HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has announced a new partnership with Wound Care Advantage (WCA), bringing new technologies and greater operational efficiencies to its wound care facility. The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at Hutchinson Regional was established in 2006 to service patients in Hutchinson and the surrounding area including Central & Western Kansas, Eastern Colorado and Northwestern Oklahoma.

Many patients suffer from chronic non-healing wounds brought on by conditions such as diabetes and arterial disease. With a five-year mortality rate of 68 percent for diabetics after limb amputation, it’s critical to aggressively treat and heal problem wounds as quickly as possible. Patients in rural areas often have difficulty finding specialized treatment close to home.

“We’re committed to bringing high quality wound care services to patients in Hutchinson and surrounding areas as we enter this exciting phase of growth,” Ken Johnson, CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said. “When we first met with Mike Comer and his team, we knew that Wound Care Advantage was the ideal partner because they share our ‘patient-first’ philosophy. Everything else flows from that, including new technologies, tools, compliance checks and analytics that bring a whole new level of terrific treatment options to our center.”

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center as they continue to strengthen their wound care program,” Mike Comer, CEO of Wound Care Advantage, said. “Patients in rural outlying areas now have access to world-class treatment from an exceptionally talented team of physicians and nurses.”

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Alison Levine, team captain of the first American women’s Everest expedition and author of the New York Times best-seller “On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Everest and Other Extreme Environments” will be the keynote speaker at the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. The meeting will be held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

“We feel very fortunate to have Alison Levine as the keynote speaker for the 2018 Annual Meeting,” Brad Pryor, Operating Partner of Papa John’s Pizza and the 2018 Chamber Board Chair, said. “In business and in life, we face challenges that may seem impossible and force us to think and respond differently. Alison’s story of leading teams through extreme situations and fighting complacency will inspire the audience and put everyone on the edge of their seats.”

The Chamber also announced Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System as the Premier Sponsor for the 2018 Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. “Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) is proud to support the Reno County Chamber of Commerce in their efforts to make Hutchinson a better place to live and work,” Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System said. “We are especially excited about sponsoring the annual dinner with inspirational speaker Alison Levine. Her story of perseverance in the face of setbacks is one we can all relate to and learn from. The entire HRHS team is committed to creating a great environment for success, and our partnership with the Chamber helps to make that happen.”

Levine is a history-making polar explorer and mountaineer. She served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles — a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam, which fewer than 40 people in the world have achieved. In January 2008, she made history as the first American to complete a 600-mile traverse from west Antarctica to the South Pole following the route of legendary explorer Reinhold Messner. Levine completed this arduous journey on skis while hauling 150 pounds of her gear and supplies in a sled harnessed to her waist. She made history once again in 2016 when she completed the first ascent of Antarctica’s Hall Peak.

Levine also spent four years as an adjunct professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and is a strategic advisor for the Thayer Leader Development Group at West Point. She was a contributing author to the book “Leadership in Dangerous Situations: A Handbook for the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and First Responders” (Naval Institute Press). She also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics at Duke University.

A sought-after consultant and keynote speaker on the subject of leadership development, Levine has addressed audiences ranging from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams to the prestigious World Economic Forum at Davos.

Tickets for the 2018 Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting will go on sale to Chamber members on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ticket information and other details regarding the 2018 Annual Meeting can be found by visiting the Chamber website at www.hutchchamber.com.

RENO COUNTY — Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 5800 block of south Yoder Road for an injury accident just after 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Upon arrival, deputies found 22-year-old John P. Johnson of Wichita laying on the shoulder of the road. Johnson had no visible injuries, however, he complained of pain across his entire body. He was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center by Reno County EMS.

Johnson’s vehicle was in the east ditch along Yoder Road. He told deputies that he was traveling south when his vehicle pulled to the right and he overcorrected, causing him to enter the ditch.

Johnson traveled 248 feet before going airborne for 57 feet. The vehicle traveled a total of 437 feet before coming to a rest.

Johnson said he was wearing his seat belt and the driver’s side airbag deployed.

Reno County Fire District #8 also responded to the scene.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission Tuesday held another public hearing and approved special assessments on property owners for sewer improvements to serve Blue Spruce Sewer District 3-10.

With the change in the way the county will assess the taxes, each parcel will be assessed the same amount — which comes to just over $4,122. Property owners now have 30 days to pay part, or all, of the tax. Anything not paid after 30 days will be assessed over a 20-year period.

The county changed the calculation after residents thought it was unfair how the county determined those assessments. The special tax levy was figured based on the assessed valuation of the land, whether there was a structure on the property or not. Some residents got a pretty hefty bill and wanted it more equal. Some also suggested the county levy the tax on the parcels or lots, so every lot owner would pay the same amount.

But, one property owner complained that some lots are bigger than others and wanted it based on lot size. One woman complained that she would have to pay for one of her lots that couldn’t be developed.

In the end, the commission approved the change in assessments.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County EMS has been honored with the 2017 “Career Service of the Year” award at the Kansas EMS Association awards banquet.

This is the first time in the organization’s history that it has received this award. Over the past year, many changes and improvements within the organization have been made to allow better service for patients, the community and other public safety agencies, as well as employees.

Reno County EMS also recognizes the Executive Staff of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Many of the changes would not have been possible without the Executive Staff’s help and vision.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire crews responded to 1701 E. 3rd for the report of a house fire late Saturday.

On arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a single-story makeshift duplex. Fire crews located a very hot smoldering fire that did considerable damage to the interior of the structure. No one was home at the time of the fire and the home is deemed uninhabitable.

No injuries were reported from the fire, which occurred just after 11 p.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigative team at Hutchinson Correctional Facility is working a stabbing that occurred at the central unit Thursday afternoon.

According to HCF Public Information Officer Jordan Bell, the incident happened around 3:48 p.m. in the dining hall. One inmate was stabbed. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he was treated. He returned to the prison later that evening.

Bell could not say what started the altercation or how many others were involved.

None of the staff were injured during the altercation and the prison was not put into lockdown.

Following the investigation, Bell says the prison will decide whether to turn its findings over to the DA’s office.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2018 budget during Tuesday’s agenda session. The budget for this year totals $87,581,050 on total taxes levied of $14,733,893.

The tax rate will increase slightly from 43.98 to 44.32 mills. Total assessed valuation for the city is $307,050,463, an increase of just under $5 million.

Also Tuesday, the council will consider two resolutions to establish special event districts in the downtown area. One is for the annual Rod Run scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, while the other is for the Brewfest Oct. 14.

Finally, the council will consider the new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.