LINDSBORG, Kan. —&nbsp;The 13th iteration of Våffeldagen celebrated in Lindsborg, Kansas is March 25. &nbsp;

Downtown Lindsborg will be full of waffles and waffle-based&nbsp;with games, photo opportunities, unique waffle creations,&nbsp;and getting ‘waffled’ by the ‘Waffle People.’&nbsp;

Carla Wilson,&nbsp;Våffeldagen&nbsp;organizer, said this year’s theme is “Luck be a Waffle.” &nbsp;

Våffeldagen, translating to ‘Waffle Day,’ is not 13-years-old however. At least not to its origin-county,&nbsp;Sweden. &nbsp;

&nbsp;“We observe a lot of Swedish holidays here in town and I had never heard of Waffle Day, and I happened upon it,” Wilson said. “I just thought, ‘this&nbsp;sounds fun,’ and we don't have really anything this time of year.” &nbsp;

Wilson said she went around to the different restaurants of Lindsborg, informing them that March 25 is National Waffle Day in Sweden, and asking them if they would be willing to serve waffles on that day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“They all said sure, so I went home and I made some waffle costumes and in Lindsborg fashion, I asked some people, if they would be ‘Waffle People’ and roam around and just hand out little trinkets or goodies and&nbsp;greet people and say ‘you've been waffled’ and that's how it started,” Wilson said. &nbsp;

Lindsborg is considered the Little Sweden of Kansas, so adopting and celebrating Våffeldagen seemed natural.&nbsp;

“We keep our heritage alive by&nbsp;honoring the Swedish or celebrating the Swedish festivals,” Wilson said. &nbsp;

Våffeldagen finds its origins in the religious holiday day, the&nbsp;Feast of the Annunciation, or ‘Vårfrudagen,’ which translates to ‘Our Lady’s Day.’&nbsp;

The Feast of the Annunciation or Our Lady’s Day is a recognition of the biblical event where the angel Gabriel told Mary of Nazareth she was pregnant with the son of God. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The day of waffles came to be because when said quickly, ‘Vårfrudagen’ sounds like ‘Våffeldagen.’&nbsp;

Waffle Day and Our Lady’s Day are both celebrated on the same day, March 25. &nbsp;

Throughout the day, several Lindsborg businesses will be ‘waffle-ized.’ &nbsp;

The White Peacock Coffee Shop located at 14 S. Main St. Will be selling a ‘sugar pearl’ waggle with berries and cream cheese, maple waffle frappes, and will also host photo ops starting at 7 a.m.&nbsp;

350 Degrees Bakery located at 118 S. Main St. Will have hot Belgian waffles with Swedish lingonberries and syrup and waffle sugar cookies with chocolate starting at 8:30 a.m.&nbsp;

Smoky Valley Arts &amp; folklife Center located at 114 ½ S. Main St. will have a waffle charcuterie buffet with spreads, toppings, and mimosas starting at 8 a.m. &nbsp;

Jalisco Mexican Restaurant located at 107 N. Main St. Will debut their new experiment, the waffle tostada starting at 11 a.m. &nbsp;

Crown and Rye Restaurant located at 121 N. Main St. will have waffle Monte Christo sandwiches, hot waffles with warm honey butter, waffles and chicken, and a special waffle cocktail. &nbsp;

Blacksmith Coffee Shop &amp; Roastery located at 122 N. Main St. will have hot Belgian waffle with maple whipped and bacon strips. &nbsp;

Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream located at 125 N. Main St. will have house-made maple bacon waffle ice cream sandwiches and waffles cones to pair with their other ice cream flavors. &nbsp;

Öl Stuga located at 119 S. Main St. will have waffle shots in addition to their regular menu. &nbsp;

White’s Foodliner located at 215 N. Harrison St. will have hot waffles and chickens in their deli case. &nbsp;

Most business will have their special Waffle Day items until they run out. &nbsp;

Then at the Lindsborg Community Library from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be waffled-themed children’s crafts and games.&nbsp;

More free crafts and games will be hosted at 350 Degrees Bakery, Clara Hatton Center, The Good Merchant, and Stockholm Estates. &nbsp;

Then people can get decked out waffle ‘swag’ for Våffeldagen by purchasing clothing and gear at the Ivory Thimble from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hair bows, headbands, scrunchies, and jewelry are just some of the items. &nbsp;

As people tour Lindsborg during Våffeldagen, they can keep track of all of the Swedish Dala Horses, traditional carved, painted wooden statues of horses, all ‘waffled’ as well. &nbsp;

“Everything’s better with a waffle on it,” Wilson said. &nbsp;

According to Wilson,&nbsp;a herd of photogenic horses will be wandering around Lindsborg during the celebration.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Lindsborg Community will host a special guest, PBS’s Nature Cat for photo opportunities with children. &nbsp;

For more information visit the Våffeldagen Facebook page.&nbsp;

Våffeldagen will continue into&nbsp;the evening Saturday, March 25. Go grab a waffle. &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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679699763240.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostLINDSBORG, Kan. —&nbsp;The 13th iteration of Våffeldagen celebrated in Lindsborg, Kansas is March 25. &nbsp;Downtown Lindsborg will be full of waffles and waffle-based&nbsp;with games, photo opportunities, unique waffle creations,&nbsp;and getting ‘waffled’ by the ‘Waffle People.’&nbsp;Carla Wilson,&nbsp;Våffeldagen&nbsp;organizer, said this year’s theme is “Luck be a Waffle.” &nbsp;Våffeldagen, translating to ‘Waffle Day,’ is not 13-years-old however. At least not to its origin-county,&nbsp;Sweden. &nbsp;&nbsp;“We observe a lot of Swedish holidays here in town and I had never heard of Waffle Day, and I happened upon it,” Wilson said. “I just thought, ‘this&nbsp;sounds fun,’ and we don't have really anything this time of year.” &nbsp;Wilson said she went around to the different restaurants of Lindsborg, informing them that March 25 is National Waffle Day in Sweden, and asking them if they would be willing to serve waffles on that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They all said sure, so I went home and I made some waffle costumes and in Lindsborg fashion, I asked some people, if they would be ‘Waffle People’ and roam around and just hand out little trinkets or goodies and&nbsp;greet people and say ‘you've been waffled’ and that's how it started,” Wilson said. &nbsp;Lindsborg is considered the Little Sweden of Kansas, so adopting and celebrating Våffeldagen seemed natural.&nbsp;“We keep our heritage alive by&nbsp;honoring the Swedish or celebrating the Swedish festivals,” Wilson said. &nbsp;Våffeldagen finds its origins in the religious holiday day, the&nbsp;Feast of the Annunciation, or ‘Vårfrudagen,’ which translates to ‘Our Lady’s Day.’&nbsp;The Feast of the Annunciation or Our Lady’s Day is a recognition of the biblical event where the angel Gabriel told Mary of Nazareth she was pregnant with the son of God. &nbsp;&nbsp;The day of waffles came to be because when said quickly, ‘Vårfrudagen’ sounds like ‘Våffeldagen.’&nbsp;Waffle Day and Our Lady’s Day are both celebrated on the same day, March 25. &nbsp;Throughout the day, several Lindsborg businesses will be ‘waffle-ized.’ &nbsp;The White Peacock Coffee Shop located at 14 S. Main St. Will be selling a ‘sugar pearl’ waggle with berries and cream cheese, maple waffle frappes, and will also host photo ops starting at 7 a.m.&nbsp;350 Degrees Bakery located at 118 S. Main St. Will have hot Belgian waffles with Swedish lingonberries and syrup and waffle sugar cookies with chocolate starting at 8:30 a.m.&nbsp;Smoky Valley Arts &amp; folklife Center located at 114 ½ S. Main St. will have a waffle charcuterie buffet with spreads, toppings, and mimosas starting at 8 a.m. &nbsp;Jalisco Mexican Restaurant located at 107 N. Main St. Will debut their new experiment, the waffle tostada starting at 11 a.m. &nbsp;Crown and Rye Restaurant located at 121 N. Main St. will have waffle Monte Christo sandwiches, hot waffles with warm honey butter, waffles and chicken, and a special waffle cocktail. &nbsp;Blacksmith Coffee Shop &amp; Roastery located at 122 N. Main St. will have hot Belgian waffle with maple whipped and bacon strips. &nbsp;Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream located at 125 N. Main St. will have house-made maple bacon waffle ice cream sandwiches and waffles cones to pair with their other ice cream flavors. &nbsp;Öl Stuga located at 119 S. Main St. will have waffle shots in addition to their regular menu. &nbsp;White’s Foodliner located at 215 N. Harrison St. will have hot waffles and chickens in their deli case. &nbsp;Most business will have their special Waffle Day items until they run out. &nbsp;Then at the Lindsborg Community Library from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be waffled-themed children’s crafts and games.&nbsp;More free crafts and games will be hosted at 350 Degrees Bakery, Clara Hatton Center, The Good Merchant, and Stockholm Estates. &nbsp;Then people can get decked out waffle ‘swag’ for Våffeldagen by purchasing clothing and gear at the Ivory Thimble from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hair bows, headbands, scrunchies, and jewelry are just some of the items. &nbsp;As people tour Lindsborg during Våffeldagen, they can keep track of all of the Swedish Dala Horses, traditional carved, painted wooden statues of horses, all ‘waffled’ as well. &nbsp;“Everything’s better with a waffle on it,” Wilson said. &nbsp;According to Wilson,&nbsp;a herd of photogenic horses will be wandering around Lindsborg during the celebration.&nbsp;Additionally, the Lindsborg Community will host a special guest, PBS’s Nature Cat for photo opportunities with children. &nbsp;For more information visit the Våffeldagen Facebook page.&nbsp;Våffeldagen will continue into&nbsp;the evening Saturday, March 25. Go grab a waffle. &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;&nbsp;

13th Annual Våffeldagen in Lindsborg 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —At a pretrial conference on March 24, Nathan Leon Plum, Hutchinson, waived his right to speedy trial and is set go before a jury on June 13.&nbsp;

Plum <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/470ffd12-010a-4f5b-bb0e-a68f32b14ab2">was arrested in February 2022</a> and booked into the Reno County Jail on charges related to a 2021 shooting.

According to Hutchinson Police Captain Dustin Loepp, Plum was arrested on a warrant from a shooting that occurred in Dec. 2, 2021.

A 38-year-old male was contacted near the alley behind 322 E. 2nd Ave. with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was treated medically and survived.

Plum is alleged to have fled Kansas. He was eventually taken into custody on unrelated charges in Oklahoma. 

He had other legal obligations before he could be extradited to Kansas, which extended time to trial for the events of December 2021.

<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/2023/3/1679679596855.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —At a pretrial conference on March 24, Nathan Leon Plum, Hutchinson, waived his right to speedy trial and is set go before a jury on June 13.&nbsp;Pretrial is set for June 12.&nbsp;Plum <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/470ffd12-010a-4f5b-bb0e-a68f32b14ab2">was arrested in February 2022</a> and booked into the Reno County Jail on charges related to a 2021 shooting.According to Hutchinson Police Captain Dustin Loepp, Plum was arrested on a warrant from a shooting that occurred in Dec. 2, 2021.A 38-year-old male was contacted near the alley behind 322 E. 2nd Ave. with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was treated medically and survived.Plum is alleged to have fled Kansas. He was eventually taken into custody on unrelated charges in Oklahoma. He had other legal obligations before he could be extradited to Kansas, which extended time to trial for the events of December 2021.<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;

Plum to go before jury in June

&nbsp;By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pretrial for Anthony O. Krause has been continued to May 5.&nbsp;

Krause was present and secured with his attorney before Judge Trish Rose on March 24.&nbsp;

He was originally bound over for trial on rape and other sex crime charges following a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4a9761f6-ab0d-40b6-aec7-34fc081186b6">preliminary hearing in Reno County District Court in December 2022</a>.

Krause is accused to have had sex with a child under 14 on May 11, and to have committed aggravated indecent liberties with the same child on May 17.

Krause is also accused of soliciting the same person for the unlawful act on May 8 and to attempt to persuade the person to commit such an act on that same date.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c5293d4b-9f3a-4d39-a637-25c6b9cfa45b">Charges were formally filed against Krause in October.</a>&nbsp;

The rape and indecent liberties counts as charged are off-grid felonies, potentially punishable by a hard 50-year sentence, a mandatory 50 years in prison.&nbsp;

If convicted, Krause could be looking at a sentence of life in prison without the chance of parole for 25 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677594907439.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pretrial for Anthony O. Krause has been continued to May 5.&nbsp;Krause was present and secured with his attorney before Judge Trish Rose on March 24.&nbsp;He was originally bound over for trial on rape and other sex crime charges following a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4a9761f6-ab0d-40b6-aec7-34fc081186b6">preliminary hearing in Reno County District Court in December 2022</a>.Krause is accused to have had sex with a child under 14 on May 11, and to have committed aggravated indecent liberties with the same child on May 17.Krause is also accused of soliciting the same person for the unlawful act on May 8 and to attempt to persuade the person to commit such an act on that same date.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c5293d4b-9f3a-4d39-a637-25c6b9cfa45b">Charges were formally filed against Krause in October.</a>&nbsp;The rape and indecent liberties counts as charged are off-grid felonies, potentially punishable by a hard 50-year sentence, a mandatory 50 years in prison.&nbsp;If convicted, Krause could be looking at a sentence of life in prison without the chance of parole for 25 years.<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;

Pretrial continued for Krause in rape case

RICE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of fraudulent debit/credit card purchases at fuel pumps, according to a media release from police in Lyons.

Police believe a device known as a skimmer was placed on a fuel pump card reader.

Police advised, when using credit or debit cards at fuel pumps, check to make sure the card reader is secured to the pump. If you find that the card reader is not secure, please contact the Lyons Police Department immediately. Their phone number is (620) 257-2355.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673955619636.png" alt="Skimmer from a gas pump in NW Kansas&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Skimmer from a gas pump in NW Kansas&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of fraudulent debit/credit card purchases at fuel pumps, according to a media release from police in Lyons.Police believe a device known as a skimmer was placed on a fuel pump card reader.Police advised, when using credit or debit cards at fuel pumps, check to make sure the card reader is secured to the pump. If you find that the card reader is not secure, please contact the Lyons Police Department immediately. Their phone number is (620) 257-2355.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: Possible card skimmer on gas pump in Lyons

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council didn't really reach any final conclusions following a study session on the future of water in the city on Tuesday. Reno County is interested in developing a water district to serve areas south of Hutchinson.

"They wanted us to continue our efforts towards perfecting our current authorized water rights," said Hutchinson City Manager Kendal Francis. "You get 40 years to prove that you need that amount of water. In that time frame, whatever you don't use, you lose."

In an effort to help the City make an informed decision, Burns &amp; McDonnell was hired to&nbsp;develop a 20-year water demand projection for the City of Hutchinson, and Kansas Water Resources Consulting (KWRC) was brought in to evaluate the City’s water rights and develop a strategy to perfect the City’s uncertified water rights.

According to Burns &amp; McDonnell, the wholesale opportunity based on the current perfected water right is approximately 0.28 million gallons per day in 2043 and the wholesale opportunity based on the current authorized water right is approximately 1.46 million gallons per day in 2043.

Kansas Water Resources Consulting, led by former state chief engineer David Barfield, is recommending to the city that there are two potential opportunities to expand its overall quantity limitation with its existing wells. Those are requesting additional time to perfect and filing new applications on its existing wells.

Barfield also recommends the city request GMD 2 to provide its preliminary Safe Yield evaluations at each uncertified water right well location and develop a proposal for a series of new applications and limitations that would allow the city additional opportunity to increase its overall limitation consistent with their original approvals but within the principle of Safe Yield.

Barfield also suggests that the city meet with the current chief engineer at the state Department of Water Resources to review the approaches to provide more time to increase the City’s overall limitation. Francis doesn't know yet when that meeting will be.&nbsp;Earl Lewis&nbsp;has served as chief engineer since 2020.&nbsp;

"There's also, you know, I think a changing philosophy at the state level, people understanding how valuable water is and that there needs to be flexibility in some of these laws," Francis said. "Earl is the chief engineer. I've known him for many years. He was with the Division of Water Resources and the Kansas Water Office. We're hoping that we can make the case to something favorable for Hutchinson."

The needs for water south of Hutchinson look to only grow with the intended expansion of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center that is in the HABIT area near Yoder and the potential for a large lots industrial park south of South Hutchinson along K-96, not to mention any growth that can be brought to the city of Hutchinson itself over the next several decades.

<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/2020/3/1583253455692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council didn't really reach any final conclusions following a study session on the future of water in the city on Tuesday. Reno County is interested in developing a water district to serve areas south of Hutchinson."They wanted us to continue our efforts towards perfecting our current authorized water rights," said Hutchinson City Manager Kendal Francis. "You get 40 years to prove that you need that amount of water. In that time frame, whatever you don't use, you lose."In an effort to help the City make an informed decision, Burns &amp; McDonnell was hired to&nbsp;develop a 20-year water demand projection for the City of Hutchinson, and Kansas Water Resources Consulting (KWRC) was brought in to evaluate the City’s water rights and develop a strategy to perfect the City’s uncertified water rights.According to Burns &amp; McDonnell, the wholesale opportunity based on the current perfected water right is approximately 0.28 million gallons per day in 2043 and the wholesale opportunity based on the current authorized water right is approximately 1.46 million gallons per day in 2043.Kansas Water Resources Consulting, led by former state chief engineer David Barfield, is recommending to the city that there are two potential opportunities to expand its overall quantity limitation with its existing wells. Those are requesting additional time to perfect and filing new applications on its existing wells.Barfield also recommends the city request GMD 2 to provide its preliminary Safe Yield evaluations at each uncertified water right well location and develop a proposal for a series of new applications and limitations that would allow the city additional opportunity to increase its overall limitation consistent with their original approvals but within the principle of Safe Yield.Barfield also suggests that the city meet with the current chief engineer at the state Department of Water Resources to review the approaches to provide more time to increase the City’s overall limitation. Francis doesn't know yet when that meeting will be.&nbsp;Earl Lewis&nbsp;has served as chief engineer since 2020.&nbsp;"There's also, you know, I think a changing philosophy at the state level, people understanding how valuable water is and that there needs to be flexibility in some of these laws," Francis said. "Earl is the chief engineer. I've known him for many years. He was with the Division of Water Resources and the Kansas Water Office. We're hoping that we can make the case to something favorable for Hutchinson."The needs for water south of Hutchinson look to only grow with the intended expansion of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center that is in the HABIT area near Yoder and the potential for a large lots industrial park south of South Hutchinson along K-96, not to mention any growth that can be brought to the city of Hutchinson itself over the next several decades.<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;

No conclusions from water study session

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Krystal Young with Hutchinson USD 308 explained to Hutch Post where the growth in number of kids is that prompted the boundaries for Graber and McCandless Elementary being adjusted by the Board of Education earlier this month for the upcoming school year.

"It's on the east side of K-61, really it's right around the Commerce Gardens area," Young said. "If we go back a few years, Commerce Gardens started to build up in about 2019 and have added 10 buildings currently. In those 10 buildings, they are housing many more students than before. When we did the boundary change, that shifted that area."

It really is about the physical size of the buildings.

"As we look to the future, we want to think about where do we have the ability to take the most students? McCandless is a larger school. It has the ability to be what we would call a three track school, which means we have three of every grade level, whereas Graber doesn't. Graber would hit capacity earlier than McCandless would."

Parents will receive more information as soon as they have it.

"We have about 38 families that will be impacted by this shift," Young said. "A little bit later this month or in early April, they will get a letter from us that kind of tells them, hey, this is what you need to be looking forward to. McCandless is planning a welcome to McCandless event. We want to get that date in the letter and then we'll also tell them, what does enrollment look like for you and things to look forward to at the beginning of the school year."

The goal is to even out the class sizes so that as many classes as possible across the district can be for a single grade level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678466926008.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Elementary School Boundary change map" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Elementary School Boundary change map</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Krystal Young with Hutchinson USD 308 explained to Hutch Post where the growth in number of kids is that prompted the boundaries for Graber and McCandless Elementary being adjusted by the Board of Education earlier this month for the upcoming school year."It's on the east side of K-61, really it's right around the Commerce Gardens area," Young said. "If we go back a few years, Commerce Gardens started to build up in about 2019 and have added 10 buildings currently. In those 10 buildings, they are housing many more students than before. When we did the boundary change, that shifted that area."It really is about the physical size of the buildings."As we look to the future, we want to think about where do we have the ability to take the most students? McCandless is a larger school. It has the ability to be what we would call a three track school, which means we have three of every grade level, whereas Graber doesn't. Graber would hit capacity earlier than McCandless would."Parents will receive more information as soon as they have it."We have about 38 families that will be impacted by this shift," Young said. "A little bit later this month or in early April, they will get a letter from us that kind of tells them, hey, this is what you need to be looking forward to. McCandless is planning a welcome to McCandless event. We want to get that date in the letter and then we'll also tell them, what does enrollment look like for you and things to look forward to at the beginning of the school year."The goal is to even out the class sizes so that as many classes as possible across the district can be for a single grade level.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 explains elementary boundary shift

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — West 5th&nbsp;Pet Resort, Inc, located at 808 W 5th&nbsp;Ave will continue to provide Hutchinson, Kansas, and the surrounding area with their pet boarding needs and expand into pet grooming.

New owner Katlyn Esslinger, alongside her husband, Austin Esslinger, was able to utilize gap financing through StartUp Hutch’s GROWKS loan funds to help with the expenses of the business transition. These funds are made available to Reno County businesses and startups through a partnership with NetWork Kansas, the statewide network for entrepreneurship communities.

“We love to help facilitate these transitions! West 5th&nbsp;Pet Resort is a great local business that will continue to operate and even expand under new ownership,” said Jackson Swearer, Entrepreneur Navigator and Director at StartUp Hutch. “The flexible capital we can provide through NetWork Kansas loan funds can be crucial to help make these opportunities possible for local entrepreneurs.”

For more information on StartUp Hutch funding opportunities, resources, or events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.startuphutch.com/" target="_blank">www.startuphutch.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;contact Jackson Swearer at 620-665-3319.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599831307342.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — West 5th&nbsp;Pet Resort, Inc, located at 808 W 5th&nbsp;Ave will continue to provide Hutchinson, Kansas, and the surrounding area with their pet boarding needs and expand into pet grooming.New owner Katlyn Esslinger, alongside her husband, Austin Esslinger, was able to utilize gap financing through StartUp Hutch’s GROWKS loan funds to help with the expenses of the business transition. These funds are made available to Reno County businesses and startups through a partnership with NetWork Kansas, the statewide network for entrepreneurship communities.“We love to help facilitate these transitions! West 5th&nbsp;Pet Resort is a great local business that will continue to operate and even expand under new ownership,” said Jackson Swearer, Entrepreneur Navigator and Director at StartUp Hutch. “The flexible capital we can provide through NetWork Kansas loan funds can be crucial to help make these opportunities possible for local entrepreneurs.”For more information on StartUp Hutch funding opportunities, resources, or events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.startuphutch.com/" target="_blank">www.startuphutch.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;contact Jackson Swearer at 620-665-3319.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson business benefits from $89,000 GROWKS Fund loan

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County rose for the month of February.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county rose two tenths of one percent to 3.4%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2022 was 2.6%.

There were 982 county residents out of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Statewide preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County rose for the month of February.According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county rose two tenths of one percent to 3.4%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2022 was 2.6%.There were 982 county residents out of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Statewide preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Unemployment up in February in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank will answer questions from the Board of Reno County Commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Plank is receiving numerous phone calls after valuation notices went out earlier this month, some of them with large increases.

Also on the agenda for the commission as discussion items are the following: 

1.&nbsp; A decision on bids for the roofing project at the Reno County Courthouse .

2.&nbsp; A contract to allow the rural fire districts to get the same computerized dispatching information as the Sheriff's Office and Hutchinson Police and Fire have, so that they can file their reports electronically.

3.&nbsp; Approval of the cost share program agreement, which is the KDOT grant for the bridge on the Woodie Seat Freeway that was a joint project between the county and the city of Hutchinson and the scope of project agreement between the two, so they know which agency is responsible for what parts of the project.

4.&nbsp; A proposal to change the commission meeting times, with options of staying on Tuesday, moving to Monday afternoon or moving to Wednesday morning.

5. A request for qualifications for a medical consultant, to assist the county health officer.

The county will also receive the regular reports from the county administrator, provide its own comments and hold a study session on solid waste to resolve gas well issues and discuss 2024 rates.

The meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, March 28 at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671731649549.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank will answer questions from the Board of Reno County Commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;Plank is receiving numerous phone calls after valuation notices went out earlier this month, some of them with large increases.Also on the agenda for the commission as discussion items are the following: 1.&nbsp; A decision on bids for the roofing project at the Reno County Courthouse .2.&nbsp; A contract to allow the rural fire districts to get the same computerized dispatching information as the Sheriff's Office and Hutchinson Police and Fire have, so that they can file their reports electronically.3.&nbsp; Approval of the cost share program agreement, which is the KDOT grant for the bridge on the Woodie Seat Freeway that was a joint project between the county and the city of Hutchinson and the scope of project agreement between the two, so they know which agency is responsible for what parts of the project.4.&nbsp; A proposal to change the commission meeting times, with options of staying on Tuesday, moving to Monday afternoon or moving to Wednesday morning.5. A request for qualifications for a medical consultant, to assist the county health officer.The county will also receive the regular reports from the county administrator, provide its own comments and hold a study session on solid waste to resolve gas well issues and discuss 2024 rates.The meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be Tuesday, March 28 at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.<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;

County Commission to ask appraiser questions Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The board chairs of three community organizations invite the public to think of what’s possible when everyone in Reno County leads.

Hutch Chamber Board Chair Joe Ontjes, United Way of Reno County Board Chair Dawn Johnson and Hutchinson Community Foundation Board Chair Dashona Mahoney are inviting the public to join&nbsp;Ed O’Malley, CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation as he comes to Hutchinson to share his new book, “When Everyone Leads: How the Toughest Challenges Get Seen and Solved.”

The Hutchinson community has said there is a need to tackle tough challenges, including child care, housing and a shrinking population. Making progress on issues like those is going to require everyone involved to exercise leadership. The book offers a new mindset about leadership, a way to understand why communities across Kansas have been stuck on tough challenges, and tools and tactics to move forward. 

“Ultimately, I hope our Reno County friends will dig deep into the key argument of the book: That it’s when EVERYONE (or enough of everyone) leads that we make progress on our most difficult challenges,” O’Malley said. “I hope this book helps Reno County get to the ‘tipping point’ of enough people leading. If so, I know game-changing progress will be just around the corner.”

Admission to the event March 29 at the Hutchinson Art Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. is free.

O'Malley founded the Kansas Leadership Center in 2007, serving as president and CEO for 15 years. A former Kansas state legislator and gubernatorial aide, Ed has co-authored three previous books including “Your Leadership Edge” and “For the Common Good.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/when-everyone-leads/?fbclid=IwAR2wzhxtYZqkAQQhHYRp4Fm-BuCaqXasm7j0I7RSZxrf7M48oPSwW06EE3Q">Click here </a>to learn more about the book.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678470452587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The board chairs of three community organizations invite the public to think of what’s possible when everyone in Reno County leads.Hutch Chamber Board Chair Joe Ontjes, United Way of Reno County Board Chair Dawn Johnson and Hutchinson Community Foundation Board Chair Dashona Mahoney are inviting the public to join&nbsp;Ed O’Malley, CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation as he comes to Hutchinson to share his new book, “When Everyone Leads: How the Toughest Challenges Get Seen and Solved.”The Hutchinson community has said there is a need to tackle tough challenges, including child care, housing and a shrinking population. Making progress on issues like those is going to require everyone involved to exercise leadership. The book offers a new mindset about leadership, a way to understand why communities across Kansas have been stuck on tough challenges, and tools and tactics to move forward. “Ultimately, I hope our Reno County friends will dig deep into the key argument of the book: That it’s when EVERYONE (or enough of everyone) leads that we make progress on our most difficult challenges,” O’Malley said. “I hope this book helps Reno County get to the ‘tipping point’ of enough people leading. If so, I know game-changing progress will be just around the corner.”Admission to the event March 29 at the Hutchinson Art Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. is free.O'Malley founded the Kansas Leadership Center in 2007, serving as president and CEO for 15 years. A former Kansas state legislator and gubernatorial aide, Ed has co-authored three previous books including “Your Leadership Edge” and “For the Common Good.”&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/when-everyone-leads/?fbclid=IwAR2wzhxtYZqkAQQhHYRp4Fm-BuCaqXasm7j0I7RSZxrf7M48oPSwW06EE3Q">Click here </a>to learn more about the book.&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;

Discussion of leadership book next week in Hutch

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;The City of Newton announced on March 23, work will begin next week on the interior of the roundabout at First Street and I-135.

The City’s contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction, will be laying concrete in a pattern similar to the Broadway roundabout completed in 2021.&nbsp;

The City of Newton Parks Division will later add plantings in the newly created beds.

According to the City of Newton, the redesign of the roundabouts is intended to beautify entry points to the community. The previous design with its large area, shade and heavy vehicle traffic has made landscaping a challenge.

The circle will remain open to traffic during construction. The project is anticipated to be complete by the first week of May.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679606962846.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;The City of Newton announced on March 23, work will begin next week on the interior of the roundabout at First Street and I-135.The City’s contractor, Vogts-Parga Construction, will be laying concrete in a pattern similar to the Broadway roundabout completed in 2021.&nbsp;The City of Newton Parks Division will later add plantings in the newly created beds.According to the City of Newton, the redesign of the roundabouts is intended to beautify entry points to the community. The previous design with its large area, shade and heavy vehicle traffic has made landscaping a challenge.The circle will remain open to traffic during construction. The project is anticipated to be complete by the first week of May.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Work planned at 1st Street roundabout in Newton

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

3/23/2023 10:08 PM-Courtney	James Stuart-Failure to Appear

3/23/2023 9:46 PM-Pamela	Marie Lewis-Probation Violation

3/23/2023 7:08 PM-Curtis	Eugene Richardson-Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Extended pre-trial order; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body;Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; 

3/23/2023 6:43 PM-Grant	Michael Hutton-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

3/23/2023 12:19 PM-Brandon	Allan Bussard-Failure to Appear; Probation Violation

3/23/2023 10:54 AM-Brittany	Diane Adelhardt-Probation Violation; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

3/23/2023 10:21 AM-Robert	Lee Maloun Jr.-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;——————————————&nbsp; 3/23/2023 10:08 PM-Courtney	James Stuart-Failure to Appear3/23/2023 9:46 PM-Pamela	Marie Lewis-Probation Violation3/23/2023 7:08 PM-Curtis	Eugene Richardson-Probation Violation; Viol protection order; Extended pre-trial order; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body;Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; 3/23/2023 6:43 PM-Grant	Michael Hutton-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours3/23/2023 12:19 PM-Brandon	Allan Bussard-Failure to Appear; Probation Violation3/23/2023 10:54 AM-Brittany	Diane Adelhardt-Probation Violation; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,0003/23/2023 10:21 AM-Robert	Lee Maloun Jr.-Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Tuesday, the Hutchinson Public Works Street/Traffic division noticed that a traffic signal conduit was damaged by construction at the intersection of 11th and Adams. 

On Wednesday, temporary traffic control was installed (stop signs) making the intersection an all-way stop. The traffic signal repairs should be completed by March 31.

For more information call Public Works Street/Traffic at 620-694-1900.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679584883452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Tuesday, the Hutchinson Public Works Street/Traffic division noticed that a traffic signal conduit was damaged by construction at the intersection of 11th and Adams. On Wednesday, temporary traffic control was installed (stop signs) making the intersection an all-way stop. The traffic signal repairs should be completed by March 31.For more information call Public Works Street/Traffic at 620-694-1900.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

11th and Adams now all way stop

TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis on Thursday announced the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by snow storms or wild fires in 2022. The homes must be located in presidentially declared disaster areas. People living in 22 counties in Kansas are eligible for the funding.

“When an unexpected crisis impacts our lives, it reminds us of our connection to our communities and to the places we call home,” Davis said. “That’s why the USDA stands ready to help people across rural Kansas access the resources they need to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.”

The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply to receive grants of up to $40,675 directly from USDA to repair their homes.

Funds will be available until expended. They may be used to pay for home repair expenses that were a result of a Presidentially declared disaster in calendar year 2022, prepare a site for a manufactured home or relocate a manufactured home.

To be eligible applicants must have household incomes that do not exceed the low-limits based on their household size and county, and homes must be located in an eligible rural area.

Residents in the following counties may be eligible for the funding:

Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ford, Graham, Gray, Harvey, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Ness, Pawnee, Phillips, Reno, Rooks, Rush, Stafford, Trego and Wallace.

For more information on how to apply, contact <a href="mailto:KSDirect@ks.usda.gov">KSDirect@ks.usda.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663858459654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis on Thursday announced the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by snow storms or wild fires in 2022. The homes must be located in presidentially declared disaster areas. People living in 22 counties in Kansas are eligible for the funding.“When an unexpected crisis impacts our lives, it reminds us of our connection to our communities and to the places we call home,” Davis said. “That’s why the USDA stands ready to help people across rural Kansas access the resources they need to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.”The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply to receive grants of up to $40,675 directly from USDA to repair their homes.Funds will be available until expended. They may be used to pay for home repair expenses that were a result of a Presidentially declared disaster in calendar year 2022, prepare a site for a manufactured home or relocate a manufactured home.To be eligible applicants must have household incomes that do not exceed the low-limits based on their household size and county, and homes must be located in an eligible rural area.Residents in the following counties may be eligible for the funding:Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ford, Graham, Gray, Harvey, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Ness, Pawnee, Phillips, Reno, Rooks, Rush, Stafford, Trego and Wallace.For more information on how to apply, contact <a href="mailto:KSDirect@ks.usda.gov">KSDirect@ks.usda.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

USDA grants available for wildfire, snowstorm damage

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

&nbsp;STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 200 block of North Maple Street on the east side.

In 1887, a stone cutter named John Milligan started Milligan Marble Works at 312 E. 2nd. Later, he hired and trained a valuable employee named William Howard. 

They built a new building at 202 N. Maple to have railway access. Howard's son, Lerlowe Howard, started learning the trade at a young age.

 In 1909, 10-year-old Lerlowe carved a huge limestone puppy — 1,000 pounds and 3 ½-feet tall. In 1917, when WW1 broke out, Lerlowe enlisted and died in 1918 at the Battle of Chateau Thierry. 

In 1919, William Howard purchased the Monument business from Milligan with Lerlowe's government death benefit. The first photo shows Howard Monument Works in 1929 with Lerlowe's Puppy out front.

 Howard sold the Monument Co. to Charles &amp; Ester Wagner in 1960 with the promise to keep Lerlowe's Puppy. The second photo shows the newly-remodeled Wagner Memorial building in 1960 with Lerlowe's Puppy still out front. 

Dale Evans bought the business in 1981. In 2009, after being outside for 100 years, Dale decided to bring the quickly-eroding puppy indoors to help preserve him. The third photo shows Lerlowe's Puppy today in his historical corner at Wagners. 

The fourth photo shows Wagner Memorial today, still at 202 N. Maple, with the business being 136 years old. It is now owned by Wilbert Funeral Services out of Overland Park with Dale Evans serving as manager.

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

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.myhutchinsonfurniture.com/?utm_source=EWS&amp;utm_medium=Google&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YL-_6nS_AIVzxbUAR37_APuEAAYASAAEgKDaPD_BwE">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</a> <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495068926.png" alt="Howard &amp; Son Monument Works - 202 N. Maple - 1929. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Howard &amp; Son Monument Works - 202 N. Maple - 1929. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677153581036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 200 block of North Maple Street on the east side.In 1887, a stone cutter named John Milligan started Milligan Marble Works at 312 E. 2nd. Later, he hired and trained a valuable employee named William Howard. They built a new building at 202 N. Maple to have railway access. Howard's son, Lerlowe Howard, started learning the trade at a young age. In 1909, 10-year-old Lerlowe carved a huge limestone puppy — 1,000 pounds and 3 ½-feet tall. In 1917, when WW1 broke out, Lerlowe enlisted and died in 1918 at the Battle of Chateau Thierry. In 1919, William Howard purchased the Monument business from Milligan with Lerlowe's government death benefit. The first photo shows Howard Monument Works in 1929 with Lerlowe's Puppy out front.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495068926.png" alt="Howard &amp; Son Monument Works with Lerlowe's Puppy - 202 N. Maple - 1929. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Howard &amp; Son Monument Works with Lerlowe's Puppy - 202 N. Maple - 1929. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure> Howard sold the Monument Co. to Charles &amp; Ester Wagner in 1960 with the promise to keep Lerlowe's Puppy. The second photo shows the newly-remodeled Wagner Memorial building in 1960 with Lerlowe's Puppy still out front. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495645638.png" alt="Howard Monument - Wagner Memorial - 202 N. Maple - 1960 (at purchase from Howard Monument). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Howard Monument - Wagner Memorial - 202 N. Maple - 1960 (at purchase from Howard Monument). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dale Evans bought the business in 1981. In 2009, after being outside for 100 years, Dale decided to bring the quickly-eroding puppy indoors to help preserve him. The third photo shows Lerlowe's Puppy today in his historical corner at Wagners. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495732839.png" alt="Howard Monument - Lerlowe's Puppy - 202 N. Maple - 2-15-2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Howard Monument - Lerlowe's Puppy - 202 N. Maple - 2-15-2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fourth photo shows Wagner Memorial today, still at 202 N. Maple, with the business being 136 years old. It is now owned by Wilbert Funeral Services out of Overland Park with Dale Evans serving as manager.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495820648.png" alt="Howard Monument - Wagner Memorial - 202 N. Maple - 2-15-2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Howard Monument - Wagner Memorial - 202 N. Maple - 2-15-2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.myhutchinsonfurniture.com/?utm_source=EWS&amp;utm_medium=Google&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YL-_6nS_AIVzxbUAR37_APuEAAYASAAEgKDaPD_BwE">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</a> <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutch - Then & Now Collection - Vol. 10

McPHERSON —&nbsp;On Thursday, March 23, 2023 and Friday, March 24, 2023, maintenance is planned for railroad crossings on a pair of roadways in McPherson, Kan.

On March 23, the crossing on First Street by Hospital Drive will undergo repairs. First Street will be closed completely at that crossing until work is finished. There will be no official detour and repairs are only expected to last one day.

On March 24, the crossing on Avenue A near Wall Park will undergo repairs. That area of Avenue A will be closed for the duration of the work with no official detour.

The City of McPherson would like to thank citizens for their patience while these necessary repairs are finished.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the City of McPherson Public Works Department at 620-245-2545 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617302648887.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON —&nbsp;On Thursday, March 23, 2023 and Friday, March 24, 2023, maintenance is planned for railroad crossings on a pair of roadways in McPherson, Kan.On March 23, the crossing on First Street by Hospital Drive will undergo repairs. First Street will be closed completely at that crossing until work is finished. There will be no official detour and repairs are only expected to last one day.On March 24, the crossing on Avenue A near Wall Park will undergo repairs. That area of Avenue A will be closed for the duration of the work with no official detour.The City of McPherson would like to thank citizens for their patience while these necessary repairs are finished.Questions or concerns can be directed to the City of McPherson Public Works Department at 620-245-2545 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.<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;

Railroad crossings in McPherson to be maintained

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In response to an open records request from Hutch Post, City Attorney Paul Brown gave two controlling statutes that allow the city to keep all of the information related to the dismissal of former Police Chief Jeff Hooper confidential.

The first note is that city employees that are department heads, like the police chief, do not have employment contracts, they are employees of the City Manager. 

So, although the governing body <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6b4002af-41b1-4f23-838e-0be34a980211">was consulted in this case, as said by Mayor Richardson in the public meeting on Tuesday</a>, ultimately the decision on retention or not is the City Manager's to make. Having said that, the City Manager's continued employment is up to the governing body, so it is not in his best interest to do anything on that scale without letting them know and hearing their feedback first.

Personnel records are not open records, <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch45/045_002_0021.html">pursuant to K.S.A. 45-221(a)4</a>.

45-221.&nbsp;Certain records not required to be open; separation of open and closed information required; disclosure of statistical information; records over 70 years old open.&nbsp;(a) Except to the extent disclosure is otherwise required by law, a public agency shall not be required to disclose:

(4) Personnel records, performance ratings or individually identifiable records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment, except that this exemption shall not apply to the names, positions, salaries or actual compensation employment contracts or employment-related contracts or agreements and lengths of service of officers and employees of public agencies once they are employed as such.

Hutch Post also asked for correspondence from the City Attorney's office related to the dismissal, which, in this case, <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_004_0026.html">is privileged material</a>, as are most of those types of information between the City Attorney and anyone employed by the city, unless they are part of a public meeting agenda. The controlling statute is K.S.A. 60-426.

60-426.&nbsp;Attorney-client privilege.&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;General rule.&nbsp;Subject to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_004_0037.html" target="_blank">60-437</a>, and amendments thereto, and except as otherwise provided by subsection (b), communications found by the judge to have been between an attorney and such attorney's client in the course of that relationship and in professional confidence, are privileged

The bottom line is, unless a party to any of the conversations decides to speak to someone in an unauthorized manner, or the former chief decides to speak on his own behalf, the public may never know what went into the termination of the chief. They are not required to say and to do so out of school could put the city into legal jeopardy, as those records are an exception to the open records law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679519265076.jpeg" alt="City Attorney Paul Brown" />
 <figcaption>City Attorney Paul Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In response to an open records request from Hutch Post, City Attorney Paul Brown gave two controlling statutes that allow the city to keep all of the information related to the dismissal of former Police Chief Jeff Hooper confidential.The first note is that city employees that are department heads, like the police chief, do not have employment contracts, they are employees of the City Manager. So, although the governing body <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6b4002af-41b1-4f23-838e-0be34a980211">was consulted in this case, as said by Mayor Richardson in the public meeting on Tuesday</a>, ultimately the decision on retention or not is the City Manager's to make. Having said that, the City Manager's continued employment is up to the governing body, so it is not in his best interest to do anything on that scale without letting them know and hearing their feedback first.Personnel records are not open records, <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch45/045_002_0021.html">pursuant to K.S.A. 45-221(a)4</a>.That statute reads as follows:45-221.&nbsp;Certain records not required to be open; separation of open and closed information required; disclosure of statistical information; records over 70 years old open.&nbsp;(a) Except to the extent disclosure is otherwise required by law, a public agency shall not be required to disclose:(4) Personnel records, performance ratings or individually identifiable records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment, except that this exemption shall not apply to the names, positions, salaries or actual compensation employment contracts or employment-related contracts or agreements and lengths of service of officers and employees of public agencies once they are employed as such.Hutch Post also asked for correspondence from the City Attorney's office related to the dismissal, which, in this case, <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_004_0026.html">is privileged material</a>, as are most of those types of information between the City Attorney and anyone employed by the city, unless they are part of a public meeting agenda. The controlling statute is K.S.A. 60-426.60-426.&nbsp;Attorney-client privilege.&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;General rule.&nbsp;Subject to K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_004_0037.html" target="_blank">60-437</a>, and amendments thereto, and except as otherwise provided by subsection (b), communications found by the judge to have been between an attorney and such attorney's client in the course of that relationship and in professional confidence, are privilegedThe bottom line is, unless a party to any of the conversations decides to speak to someone in an unauthorized manner, or the former chief decides to speak on his own behalf, the public may never know what went into the termination of the chief. They are not required to say and to do so out of school could put the city into legal jeopardy, as those records are an exception to the open records law.<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;

City Attorney gives legal justification for silence on Hooper termination

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced on March 22 the appointment of David Meador as the new Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). HRHS will conduct a national search for a permanent CFO.&nbsp;

According to HRHS, Meador is a seasoned chief financial executive with more than 30 years of experience in various leadership roles in healthcare, private equity and not-for-profit organizations. 

Before joining HRHS, Meador built a broad base of experience in both the public and private sectors, including serving as the CFO Consultant for Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle Children’s Healthcare System and Pinnacle Dermatology Management/Chicago Pacific Founders.&nbsp;

Meador holds a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679522897117.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced on March 22 the appointment of David Meador as the new Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). HRHS will conduct a national search for a permanent CFO.&nbsp;According to HRHS, Meador is a seasoned chief financial executive with more than 30 years of experience in various leadership roles in healthcare, private equity and not-for-profit organizations. Before joining HRHS, Meador built a broad base of experience in both the public and private sectors, including serving as the CFO Consultant for Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle Children’s Healthcare System and Pinnacle Dermatology Management/Chicago Pacific Founders.&nbsp;Meador holds a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama.&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;

Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Center hires interim CFO

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College Theatre will present Jonathan Larson’s Rent at the Stringer Fine Arts Center beginning March 31. &nbsp;

Debuting in 1996, Rent is a rock musical that highlights the struggles of a young group of friends in New York City during the late 1980s and 1990s.&nbsp;The challenges they face include not just emotional but physical as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Rent, considered Jonathan Larson’s magnum opus, is a very intense show and famous among school productions. It features the trials and tribulations of being a member of the LGBTQ community, drug addiction, as well as people living with AIDS. &nbsp;

Often, the show is censored or cut short, including in the major 2005 film adaptation, for some audiences. This is especially true when it comes to performing the musical as a school production. &nbsp;

We're doing the full show,” Deidre Mattox, show director, said. “There is a school version of the script, I've never heard of a high school doing it, but I know some colleges choose the school version, which doesn't have all of the content in it. We're doing the full version and we're doing it exactly as Jonathan Larson wrote it, so we're not adjusting or adapting anything, we're doing the show.”&nbsp;

Jonathan Larson died&nbsp;the day before the first Off-Broadway preview performance of&nbsp;Rent.&nbsp;

Many of the themes in Rent were causes that Jonathan Larson was passionate about, including the plights of LGBTQ people and those living with AIDS, which he paired in the musical with ‘racy’ or ‘edgy’ writing. &nbsp;

Mattox does not see tackling those themes in Hutchinson Community College’s production of the&nbsp;show as difficult. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679562606110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College Theatre will present Jonathan Larson’s Rent at the Stringer Fine Arts Center beginning March 31. &nbsp;Debuting in 1996, Rent is a rock musical that highlights the struggles of a young group of friends in New York City during the late 1980s and 1990s.&nbsp;The challenges they face include not just emotional but physical as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;Rent, considered Jonathan Larson’s magnum opus, is a very intense show and famous among school productions. It features the trials and tribulations of being a member of the LGBTQ community, drug addiction, as well as people living with AIDS. &nbsp;Often, the show is censored or cut short, including in the major 2005 film adaptation, for some audiences. This is especially true when it comes to performing the musical as a school production. &nbsp;We're doing the full show,” Deidre Mattox, show director, said. “There is a school version of the script, I've never heard of a high school doing it, but I know some colleges choose the school version, which doesn't have all of the content in it. We're doing the full version and we're doing it exactly as Jonathan Larson wrote it, so we're not adjusting or adapting anything, we're doing the show.”&nbsp;Jonathan Larson died&nbsp;the day before the first Off-Broadway preview performance of&nbsp;Rent.&nbsp;Many of the themes in Rent were causes that Jonathan Larson was passionate about, including the plights of LGBTQ people and those living with AIDS, which he paired in the musical with ‘racy’ or ‘edgy’ writing. &nbsp;Mattox does not see tackling those themes in Hutchinson Community College’s production of the&nbsp;show as difficult. &nbsp;“As theatre artists, we don't consider it difficult to&nbsp;do work like this and we&nbsp;have tackled tough issues before,” Mattox said. “I think that as far as this play goes, so many people who might be bothered by some of the LGBTQ content love the show though. They saw the movie, or maybe they've seen a stage production of it.”&nbsp;Rent holds a special place in the world of performance both on and off the stage with its address of human and social issues. &nbsp;“It kind of has a following that transcends prejudice to some extent,” Mattox said. &nbsp;Mattox still issued a disclaimer for the show, and is advertising that it is not for children. &nbsp;“We're aware that if&nbsp;a person's only familiarity with Rent is the movie, then there's quite a bit that they actually don't know about the show,” Mattox explained. “The&nbsp;stage play is a lot edgier than the movie was, so we are advising no children in the audience, and even younger teenagers, it is probably not appropriate for them unless their parents approve.” &nbsp;Production work began for Rent at HutchCC in the beginning of February.&nbsp;“With musicals, I usually like to have maybe one extra week beyond what we had, but we always attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January and so that kept us from being able to start rehearsals right away,” Mattox said. “Then we also had another production the second weekend of February. We did a&nbsp;one-day play festival so that took us away from rehearsal a little bit.” &nbsp;A total 32 people were involved in this production of Rent including the cast, design team, and technical team. &nbsp;“We've designed the costumes in my costuming class that I'm teaching this semester,” Mattox said. &nbsp;The pricipal cast includes: &nbsp;Ethan Pearson as Mark Cohen&nbsp;&nbsp;Joshua Hall as Roger Davis&nbsp;Lamonterious Jones as Tom CollinsRyan Best as Angel Dumott Schunard&nbsp;&nbsp;Nick Amezola as Benny Collin III&nbsp;Madi Spears as Mimi Marquez&nbsp;Rachel Thomson as Maureen Johnson&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridgett Gibbs as Joanne JeffersonTickets are general admission only at the door, there is no advance purchase option. Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside the lobby of Stringer Fine Arts Center.&nbsp; Show times are&nbsp;7 p.m. on March 31 and April 1, then 2 p.m. on April 2.<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;

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