[{"_1":2,"_101":-5,"_102":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,94],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6333799,"mediaKeyId","2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40","parentId",2301295,"title","Reno County 911 says staffing is full and details new tech; commissioners press for clearer burn-permit guidance","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2133000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40&start=2133&end=2133","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40/thumbnail_2133000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6333799/Reno-County/Kansas/Reno-County-911-says-staffing-is-full-and-details-new-tech-commissioners-press-for-clearer-burn-permit-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333799-c701bd08b5c95f3ee2fe057b432e49bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775523007&Signature=S6Tbl9Ic577j4Bh8Ci4sui3YLeDbsOisRFVu-ypfx2FsBjeF7dg2AkamhVXWS5Wz48uuT9ENixC-CcwCoSkyTdjeRVAm65W3fBavmHwiUxF2YKevBuAf2opJ7npVTA3oUWkZCdkm35qg0STE1u7atabItyEMaUV2nEoqwnIBDg24rhSyFGLyWeV~1iUs2GqsepmeqiZElYIWreR4p1dmvZ-JaU0plfiPewPX0J9XGQ2-0-717-ePwQ34Smt0RpuudJgj4g4YBZKX~DqaTXdALbP-TR3FsvX0~nh0Fg9q4S3aLTXOtQiSBnLpKFPZoXxPGBg8TGqmBb-eB94mjpEbRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Reno County, KS","date","2025-02-12T00:00:00Z","article","Kevin Erwin, director of Hutchinson-Reno County 911, presented an annual report to the commissioners and said the center has been fully staffed for seven months and that the dispatch center has adopted a \"plus 1\" staffing policy to keep one position beyond the budgeted amount to cover attrition.

Erwin described training investments and operations: the center logged thousands of training hours, answered over 100,000 phone calls in the past year and monitors extensive radio traffic. He said staff are pursuing accreditation and that the center recently began using a smart transcription tool for incoming calls through a state grant (amount not specified in the meeting comments) to assist telecommunicators and provide instantaneous Spanish translation.

Commissioners and other attendees raised questions about brush-burning and burn-permit procedures. One commissioner asked whether dispatch uses the National Weather Service's Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) when advising callers about permit eligibility. Erwin said dispatch follows fire-index guidance provided by Emergency Management and uses a fire index obtained from the National Weather Service each morning; he said the center runs a daily check and follows the criteria set by Emergency Management.

County Administrator Randy Partington later told the board that the county website includes a helpful-link to the GFDI and the fire-index information dispatch uses to determine whether burning is allowed, and that staff would explore whether a more public-facing tool or software could reduce routine phone inquiries.

Why it matters

Erwin emphasized that 911 operations rely on staff retention, training and technology; commissioners expressed appreciation for the staff and sought clearer public guidance on burn permits so residents can find fire-index information prior to calling dispatch.

Next steps

Erwin invited commissioners to tour the center. Staff said they will follow up on publishing clearer public-facing guidance or software so citizens can check burn-permit conditions before calling 911, while reminding the public that callers still must request permission to burn as required by county rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Reno County Board of County Commissioners 02.12.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Reno County 911 director Kevin Erwin reported full staffing and technology upgrades including call transcription; commissioners and staff discussed confusion about burn-permit guidance and whether the county should publish clear public-facing information tied to the fire danger index used by dispatch.","taxTitle","Reno County, Kansas","taxId",52856,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6333802,"Hutchinson Community Foundation unveils 'Love Where You Live' survey results, offers small grants to Reno County communities",523000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40&start=523&end=523","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6333802/Reno-County/Kansas/Hutchinson-Community-Foundation-unveils-Love-Where-You-Live-survey-results-offers-small-grants-to-Reno-County-communities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333802-ab6dbc70edb69c20977eb41dde967bfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775523007&Signature=af0g3retHl2HtKyu0d3OLqbDokBifyFzlH6fbHtWL~CYJnTHzYdA3hJTjgCRqW9LLZaSGzCfWRbX6b86DLdL8QW02rsjiX5W-meRGVk3Rz9PBy6MscZ4ZvbWb0rtxjrAWxdV5n4GulTcCL~Cvql5KrU9Fvg0Afm01oy6wtihgDJrKbQUDukzFSFLV9-22z5M4OpJOjP8rsBK4SkFkV9UTbUUd4oolsrDjeKpiDwIX419nQ8xp96AZoN~GdehVbJDToRIKyKNSQiu8sbtELWjXY-ghbY4AUxgZnpAtvwFgHDWSohBhAX9FBn8aQRygxvuXATqJqybD6sMLPzKq0TJnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carrie Mayhew, director of strategy at Hutchinson Community Foundation, briefed the commissioners on the foundation's three-year \"Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative,\" which is designed to provide data and a resident-driven process for local communities to prioritize improvements and build civic engagement.

Mayhew said the initiative began with a resident perception survey that the foundation received responses to from 1,021 Reno County residents, about 29% of whom live outside Hutchinson. Respondents identified the top five countywide priorities as: (1) attract new businesses, (2) remove and renovate blight, (3) access to affordable child care, (4) improve public infrastructure, and (5) expand local businesses. Participants in later workshops prioritized metrics such as average household income and the number of businesses that pay above-average wages.

Mayhew summarized workshop feedback from multiple towns across the county, noting repeated calls for housing development, blight removal, destination/dining options, and infrastructure planning in smaller communities. She said all community reports and workshop recaps are available at renosurvey.com and that the foundation will continue adding data and progress updates there.

Funding opportunities announced

To help communities act on priorities, the foundation opened a fund for Reno County grant cycle with a first impact-cycle deadline of Feb. 28. The foundation said local nonprofit community catalyst projects may apply for grants up to $2,500; other funds are available in program areas described as dynamic culture, thriving kids and strong organizations. Larger grants for community and economic development will be considered in August.

Mayhew closed by encouraging community groups and leaders to use the data, apply for grants and work with partner organizations such as the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Startup Hutch, SCED, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, and the Reno County Childcare Task Force to move priorities forward.","The Hutchinson Community Foundation presented results from its resident perception survey and announced grant opportunities for community catalyst projects, including awards up to $2,500 and a first impact cycle due Feb. 28.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":90,"_52":91,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":92,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":93,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6333808,"State grant of $6.13 million announced for Yoder water and sewer project",381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40&start=381&end=381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301295-d0de4f55e456f68f693ff2d31e576d40/thumbnail_381000.jpg","/articles/6333808/Reno-County/Kansas/State-grant-of-613-million-announced-for-Yoder-water-and-sewer-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333808-e87ad5bbef10483a5ea131958944be40/orig.mp4?Expires=1775523007&Signature=Ydrn4~8iuUJrIfgf5M5DVsax~UfhwF4kxoT-hrJanUXBVJG6cwzfHzbM0G3NhXAvC5Amh-KRfqNy8rKannSnA00FKMzuBq-J4FyG4RxzPE3Rgcui7nRizW~kORerYhfgUP2HFoo9O4EK5jFCt~Tj5BkdERmg4Yu0NsDOKLo2uomI7vIkytfbJxejrR~2xMQ0y-5vq7pZjl5QalZSC-Gs6Q534tge9esV-ND2pyjTljFQ4VOohJzj~wyQ1XXFK8QFT802pYqIQowzJgc9kZHCW8~6qSDMLHXrJvoanhyWvS8ryRITofxtvVdbkcoCUpPMc9DRGuoz1FkGLLVUQYDMAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Don Britton, Reno County director of public works, told commissioners the county had secured funding for a large water and sewer project serving two Yoder-area districts that had been out of compliance.

\"We have received a grant for this project for $6,133,100,\" Britton said during the meeting, adding the total project cost is substantial and that staff had been pursuing grants and loan forgiveness to limit rate impacts on residents. Britton said the county had already spent more than $300,000 acquiring land for the project and that the design phase is complete.

Britton identified the funding application as part of the small-town water and sewer infrastructure assistance grant process and said the Department of Health (KDHE) has been in close contact during the application and design period. He cautioned that while the grant reduces the county's funding burden, local rates in the affected districts may still increase to cover remaining costs and maintenance.

Why it matters

Britton told the board the two districts' compliance issues have been long-standing and that the size of the project made external funding essential. County staff framed the award as easing a significant financial burden on district residents while acknowledging some rate increases are likely.

Next steps

Public works will move to implement the design and funding plan. Britton said staff will continue seeking grant and loan forgiveness opportunities and will work with KDHE on next steps for procurement and construction oversight.","Reno County Public Works announced a $6,133,100 grant to address compliance needs for two Yoder-area districts; county staff said the project had significant design and land costs already incurred and that rates for residents may rise.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":97,"_52":98,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":99,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":100,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6333813,"Reno County commissioners adopt neighborhood revitalization plan, appoint medical consultant and approve jail lighting upgrade","/articles/6333813/Reno-County/Kansas/Reno-County-commissioners-adopt-neighborhood-revitalization-plan-appoint-medical-consultant-and-approve-jail-lighting-upgrade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333813-8d87a667d9c5d959949d540969f46596/orig.mp4?Expires=1775523007&Signature=CFSAWH18XmYGNRA8XqvLcBx63E70K6m8oBUm-oJgruY995VnZTVSguUr~hK1Lu1l5wcKragaEU1evhm5Amvb4Cp9EJcWk4DSehSjl1y5ex80jaIDx5fjYM~ya2edY8oVVRKkUFNy1WJR4n8hubdcIWP61b9KwukYxnrHVEr0Ph4PZFusdzPA3VrgD~dhCI1HyinPJSjsERsHmyJbVTHqwE4vbGMiQH9gMlJLVMtd33nQEjP-bNF0-x8N49yS20cUaVRjmR2eZ4EruJaKXZD9FxZTEn8BeO8jpSuQ~WkZ7hb43TAjRo2Ap7oANWJHI6I-dIna3WDIFtgMkHUDAzjVRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Reno County Board of County Commissioners on 2025-02-04 voted to adopt a countywide Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, appoint a medical consultant to advise the public health officer, approve a contract to replace lighting at the Reno County Correctional Facility and to continue collecting solid-waste fees on the property tax roll.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, adopted as Resolution 2025-03, passed unanimously following a public hearing in which Deborah Tufel, president of the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners the plan would create countywide incentives for new housing development. \"Housing has certainly been identified as a major need in our county and the neighborhood revitalization plan is a tool that would help provide some incentive for new development of housing across Reno County,\" Tufel said.

The plan as adopted covers only the county's tax rebate portion; staff told commissioners the county will continue outreach to other taxing entities (school districts and colleges) about possible participation via interlocal agreements. Commissioners and staff emphasized the county's chosen structure rebates only the county portion unless other entities opt in.

The board also acted on a health-department staffing requirement under state statute KSA 65-201 by appointing a physician to serve as medical consultant to the county health officer. Carla Nichols, director of public health, briefed the board and said the role \"is to fulfill the requirement on KSA 65-201.\" The board voted to accept the application of the physician who addressed the commissioners and indicated she would assume the duties if approved. The appointment carried on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

Facilities Director Kyle Stewart presented a competitive bid to replace 2,112 incandescent lamps at the Reno County Correctional Facility with LED fixtures. Stewart recommended a $34,486.65 contract with Salt City Electric and said Evergy offers an energy-savings reimbursement that would reduce the county's net cost; Stewart said the county anticipates receiving about $6,500 back from Evergy on completion, bringing the net project cost to just under $28,000. Stewart and others cited an estimated payback or return on investment period of about 18 months if the upgrade proceeds.

On solid-waste fees, staff reviewed Kansas law allowing fees to be assessed either on tonnage delivered to a landfill or via the tax roll. After study, the board voted to continue the county's current practice of placing the landfill fee on the property tax bill and to review the fee amount annually as part of the budget process. Staff explained taking out-of-county tonnage into the landfill helps keep Reno County's resident fee lower than it would otherwise be.

Votes at a glance

- Adoption of Resolution 2025-03, Reno County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan: Motion moved and seconded; roll call vote 5-0; outcome: approved. (Public comment in support: Deborah Tufel, Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce.)

- Appointment of medical consultant to satisfy KSA 65-201: Motion moved and seconded to accept the physician's application; roll call vote 5-0; outcome: approved. (Recommendation presented by Carla Nichols, Director of Public Health.)

- Contract award for LED lighting replacement at the Reno County Correctional Facility: Motion moved to approve Salt City Electric bid of $34,486.65; motion seconded; roll call vote 5-0; outcome: approved. Funding source: sheriff's jail commissary fund (per discussion). Estimated rebate from Evergy: approximately $6,500; net cost to county: reported as just under $28,000; payback period estimated at about 18 months.

- Resolution to continue solid-waste fee collection on the property tax roll (status quo): Motion moved and seconded; roll call vote 5-0; outcome: approved. Staff will continue annual fee review during the budget process.

What it means

Commissioners characterized the neighborhood revitalization plan as a county-level incentive intended to encourage housing development across all communities in Reno County. The medical consultant appointment fulfills a statutory requirement for oversight of the health department. The jail lighting project is intended both to improve workplace conditions and to reduce electricity costs; the board accepted the low local bid and noted the funding will come from the sheriff's special fund. Continuing solid-waste fees on the tax roll preserves the county's current administrative approach and keeps fee review tied to the annual budget process.

Next steps

Staff said the county will implement the NRP portion adopted by the county and will continue to solicit participation from other taxing entities. The facilities department will coordinate project execution for the jail lighting and submit paperwork to Evergy to secure the stated energy rebate. The health department will complete any remaining onboarding steps with the medical consultant. Commissioners will review landfill fee rates during the usual budget timeline.","At its regular meeting, the Reno County Board of County Commissioners adopted a countywide Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, appointed a medical consultant for the health department, approved a contract to replace lighting at the county jail and resolved to continue collecting the county's solid-waste fee on the property tax roll.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Reno County 911 says staffing is full and details new tech; commissioners press for clearer burn-permit guidance

Hutchinson Community Foundation unveils 'Love Where You Live' survey results, offers small grants to Reno County communities

State grant of $6.13 million announced for Yoder water and sewer project

Reno County commissioners adopt neighborhood revitalization plan, appoint medical consultant and approve jail lighting upgrade