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CAPTION: Reno County Commissioners John Whitesel, left, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks, Don Bogner and Daniel Friesen at the Jan. 8 meeting held at the Reno County Courthouse. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY

By Ainsley Trunkhill

In their first meeting of the new year, and the last meeting for outgoing Commissioners John Whitesel and Daniel Friesen, the Reno County Commission took steps towards addressing housing issues in the county and discussed a new approach to landfill fees. 

Following projects such as the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s “Love Where You Live” undertaking and amidst national shortages on affordable housing units, Reno County has invested resources into creating a prosperous housing market across communities. In Spring of 2024, the county initiated a housing study in partnership with RDG Planning & Design, and during Wednesday’s meeting, Amy Haase with RDG presented their findings to the commissioners. 

The main goals of the study were to both collect data and community input, and determine strategies for moving forward, Haase noted. RDG found that between Hutchinson and South Hutchinson alone there was a demand for 2,000 units, and there is currently significant competition for affordable housing. Additionally, Haase explained that a portion of the thousands of individuals driving into the county for work each day could permanently relocate with the right housing market. 

“We think that with jobs, and the opportunities and the investments that are happening here across the county and in all of your communities that there’s a lot of potential to continue to capture some of that growth that employers are saying,” Haase said. 

Haase’s summary of the study fell around several key focuses, including gathering resources for young families and first-time home buyers, supporting value stabilization, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and increasing housing designed for retirees and older populations to free up larger family homes. For rental properties, Haase highlighted maintaining basic minimum rental standards and increasing tenant-landlord education. 

Commissioner Ron Hirst referred to the presentation as “nice things we already knew,” and expressed a desire to see more specifics as to where money would be going. Chairman Randy Parks, however, remained positive that an innovative approach would generate success for the county. 

“If we could alter the way we build and do some things a little bit different, cooperatively, I think we could accomplish some of those things, I really do,” Parks said. 

In terms of housing, the commission also passed an agreement for residential housing growth under the Home Buyer Incentive Program and set a hearing date for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in early February. Both programs offer remedies for the housing shortage by incentivising new homebuyers to purchase a newly constructed residence in the county, and incentivizing property investments and improvements, respectively. 

In his last meeting with the board, Friesen led a controversial vote to change the handling of landfill fees. Friesen has consistently advocated for removing the Solid Waste user fee from tax statements by instead creating a fee that haulers would pay, citing the need for a more accurate waste management system and arguing that these charges do not belong on tax statements. 

Solid Waste Director Megan Davidson explained that this transition would require a lengthy investigation of various factors to ensure the landfill maintains enough revenue to stay fully funded. Notably, commercial haulers are often on five or ten year contracts and have contracts with various cities, making re-negotiation difficult, according to Davidson. 

“There’s a lot that’ll have to be looked into to readjust and reevaluate if this is something that you wanted to go forward with,” Davidson said. 

Friesen asserted that the transition would be simple and that Davidson and other staff were merely throwing in “roadblocks.”

“I still struggle with why this is so complicated,” Friesen said. “It seems like a waste to even study this.”

Ultimately, Whitesel made a motion requesting that the landfill fee would be off residential tax statements by Jan. 1, 2026, arguing that this deadline would give them time to conduct a study if needed and make the necessary changes. Both Davidson and County Counselor Patrick Hoffman warned the board that the deadline was not manageable, but Friesen remained steadfast. 

“Just figure it out, stop throwing roadblocks on us,” Friesen said. “That happens with every problem, you don’t have a solution yet, it’s your job to figure it out.” 

The motion passed in a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Hirst and Don Bogner dissenting. 

Despite a controversial concluding vote, Whitesel and Friesen left the board with fond words and high praise. 

“I know we haven’t always agreed on everything, but I really do think we have a very good staff,” Friesen said. “I can’t say enough how appreciative I am.”

District 3 Commissioner Daniel Friesen will be replaced by Republican Ron Vincent, while District 4 Commissioner John Whitesel will be replaced by Republican Richard Winger.

CAPTION: Reno County Commissioners John Whitesel, left, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks, Don Bogner and Daniel Friesen at the Jan. 8 meeting held at the Reno County Courthouse. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Ainsley Trunkhill In their first meeting of the new year, and the last meeting for

By Emmie Boese

Reno County school districts closed school due to severe winter weather conditions on Monday, Jan. 6, through Tuesday, Jan. 7. This was due to a blizzard over the weekend on Saturday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 5.

Governor Laura Kelly issued a disaster emergency for winter storms on Jan. 4.

“I encourage all Kansans to be cautious as the winter storm moves through our state,” said Governor Kelly in a press release. “Stay off the roads if possible and be mindful of emergency response personnel working hard to keep our citizens safe.”

According to data gathered by the National Weather Service, the average wind chill temperature from Jan. 6 through Jan. 7 was -3.4 degrees. As of Tuesday, Hutchinson recorded 5 inches of total snowfall.

The Wednesday, Jan. 8 forecast shows sunny conditions with a high near 24 and wind chill values as low as -2 degrees. The evening forecast for Wednesday predicts a low of 13 degrees.

Reno County area schools canceled for Wednesday are USD 308 Hutchinson, USD 313 Buhler, USD 312 Haven, USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson and Central Christian Academy. USD 311 Pretty Prairie will have a two-hour late start.

By Emmie Boese Reno County school districts closed school due to severe winter weather conditions on Monday, Jan. 6, through Tuesday, Jan. 7. This was due to a blizzard over the weekend on Saturday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 5. Governor Laura Kelly issued a disaster emergency

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By Kate Irelan At the regular meeting on January 7, the Hutchinson City Council appointed Stacy Goss as the Mayor and Scott Meggers as Vice Mayor following the departure of Mayor Greg Fast. After a brief swearing-in ceremony, the council took a 10-minute break to celebrate

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By John Mesh Snow, ice and hazardous driving conditions throughout the state of Kansas, including the Hutchinson Tribune coverage area, have wiped out most of the state’s high school basketball schedule for Tuesday night. The Hutchinson Salthawk girls and boys basketball teams (both with 3-1 records) were

The Reno County Commission will gavel in its first meeting of 2025 with a full agenda on Wednesday, January 8.

First, two new commissioners will be sworn in. Ron Vincent of Buhler replaces Daniel Friesen in the county’s northeast District Three. In District Four, located entirely within the city of Hutchinson, Richard Wingert replaces John Whitesel.

Reno County Clerk Donna Patton is retiring and did not run for reelection. She began her career in 1991 as a tag clerk and has served in the elected clerk position since January 2013. She will be recognized during the meeting for her decades of service and a reception will be held afterward.

The commissioners will discuss and take action on possible adjustments to landfill fees and replacing a damaged fire truck.

RDG Planning & Design will present the Reno County housing study, which includes assessments and recommendations for increasing and improving the area’s housing stock.

After adjourning, a reception will be held for outgoing commissioners Daniel Friesen and John Whitesel.

The Reno County Board of Commissioners meets the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room in the Reno County Courthouse. Click here to view the Reno County website’s agenda and supporting documents package.

The Reno County Commission will gavel in its first meeting of 2025 with a full agenda on Wednesday, January 8. First, two new commissioners will be sworn in. Ron Vincent of Buhler replaces Daniel Friesen in the county's northeast District Three. In District Four, located entirely

CAPTION: The City of Hutchinson provided an update on plans to tackle the Salt City’s most recent snowstorm this weekend. CREDIT CITY OF HUTCHINSON

By Michael Glenn

The City of Hutchinson announced its plans to tackle Hutchinson’s recent snowstorm Saturday and Sunday, with a focus on Downtown Hutchinson, widening current major streets and working on residential streets.

“[Jan. 6], our crews are continuing to clear the remaining snow on roadways, focusing on areas that need widening and tackling spots with on-street parking in the downtown area,” an official post from the City of Hutchinson’s Facebook page said. “We’re also using smaller trucks and plows to clear paths in residential neighborhoods.”

The city said for drivers to expect heavy equipment and crews in action as they clear the areas.

“Blocks may be temporarily closed as needed to ensure the safety of both our workers and the public,” the post said.

In other snow business:

  • The Hutchinson Police Department lifted its Emergency Accident Reporting Plan Monday morning. If a driver is involved in an accident, they should dial 911 for an officer to respond.
  • Hutchinson USD 308, Buhler USD 313, Nickerson/South Hutchinson USD 309 and Haven USD 312 will not be in session Tuesday, Jan. 7, as of 5:35 p.m. Monday.
  • According to Kandrive.gov, all state highways have been reopened in Reno County, with U.S. Route 50 and Kansas Highway 61 remaining completely covered in snow or ice. Kansas Highway 96 has been classified as partially covered.
  • Hutchinson City Hall, the Reno County District Courts and Reno County offices will be open Tuesday.
  • Stutzman’s Refuse Disposal will run routes one day later than scheduled, as they were not able to pick up Monday.
  • Uptown Hutch will reopen Tuesday at 12 p.m. as weather permits.

CAPTION: The City of Hutchinson provided an update on plans to tackle the Salt City's most recent snowstorm this weekend. CREDIT CITY OF HUTCHINSON By Michael Glenn The City of Hutchinson announced its plans to tackle Hutchinson's recent snowstorm Saturday and Sunday, with a focus on Downtown