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;

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 <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;

“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;

<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;

Bottle show at Kansas State Fairgrounds in April

KINGMAN COUNTY, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced on March 20, work will start soon on two related pavement patching and pavement marking projects on U.S. 54 in Kingman County.

The KDOT projects will be on the same portion of U.S. 54 from&nbsp;the Pratt County line east to the west Ninnescah River bridge. The length is about 5.4 miles.

The work is expected to start around April 3 and be completed around Sept. 15.

During the work, traffic will be restricted to one lane each direction, and motorists will be directed to drive at a reduced speed.

Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., of Victor, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $1.4 million pavement patching project and the $315,618 pavement marking project.

For updated information on other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</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/2023/3/1679339791286.png" alt="The map shows the projects’ location, marked in red. [Submitted Photo: Kansas Department of Transportation]" />
 <figcaption>The map shows the projects’ location, marked in red. [Submitted Photo: Kansas Department of Transportation]</figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced on March 20, work will start soon on two related pavement patching and pavement marking projects on U.S. 54 in Kingman County.The KDOT projects will be on the same portion of U.S. 54 from&nbsp;the Pratt County line east to the west Ninnescah River bridge. The length is about 5.4 miles.The work is expected to start around April 3 and be completed around Sept. 15.During the work, traffic will be restricted to one lane each direction, and motorists will be directed to drive at a reduced speed.Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., of Victor, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $1.4 million pavement patching project and the $315,618 pavement marking project.For updated information on other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</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;

U.S. 54 projects in Kingman County to begin soon

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;——————————————

3/20/2023 11:43 PM-Todd	Alan Sutton-Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

3/20/2023 10:31 PM-Shellie	Rae Cap-Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

3/20/2023 9:44 PM-Braiden	Chip Sterling Belote-Failure to Appear

3/20/2023 9:29 PM-Bradley	Scott Holmes-Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Poss of marijuana

3/20/2023 8:24 PM-Myranda	Nichole Bontrager-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

3/20/2023 7:22 PM-Michael	Jeramiah Jerrome Riley-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

3/20/2023 6:41 PM-Austin	Tyler Webb-Probation Violation

3/20/2023 4:10 PM-Micco	Ray Hernandez-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

3/20/2023 3:18 PM-Joshua	Bryant Blackwill-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime

3/20/2023 12:24 PM-Larry	Carnell Scott-Probation Violation

3/20/2023 4:04 AM-Christina	Katerina Horbatenko-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

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;——————————————3/20/2023 11:43 PM-Todd	Alan Sutton-Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body3/20/2023 10:31 PM-Shellie	Rae Cap-Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body3/20/2023 9:44 PM-Braiden	Chip Sterling Belote-Failure to Appear3/20/2023 9:29 PM-Bradley	Scott Holmes-Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Poss of marijuana3/20/2023 8:24 PM-Myranda	Nichole Bontrager-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv3/20/2023 7:22 PM-Michael	Jeramiah Jerrome Riley-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body3/20/2023 6:41 PM-Austin	Tyler Webb-Probation Violation3/20/2023 4:10 PM-Micco	Ray Hernandez-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)3/20/2023 3:18 PM-Joshua	Bryant Blackwill-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime3/20/2023 12:24 PM-Larry	Carnell Scott-Probation Violation3/20/2023 4:04 AM-Christina	Katerina Horbatenko-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

Daily Bookings

A Wind Advisory is in effect for Monday. South winds 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected in portions of central, south central and southeast  Kansas. Relative humidity is also forecast to be as low as 25 to 30 percent.

The Wind Advisory is from noon to 7 p.m. CDT Monday.&nbsp;

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may  result.

Use caution if operating high profile  vehicles, especially on east to west oriented roads.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly  and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not  recommended.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679303379505.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Wind Advisory is in effect for Monday. South winds 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected in portions of central, south central and southeast Kansas. Relative humidity is also forecast to be as low as 25 to 30 percent.The Wind Advisory is from noon to 7 p.m. CDT Monday.&nbsp; Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.Use caution if operating high profile vehicles, especially on east to west oriented roads.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.<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;

Wind Advisory Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Kendal Francis said he can't talk about why former police chief Jeff Hooper was terminated.

"I'm not at liberty to say much more about what went down with that position," Francis said Monday. "I can tell you how we're going to move forward."

The city has already engaged a consultant to help them with a search for a new chief.

"We have engaged with Strategic Government Resources to lead a nationwide search for our new police chief," Francis said. "That work is beginning immediately. First steps are to put together a position profile that kind of outlines the job itself, as well as our community."

The discussions on getting that profile together happened last week.

"The recruiter will be contacting some stakeholders that we've provided some contact information for, so that we could get their input on some of the characteristics that they would like to see in the next chief. We will also be doing an internal survey of our police department to get some input from our officers as we move forward in this process."

He did clarify, as he had in other public articles, that the decision to terminate the chief wasn't a quick one and the process to hire a new one will take time, as well.

"We hope to officially announce the opening, probably within the next couple of weeks," Francis said. "Depends on how quickly they can put together that profile. Moving forward, you know, about a month or so to take applications and review them and do the interviewing and then, if we bring somebody in from the outside, when could they start, those types of things. I'm going to say [it will take] about four months."

Francis also has an engineering department head to still hire, as well as a combined position of building official and planning and zoning that he is calling the Community Development Coordinator. Those positions were vacant prior to Francis coming to the city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671706068593.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Kendal Francis said he can't talk about why former police chief Jeff Hooper was terminated."I'm not at liberty to say much more about what went down with that position," Francis said Monday. "I can tell you how we're going to move forward."The city has already engaged a consultant to help them with a search for a new chief."We have engaged with Strategic Government Resources to lead a nationwide search for our new police chief," Francis said. "That work is beginning immediately. First steps are to put together a position profile that kind of outlines the job itself, as well as our community."The discussions on getting that profile together happened last week."The recruiter will be contacting some stakeholders that we've provided some contact information for, so that we could get their input on some of the characteristics that they would like to see in the next chief. We will also be doing an internal survey of our police department to get some input from our officers as we move forward in this process."He did clarify, as he had in other public articles, that the decision to terminate the chief wasn't a quick one and the process to hire a new one will take time, as well."We hope to officially announce the opening, probably within the next couple of weeks," Francis said. "Depends on how quickly they can put together that profile. Moving forward, you know, about a month or so to take applications and review them and do the interviewing and then, if we bring somebody in from the outside, when could they start, those types of things. I'm going to say [it will take] about four months."Francis also has an engineering department head to still hire, as well as a combined position of building official and planning and zoning that he is calling the Community Development Coordinator. Those positions were vacant prior to Francis coming to the city.<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;

Francis mum on reason for chief's dismissal, hopes for quick hiring process

My phone alerted me to a four-year-old photo a few days ago, or rather it alerted me to a photo taken four years ago of a newspaper clipping from decades ago. The clipping was a photo of a much younger version of me proudly standing next to a giant pumpkin I had grown in our garden. Sadly, that was the peak of my farming career, but proof it ever existed was enshrined in that photo, which was published in the local paper. A family friend clipped it out, probably intending to give it to my parents in short order. Instead, it got lost for a few decades, likely resurfacing when the family friend was going through a box long ago stowed away in a closet. Once discovered, however, it was put in the mail and arrived at my mother’s house for us to share a good laugh about the time I grew the giant pumpkin. It’s a noteworthy family memory and a great example of the power of local newspapers and their unique ability to thoroughly cover their communities. My giant pumpkin didn’t make the front page, which is reserved for more serious topics, but it was important enough to be preserved for decades. At its best, a community newspaper is a running dialogue of the area it covers. It’s a family-friendly version of the town talk in watering holes, coffee shops and beauty salons. The latest about all the area sports teams, board meetings, letters, announcements and more is collected and packaged based on what an editor believes the community needs to know. Over time, the articles also become artifacts of what life was like last week, year or decade. Today anyone with a phone can tap a couple of buttons and blast a message to the masses. But that doesn’t replace a seasoned reporter’s intuition or a veteran editor’s judgement on elevating stories that will resonate within the community. The internet has certainly given us all options in the who, what, why and how we get our news, but local papers are still the most durable fabric to hold a community together. They’re not perfect by any means, but your local newspaper is just as important to a town’s sense of itself as the school, hardware store or area landmark. In addition to keeping up on current events, readers get a sense of civic pride by knowing what’s going on in the community. The reach of a newspaper extends far beyond its circulation area. Just the other day I received a call from a gentleman who had retired and decided to trade Kansas winters for the sunshine in Arizona. Must be nice. Even though he’s no longer a resident, he mentioned how he stayed connected with his former town from more than 1,000 miles away through the local newspaper. Despite the distance, he’s still receiving updates on the births, deaths, weddings, high school events, city council meetings and more that local papers cover. Some, maybe even all, of that is available through social media, but good luck finding it in the same place day after day or week after week. A local newspaper will reliably show up on your porch, driveway or mailbox. However, such service doesn’t come cheap. Readers are being asked to shoulder more and more of the cost through subscriptions as advertisers look elsewhere. While it might seem like a raw deal, the value of living in a community connected through coverage is a bargain. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauMy phone alerted me to a four-year-old photo a few days ago, or rather it alerted me to a photo taken four years ago of a newspaper clipping from decades ago. The clipping was a photo of a much younger version of me proudly standing next to a giant pumpkin I had grown in our garden. Sadly, that was the peak of my farming career, but proof it ever existed was enshrined in that photo, which was published in the local paper. A family friend clipped it out, probably intending to give it to my parents in short order. Instead, it got lost for a few decades, likely resurfacing when the family friend was going through a box long ago stowed away in a closet. Once discovered, however, it was put in the mail and arrived at my mother’s house for us to share a good laugh about the time I grew the giant pumpkin. It’s a noteworthy family memory and a great example of the power of local newspapers and their unique ability to thoroughly cover their communities. My giant pumpkin didn’t make the front page, which is reserved for more serious topics, but it was important enough to be preserved for decades. At its best, a community newspaper is a running dialogue of the area it covers. It’s a family-friendly version of the town talk in watering holes, coffee shops and beauty salons. The latest about all the area sports teams, board meetings, letters, announcements and more is collected and packaged based on what an editor believes the community needs to know. Over time, the articles also become artifacts of what life was like last week, year or decade. Today anyone with a phone can tap a couple of buttons and blast a message to the masses. But that doesn’t replace a seasoned reporter’s intuition or a veteran editor’s judgement on elevating stories that will resonate within the community. The internet has certainly given us all options in the who, what, why and how we get our news, but local papers are still the most durable fabric to hold a community together. They’re not perfect by any means, but your local newspaper is just as important to a town’s sense of itself as the school, hardware store or area landmark. In addition to keeping up on current events, readers get a sense of civic pride by knowing what’s going on in the community. The reach of a newspaper extends far beyond its circulation area. Just the other day I received a call from a gentleman who had retired and decided to trade Kansas winters for the sunshine in Arizona. Must be nice. Even though he’s no longer a resident, he mentioned how he stayed connected with his former town from more than 1,000 miles away through the local newspaper. Despite the distance, he’s still receiving updates on the births, deaths, weddings, high school events, city council meetings and more that local papers cover. Some, maybe even all, of that is available through social media, but good luck finding it in the same place day after day or week after week. A local newspaper will reliably show up on your porch, driveway or mailbox. However, such service doesn’t come cheap. Readers are being asked to shoulder more and more of the cost through subscriptions as advertisers look elsewhere. While it might seem like a raw deal, the value of living in a community connected through coverage is a bargain. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Community Through Coverage

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grammy-nominated multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE will play at the Kansas State Fair, Friday, Sept. 8. ​ This dynamic rock group has generated over one billion streams, topped several Billboard Radio, Album and Sales Charts and have sold-out arenas and amphitheaters all over the world. &nbsp;They’ve garnered two Billboard Music Award nominations and appeared on nearly every network television show including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Ellen, The Late Late Show with James Corden and CBS’ Sunday Morning.​ Their 2020 album release, Out of Body received worldwide critical praise and debuted in the Top 5 of three Billboard Charts. Their surprise eighth studio album Into The Mystery was their 5th No. 1 album. An accompanying feature length documentary was released the following November in theatres across the US. Some of their top songs include, Brother (feat. Gavin DeGraw), Testify, Let’s Stay Home Tonight, Something Beautiful, and Multiplied. &nbsp;​ Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, March 24 at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=1c05492763&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 8 a.m. Thursday, March 23. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=0295f8db22&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>.​ The show will be Friday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. ​ Ticket Options:​ Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $60/$40. ​ There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:​ Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit​ Party alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit gives concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $70. ​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio​ Get all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp; Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. Each table is $600.​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience​ Want the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides three beverage coupons per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the show, 2 VIP parking passes, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each table with VIP experience is $750.​ NOTE: Each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=3569d7c1d8&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.​ To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=bb30c67a8a&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 669-3618. ​&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679136387955.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grammy-nominated multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE will play at the Kansas State Fair, Friday, Sept. 8. ​ This dynamic rock group has generated over one billion streams, topped several Billboard Radio, Album and Sales Charts and have sold-out arenas and amphitheaters all over the world. &nbsp;They’ve garnered two Billboard Music Award nominations and appeared on nearly every network television show including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Ellen, The Late Late Show with James Corden and CBS’ Sunday Morning.​ Their 2020 album release, Out of Body received worldwide critical praise and debuted in the Top 5 of three Billboard Charts. Their surprise eighth studio album Into The Mystery was their 5th No. 1 album. An accompanying feature length documentary was released the following November in theatres across the US. Some of their top songs include, Brother (feat. Gavin DeGraw), Testify, Let’s Stay Home Tonight, Something Beautiful, and Multiplied. &nbsp;​ Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, March 24 at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=1c05492763&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 8 a.m. Thursday, March 23. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=0295f8db22&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>.​ The show will be Friday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. ​ Ticket Options:​ Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $60/$40. ​ There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:​ Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit​ Party alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit gives concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $70. ​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio​ Get all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp; Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. Each table is $600.​ Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience​ Want the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides three beverage coupons per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the show, 2 VIP parking passes, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each table with VIP experience is $750.​ NOTE: Each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=3569d7c1d8&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.​ To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=bb30c67a8a&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 669-3618. ​&nbsp;&nbsp;

Renowned rock band NEEDTOBREATHE to play at Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will discuss 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.

According to agenda documents, the United Way would spend the City's allocation in two areas.

Support for Current providers / Sustainability Grants for Current Providers: 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. 

Innovative Models: 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 this budget.

The County allocated money in the following areas:

Support for Current Providers: $2,490,000

The county chose to dedicate more funding to helping current providers. 

This effort seeks to keep existing childcare providers open when we are seeing providers close. However, United Way has requested that most of the city funding help with innovative models. 

The report provided by K-State notes that without innovative ideas, the city should not expect to see long term change. United Way requests that 75% to 80% of the city funding be allocated to innovative models.

If the council agrees, United Way will oversee the city's childcare ARPA funds and dedicate them to help the City of Hutchinson. The funds would be tracked to ensure that City dollars benefit the City and County funds benefited the County.

The amount allocated from the city according to agenda documents is $1,773,844.61.

The Hutchinson City Council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677097470001.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will discuss 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.According to agenda documents, the United Way would spend the City's allocation in two areas.Support for Current providers / Sustainability Grants for Current Providers: 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: 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 this budget.The County allocated money in the following areas:Support for Current Providers: $2,490,000Innovative Models: $1,660,000United Way Oversight: $ 350,000Total $4,500,000The county chose to dedicate more funding to helping current providers. This effort seeks to keep existing childcare providers open when we are seeing providers close. However, United Way has requested that most of the city funding help with innovative models. The report provided by K-State notes that without innovative ideas, the city should not expect to see long term change. United Way requests that 75% to 80% of the city funding be allocated to innovative models.If the council agrees, United Way will oversee the city's childcare ARPA funds and dedicate them to help the City of Hutchinson. The funds would be tracked to ensure that City dollars benefit the City and County funds benefited the County.The amount allocated from the city according to agenda documents is $1,773,844.61.The Hutchinson City Council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at City Hall.<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;

City Council to approve ARPA disbursement for childcare Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA have been working together in the last few months to make sure that kids from across Hutchinson have a chance to be a part of activities that will keep them active and engaged.

"Hutchinson isn't big enough to not work together," said Lance Patterson with the club. "There's a lot of need, a lot of kids. Something we always hear about is, there's nothing for my teenager to do. If we can work together to provide these opportunities, it's a win-win."

Another win-win is getting younger kids use of the pool and other YMCA classes, because that takes the transportation issue out of parents hands.

"Kind of an extension from the Saturday nights at the Y is to be able to take some of our kids during the after school hours and let them swim at the Y, which they absolutely love," Patterson said. "From that, we went ahead and are offering them the chance to maybe try out some gymnastics. David [Foster with the Y] set up a class that allows our kids to try it a little bit and see if there's something that is interested. We try to keep that price really low and that was what we were fundrasing for, was to be able to offset some of those costs for those families that maybe couldn't afford it so we can get them started. If they like it, if it's something their kid is interested in, we're providing the transportation."

Foster, for his part, says the partnership is working out well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582214071436.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA have been working together in the last few months to make sure that kids from across Hutchinson have a chance to be a part of activities that will keep them active and engaged."Hutchinson isn't big enough to not work together," said Lance Patterson with the club. "There's a lot of need, a lot of kids. Something we always hear about is, there's nothing for my teenager to do. If we can work together to provide these opportunities, it's a win-win."Another win-win is getting younger kids use of the pool and other YMCA classes, because that takes the transportation issue out of parents hands."Kind of an extension from the Saturday nights at the Y is to be able to take some of our kids during the after school hours and let them swim at the Y, which they absolutely love," Patterson said. "From that, we went ahead and are offering them the chance to maybe try out some gymnastics. David [Foster with the Y] set up a class that allows our kids to try it a little bit and see if there's something that is interested. We try to keep that price really low and that was what we were fundrasing for, was to be able to offset some of those costs for those families that maybe couldn't afford it so we can get them started. If they like it, if it's something their kid is interested in, we're providing the transportation."Foster, for his part, says the partnership is working out well."We're definitely interested," Foster said.&nbsp; "The more things we can come together on and provide great experiences for all kids in Hutchinson, I think it makes everybody better."Both organizations will take donations to help fund having kids participate that otherwise wouldn't be able to. You can donate to Boys and Girls Club at <a href="https://www.bgchutch.com/">bgchutch.com</a>, or to the Y at&nbsp;<a href="https://ymcawichita.org/give">https://ymcawichita.org/give</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;