BUHLER, Kan. — IdeaTek Telcom of Buhler has announced the hiring of Kendall Allender for the position of network engineer. In this role, he’ll maintain, design and configure core network electronics for IdeaTek’s fiber optic infrastructure.

Officials say Allender brings more than 20 years of networking experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as network administrator for Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Prior to that, he worked as the network analyst trainer at Hutchinson Community College.

Allender obtained his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Education from Fort Hays State University and has earned Cisco certifications at the network associate and network professional levels. He resides in Hutchinson with his wife of 30 years, Pam.