Hutchinson - Week of March 9, 2025
$100k for USGA Sr Open?; Property values up slightly; $36M bonds for YMCA; 42% households financially strained; Two inmate deaths within days at HCF
County Weighs $100k Request for 2029 USGA Senior Open at Prairie Dunes
Reno County Property Valuations Rise Moderately for 2025
City Council Approves $36M in Bonds for New YMCA Facility
42% of Reno County Households Struggle Financially, Survey Finds
Two Inmates Die Within Days at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
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1. County Weighs $100k Request for 2029 USGA Senior Open at Prairie Dunes
The Reno County Commission on Wednesday 2/26 tabled a decision on Prairie Dunes Country Club's request for $100,000 to help host the 2029 USGA Senior Open, with commissioners seeking additional constituent input before committing funds. The request, which matches the county's contribution to the 2006 tournament, sparked discussion about the economic benefits versus taxpayer responsibility, with Commissioner Ron Vincent requesting two weeks to consult with District 3 residents about their views on the expenditure.
Visit Hutch Vice President LeAnn Cox told commissioners the previous tournament generated an estimated $22 million economic impact and provided international media exposure to an audience of approximately 24 million viewers. County Administrator Randy Partington noted the county saw a $50,000 increase in sales tax revenue during the previous tournament month. Cox emphasized that Prairie Dunes aims to only break even on the event, which requires closing the course to members for nearly a month, and that funding could be distributed in increments rather than as a lump sum. The commission is expected to revisit the funding request in March.
Source: Reno County
2. Reno County Property Valuations Rise Moderately for 2025
Residential and commercial property valuations in Reno County will increase on average for 2025, though not as dramatically as in the past two years, County Appraiser Michael Plank told county commissioners on Tuesday 2/26. During his annual presentation, Plank explained that while the market appears to be leveling out, continued low housing inventory is maintaining a seller's market, with 86% of 2024 transactions selling above current valuations. The appraiser's office evaluates three years of sales data, with the primary driver of this year's increases being the replacement of 2021 sales with stronger 2024 figures in their analysis. Plank emphasized that valuation increases don't automatically mean higher taxes, which are determined by local government spending decisions rather than property values. Valuation notices were mailed February 28, with property owners having until March 31 to appeal if they believe their assessments exceed fair market value.
Source: Reno County
3. City Council Approves $36M in Bonds for New YMCA Facility
The Hutchinson City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on March 4 authorizing the issuance of $36 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a new YMCA facility. Industrial revenue bonds allow the city to become the temporary leaseholder of the property while the YMCA makes all debt payments, with the property transferring back to the organization once the bonds are paid off. The 75,000-square-foot health, wellness and fitness center will replace the existing YMCA building and feature an aquatics center, indoor track, gymnasium and other amenities. The project represents a collaboration between the Greater Wichita YMCA and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, with Benjamin Anderson, president of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, describing it as "the front door of the future health care delivery system in Reno County." Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2025 with completion anticipated 18 months later.
Source: City of Hutchinson
4. 42% of Reno County Households Struggle Financially, Survey Finds
Almost half, 42%, of Reno County households fall into the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category, including 13% living in poverty—a rate 3% higher than the Kansas average—according to findings presented to Hutchinson City Council on March 4 by the Community Foundation. The statistics emerged from the Foundation's "Love Where You Live" initiative, a three-year community empowerment project launched in June 2024 that surveyed 723 local residents. Foundation Strategy Director Kari Mailloux highlighted five key themes from the survey: supporting the financially constrained workforce, creating visible signs of community progress, increasing civic engagement, developing a shared community vision, and embracing innovative approaches to challenges. Residents prioritized attracting new businesses and addressing blight while expressing greater optimism about Hutchinson's future than its present. "Workshop participants prioritized ideas for jobs offering livable wages that allow time with family," Mailloux noted, adding that the survey will be conducted again in late 2025 to measure progress. City Manager Enrico Villegas confirmed the findings would help inform the city's strategic planning process for the next 3-5 years.
Source: Reno County
5. Two Inmates Die Within Days at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
Questions are mounting after a second inmate died at Hutchinson Correctional Facility within a week, according to Kansas Department of Corrections officials. Devon Malechi Stutesman, 24, was pronounced dead on Monday, March 3, after being found unresponsive in his cell on Saturday and transported to a local hospital. His death follows that of 57-year-old Lamoine Wiebe, who was discovered unresponsive in his cell on Saturday, March 1, and pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. Both deaths are under standard investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with autopsy results pending. Stutesman was serving a 122-month sentence for drug and weapons charges, while Wiebe was serving 233 months for voluntary manslaughter along with having an extensive criminal history including theft, burglary, and drug offenses.
Source: Hutch Post
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Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgNLDXRuEM (YouTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgNLDXRuEM (YouTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLYs9zNtADo (YouTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgNLDXRuEM (YouTube)
- https://hutchpost.com/posts/deee96fe-8811-44bb-b1a7-ca2de65cdd4e (Hutch Post)
https://hutchpost.com/posts/581c47b2-9060-4f1a-ad22-e0deb0f5d7b4 (Hutch Post)