Reno County – Week of July 23, 2025
Health Department Overhaul; Transit Employee Retires; County Attracts Residents; New EMS Station; County Project Selection
Commission Taps Local Architect for Health Department Overhaul
Long-Serving Transit Employee Honored Upon Retirement
New Residents Highlight County’s Appeal
Groundbreaking Set for New Arlington Ems Station
Selection Process for County Projects Debated
Commission Taps Local Architect for Health Department Overhaul
RENO COUNTY - The Reno County Commission has approved moving forward with Landmark Architects, a Hutchinson-based firm, to design a major renovation of the county health-department building. A selection panel unanimously recommended Landmark after interviewing eight qualified firms. The project will modernize the 1982 structure by adding exam rooms, conference space and storage, and will bring the front entrance into ADA compliance to replace the current steep ramp. Design work begins this year; construction is expected to follow next year once EMS relocates to its new Fifth Avenue station. The estimated cost will be paid from the Health Capital Outlay Fund, which currently holds just over $1 million. Commissioners said choosing a local firm will improve oversight and keep dollars in the community. The negotiated contract with Landmark will come back for formal approval.
2. Long-Serving Transit Employee Honored Upon Retirement
RENO COUNTY - After 14 years with Reno County Area Transportation (RCAT), Rochelle Hoskinson will retire on July 31. During the commission meeting, Aging & Public Transportation staff praised Hoskinson’s decade of front-line driving and her later work in operations, dispatch and shift coverage. Colleagues said her willingness to fill routes during driver shortages made her indispensable to both riders and co-workers.
3. New Residents Highlight County’s Appeal
RENO COUNTY - A commissioner shared the story of a family who recently moved from Tampa, Florida, into a home renovated through the county’s ARPA-funded housing program. One spouse, an Army service member, will become Hutchinson’s first female Army recruiter. After exploring farmers’ markets and Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm, the newcomers said “there’s nothing like this in Tampa.” Officials credited incentives such as MakeMyMove, which now has two additional families from California and Washington preparing to relocate to Reno County.
4. Groundbreaking Set for New Arlington EMS Station
RENO COUNTY - A long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled this week for the new Arlington EMS Station 3, a key public-safety upgrade for western Reno County residents. Commissioners noted the project has been “forever and a day” in the making and is critical for timely emergency response in rural areas.
5. Selection Process for County Projects Debated
RENO COUNTY - During discussion of the architect hire, staff reviewed the county’s “request for qualifications” (RFQ) method, which state law requires for professional services. Under the RFQ approach the most qualified firm is selected first; fee negotiations follow. If agreement cannot be reached, the county may negotiate with the next-ranked firm. Staff said keeping close communication with whatever firm is chosen is essential for proper oversight. Commissioners confirmed the Landmark recommendation was unanimous after extensive debate.
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