Feb 11, 2020 3:36 PM

Pink Out Night with white shirts set for Saturday

Posted Feb 11, 2020 3:36 PM

By NICK GOSNELL

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Contrary to some social media posts recently, the Cancer Council of Reno County has not released the final numbers for its fundraiser last weekend, but there are some good numbers for the impact of the annual Pink Out Night over its history, as they look forward to another edition this weekend.

"They've probably raised for us about $68,000 over the last eight years," said Sandy Woodson with the Cancer Council of Reno County. "This is our ninth year. Next year will be our tenth year, which will be a big anniversary for us for doing this. Those numbers are phenomenal to help patients in what we do in Reno County and help their families fight cancer."

HutchCC Assistant Athletic Director Steve Kappenman is excited about Saturday night.

"We couldn't do it without Midwest Superstore purchasing the shirts, designing the shirts and just supporting us all the way," Kappenman said. "We really look forward to this every year. We have a great matchup against a Colby team that beat us out there. We definitely need to get them back."

Midwest Superstore's Brian Bobo is excited to partner on a white shirt for the event this year.

"I'm looking forward to this shirt," Bobo said. "My wife designed it, so it better do well or I'm going to be in trouble. We're going to sell a bunch of T-shirts. It's just a suggested donation of $10. You can buy them at my store, or you can get them at the Athletic Department at the Sports Arena on the second floor."

Doors will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the women's game at 5:30 p.m. and the men's game to follow.

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Feb 11, 2020 3:36 PM
VITA program continues in Hutchinson for 2019 taxes
VITA program continues in Hutchinson for 2019 taxes

By NICK GOSNELL

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is being offered again this year in Hutchinson.

"I think a lot of people could do it themselves," said Sue Wegerle with the VITA program. "They just feel better knowing that somebody who has been certified and trained is doing their taxes for them."

All VITA preparers in Hutchinson have the same training.

"I require all of my tax preparers to be trained to the advanced levels," Wegerle said. "Almost all of them are trained for Health Savings Accounts, which is another aspect of someone's work, that they belong to a Health Savings Account at their work."

VITA income guidelines are fairly generous this year. 

"Our upper limit is based on the Earned Income Credit and it did go up a little bit this year," Wegerle said. "The Child Tax Credit increased to $2000 per child. A portion of that is refundable, not all of that is refundable, but that goes directly against any taxes you would owe."

The VITA tax site is located at the Salvation Army, 700 N. Walnut.

IRS certified volunteers will prepare taxes free of charge for persons whose combined household income does not exceed $56,000. Hours are Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The services are provided by the Volunteer Center of Reno County.

You can also do your own taxes online any time. It's free for anyone who files a simple return at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.

In 2019, VITA volunteers helped prepare more than 1,400 tax returns in the Hutchinson area.

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