The Hutchinson Blue Dragons’ opening-night football game Thursday, Aug. 29, against New Mexico Military Institute will be televised on ESPN+. It is the first ESPN+ NJCAA Game of the Week telecast for 2024 football season. Kickoff at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson is 6 p.m. central time. The Blue
A Reno County press release announced Wednesday a Reno County Public Works Department vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle accident northwest of Pretty Prairie today, August 14, 2024, causing the fatality of an employee and serious injuries to three other employees.
Reno County is working with the Kansas Highway Patrol as they investigate the accident.
The identities of the employees are being withheld pending notification of family members throughout the ongoing investigation.
The Reno County Public Works Department will be closed for the rest of the week and will reopen on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The Reno County Planning Commission will hold its meeting tomorrow evening at 4:30 p.m. in the Reno County Public Works Department building, located at 600 Scott Blvd in South Hutchinson.
Reno County wants to express our deepest sympathies and know our thoughts are with our employees and their families during this difficult time.
A Reno County press release announced Wednesday a Reno County Public Works Department vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle accident northwest of Pretty Prairie today, August 14, 2024, causing the fatality of an employee and serious injuries to three other employees. Reno County is working with
By John Mesh The Hutchinson Central Christian Cougars football team returns 15 starters from the state playoff team in 2023. The Cougars also have three ninth graders on the roster. The Cougars, coached by Matt Barnett in his second season, posted a 6-4 record in 2023 and lost
CAPTION: From left: Board Members Gleysha Mendez-Rosario, Tad Dower, Cheryl Thompson, Vice President Darcie Canfield-Riggs, Valarie Gibson-Smith, Lance Patterson and President Laura Corey. CREDIT USD 308 By Michael Glenn The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education approved publishing the recommended budget for the upcoming school year and
CAPTION: Rep. Paul Waggoner, right, speaks at an April 20, 2024, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Legislative forum alongside Rep. Jason Probst, left. Both representatives spoke with The Hutchinson Tribune about the 2024 Kansas Primary Election. CREDIT TRIBUNE STAFF By Michael Glenn Kansas State Rep. Paul Waggoner
By Gina Long Only 40 tickets are still available for Friday evening's Downtown Hutch Uncorked for TECH. The downtown wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres walking tour is a fundraiser for TECH, a community organization that supports people with disabilities. The tour includes 15 downtown businesses, and all
Back row: Chris Shank, Greg Lackey, Tim Lackey, Monte Cross Front row: Dr. Michael Green, Jessica Goering, Laura Meyer Dick CREDIT BUHLER USD 313
Buhler School District 313 Board met Monday, August 12 for their monthly board meeting and discussed several upcoming repairs for consideration. Jessica Goering was the only board member absent.
Superintendent Cindy Couchman began the meeting by discussing expensive inefficiency issues with the heating and cooling system at the Buhler Grade School. “We’ve blown a lot of compressors because of current system problems,” said Couchman. Director of Finance Shane Hecox said that the total bill is around $12 to $13 thousand every time they have to replace compressors.
The most recent expensive repair was when it was discovered that certain valves were leaking coolant. Couchman said that It’s been 10 years of these continued problems and there’s no solution in sight. So they began checking into alternatives.
Bret Miller with DCS Services out of Wichita explained that part of the problem with the current Variant Refrigerant Flow system (VRF) system is that the insulation is very specific. “When one part fails, it causes more problems,” said Miller.
Miller proposed a less expensive option of replacing the current system with a one-to-one split system by Mitsubishi with a dedicated outdoor system. Each room would have its own unit to control and there would also be a central control system. He said that it will have the least economic and physical impact and a 10-year warranty. And by adapting the system this way, the school could reuse some of its current systems.
The board unanimously agreed to have Miller bring proposals to the September board meeting.
The City of Buhler has requested help with a partnership with the school district over the operation of the baseball and softball fields in Buhler. The city’s water allotment is restricted on water rights, and watering the baseball complex is using more than the allotment and causing added expense to the city budget. The city asked the school board to look at options for helping, possibly looking at drilling wells for the ball fields.
Couchman explained that after a cursory ask of a drilling company, it was determined that one well would not be enough to water the fields and that it is possible to drill for multiple wells, but there are too many unknown variables to know exactly what is needed. The drilling company will look into it and let the board know their findings.
“The city supports us, and we support them,” said Couchman. “We want to be good stewards of water. We have decreased our water usage, we realize we are in a water crisis and we are being conscious of our use. We need to know more and ask more questions.”
Couchman gave a facility report. The remodeling on the Ad Astra building is “pretty much done,” said Couchman. They will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 am this Friday and the children’s first day will be on Wednesday. Hecox and Couchman did a walk-through of the building. “Looks pretty good,” said Couchman.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment inspection of the daycare at Buhler Grade School will be tomorrow at 1:00. “If they give us the go, we are hoping to open Monday,” said Couchman. “As for Crusader Corner, we anticipate opening sometime in September.”
Couchman offered to schedule tours of the buildings for the board every Friday until everyone had a chance to see them. The first scheduled tour will be on August 23.
Hecox asked the board for permission to publish the budget in the newspapers to provide plenty of time before the budget hearings. The board unanimously approved.
In an administrative report, Couchman discussed awards and recognitions given at a recent all-staff meeting. Mary Witthuhn and Taden Reed both received the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award of $250 each. Mike Ryan received the Friend of Education award.
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) group received a 3-star National Chapter rating. According to the National FFA website, “Chapters that receive a national 3-star chapter rating will be eligible to compete for the National Premier Chapter Awards, Models of Excellence and Middle School Models of Excellence Awards.”
The Prairie Hills Middle School Jazz Band earned a spot to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) All-State band performance.
Couchman said, “School hasn’t even started yet and we are already recognizing our teams’ performances.”
For more information about the Buhler School District meetings and minutes, visit their website at https://www.usd313.org/page/board-of-education or call 620-543-2258. The school board meets regularly at 6:00 pm on the second Monday of the month at the Burkholder Administrative Center, 406 7th Avenue in Buhler.
Back row: Chris Shank, Greg Lackey, Tim Lackey, Monte Cross Front row: Dr. Michael Green, Jessica Goering, Laura Meyer Dick CREDIT BUHLER USD 313 Buhler School District 313 Board met Monday, August 12 for their monthly board meeting and discussed several upcoming repairs for consideration. Jessica
The City of Hutchinson announced it is moving forward with the initial stages of the STAR Bond project on Tuesday. The project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the community’s development and economic growth.
The STAR Bond project includes three key components:
“The STAR Bond project is a major opportunity for Hutchinson,” said Mayor Greg Fast. “By updating our historic buildings and expanding local attractions, we’re making a big investment in our city’s future. This project will boost our community and drive lasting growth.”
Strategic Growth Director Dave Sotelo emphasized the importance of the project.
“The STAR Bond project represents a strategic investment in our city’s future,” said Sotelo. “By revitalizing key areas and expanding our local offerings, we’re not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also positioning Hutchinson as a vibrant and attractive destination.”
The city plans to hold a public hearing in September, during which the City Council will consider the approval of the district. This step is crucial, but it is just the beginning of a longer process to bring these projects to fruition.
The approval process for STAR Bonds involves several steps:
There are a few moving parts that make STAR Bonds work.
The City of Hutchinson stated that it and its partners are committed to revitalizing the downtown area and enhancing the community’s attractions. This STAR Bond project aspires to represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and development for a brighter future for Hutchinson.
For more information, visit https://www.hutchgov.com/575/STAR-Bonds.
The City of Hutchinson announced it is moving forward with the initial stages of the STAR Bond project on Tuesday. The project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the community's development and economic growth. The STAR Bond project includes three key components: The Landmark Building Redevelopment
From left: Commissioners John Whitesel, Ron Hirst, Daniel Friesen, Randy Parks and Don Bogner CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY
The Reno County Health Department will be on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting of the Reno County Board of Commissioners.
Due to a resignation, the commissioners will consider a replacement appointment to the health department’s advisory board. The health department also requests an exemption for sanitary inspection in schools because of vague Kansas statutes.
Business items include a resolution to partner with the City of Hutchinson regarding new housing developments. From 2010 to 2021, demolitions exceeded new construction, impacting Reno County’s housing supply. The resolution proposes extending grants for new housing development to all the county’s towns.
The commissioners will consider an agreement with the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for a new EMS station in Arlington.
An addendum to the county’s agreement with iParametrics to assist with administering ARPA funds completes the business portion of the agenda.
Monthly department reports will finish the order of business.
The Reno County Board of Commissioners meets on the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Veteran’s Room of the Reno County Courthouse, 206 W 1st Ave.
From left: Commissioners John Whitesel, Ron Hirst, Daniel Friesen, Randy Parks and Don Bogner CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY The Reno County Health Department will be on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting of the Reno County Board of Commissioners. Due to a resignation, the commissioners will consider a
CAPTION: From left: Board Members Gleysha Mendez-Rosario, Tad Dower, Cheryl Thompson, Vice President Darcie Canfield-Riggs, Valarie Gibson-Smith, Lance Patterson and President Laura Corey. CREDIT USD 308 By Michael Glenn The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education approved a professional agreement with the National Education Association - Hutchinson
