Reno County Election Canvass and Commission Meeting Summary

Reno County Canvass Meeting Summary - March 11, 2026

Reno County held their canvass of the 2026 Special Election on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Reno County Annex. Reno County Commissioners Ron Hirst and Don Bogner acted as the Board of County Canvassers with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank voted in to have a full board of canvassers. They reviewed and certified the results of the Special Election held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.The official results can be found at www.renocountyks.gov/Elections

County Clerk Jenna Fager talks about the provisional ballots from the Special Election on March 3, 2026. 


Election workers finalize the counting of the provisional ballots during the election canvass on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Commissioners Ron Hirst, left, and Don Bogner voted in Appraiser Michael Plank for the Board of County Canvassers.

Commission approves Superior job incentive request after reconsideration

Reno County Commission Meeting Summary — March 11, 2026

The Reno County Commission began its March 11 meeting with public comment, where Lauren Storm of Greater Hutch invited commissioners and the public to attend a “Trends in Data Center Development” event hosted by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber and Greater Hutch. The public event, scheduled for 11 a.m. at Stringer Fine Arts, will feature industry experts discussing data center development and include a panel and audience questions.Lauren Storm invites people to the "Trends in Data Center Development" event. 

Commissioners then approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as vouchers, resolutions, minutes from previous meetings, equipment purchases and two Reno County Health Department grant items that had been previously tabled.

The commission later turned to a business item that had generated discussion at a prior meeting — a second review of Superior Holding, Inc.’s job incentive request.

County Administrator Randy Partington explained that the request involves a letter of intent under the county’s job incentive policy for up to 100 jobs. Under the policy, jobs paying more than $21 per hour qualify for a $1,500-per-job incentive. A formal development agreement would return to the commission at a later meeting for final approval.

Discussion focused on the balance between encouraging economic growth and concerns about taxpayer-funded incentives.

Don Rogers, President of Wells Aircraft, Inc., talks to commissioners about Superior Boiler Works Inc., a neighboring business. 
Don Rogers, who said he operates a neighboring business, spoke in support of the request, describing Superior as a longstanding local company that has expanded and contributed to the community over the years.

Don Whitman, President and CEO of Superior Boiler Works Watertube Division talks to commissioners about the amount of new employees they have recently hired. 

Don Whitman, president and CEO of Superior Boiler, also addressed the commission and thanked members for reconsidering the request. He noted the company recently hired 39 local employees at an average starting wage of about $24 per hour and offers 100% insurance coverage for employees and their families.

Several commissioners said they still had concerns about the broader incentive program but acknowledged that Superior met the existing requirements. 

Commissioner Ron Vincent talks about his earlier vote during the job incentive request for Superior Holdings, Inc.

Commissioner Ron Vincent said he reconsidered his earlier vote after realizing he had factored in issues outside the established policy. Commissioner Richard Winger said if a company meets the rules, the county should not change those rules in the middle of the process.

Commissioner Randy Parks discusses his opposition to the job incentive request for Superior Holdings, Inc. because current Reno County employees earn less wages than the wages being incentivized.

Commissioner Randy Parks maintained his opposition, saying he struggles with providing incentives to businesses while some county employees earn less than the wages being incentivized.

The commission ultimately approved the request 4–1, with Parks voting no. The motion included a condition that one job cannot qualify for two separate incentives.

Commissioners also asked county administration to review and possibly update the job incentive policy and bring recommendations back for future discussion.

Youth Services Director Joe Hammeke hands out a copy of the department's annual report to commissioners during their meeting Wednesday.Youth Services Director Joe Hammeke describes the department's highlights for the past year including graduations, employement successes and community service projects. 

The commission also received the Youth Services annual report from Director Joe Hammeke, which highlighted 2025 as a successful year. The report noted youth graduations, employment successes and community service projects with organizations such as the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels.

Hammeke also reported progress in staffing levels and described a grant-funded program that provides mental health and substance abuse services to youth in detention.

During commissioner comments, members discussed concerns about actions at the Kansas Legislature that they said could limit local control over issues such as planning, zoning, battery storage facilities and data centers. Commissioners also expressed concern about potential tax policy changes that could reduce county revenue.

County Administrator Randy Partington, right, gives his report with Counselor John Settle, left.

County Administrator Randy Partington also asked commissioners to submit names for a committee that will review parks fund grant applications from several cities.

County Counselor John Settle, left, was acknowledged during the meeting as he has replaced former Counselor Patrick Hoffman. Commission Chair Ron Hirst, center, talks with Commissioner Ron Vincent, right, during the meeting.

The meeting concluded with an executive session for personnel matters involving non-elected employees with Human Resources Director Helen Foster, Partington and newly introduced County Counselor John Settle. After reconvening, commissioners reported that no action was taken.

Commissioner Richard WingerCommissioner Don BognerCommission Chair Ron Hirst

To view previous Reno County Commission meetings on YouTube, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/streams

To view the commission's agendas and related documents, go to 
https://www.renocountyks.gov/agendas