Hutchinson names 2026 Public Works, Utilities employees of the year
Eleven more employees received division awards, from Sewer Rat of the Year to Golden Wrench
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Sign up freeJustin Karam of Public Works and Adam Frye of Utilities were named Hutchinson's 2026 employees of the year, the city announced Thursday, Nov. 5, recognizing workers in the departments behind the city's streets and water service.
Courtesy City of Hutchinson
Francisco Fernandez was runner-up in Public Works, and Fernando Lara Jr. was runner-up in Utilities.
Eleven employees also received division awards. In the Street Division, Sam McCullers was named Hardest Working, Brandon Hayes was named Team Player, Easton Thompson was named Best Attitude and Garrett Rempel was named Class Clown.
The other honorees were Chris Ward of Sewer Maintenance, Sewer Rat of the Year; Eddie Maron of Water Maintenance, Water Dog of the Year; Hallie Burrows of the Water Treatment Center, Stormbringer; Kaleb Black of the WWTP Lab, Lab Legend; Wade Koon of Central Garage, Golden Wrench; Gregg DeGarmo of Engineering, Broadest Shoulders; and Patty Jenks of Administration, Essential Piece.
According to the city's Facebook post, the honors capped a recent day that brought the two departments together for morning training sessions and a chance for employees to learn about work in other divisions. The day ended with an awards luncheon that the city said recognized employees for their hard work, dedication and unique contributions to their teams.
In its post, the city wrote, "Behind every maintained street, repaired waterline and essential service is a team of employees who take pride in what they do. Their work makes a difference in our community every day." A complete gallery of photos can be found on the city's Facebook page.
The awards follow a year in which the city invited residents behind the scenes at a public works open house in August and joined the national Imagine a Day Without Water campaign in October.
Citizen Journal reported in October 2025 that Hutchinson Public Works and Utilities honored top employees at an annual event last year.
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