CAPTION: Potsticker soup is a hearty meal, full of delicious Asian flavors, such as bok choy, soy sauce and sesame oil. Combo that with the ease of using frozen potstickers, and you have a fulfilling meal that is quick to prepare. By Lindsey Young Just when I
By Michael Glenn
Sometimes, you have to find the news that fills the paper every day.
This week, the news practically wrote itself.
I spent most of this week either at home or on the road. The seven inches of snow we received Monday and Tuesday caused my school to call off Tuesday and Wednesday, which meant a lot of time at home, not doing much.
I remember watching the cancellation list Monday night and calling Gina. “Gina, all my news is canceling this week,” I said, referring to some culture coverage that was called off due to the weather.
“Well, just write about what we have: the snow,” Gina said to me.
So we did. We did our best to get information out to the community for the beneift of you all, the readers. With the free trial of Alaskan weather we received this week, the City did things differently with dealing with the snow. Salt and other brines don’t work as effectively when the temperatures drop well, well below freezing like they did Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fortunately, we were able to do most of this work in warm, heated homes. However, not all workers got that luxury.
Our City’s Public Works Department worked around the clock for days before, during and after the winter weather to make sure we could get back to normal as soon as possible. It’s easy to be a keyboard warrior (for those of the Gen-X and Boomer generations, that is someone who complains on a computer, usually behind a blank profile) and complain about the roads or weather.
Working in the cold is not easy or fun. But our public works department did their best in made sure Hutch could be navigable as soon as possible, and they deserve all the credit for it. They’ve had my respect since I began reporting and actually found how much planning and resources are needed to take care of a city’s infrastructure.
Fast forward to Friday. Unfortunately, I had a funeral to attend in Kansas City this weekend, and am actually writing this column in the back of my family’s car somewhere between Johnson County and Emporia (remember, I am a teenager still in high school).
Funerals can be bittersweet in the sense of saying goodbye to a loved one but also seeing many family members you wouldn’t otherwise see.
I was dressing for the church service, a black suit and tie (my uniform for a funeral,) when I was told there was an explosion in Hutch.
“Of course,” I figured. “When I’m not available to write anything about it.”
I called Gina who said she could get something out on her lunch break, but our contractors and other staff members were busy doing something else.
Thankfully, no one was killed in the explosion. It took place on the Northeast corner of Ave. E and Main, near where Steffens’ Auto Parts is located.
I’ve learned that Hutchinson has had a history with gas explosions, as the 2001 explosions are a recurring discussion point in our American Government class.
The reason why this explosion didn’t turn into anything worse was because of public workers. The Hutchinson Fire Department, and other organizations, contained the fire and ordered evacuations for people in the general area.
Our public servants routinely put their lives on the line for our safety and benefit. The least we can do when we see one in public or even on social media is to say thank you. I challenge you, the readers, to do that when the opportunity presents itself.
Needless to say, Hutch has had a bit of a rough week with things we can’t control. However, when push comes to shove, public workers are there, keeping the infrastructure and safety of the city in check.
Thank you, public workers.
By Michael Glenn Sometimes, you have to find the news that fills the paper every day. This week, the news practically wrote itself. I spent most of this week either at home or on the road. The seven inches of snow we received Monday and Tuesday caused my
CAPTION: From left, Evergy spokesperson Michael Burns, Kansas Gas Service spokesperson Lauren Clary and Hutchinson Fire Department Chief Steven Beer in Fire Station 1 brief the public about the gas explosion that destroyed Steffen’s Auto at Avenue E and Main Street Sat., Feb. 22, 2025
By Michael Glenn and Gina Long
As of 8 p.m. Saturday evening, no cause has been determined for a gas-related explosion that occurred near Ave. E and Main in Hutchinson Saturday morning.
Kansas Gas expects to work through the night to be able to restore gas service to as many residences as possible, which they hope to have completed tomorrow morning.
“We continue to monitor the area to make sure all our customers are safe,” Lauren Clay with Kansas Gas Service said.
Beer said there still are active flames as of 8 p.m. Saturday. Flames are 6 to 12 in, which is greatly reduced from the 5 to 8 ft from earlier. There is an active fire in the roadway from residual fuel in the gas lines.
As of 8 p.m. Saturday, fewer than 200 customers do not have gas. The Salvation Army, located at 700 North Walnut, has set up shelter for those without power or gas and will be open for as long as necessary.
Michael Burns of Evergy said that they were in the process of restoring power and that only about 30 to 40 residences were still without power as of about an hour prior to the news conference.
“We must get the go-ahead from Kansas Gas before we can restore power,” Burns said.
Chief Steven Beer of the Hutchinson Fire Department asked residents without gas and power to open their taps a trickle to keep the pipes from freezing. If people in the evacuation Zone need to go back to their homes, they can be escorted by a first responder to make sure that it’s safe.
The evacuation order around the explosion site is still in effect but the area has shrunk. It was originally established from Ave. A to Carey Park from Plum to Adams Street. It is now set from Ave. C just south of the tracks to Ave. F and from Walnut to Adams Street.
The most current info will be posted to the City of Hutchinson’s Facebook page. Updates will be posted there and all of the emergency contact numbers are also on the page.
“I asked people to reach out for support If they need their house checked, get medication, check on animals or need somewhere to stay,” Hutchinson Mayor Stacy Goss said. “Thank you to all of our mutual aid partners. We are grateful that there were no fatalities or injuries.”
South Main Street will be blocked off for the foreseeable future. The Woodie Seat Freeway is still scheduled to be closed Thursday, Feb. 27, for the beginning of its Phase II construction. Goss said that the date will be reevaluated if needed.
2/22, 7:00 p.m. update
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer gave an update to the public about a gas-related explosion that occurred on the south side of Hutchinson Saturday morning.
“Steffen’s Auto Parts did explode and is basically a total loss,” Beer said. “There were numerous explosions due to multiple acetylene tanks and other automotive supplies being contained within the building.”
HFD responded to a gas odor near Ave. E and Main in Hutchinson when fire crews witnessed the building explode. All occupants of the building escaped before the explosion, and no one died in the event.
Beer said HFD does have a video of the explosion captured from a fire truck’s dashcam that will be released to the public in the coming days.
Beer said the explosion was not similar to the gas explosions that took place in Hutchinson in January 2001.
Every available HFD unit assisted with the containing of the fire, along with numerous other organizations.
Editor’s Note: More information about this incident will be released when available.
2/22, 12:30 pm.
An underground gas leak caused an explosion at Steffen’s Auto Parts on the northeast corner of Main Street and Avene E this morning.
Evacuations have been ordered from Avenue A to Avenue F and from Plum Street to Adams Street
The Salvation Army has opened a warming center in their building at 701 N Walnut Street.
CAPTION: From left, Evergy spokesperson Michael Burns, Kansas Gas Service spokesperson Lauren Clary and Hutchinson Fire Department Chief Steven Beer in Fire Station 1 brief the public about the gas explosion that destroyed Steffen's Auto at Avenue E and Main Street Sat., Feb. 22, 2025 By Michael Glenn
Hutchinson Salthawk senior #2 Terrell King scores on a layup. The Salthawk boys team beat the Newton Railers 58-51 on Senior Night, Fri. Feb. 21, 2025, in the Salthawk Activity Center CREDIT CAPTURED BY DYLAN By John Mesh The Hutchinson High School Salthawk varsity girls and boys
By Emmie Boese
Expungement Project Hutchinson, a community collaboration project between the Human Relations Commission, Kansas Legal Services, Hutchinson NAACP, Hutch in Harmony and local lawyers, will host an Expungement and License Restoration Clinic next month.
The expungement clinic is on March 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the license restoration clinic is on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both clinics will take place at Memorial Hall.
Expungement is defined as removal of arrest or conviction from a criminal record. Those who want to ensure they meet the expungement qualifications are encouraged to contact Kansas Legal Services.
An application is required to schedule an appointment for both clinics. To apply for an appointment, call (316) 267-3975 or email klsprobono@klsinc.org.
Those who apply should have income verification and expenses with them before emailing or calling.
By Emmie Boese Expungement Project Hutchinson, a community collaboration project between the Human Relations Commission, Kansas Legal Services, Hutchinson NAACP, Hutch in Harmony and local lawyers, will host an Expungement and License Restoration Clinic next month. The expungement clinic is on March 13 from 10 a.m. to
By Kate Irelan StartUp Hutch announced on February 21 that Executive Director Jackson Swearer is leaving his position of four years. As reported in The Hutchinson Tribune on February 19, Swearer will be a new co-owner and publisher of The Hutchinson Tribune once the purchase is
Four overdoses were reported within a 24 hour period in Reno County, according to a press release issued by Reno County.
The overdoses are suspected to involve Fentanyl and other Opioids.
The Reno County Health Department has been tracking overdoses and trends since Oct. 1 of 2020. Naloxone (Narcan) is effective for any Opiate and is highly recommended that people carry it and understand how to use it, due to the nature of Opiates and the unsafe and toxic drug supply that includes the presence of Fentanyl and the suspicion of Xylazine.
“Please contact the Reno County Health Department for education on these varying and emerging community health issues at 620-694-2900,” the press release said.
Recovery is possible. There are many pathways to recovery. If you are reading this and you or your loved one is experiencing chaotic substance use, please use the resources below. Recovery doesn’t have to look a certain way, and our community wants to offer its hand to help.
The Reno Recovery Collaborative recommends the following steps and strategies for our community:
• Naloxone (Narcan) education, trainings, and availability https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/
• Encourage more people to carry naloxone (Narcan)
* Encourage members of our community who use substances to never use alone
• Check in on friends or family regularly who use substances.
For more local information, education, and specific activities on substance use, or if you want to get involved in the Reno Recovery Collaborative, please contact Thomas Simmons at thomas.simmons@renocountyks.gov.
Reno County Resources:
Kansas Recovery Network: Harm Reduction services, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, etc. and peer navigation https://hutchinsonnarcan.8b.io/
The naloxone vending machine is located at 400 W 2nd Ave. It is a free resource and just needs your zip code.
You may also call (620)200-0125 for information on what to look for in an opiate overdose, and harm reduction resources.
Crossover Recovery: 620-669-9024, SACK Detox Unit: 620-259-2063, BreakThru: 620-218-0636
Recovery Response Team: 620-663-7595, Crisis Line: 1-800-794-0163
Reno ASAP Alcohol and Drug Services: 620-665-6446
Horizons Mental Health: 620-663-7595, website: http://www.hutchregional.com/locations-services/horizons-mental-health-center
PrairieStar Health Center – phone: 620-663-8484, Website: https://www.prairiestarhealth.org
All these resources and other support groups can be found at www.renorecoveryks.com
State and National Treatment Resources:
Find a treatment facility: https://findtreatment.gov/, National treatment line: 1-800-662-4357
Never Use Alone Hotline: 1-800-484-3731
Kansas Substance Use Disorder Treatment Referral line: 1-866-645-8216
Four overdoses were reported within a 24 hour period in Reno County, according to a press release issued by Reno County. The overdoses are suspected to involve Fentanyl and other Opioids. The Reno County Health Department has been tracking overdoses and trends since Oct. 1 of
By John Mesh Parker Bruce will be named as the next head football coach at Nickerson High School. Eagle Radio’s Sean Boston broke the story on the Hutchinson Post website on Wednesday. The Nickerson USD 309 Board of Education will approve Bruce’s hiring at Tuesday night’s meeting. Bruce currently serves as
On 2025-02-20 @ 16:10:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 100 BLK E. 12TH AVE.
TIFFANY D. PARR, WM/35, 110 E. 12TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) Felony Interference with LEO 2.) Driving while Suspended 3.) No proof of Liability Insurance 4.) RNSO warrant.
On 2025-02-20 @ 02:23:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 300 S MAIN ST
JESSE DELACRUZ WM/34 HOMELESS, was arrested for 1) OPERATE VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED TAG, 2) FAILURE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE, 3) POSSESSION OF OPIATE, 4) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.
On 2025-02-19 @ 21:10:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 510 E 30TH AVE
ELIAS DELACRUZ, HM/41, 117 E 17TH AVE, was arrested for 1) DUI 2) Driving with no DL in possession 3) Driving with no ignition interlock 4) Criminal damage. After wrecking his vehicle and taking items from Walgreens, 510 E 30TH AVE, without permission.
On 2025-02-19 @ 19:08:00Hrs
Concern for Welfare at 501 W 5TH AVE
An employee of EL RODEO called and requested a welfare check on an individual whose vehicle was broken down on the property. PEYTON NIEMAN, WF/32, 415 W SOUTH ST SALINA KS was arrested for 1) Possession of stolen property, 2) Possession of methamphetamine, 3) Possession of paraphernalia, 4) Felony Interference with Law Enforcement.
On 2025-02-18 @ 22:56:00Hrs
Violation of Court Order at CITY OF HUTCHINSON
MARKIA MILLER, WF/28, 1413 E 2ND AVE, Was arrested for 1) Violation protection order.
On 2025-02-18 @ 14:23:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
NICHOLAS L. TAYLOR, WM/28 was arrested for 1.) Battery-DV.
On 2025-02-17 @ 20:51:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 1501 E. 9th Ave.
CURTIS GRAHAM, WM/61, 1501 E. 9TH AVE., was arrested for 1.) DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) DISTRIBUTION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, 3.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 4.) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, 5.) AQUIRED DRUG PROCEEDS, 6.) ARRANGING THE SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES USING A COMMUNICATION FACILITY, and 7.) POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA. ZACHARY STINSON, NA/42, 1501 E. 9TH AVE., was arrested for 1.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) POSSESSION OF GABAPENTIN, 3.) POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, 4.) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, and 5.) CRIMINAL USE OF A FIREARM.
On 2025-02-17 @ 19:34:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
MATTHEW KLINE WM/28 was arrested for 1) DV BATTERY and 2) DV CRIMINAL DAMAGE.
On 2025-02-17 @ 11:20:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at CITY OF HUTCHINSON
CHRISTOPHER STOWELL, WM/43, 20 HALSEY DRIVE, was arrested for 1) Domestic Battery and 2) Criminal Deprivation of Property.
On 2025-02-17 @ 07:32:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
DAVID L. MENDOZA HM/49, 705 BARNES LAKE RD, was arrested for 1.) Assault DV, 2.) Disorderly Conduct DV, and 3.) Disorderly Conduct
On 2025-02-16 @ 01:52:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 400 BLK STATE FAIR ROAD
TAYLOR RYAN, WF/29, 1409 E 2ND AVE, Was arrested for 1.) DUI by Comp Evidence 2.) Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage
On 2025-02-15 @ 22:14:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
JENNIFER URIDEL WF/40 CITY OF HUTCHINSON was arrested for 1) BATTERY DV
On 2025-02-15 @ 18:40:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 500 E 5th Ave
CARL DAY WM/31 HOMELESS was arrested for 1)FTA DRIVE W/OUT LICENSE, 2)FTA POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA.
On 2025-02-15 @ 11:27:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 3307 ROCKWOOD DR
SAVANNAH M. ALVARADO, HF/24, 804 E. 6TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Theft.
On 2025-02-15 @ 11:26:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 3307 ROCKWOOD DR
SAVANNAH M. ALVARADO, HF/24, 804 E. 6TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; DUI.
On 2025-02-14 @ 22:36:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 500 BLK E 30TH AVE
JARRON ROE, WM/17, 1610 E 26TH AVE, Was taken to I&A for 1.) Distribution of Marijuana 2.) Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) Possession of Marijuana 4.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 5.) Possession of Alcohol By a Minor 6.) Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage
On 2025-02-14 @ 19:52:00Hrs
Theft – Shoplifting at 1401 E 17TH AVE
QUINTON BOWER, WM/41, HOMELESS was arrested for 1) THEFT, PROPERTY OR SERVICES LESS THAN $1,500.
On 2025-02-14 @ 18:36:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 112 E 12TH AVE
RODNEY BROWN, WM/67, 112 E 12TH AVE, Was arrested for 1.) DUI Conv by Comp Evidence 2.) Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage 3.) No Insurance
On 2025-02-14 @ 10:00:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City Of Hutchinson
ANDREW PRIMEAUX WM/43, HUTCHINSON, was arrested for 1) Criminal Damage- DV
On 2025-02-14 @ 03:05:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
STEWART ADAMS WM/39 HUTCHINSON was arrested for 1). Domestic Battery 2). Criminal Restraint – DV
On 2025-02-13 @ 22:26:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 2405 N. Main
TRISTAN DELANEY, WM/25, 1300 E. 33rd Ave Apt 603 was arrested for 1) Interference with Law Enforcement.
On 2025-02-13 @ 21:03:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 121 W 11th Ave
HENNESSE M. BROWN, BF/26, SAME – was arrested for 1) Possession of Methamphetamine 2) Possession of Marijuana 3) Possession of drug paraphernalia 4) X2 HPD warrants and ERICK C. FARRELL, WM/29, SAME – was arrested for 1) Possession of Methamphetamine 2) Possession of drug paraphernalia 3) Interference with Law Enforcement
On 2025-02-13 @ 20:24:00Hrs
Public Intoxication at 201 E 4th Ave
WESTLEY BROWN WM/45 1009 E BLANCHARD LOT 1 was arrested for 1) PUBLIC INTOXICATION at this location.
On 2025-02-13 @ 19:19:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 901 N. Main St.
DAVID M. LIGHTNER, BM/41, 322 E 4TH – Was arrested for 1) HPD warrant; Original Charge Disorderly conduct
Want to see more in the blotter? Contact Publisher Michael Glenn at mglenn@hutchtribune.com or Managing Editor Gina Long at glong@hutchtribune.com.
Hutchinson Police Department On 2025-02-20 @ 16:10:00Hrs Obstruct Legal Process at 100 BLK E. 12TH AVE. TIFFANY D. PARR, WM/35, 110 E. 12TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) Felony Interference with LEO 2.) Driving while Suspended 3.) No proof of Liability Insurance 4.) RNSO warrant. On 2025-02-20 @ 02:23:00Hrs Traffic
CAPTION: BFO Bids at 405 N. Main in Hutchinson is a new online marketplace pick-up location with a distribution service ideally for small businesses that may not have a storefront. Owners Justin and Lauren Bright have been in business in Buhler for over 10 years
