HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A recent accident involving a train and pedestrian brought up the dangers of walking along the railroad right-of-way. It also brought up quiet zones for railroads and why Hutchinson doesn’t have such an ordinance.

Many cities, especially those along very busy rail lines, do have quiet zones. The cities typically see between 60 and 100 trains per day. Residents are willing to pay a large sum for the extra traffic control needed for a quiet zone. Grade crossings must have concrete barriers or some other divider at the crossing to keep motorists from going around crossing arms. It also includes more control of sidewalks at a crossing. Smaller communities can do this because it may only affect a handful of crossings. Cities with busy rail lines often have just that one line running through town, which also makes it financially feasible.

But Hutchinson is different in that three railroads run through the community. And with 60-grade crossings, it can seem like trains are constantly blowing their horns. Although it can seem like more, the area only averages 25 to 35 trains per day. With that little train traffic and that many crossings to renovate, the cost is simply too much according to City Manager John Deardoff.

Deardoff says the matter came up for discussion about 10 years ago when the old pickle factory at 2nd and Poplar was turned into a living complex. No plan was put in place at that time. Both BNSF and Union Pacific are both staunch opponents of quiet zones because of the extra danger to the public. Often the railroads would rather see the number of grade crossings reduced rather than implement a quiet zone.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work has started on Hutchinson’s newest hike and bike trail.

The state fair trail will connect with bike lanes at 23rd and Severance and then make its way to the northeast gate at the fairgrounds where it will pass through the grounds and exit just south of Gate 3 along Main Street. The trail will be closed during the fair and other selected events, but otherwise will be fully open to walkers and cyclists.

The project is being funded through KDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The city will be responsible for about $114,000 of the cost.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Once again this year the Hutchinson Animal Shelter will hold an Adopt-A-Pet event at the Eagle Media Center at 9th and Main. Want a new pet to love?

This year’s event will be held Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. until noon. Come meet some furry friends up for adoption and help them find forever homes.

Adoption fees will be discounted and all shelter pets have received their necessary vaccinations.

If you’re unable to adopt, you can still help by donating pet toys, canned kitten food, or Science Diet cat and dog food.

Hutchinson, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College announced that Erin Beavers, professor of Chemistry, has been selected as the 2018-19 Dragon Educator of the Year.

Beavers was selected for the honor from nominees from all academic areas by the HutchCC Student Government Association. Instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students and then complete a selection process conducted by SGA. Beavers received her honor at the college’s commencement on May 10.

Beavers teaches Chemistry I, Chemistry II and the labs associated with each. She also provides academic advising to students. This is Beavers’ second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year. She also received the award for the 2016-17 school year.

Other finalists for the award were Dr. Amanda Smith, psychology instructor, and Rachel Santine, speech professor.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Third Thursday celebrates May with active living.

Thursday events include youth sprint bike races. Youth ages six and younger will enjoy a sprint bike race just for them in front of Smith’s Market and Westlake Hardware. Check-in starts at 5:45 p.m. at the public lot east of Smith’s Market off Avenue C. The 4 and younger sprint race starts at 6:15 p.m., with the 5-year-old sprint race starting at 6:30 p.m., and the 6-year-old sprint race starting at 6:45 p.m. This event is free. Bike checks and helmet inspections will be provided by Harley’s Bicycles.

Also Thursday, Hutch Rec fitness staff will be at the Avenue A park gazebo for a variety of demos, including yoga, spinning, and even paddle boarding along Cow Creek. The evening also includes the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics starting at 5:45 p.m. down Main Street.

Hutch Rec says more than 30 informational booths, activities, and vendors will be set up along Main Street from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be live music from a variety of local musicians. A complete list can be found by visiting thirdthursdayhutch.com.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The flooding has caused some damage to a maturing wheat crop, but things might not be as bad as they look.

Darren Busick with the Reno County Extension Office says the wheat is filling out and, although the water may stint some of that growth, things are still looking good. “We may have a few mud holes, but other than that it is still pretty good,” Busick said.

The area had nearly 7 inches of rain last week covering many fields. The flooding comes as the county is expected to see a smaller harvest because fewer acres were planted. How much the flood further lowers those numbers will not be known for awhile.

Currently, the winter wheat condition is rated at 11% poor to very poor, 33% fair, 43% good, and 13% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 89%, ahead of 84% last year.

Headed was 35%, well behind 64% for the five-year average.