Hoisington Police Department

09/02/2026

*****PUBLIC INFORMATION********
The Hoisington Police Department has noticed several electric dirt bikes being operated by juveniles and want to educate the public about this issue. These dirt bikes are not E-Bikes.
Under Kansas law, an electric-assisted bicycle must have two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Kansas recognizes three classes of electric-assisted bicycles:
• Class 1: Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance at 20 mph.
• Class 2: May use the motor to propel the bicycle without pedaling but cannot provide assistance at 20 mph or above.
• Class 3: Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance at 28 mph.
A qualifying electric-assisted bicycle is generally treated similarly to a bicycle under Kansas law and does not require vehicle registration, a license plate, motor vehicle liability insurance, or a driver's license. Kansas law also prohibits anyone under 16 years of age from operating a Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle.
What About Electric Dirt Bikes?
Many electric dirt bikes being ridden by juveniles do not meet Kansas' definition of an electric-assisted bicycle. Vehicles without fully operative pedals, vehicles exceeding the E-Bike motor or speed classifications, and vehicles designed and manufactured as electric motorcycles or off-road motorcycles should not be assumed to be legal E-Bikes simply because they are electrically powered.
A two-wheeled electric vehicle that is legally classified as a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is subject to the laws applicable to those vehicles when operated on public streets and highways. This can include requirements for a valid driver's license with the proper motorcycle classification, vehicle registration and license plate, required motor vehicle liability insurance, and required roadway equipment.
Some electric dirt bikes are manufactured strictly for off-road use and may not be capable of being legally registered for street use at all. An off-road electric motorcycle does not become street legal simply because it is electric, quiet, or being operated by a juvenile.
Parents — Know What You Are Purchasing
The Hoisington Police Department encourages parents to carefully research an electric bike before purchasing one for their child. Do not rely solely on a manufacturer's or seller's use of the term “E-Bike.”
Parents should check the vehicle's:
• Motor wattage
• Maximum assisted speed
• Presence of fully operative pedals
• Manufacturer's classification
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), when applicable
• Whether the vehicle is manufactured for street or off-road use
• Whether it can legally be titled and registered in Kansas
If the vehicle does not meet Kansas' definition of an electric-assisted bicycle and is instead classified as a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or off-road motorcycle, it cannot simply be operated on the streets of Hoisington as an E-Bike.
The Hoisington Police Department's goal is not only enforcement, but education and safety. These electric motorcycles can reach significant speeds and may be difficult for inexperienced young riders to safely control. Parents should understand the type of vehicle they are purchasing and the legal requirements that apply before allowing a child to operate it on a public street.
When in doubt, contact the Hoisington Police Department before allowing the vehicle to be operated on city streets.

08/31/2026

3rd Annual Bicycle Rodeo
On August 29, 2026, the Hoisington Police Department, along with Clara Barton Hospital, hosted the 3rd Annual Bicycle Rodeo at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kansas.
We were also joined by the Great Bend Pilot Club, which provided bicycle helmets for the children attending the event. Pilot Club members helped ensure that each child was properly fitted with the correct size helmet—and helped them find the perfect stylish color as well!
The Hoisington Police Department set up a fun bicycle course for the kids to ride through and provided a presentation on bicycle safety. Chief Bachar also spoke with attendees about the rules and regulations regarding the increasingly popular e-bikes.
Clara Barton Hospital and the Hoisington Police Department raffled off two bicycles to two lucky children who attended the event. Two bicycle repair kits, sponsored by the Hoisington Kiwanis Club, were also raffled off.
We would like to thank Clara Barton Hospital, the Great Bend Pilot Club, the Hoisington Kiwanis Club, and everyone who helped make the 3rd Annual Bicycle Rodeo a fun and successful event for our community!

08/31/2026

The Hoisington Police Department would like to make residents aware of a recent report involving a rattlesnake within the city limits.
A resident reported locating a rattlesnake in the 1500 block of N. Center Street. This area is near the outer portion of the city and is located close to agricultural fields.
With the extreme heat and dry conditions, snakes and other wildlife may move from their normal habitats in search of water, food, or cooler areas. Because Hoisington is surrounded by agricultural and rural areas, residents may occasionally encounter wildlife within or near the city limits.
We encourage citizens to use extra caution, particularly around tall grass, brush, wood piles, sheds, garages, and other areas where snakes may seek shelter. Parents should remind children not to approach or attempt to handle any snake they encounter, and pet owners should also be cautious when allowing pets outdoors.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not attempt to catch, handle, or kill it. Keep a safe distance, keep children and pets away from the area, and contact the Hoisington Police Department at 620-653-4995 or 620-793-1920.
The Hoisington Police Department wants to keep our community informed and to encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings during these hot and dry conditions.

08/18/2026

08/12/2026

On August 12, 2026, the Hoisington Police Department conducted in-service training focused on basic and advanced traffic stops.
Although traffic stops are part of an officer’s everyday duties, officers understand that there is no such thing as a completely “routine” traffic stop. While many encounters are completed without incident, others can quickly become unpredictable or dangerous.
For this reason, the Hoisington Police Department believes it is important for officers to regularly train through a variety of realistic scenarios. Scenario-based training gives officers an opportunity to practice their skills while also encouraging them to think about potential dangers, changing circumstances, and situations they may encounter while performing their duties.
Obviously, it is impossible to train for every situation an officer may face. However, this type of training provides officers with a strong foundation and helps them remain vigilant, observant, and prepared to recognize and respond to potential threats.
The scenarios used during this training ranged from traffic stops involving cooperative drivers and passengers to more dangerous situations involving armed individuals who engaged officers.
Regular training such as this helps our officers sharpen their skills, improve decision-making, and better prepare for the unpredictable situations they may encounter while serving our community.

08/10/2026

Let’s Work Together to End Drunk Driving!
Hoisington, Ks— From August 19 through September 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be working alongside local law enforcement to deter drunk driving and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
During the 2024 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. August 30 - 5:59 a.m. September 3), there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 505 fatalities, 34% (170) involved a drunk driver. Seventy-seven percent of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2024, 40% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Chief Bachar. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it kills. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.”
If a driver intends to drink during a Labor Day festivity, he or she should plan ahead for a safe ride home by securing a designated driver. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.
For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DrunkDriving.

08/10/2026

Labor Day weekend is for making memories, not meeting law enforcement. If you drink, plan a sober ride home. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

08/10/2026

👮🏻‍♂️ Bring the kids to the Bike Safety Rodeo on Saturday, August 29th; come & go between 8 – 10 AM at Clara Barton Medical Center (West Parking Lot).

Participants will learn bike safety, ride through an obstacle course, receive a free helmet, and be entered to win a FREE bike! 🚲

08/03/2026

**********PRESS RELEASE**********

On July 31, 2026, officers with the Hoisington Police Department executed a search warrant at 358 W. Broadway, Hoisington, Kansas, following a lengthy narcotics investigation.
During the ex*****on of the search warrant, officers located and seized a substantial quantity of suspected methamphetamine, ma*****na, and other suspected hallucinogenic drugs. Drug paraphernalia was also recovered during the search.
As a result of the investigation, Robert Lee Stevenson, 67, and Cathy C. Whiting, 64, were taken into custody without incident. Both were booked into the Barton County Jail on charges of distribution of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. Each was booked in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
The Hoisington Police Department remains committed to investigating the distribution of illegal narcotics and protecting the safety and well-being of our community. The Department appreciates the continued support of the public and encourages anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity to contact the Hoisington Police Department.