Hutchinson local news summary
Week of November 5 2025
Rica Simpson
Council overturns landmarks, paves way for Bernard’s Restaurant demolition
New Hilton hotel project awarded $18 million in bonds, 10-year tax abatement
City to temporarily halt water shut-offs for non-payment
Council seeks development of new utility assistance program
Commission approves sheriff’s vehicle purchase after debate, split vote
District attorney pushes for bond reform, cites success of new programs
Commissioners approve $69,200 for urgent courthouse dome repairs
Upcoming tax sale has already netted over $721,000 in back taxes
County finances reported to be in ‘good shape’
Council overturns landmarks, paves way for Bernard’s Restaurant demolition
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – After years of debate and extensions, the Hutchinson City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to overturn a decision by the Landmarks Commission, clearing the final hurdle for the city to demolish the historic Bernard’s Restaurant & Catering building at 2100 S. Bonebrake St. The council found that no feasible or prudent alternatives exist for the structure, which was declared unsafe and dangerous in April. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 7, 2025. During a lengthy public hearing, property owner Susie Bernard Gress made an emotional plea for a 30-day extension to continue private rehabilitation efforts, citing the property's recent inclusion on state and national historic registers. However, council members expressed frustration with a lack of tangible progress over the past seven years. City staff noted that the owner’s demolition permit, approved two months prior, was never pulled and her contractor was no longer involved. The 5-0 vote allows the city to proceed with its own demolition plan.
New Hilton hotel project awarded $18 million in bonds, 10-year tax abatement
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday authorizing the issuance of $18 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for the Amber Hotel, LLC project, which has developed the new Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center. The action formalizes an agreement first discussed in February 2023. As part of the industrial revenue bonds process, the city will hold the title to the property while Amber Hotel, LLC leases it; the city is not responsible for any debt or property expenses. The agreement also includes a 10-year property tax abatement for the hotel, which opened Oct. 28, 2025. Once the bonds are paid in full, the property will be deeded back to the company.
City to temporarily halt water shut-offs for non-payment
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The city of Hutchinson will temporarily suspend shutting off water service for customers with delinquent accounts, Mayor Stacy Goss announced at Tuesday’s meeting. The policy change is a response to recent news that funding for critical state and local assistance programs, including the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, is currently on hold due to the government shutdown. The suspension is intended to provide a grace period for residents while the funding status of these support programs remains uncertain.
Council seeks development of new utility assistance program
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson City Council has directed city staff to accelerate the development of a city-run utility assistance program. During her comments Tuesday, Mayor Stacy Goss formally requested that the city manager bring a finalized proposal for the program to the council for consideration within the next two weeks. The goal is to have a new assistance option ready to launch early next year to help residents struggling with their utility bills.
Commission approves sheriff’s vehicle purchase after debate, split vote
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission approved the purchase of three Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office in a 4-1 vote Tuesday, following a debate over selecting a higher bid for the sake of fleet consistency. The bid from Midway Motors for the three Ford vehicles totaled $154,161, while a competing bid for three Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles from Midwest Superstore came in at $148,293. Automotive Director Ron Brubaker recommended the Ford purchase, noting that all existing equipment from the current fleet would transfer directly, saving an estimated $3,000 to $4,000 per vehicle in new equipment costs. Commissioner Randy Parks, the lone dissenting vote, expressed concern about establishing a pattern of not accepting the lowest bid. “I don’t want this board… to make a habit of spending more money all the time just because of a want when we’re spending the public dollars,” Parks said. The purchase, which will replace three vehicles lost in accidents, will be funded from the county equipment reserve fund.
District attorney pushes for bond reform, cites success of new programs
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton reported Tuesday that his office is now fully staffed, a rarity in Kansas, which has helped reduce the pending jury trial caseload from 124 to 84 cases over the past year. In his annual report to the commission, Stanton highlighted the success of a new first-time felony drug diversion program, which has seen nine graduates whose cases were subsequently dismissed. He also reiterated his push for a local risk-assessment tool to guide bond decisions, which he said could help manage the jail population and associated taxpayer costs. Stanton noted he submitted a proposal to the district’s chief judge nearly a year ago but was told to wait for a state-level tool that has yet to materialize. Commissioners voiced their support for implementing the local plan.
Commissioners approve $69,200 for urgent courthouse dome repairs
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission unanimously approved a $69,200 bid Tuesday for urgent repairs to the courthouse dome to fix persistent water leaks that have damaged the district attorney's fifth-floor offices. Facilities Director Kyle Stewart reported that significant water intrusion has made some office spaces unusable, with water dripping from light fixtures during rainstorms. Stewart stated the problem areas were identified for repair during a previous major restoration project but were “eliminated due to budget constraints,” according to the project’s architect. The bid from Mid-Continental Restoration of Fort Scott was the only firm proposal received after the county contacted 11 different masonry contractors. The project, funded by the Capital Improvement Project reserve fund, will address cracks in the dome's stone sidewalls and missing mortar on the building's east wall.
Upcoming tax sale has already netted over $721,000 in back taxes
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County has collected $721,436 in delinquent property taxes since beginning its annual tax sale process in January, County Counselor Patrick Hoffman reported. The process began with 175 properties that had five years of unpaid taxes. After notifications and legal filings, that number is now down to 54 properties that will be auctioned if the taxes are not paid. Hoffman credited his staff for managing the complex process that brings properties back onto the tax rolls.
County finances reported to be in ‘good shape’
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County’s finances are in a strong position heading into the final quarter of the year, County Administrator Randy Partington reported Tuesday. Revenues in the county’s general fund have already exceeded the budgeted amount for the year, driven by strong tax collections and interest income. Partington noted that while the current cash balance appears high, it will decrease by year’s end following scheduled transfers to other county funds and reserves. He assured the commission that the county should end the year “in good shape.”
Brought to you by (click me!)
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
citizen journal offers three flagship products: a daily national news summary, a daily Kansas news summary, and local news and school board summaries from 12 cities across Kansas. Each issue contains 5 paragraph-length stories that are made to be read in 5 minutes. Use the links in the header to navigate to national, kansas, and local coverage. Subscribe to each, some, or all to get an email when new issues are published for FREE!
