Headlining is Free Fallin': The Tom Petty Concert Experience. The band has been performing Petty’s music for more than 16 years. Expect to hear all the band’s hits including “American Girl,” “Free Fallin'” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
Headlining is Free Fallin: The Tom Petty Concert Experience. The band has been performing Petty’s music for more than 16 years. Expect to hear all the band’s hits including “American Girl,” “Free Fallin” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
Musician Dan Rodriguez is the Friday night headliner July 12 at RiverSong Music Festival. This appearance marks his fifth visit to Hutchinson.
Saturday’s headliner is Free Fallin’: The Tom Petty Concert Experience. The band has been performing Petty’s music for more than 16 years. Expect to hear all the band’s hits including “American Girl,” “Free Fallin” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
Looking for hot fun in the summertime? A summer breeze or maybe just that summer feeling? No matter, you won’t have to go far to find it this summer.
When the weather is hot, you can soak up the sun at RiverSong Music Festival. It offers two days — Friday and Saturday, July 12-13 — of toe-tapping, hand-clapping performances by Minnesota musicians. Headlining Friday night is Hutchinson favorite Dan Rodriguez. Joining him in the lineup is the Trent Romens Band, Tina & the B-Sides and the Eli Gardiner Band.
“Everyone in town loves Dan Rodriguez, including me,” said Valerie Mackenthun, RiverSong marketing chair. “He’s our Friday night headliner and this is his fifth time back in Hutchinson. He’s performed at Leadercast, Art’s Place and RiverSong. We went and saw him in Minneapolis and ran into a bunch of Hutch people.”
Saturday is a day of live music featuring Woodzen, Naro Coles, Fred the Bear, Rogue Valley, Salsa del Soul, The New Primatives, The Suitcase Junket and back from ’23 by popular demand — Mae Simpson. Headlining is Free Fallin’, a Tom Petty tribute band.
“Free Fallin’ our Saturday headiner is great to work with,” Mackenthun added. “They really do a great tribute. I saw Tom Petty in concert. I’m interested in how I’ll feel about this one.”
The rain-or-shine festival takes place outdoors at Masonic/West River Park. Ample parking provides easy access to two stages offering an eclectic mix of music ranging from rock and indie to Americana, blues, roots and more.
RiverSong connects with Hutchinson’s own rich musical history, which was founded by the national performing act — The Singing Hutchinson Brothers. More than 160 years later, music continues to be an important draw to Hutchinson.
It was this idea of expanding Hutchinson’s growing reputation as an arts destination that launched RiverSong Music Festival in 2009. The genesis for it dates to 2006 when a group of local citizens attended the Blandin Foundation’s Community Area Leadership Program. Several graduates banded together and formed an organization in 2007. The inaugural festival featured familiar local performers such as Andy Austin and Crow River Singers, as well as headliners Erin Bode, Pert Near Sandstone and Stearns County Pachanga Society.
RiverSong’s attractions are top notch and continue to draw crowds year after year. Billed as a family-friendly event, it offers free admission for youth age 14 or younger when accompanied by a paid adult. There’s also plenty for all ages to do including the site, which is one of Hutchinson’s premier parks. It hugs the Crow River and offers access to the popular Luce Line State Trail. There are also food trucks, the beer/wine tent, games including miniature golf, a kids tent and more.
What sets RiverSong apart from many other musical events is that it’s run by volunteers. It takes almost 200 people from parking/traffic control and pouring beer to checking IDs, fence security and merchandise sales to make the event happen. In late March, RiverSong hosts an annual Volunteer Kick-off event. Past volunteers as well as those interested in volunteering are welcome to learn more about the festival, the festival’s musical lineup and get first dibs on volunteer positions.
In case you think it’s all work and no play. you would be wrong because volunteers get free admission to the festival the day they work. That means you can work a shift and hang around for the music. All in all, it’s a great way to meet new people, serve your community and have fun while doing it.
Matt
Jaunich
Andy
Reid
City officials are exploring ways to help spur new home construction, like this project on Denver Avenue Southeast, to meet the anticipated demand for 1,000 housing units during the next decade.
Hutchinson is facing an urgent need for housing development, with studies indicating 1,000 units needed over the next decade.
City officials held a strategic session last week to, for the second time this year, address housing concerns. The meeting focused on exploring resources and tools to enhance house availability and affordability.
“We have plenty of land within the corporate city limits right now available,” Director of Building, Planning and Zoning Dan Jochum said. “I think that the biggest issue continues to be the cost of infrastructure.”
Hutchinson accounts for approximately 90% of the homes in the market area, according to Jochum.
During the strategic session, City Administration Matt Jaunich highlighted findings from a recent community survey, which revealed a generally positive sentiment toward the layout and design of residential areas. However, he noted a decline in satisfaction with the variety of housing options, with 48% rating them as good or excellent, down by 11%. He also mentioned a 15% decline in satisfaction with the availability of affordable quality housing, indicating a persistent challenge for the community.
“I think just from an overall standpoint, what we’ve done has been viewed well by the community,” Jaunich said. “I think there’s still some desire for a greater variety of housing options and then, obviously, the affordability aspect.”
Finance Director Andy Reid broke down the tools and funding options available, focusing on tax increment financing, tax abatement and bonds.
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Tax increment financing stimulates development by capturing increased property tax revenues generated from new construction or improvements within designated areas. Under TIF, the incremental increase in property tax revenue is redirected to fund qualifying project costs, such as infrastructure improvements or site remediation.
“The important thing to remember with TIF is the property owner is still paying property taxes,” Jaunich said. “Instead of that property tax getting collected and getting distributed amongst the entire tax base, it goes to this project. You’re paying most likely for the infrastructure in that area.”
TIF impacts the broader tax based by delaying the benefit of increased property value until the TIF period expires, Reid said.
“The normal citizen or taxpayers are paying a slightly higher tax rate because of that,” he said. “If this came on board all at one time right now, we would see a lower tax rate because of the higher value. Since that’s not happening until the end of it, taxpayers are paying a slightly higher tax rate because of it.”
TIF revenue is generated over a designated term and tailored to suit the project’s requirements, Reid said.
Distribution of TIF revenues is a critical consideration, he said, with options including developer-secured private financing or city-issued TIF bonds.
“The best option from the city standpoint would be the developer secures private financing and then uses the TIF revenue to pay that debt,” Reid said. “That puts all the risk on the developer of the TIF not performing. Option two, the city could issue TIF bonds to pay for the qualifying costs, but then the city’s going to accept the risk of the TIF not performing.”
Council members acknowledged the complexities associated with TIF, particularly in terms of affordability and the allocation of tax revenues. TIF often entails mandating a percentage of units be reserved for households below certain income thresholds.
“With TIF comes an affordability component … you have two options. Either have 20% of your units restricted at 50% of the county median income or 40% restricted at 60% of account median income,” Reid said. “That one component sometimes drives developers away from wanting to use it.”
TAX ABATEMENT
Tax abatement, different from tax exemptions, mandates property owners to fulfill their tax obligations while redirecting the taxes paid back to the property as a subsidy.
In comparison to TIF, tax abatement lacks an affordability component and is administered by the city rather than the county. However, it typically captures only city taxes, resulting in lower revenues, especially for multifamily developments, according to Reid. This shortfall often fails to cover the funding gap for such projects.
“The best option for the city would be if the developer secures private financing and uses the abatement subsidy to repay their debt,” he said. “That’s the lowest risk to the city, or the city could issue tax abatement bonds to finance the project, but then again the city would be assuming the risk of the abatement not performing, and (there’s) no affordability component under tax abatement.”
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BONDS
City officials also explored issuing bonds and assessing developments for associated costs. The focus was primarily on single-family development scenarios, as they were deemed more relevant than multifamily projects. Under the proposal, the city would evaluate each property’s contribution to infrastructure expenses, contrasting with the current policy that assigns the entire cost to new developments.
“And I guess the question for council would be, ‘Does the city want to assume some of that cost, knowing that it would affect our tax levy,’” Reid said.
The bond option entails structuring the debt to the pace of home construction. Under this plan, assessments on properties would likely be deferred until lots are sold and homes are built. Initial years would see interest-only payments to allow time for revenue generation through assessments once properties are developed.
While this approach presents a viable solution to fund infrastructure, it also exposes the city to significant financial risk. Should assessment revenues fall short, or properties fail to sell as anticipated, the city would be responsible for covering the shortfall through the tax levy.
In addition to considering infrastructure financing for new developments, the council also addressed existing debt obligations, including roadway projects and essential equipment replacements such as fire trucks and snowplows.
Currently, the city issues debt annually for roadway projects, adhering to a debt limit of $1.9 million for annual costs financed by the tax levy or debt levy. The looming consideration is whether incorporating debt for developments would constitute additional debt or prompt the City Council to contemplate reducing existing roadway debt to accommodate the new financial obligations.
“So it’s either less maintenance if you’re not willing to raise the levy or you have to raise that levy to make up for shift in those funds,” Jaunich said. “I mean, these are the things that we have to start talking about if we’re going be involved in housing. We have to think about that.”
Hutchinson City Center is the central location for many city services. It hosts the Hutchinson City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. On the second Monday of each month it also hosts the Hutchinson School Board.
Public Works Manager John Olson delivered the department’s annual report to the City Council last week.
Hutchison Public Works Department released its comprehensive end-of-year report for 2023 last week, shedding light on the city's infrastructure challenges and the department's efforts to address them.
Public Works oversees critical services essential for the city's functioning, including water management, transportation and infrastructure maintenance.
“Public Works is responsible for some of the most basic services within the city,” Public Works Manager John Olson said. “Things like being able to move around the city and make sure we have good utility services.”
Building and paying for the infrastructure typically accounts for approximately two-thirds of the department’s annual budget, with the remaining third covering the services provided by the department, he said.
Olson also went over the recent community survey results and noted that most residents positively assessed the overall quality of the transportation system in Hutchinson.
“The community survey is a helpful tool for us … we saw significant increases from 2019 in street repair and cleaning and street cleaning, which was good to see because now that brings those scores up into the similar category for other communities our size,” he said.
Several categories were rated higher than national benchmarks, including ease of travel by walking, the availability of paths and walking trails, and storm water drainage.
About 65% of residents supported a $250,000 property tax increase dedicated to fixing, repairing and upgrading city streets and related infrastructure, while 59% of respondents supported a $500,000 tax increase, and 47% supported a $1,000,000 tax increase.
Key points from the annual report highlighted:
- Engineering efforts
The department's engineering division worked to design and administer various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the city's transportation network and utility services. Notable appointments, such as Mike Stifter as Public Works director, brought fresh leadership to the department, ensuring efficient project execution.
“Mike has melded into the public works department and has utilized experience and talented staff and his talents to move the department in a good direction,” Olson said. “It's good to have Mike with us.”
- Operations and maintenance
Despite staffing turnover and health issues, the operations and maintenance teams upheld their responsibilities in maintaining day-to-day operations. These tasks included ensuring the efficient operation of water treatment plants and wastewater management facilities, crucial for meeting environmental standards and water quality regulations.
- Infrastructure projects
The department spearheaded several infrastructure improvement projects focusing on priority transportation routes and stormwater management. These initiatives aimed to address significant street damage resulting from harsh weather conditions, with maintenance overlays carried out on key streets such as Second Avenue and California Street.
- Utility rate restructuring
One significant change highlighted in the report was the restructuring of utility rates in 2023. The department aimed to create a fairer rate system while maintaining revenue stability. Notably, the introduction of the sewer and water service repair assistance program provided relief to residents facing unexpected repair costs.
- Financial stability and efficiency
Despite challenges, the department maintained financial stability and efficiency in resource allocation. Stable pavement condition indexes and competitive utility rates compared to state averages highlight the department's commitment to operational excellence and service delivery, Olson said.
- Outlook
The department remains focused on ongoing projects aimed at addressing emerging challenges and enhancing community resilience. Stormwater modeling, infrastructure upgrades, and continued engagement with the community are key priorities moving forward.
Errin
Luxem
Errin
Luxem
Errin
Luxem
Angel
Jones
Mason Kiecker
Kenneth Lopez Aguilera
Faye Alvarez
The fun and fundraising of the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation’s Jam the Gym even returns Saturday at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School.
Tim Orth Memorial Foundation assists children and their families who are facing substantial medical expenses due to a serious accident, illness or other special needs. It does this by raising money through events such as Jam the Gym in Glencoe, but also by creating a support network for the recipients and their families.
As always, this year’s Jam the Gym will feature all-star basketball games with some of the top senior girls and boys high school hoops players from the area. In addition to basketball, the event includes entertainment from local performers and groups, a silent auction, concessions and lots of other ways to support the foundation’s cause. Doors open at 4 p.m., with games beginning at 5:30 p.m.
All proceeds from the event go to help the families of this year’s recipients.
In the past 25 years, the event has benefited 185 children and their families from 32 communities in the McLeod County area. This year the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation adds 12 recipients to its family:
Kenneth Lopez Aguilera, 8, of Hutchinson, the son of Tania Aguilera and Jose Maria Lopez;
Fae Alvarez, 5 months, of Litchfield, the daughter of Courtney and Gio Alvarez;
Sawyer Aro, 2, of Danube, the son of Brittany Fiecke and Kyle Aro;
Piper Dinning, 14, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Mona and John Dinning;
Angel Jones, 13, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Natisha Stately and Cordareo Jones;
Mason Kiecker, 17, of Litchfield, the son of Chanda and Jason Kiecker;
Errin Luxem, 13, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Jessica Guillette;
Cody Robinson, 2, of Hutchinson, the son of Amanda and Myk Robinson;
Hazel Robinson, 2 months, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Amanda and Myk Robinson;
Dominick Tyo, 3, of Hutchinson, the son of Caitlin Tyo;
Brady Wanous, 13, of Cokato, the son of Krystal Wanous; and
Beau Quevi, 7 months, of Stewart, the son of Alex and Cleo Quevi.
The Leader featured several children in the March 27 edition. Following are additional featured youth:
FRESH START FOR ERRIN
Although a shy girl when you first meet her, Errin Luxem, 13, enjoys a variety of hobbies including playing cards, coloring and using her tablet. She also can be found spending time in the kitchen where she takes pleasure in baking and cooking.
It was her family’s recent move to Hutchinson that prompted Jessica Sullivan, Errin’s mom, to apply to the foundation for assistance.
“I still feel there are other things she could use to help her become stronger and more resources,” Jessica said. “We just moved to Hutchinson (in) early 2023. This is a fresh start for me and my girls and I want to make sure she has everything she needs.”
The Hutchinson Middle School student was diagnosed with dysphagia, hearing loss, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and developmental delays.
Along with the financial assistance, Jessica is looking forward to meeting the other families that are part of the Tim Orth community.
“With this experience I have hopes that we will get to build relationships and connections and she will be able to gain more friends and equipment she may need to become stronger and help her with her disability,” Jessica said. “I would like to get her a bike and or a gym membership, so she can gain muscle and confidence. Get her out and try new things.”
ANGELS FOR ANGEL
Angel Jones, a 13-year-old resident of Hutchinson, is the daughter of Natisha Stately and Cordareo Jones. Despite her young age, Angel faces significant challenges, having been diagnosed with developmentally cognitive disability, asthma and numerous allergies. These conditions shape her daily life, requiring careful management and consideration. Yet, Angel’s resilience and spirit shine through as she navigates these obstacles with determination and courage, inspiring those around her with her strength and perseverance.
MASON LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
Mason Kiecker enjoys being outside, especially when it comes to helping in his uncle’s landscaping business. The Litchfield High School senior thinks it’s the kind of job he will pursue after graduation.
“I really enjoy landscaping with my dad,” Mason, 17, said of working alongside his father at Sculptured Earth. “I like the manual labor type of things, being outside doing actual work, not sitting at a computer. I have been helping out for three or four years. I drove a skid loader for the first time when I was 10.”
Now that he’s recovering from ulcerative colitis, which led to colon removal and three follow-up surgeries earlier this year, Kiecker feels like he can think about that future more optimistically.
“It’s been really stressful,” Mason said of the condition, which included a range of intestinal issues, stomach pain and forced him to make multiple trips to the bathroom every day. “Stressful and annoying. I just wanted to be done with it.”
“The last year has been a real struggle,” Jason Kiecker said of his son’s health challenges, which began about four years ago with diagnosis of colitis and continued to worsen.
Finally, in mid-January this year, Mason had surgery to remove his colon at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. That was followed by three more surgeries.
“I thought I was only going to be in the hospital a little bit,” Mason said, but complications and additional surgeries led to a 24-day stay. He had a room with a view, which helped, but it also made him more impatient to get out of the hospital.
Though they didn’t know much about the Orth Foundation prior to getting a call from the school to let them know Mason would be one of the recipients of the foundation’s support, the Kieckers feel fortunate to have the support.
“We feel super blessed,” said Jason Kiecker, who said the costs of his son’s care have been especially challenging since he hasn’t been working due to the seasonal nature of the landscaping business. “As parents, you just kind of shrug your shoulders that you’re not working, and all the gas money (for trips to the hospital) you’re putting in and other costs. It’s super cool to have such a foundation.”
KENNETH FIGHTS ON
Kenneth Lopez Aguilera, 8, is the son of Tania Aguilera and Jose Maria Lopez. Kenneth Aguilera was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma a year ago when he was 7 years old.
Rhabdomysarcoma is a type soft tissue cancer that usually begins in the muscles that are attached to bones that help the body move — such as the arms, legs, head, neck and abdomen. It can be treated and sometimes cured, though the cancer can come back. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare disease that primarily affects children and teenagers. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Aguilera has had 43 chemotherapy treatments since he was diagnosed.
“We have gone to the hospital every Monday,” Aguilera’s father Jose Lopez said. “Every three weeks we have to go to the hospital in Minneapolis (M Fairview Children’s Hospital) for more treatments. That takes up the whole day with driving into the Cities, the treatment and then driving home.
“It is hard emotionally and economically,” Lopez added. “Both my wife and I have to work less, taking him for the treatments. It’s been hard to deal with.”
Lopez explained that after the treatment his son feels sick the whole week. “He vomits, can’t go to the bathroom and can’t eat.”
At other times, Lopez says his son will get cravings. “We have to take him to a restaurant to satisfy them.”
“He is a fighter though.” Lopez said. “He has been strong through the whole process.”
The family appreciates Kenneth being a recipient of the Tim Orth Foundation. The parents will use the money for basics like food, gas and to pay bills, Lopez said.
FAYE CONFRONTS CHALLENGES
Faye Alvarez is the daughter of Courtney and Gio Alvarez of Litchfield.
The 5-month-old has been diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia and a small pituitary gland that is further back in the brain than normal.
