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
CAPTION: There are only three ingredients in this easy lemon cake (and one is optional). The best part is it can be served in slices to be eaten with a fork or as a finger food for your next gathering. By Lindsey Young With plans to have
By Emmie Boese
The Hutchinson Community Foundation (Hutch CF) is hosting a youth grant giveaway. Applicants will be notified at a special ceremony on Sunday, March 2.
The Youth Philanthropy Council of Hutch CF has grant funds available specifically for Reno County youth. Applications were due in January, and they were reviewed and decided on in late February.
The organizations that applied must be section 501(c)(3) non-profits. Grants up to $1,000 are considered, with a range of $250 to $1,000. Annual awards total $5,000.
HCF shared its wishes for at least one or more application criteria from a list provided to grant applicants.
The wishes shared included a youth-created and led organization with supervision, a signed statement of support from a young person and an introduction to the fine arts for children and youth.
The Youth Philanthropy Council can partially fund a request in the application. More information is available at hutchcf.org. Sarah Blake is the program officer.
By Emmie Boese The Hutchinson Community Foundation (Hutch CF) is hosting a youth grant giveaway. Applicants will be notified at a special ceremony on Sunday, March 2. The Youth Philanthropy Council of Hutch CF has grant funds available specifically for Reno County youth. Applications were due in
By John Mesh The Hutchinson girls and boys basketball teams both posted come-from behind victories in makeup games Friday night at Salina South. The games were postponed twice because of weather. The Hutchinson Salthawk girls came from behind to defeat Salina South 44-35 and the Salthawk boys rallied
Laura Meyer Dick addresses the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce breakfast Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, regarding the restoration of the Landmark Hotel. The meeting was held in the 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds CREDIT RICHARD SHANK By Richard Shank The restored Landmark Hotel will open its
CAPTION: Kansas drought conditions as of February 18, 2025. CREDIT OFFICE OF THE KANSAS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST By Kate Irelan According to Patrick Bergkamp, agriculture and natural resource extension agent for Reno County, soil moisture is in a pretty good position from the November rains. “The last two
The City of Hutchinson closed the Woodie Seat Freeway for preparation of its Phase II construction. The Avenue F exits are open. CREDIT CITY OF HUTCHINSON
By Emmie Boese
The City of Hutchinson put up road closure detour signs in preparation for Phase II of the Woodie Seat Freeway project on Thursday, Feb. 27.
“All that construction will be in place that weekend prior to the actual start of the demolition and then construction will begin on March 3,” Public Works Director Cecil Weible said at last week’s city council meeting.
At last week’s city council meeting, Weible said that the detour routes for phase ll include 2nd Ave on the north, Ave. F on the south, Monroe St. on the west and Adams St. on the east.
However, due to the gas leak on Main Street that happened over the weekend, Ave. F is now open.
Weible spoke at a press conference that was held on Thursday by the city in regards to the gas leak. He gave specifics on how the detours will operate.
“We had a little bit of confusion not only with the detour because of Main St. being closed but also the Woodie Seat construction project kicking off,” Weible said. “With the efforts of Kansas Gas, they were able to reduce that down and open Avenue F so the two detours are now separated, and that should make traffic a little bit easier to navigate.
Weible also reminded folks that when detours are set up, it is specifically for bigger truck traffic.
“A lot of the time, the local residents will find their own way around,” Weible said. “Sometimes those detours will look really confusing, but most of the time we are thinking about trucks and the big traffic.”
The city has provided an update map on the detours for the Woodie Seat Freeway Project and Main St. on their Facebook page.
The City of Hutchinson closed the Woodie Seat Freeway for preparation of its Phase II construction. The Avenue F exits are open. CREDIT CITY OF HUTCHINSON By Emmie Boese The City of Hutchinson put up road closure detour signs in preparation for Phase II of the
By John Mesh The Hutchinson High School girls and boys basketball team were swept by Andover Thursday night at Andover. The Hutchinson girls lost 54-42 and the Salthawk boys lost 65-54. The Salthawk girls trailed 11-8 at the end of the first quarter, 26-18 at halftime and 41-23
