HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners now have a chance to make the final decision on NextEra’s wind farm proposal after the planning commission voted not to recommend the conditional use permit.

There is a protest period currently underway where those opposed to the project can try to force a supermajority vote for the permit to be approved.

The commissioners set a date of May 21 for a special meeting to decide whether the project proceeds. This meeting will be held at the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center to allow space for those wanting to attend.

NextEra wants to build as many as 83 wind turbines on land in the southeastern part of Reno County. The company would like to begin construction this summer and be operational by the end of the year.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners made no decision on whether to grant 10 years tax abatement for Wifco Steel to build a new office building on its property.

The plan is to build the 5,400-square-foot office building then tear down the current office space and add space for additional manufacturing. The plan would include adding at least 10 more employees in 2020 with an additional payroll of $250,000.

However, the commissioners cannot agree on how long the abatement should last. Commissioner Ron Sellers called it unfair to other taxpayers and wanted the abatement to be less than 100%.

Commissioner Ron Hirst says he’s leaning more toward eight years of abatement, while Commission Chair Bob Bush seemed to be in favor of the 10-year tax abatement. “In the long term, it will benefit the county,” Bush said.

Wifco plans to spend $845,000 on the project.

Commissioners decided they want more time to consider the proposal and set a public hearing date of May 14.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Severe weather season is upon us and that means there could be an influx of roofers and contractors coming to town.

Hutchinson city officials note that any company in town going door-to-door with the intent to sell something to local residents should be able to show a peddler’s permit from the city.

If they come to your home and are not able to show you that license, you are asked to call 694-2816 to report them.

And of course, don’t be afraid to say no or hang up the phone on aggressive sales pitches.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nothing much came from a negotiation session between Hutchinson USD 308 officials and the local KNEA representing the district’s teachers over a new contract for next year.

Rick Kraus with the district says they talked primarily about language for the contract, but says the big item will be money. Kraus says they are now in a holding pattern until the school board makes a salary offer. The offer won’t come until the May 13 meeting.

He expects the two sides to have an additional meeting on May 15, a couple of days after the school board decides on what it will offer. It’s then that the district will present its offer to the teachers union.

Except for caucus periods of the individual groups, all negotiation sessions are open meetings.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Corrections is investigating whether illegal drugs played a role in four recent inmate deaths at three state correctional facilities.

Since Friday, April 26, two Hutchinson Correctional Facility inmates, one Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility inmate and one El Dorado Correctional Facility inmate have died. The cause of death in each case is pending autopsy results.

Ethen Thornton died Friday morning at an area hospital. He had been housed at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Jeremy Waller died Monday morning at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Quinn Martin died Friday afternoon at an area hospital. He had been housed at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

Kendrick Gracey died Saturday night at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

The deaths are currently under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local teen is facing a charge of aggravated robbery for an incident that occurred early Friday morning.

Tyson Samuels is one of the suspects who picked up the victim at a parking lot on South Main after learning he sold some items. Samuels knew the victim and knew he had a lot of cash on him.

Samuels and another suspect took the victim to an alley in the area of 11th & Maple, pulled a gun and robbed him of the cash.

An investigation led to the arrest of Samuels for a single count of robbery. Authorities did not give any information on the second suspect, nor did they give word of any arrest.

Samuels posted bond and will make a first appearance at a later date.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police continue to investigate a shooting from Friday night that left one man in serious condition at a Wichita hospital.

Two men face criminal charges. Nalica McKinnley was arrested Monday for aggravated battery after he admitted to firing a shotgun that wounded 47-year-old Marc Chambers, according to Hutchinson Police Lt. Dustin Loepp.

Chambers was taken by private vehicle and left at the hospital by Johnathan Kelly. He was later taken to a Wichita hospital where he is currently in serious condition.

Police had trouble finding Kelly. Once authorities found him, Kelly agreed to talk. He admitted the weapon belonged to him, but said it was McKinnley who fired the shot. Kelly was arrested for having a criminal history and being in possession of the weapon.

Kelly managed to make bond after his arrest Friday for criminal use of weapons, criminal possession of a firearm and interference with law enforcement.

Both suspects say the shooting was accidental, but police arrested McKinnley on the aggravated battery charge.

Police sought a search warrant after spotting blood through the window of a home at 1517 E. 3rd. There was some indication that someone tried to clean up the home, so Kelly also faces a charge of interference with law enforcement.

McKinnley is jailed on a $10,000 bond.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The South Hutchinson Police Department had a good day Saturday for their drug take back day.

The collected 211.4 pounds, an increase over the fall take back.

Law enforcement agencies hold the collection days twice a year to provide a safe way for residents to dispose of old and unwanted medications.