TOPEKA — Twenty-two teams from 17 Kansas schools, including teams from Buhler and Hutchinson will travel to Topeka on Saturday with their sights set on winning a state title in the Kansas KidWind Challenge. 

To qualify for the event, each team placed first or second in their age division at one of six regional competitions held throughout the state. Saturday's competition will determine the top two teams in each age bracket that will represent Kansas in the National KidWind Challenge in Boulder, CO. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ae9ebdb0-d2d2-4ea0-8bfb-612eaeb943da">The Hutchinson Allen STEM KidWind Blue Team won the National Championship in their age division last year.</a>

The state finals will be held at Hotel Topeka at City Center, next door to the Stormont Vail Events Center, beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Area educators are encouraged to attend to find out more about KidWind and see the fun, excitement and learning firsthand. The event is gaining momentum - this year's challenge was the largest ever with 96 teams from 55 schools competing compared to 56 teams from 26 schools last year.

To prepare for the KidWind competition, team members work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. Each team’s turbine will be put to the test in a 48" × 48" wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance and efficiency, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process.

Teams participating in the state finals are listed below:

Dynamic Duo – Mize Elementary School – Shawnee

Los Girasoles Ventosos – Beloit Jr/Sr High School – Beloit

The Hurricanes – Sunflower Elementary School – Paola

Big Wind 6 – Dighton Middle School – Dighton

Beloit Wind Club – Beloit Jr/Sr High School – Beloit

Hutch STEM Blue – Allen STEM Magnet School – Hutchinson

Cyclones – Sterling Jr/Sr High School – Sterling

The Whoochers! – Starside Elementary School – DeSoto

W2 (W Squared) – Oakley School District – Oakley

Rising Sun – Kepley Middle School – Ulysses

Wind Train, Oakley School District – Oakley

Blew – Spearville High School – Spearville

D.I. Wires – Paola High School – Paola

Stormi Aire – Baldwin City High School – Baldwin City

Cru Winds – Buhler High School – Buhler

Wind Warriors – Olathe West High School – Olathe

Thunderhawks – Wheatland High School – Grainfield

Aquarians – Sterling High School – Sterling

Wind Power – Oakley School District – Oakley

The Goblins – Beloit High School – Beloit

Burlington Wind Company – USD 244 – Burlington

KidWind is an Energy Education Event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to help students learn key concepts around science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. The KidWind program actively engages students. It teaches not only STEM skills, but also promotes teamwork, problem solving and public speaking.

<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/2020/1/1578754176087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Twenty-two teams from 17 Kansas schools, including teams from Buhler and Hutchinson will travel to Topeka on Saturday with their sights set on winning a state title in the Kansas KidWind Challenge. To qualify for the event, each team placed first or second in their age division at one of six regional competitions held throughout the state. Saturday's competition will determine the top two teams in each age bracket that will represent Kansas in the National KidWind Challenge in Boulder, CO. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ae9ebdb0-d2d2-4ea0-8bfb-612eaeb943da">The Hutchinson Allen STEM KidWind Blue Team won the National Championship in their age division last year.</a>The state finals will be held at Hotel Topeka at City Center, next door to the Stormont Vail Events Center, beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Area educators are encouraged to attend to find out more about KidWind and see the fun, excitement and learning firsthand. The event is gaining momentum - this year's challenge was the largest ever with 96 teams from 55 schools competing compared to 56 teams from 26 schools last year.To prepare for the KidWind competition, team members work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. Each team’s turbine will be put to the test in a 48" × 48" wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance and efficiency, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process.Teams participating in the state finals are listed below:4th to 8th Grade DivisionDynamic Duo – Mize Elementary School – ShawneeLos Girasoles Ventosos – Beloit Jr/Sr High School – BeloitThe Hurricanes – Sunflower Elementary School – PaolaBig Wind 6 – Dighton Middle School – DightonBeloit Wind Club – Beloit Jr/Sr High School – BeloitHutch STEM Blue – Allen STEM Magnet School – HutchinsonAnubis – Paola Middle School – PaolaCyclones – Sterling Jr/Sr High School – SterlingThe Whoochers! – Starside Elementary School – DeSotoW2 (W Squared) – Oakley School District – OakleyRising Sun – Kepley Middle School – UlyssesWind Train, Oakley School District – Oakley9th-12th Grade DivisionBlew – Spearville High School – SpearvilleD.I. Wires – Paola High School – PaolaStormi Aire – Baldwin City High School – Baldwin CityCru Winds – Buhler High School – BuhlerWind Warriors – Olathe West High School – OlatheThunderhawks – Wheatland High School – GrainfieldAquarians – Sterling High School – SterlingWind Power – Oakley School District – OakleyThe Goblins – Beloit High School – BeloitBurlington Wind Company – USD 244 – BurlingtonKidWind is an Energy Education Event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to help students learn key concepts around science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. The KidWind program actively engages students. It teaches not only STEM skills, but also promotes teamwork, problem solving and public speaking.<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;

KidWind state finals are Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center 2023 Spring Consignment Art Auction is coming up on Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m.

"Every auction is 100% unique," said Jace Chambers with the Hutchinson Art Center. We have different consignments come through, sometimes we get art donations. This one has a really robust selection of specifically local and Kansas regional artists represented."

Dozens of works of art will be up for auction.

"We have some really wonderful sculptures, we have pottery, paintings of course, some drawings, prints, it runs the spectrum," Chambers said. "Really, really beautiful items, if you're looking to bolster up your collection and/or support the Art Center, this is an awesome opportunity to do so. It helps us out a great deal."

This is one of the large fundraisers for the Hutchinson Art Center's operating expenses, based off of their percentage received after paying the consigning artist for their work.

"It's hard to know, this is a smaller auction, so we plan a little less than the big 100 piece auctions, for the 60 piece auction, we're hoping to raise between $2000 and $5000 for the Hutchinson Art Center."

Light refreshments will be provided and plenty of seating will be available. Admission is free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591379933396.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center 2023 Spring Consignment Art Auction is coming up on Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m."Every auction is 100% unique," said Jace Chambers with the Hutchinson Art Center. We have different consignments come through, sometimes we get art donations. This one has a really robust selection of specifically local and Kansas regional artists represented."Dozens of works of art will be up for auction."We have some really wonderful sculptures, we have pottery, paintings of course, some drawings, prints, it runs the spectrum," Chambers said. "Really, really beautiful items, if you're looking to bolster up your collection and/or support the Art Center, this is an awesome opportunity to do so. It helps us out a great deal."This is one of the large fundraisers for the Hutchinson Art Center's operating expenses, based off of their percentage received after paying the consigning artist for their work."It's hard to know, this is a smaller auction, so we plan a little less than the big 100 piece auctions, for the 60 piece auction, we're hoping to raise between $2000 and $5000 for the Hutchinson Art Center."Light refreshments will be provided and plenty of seating will be available. Admission is free and open to the public.&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;

Hutchinson Art Center auction this weekend

TOPEKA — What is now known as House Substitute for Senate Bill 83, an education related mega bill that touches on everything from savings accounts for private school to special education funding, is in conference committee this week at the statehouse.

"We're definitely watching that one and we'll see where that goes," said Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. "There's a lot of funding tied to that, a lot of special ed funding tied to that, some other elements that are tied to that, including about any new money you get, how it can be spent. There are some constraints in there and there are some positives in there and there are some challenges in there."

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/conference/">Conferees on the bill are Republican Representatives Kristey Williams and Brenda Landwehr and Democrat Representative&nbsp; Valdenia Winn from the House and Republican Senators Molly Baumgardner and Renee Erickson and Democrat Senator Dinah Sikes from the Senate</a>.

The conference committee process is designed to bring differences between each chamber's version of a given bill that both have passed into alignment so that each body can vote on an identical piece of legislation at the end of the process to get it passed. 

When conference committees meet, there can be small or large changes to any bill, depending on what the leadership on each side tells its conferees to offer, so what will be in the final version that gets an up or down vote from each body isn't clear until this process is completed.

Also, conference committees are often announced from the well following sessions in the legislature and their start times may be dependent upon how long those full floor sessions last and so their meetings may happen on relatively short notice and not have time to be posted on the Legislature's website before they happen.

The House and the Senate have to agree on specific language for a bill before it goes to the governor for her signature or veto. However, once a bill becomes part of a conference committee report, it cannot be amended.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostTOPEKA — What is now known as House Substitute for Senate Bill 83, an education related mega bill that touches on everything from savings accounts for private school to special education funding, is in conference committee this week at the statehouse."We're definitely watching that one and we'll see where that goes," said Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. "There's a lot of funding tied to that, a lot of special ed funding tied to that, some other elements that are tied to that, including about any new money you get, how it can be spent. There are some constraints in there and there are some positives in there and there are some challenges in there."<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/conference/">Conferees on the bill are Republican Representatives Kristey Williams and Brenda Landwehr and Democrat Representative&nbsp; Valdenia Winn from the House and Republican Senators Molly Baumgardner and Renee Erickson and Democrat Senator Dinah Sikes from the Senate</a>.The conference committee process is designed to bring differences between each chamber's version of a given bill that both have passed into alignment so that each body can vote on an identical piece of legislation at the end of the process to get it passed. When conference committees meet, there can be small or large changes to any bill, depending on what the leadership on each side tells its conferees to offer, so what will be in the final version that gets an up or down vote from each body isn't clear until this process is completed.Also, conference committees are often announced from the well following sessions in the legislature and their start times may be dependent upon how long those full floor sessions last and so their meetings may happen on relatively short notice and not have time to be posted on the Legislature's website before they happen.The House and the Senate have to agree on specific language for a bill before it goes to the governor for her signature or veto. However, once a bill becomes part of a conference committee report, it cannot be amended.<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;

Education bill in conference committee process

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson’s Housing Infrastructure Grant Program is intended to respond to the negative impacts on housing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These grants will fund innovative and effective projects designed to address the housing needs of the City of Hutchinson. 

These needs include rehabilitation of existing housing stock, new workforce housing projects, creation of affordable housing and innovative ideas designed to impact housing availability in the City of Hutchinson. 

Each grant will provide up to $200,000 for agencies and community partners to implement projects that would improve or increase housing stock in the City of Hutchinson.

Applications for this grant may be submitted by public and private institutions, non-profit corporations (including faith-based organizations), and for profits who demonstrate how the funding will benefit residents (such as to reduce housing costs).

The funding allocated by the City of Hutchinson for this grant program must be used to assist with project planning or implementation of proposed projects with a priority for projects that address areas of greatest need and serve those most at-risk.

The following are types of housing infrastructure projects eligible under this program:

Affordable Housing: This type of project aims to provide affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families and individuals. It includes projects such as public housing, affordable rental housing, and homeownership opportunities.

Social Housing: Social housing is a form of affordable housing that is provided by the government or a non-profit organization. This type of housing is available to people who are unable to find affordable housing on the private market.

Green Housing: Green housing projects aim to minimize the environmental impact of housing and promote sustainability. This includes projects that utilize renewable energy sources, efficient building design, and sustainable building materials.

Emergency Housing: Emergency housing provides temporary shelter for people who are homeless or have been displaced from their homes due to natural disasters or other emergencies.

Supportive Housing: Supportive housing combines non-time-limited affordable housing assistance with wrap-around supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, as well as other people with disabilities.

Multi-Family Housing: Multi-family housing projects provide housing units for families and individuals, typically in a high-rise or mid-rise building.

Mixed-Use Developments: Mixed-use developments combine residential, commercial, and/or retail space in one project. This type of housing project is designed to create walkable, livable communities that provide residents with access to a variety of amenities and services.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Accessory Dwelling Units are secondary units on a property that can be used as rental units or for family members. These units are typically smaller than the main dwelling and are designed to be more affordable.

The official application will be released on March 24, 2023, on the City’s website at <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/">hutchgov.com</a>. An information session will be held online via Microsoft Teams on April 7, 2023. To register for the information session please find details on the City’s website. All applications for funding are due by May 5, 2023, by 5:00 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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576261366986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson’s Housing Infrastructure Grant Program is intended to respond to the negative impacts on housing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These grants will fund innovative and effective projects designed to address the housing needs of the City of Hutchinson. These needs include rehabilitation of existing housing stock, new workforce housing projects, creation of affordable housing and innovative ideas designed to impact housing availability in the City of Hutchinson. Each grant will provide up to $200,000 for agencies and community partners to implement projects that would improve or increase housing stock in the City of Hutchinson.Eligible Applicants:Applications for this grant may be submitted by public and private institutions, non-profit corporations (including faith-based organizations), and for profits who demonstrate how the funding will benefit residents (such as to reduce housing costs).Eligible Projects:The funding allocated by the City of Hutchinson for this grant program must be used to assist with project planning or implementation of proposed projects with a priority for projects that address areas of greatest need and serve those most at-risk.The following are types of housing infrastructure projects eligible under this program:Affordable Housing: This type of project aims to provide affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families and individuals. It includes projects such as public housing, affordable rental housing, and homeownership opportunities.Social Housing: Social housing is a form of affordable housing that is provided by the government or a non-profit organization. This type of housing is available to people who are unable to find affordable housing on the private market.Green Housing: Green housing projects aim to minimize the environmental impact of housing and promote sustainability. This includes projects that utilize renewable energy sources, efficient building design, and sustainable building materials.Emergency Housing: Emergency housing provides temporary shelter for people who are homeless or have been displaced from their homes due to natural disasters or other emergencies.Supportive Housing: Supportive housing combines non-time-limited affordable housing assistance with wrap-around supportive services for people experiencing homelessness, as well as other people with disabilities.Multi-Family Housing: Multi-family housing projects provide housing units for families and individuals, typically in a high-rise or mid-rise building.Mixed-Use Developments: Mixed-use developments combine residential, commercial, and/or retail space in one project. This type of housing project is designed to create walkable, livable communities that provide residents with access to a variety of amenities and services.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Accessory Dwelling Units are secondary units on a property that can be used as rental units or for family members. These units are typically smaller than the main dwelling and are designed to be more affordable.The official application will be released on March 24, 2023, on the City’s website at <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/">hutchgov.com</a>. An information session will be held online via Microsoft Teams on April 7, 2023. To register for the information session please find details on the City’s website. All applications for funding are due by May 5, 2023, by 5:00 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;

Hutch Housing Infrastructure Grant Program announced

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565126482594.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced this week the recipients of waste tire product grants. Three entities in the area received grant funding.“These grants will help handle the costs of proper disposal of many materials scrap tires and assist many important local efforts to promote litter and waste reduction. KDHE applauds the creativity and innovation that our communities have in reusing materials that help support the mission of protecting the health and environment of all Kansans” said&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.The three area grants are to the city of Sterling for&nbsp;$2,571.50, the city of North Newton for&nbsp;$1,134.00 and the city of Sedgwick for&nbsp;$2,072.00The grants across the state totaled $522,312.25, an almost 20 percent (19.8%) increase from 2022. The grants were awarded to 45 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Three area cities receive waste tire product grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alyson Holman is playing Guenevere. &nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679434966043.jpeg" alt="A few of the cast of Camelot at the McPherson Opera House. [Submitted Photo]&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A few of the cast of Camelot at the McPherson Opera House. [Submitted Photo]&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostMCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stagedoor43productions.com/">StageDoor43 Productions</a> brings&nbsp;the&nbsp;musical Arthurian tale, Camelot, to the stage of the <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/">McPherson Opera House</a> this weekend. &nbsp;From March 23 to March 26, people can enjoy the&nbsp;legend of King Arthur as told by the just as legendary partnership of Lerner and Loewe.&nbsp;“With this Camelot version, one of the things that StageDoor43 does is we really bring shows that our family friendly and that has content that is appropriate to all ages that everyone can come and enjoy,” said Kevin Samuelson, director and producer of the show. “Camelot is one of those shows. It's generational.”&nbsp;Camelot is an adaptation from the 1958 novel&nbsp;The Once and Future King&nbsp;by&nbsp;T. H. White.&nbsp;“We have a&nbsp;whole up-and-coming base on potential actors that&nbsp;don't know the story of Camelot, which is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and Guinevere and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. “This is a show that really condenses the story and tells it from the beginning and the end.” &nbsp;Samuelson is very proud of what StageDoor43 Productions sets out to do. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Our mission is basically to provide live theatre opportunities for basically rural communities that may not have otherwise have access to live theatre or, in the case of what we're doing with the McPherson Opera House, to support the community with their live theater,” Samuelson said. “It's just another opportunity for people to see the importance of live theatre in in their in their towns.”&nbsp;For Samuelson, a retired performer&nbsp;himself, performing at the McPherson Opera House is a labor of love.&nbsp;“I was brought to the McPherson Opera House about nine years ago to do a one-man show and I absolutely fell in love with the Opera House itself,” Samuelson said. “The fact that it was a historical venue that had been rescued from the brink, if you saw the pictures before it was ready to collapse in on itself, but the community rallied and spent lots of money to refurbish the Opera House and bring it back to its original state, which is unusual.”&nbsp;The McPherson Opera House is one of the few opera houses on the original Orpheum Circuit from the early 1900s that is still in existence today. &nbsp;A lot of those historical opera houses&nbsp;fell into disrepair or were the unfortunate victims of COVID-19.&nbsp;“The McPherson Opera House has been able to survive with an&nbsp;excellent board of directors and an executive director who really put a lot of work into keeping it open,” Samuelson said. “The mission and the venue itself, I just kind of adopted them, so I make sure that in the schedule&nbsp;we make sure that we have one time a year that we take the show to the McPherson Opera House.”All of the proceeds earned from any show done at the McPherson Opera House,&nbsp;goes directly back to the Opera House to maintain it&nbsp;so they can bring other shows into the community to support live theatre.&nbsp;Camelot at the McPherson Opera House is set to be a lively show of romance and action with something for everyone to enjoy. &nbsp;“There's jousting, there's fighting, there's swords, there's all sorts of entertainment value other than the love story between&nbsp;Guenevere&nbsp;and Lancelot,” Samuelson said. &nbsp;StageDoor43 took into account how cerebral the Arthurian mythos can be. &nbsp;“What we've done with this show is actually a condensed version,” Samuelson explained. “We don't get into the background of Merlin and Nimue and some of that. We focus really on the story of Arthur's meeting Guenevere, Guenevere&nbsp;meeting Lancelot, the story that revolves around the three of them, to the point of creation of the round table.”&nbsp;According to Samuelson, the cast for Camelot is relatively small compared to other shows put on by StageDoor43 Productions. “Our casts are usually in the hundreds,” Samuelson.&nbsp;“This cast is running about 35.” &nbsp;In addition to the principals who are professional, Stage43 auditioned local people area like Hutchinson and McPherson as well as surrounding towns. &nbsp;On stage will be child cast members which is not usual for a production of Camelot.&nbsp;“The average age is a bit younger than people might expect, other than the principals, and that's what's really going to be fun about the show, is seeing that it is multi-generational, and for a number of the actors on stage, this is their first time on stage,” Samuelson said. “Anybody that wants to appear on a stage, they ought to take an opportunity, even if it's just a walk on part, just to have an opportunity to know what it feels like.”&nbsp;The principal cast for the show includes two people from the Wichita Grand Opera. &nbsp;Reece Ruhl from the Wichita State University Opera Program and the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lancelot. &nbsp;Erin Wright from the Wichita Grand Opera will be playing Lady Clarinda.&nbsp;The other two members of the principal cast are local from McPherson.&nbsp;Brandt Busse&nbsp;is playing King Arthur. &nbsp;Alyson Holman is playing Guenevere. &nbsp; “It's kind of nice having local plus outside of the community but then we bring in these people that are from the Wichita Grand Opera and Wichita State University, and then they spend that time mentoring&nbsp;the performers and give them you know a little extra training to support what they're learning in their music education classes,” Samuelson said. “But it also gives them a little extra support from somebody that's been on the stage and has some experience.”&nbsp;Performances for Camelot are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and&nbsp;matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. &nbsp;General tickets are $20 to $30 while student tickets are $10, and are available at <a href="https://mcphersonoperahouse.org/event/camelot/" target="_blank">mcphersonoperahouse.org.</a> People can also buy tickets the day of the show or call the box office at (620) 241-1952.StageDoor43 Productions’ next show will be a dinner-theatre performance in&nbsp;Hutchinson in October called the Masquerade Ball. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Camelot at the McPherson Opera House opens Thursday

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679480850690.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until noon Wednesday.Visibility will be one quarter mile or less at times in dense fog in Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Saline, Rice, McPherson and Reno Counties.Hazardous driving conditions will occur at times due to low visibility.If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dense Fog Advisory until noon Wednesday

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574443414576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rice County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Pallisade driven by Hua Lin, 33, Wichita, was westbound on Avenue Q five miles north of Sterling, when the driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Kansas 14 and collided with a northbound 2017 Ford Focus driven by Christy A. Morrison, 50, Lyons. Both vehicles came to rest in the northwest ditch.EMS transported Morrison to a hospital in Wichita and a passenger in the Ford Christopher A. Morrison, 60, Lyons, to Lyons Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Lin and a passenger in the Hyundai were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas man dies after SUV, car crash

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

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

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

Businesses are listed from north to south.

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679477000115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Join Downtown Hutch as they celebrate Easter April 8. There will be a kids Egg Hunt at George Pyle Park, located at 118 S. Poplar Street beginning at 9 a.m. There will be 2 hunts starting at 9 a.m., one for littles and one for older kids. Areas will be designated upon arrival.Free pictures with Easter Bunny will happen at The Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery from 10 a.m. to noon. The photos are sponsored by Sleep Shoppe and bEpic Events!Also you can hop on over to one of the creative spots downtown or all of them where you can take part in a $5 activity from participating businesses! (while supplies last). Businesses are listed from north to south.Splinters-N-Rust (125 N Main Street) wooden birdhouse painting project for all ages.Lit Studios Paint &amp; Pottery (23 North Main Street- South Location) Peep Party! Paint a $5 ceramic peep.Board &amp; Brush (115 S. Main Street) $5 sidewalk make-n-take projects.Holly’s Sweet Treats (205 S. Main Street) cookie kits that include a single cookie, 2 frosting bags and 1 sprinkle kit.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Downtown Hutch busy the Saturday before Easter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————3/22/2023 1:10 AM-Brenden	Cale Baker-Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten3/21/2023 9:08 PM-Mersade	Elizabeth Gonzales-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 6:19 PM-Deandra	Marquize Franklin-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 3:16 PM-Trenton	Ray Kruse-Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Fail to Give Information at Unattended Property or Vehicle Accident; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; DUI; 1st conv; combination of drugs and alcohol3/21/2023 11:36 AM-Larry	Robert Mack-Probation Violation; Indirect Contempt3/21/2023 11:09 AM-Jolan	Lee Holloway-Probation Violation3/21/2023 10:34 AM-Johnny	Ray Nance-Failure to Appear3/21/2023 6:08 AM-Keyra	Crystal Molina-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660773528862.png" alt="Todd W. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Todd W. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pretrial hearing in the case of a former Hutchinson police officer accused of rape has been changed to a plea hearing.According to <a href="https://prodportal.kscourts.org/ProdPortal/DocumentViewer/Index/43F0EC8AB710D04DFCD20C18987798B085437CF5875B139CCC9C1B0AEE9A031E4CC635DB18E72F8A265897A18075311581F52F44633A0266E6DF3F434A758A0A8C5DA74150E312FE02F4DFBA7A232C19CDC83B4D2338151801374FD300B7D01F?caseNum=2022-CR-000530&amp;docType=eFiled%20Public%20Document&amp;docName=Notice%20of%20Hearing%3A%20Plea%20Hearing%20%2804%2F10%2F2023%2002%3A30%20PM%29&amp;eventName=NOT%3A%20Notice%20-%20No%20Sheriff%20Service%20Required&amp;docTypeId=75&amp;isVersionId=False&amp;p=0">official documents filed earlier this month</a>, the pretrial hearing for Todd W. Allen scheduled for April 10 has been changed to a plea hearing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679423052720.jpeg" alt="Screenshot of plea hearing document for Todd W. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot of plea hearing document for Todd W. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>The formal charges as originally filed against Allen included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors. Hutch Post does not know the terms of the plea agreement.&nbsp;Allen was arrested August 17, 2022 and was subsequently charged with two counts of rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The charges also included three counts of attempted rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery, two more counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The two counts of rape, as originally charged, are level one person felonies.&nbsp;Allen also was originally charged with five counts of breach of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. &nbsp;He is currently free on a $250,000 bond. The plea hearing will be before Judge Jeff Newsum at 2:30 p.m. April 10.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

Allen to have plea hearing April 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contract was approved unanimously on Tuesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679422234177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Final approval of a contract for a long-awaited stormwater control measure on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was approved by the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday."This is of great benefit to the city," said City Attorney Paul Brown. "There are very few open areas within the city limits where stormwater control measures can be built. We have talked about this for several years with the Fair and you can understand their being good stewards of their area, because they are landlocked. Giving up a portion of that is a serious matter for them. It's taken some time."The City of Hutchinson has an existing lease from 1994 with the Kansas State Fair for a real estate tract adjacent to the water treatment center on East 23rd Avenue. "There is a 75 year lease on that area," Brown said. "It has a possible 25 year extension in that same lease. As far as commitments, we can be good until 2094."The City of Hutchinson wishes to build a stormwater control measure on that tract. The stormwater control measure will manage stormwater runoff from an upstream tributary area. The stormwater control measure will be built of a sufficient size for the Kansas State Fair to receive the maximum stormwater credit of fifty percent (50%) deducted from the Fair’s stormwater utility fees assessed by the City.The fifty percent (50%) credit will commence upon approval of the contract. The stormwater control measure will be constructed within three (3) years from the date of execution of the agreement.This proposed contract has been previously approved by the Board of the Kansas State Fair.The contract was approved unanimously on Tuesday.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

Stormwater agreement with Fair approved by city

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<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.

<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;

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