Reno County Commission
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The County Commission approved an application by the Reno County Health Department to the Hutchinson Community Foundation for an Early Childhood block grant Tuesday. The health department wants the $121,000 to help programs in the department and the grant would require a 10 percent match.
Commissioners also discussed placing “share the road” signs on the old K-61 highway, which would include signs for combined traffic – bike lane. Commissioner Dan Deming is in favor, calling it a “no brainier,” while Commissioner Brad Dillon questioned the need considering the low traffic count on the old highway. He doesn’t believe anyone would even see the signs. Commission chair James Schlickau also questioned the need at this point, but said if there was a bigger plan for biking in that area, he would consider it.
The current set up of the old highway does not accommodate a bike lane. The county at one time sought a grant to add bike lanes, but was turned down. They recently resurfaced the road without the bike lane. The sign would include a picture of a bicycle with the additional sign underneath which says “share the road.” Sid Arpin, with BG Consultants who acts as the county engineer, suggested signs could be placed on the northbound lane north of 43rd, two for both northbound and southbound lanes near 56th, and one for the southbound lane south of 82nd.
The commission made no decision Tuesday with this being a discussion item, but is expected to vote next week.