MANHATTAN – Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) rolled out a new website on Tuesday in celebration of National Agriculture Day. The website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=dc3282b973&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.shopkansasfarms.com</a>, features a searchable map so consumers can find food items from farmers near them. “Shop Kansas Farms is a trusted brand for consumers when it comes to buying directly from Kansas farmers and ranchers,” Meagan Cramer, director of communications and marketing for KFB, says. “We couldn’t think of a better day to roll out this new website. We’re celebrating our Kansas agriculturists and helping consumers connect with farmers near them.” The new site lets consumers find farm listings based on cities, counties, regions and categories. It also provides new options for sellers. “From the beginning of Shop Kansas Farms, we heard businesses wanted opportunities outside of the viral Facebook group to connect directly with consumers,” Rick McNary, SKF founder, says. “The new website provides a host of ways they can get their businesses in front of customers.” New items include upgrades for sellers to purchase premium listings on the front page, the ability to be listed at the top of individual categories and the opportunity to list their farms under more than one category. Sellers and buyers of Kansas food products should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=6ea6fe6000&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.shopkansasfarms.com</a>&nbsp;and celebrate Kansas farmers and ranchers.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679390760235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) rolled out a new website on Tuesday in celebration of National Agriculture Day. The website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=dc3282b973&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.shopkansasfarms.com</a>, features a searchable map so consumers can find food items from farmers near them. “Shop Kansas Farms is a trusted brand for consumers when it comes to buying directly from Kansas farmers and ranchers,” Meagan Cramer, director of communications and marketing for KFB, says. “We couldn’t think of a better day to roll out this new website. We’re celebrating our Kansas agriculturists and helping consumers connect with farmers near them.” The new site lets consumers find farm listings based on cities, counties, regions and categories. It also provides new options for sellers. “From the beginning of Shop Kansas Farms, we heard businesses wanted opportunities outside of the viral Facebook group to connect directly with consumers,” Rick McNary, SKF founder, says. “The new website provides a host of ways they can get their businesses in front of customers.” New items include upgrades for sellers to purchase premium listings on the front page, the ability to be listed at the top of individual categories and the opportunity to list their farms under more than one category. Sellers and buyers of Kansas food products should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=6ea6fe6000&amp;e=f12fae02a8" target="_blank">www.shopkansasfarms.com</a>&nbsp;and celebrate Kansas farmers and ranchers.&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;

Shop Kansas Farms rolls out new website in celebration of Ag Day

HAVEN, Kan. — After exploring several options for reuse of its facilities, the Haven School Board on Monday approved the following changes.

According to USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage, they will be moving PreK both three and four-year-old and adding an extended -PreK three and four-year-old daycare option.

They will be keeping Yoder Charter School a K-8 building and looking to continue to increase enrollment.

The current PreK building in the district will begin transitioning into a daycare facility, and adding an infant and toddler room when they can get it staffed.

They will also hire an assistant principal and a second counselor or social worker at Haven Grade School.

There had been several facilities options on the table. These are the ones being implemented for the 2023-2024 school year.

Idacavage is scheduled to interview on KWBW Radio later this week and Hutch Post will have additional information following that interview.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — After exploring several options for reuse of its facilities, the Haven School Board on Monday approved the following changes.According to USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage, they will be moving PreK both three and four-year-old and adding an extended -PreK three and four-year-old daycare option.They will be keeping Yoder Charter School a K-8 building and looking to continue to increase enrollment.The current PreK building in the district will begin transitioning into a daycare facility, and adding an infant and toddler room when they can get it staffed.They will also hire an assistant principal and a second counselor or social worker at Haven Grade School.There had been several facilities options on the table. These are the ones being implemented for the 2023-2024 school year.Idacavage is scheduled to interview on KWBW Radio later this week and Hutch Post will have additional information following that interview.<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;

Yoder Charter to stay K-8 for now

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;The Silver Dollar bar, a generational Hutchinson establishment, will be celebrating 75 years of business on April 1. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Starting that Saturday morning at the Silver Dollar people can expect drinks,&nbsp;food, prizes, and more. &nbsp;

“Budweiser is going to give us some prizes, Coors is going to give us some prizes,” Pam Crank, Silver Doller owner, said. “I bought three really great prizes to give away.” &nbsp;

In commemoration of the Silver Dollar’s 75th anniversary, the 75th person to order on April 1, will receive a few special items. 

Limited edition 75th anniversary t-shirts will be available while they last, and subject to what is left by April 1. Only 100 of these special shirts will be&nbsp;available. &nbsp;

Few smal ltown businesses in the present day, are able to say they have been around for 75 years, let alone celebrate it. The Silver Dollar has been in Hutchinson since 1948.&nbsp;

“This location was a fruit stand back in the 40s,” Crank said. “It was opened by a guy named Carl in 1948 as the Silver Dollar.” &nbsp;

Crank bought the bar in 2007, and according to her, has been the only person to own both the land and business.&nbsp;

Despite the numerous changes in ownership the Silver Dollar has had, it has retained a customer base on a generational level.&nbsp; 

“Everybody either knows somebody who comes in here or used to come in here,” Crank said. &nbsp;

Crank attributes the longevity and success of the Silver Dollar to its atmosphere. &nbsp;

“We really strive on no drama,” Crank said. “If people want to fight and be rowdy, then they don’t have a place here.”&nbsp;

“We don’t know a stranger, people come in, they don’t feel isolated, and everybody looks out for each other.” &nbsp;

The drink options reflect the Silver Dollar’s business prerogative. &nbsp;

“We don’t sell liquor,” Crank said. “We only have beer and wine coolers.”&nbsp;

The Silver Dollar is known for its endless popcorn, many pool leagues, and the literal writing on the ceiling. &nbsp;

The owners that twice-preceded Crank once “sold” the ceiling tiles, or rather sold the ability to write on them, to pay for a popcorn machine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s a good place to hang out,” Crank said. &nbsp;

The anniversary festivities will continue with live music in the evening, featuring Dylan Graves performing classic rock and country from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. &nbsp;

“I’m very proud of this bar, I’m very proud of the staff, it’s great,” Crank said. “We’re just a good, old-fashioned mom and pop bar.”&nbsp;

The Silver Dollar is located at 1000 Nickerson Blvd. in Hutchinson, Kansas and can be reached at (620) 259-6777. Visit their website at <a href="http://www.silverdollarhutchinsonks.com/?fbclid=IwAR2BTYArm1owBjxJ5ceDqK6kdPUnHddL5WslLFhf5NRt75puHlJHde6MOLM" target="_blank">silverdollarhutchinsonks.com</a> and their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonkansasbars" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;

The Silver Dollar ‘s regular hours are&nbsp;Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight. They have been open on Sundays for a while from noon to 6 p.m., but those days will be winding down as the weather gets better. 

They can open on Sundays by special request. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679320857596.jpeg" alt="Pam Crank, the owner of the Silver Dollar, is looking forward to celebrating the bar's 7th anniversary with the Hutchinson community. [PHOTO: Judd Weil]&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pam Crank, the owner of the Silver Dollar, is looking forward to celebrating the bar's 7th anniversary with the Hutchinson community. [PHOTO: Judd Weil]&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;The Silver Dollar bar, a generational Hutchinson establishment, will be celebrating 75 years of business on April 1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Starting that Saturday morning at the Silver Dollar people can expect drinks,&nbsp;food, prizes, and more. &nbsp;“Budweiser is going to give us some prizes, Coors is going to give us some prizes,” Pam Crank, Silver Doller owner, said. “I bought three really great prizes to give away.” &nbsp;In commemoration of the Silver Dollar’s 75th anniversary, the 75th person to order on April 1, will receive a few special items. Limited edition 75th anniversary t-shirts will be available while they last, and subject to what is left by April 1. Only 100 of these special shirts will be&nbsp;available. &nbsp;Few smal ltown businesses in the present day, are able to say they have been around for 75 years, let alone celebrate it. The Silver Dollar has been in Hutchinson since 1948.&nbsp;“This location was a fruit stand back in the 40s,” Crank said. “It was opened by a guy named Carl in 1948 as the Silver Dollar.” &nbsp;Crank bought the bar in 2007, and according to her, has been the only person to own both the land and business.&nbsp;Despite the numerous changes in ownership the Silver Dollar has had, it has retained a customer base on a generational level.&nbsp; “Everybody either knows somebody who comes in here or used to come in here,” Crank said. &nbsp;Crank attributes the longevity and success of the Silver Dollar to its atmosphere. &nbsp;“We really strive on no drama,” Crank said. “If people want to fight and be rowdy, then they don’t have a place here.”&nbsp;“We don’t know a stranger, people come in, they don’t feel isolated, and everybody looks out for each other.” &nbsp;The drink options reflect the Silver Dollar’s business prerogative. &nbsp;“We don’t sell liquor,” Crank said. “We only have beer and wine coolers.”&nbsp;The Silver Dollar is known for its endless popcorn, many pool leagues, and the literal writing on the ceiling. &nbsp;The owners that twice-preceded Crank once “sold” the ceiling tiles, or rather sold the ability to write on them, to pay for a popcorn machine.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a good place to hang out,” Crank said. &nbsp;The anniversary festivities will continue with live music in the evening, featuring Dylan Graves performing classic rock and country from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. &nbsp;“I’m very proud of this bar, I’m very proud of the staff, it’s great,” Crank said. “We’re just a good, old-fashioned mom and pop bar.”&nbsp;The Silver Dollar is located at 1000 Nickerson Blvd. in Hutchinson, Kansas and can be reached at (620) 259-6777. Visit their website at <a href="http://www.silverdollarhutchinsonks.com/?fbclid=IwAR2BTYArm1owBjxJ5ceDqK6kdPUnHddL5WslLFhf5NRt75puHlJHde6MOLM" target="_blank">silverdollarhutchinsonks.com</a> and their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonkansasbars" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;The Silver Dollar ‘s regular hours are&nbsp;Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight. They have been open on Sundays for a while from noon to 6 p.m., but those days will be winding down as the weather gets better. They can open on Sundays by special request. &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;

Silver Dollar bar celebrating 75 years in April

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The 16th Annual Kansas Territory Bottle &amp; Post Card Show &amp; Sale will take place&nbsp;on April 2.  &nbsp;

It will be in the Pride of Kansas Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;

"We didn't have a&nbsp;bottle show originally, we had a bottle club," Mike McJunkin, bottle club member and event organizer, said. "We started it in Hutchinson and they didn't have a show in this area. We had to go clear St. Louis or Colorado to get a&nbsp;good bottle show."&nbsp;

Since starting the bottle show 16 years ago at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, it has grown quite a bit. &nbsp;

"Now we attract people from all over from Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, North Dakota and Nebraska." McJunkin said. "We got one from Wyoming."&nbsp;

McJunkin, a previous president of the Hutchinson-based bottle club,&nbsp;is a seasoned veteran when it comes to collecting bottles.&nbsp;

“For several years I was a chairman of the committee to&nbsp;get the bottle show going, and now I have a partner,” McJunkin said. “Mark Law is doing a lot of this and I'm still helping as I'm right here where the fairgrounds is.” &nbsp;

Bottle collecting is very similar to collecting other things, such as comic books or sports memorabilia. &nbsp;

“They come in and&nbsp;mostly they're collectors,” McJunkin said. “They sell a few bottles, but it's mostly they're trying to find something for their collection. Somebody will walk in with some bottles they found in a dump or it was on the shelf and grandpa's house.” &nbsp;

Bottle-collecting is such an obscure hobby, but one with such knowledgeable value. &nbsp;

“One of our goals is the&nbsp;education about bottles and what makes them great,” McJunkin said.&nbsp;“Like what you add to the&nbsp;glass mixture to make it one&nbsp;color or another.”&nbsp;

For example, gold or copper are added to make red, while iron is used for&nbsp;an amber color.&nbsp;

McJunkin said he thinks collectors are pretty much all alike. &nbsp;

“We have a lot in common with one thing or another, but it's something you enjoy,” McJunkin said. “It's the chase most of the time, and then once you get it then that's the climax there.” 

Education is key when collecting bottles. It is not a hobby one can just glance the surface of. Collectors should consider things like what type or kind the bottle is, where it is from, why it was made and what was it used for.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Like in in the early days, demijohns were a larger bottle of different sizes, and a lot of times when they made those, you didn't go to the store and buy your product already bottled and ready for you to take off the shelf,” McJunkin explained. “You bought large quantities, buckets or barrels, of product like molasses or wine or syrup or whatever, and then you put it in a big bottle. Then a lot of times off the wagon trains, people would buy a demijohn and fill it full with those products.”&nbsp;

McJunkin added, following the use of the bottle, the demijohn, it was common for it be sold.&nbsp;

Local bottles from different places can be very valuable. &nbsp;

“Some of the bottles can be really valuable and a lot of times they're local bottles,” McJunkin said. “People collect bottles from around, like here in Hutchinson&nbsp;we have drugstore bottles and&nbsp;some of the older bottles can get pretty valuable. &nbsp;Around here, we don't have anything in the $100,000 range, but some of the bitters bottles from around the country in different colors and things can get up to several hundreds of thousands of dollars in their auctions they have online.”&nbsp;

In addition to the many bottles that will be at the show, there will be many postcards as well. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679348450965.jpg" alt="Collectors are expected to come from across the country to the&nbsp;16th Annual Kansas Territory Bottle &amp; Post Card Show &amp; Sale. [Image courtesy of Pixabay]" />
 <figcaption>Collectors are expected to come from across the country to the&nbsp;16th Annual Kansas Territory Bottle &amp; Post Card Show &amp; Sale. [Image courtesy of Pixabay]</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The 16th Annual Kansas Territory Bottle &amp; Post Card Show &amp; Sale will take place&nbsp;on April 2. &nbsp;It will be in the Pride of Kansas Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;"We didn't have a&nbsp;bottle show originally, we had a bottle club," Mike McJunkin, bottle club member and event organizer, said. "We started it in Hutchinson and they didn't have a show in this area. We had to go clear St. Louis or Colorado to get a&nbsp;good bottle show."&nbsp;Since starting the bottle show 16 years ago at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, it has grown quite a bit. &nbsp;"Now we attract people from all over from Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, North Dakota and Nebraska." McJunkin said. "We got one from Wyoming."&nbsp;McJunkin, a previous president of the Hutchinson-based bottle club,&nbsp;is a seasoned veteran when it comes to collecting bottles.&nbsp;“For several years I was a chairman of the committee to&nbsp;get the bottle show going, and now I have a partner,” McJunkin said. “Mark Law is doing a lot of this and I'm still helping as I'm right here where the fairgrounds is.” &nbsp;Bottle collecting is very similar to collecting other things, such as comic books or sports memorabilia. &nbsp;“They come in and&nbsp;mostly they're collectors,” McJunkin said. “They sell a few bottles, but it's mostly they're trying to find something for their collection. Somebody will walk in with some bottles they found in a dump or it was on the shelf and grandpa's house.” &nbsp;Bottle-collecting is such an obscure hobby, but one with such knowledgeable value. &nbsp;“One of our goals is the&nbsp;education about bottles and what makes them great,” McJunkin said.&nbsp;“Like what you add to the&nbsp;glass mixture to make it one&nbsp;color or another.”&nbsp;For example, gold or copper are added to make red, while iron is used for&nbsp;an amber color.&nbsp;McJunkin said he thinks collectors are pretty much all alike. &nbsp;“We have a lot in common with one thing or another, but it's something you enjoy,” McJunkin said. “It's the chase most of the time, and then once you get it then that's the climax there.” Education is key when collecting bottles. It is not a hobby one can just glance the surface of. Collectors should consider things like what type or kind the bottle is, where it is from, why it was made and what was it used for.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Like in in the early days, demijohns were a larger bottle of different sizes, and a lot of times when they made those, you didn't go to the store and buy your product already bottled and ready for you to take off the shelf,” McJunkin explained. “You bought large quantities, buckets or barrels, of product like molasses or wine or syrup or whatever, and then you put it in a big bottle. Then a lot of times off the wagon trains, people would buy a demijohn and fill it full with those products.”&nbsp;McJunkin added, following the use of the bottle, the demijohn, it was common for it be sold.&nbsp;Local bottles from different places can be very valuable. &nbsp;“Some of the bottles can be really valuable and a lot of times they're local bottles,” McJunkin said. “People collect bottles from around, like here in Hutchinson&nbsp;we have drugstore bottles and&nbsp;some of the older bottles can get pretty valuable. &nbsp;Around here, we don't have anything in the $100,000 range, but some of the bitters bottles from around the country in different colors and things can get up to several hundreds of thousands of dollars in their auctions they have online.”&nbsp;In addition to the many bottles that will be at the show, there will be many postcards as well. &nbsp;“We didn't include the word ‘postcards’ in some of our early bottle shows,&nbsp;but we had postcard collectors there and we were doing it,” McJunkin said. “So, we added the word to our show to attract more, and now we've added table top antiques.” &nbsp;At the bottle and postcard show, there will also be history and guide books on bottle collecting to help keep veterans sharp, and even help newcomers get started. &nbsp;The 16th Annual Kansas Territory Bottle &amp; Post Card Show &amp; Sale will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. &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;