HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff took time to give a rundown of 2017 for the city and provided some of the strong points for the community Wednesday morning.

It came as part of the sixth annual State of the City address sponsored by AMBUCS and the Chamber of Commerce. Deardoff took time to explain some of the budget issues the city is facing but stressed that the city is in good financial shape. He also talked about the sales tax revenue and the declining numbers and stressed that residents need to be true to their community and shop locally.

Deardoff says, while there has certainly been some bad news in the community in terms of the closing of Target and CHS, that many good things have happened — especially in the downtown area.

The city manager also talked about the need to keep the city’s infrastructure repaired and intact. He discussed the steps that have been taken in that department.