NICKERSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Department reports that 31-year-old Andrea Flores was going east on K-14 when her car left the road and rolled.

Flores was treated for minor injuries at the scene. The accident happened around 1:15 a.m. Sunday two miles west of Nickerson.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559730214351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a single vehicle accident early Sunday morning.The Reno County Sheriff’s Department reports that 31-year-old Andrea Flores was going east on K-14 when her car left the road and rolled.Flores was treated for minor injuries at the scene. The accident happened around 1:15 a.m. Sunday two miles west of Nickerson.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One injured in single vehicle accident


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Board of Zoning Appeals will go over a
request for a variance   on a parcel of land located along E Sherman
and Superior during Tuesday’s meeting.


Applicant
Gary Graber is proposing a salvage yard at that location. City code
requires a 300 foot variance from such businesses to any residential
areas. The current variance is less than that.


Some
residents have responded to the city citing the extra noise and the
hit property values could take if the salvage yard is opened. The
area already has numerous semis and railroad activity from nearby
grain elevators.


The
request is the only action item on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting
which begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be offered via Zoom.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618240258186.jpeg" alt="" />
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Board of Zoning Appeals will go over a
request for a variance on a parcel of land located along E Sherman
and Superior during Tuesday’s meeting.
Applicant
Gary Graber is proposing a salvage yard at that location. City code
requires a 300 foot variance from such businesses to any residential
areas. The current variance is less than that.
Some
residents have responded to the city citing the extra noise and the
hit property values could take if the salvage yard is opened. The
area already has numerous semis and railroad activity from nearby
grain elevators.
The
request is the only action item on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting
which begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be offered via Zoom.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board of Zoning Appeals to consider variance request

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — LeeAnn Cox with Visit Hutch is pleased about the return of the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament next week, but that event continues to highlight a fundamental shortage of hotel space the city now has.

"We did lose The Atrium Hotel and that impacts us greatly when it comes to NJCAA basketball, because The Atrium was host to nine teams during the tournament," Cox said. "That means then, obviously, we have to relocate nine teams elsewhere. We don't have the two-bedded capacity in Hutchinson, so, unfortunately, we have had to move eight teams out of town."

The financial implications of that are significant.

"That's a significant blow, not only for the transient guest tax that's collected at the hotels, but also, more importantly, for the sales tax that is collected in town when all those teams go out to eat and do all the other things that they just normally do in the course of a week long tournament."

It's also a challenge to compete for additional events.

"It's extremely important to have the right amount of hotel inventory if our community expects to continue to host events like NJCAA basketball, the Kansas State Fair and all the other national sporting events that our team works really hard to recruit into Hutchinson," Cox said. "When you cut out 215 hotel rooms, which is what The Atrium had, obviously they were our largest hotel and that just ties our hands as far as what we're able to bring in to the community. You're not going to win a bid on some national event when you don't have hotel capacity that's required."

The City of Hutchinson has considered purchasing The Atrium for the purposes of tearing down the hotel and getting together with a developer to redevelop those rooms, but that policy decision comes with some risk due to the size of the investment necessary to get the property back into shape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606857027486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — LeeAnn Cox with Visit Hutch is pleased about the return of the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament next week, but that event continues to highlight a fundamental shortage of hotel space the city now has."We did lose The Atrium Hotel and that impacts us greatly when it comes to NJCAA basketball, because The Atrium was host to nine teams during the tournament," Cox said. "That means then, obviously, we have to relocate nine teams elsewhere. We don't have the two-bedded capacity in Hutchinson, so, unfortunately, we have had to move eight teams out of town."The financial implications of that are significant."That's a significant blow, not only for the transient guest tax that's collected at the hotels, but also, more importantly, for the sales tax that is collected in town when all those teams go out to eat and do all the other things that they just normally do in the course of a week long tournament."It's also a challenge to compete for additional events."It's extremely important to have the right amount of hotel inventory if our community expects to continue to host events like NJCAA basketball, the Kansas State Fair and all the other national sporting events that our team works really hard to recruit into Hutchinson," Cox said. "When you cut out 215 hotel rooms, which is what The Atrium had, obviously they were our largest hotel and that just ties our hands as far as what we're able to bring in to the community. You're not going to win a bid on some national event when you don't have hotel capacity that's required."The City of Hutchinson has considered purchasing The Atrium for the purposes of tearing down the hotel and getting together with a developer to redevelop those rooms, but that policy decision comes with some risk due to the size of the investment necessary to get the property back into shape.

Cox: Glad to have tournament back but still need more hotel rooms

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Police are looking for a person of interest in connection with a Sunday morning homicide.&nbsp;

According to a release from Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp, at 1:39 a.m. Sunday, officers on patrol near 5th and Hendricks heard gunshots north of their location.

While they were investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block of West 12th where they contacted a 42 year-old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. 

The victim was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and is currently in stable condition. Officers located a second victim, a 46 year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46 year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced dead. 

The identities of the victims are not being released.

Police are looking for Sandral Lee Wade. Wade is a 64-year-old Black male, 6’4” tall and 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. 

This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno County, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt. Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618162821449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Police are looking for a person of interest in connection with a Sunday morning homicide.&nbsp;According to a release from Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp, at 1:39 a.m. Sunday, officers on patrol near 5th and Hendricks heard gunshots north of their location.While they were investigating, a 911 call came into dispatch advising of a shooting. Officers arrived in the 1500 block of West 12th where they contacted a 42 year-old black male laying in the street with gunshot wounds to his abdomen. The victim was transferred to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and is currently in stable condition. Officers located a second victim, a 46 year-old black male laying in the front yard of a nearby residence with a single gunshot wound to his chest. The 46 year-old was also taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was pronounced dead. The identities of the victims are not being released.Police are looking for Sandral Lee Wade. Wade is a 64-year-old Black male, 6’4” tall and 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information on Wade’s whereabouts or additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Reno County, 1-800-222-TIPS or Lt. Loepp at the Hutchinson Police Department 620-694-2829.

Police seeking person of interest in Sunday homicide

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education will seek action on a partnership agreement with Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas organization during Monday’s meeting.

JAG-K is a nonprofit corporation that receives program and financial support from corporate and foundation contributions. The program is used to help at-risk students remain in school and help them attain the basic employability skills through career-based learning experience.&nbsp;

The program helps students for all four years of high school along with a 12-month follow-up.&nbsp;

Also Monday, the board will go over the purchase of a new rooftop HVAC unit for the kitchen at a cost of just over $31,000 and sign a contract agreement with Cindy Flores for translation services.

Monday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.

<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/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education will seek action on a partnership agreement with Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas organization during Monday’s meeting.JAG-K is a nonprofit corporation that receives program and financial support from corporate and foundation contributions. The program is used to help at-risk students remain in school and help them attain the basic employability skills through career-based learning experience.&nbsp;The program helps students for all four years of high school along with a 12-month follow-up.&nbsp;Also Monday, the board will go over the purchase of a new rooftop HVAC unit for the kitchen at a cost of just over $31,000 and sign a contract agreement with Cindy Flores for translation services.Monday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.<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;

USD 308 to enter student employment retention agreement

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has the second-highest number of miles of paved roads in the state. The care of those roads means they are getting a higher weight rating.

Public Works Director Don Brittain says the County Commission will be asked to approve bringing the roads up to state weight guidelines during Tuesday’s meeting. Currently, the overall weight limit is 80,000 pounds. The change will bring the number up to 85,000 pounds. The request is part of the consent agenda.

Also Tuesday, the county may finally take action on the long-discussed wind regulations. The county has been working on the regulations ever since a conditional use permit for the NextEra wind project was rejected by the commission.

The board will take action on two engineering contracts for two bridge projects in the county. The first is from Kirkham Michael and Associates for work on the 69th Avenue bridge over Cow Creek at a cost of $73,000 and the other is from JEO Consulting Group for the Wilson Road bridge at the Willowbrook entrance for $103,240.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613769662116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has the second-highest number of miles of paved roads in the state. The care of those roads means they are getting a higher weight rating.Public Works Director Don Brittain says the County Commission will be asked to approve bringing the roads up to state weight guidelines during Tuesday’s meeting. Currently, the overall weight limit is 80,000 pounds. The change will bring the number up to 85,000 pounds. The request is part of the consent agenda.Also Tuesday, the county may finally take action on the long-discussed wind regulations. The county has been working on the regulations ever since a conditional use permit for the NextEra wind project was rejected by the commission.The board will take action on two engineering contracts for two bridge projects in the county. The first is from Kirkham Michael and Associates for work on the 69th Avenue bridge over Cow Creek at a cost of $73,000 and the other is from JEO Consulting Group for the Wilson Road bridge at the Willowbrook entrance for $103,240.Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County Commission begins at 9 a.m. at 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.

Commission to meet Tuesday

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board will meet in regular session on Monday. The first order of business will be to name the third quarter Impact Award winner. A member of the school district is named a winner of this award each quarter with the Impact Award winner for the year named at the end of the school year.

Also Monday, the board will take time to thank Haven Baptist and the Journey Mennonite churches for their help in providing class space for elementary school students during the pandemic. The board will also go over a back-to-school plan and consideration for mask use during school. The board will get information on the sale of the former Mount Hope Elementary School building.&nbsp;

The board will also go into executive session for negotiations. Monday’s meeting of the Haven school board begins at 6 p.m. at Haven High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591132145254.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School Board will meet in regular session on Monday. The first order of business will be to name the third quarter Impact Award winner. A member of the school district is named a winner of this award each quarter with the Impact Award winner for the year named at the end of the school year.Also Monday, the board will take time to thank Haven Baptist and the Journey Mennonite churches for their help in providing class space for elementary school students during the pandemic. The board will also go over a back-to-school plan and consideration for mask use during school. The board will get information on the sale of the former Mount Hope Elementary School building.&nbsp;The board will also go into executive session for negotiations. Monday’s meeting of the Haven school board begins at 6 p.m. at Haven High School.<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;

Haven school board meets Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Beth Akins with Horizons Mental Health Center notes that there have been both good and bad consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Do I think the pandemic has caused some issues with mental health?" Akins asked rhetorically. "My answer to that is going to be yes. We have seen an increase in calls to our crisis lines. We all have sort of coping strategies that we have adopted that help us deal with just that kind of day to day stress or day to day anxiety. One of the things that the pandemic did was take away those normal coping strategies."

Those might include going out to dinner with friends or going to the gym or other activities that were made either more difficult or impossible by the pandemic. On the other hand, figuring out how to give care through the phone and internet has resulted in some people being able to keep therapy appointments that would have otherwise had to be cancelled.

"We'd often times have people call and cancel because they didn't have transportation or their childcare fell through," Akins said. "Now, when they call, instead of cancelling, we can say to them, hey let's just switch this appointment to televideo."

In the beginning of the pandemic, there was so much uncertainty and so much change in routine that it actually helped some people who may have had additional stress from workplace issues that were working from home, for example, but now that the new routines are set up, people are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the new stressors, not to mention the prospect of going back to a normal that they were struggling with before.

"Lots of people have experienced a tremendous amount of loss," Akins said. "The grief is more intense now, just because I know multiple people who died in this last year, that type of a thing."

The Horizons 24-hour crisis line received nearly 500 calls in 2020, up from the mid 300s in 2019.

<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/2020/4/1587129819284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Beth Akins with Horizons Mental Health Center notes that there have been both good and bad consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic."Do I think the pandemic has caused some issues with mental health?" Akins asked rhetorically. "My answer to that is going to be yes. We have seen an increase in calls to our crisis lines. We all have sort of coping strategies that we have adopted that help us deal with just that kind of day to day stress or day to day anxiety. One of the things that the pandemic did was take away those normal coping strategies."Those might include going out to dinner with friends or going to the gym or other activities that were made either more difficult or impossible by the pandemic. On the other hand, figuring out how to give care through the phone and internet has resulted in some people being able to keep therapy appointments that would have otherwise had to be cancelled."We'd often times have people call and cancel because they didn't have transportation or their childcare fell through," Akins said. "Now, when they call, instead of cancelling, we can say to them, hey let's just switch this appointment to televideo."In the beginning of the pandemic, there was so much uncertainty and so much change in routine that it actually helped some people who may have had additional stress from workplace issues that were working from home, for example, but now that the new routines are set up, people are beginning to feel overwhelmed by the new stressors, not to mention the prospect of going back to a normal that they were struggling with before."Lots of people have experienced a tremendous amount of loss," Akins said. "The grief is more intense now, just because I know multiple people who died in this last year, that type of a thing."The Horizons 24-hour crisis line received nearly 500 calls in 2020, up from the mid 300s in 2019.
<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.

Horizons: Mental health treatment during COVID-19 a mixed bag

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dillons Health announced Friday that it has received additional supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine via the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/02/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-increased-vaccine-supply-initial-launch-of-the-federal-retail-pharmacy-program-and-expansion-of-fema-reimbursement-to-states/">Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership</a> for its 54 Dillons pharmacy locations across the state of Kansas. Dillons is now offering Pfizer, Moderna, and J&amp;J vaccines, which may vary by location, in accordance with the state and local health departments' rollout plan.

“We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive whichever vaccine is available to them at the earliest time of eligibility to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and we’ll do all we can to ensure they have access,” Robert Tomasu, Dillons Health and Wellness Director, said. “At Dillons, we appreciate the expansion of this collaboration as we continue our efforts to vaccinate Kansans.”

For specifics on current eligibility, please visit <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dillons.com%2Fcovidvaccine&amp;data=04%7C01%7CSheila.Regehr%40dillonstores.com%7C9813d357cde6421989c408d8da77f541%7C8331e14a91344288bf5a5e2c8412f074%7C0%7C0%7C637499556030246830%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=91hhg8G%2FU6XQVuLDqP9FSCEYOVvLzdAcaOi%2FNSsRtEE%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.dillons.com/covidvaccine</a> to schedule an appointment. At this time, appointments are mandatory to receive a vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615242157526.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dillons Health announced Friday that it has received additional supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine via the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/02/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-increased-vaccine-supply-initial-launch-of-the-federal-retail-pharmacy-program-and-expansion-of-fema-reimbursement-to-states/">Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership</a> for its 54 Dillons pharmacy locations across the state of Kansas. Dillons is now offering Pfizer, Moderna, and J&amp;J vaccines, which may vary by location, in accordance with the state and local health departments' rollout plan.“We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive whichever vaccine is available to them at the earliest time of eligibility to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and we’ll do all we can to ensure they have access,” Robert Tomasu, Dillons Health and Wellness Director, said. “At Dillons, we appreciate the expansion of this collaboration as we continue our efforts to vaccinate Kansans.”For specifics on current eligibility, please visit <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dillons.com%2Fcovidvaccine&amp;data=04%7C01%7CSheila.Regehr%40dillonstores.com%7C9813d357cde6421989c408d8da77f541%7C8331e14a91344288bf5a5e2c8412f074%7C0%7C0%7C637499556030246830%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=91hhg8G%2FU6XQVuLDqP9FSCEYOVvLzdAcaOi%2FNSsRtEE%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.dillons.com/covidvaccine</a> to schedule an appointment. At this time, appointments are mandatory to receive a vaccine.<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;

Dillons receives additional vaccines


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — With the extension of the federal and state tax deadlines, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site in Hutchinson is also extending its availability.

"The IRS extended their season to May 17," said Sue Wegerle with VITA. "We have extended our site season until the 29th of April. We'll be there two extra weeks beyond what we generally would be."

Wegerle also noted that if you had a low level of unemployment income and got your taxes done early in the season, you might need to give them a second look.

"The VITA site helps people who have incomes less than $57,000 a year," Wegerle said. "We also can file for non-filers who did not get their stimulus payments. We can file for them. This year, there was a new law passed March 11th which excludes from income the first $10,200 of unemployment income, which generally would be taxed."

If you have unemployment income at that level and you had your taxes done before St. Patrick's Day, you want to check with your tax preparer to see if your return needs to be amended.

"Ordinarily, once you've finished with your taxes, you take them home," Wegerle said. "Some people file them in a file and you don't think about them any more. You may be entitled to a refund if you had unemployment income. We have had quite a few people that have had unemployment income. Some of those people we caught in time to wait until the software was updated, but there were some people before the change that we didn't know anything about. It's highly unusual, I think, to change the tax law in the middle of the tax season."

The VITA site remains available at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The last day of VITA preparation for this tax season will be Thursday, April 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611593538336.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — With the extension of the federal and state tax deadlines, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site in Hutchinson is also extending its availability."The IRS extended their season to May 17," said Sue Wegerle with VITA. "We have extended our site season until the 29th of April. We'll be there two extra weeks beyond what we generally would be."Wegerle also noted that if you had a low level of unemployment income and got your taxes done early in the season, you might need to give them a second look."The VITA site helps people who have incomes less than $57,000 a year," Wegerle said. "We also can file for non-filers who did not get their stimulus payments. We can file for them. This year, there was a new law passed March 11th which excludes from income the first $10,200 of unemployment income, which generally would be taxed."If you have unemployment income at that level and you had your taxes done before St. Patrick's Day, you want to check with your tax preparer to see if your return needs to be amended."Ordinarily, once you've finished with your taxes, you take them home," Wegerle said. "Some people file them in a file and you don't think about them any more. You may be entitled to a refund if you had unemployment income. We have had quite a few people that have had unemployment income. Some of those people we caught in time to wait until the software was updated, but there were some people before the change that we didn't know anything about. It's highly unusual, I think, to change the tax law in the middle of the tax season."The VITA site remains available at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The last day of VITA preparation for this tax season will be Thursday, April 29.

VITA tax site dates extended


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Salt City Brewing is planning an event on Main Street in Hutchinson for April 24th. The City Council approved the event for 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

"We originally had set this to be inside," said Jason McCool with the brewery. "As the amount of people started to grow above 300, we did the math of how many people would be per square foot in the outside area of Salt City and we thought, we might want to move this outside."

There will be outdoor music between 5th and 6th Avenue on the edge of the street rather than blocking the roadway.

"We are bringing a band from Kansas City called Lost Wax," McCool said. "They are traveling with their equipment, setting up the stage, which really simplified the process. We are no longer responsible for getting the stage set up prior to."

Hutchinson Police and Salt City Brewing staff have met to discuss traffic and crowd control issues.

"We have to leave a lane open, obviously, for the fire department," McCool said. "We're hoping to be able to shut it off at 6 p.m. or closely thereafter. We've got Greg from Wray Roofing, moving in the concrete barriers for us and moving them back out after it's over with."

Police Chief Jeff Hooper said the brewery has been pretty great to work with and that four of his officers will be around to assist and that they're comfortable with the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618056206268.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Salt City Brewing is planning an event on Main Street in Hutchinson for April 24th. The City Council approved the event for 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. "We originally had set this to be inside," said Jason McCool with the brewery. "As the amount of people started to grow above 300, we did the math of how many people would be per square foot in the outside area of Salt City and we thought, we might want to move this outside."There will be outdoor music between 5th and 6th Avenue on the edge of the street rather than blocking the roadway."We are bringing a band from Kansas City called Lost Wax," McCool said. "They are traveling with their equipment, setting up the stage, which really simplified the process. We are no longer responsible for getting the stage set up prior to."Hutchinson Police and Salt City Brewing staff have met to discuss traffic and crowd control issues."We have to leave a lane open, obviously, for the fire department," McCool said. "We're hoping to be able to shut it off at 6 p.m. or closely thereafter. We've got Greg from Wray Roofing, moving in the concrete barriers for us and moving them back out after it's over with."Police Chief Jeff Hooper said the brewery has been pretty great to work with and that four of his officers will be around to assist and that they're comfortable with the event.

Salt City Brewing event approved for April 24th


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen joined Representatives Paul Waggoner and Michael Murphy as part of the April legislative forum at the Fox Theater in Hutchinson Saturday. Steffen was asked about what he learned in his first session in the legislature thus far.

"The information was coming at us so fast," Steffen said Saturday. "As a doctor, I deal with volumes of information in one way, I try to learn every bit of it and that is next to impossible in the legislature and incredibly frustrating for somebody who spent their life trying to master volumes of information."

Representative Murphy echoed Steffen's sentiments.

"I'm not used to it either," Murphy said. "Early on, it was really pretty good. You had a lot of time to look at stuff and kind of go over it and all, but when you get into this last few days, by rules you get 30 minutes to look at something. Sometimes, it's three bills have been put into one. You get 30 minutes to look at them and maybe two of them, you were in favor of and you voted for and one of them, you weren't in favor of and you voted no before. You've got to weigh that out and decide what's in the best interest for your constituents."

Having a part-time legislature served by full-time lobbyists and politically motivated leadership makes it difficult to use the same type of decision making that legislators would normally use when running their own businesses.

"As a businessman, my successes hinged on giving things time, thinking things through, not rushing decisions," Steffen said. "If they went while I was thinking about them, if they disappeared, it wasn't meant to be. Who cares? But, the bills come at you so fast. They do not give you adequate time to ruminate on them and really come to the right decision a lot of the times, that's a real, real big flaw in government."

The legislature has reached first adjournment. They will reconvene for the veto session next month.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604603917739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen joined Representatives Paul Waggoner and Michael Murphy as part of the April legislative forum at the Fox Theater in Hutchinson Saturday. Steffen was asked about what he learned in his first session in the legislature thus far."The information was coming at us so fast," Steffen said Saturday. "As a doctor, I deal with volumes of information in one way, I try to learn every bit of it and that is next to impossible in the legislature and incredibly frustrating for somebody who spent their life trying to master volumes of information."Representative Murphy echoed Steffen's sentiments."I'm not used to it either," Murphy said. "Early on, it was really pretty good. You had a lot of time to look at stuff and kind of go over it and all, but when you get into this last few days, by rules you get 30 minutes to look at something. Sometimes, it's three bills have been put into one. You get 30 minutes to look at them and maybe two of them, you were in favor of and you voted for and one of them, you weren't in favor of and you voted no before. You've got to weigh that out and decide what's in the best interest for your constituents."Having a part-time legislature served by full-time lobbyists and politically motivated leadership makes it difficult to use the same type of decision making that legislators would normally use when running their own businesses."As a businessman, my successes hinged on giving things time, thinking things through, not rushing decisions," Steffen said. "If they went while I was thinking about them, if they disappeared, it wasn't meant to be. Who cares? But, the bills come at you so fast. They do not give you adequate time to ruminate on them and really come to the right decision a lot of the times, that's a real, real big flaw in government."The legislature has reached first adjournment. They will reconvene for the veto session next month.
<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.

New legislators learn, lament how little time they have at forum

Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall spoke to the crowd at the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson for the April legislative forum and answered a question from a constituent regarding what the federal level is trying to do for those people being hit hard by large natural gas bills after the winter cold snap.

"I can't promise you that I can fix it," Marshall said Saturday. "It's a body of evidence that we're presenting at the federal level to a organization called FERC, which is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, that would oversee the transport of energy from Oklahoma to here, Texas to here, that type of thing. We've already sent a letter to them. We've already asked them to investigate it."

Marshall also was instrumental in getting a legislative hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the topic.

"That doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is," Marshall said. "To get a hearing on a special topic within 30 days of an event in the Senate is a big deal. We're continuing to work on it from that standpoint."

In addition, Marshall is trying to make sure that some of the money that is already appropriated can go to help people with these issues.

"We're trying to find some grant monies, we're trying to find some federal dollars to help with it, as well, part of this CARES Act dollars that came out this last time, we're trying to get those to be able to be repurposed for problems like this, as well."

If you'd like to talk to Marshall's office on the topic, you can send them a message through his <a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617300004254.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall spoke to the crowd at the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson for the April legislative forum and answered a question from a constituent regarding what the federal level is trying to do for those people being hit hard by large natural gas bills after the winter cold snap."I can't promise you that I can fix it," Marshall said Saturday. "It's a body of evidence that we're presenting at the federal level to a organization called FERC, which is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, that would oversee the transport of energy from Oklahoma to here, Texas to here, that type of thing. We've already sent a letter to them. We've already asked them to investigate it."Marshall also was instrumental in getting a legislative hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the topic."That doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is," Marshall said. "To get a hearing on a special topic within 30 days of an event in the Senate is a big deal. We're continuing to work on it from that standpoint."In addition, Marshall is trying to make sure that some of the money that is already appropriated can go to help people with these issues."We're trying to find some grant monies, we're trying to find some federal dollars to help with it, as well, part of this CARES Act dollars that came out this last time, we're trying to get those to be able to be repurposed for problems like this, as well."If you'd like to talk to Marshall's office on the topic, you can send them a message through his <a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/">website</a>.

Marshall addresses federal response to energy cost spike at Hutchinson meeting

Fair Food and Tunes and legislative forum today, Kansas Senate removes leadership member facing wrong-way driving charges and more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fair Food and Tunes and legislative forum today, Kansas Senate removes leadership member facing wrong-way driving charges and more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="April 10, 2021 Saturday News" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ikqjd-1004504-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

April 10, 2021 Saturday News

MCPHERSON — McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported Friday that an inmate in the county's custody died Thursday at the jail.

On Thursday, at approximately 2:15 p.m.,&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham, 55 of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.

At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator. 

McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.

The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;

Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588352248308.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON — McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne reported Friday that an inmate in the county's custody died Thursday at the jail.On Thursday, at approximately 2:15 p.m.,&nbsp; Kevin Brittingham, 55 of Newton was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the jail. During the booking process, he was placed in a holding cell.At approximately 3:35 p.m. Thursday, a McPherson County Correctional Officer discovered Brittingham unresponsive in his booking cell. Life-saving measures were attempted, including CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator. McPherson Fire and McPherson EMS responded to the jail and continued attempts to resuscitate Brittingham. Brittingham was pronounced dead at approximately 4:05 p.m.The McPherson County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigate, as is required by state statute. The KBI investigates all deaths of individuals in the custody of a Kansas jail or prison, unless the inmate is being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;Brittingham's injuries appear to have been self-inflicted. An autopsy will be conducted. The investigation continues.

McPherson County Sheriff reports inmate death

RENO COUNTY&nbsp;-&nbsp;Due to the recent upswing in Hepatitis A cases in Reno County, KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) is bringing a mobile lab to Hutchinson to assist with vaccinations. They will be administering the Hepatitis A vaccine as well as the Johnson &amp; Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine. There will also be rapid testing available for COVID-19. All services are FREE and confidential, and no appointment is needed.

The mobile lab will be set up behind Planet Fitness, 401 East 4th Ave., from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the next four Mondays (April 12, 19, 26 and May 3). If participation is low, they may move the location at a later date. If the location is moved, they will post the information <a href="https://www.renogov.org/">online</a>.

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The hepatitis A virus is found in fecal matter and blood of those infected. The virus is usually spread through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Common symptoms of the disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to be vaccinated with the full, two-dose series.

For those wanting the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, there are also still appointments available for the Wednesday, April 14th clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The Reno County Health Department has 1,000 doses available for ages 18 and over. Register <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614618511328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY&nbsp;-&nbsp;Due to the recent upswing in Hepatitis A cases in Reno County, KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) is bringing a mobile lab to Hutchinson to assist with vaccinations. They will be administering the Hepatitis A vaccine as well as the Johnson &amp; Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine. There will also be rapid testing available for COVID-19. All services are FREE and confidential, and no appointment is needed.The mobile lab will be set up behind Planet Fitness, 401 East 4th Ave., from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the next four Mondays (April 12, 19, 26 and May 3). If participation is low, they may move the location at a later date. If the location is moved, they will post the information <a href="https://www.renogov.org/">online</a>.Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The hepatitis A virus is found in fecal matter and blood of those infected. The virus is usually spread through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Common symptoms of the disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to be vaccinated with the full, two-dose series.For those wanting the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, there are also still appointments available for the Wednesday, April 14th clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The Reno County Health Department has 1,000 doses available for ages 18 and over. Register <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">online</a>.

KDHE bringing mobile lab site to Hutchinson

The Kansas Department of Transportation is about to begin an $81.7 million, 15-mile realignment of K-14 in Reno and Rice counties.

The project is expected to begin around&nbsp;April 26.

The Reno County portion of the realignment will be from 4.45 miles southeast of Nickerson northwest to the Reno/Rice county line. The length is 7.34 miles.

<a>The Rice County portion will be from the Reno/Rice county line to just north of the K-96/Avenue T junction.&nbsp;</a>The length is 8.08 miles.

The project is due to be completed by June 16, 2023.

Although the project could begin north of Sterling, it will be worked on at various places along the new route simultaneously throughout the project.

During the work, traffic will be able to continue to use the existing K-14/96 alignment in the two counties.

Main features of the new alignment will be five overpasses, one underpass and three interchanges. In Reno County, there will be overpasses at 56th, 82nd&nbsp;and Nickerson Boulevard. In Rice County, there will be overpasses at 17th&nbsp;and at Avenue V and an underpass at Avenue X.

Three of the overpasses will be at interchanges: at 56th&nbsp;and at Nickerson Boulevard in Reno County and north of Sterling in Rice County. All three will be diamond interchanges.

The interchanges will be built throughout the project. Traffic will not be shifted to the new alignment until the entire new section is completed.

The realignment will replace one that was designed around 1919 where the highway goes west out of Nickerson. The new highway section will be capable of being expanded from two to four lanes. The realigned section will have 8-foot shoulders on both sides.

The new highway is designed to current freeway standards, so there will not be at-grade crossings; access will be through the interchanges at 56th, Nickerson Boulevard and north of Sterling.

The new alignment will offer quicker highway travel because motorists will no longer have to pass through Nickerson and Sterling, and the speed limit will be 70 mph.&nbsp;There will be interchanges at each city for motorists who want to drive into the towns.

Bob Bergkamp Construction Co. Inc., of Wichita, is the primary contractor for the $42,090,513 portion in Reno County and the $39,658,738 portion in Rice County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617994451693.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation is about to begin an $81.7 million, 15-mile realignment of K-14 in Reno and Rice counties.The project is expected to begin around&nbsp;April 26.The Reno County portion of the realignment will be from 4.45 miles southeast of Nickerson northwest to the Reno/Rice county line. The length is 7.34 miles.<a>The Rice County portion will be from the Reno/Rice county line to just north of the K-96/Avenue T junction.&nbsp;</a>The length is 8.08 miles.The project is due to be completed by June 16, 2023.Although the project could begin north of Sterling, it will be worked on at various places along the new route simultaneously throughout the project.During the work, traffic will be able to continue to use the existing K-14/96 alignment in the two counties.Main features of the new alignment will be five overpasses, one underpass and three interchanges. In Reno County, there will be overpasses at 56th, 82nd&nbsp;and Nickerson Boulevard. In Rice County, there will be overpasses at 17th&nbsp;and at Avenue V and an underpass at Avenue X.Three of the overpasses will be at interchanges: at 56th&nbsp;and at Nickerson Boulevard in Reno County and north of Sterling in Rice County. All three will be diamond interchanges.The interchanges will be built throughout the project. Traffic will not be shifted to the new alignment until the entire new section is completed.The realignment will replace one that was designed around 1919 where the highway goes west out of Nickerson. The new highway section will be capable of being expanded from two to four lanes. The realigned section will have 8-foot shoulders on both sides.The new highway is designed to current freeway standards, so there will not be at-grade crossings; access will be through the interchanges at 56th, Nickerson Boulevard and north of Sterling.The new alignment will offer quicker highway travel because motorists will no longer have to pass through Nickerson and Sterling, and the speed limit will be 70 mph.&nbsp;There will be interchanges at each city for motorists who want to drive into the towns.Bob Bergkamp Construction Co. Inc., of Wichita, is the primary contractor for the $42,090,513 portion in Reno County and the $39,658,738 portion in Rice County.

15-mile realignment of K-14 in Reno, Rice counties to start soon

Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has released the tentative schedule for its superintendent candidate interviews.

10:30 a.m. Candidate Report to District Office

10:30 a.m. Meet with District office staff and Directors in the Board Room

11:00 a.m. Meet with Principals and lunch in the Board Room

11:55 a.m. Travel to South Hutchinson Elementary School

12:10 p.m. South Hutchinson Elementary School Tour

12:30 p.m. Travel to Reno Valley Middle School

1:50 p.m. Travel to Nickerson Elementary School

2:25 p.m. Nickerson Elementary School Tour

2:45 p.m. Travel to Nickerson High School

3:15 p.m. Travel to Reno Valley Middle School

3:30 p.m. Public Meet &amp; Greet Reception at Reno Valley Middle School

The school board has narrowed the field to two candidates. They will announce each finalist the morning of that finalist's interview. Those interviews will be Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 14.

Current USD 309 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is moving on to become the&nbsp;Executive Director of Human Resources for Hutchinson USD 308.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has released the tentative schedule for its superintendent candidate interviews.10:30 a.m. Candidate Report to District Office10:30 a.m. Meet with District office staff and Directors in the Board Room11:00 a.m. Meet with Principals and lunch in the Board Room11:55 a.m. Travel to South Hutchinson Elementary School12:10 p.m. South Hutchinson Elementary School Tour12:30 p.m. Travel to Reno Valley Middle School1:00 p.m. Reno Valley Middle School tour1:50 p.m. Travel to Nickerson Elementary School2:25 p.m. Nickerson Elementary School Tour2:45 p.m. Travel to Nickerson High School2:55 p.m. Nickerson High School Tour3:15 p.m. Travel to Reno Valley Middle School3:30 p.m. Public Meet &amp; Greet Reception at Reno Valley Middle School5:30 p.m. Special Board MeetingThe school board has narrowed the field to two candidates. They will announce each finalist the morning of that finalist's interview. Those interviews will be Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 14.Current USD 309 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is moving on to become the&nbsp;Executive Director of Human Resources for Hutchinson USD 308.

Timeline released for USD 309 superintendent interviews


PRETTY PRAIRIE,
Kan. —A home in Pretty Prairie caught fire around noon Friday. The home is at 418 East Main.

The one person who was at home got out safely, but there were pets inside.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617990829091.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
PRETTY PRAIRIE,
Kan. —A home in Pretty Prairie caught fire around noon Friday. The home is at 418 East Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617991410244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The one person who was at home got out safely, but there were pets inside.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617991420492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Haven Fire responded to the scene.

One person escapes house fire in Pretty Prairie


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Pretty Prairie woman spoke to Hutch Post on Friday about the event that the FREEDOM 1 Organization held that afternoon in the city in support of a black employee who the organization says was discriminated against by two white employees in the district.

"I have five biracial children that attend school here," said spokesperson Mary Dean. "It's been a really hard year for everybody with division. I think after politics and a pandemic, everybody just kind of went crazy, people just felt that they could treat people however they wanted to and that there was no consequences and that it was okay."

There has been a mediation process regarding the underlying personnel issues and in light of that process, Dean could not speak more specifically about the details of the incidents, but she said that holding a rally was the last thing the organization wanted to do.

"We have decided that we're going to come together and we're standing up, because it's not okay," Dean said. "This is a safe place to live. It's a great community. People come here. We have great schools, our kids can go outside and play, they get a good education and so much of that is going out of the window right now and we're trying to save that."

Pretty Prairie USD 311 Superintendent Randy Hendrickson could not speak to the situation much as it is an ongoing personnel matter, but as far as he knew as of Friday morning, all employees involved in the incidents will remain employed with the school district, barring further action that could be taken later.

"We are not accepting visitors during the stated protest time," Hendrickson said. "We are going to try to resume classes as normal."

Hendrickson told us that any absence of students during the protest would be up to their families.

"If the parents call and excuse their child from school, that's a family decision," Hendrickson said. "As our policy always is, if we have a student that leaves school for any reason, we want to make certain that we've communicated with parents."

USD 311 has retained the services of attorney Gerald Green. Green acknowledges there was a complaint made by the employee at the state level.

"The district has had a complaint filed by an employee with the Kansas Human Rights Commission alleging that he was discriminated against in his employment," Green said. "That complaint is pending before the KHRC. The district has responded to that and has addressed the employee's complaints. It would appear, at least, by virtue of the protest and what's going on, that some people are not satisfied with the response."

This complaint has been active since last September.

"We have filed our response to that," Green said. "They then assign an investigator to it. I don't know how long that investigation might take."

The group says they will continue to speak out until the situation has been resolved, but they were not specific about what resolution would mean.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617991531170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Pretty Prairie woman spoke to Hutch Post on Friday about the event that the FREEDOM 1 Organization held that afternoon in the city in support of a black employee who the organization says was discriminated against by two white employees in the district."I have five biracial children that attend school here," said spokesperson Mary Dean. "It's been a really hard year for everybody with division. I think after politics and a pandemic, everybody just kind of went crazy, people just felt that they could treat people however they wanted to and that there was no consequences and that it was okay."There has been a mediation process regarding the underlying personnel issues and in light of that process, Dean could not speak more specifically about the details of the incidents, but she said that holding a rally was the last thing the organization wanted to do."We have decided that we're going to come together and we're standing up, because it's not okay," Dean said. "This is a safe place to live. It's a great community. People come here. We have great schools, our kids can go outside and play, they get a good education and so much of that is going out of the window right now and we're trying to save that."Pretty Prairie USD 311 Superintendent Randy Hendrickson could not speak to the situation much as it is an ongoing personnel matter, but as far as he knew as of Friday morning, all employees involved in the incidents will remain employed with the school district, barring further action that could be taken later."We are not accepting visitors during the stated protest time," Hendrickson said. "We are going to try to resume classes as normal."Hendrickson told us that any absence of students during the protest would be up to their families."If the parents call and excuse their child from school, that's a family decision," Hendrickson said. "As our policy always is, if we have a student that leaves school for any reason, we want to make certain that we've communicated with parents."USD 311 has retained the services of attorney Gerald Green. Green acknowledges there was a complaint made by the employee at the state level."The district has had a complaint filed by an employee with the Kansas Human Rights Commission alleging that he was discriminated against in his employment," Green said. "That complaint is pending before the KHRC. The district has responded to that and has addressed the employee's complaints. It would appear, at least, by virtue of the protest and what's going on, that some people are not satisfied with the response."This complaint has been active since last September."We have filed our response to that," Green said. "They then assign an investigator to it. I don't know how long that investigation might take."The group says they will continue to speak out until the situation has been resolved, but they were not specific about what resolution would mean.

Pretty Prairie event designed to make community aware of ongoing complaint

The U.S. 50 rest area in Stafford County is expected to be closed Wednesday through Friday, April 14-16, so the parking lot can be resurfaced with a mill and overlay.

The rest area is on the south side of U.S. 50 and west of the town of Stafford and east of the U.S. 50/U.S. 281 junction.

The work, overseen by the Kansas Department of Transportation, is expected to have minimal impact on U.S. 50 traffic. Traffic on Southeast 20th, on the west side of the rest area, might be controlled by flaggers at times so overlay work can be done on that road.

APAC-Kansas Inc., of Hutchinson, is the main contractor for the $67,975 project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617986297800.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. 50 rest area in Stafford County is expected to be closed Wednesday through Friday, April 14-16, so the parking lot can be resurfaced with a mill and overlay.The rest area is on the south side of U.S. 50 and west of the town of Stafford and east of the U.S. 50/U.S. 281 junction.The work, overseen by the Kansas Department of Transportation, is expected to have minimal impact on U.S. 50 traffic. Traffic on Southeast 20th, on the west side of the rest area, might be controlled by flaggers at times so overlay work can be done on that road.APAC-Kansas Inc., of Hutchinson, is the main contractor for the $67,975 project.

U.S. 50 rest area in Stafford County to be closed three days next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hospice and Homecare of Reno County and the Cosmosphere, is inviting all school age children 6 to 17, who have experienced the death of a loved one to attend Kids Kamp - Space to Grieve.

The annual event will be filled with a combination of activities for children to process their grief among peers and trained facilitators intermingled with activities provided by the Cosmosphere.&nbsp; Activities for children will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at which time parents or guardians will be involved in a 30 minute activity session with their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following Space to Grieve Kids Kamp, the Cosmosphere is offering parents and children the opportunity to view a documentary film from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. as well as self-guided tours of the Space Museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Space is limited and registration is required to attend, so people are encouraged to register early as space does fill up. Registration closes on June 11th or when spaces are filled.

For more information contact Hospice and Homecare of Reno County at 620-665-2473.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617984107310.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hospice and Homecare of Reno County and the Cosmosphere, is inviting all school age children 6 to 17, who have experienced the death of a loved one to attend Kids Kamp - Space to Grieve.The annual event will be filled with a combination of activities for children to process their grief among peers and trained facilitators intermingled with activities provided by the Cosmosphere.&nbsp; Activities for children will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at which time parents or guardians will be involved in a 30 minute activity session with their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following Space to Grieve Kids Kamp, the Cosmosphere is offering parents and children the opportunity to view a documentary film from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. as well as self-guided tours of the Space Museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;Space is limited and registration is required to attend, so people are encouraged to register early as space does fill up. Registration closes on June 11th or when spaces are filled.For more information contact Hospice and Homecare of Reno County at 620-665-2473.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kids Kamp registration is under way


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Legislature plans to reach first adjournment at the end of the day on Friday and there are two bills related to the Kansas State Fair that are still stuck in the process.

"SB 1 was a bill that we submitted to allow us to use capital improvement funds for operations," said general manager Ed Berger. "That passed the Senate. It went to the Appropriations Committee, passed there and it's still kind of languishing in the House. That was more of an emergency bill. We did not want to use that capital improvement fund for operations, but this would enable us to do that, if we had to."

Senate Bill 2 is a continuation of a bill that started last session regarding alcohol sales on the fairgrounds.

"SB 2 allows people to take beer or whatever off premises on the fairgrounds," Berger said. "This was, again, enabling legislation. All it did was allow the State Fair Board to set parameters for that kind of use."

As of Friday morning, Berger hadn't heard of any resolution on either bill, but given the number of ongoing conference committees, fast movement on any issue is possible. 

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Legislature plans to reach first adjournment at the end of the day on Friday and there are two bills related to the Kansas State Fair that are still stuck in the process."SB 1 was a bill that we submitted to allow us to use capital improvement funds for operations," said general manager Ed Berger. "That passed the Senate. It went to the Appropriations Committee, passed there and it's still kind of languishing in the House. That was more of an emergency bill. We did not want to use that capital improvement fund for operations, but this would enable us to do that, if we had to."Senate Bill 2 is a continuation of a bill that started last session regarding alcohol sales on the fairgrounds."SB 2 allows people to take beer or whatever off premises on the fairgrounds," Berger said. "This was, again, enabling legislation. All it did was allow the State Fair Board to set parameters for that kind of use."As of Friday morning, Berger hadn't heard of any resolution on either bill, but given the number of ongoing conference committees, fast movement on any issue is possible.

Berger: Both State Fair related bills still in process on final day before first adjournment

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.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.

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Friday that starting on Tuesday, Apple Lane will be closed from 21st to 23rd Avenue, including all intersections. Contractors will be tearing out and installing new asphalt in that area.&nbsp;

Apple Lane from 17th to 20th Avenue is open to local traffic only. Work will continue on Apple Lane throughout the summer with a complete rebuild of the road north to 30th Avenue.

If you have any questions about this or any other city street project contact City of Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564171611598.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Friday that starting on Tuesday, Apple Lane will be closed from 21st to 23rd Avenue, including all intersections. Contractors will be tearing out and installing new asphalt in that area.&nbsp;Apple Lane from 17th to 20th Avenue is open to local traffic only. Work will continue on Apple Lane throughout the summer with a complete rebuild of the road north to 30th Avenue.If you have any questions about this or any other city street project contact City of Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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