That Podcast In Hutch

Jason Probst
  • 5.0 (12)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
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That Podcast in Hutch explores the people, places, and events that make Hutchinson a vibrant and engaging community. We’ll step beyond the headlines, to hear the real-life stories from our community and develop a deeper understanding of policy and people.

  1. MAY 4

    TPiH 085 Clayton Hatfield, Milo Miller, and coach Keith Gable - KidWind Whirlwinds

    This week's episode is electrifying! I'm sure you'll get a real jolt out of it! It might be the most shocking episode yet! OK. Enough with the Dad jokes.  This week's episode of That Guy In Hutch features a couple of stand out Allen STEM Magnet School students - and their coach - who are headed to the World KidWind Competition in Madison, Wisconsin after taking tops the Statewide Competition.  You'll hear Clayton Hatfield, Milo Miller, and coach Keith Gable discuss the work that goes into designing a winding wind turbine, and all the skills the students learn in the process.  Before we get into that, however, I am going to ask a favor.  Allen STEM Magnet School has two teams headed to the world competition: the Whirlwinds (4th and 5th grade) and the Mavericks (6th-8th grades). Both teams won first place in their division at the state competition and need to raise about $15,000 to cover travel costs for the students and their sponsors. While these students learn a great deal in the KidWind competition, it's not something covered by normal school expenses.  You can mail a check to to Allen STEM Magnet School: KidWind Team, 403 W 10th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501. The Checks can be made out to Allen PTO c/o KidWind Team. Alternately, you can also drop a check off at the Allen office.  They also have a gofundme where the money goes directly to help with these expenses. That's how I'll donate this week, and I hope you will too! As you listen to this episode, I think you'll find the KidWind competition is a valuable and enriching experience for these students. I was most impressed with they way Clayton and Milo talked about the process of trial and error. As they develop their ideas and plans, they must put those ideas into practice; when they fail, they revise their plans and try again.  Projects like this give students permission to be imperfect. It's teaching them how to think. How to problem-solve, and how to create. It was such a shining example of what is happening in our education systems—something that often isn't highlighted as prominently as it should be.  I know you'll find this episode informative and adorable. And I hope when you listen you'll also consider supporting our local kids who are looking to do some really big things on a really big stage.  For more information on KidWind www.kidwind.org kansasenergyprogram.org/events/2026-state-kidwind-challenge-salina facebook.com/AllenSTEMKidWind kidwind.org/worlds/2026-2/ For additional questions, contact the school at 620-615-4900

    47 min

  2. APR 23

    TPiH 084 Laura Meyer Dick - The Meyer Landmark Building

    You’ve seen the work going on at the corner of 5th and Main over the past several years - and today I’m happy to sit down for a conversation with Laura Meyer Dick, developer of the Meyer Landmark building.  In our conversation, you’ll learn about her motivation for renovating the once-dilapidated building - including her initial battle with the pigeons who had taken up residency in the building.  You’ll also learn about her vision and spirit for downtown, and how the work she’s doing to redevelop the Meyer Landmark is building on the legacy of her father, Nation Meyer, who was a strong advocate for downtown Hutchinson.  If you’ve been curious about what’s happening at the corner of 5th and Main, you’ll want to make sure to listen to this episode of That Podcast in Hutch

    59 min

  3. APR 9

    TPiH 083 Unpacking Property Taxes - Chris Courtwright

    We’re wrapping up our series on Kansas Property taxes this week with Chris Courtwright, who served as the principal economist for the Kansas Legislature for 34 years.  In that role, Chris provided lawmakers with unbiased and reliable economic data used to make key decisions about the state budget. He also led the twice-a-year Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, which the legislature and the governor use as a basis for their revenue and budget projections for the coming year.  Few people possess Chris’s understanding of the history and the changes in Kansas tax policy. He is a wealth of knowledge, and he does a great job of helping unpack the complex history taxation in Kansas - including property taxes.  I think you’ll learn a great deal from this episode. But one thing I hope you’ll take away from this episode is how the pinch you’re feeling today when you look at your property tax bill began years ago - initiated by people who made decisions on tax policy that have, and continue to, put the burden squarely on working families in Kansas.  My conversation with Chris is Part 4 in That Podcast In Hutch’s multi-part series on property taxes. Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption. In Part 2, I visited with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, who discussed the property valuation process. In Part 3, I visited with former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson about how policy affects city budgets, and in Episode 4, I visited with Chris Courtwright, the Kansas Legislature’s lead economist for 34 years.  This package of episodes of TPIH contains a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today.  Now up, Chris Courtwright, and his insight on the history of taxation in Kansas.

    1h 32m

  4. APR 2

    TPiH 082 Jon Richardson - Former Hutchinson City Council Member

    We’re continuing our series on Kansas Property taxes this week, with former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson, who left the council in January. I asked Jon to talk about the difficulty of managing a city budget, especially when faced with a changing landscape - and mandates - from the state and federal governments.  We discuss a number of different topics in our conversation, and the time flew by while we recorded. I am confident you’ll feel the same as you listen.  It’s both important and enlightening to hear Jon’s takeaways and insights from his time on the council. It’s also a good reminder that at the local level, the people serving in elected capacity - your city council members, county commissioners, and school board members - are effectively neighborhood volunteers who care about their communities. They don’t make real money, typically aren’t politically driven, and often are tackling big, complex issues. And in a town the size of Hutchinson, any decision you make is bound to make one group or another upset.  My conversation with Jon is Part 3 in That Podcast In Hutch’s multi-part series on property taxes. Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption. In Part 2, I visited with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, who discussed the property valuation process. In Part 4, I visit with Chris Courtwright, the Kansas Legislature’s lead economist for 34 years.  This package of episodes of TPIH contains a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today.  Now up, Jon Richardson, and his experience on the Hutchinson City Council.

    1h 42m

  5. MAR 26

    TPiH 081 Michael Plank - County Appraiser

    We’re continuing our series on Kansas Property taxes this week, with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, who joined That Podcast in Hutch to discuss property valuations here and across the state.  Like lots of people, you might still be reeling from the recent valuation statement that came in the mail. And like some, your first instinct might have been to cuss the county appraiser’s office - and I think a good number of people have done just that.  But Michael helped me understand how those valuations are calculated, and how much of their work in the appraiser’s office is governed by laws dictated by the Kansas Legislature. He unpacks the complicated and heavily mathematical world of valuations in a way that is easy to understand.  He even offers tips and suggestions on how to appeal your valuations.  My conversation with Mike is part two in That Podcast In Hutch’s multi-part series on property taxes. Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption.  Michael Plank unpacks valuations. In coming episodes I visit with former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson and Chris Courtwright, who served for 34 years as the chief economist for the Kansas Legislature.  This package of episodes of TPIH contains a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today.  Now up, Michael Plank, to help us better understand the valuation process.

    1h 19m

  6. MAR 19

    TPiH 080 Kansas Senator Mike Murphy

    Property taxes seem to be on everyone’s minds these days.  Residents dread opening their valuation statements for fear of what they’ll see. Politicians keep promising relief, and local governments try to balance meeting the wants and needs of their communities with ongoing demands for lower taxes.  Yet, for something that affects so many of us, it’s an area that is complex and layered and can be difficult to understand.  Today’s episode of That Podcast in Hutch kicks off a multi-part series in which we’ll try to unpack and simplify some of the discussion around property taxes in Kansas.  Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption.  I asked Mike to sit down with me not necessarily because I think his bill is the right approach to property tax relief, but because I think that ideas are worth exploring - especially when the public is expressing a dire need for a change. I’ve not been scared of too many ideas in my life, and I think we find better solutions when we entertain thoughts that challenge the status quo and the established order. Mike’s idea is a foundational system change, one that is rightly met with questions and concern. But it is, in my opinion, an important part of a broader conversation. In coming episodes, I’ll visit with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson, and Chris Courtwright, who worked for decades as the principal economists informing the Kansas Legislature on revenue and tax policy.  These next few episodes of TPIH contain a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today.  First up, Sen. Michael Murphy on his plan to replace property taxes with a consumption surtax in Kansas.

    1h 14m

  7. FEB 27

    TPiH 079 Enrico Villegas - City Of Hutchinson

    Not long ago, Hutchinson’s city manager responded to a comment with a question that stuck with me: Do you believe Hutch has peaked?Is this as good as it’s ever going to get?Or is there a brighter future worth investing in? That question sparked one of the most widely read essays here. Now, ahead of the March 3 sales tax vote, he’s joining me on the podcast for a real conversation about what this moment means for Hutchinson. Not just the tax.Not just the politics.But the history, and the trajectory. If you care about where this community is headed, I think you’ll want to hear it.

    1h 27m

  8. 05/30/2025

    TPiH 078 Dave Inskeep - Joe McGuire Insurance

    This week’s episode of That Podcast in Hutch takes a dive into something most of us have had to deal with at one time or another - Homeowner’s Insurance - with my friend Dave Inskeep, owner of Joe McGuire Insurance.  In recent months, I’ve had a number of conversations with lenders, bankers, community advocates, and others about the critical need for more housing. This need spans the state, and across all income levels.  There are a number of barriers that prevent needed development, and one of those that I think we don’t talk about often enough is the rising cost of insurance, policy changes that make it harder to adequately maintain a home, and the chilling effect all of that has on the housing and development market.  According to a report by the Consumer Federation of America, the average price of homeowner’s insurance increased an average of $628 between 2021 and 2024. In Kansas, the average rate rose 14 percent, but as you’ll learn, that isn’t consistent across the state - some areas saw higher, and lower, rate increases.  Kansas already had one of the highest insurance costs in the country, landing a spot among one of the seven most expensive states for insurance, which include Florida and Louisiana. On average, a homeowner pays more than $4,200 per year for coverage on a $350,000 home.  Dave does a great job of walking me through a lot of the complexities of insurance, and, I think, gives us an honest assessment of what is happening in the insurance industry.  If you own a home, plan to sell a home, hope to own a home, or have anything to do with homes, I think you’ll find this episode informative and enlightening. I know you’ll walk away knowing more about insurance than you did beforehand.  Link to the Consumer Federation of America report - https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/OverburdenedReport.pdf

    1h 10m
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About

That Podcast in Hutch explores the people, places, and events that make Hutchinson a vibrant and engaging community. We’ll step beyond the headlines, to hear the real-life stories from our community and develop a deeper understanding of policy and people.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Probst
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Jason Probst
  • Show Website
    That Podcast In Hutch