Andale High School coaches, cheerleaders and fans celebrate the team’s Kansas Class 4A state championship. Andale defeated Topeka Hayden 36-19 Saturday afternoon at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. CREDIT Mackenzie Weller/Sports in Kansas By John Mesh Seven more Kansas state champions were crowned on Saturday to go along with
Wednesday Dec 4 Jingle Jams by HutchCC Fine Arts, 7 p.m. at Stringer Fine Arts, 700 E 11th Ave. Thursday Dec 5 “Nuncrackers,” 7:30 p.m. at the Flag Theater, 310 N Main St. Tickets available at the box office, Bookends, Absolutely Home, and on the Family Community Theatre website.
CAPTION: Gov. Laura Kelly speaks to Democratic supporters at a Nov. 5, 2024, watch party in Overland Park. CREDIT CHLOE ANDERSON FOR KANSAS REFLECTOR By Michael Glenn TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and
The Hutchinson Zoo kicks off its annual holiday season this weekend.
Holiday Happy Hour starts the festivities on Fri., Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., with music, animal experiences and holiday lights. Multiple food options and both non-alcoholic and adult beverages will be available.
This event is exclusively open to adults 21 and over. Tickets are $40 and include complimentary beverages and snacks. Proceeds benefit the Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo and are available on the zoo’s website.
The ninth Nights Before Christmas light show features dazzling displays set to music, made possible by a partnership between the zoo, the Blue Dragons of SkillsUSA and Hutchinson Community College.
Nights Before Christmas will occur from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 -14, 20 – 21 and 27 – 28. Santa’s reindeer will visit on Dec. 20 and 21.
Tickets include access to the zoo grounds light show, hot cocoa, cookies, a photo with Santa and a holiday train ride.
Tickets are $10 per person, with a buy three, get one free option. Children three years and under get in free.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the zoo’s website.
The Hutchinson Zoo kicks off its annual holiday season this weekend. Holiday Happy Hour starts the festivities on Fri., Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., with music, animal experiences and holiday lights. Multiple food options and both non-alcoholic and adult beverages will be available. This event
By John Mesh The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball are off to a 10-0 start after beating Independence Community College 66-34 Saturday afternoon at the ICC Fieldhouse in Independence. The Blue Dragon women now are 4-0 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Pirates fell to 1-8
By Gina Long
Like most Reno County property owners this past week, I received a shock in the mail.
My property taxes went up, and not by an insignificant amount.
The mill levies didn’t go up. Property valuations have exploded over the last 4 years. As stated in a previous editorial, my house’s valuation has increased 65 percent since 2018.
That is a crazy amount, reflecting the amounts buyers have been paying for Reno County properties.
It is frustrating because our taxes, although the mill levies remain the same or bond debt has been refinanced at lower borrowing costs, continue to rise because of property valuation.
Housing scarcity, particularly starter homes for working-class families, drives higher sales prices. Reno County’s negative housing growth impacts even the most humble property’s market value.
Higher valuations make staying in one’s home less affordable for fixed-income homeowners, a growing demographic. Homeowners who downsize and rent meet an expensive and crowded market, while homeowners who stay do not free up larger houses for families.
There are no easy solutions because so many essential infrastructure projects, such as upgrading Hutchinson’s crumbling water main and sewer systems, are now at the tipping point, when deferred maintenance is no longer possible.
Increasing the tax base is the only way out of the property tax spiral, given the state legislature’s revenue imbalance caused by the Brownback tax failure — the new Evergy plant in So. Hutchinson, as planned, is expected to bring hundreds of well-paying jobs and supporting employment in support sectors.
We must be cautious, however. The Evergy plant received a ten-year property tax abatement but only reached its employment goals for a limited time. We must ensure that companies that ride on the backs of working-class taxpayers hold up their end of the bargain.
Next week, I will pay my property tax bill, a disheartening task during the holidays. I wonder how much more each month I must set aside for taxes and the spiraling cost of property insurance and utility bills.
By Gina Long Like most Reno County property owners this past week, I received a shock in the mail. My property taxes went up, and not by an insignificant amount. The mill levies didn't go up. Property valuations have exploded over the last 4 years. As stated in
CAPTION: Jeff Wells of Advance Termite and Pest Control addresses the Hutchinson Executive Association at a Tuesday meeting. By Richard Shank As Advance Termite and Pest Control of Hutchinson prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in business, Al Wells is busy these days transitioning leadership of the
CAPTION: For a decadent, delicious twist on the classic, this pumpkin caramel pie is a must-try. It takes a lot of extra time and steps, but the flavor combination is worth all the effort. By Lindsey Young It’s Friendsgiving season for Joey and me, so that means
By Richard Shank
Author Charles Dickens, writing in 1859, penned a classic book entitled “A Tale of Two Cities,” which included a 12-word phrase still spoken 165 years later: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Historians and authors have spent decades defining Dickens’ words and are in some agreement that he was saying two completely opposite situations or experiences are happening simultaneously. These events represent a time of great contrast and paradox, where both positive and negatives aspects exist at the same time; like experiencing both joy and sorrow at once.
Perhaps, these words apply to the times we are experiencing in 2024. Still, a half dozen calls across Hutchinson found the same number of people who have plenty to be thankful in this holiday season.
Dave Thomas, a retired Sears Store Manager, college instructor, and for the past 20 years, an assistant coach for the Hutchinson Community College (HCC) Women’s Soccer team, smiles broadly when providing his list.
“I am thankful for the past year I spent working with the HCC Women’s Soccer team,” Thomas said. “This is one of the best groups of young ladies I have worked with both on and off the field in my two decades of coaching. It is a pleasure to go to practice every day with this group.
Bob Kenyon, who in 2023, relocated to Hutchinson from Baltimore following retirement as a college professor at Loyola University Maryland, is a proponent for using alternate sources of energy, offered straightforward comments. “I am thankful that there is more awareness of climate change and the efforts being made to slow or even reverse it,” Kenyon said. “Let’s leave our grandkids a habitable planet.”
Russ Reinert, Hutchinson CPA and resident for 50 years and civic activist, says plenty in fewest words, “I am thankful for having family and friends that accept me just as I am, and all the blessings our great God has bestowed on me.”
Retired radio executive and Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming, remains thankful in spite of family losses. “I am thankful for family and friends who continue to help me get through the deaths of my wife, daughter, and grandson, all in a short period of time—all of which helped me realize I should have been more appreciative and responsive to the love and kindness they
gave me,” Deming said. “Also, I am thankful for the health and opportunity to continue working and trying to make a positive difference for those less fortunate in our community.”
“And, I am thankful for the men and women who have died, fought and served in the military to make the United States, despite its’ many problems, the best country in the world, along with past and present leaders who have the vision to shape and implement a more responsive future,” Deming continued.
Kent Shank, a Hutchinson resident for 30 years said he has plenty to be thankful for and is happy to share. “I am grateful to my parents for instilling in me the importance of my Christian faith, and supporting me through college, enabling me to pursue my career aspirations,” Shank said. “I am also blessed to have met my wonderful wife, and together we raised three remarkable daughters who share a strong Christian faith, and are successfully pursuing their educational and career goals.”
“Two of my daughters are now married, and I am thankful for my two outstanding sons-in-law and my three-year-old grandchild,” Shank continued.
Kathy Voth, a retired Executive Assistant, is living proof for what some may call the small things of life add up to create what really matters most. “I am thankful for family gatherings, where laughter, stories, and playful banter are shared around the table,” Voth said. “I am thankful for our blooming flowers in the spring and summer, followed by the beautiful turning leaves and crisp nights in the fall. “I am thankful for the good health of my loved ones and I am thankful for my lifelong friendships that endure through good times.”
The bottom line is “gratitude” is a word that should be uppermost in minds on any given day. It is written that gratitude helps people feel more positive and bring better emotions, relish good experiences, improve one’s health to better deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Ramsey Solutions reports that feeling thankful creates contentment, cultivates humility and positivity, and promotes generosity.
After reporting on these well-stated thoughts from friends and experts, I should probably conclude with a few of my own.
I feel thankful to live in a free nation where anything is still possible. In 2024, we endured a contentious and hotly contested election. Not everyone’s favorite candidate won. Still, on January 20 we will have a peaceful transfer of power where the outgoing president will be in attendance to wish the best for his successor. If our new president does well, we will all do well.
As a Hutchonian, it has been fun to watch a city and county, working together and being poised to bring transformational changes to our community.
Sitting with family for Thanksgiving dinner in Lawrence, we were excited to swap a few old family stories and be thankful for nieces and nephews and their spouses who are pursuing their dreams and passions in a country brimming with opportunity. They are all doing the family proud.
We left Lawrence on Thanksgiving evening feeling blessed for all the family members and friends in our lives.
While traveling to and from Lawrence we witnessed several stranded motorists who were experiencing car malfunctions. I assume they were traveling to a Thanksgiving dinner just like we were. In each instance, the Kansas Highway Patrol was on the scene to aid. This fine group of law enforcement professionals have been serving Kansas for 87 years, and we should be thankful for what they do for us every day. And, we hope that at the end of their work day, they still had time for a family get together like we did.
Let us finish this year with a blast and pledge to make 2025 the best of all time.
Happy Holidays.
By Richard Shank Author Charles Dickens, writing in 1859, penned a classic book entitled “A Tale of Two Cities,” which included a 12-word phrase still spoken 165 years later: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Historians and authors have spent decades
By Ainsley Trunkhill
From relocation incentives to national television, the commissioners have been investigating avenues to promote the benefits of small town America in Reno County. During Wednesday’s meeting, the commissioners voted to enter an agreement with the Reno County Chamber of Commerce to commit up to $90,000 in a partnership with marketing agency MakeMyMove. MakeMyMove, which first appeared before the board in October, is an organization that markets cities on a national platform for those looking to relocate. It works alongside communities to curate information for prospective movers and provide unique incentives for relocation. With the support of mayors across the county and staff recommendation, the partnership with MakeMyMove will ultimately result in a contract that guarantees ten new movers will make Reno County their home.
While the vote passed, it was not without dissent. Commissioner John Whitesel voted against the agreement after expressing several concerns about the residential requirements, the nature of city incentive packages, and the decline in remote work, which would prompt people to relocate.
“I think we’re jumping the gun on this a little bit with just a blank approval here,” Whitesel said.
President and CEO of the Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Debra Teufel, assured the commissioners that they would have these questions answered as they progressed in the process.
“This is the first step,” Teufel said.
She noted that the mayors were willing to generate creative incentives packages once they knew that there was support from the commission for the partnership, and that individual contracts with relocators would include specifics regarding residency requirements. Speaking directly to Commissioner Whitesel, she also stated that the MakeMyMove website was not exclusive to remote workers and commented on the position of remote work both locally and nationally.
“There is still a place for remote work in our country,” Teufel said. “Companies even right here in Reno County offer that as a perk of making their county more attractive.”
Commissioner Daniel Friesen, who ultimately voted in favor of the agreement, still shared his initial concerns with committing the money. Friesen expressed uncertainty with the validity of the company’s guarantees and with paying the dollar amount upfront. Teufel reminded the commission that Wednesday’s agreement was for the company’s marketing rather than their performance, which would come later in individual contracts.
“You’re going to spend money to attract people to your community one way or another,” Teufel said.
The commissioners also voted to merge eight fire districts across the county into a single district to promote the quality of services. Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar proposed the plan to the board, noting that it had taken seven years to generate the work.
“This plan we have before you today is to improve service across the county,” Weishaar said.
Weishaar emphasized that each of the fire chiefs supported the project and that maintaining community pride would still be a priority. The merger passed in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Whitesel voting against it, and will be initiated by Jan. 1, 2026.
Whitsel also voted against several technical resolutions pulled from the consent agenda due to their language surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“I think my stance on this has been pretty clear since the beginning, but I am in the minority in the commission so I just wanted the chance to vote no on these items,” Whitesel said.
The specific language Whitesel referenced was the “equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and benefits. …, particularly with those who have been historically marginalized or disadvantaged.” Despite his dissenting vote, each of the resolutions regarding the economic development reserve fund and hazard mitigation plan passed.
The commission also voted to appoint Harley Macklin to serve a third, three-year term on the Planning Commission and to extend the solar moratorium to March 1, 2024.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse.
From left: Reno County Commissioners John Whitesel, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks, Don Bogner and Daniel Friesen CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Ainsley Trunkhill From relocation incentives to national television, the commissioners have been investigating avenues to promote the benefits of small town America in Reno County. During
