MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has added a bold new landmark to downtown: a vibrant mural on the north wall of the Chamber building at Second and Walnut.
Chamber President Debra Teufel said the project, painted by Kansas muralist Mindy’s Murals, was inspired by Hutchinson’s role as a crossroads for industry, agriculture, sports, and culture.
At the heart of the artwork is the phrase “All Roads Lead to Hutch”, a theme borrowed from the NJCAA men’s basketball tournament tradition. “When teams make it to Hutch, they call it the Road to Hutch,” Teufel said. “It’s become a symbol of determination and pride—and we thought it was the perfect way to showcase our community.”
The mural includes imagery of Reno County’s agricultural heritage, salt industry, and iconic grain elevators, as well as local attractions like the Cosmosphere, Strataca, and the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Other features include the Hutchinson water tower, Reno County Courthouse, Prairie Dunes golf, Yoder’s quilting traditions, and a tribute to Hutchinson’s basketball legacy.
Work on the mural began August 18, with completion expected by September 4—just in time for the opening of the Kansas State Fair.
Chamber Showcases Local Flavor
In addition to the mural, the Chamber has been highlighting Reno County’s homegrown strengths through recent events. On Tuesday, investors in the Greater Hutch economic development initiative gathered at Kansas Maze near Buhler for a farm-to-table dinner surrounded by sunflowers and zinnias.
The dinner featured locally sourced foods from Prairie Dairy, Grassroots Cattle Company, Don’s Produce, Jackson Meat, Bontrager Dairy, and more, with help from area FFA chapters. “It was a beautiful way to showcase our agriculture and value-added food economy,” Teufel said.
Economic Growth on the Horizon
On the economic front, Teufel said local manufacturers like Wifco Steel are expanding with new laser-cutting technology and adding jobs. Meanwhile, Evergy is moving forward with plans for a nearly $1 billion natural gas power plant south of Hutchinson, projected to create about 500 construction jobs and deliver 700 megawatts of new power.
“This is a project that will impact not only our economy but also our future growth,” Teufel said. “Having reliable power right here in Reno County strengthens our ability to attract new industry.”
Preparing for the State Fair
With the Kansas State Fair opening September 5, the Chamber is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors. Its visitor booth, located near the train ride and Meadowlark Building on the fairgrounds, will provide information on both fair attractions and other activities in Hutchinson.
Teufel urged visitors to download the Kansas State Fair app or pick up a printed guide for schedules, maps, and parking tips. She also encouraged residents and visitors alike to check VisitHutch.com for daily event listings across Reno County.