By John Mesh The 2024-25 basketball season will continue for the Hutchinson Central Christian boys squad with a 63-47 victory over No. 1-seed Weskan in the Kansas Class 1A Division II Dighton sub-state #1 semifinal game Monday night at Goodland’s Max Jones Fieldhouse. Brady Froese led the
By Kate Irelan On March 7, Sunshine Meadows will hold their 25th Annual Gala fundraiser at the Crystal Ballroom at the Burt, 3 West Avenue B in Hutchinson. They will be celebrating 80 years of service and the theme for the evening is “Excellence for His
CAPTION: Aerial photo taken by Nick Hemphill Photo Video after an explosion and fire at Steffens Auto Parts on South Main Street in Hutchinson shows extensive damage to the building and some damage to nearby business Lilypad Septic and Portable Restrooms. Melted remnants of some
Graphic courtesy of Blue Dragon Sports Information By John Mesh Hutchinson Trinity Catholic High School’s Mattie Galliher, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, signed a letter of intent Wednesday afternoon to play volleyball at Hutchinson Community College. Galliher played volleyball for Celtic coaches Lauren Cost and Jan Frieb. She also
By Gina Long
The Hutchinson Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Council awarded nine grants to eight local organizations Sunday.
Co-chairs Mary Newboles and Ellie Foos delivered the opening remarks, and Libby Trumpp and Haley McGill outlined the grant-making process.
Grants are awarded yearly from the Richard W. Dillon Memorial Fund for Youth Philanthropy, and each award aims to impact the lives of Reno County youth positively.
The 2024-2025 council members are:
Buhler High School
Claudia Taylor
Libby Trumpp
Fairfield High School
Gavin Foster
Lucy Steeb
Haven High School
Kayla Rose
Hutchinson High School
Ellie Foos
Hollyn Neufeldt
Nickerson High School
Will Barkley
Haley McGill
Trinity Catholic High School
Mary Newboles
Ruby Tovar-Contreras
Sam Vogel
“The work we do with this council is not just scholarships. We choose where our support could make the most impact.” Ellie Foos said. “Real change happens when people trust each other to make it possible.”
“Community needs are almost always more than available resources,” Haley McGill said. “These are projects that matter in the community. They are centered on youth.”
“No one is ever too young to make a difference in the community,” Libby Trumpp said.
The presenters repeatedly thanked YPC mentor, Hutchinson Community Foundation Program Director Sarah Blake.
“She supports and encourages us in everything, not just the youth council,” Mary Newboles said. “I speak for all the council when I say from the bottom of my heart: Thank you, Sarah.”
The programs receiving awards are:
Members of the Hutchinson Community Foundation's Youth Philanthropy Council from left: Hutchinson Community Foundation Program Officer Sarah Blake, (back) Gavin Foster, Sam Vogel, Ellie Foos, Libby Trumpp, Kayla Rose, Hollyn Neufeldt and Will Barkley. Front from left: Claudia Taylor, Ruby Tovar-Contreras, Mary Newboles, Lucy Steen
Thursday March 6 “Lady and The Tramp,” part of the Fox Classic Film Series, 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 18 E 1st Ave. Admission is $5. The Fox Film Series Passes are $45 and include 10 admissions and 5 small popcorns Spring Flourishes Symphonic Band Concert
CAPTION: The East entrance of Memorial Hall at 101 South Walnut in Downtown Hutchinson. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
By Michael Glenn
Caution signs: we’ve seen a lot recently.
I live in South Hutchinson, so navigating the closed Woodie Seat Freeway and Main Street has caused me to read a lot of orange signs around the south side of town.
I’ve never minded caution or road work signs a lot because I tend to think of it as a good thing that the city is keeping up on maintenance and construction.
With maintenance, the Hutchinson City Council is in the middle of deciding the fate of one of its most iconic buildings: Memorial Hall.
Memorial Hall is a building synonymous with Downtown Hutchinson, such as the Historic Fox Theatre and the Landmark Building. While we don’t have much of a skyline, if someone were to draw a silhouette of downtown, Memorial Hall would be in it.
The Council, at its last meeting on Feb. 19, heard a presentation about the future of the building. To be frank, it’s not in great shape. Much work needs to be done in HVAC, and $5.3 million in renovations is needed to bring it up to modern standards, according to the City’s Parks and Facilities department.
Furthermore, it doesn’t make any money for the city. The total amount of expenses for Memorial Hall in 2023 was $110,548 in expenses, $15,160 in revenue and $95,388 in net loss. In 2024, it was $126,098 in expenses, $27,080 in revenue and $99,018 in net loss.
It would be erroneous to demolish the Hall and turn it into green space simply because of that. Many different organizations, community groups and private parties have utilized the space. Here’s a list I came up with just from events we’ve reported on:
Here’s a thought that I think most of us forget: the government is not a business. If you run a government like a company, it will fail. Running a stable government is more than just dollars and cents. Memorial Hall holds much sentimental and nostalgic value to many people who live here, even if it isn’t in the greatest shape today.
With the Downtown Masterplan beginning to take shape, Memorial Hall has the chance to be the literal crown jewel of Hutchinson, supported by the Landmark and the Fox Theatre.
From the information we have, here are the three most likely options for its fate, in no particular order:
It’s difficult to say what the “correct” option is here. Selling it would be the most cost-effective and most efficient, but then the developer gains hefty rights to the building, which could include demolition. On the other hand, the building can’t stay the way it is. And on the park, convincing Hutch residents that tearing down the Hall to put a park in would be difficult.
Depending on the design done for a potential park, there could be benefits to having a green area in the center of downtown. The park could also honor the past events and prestige the Hall has had on Hutchinson while not being a financial burden on the City’s coffers.
As a young person, I would prefer the Hall to stay in some form. It’s a historic building that has a unique space that can be used. If it’s truly not possible to simply renovate and bring it up to standards, having a central green space downtown could benefit local businesses in the area and provide a leisurely break from the busy streets.
The best option right now for the council, which they have rightfully done, is to wait and see what is available. If there’s a can’t-beat-that offer available, maybe that’s the best option.
Proceed with caution, council.
CAPTION: The East entrance of Memorial Hall at 101 South Walnut in Downtown Hutchinson. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE By Michael Glenn Caution signs: we’ve seen a lot recently. I live in South Hutchinson, so navigating the closed Woodie Seat Freeway and Main Street has caused me to
Graphic courtesy of Blue Dragon Sports Information By John Mesh Hutchinson Community College sophomore Hailey Jackson passed the 1,000-point mark and the No. 11 Blue Dragon women’s basketball team held off the Seward County Saints 58-50 Saturday afternoon at the Green House in Liberal. Jackson now has scored
Buhler High School wrestler Macey Parks captured the Kansas Class 4A girls state wrestling title at 145 pounds Saturday at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. She also reached the 100-victory mark. (Photo courtesy of Buhler wrestling). By John Mesh Buhler High School’s Macey Parks
By Gina Long
The anticipated end of the solar power moratorium in Reno County in May will finally remove a significant roadblock to the area’s economic development, and it could not come at a better time.
Reno County’s agricultural economy is expected to suffer more shocks due to shifting weather patterns, an extra six weeks of above-average yearly heat, and whiplash tariff threats.
The manufacturing economy has not improved significantly. A multi-billion dollar gas plant is expected to break ground in 2027 and be completed by 2030. As is common practice, the facility will be property tax-exempt for ten years. The existing population will continue to shoulder the property tax burden.
Hostility to renewable energy, as seen in the complete ban on wind turbine farms enacted in 2021 and the slow walk for commercial solar power, has forced the tax burden onto a shrinking base. Skyrocketing home valuations have increased the tax burden despite lower mill levies.
Central Kansas is uniquely situated to supply our product to the regional power grid.
Renewable energy uses much less groundwater than traditional petroleum- and coal-based energy generation.
The transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a powerful economic engine. These technologies generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and provide long-term financial benefits.
One of the most immediate economic impacts is job creation. The solar and wind industries require a diverse workforce, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and engineering. This surge in employment spans various skill levels, offering opportunities for rural areas. Furthermore, the growth of these industries fuels related sectors, such as supply chain logistics and advanced manufacturing.
Beyond job creation, solar and wind projects inject significant capital into local economies. Land lease payments to farmers and ranchers, increased property tax revenues, and spending at local businesses all contribute to economic revitalization, particularly in rural communities.
Moreover, solar and wind power offer long-term financial stability. Unlike fossil fuels, which are subject to volatile price fluctuations, these renewable sources provide predictable energy costs. Once the initial investment is made, the operating expenses are minimal, leading to significant savings for businesses and consumers. This price stability enhances economic planning and reduces vulnerability to global energy market shifts.
Reno County can have a natural gas plant and renewable energy. Energy sources are not mutually exclusive, and diversified economies are more resilient to the business cycle.
If the county does not find a way to broaden the tax base, it will remain economically stagnant. It is time to prime the energy generation pump.
CREDIT WIKIMEDIA COMMONS By Gina Long The anticipated end of the solar power moratorium in Reno County in May will finally remove a significant roadblock to the area's economic development, and it could not come at a better time. Reno County's agricultural economy is expected to suffer more
