We have come to the end of The Decades. We hope you have enjoyed this look back as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.&nbsp;

We'd like to thank Steve Harmon for letting us use the incredible photos from his collection, the Reno County Museum for their work in sharing ideas, and especially the staff in the Reference Services Department of the Hutchinson Public Library who were as enthusiastic to help with this project as we were to bring it to you. The ideas from this series came from a number of newspapers that have come and gone along with archives from Eagle Radio and the Hutchinson News, the book "The Hutchinson Spirit" from the library and others. We are probably missing some names of others who helped, for which we apologize.&nbsp;

This project started back in the first week of July and has progressed through the summer and into the fall. We have probably missed so many things that were important to people in Hutchinson and Reno County, but we tried to make sure we got as much of the information as possible. We would simply run out of room if we tried to list everything. Most of all, we’d like to say "thank you" to you, our readers, who have made The Decades one of the most popular features for Hutch Post. This feature will stay with Hutch Post for you to look back on and enjoy with others who might have missed them.&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — We have come to the end of The Decades as we look back from 2010 to the present. Siemens rolls out its first nacelle at the new plant, but market volatility would force the company to lay off workers later. The county begins working hard to find a remedy for the overcrowding at the county jail. New leadership comes on board for both the police and fire departments. A longtime family-owned manufacturer is sold and a high-profile murder case begins. A portion of Emerson Carey’s development in the southeast part of the city is condemned and abandoned. The longtime president of Hutchinson Community College steps down, as does the longtime GM of the Kansas State Fair. Both the city and county see leadership changes and a major facelift comes to the Hutchinson Sports Arena. That and more in one last look at The Decades.

2010: Siemens rolls out its first nacelle from the Hutchinson Facility.

Longtime HPD Detective Clay Rothe retires from the force.

Collins Bus is certified by state and federal safety officials as a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

The city approves a tax plan that moves Hutch Rec out from under the school district's taxing authority to the city. The two entities come together to help make the city’s athletic facilities better for tournaments and other activities.

The county commission denies Buhler’s request for a federal tax break program. It's the same proposal they denied for Haven and South Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The county commission passes an ordinance prohibiting gunfire down in the bed of the Arkansas River after numerous complaints near Nickerson.

L’Oréal purchases Peels Beauty Supply.

2011:&nbsp;Another family-owned manufacturer is purchased as Krause Mfg. is purchased by Kuhn Mfg. Krause opened in Hutchinson in 1916.

An early-morning fire destroys the studios of Ad Astra Radio.

After a very unpopular name change, Promise Regional Medical Center is renamed again, this time to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;

In a case of mistaken identity, Jennifer Heckel is murdered. William Craig Jr. and Charles Logsdon are convicted. Logsdon is still fighting his conviction to this day.

2012:&nbsp;Following a guilty verdict, Charles Logsdon is sentenced to 73-years in prison for the murder of Jennifer Heckel.

After years of planning and construction, the new K-61 four lane project from Hutchinson to McPherson is opened.

Two years after opening, Siemens announces it is laying off more than 60% of its workforce: 110 temporary workers and 145 full-time employees are laid off. Over the years, the lost jobs would come back.

Drought and summer heat bake the area as the temperature rises above 110 for several days. The heat lasts into September.

In what was a painful beginning to a long list of store closings in the area, Dillard’s closed.&nbsp;

The old Red Lobster building is razed. It's now the site of Pizza Ranch.

An organization sues the City of Buhler for its welcome signs that say: "Traditional Values. Progressive Ideas."

The city backs an effort to renovate the Landmark Hotel, but the request for state funding is denied. The building still sits empty.

The city gives up efforts to save the boathouse at Carey Park. The building is torn down.

Jason Ball becomes the new president of the Chamber of Commerce.

2013:&nbsp;Said to be the home of Superman, a proclamation is presented naming Hutchinson "Smallville" for a day.

A 14-year-old sets fire to his family home killing his mother and sister. After a long trial and many legal motions, Samuel Vonachen is convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The Kansas State Fair celebrates 100 years.

An announcement is made that the Wiley Building will be completely renovated. The building is turned into an apartment complex and is also the home office of TECH.

The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is renamed Strataca.

Ed Berger resigns as president of Hutchinson Community College. He later wins a seat in the State Senate.

After a great run of success at HHS, football coach Randy Dreiling resigns to take a job in Kansas City.

A major hail storm hits the city's northeast side. Windows at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are blown out along with other damage at the mall, Walmart, Lowe’s and Conklin Cars.&nbsp;

The public approves a $28.9 million bond issue to build a new jail. The sales tax used to fund the jail is paid off early.

The Hutchinson City Council rejects a proposal for a new Dollar General to be built at the corner of 11th and Main.

Reno County Emergency Management Director Bill Guy retires.

Three Hutchinson police officers are terminated in connection with a sexual harassment claim made by a motorist who was pulled over for DUI.

2014:&nbsp;Another major retailer closes as Sears shuts its doors at the mall.

The city proposes a .35% sales tax to make more than $29 million in renovations to the Hutchinson Sports Arena.&nbsp;

The city creates a special taxing district to help renovate the mall. RockStep Capital then purchases the mall for $14.5 million.

Rift grows between landlords and the city over how to deal with rundown rental property.

The Chamber of Commerce announces that Mervis Rail will build a major railcar repair facility just south of Siemens. When the oil boom ends, Mervis decides to pull out of the deal.

Construction of the Reno County Correctional Facility begins.

Billy Craig enters a plea to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the Jennifer Heckel murder case.

Longtime Hutchinson News reporter and bail bondsman Dwight Jurgens is arrested and goes to trial. Jurgens is accused of offering sexual favors in exchange for lower bonds for his clients.

Dave Dillon retires as president of Kroger.

2015:&nbsp;Adding to the tornadoes Kansas has to deal with, the area begins to be rattled by earthquakes connected to deep disposal wells near the Oklahoma border.

After closing, then reopening, the Haven School District closes the Mt. Hope School for good.

The unpopular decision is made to end all ATV and motorcycle riding in the Arkansas River bed.

A storm moving southwest does the unexpected and forms a tornado near Nickerson. With the absence of rain in the area and the slow-moving nature of the storm, hundreds flock out into the countryside to watch, tying up traffic and cell phone service.

Denny Stoecklein resigns as GM of the Kansas State Fair.

After a long renovation process, the Wiley Plaza opens.

The Hutch Rec takes over operations of Fun Valley. Tournaments come back to the popular complex.

Voters approve the sales tax for Sports Arena renovation.

Longtime radio personality Bob Walker (Middleton) dies.

The Reno County Correctional Facility goes into operation.

2016:&nbsp;Kmart closes its doors.

A major downtown business closes as Sports Shack shuts its doors.

After more than two years going through the legal system, Samuel Vonachen is convicted to two counts of first-degree murder.

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announces a $23 million expansion of its ICU wing.

Work begins on the new Love’s Country Store in South Hutchinson.

The Kansas State Fair reports the third-highest attendance ever at nearly 360,000.

Terry David becomes the new director of Reno County EMS.

2017:&nbsp;After threatening to close 10 years earlier, Eaton finally shuts down its Hutchinson facility.

After much discussion and a split-vote from the school board, Haven USD 312 closes Partridge Elementary School.

Pretty Prairie residents say no to tax lid hike: 105 no to 52 yes.

The NJCAA and the city agree to a 24-year contract to keep the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson. The new contract is a result of the major renovations to the Sports Arena.

The Decades: 2010-present

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;We have come to the end of The Decades as we look back from 2010 to the present. Siemens rolls out its first nacelle at the new plant, but market volatility would force the company to lay off workers later. The county begins working hard to find a remedy for the overcrowding at the county jail. New leadership comes on board for both the police and fire departments. A longtime family-owned manufacturer is sold and a high-profile murder case begins. A portion of Emerson Carey’s development in the southeast part of the city is condemned and abandoned. The longtime president of Hutchinson Community College steps down, as does the longtime GM of the Kansas State Fair. Both the city and county see leadership changes and a major facelift comes to the Hutchinson Sports Arena. That and more in one last look at The Decades this Sunday.

As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it.

The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d7ef87fc-b259-4f19-b2b4-1bbc1753e021">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1930s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/52bb60af-ca6a-4d7a-b83f-07d4ed8d7dbf">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1940s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/efeb2935-17a6-4d6b-bdb6-59ccf927155a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1950s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f86a087b-d4c3-4f8d-a969-05ec65b88b3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1960s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e49a0f4-b3e3-4844-bbda-d23c44493e7a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1970s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f79d1f2-124a-4359-aac2-9730565fc59d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1980s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/75732b13-0023-43d1-86c5-88e6f937e7fd">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1990s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/72aa15da-7425-4f95-88d5-880e1ff2c04d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 2000s</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;We have come to the end of The Decades as we look back from 2010 to the present. Siemens rolls out its first nacelle at the new plant, but market volatility would force the company to lay off workers later. The county begins working hard to find a remedy for the overcrowding at the county jail. New leadership comes on board for both the police and fire departments. A longtime family-owned manufacturer is sold and a high-profile murder case begins. A portion of Emerson Carey’s development in the southeast part of the city is condemned and abandoned. The longtime president of Hutchinson Community College steps down, as does the longtime GM of the Kansas State Fair. Both the city and county see leadership changes and a major facelift comes to the Hutchinson Sports Arena. That and more in one last look at The Decades this Sunday.As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it.The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d7ef87fc-b259-4f19-b2b4-1bbc1753e021">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1930s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/52bb60af-ca6a-4d7a-b83f-07d4ed8d7dbf">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1940s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/efeb2935-17a6-4d6b-bdb6-59ccf927155a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1950s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f86a087b-d4c3-4f8d-a969-05ec65b88b3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1960s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e49a0f4-b3e3-4844-bbda-d23c44493e7a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1970s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f79d1f2-124a-4359-aac2-9730565fc59d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1980s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/75732b13-0023-43d1-86c5-88e6f937e7fd">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1990s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/72aa15da-7425-4f95-88d5-880e1ff2c04d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 2000s</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

The Decades: Final issue this Sunday

We invite you to help us with this trip down memory lane. If you have specific memories of our city or county's growth&nbsp;since the 1960s, or have photos you'd like to share, send them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HutchPost@eagleradio.net">HutchPost@eagleradio.net</a>.

A combination of holding your breath and wild celebration is a part of the rollover to Y2K. Police guard banks and many watch to see if their computers will function. Once everything settled down, there was a lot of news in the 2000s, including 9/11, the Hutchinson gas explosions, and a scandal in the sheriff’s department. Efforts begin to save one of the city’s historic buildings, HutchCC and HHS get a beautiful new home for football and track, and one of the more high-profile trials begins when Max Ary is indicted. There's a new home for Eagle Communications and a major highway project begins. That, plus Siemens and more as we begin the new millennium on this edition of The Decades.

2000: Y2K comes and goes with little trouble. Hutchinson police stand by at banks just in case.

Shareese Teanan is the first baby born in Hutchinson in the new millennium.

The Hutchinson City Council and Reno County Commission discuss holding prayer before meetings. The tradition continues.

The Hutchinson police chief offers up his support for the new state seat belt law that allows officers to cite motorists for not wearing a seat belt.

Efforts continue to try to find a way to relocate Midwest Iron and Metal from the Lincoln School neighborhood. It is still there today.

Reno County Sheriff Larry Leslie is caught up in a money kickback scheme connected to the new jail annex along with Gerald Hertach. Leslie resigns and is convicted.&nbsp;

The City Council avoids controversy when it votes down a $20,000 expenditure for new chairs for the council.

The Salt City Splash opens after several delays to start the inaugural season.

The County Commission rejects a proposal by union to go back to collective bargaining for county employees.

The city approves widening 17th Avenue from Lorraine to Waldron.

2001: The world stands still as terrorists attack the United States on 9/11. Not to bow down to terrorists, the Kansas State Fair stays open.&nbsp;

City residents are held in fear as a series of gas explosions tear through parts of the city, killing two people and destroying the Decor retail store downtown.

Over the objections of County Commissioner Fran Garcia, County Commission pay is increased to $28,980. It's now 18,000.

Randy Henderson becomes the new Reno County sheriff.

The City of Hutchinson annexes 84 tracts of land north of the city along 43rd and Halstead.

Longtime area artist Marvel Senti dies at the age of 77. Her work can still be found in the permanent collection at the Hutchinson Art Gallery.&nbsp;

Garland Lundry is arrested and convicted for solicitation to commit first-degree murder of a Hutchinson police officer.

Law enforcement begin to see increased problems in dealing with meth.

The City of Haven takes entries for a new logo for the city.

2002: Work continues to plug gas wells and mitigation continues to rid the area of gas that was being stored underground. The gas migrated to the area of the city, causing the 2001 gas explosions.

Golfer Julie Inkster put it all together to win the 2002 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship at Prairie Dunes over Anika Sorenstam by two strokes.

Work begins for plans to expand K-61 Highway to four lanes from Hutchinson to McPherson.

The county begins talk of jail expansion due to overcrowding and aging facilities.

The Chamber begins Spirit of Success fund drive to help fund the business attraction program.

Stanley Hill files an $800,000 lawsuit against Larry Leslie and Gerald Hertach to recover lost funds from the jail annex scandal.

The Family Motorcoach Association brings more than 4,700 campers to the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Kansas State Fair GM Bill Ogg resigns under pressure.

2003: Efforts begin to address the falling population in Reno County by setting a goal to increase the population by the year 2020.&nbsp;

Job outlook is bright as 27% of local businesses and industries say they will increase their workforce while more than 70% say they will keep their workforce where it is.

The city goes to work with the Hutchinson Correctional Facility to help build a new city animal shelter.

Trevor Corbett is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Crystal Casey.

A civil trial continues against Oneok in connection with the 2001 gas explosions.

The Reno County Health Department is denied a grant to help ban smoking in area restaurants.

The Hutchinson City Council approves $1.8 million support for the building of an indoor water park at the former Holidome, which was then known as the Hutchinson Plaza Convention Center.

The Hutch High track team wins the class 6A state title. They repeat in 2004.

Reno County and other area counties become concerned over the extra wear and tear on county roads due to the continued abandonment of rail lines in the area.

2004: Changes to the death penalty law does not impact Douglas Belt case in Reno County. Belt was one of the first suspects to have DNA evidence used in his rape trial in Reno County.

After several years of frustration and losing seasons, Hutchinson High School football begins its incredible run of state championships. The Salthawks would win the state titles again in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Indoor water park Kansas Splashdown opens at what is now the Grand Prairie Hotel and Convention Center.&nbsp;

The city begins efforts to seize the Wiley Building from owner George Nerhan.

An outbreak of vandalism in Pretty Prairie prompts the city to purchase additional security cameras.

Gowans Stadium is expanded at a cost of $5.5 million, turning the dilapidated facility into one of the best high school and small college stadiums in the area.

Haven’s Ken Goertzen, who was a leader in wheat breeding research, dies.

John Deardoff, Sedgwick County Assistant City Manager Kathey Sexton and Arvada Colorado Assistant City Manager Bernice Duletski are all interviewed for the soon-to-be vacant Hutchinson City Manager position. Deardoff becomes the new city manager.

2006: Cosmosphere President and CEO Max Ary is indicted for selling artifacts from the space museum. His trial offers witnesses such as Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke and Apollo 17 astronaut Gene Cernan. Ary is found guilty and sentenced to three years in federal prison.

The wonderful smell coming from the Betts Bakery ended when the facility closed for good.

The city begins efforts to save the old boathouse in Carey Park.

NAACP holds the state conference in Hutchinson.

Eaton announces it will close the hydraulics plant in Hutchinson. Financial incentives keep the plant open another 10 years before it closes for good.

Two teenage boys are arrested after a crime spree running through three states after they walked away from the Bob Johnson Youth Center.

Cottonwood Hills opens its first nine holes of golf. The course closes a year later.

Jackson’s Dairy is picked by Kroger to produce organic and soy milk products.

Allen Doyle holds off Kansan Tom Watson to win the 2006 U.S. Senior Open at Prairie Dunes.

Superior Boiler asks for a $50,000 incentive package for an expansion project.

2007: Eagle Radio moves to its new location at 9th and Main.

Construction begins on the new RCAT facility at Avenue B and Washington.

USD 308 voters approve a $78.8 million bond issue to make major improvements to its facilities. The proposal is approved 77%.

Dave Kerr is named the new president of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Underground Salt Museum opens. It is now known as Strataca. The museum struggles initially and asks the county for help. The county is reluctant to help.

The Reno County Commission approves $10,000 for a study on wind energy.

2008: The City of Haven is at odds with the county over a proposal to implement a tax break for a neighborhood revitalization program.

James Schlickau and Brad Dillon are elected to the County Commission.

The county is forced to take steps to curb the methane gas migration from the landfill.

Local Hitch native and 1959 Hutch High grad, Jerold (Jerry) Regier along with a car club friend Dean Brigman petitioned the City Council to allow a new Downtown Hutchinson special event: a 3 day-weekend car show. The Hutchinson Rod Run is born.

The city and county work together to make major improvements to Halstead Street between 4th Avenue and 11 Avenue.

In an effort to both remediate and find a useful purpose for the large amount of underground water pollution on the city’s east side, Hutchinson builds a $34.8 million reverse osmosis plant at 23rd and Severance. The plant uses 85% of the polluted water and 15% well water to service the city.&nbsp;

The ¼ cent sales tax approved in 1993 is approved again by voters.

The city passes an ordinance to allow just four cats in households.

The Decades: 2000s

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Only two parts remain to the 15-part series The Decades from Hutch Post. This Sunday, explore the 2000s.&nbsp;A combination of holding your breath and wild celebration are a part of the rollover to Y2K. Police guard banks and many watch to see if their computers will function. Once everything settled down, there was a lot of news in the 2000s, including 9/11, the Hutchinson gas explosions, and a scandal in the sheriff’s department. Efforts begin to save one of the city’s historic buildings, HutchCC and HHS get a beautiful new home for football and track, and one of the more high-profile trials begins when Max Ary is indicted. There's a new home for Eagle Communications and a major highway project begins.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d7ef87fc-b259-4f19-b2b4-1bbc1753e021">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1930s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/52bb60af-ca6a-4d7a-b83f-07d4ed8d7dbf">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1940s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/33c24264-80cf-4c26-9e21-65fc137ca86e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1950s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f86a087b-d4c3-4f8d-a969-05ec65b88b3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1960s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e49a0f4-b3e3-4844-bbda-d23c44493e7a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1970s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f79d1f2-124a-4359-aac2-9730565fc59d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1980s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/75732b13-0023-43d1-86c5-88e6f937e7fd">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1990s</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629504018461.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Only two parts remain to the 15-part series The Decades from Hutch Post. This Sunday, explore the 2000s.&nbsp;A combination of holding your breath and wild celebration are a part of the rollover to Y2K. Police guard banks and many watch to see if their computers will function. Once everything settled down, there was a lot of news in the 2000s, including 9/11, the Hutchinson gas explosions, and a scandal in the sheriff’s department. Efforts begin to save one of the city’s historic buildings, HutchCC and HHS get a beautiful new home for football and track, and one of the more high-profile trials begins when Max Ary is indicted. There's a new home for Eagle Communications and a major highway project begins.As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it.We invite you to help us with this trip down memory lane. If you have specific memories of our city or county's growth&nbsp;since the 1960s, or have photos you'd like to share, send them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HutchPost@eagleradio.net">HutchPost@eagleradio.net</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d7ef87fc-b259-4f19-b2b4-1bbc1753e021">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1930s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/52bb60af-ca6a-4d7a-b83f-07d4ed8d7dbf">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1940s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/33c24264-80cf-4c26-9e21-65fc137ca86e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1950s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f86a087b-d4c3-4f8d-a969-05ec65b88b3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1960s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e49a0f4-b3e3-4844-bbda-d23c44493e7a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1970s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f79d1f2-124a-4359-aac2-9730565fc59d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1980s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/75732b13-0023-43d1-86c5-88e6f937e7fd">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1990s</a>The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

The Decades: Only 2 parts left

The last decade of the 1900s is upon us in our latest edition of The Decades. The 1990s brought many things from the past back to life, including the Liberty Bell 7 and the reopening of one of Hutchinson's greatest treasures in the Fox Theatre. It also saw one of the first businesses in Hutchinson absorbed into the corporate world, a new organization to benefit boys and girls in Hutchinson and a new visitors center at Dillon Nature Center. The Blue Dragons won a national title and a blackbird doesn’t fly to Hutchinson, but crawls in on a semi. All that and more on this edition of The Decades.

1990: The pavilion at the Farmers Market was constructed and named the Ontjes Pavilion.

The Hutchinson Community Foundation is formed to help provide philanthropic opportunities within the community.

Hutch Fest begins on the Fourth of July as a merger with the Main Street and Prairie Fest celebrations.

A tornado forms near Pretty Prairie. Before it's over, the storm kills two people and causes significant damage in Hesston.

1991: Tornadoes rip through Willowbrook. Nickerson, Abbyville and Turon also suffer damage.

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce moves to its new location at 117 N. Walnut.

The Nickerson post office and two other buildings collapse.

Halloween costumes are banned in several schools because they might frighten younger students.

Reformatory is national news because of wives having sexual encounters with their husband inmates. Visitations are canceled.

The old Hutchinson Airport hangar is razed.

1992:&nbsp;The Haven Public Library opens for patrons.

The first Prairie Skies Airshow is held at Hutchinson Airport.

The Hutchinson Hospital opens a new emergency care unit.

Prominent Hutchinson businessmen are arrested in a major drug bust.

1993:&nbsp;A family in Lerado is murdered before their home is burned to the ground to hide the crime. Paul Kiser is convicted and sentenced to 51 years in prison, much to the shock of the victims' family members.

The Reno County Museum director quits when the county commission refuses to implement tax that was approved by voters.

Haven's Phillip Fishburn is named ag secretary for the state of Kansas.

The Hutchinson Post Office is robbed. Employees are locked up in the building. The suspect is caught two years later.

A ¼ cent sales tax is approved by voters. Tax has now been approved for renewal by public vote six times.

HutchCC wins NJCAA men's basketball title.

New Dillon Nature Center visitors center opens.

An explosion injures six at the reformatory.

Nickerson farmer Lester Cole plants his 70th wheat crop.

A 10-year-old Hutchinson girl pilots an airplane to each state west of the Mississippi. She goes to every state east of the Mississippi the next year.

1995: One of the best small golf courses in the area opens as play begins at The Links at Pretty Prairie.

Providing guidance and education and after-school programs for area youth today, the Boys and Girls Club opens.

Convention Hall becomes Memorial Hall. The building has survived numerous attempts to have it closed and razed. It still holds events today.

Reins of Hope is established in Hutchinson.

The city council is established as four districts and one at-large position.

1996: The National Guard in Hutchinson uses students in simulated war games as a recruiting tool.

Explosion rips through a propane plant in South Hutchinson, injuring two people and causing evacuations.

Seven Reno County residents were given the honor of carrying the Olympic torch through Reno County.

Hospice of Reno County moves to Hutchinson Hospital, now a part of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

Winchester Processing, which started in the 1880s, becomes a part of Tyson Foods.

Inmates at the reformatory riot over poor food. Lockdown lasts two days.

1997:&nbsp;The first open-heart bypass is performed at Hutchinson Hospital.

A record 15 million bushels of wheat is harvested in Reno County.

The Cosmosphere begins plans for major expansion. The building is constructed around an SR-71 that is tucked in and then shrinkwrapped to protect it.

Soap bubbles are used to drive prairie dogs out of their burrows. The animals were moved to Quivira where they were eaten by badgers.

One person is killed and six injured when fire sweeps through Pheasant View Retirement home, formerly the Broadacres Retirement home. The fire was caused by careless smoking.

The Jim Martinez Trail is opened between Carey and Rice parks.

1998:&nbsp;A new jail annex is opened. It would become the center of attention in the bribery scandal involving sheriff Larry Leslie.

K-96 Highway is expanded to four lanes from Hutchinson to Wichita.

A man leaves a sports car on railroad tracks to see if the train will stop — it doesn’t. The man is taken in for mental evaluation.

The Ontjes Children's Learning Center opens at Hutchinson Public Library.

Hutchinson, Buhler and Nickerson school districts open preschool for at-risk children.

1999:&nbsp;There is much discussion on a $27.8 million multi-year effort to increase the viability of the downtown area.

The Hutch News says the attack on Pearl Harbor is the top story of the century.

The Historic Fox Theatre opens again following a $4 million renovation.

The county commission hires the first county administrator and establishes the District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629504018461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it.We invite you to help us with this trip down memory lane. If you have specific memories of our city or county's growth&nbsp;since the 1960s, or have photos you'd like to share, send them to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:HutchPost@eagleradio.net">HutchPost@eagleradio.net</a>.The last decade of the 1900s is upon us in our latest edition of The Decades. The 1990s brought many things from the past back to life, including the Liberty Bell 7 and the reopening of one of Hutchinson's greatest treasures in the Fox Theatre. It also saw one of the first businesses in Hutchinson absorbed into the corporate world, a new organization to benefit boys and girls in Hutchinson and a new visitors center at Dillon Nature Center. The Blue Dragons won a national title and a blackbird doesn’t fly to Hutchinson, but crawls in on a semi. All that and more on this edition of The Decades.1990: The pavilion at the Farmers Market was constructed and named the Ontjes Pavilion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634845715970.jpeg" alt="Farmers Market. Photo by Rod Zook." />
 <figcaption>Farmers Market. Photo by Rod Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Community Foundation is formed to help provide philanthropic opportunities within the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635187952302.jpeg" alt="This photo of the Hutchinson Community Foundation staff was taken during their 30th year of service." />
 <figcaption>This photo of the Hutchinson Community Foundation staff was taken during their 30th year of service.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Fest begins on the Fourth of July as a merger with the Main Street and Prairie Fest celebrations.A tornado forms near Pretty Prairie. Before it's over, the storm kills two people and causes significant damage in Hesston.1991: Tornadoes rip through Willowbrook. Nickerson, Abbyville and Turon also suffer damage.The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce moves to its new location at 117 N. Walnut.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625686816585.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Nickerson post office and two other buildings collapse.Halloween costumes are banned in several schools because they might frighten younger students.Reformatory is national news because of wives having sexual encounters with their husband inmates. Visitations are canceled.The old Hutchinson Airport hangar is razed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188747301.jpeg" alt="Old Hutchinson Municipal Airport Hangar - March 1991 (right before they tore it down). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Old Hutchinson Municipal Airport Hangar - March 1991 (right before they tore it down). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1992:&nbsp;The Haven Public Library opens for patrons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188112022.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first Prairie Skies Airshow is held at Hutchinson Airport.The Hutchinson Hospital opens a new emergency care unit.Prominent Hutchinson businessmen are arrested in a major drug bust.1993:&nbsp;A family in Lerado is murdered before their home is burned to the ground to hide the crime. Paul Kiser is convicted and sentenced to 51 years in prison, much to the shock of the victims' family members.The Reno County Museum director quits when the county commission refuses to implement tax that was approved by voters.Haven's Phillip Fishburn is named ag secretary for the state of Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188137910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Post Office is robbed. Employees are locked up in the building. The suspect is caught two years later.A ¼ cent sales tax is approved by voters. Tax has now been approved for renewal by public vote six times.1994: Target opens in Hutchinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188657885.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC wins NJCAA men's basketball title.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188625989.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Hutchinson Community College." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Hutchinson Community College.</figcaption>
 </figure>New Dillon Nature Center visitors center opens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188174524.jpeg" alt="Dillon Nature Center - New Visitors Center Building - Lake View - 1994. Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Dillon Nature Center - New Visitors Center Building - Lake View - 1994. Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>An explosion injures six at the reformatory.Nickerson farmer Lester Cole plants his 70th wheat crop.A 10-year-old Hutchinson girl pilots an airplane to each state west of the Mississippi. She goes to every state east of the Mississippi the next year.Buhler gets a new water tower.1995: One of the best small golf courses in the area opens as play begins at The Links at Pretty Prairie.Providing guidance and education and after-school programs for area youth today, the Boys and Girls Club opens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188206125.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Convention Hall becomes Memorial Hall. The building has survived numerous attempts to have it closed and razed. It still holds events today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188223829.jpeg" alt="Memorial Hall. Photo by Rod Zook." />
 <figcaption>Memorial Hall. Photo by Rod Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>Reins of Hope is established in Hutchinson.The city council is established as four districts and one at-large position.1996: The National Guard in Hutchinson uses students in simulated war games as a recruiting tool.Explosion rips through a propane plant in South Hutchinson, injuring two people and causing evacuations.Seven Reno County residents were given the honor of carrying the Olympic torch through Reno County.Hospice of Reno County moves to Hutchinson Hospital, now a part of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596115930896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winchester Processing, which started in the 1880s, becomes a part of Tyson Foods.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188300733.jpeg" alt="Tyson Foods. Photo by Rod Zook." />
 <figcaption>Tyson Foods. Photo by Rod Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>Inmates at the reformatory riot over poor food. Lockdown lasts two days.1997:&nbsp;The first open-heart bypass is performed at Hutchinson Hospital.A record 15 million bushels of wheat is harvested in Reno County.The Cosmosphere begins plans for major expansion. The building is constructed around an SR-71 that is tucked in and then shrinkwrapped to protect it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188331725.jpeg" alt="Cosmosphere - SR-71 Blackbird placement 1995. Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Cosmosphere - SR-71 Blackbird placement 1995. Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>Soap bubbles are used to drive prairie dogs out of their burrows. The animals were moved to Quivira where they were eaten by badgers.One person is killed and six injured when fire sweeps through Pheasant View Retirement home, formerly the Broadacres Retirement home. The fire was caused by careless smoking.The Jim Martinez Trail is opened between Carey and Rice parks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188364204.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1998:&nbsp;A new jail annex is opened. It would become the center of attention in the bribery scandal involving sheriff Larry Leslie.K-96 Highway is expanded to four lanes from Hutchinson to Wichita.The Teen Center opens for area youth.A man leaves a sports car on railroad tracks to see if the train will stop — it doesn’t. The man is taken in for mental evaluation.The Ontjes Children's Learning Center opens at Hutchinson Public Library.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847016394.jpeg" alt="Ontjes Children's Learning Center. Photo by Rod Zook." />
 <figcaption>Ontjes Children's Learning Center. Photo by Rod Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, Buhler and Nickerson school districts open preschool for at-risk children.1999:&nbsp;There is much discussion on a $27.8 million multi-year effort to increase the viability of the downtown area.Liberty Bell 7 comes to the Cosmosphere.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592336526321.jpeg" alt="Liberty Bell. Photo by Rod Zook." />
 <figcaption>Liberty Bell. Photo by Rod Zook.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutch News says the attack on Pearl Harbor is the top story of the century.The Historic Fox Theatre opens again following a $4 million renovation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624893439707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The county commission hires the first county administrator and establishes the District Attorney’s Office.The Shears Technology Center opens at Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188964541.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Hutchinson Community College." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Hutchinson Community College.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire station opens in Pretty Prairie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635188558548.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A new child care center opens on the Hutchinson High School campus.The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a>Check back next Sunday for the next part in this series.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d7ef87fc-b259-4f19-b2b4-1bbc1753e021">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1930s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/52bb60af-ca6a-4d7a-b83f-07d4ed8d7dbf">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1940s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/efeb2935-17a6-4d6b-bdb6-59ccf927155a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1950s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f86a087b-d4c3-4f8d-a969-05ec65b88b3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1960s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e49a0f4-b3e3-4844-bbda-d23c44493e7a">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1970s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4f79d1f2-124a-4359-aac2-9730565fc59d">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1980s</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

the Decades