HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission, with little fanfare, approved the resolution that will allow the sale of cereal malt beverages in the unincorporated areas of the county on Sunday.

It’s not quite a done deal just yet. The resolution has to be published, then there’s a 60-day protest period. If the county does not receive a petition protesting the resolution, it would become effective on the 61st day. This would be only for beer in its original package, no draft beer.

If there is a protest petition received and all of the 433 signatures are valid, then there would need to be an election that would probably come as part of the November general election. Officials want to avoid a special election if at all possible.

County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan says, if it gets pushed to November, he believes the special vote could be implemented:

 

He adds that the Election Clerk would want any questions for voters at least 45 days in advance so it can be included on any election ballot.

This issue came about after O’Brien’s Marina at Cheney Reservoir requested the ability to sell 3.2 beer on Sunday. The hours would be from noon to 8 p.m., except for Easter Sunday.

The commission also approved a contract with Flint Hills Materials of Cedar Point in the amount of $1,516,735 to do an overlay of Buhler/Haven Road from the junction with K-96, all the way to 108th, at the McPherson County Line.

Commissioners also set a date for residents who live east of town to come in and discuss a property they consider a nuisance. The commission is considering whether it wants to adopt some form of nuisance policy. The discussion is set for July 24.