HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved the contract with A & A Builders for the construction of a secure entrance for the Reno County Courthouse. That work is getting underway this week.

Drive by the front of the building and you’ll see a lot of machinery working the area for a ramp for the disabled that will go on the west side of the main stairs to the courthouse.

A & A Builders won the contract with a $232,900 bid.

The secure entrance, which has been sought by Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson for years and is now starting to become a reality is part of the bond issue approved by voters for the new county jail. The total is $28.9 million. Voters approved the half cent sales tax to cover the cost, which will sunset once the bonds for the project are paid off.