Hutchinson local news summary
Week of October 8 2025
Hutchinson to pursue next-generation nuclear plant
Council approves tax incentive for Landmark apartments redevelopment
City seeks $18 million state loan for wastewater plant upgrades
Pickleball court upgrades deferred, sparking community debate
Council approves $161,000 for new Fairgrounds Park playground
Commission Approves Fast-Track Plan for New Evergy Plant Roads
Financial Report Shows County Revenues on Track to Exceed Budget
Hutchinson to pursue next-generation nuclear plant
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Hutchinson will formally express interest in becoming the site for a next-generation modular nuclear energy plant developed by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates. At the city council meeting Tuesday, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debra Teufel announced that after conversations with state officials and the utility company Evergy, the city has a strong case for the multi-billion-dollar project. Teufel cited the community’s existing industrial-zoned land, proximity to high-voltage transmission lines, ample water supply and a workforce trained for the energy sector. The council supported the mayor signing a letter to formally enter Hutchinson into consideration for the project, which would be a first of its kind for Evergy in Kansas.
Council approves tax incentive for Landmark apartments redevelopment
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the redevelopment of the historic Landmark building at 501 N. Main St. The RHID will allow the developer, Meyer Landmark, LLC, to be reimbursed for eligible construction costs using the new property tax revenue generated by the building’s improvements over a 25-year period. Justin Pregont, a developer working on the project, reported that construction is over halfway complete on the upper-story apartments. This marks the city’s first “upper story” RHID, a state tool designed to encourage the creation of housing in downtown commercial buildings.
City seeks $18 million state loan for wastewater plant upgrades
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Hutchinson is applying for an $18 million loan from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to fund critical upgrades at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The City Council authorized the application Tuesday following a public hearing. City Engineer Evan Patterson said the funds would address seven projects rated as “poor or emergency,” dealing with life-safety risks for workers and equipment at high risk of failure. If the loan is approved and accepted, the cost for a typical residential user is projected to increase by $3.40 to $6.80 per month. Patterson noted the improvements are necessary to keep the current plant operational, regardless of future plans for a new facility.
Pickleball court upgrades deferred, sparking community debate
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - A budgeted project to upgrade the pickleball courts at Rice Park has been deferred, City Manager Enrico Villegas announced Tuesday, citing the need to prioritize funding for critical infrastructure like water and wastewater systems. The decision prompted members of the local pickleball community to attend the meeting and advocate for the project. Spokesperson Don Beydler argued the current courts are unusable at night due to poor lighting and an unfinished surface, breaking a promise made when the courts were built. In response to the public feedback, the council directed city staff to investigate lower-cost options to improve the lighting and explore partnerships with Unified School District 308 for use of other courts.
Council approves $161,000 for new Fairgrounds Park playground
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - A new, modern playground will be installed at Fairgrounds Park after the City Council approved a $161,000 purchase from vendor GameTime. The project, which was fast-tracked from the 2026 budget to take advantage of a significant discount, will replace equipment that is over 30 years old. Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs said the new design was based on public feedback and will feature equipment for younger children, ages 2-5, a pour-in-place rubber safety surface and integrated shade structures. While the equipment will likely be installed by the end of the year, the playground is not expected to open until spring 2026, when temperatures are suitable for installing the rubber surface.
Commission Approves Fast-Track Plan for New Evergy Plant Roads
RENO COUNTY - The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Growth, Inc. to expedite the development of roads essential for the new Evergy power plant. The county will act as a subrecipient for grant funds to cover the engineering and design of three miles of roadway, including sections of McNew Road and Mills Avenue. Currently designated as township roads, the routes will be upgraded to county-road standards to handle heavy construction traffic. County Administrator Randy Partington assured the commission that the initial design phase will be covered by the grant, with the full construction costs to be paid by Evergy under a future development agreement, resulting in no direct cost to county taxpayers for the project.
Financial Report Shows County Revenues on Track to Exceed Budget
RENO COUNTY - The county’s finances are in a strong position, according to a financial report delivered by County Administrator Randy Partington. As of the report, overall revenues for all funds have reached 98% of the budgeted amount for the year, indicating the county is on pace to collect more than anticipated. Expenditures were reported at 57% of the budget. Partington noted that while the cash balance in some funds, like Youth Services, appeared low, it was due to internal fund transfers that have not yet been completed. He stated the general fund cash balance remains healthy.
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