View All
Roundup of the Reno County Commission meeting on August 27, 2025
August 27, 2025
The Board of Reno County Commissioners held an agenda session with Vice Chairman Ron Hirst, Commissioner Randy Parks, Commissioner Richard Winger, Commissioner Ron Vincent, County Counselor Patrick Hoffman, County Administrator Randy Partington, and Minutes Clerk Abigayle Shinkle, present. Chairman Don Bogner was absent.
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer from Chaplain Adam Wooten.
3. Announcements and Recognitions - There were proclamations recognizing:
Proclamation that September is National Recovery Month
Thomas Simmons, Reno County Health Department Educator
- National Recovery Month – Thomas Simmons, Health Educator from the Reno County Health Department, accepted the proclamation and spoke regarding local efforts and collaborative programs. Members of the Reno County Health Department and Reno Recovery Collaborative were photographed with commissioners and the proclamation.
Proclamation that September is National Hunger Action Month
Donna Davis representing the Reno County Food Bank
Donna Davis representing the Reno County Food Bank
- National Hunger Awareness Month – Donna Davis with the Food Bank of Reno County shared data and discussed their new facility project and the community’s role in addressing hunger.
Recognition of Rcat receiving the Transit Service of the Year (2025) Award at the Annual Kansas Public Transportation Association (KPTA) Meeting and Expo
Kandace Bonnesen, Director of Dept. of Aging and Transportation, sharing Rcat award
A presentation was also made recognizing Reno County Area Transit (Rcat) for receiving the 2025 Transit Service of the Year Award from the Kansas Public Transportation Association. Kandace Bonnesen, Natalie Goertzen, Mike Ferguson, and Brian Bruce gave comments and were commended by the Commission.
4. Public Comments -
There were no public comments.
5. Additions or Revisions to the Agenda -
There were no additions or revisions to the agenda.
6. Consent Agenda -
Commissioner Winger moved, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to approve the consent agenda consisting of items 6A through 6E:
- (6A) Vouchers
- (6B) Selection of EDR Security Software (Endpoint Detection & Response) from three vendor offerings
- (6C) Appointment of Clerk to the Plevna Township Board
- (6D) Approval of BOCC minutes for August 14 Canvass, August 14, August 28, September 5, September 11, October 9, October 23, and November 13 Canvass
- (6E) Resolution 2025-23 Establishing the Tax Warrant Court Docket Fee Fund
The motion was approved by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Kyle Stewart, Reno County Facilities Director 
Kyle Stewart, Reno County Facilities Director
Counselor Patrick Hoffman, left, and Administrator Randy Partington
Vice-Chairman Ron Hirst
7A. EMS Station #2 Remodel – Construction Bids
Kyle Stewart, Facilities Director, presented the bid summary and recommendation to approve the low bid from MBC Construction in the base amount of $570,000, with a not-to-exceed amount of $600,000 to include alternates and contingencies. The Commission discussed the bid process and cost-saving opportunities.
Commissioner Parks moved, seconded by Commissioner Winger, to approve the sealed bid from MBC Construction. The motion was approved by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Abby Stockebrand, Kids Collective Board and Reno County Child Care Task Force
Lacey Mills, CEO of the United Way of Reno County
7B. Addendum to Grant Agreement –
United Way of Reno County - County Counselor Patrick Hoffman explained the proposed addendum to allow upfront distribution of ARPA-funded childcare allocations rather than reimbursement to the United Way. Abby Stockebrand and Lacey Mills of Kids Collective provided context regarding sustainability and ongoing childcare initiatives. The Commission discussed oversight and past commitments.
Commissioner Hirst moved, seconded by Commissioner Vincent, to approve the second addendum to the grant agreement with the United Way of Reno County. The motion was approved by a roll call vote of 4-0.
President Josh Stubbs, left, and CFO Craig Weingartner with WIFCO Steel Products Inc.
7C. Job Incentive Agreement Request – ADE Wifco Steel Products, Inc.
The Commission reviewed a job incentive request from ADE Wifco Steel Products, Inc. for 20 new jobs at or above $21/hour. Debra Teufel from the Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce and Wifco representatives Josh Stubbs and Craig Weingartner presented details of the company’s investment and expansion plans.
Commissioner Vincent moved, seconded by Commissioner Winger, to instruct staff to prepare an agreement with ADE Wifco Steel Products, Inc. and authorize the Vice Chair to sign the letter of intent. The motion was approved by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Public Management Intern Joshua Chonga
Public Management Intern Joshua Chonga
Reno County Commissioners Ron Vincent, right, talks to Joshua Chonga with commissioners Richard Winger, left, Ron Hirst and Randy Parks.
7D. Special Parks & Recreation Fund Policy Presentation -
Public Administration Intern Joshua Chongo presented a proposed policy for the use of the county’s Special Parks & Recreation Fund, which is funded by state liquor tax distributions. The Commission discussed eligible projects, application processes, and potential use in smaller communities. Staff clarified that the City of Hutchinson is excluded due to its separate allocation.
No action was taken.
8. County Administrator Report -
County Administrator Randy Partington reviewed monthly department reports, financial report and upcoming events, including:
- requesting three commissioners who want to be a part of the Celebrity Goat Milking Challenge at the Kansas State Fair, at 3:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in the Sheep, Swine and Goat Barn.
- Budget sessions in early September
There were no questions from the Commission.
9. County Commission Comments -
Commissioner Winger commented on the hospital hiring, local housing, praised local teachers at Faris Elementary and in honor of National Hunger Action Month asked people if they have been blessed to pass it forward to others. Commissioner Hirst provided optimistic comments about his trip to communities in Reno County with Jason Probst, sharing what the Reno County Extension Office can offer, congratulated Michael Hinton, a local businessman who was nominated and will be inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame, along with former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Commissioner Parks commented on events he had attended in the community including an Open House at the Open Door Clinic and the Gaeddert "Farm to Table" event in Buhler.
10. Adjournment.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.