Suspect in meth manufacturing case wants evidence suppressed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defense for a 37-year-old man facing charges in two manufacturing cases wants evidence in the first case suppressed.

Ryan Peterson had turned down a plea offer from the state in both cases and Wichita attorney Charlie O’Hara is now representing him.

In this case, he’s charged with manufacture of meth, possession of ephedrine, lithium metal, and anhydrous ammonia—all with the intent to manufacture—and possession of stolen property, that being a stolen Lincoln welder. This case goes back to June 6, 2012.

Peterson has another case also pending where he’s charged with the manufacturing of meth or in the alternative, attempt to manufacture meth, possession of meth with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, possession of other prescription drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute drugs. These crimes allegedly occurred back on May 23, of this year.

Peterson is no stranger to law enforcement having been convicted of possession of drugs, paraphernalia and possession of ephedrine and unlawful manufacture. Those crimes occurred in February of 2006.

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Hutchinson man accused of burglary and assault formally charged

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 30-year-old man taken to jail back on Nov. 10, after he was allegedly caught breaking into a business at 1603 E. 4th, appeared via video from the county jail Wednesday where he was read the formal charges.

Lenny Cherry is now charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.

He’s suspected of breaking into Barkman Small Engine Repair and threatening a man with a knife who confronted him.

He’s jailed on a bond of $41,750 and he again requested a reduction of bond. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen again denied the request.

The case now moves to a waiver-status docket on December 10.

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Suspect in aggravated assault case, ‘not guilty’

A Hutchinson woman on trial for one count of aggravated assault was found “not guilty” by a Reno County Jury after only 22 minutes of deliberations. Stephanie Garcia was accused of nearly striking her ex-boyfriend and two friends outside of a local video store.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Family Video Store in Hutchinson when she allegedly became upset when she saw her ex-boyfriend, Lazerick Young with another female, someone he claims was just a friend. As Young and his friend left the video store, they ran into another friend and began talking. That’s when Garcia is alleged to have come from the east side of the store in her vehicle at a high rate of speed and swerved nearly hitting the three.

Young had testified that her vehicle actually brushed the purse of his female friend. He says he was afraid and jumped out of the way thinking she was going to strike the three of them. But, Garcia took the stand and denied she was even angry.

The case was heard in front of Judge Trish Rose.

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Local man hires new attorney in drug and robbery cases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two people arrested in a drug case was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday, but that was continued when it was learned Anthony Everhart hired a Wichita attorney to handle his defense. As is standard practice, the new attorney will be allowed time to get up to speed on the facts of the case.

Everhart is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to package.

He was arrested along with 24-year-old Kylie Berry back on Aug. 14, when officers served a search warrant on a home and say they found a little over three grams of methamphetamine and other drugs. The residence is located within a thousand feet of Wiley Elementary School.

In a more recent case, Everhart was arrested along with 20-year-old Francesca Wharton with both charged with aggravated robbery while Everhart is also charged with possession of methamphetamine.

The two were taken into custody back on Oct. 15. The 23-year-old victim, Tara Moeller, was apparently lured to the Days Inn Motel by the two when they allegedly held her at gun point and took a zebra print purse and its contents.

Wharton has two other cases pending against her, including four counts of forgery in one and traffic of contraband into a correctional facility in the other. Everhart also has a third case pending.

The drug and robbery cases have both being transferred to Position One, where Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen will hold a preliminary hearing on December 10.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  Eagle Media has known for some time that a group of residents had plans for the old Wilder’s Restaurant, but we were asked to keep quiet until they were ready to announce it.

Since it has leaked out, we can tell you that a group lead by Steve Peterman is planning to open a restaurant and microbrewery at the location in the 2600 block of North Main.

Peterman confirmed the plans but would not elaborate on them at this time. The building was purchased by Barry Mayfield at auction for just over $300 thousand. The group plans to lease the building from Mayfield.

No time table was announced for the opening.

McPHERSON, Kan. — An autopsy report shows that the death of a McPherson man found on a sidewalk was suicide.

The Regional Forensics Science Center in Wichita announced its findings in the death of Ernest Miller.

The report says the 26-year-old committed suicide by “asphyxia” and blunt trauma.

Miller was found the morning of March 27 after McPherson Police officers responded to the 400 block of West Woodside Street for a report of a body on the sidewalk. Miller was found with a bag over his head and a belt around his neck.

Rob McClarty of the McPherson Police Department says that after a thorough investigation, including both forensics testing and over 60 interviews, there is no evidence to support any criminal charges.

Areas of light freezing drizzle are possible very late Tonight into mid-morning Friday. This may result in a light glazing of ice on untreated surfaces and slick conditions.

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Here Is Your 7-Day Forecast For Hutchinson And South Central Kansas

Today… Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight… Mostly cloudy. Patchy light freezing drizzle after midnight. Lows in the upper 20s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

Friday… Cloudy. Areas of light freezing drizzle in the morning. Patchy drizzle through the day. Highs in the lower 40s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

Friday Night… Cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 30s. South winds around 5 mph.

Saturday… Not as cool. Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the mid 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night… Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain showers. Lows around 40.

Sunday… Breezy. Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain. Highs in the mid 50s.

Sunday Night Through Monday Night… Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Highs in the upper 40s.

Tuesday… Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

Tuesday Night… Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

Wednesday… Sunny. Highs around 50.

Two Wichita brothers busted in South Hutch on drug charges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two brothers from Wichita are both jailed on drug distribution charges after they were arrested by the Reno County Drug Unit early Thursday morning.

28-year-old Gary Jontra and 30-year-old James Jontra are both charged with distribution of methamphetamine, no tax stamp and use of an electronic communications device to make a drug transaction.

The arrest came at the Kwik Shop at 8 N. Main in South Hutchinson. A green Honda with three people inside arrived at that location and a male who was sitting in the rear passenger seat got into the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by a drug enforcement officer. He apparently exchanged $1,360 for approximately one ounce of meth. The male who sold the meth was identified as James Jontra who, under Miranda, admitted he sold the meth to the officer and did so for a $100 profit.

His brother Gary was driving the Honda and 911 Dispatch was able to confirm that he had two outstanding warrants. The phone used to make the drug transaction was found in the purse of Melissa Ray, who was a passenger in the vehicle. She is apparently the girlfriend of Gary Jontra. She was arrested for illegal transportation of liquor and was able to post bond.

In court, both brothers requested a reduction of their bond of $12,000, which was denied. James Jontra claimed that he was just trying to get his brother out of trouble and ended up getting himself in trouble. Gary Jontra apparently has pending cases in Sedgwick County.

Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen set a status hearing for the Reno County case on Nov. 26.

Female parolee arrested on aggravated battery charge

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 27-year-old woman on parole for prior crimes finds herself in trouble again after she was arrested for a domestic case where she is alleged to have attacked her boyfriend.

Sara Alcorn is jailed on a charge of aggravated battery, failure to appear and violation of the conditions of release for parole.

The case apparently involves her swinging a knife and also striking her boyfriend, according to statements made in court. She denied that she had a knife and that the victim may have had his fingers caught in a door. The incident occurred late night Wednesday into early Thursday morning.

She asked for a reduction of bond saying she’s pregnant and about to have a child. The state indicated that the bond should not be lowered, noting she had just been released from prison. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Davidson asked that the bond be increased. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen agreed and increased it from $5,000 to $7,500.

Alcorn was released from prison back in March for convictions of drugs, battery, two convictions for aggravated failure to appear and theft. She is listed as an absconder on the Kansas Department of Correction’s website.

She’ll be back in court for a status hearing on Nov. 26.

Suspect in solicitation case wants evidence suppressed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 55-year-old Hutchinson man arrested for electronic solicitation and aggravated violation of the offender registration act is scheduled for court Friday where he’s seeking to have some evidence suppressed at trial. However, as of Friday, the defense for Steven Peterman had not filed the motion.

Peterman was arrested back on Feb. 12 when he was allegedly waiting to pick up an underage girl in the parking lot of the Hutchinson Mall.

He is accused of engaging in conversations via cell phone with Sheriff Detective Diana Skomal, who posed as the 15-year-old. He allegedly went to the mall to pick her up with the intentions of assisting her in running away from home, but also to teach her sex. That according to a preliminary hearing testimony.

The case started when Sheriff Officials discovered that he had a cell phone used for calls, text messages and internet access which he didn’t register with the sheriff’s office within 3 days of getting it, which is required. They apparently got an anonymous tip and it was during that time when they were trying to determine if in fact this phone belonged to him that the conversations with Detective Skomal began. There was one conversation that became very graphic and sexual in nature. Later text messages led to the decision to meet at the mall.

Peterman has served time in prison for two counts of attempted rape and electronic solicitation of a child from a case in 2001. But, he also has convictions for three counts of theft, perjury and issuing a worthless check. Those cases go back to 1979 and 1980.

Sentencing hearing in drug distribution case set for Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 42-year-old man convicted in a case involving the distribution of drugs is scheduled for sentencing Friday in front of Judge Trish Rose.

Mark Wells was arrested on Nov. 8, 2012, after the Reno County Drug Unit served a search warrant on a 2012 Ford Focus driven by the defendant. He had pulled up to a residence in the 1000 block of North Washington and, as they searched the trunk, allegedly found several zip-close bags of methamphetamine, about 400 grams all together. There were also additional bags used for packaging. Wells allegedly had a glass pipe on him with residue in his pocket.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 32-year-old Hutchinson man found guilty of kidnapping is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.

Todd Lloyd was nearly killed by two Hutchinson Police Officers during an altercation back on April 23.

Lloyd is currently facing a charge of criminal threat which alleges he threatened the life of Hutchinson Police Officers, Sgt. Josh Radloff and Sgt. Eric Buller. They were the two officers involved when Lloyd was holding his girlfriend at knife point in front them. That incident occurred as he tried to elude a community corrections officer who wanted him taken into custody for a violation from an earlier case. They came close to shooting him, but held off after Lloyd dropped the knives he was holding. After a brief struggle, officers were able to take him into custody.

The sentencing for the kidnapping case is set in front of Judge Trish Rose.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The city kicked off the Holiday Season with the start up of brand-new LED lights outlining downtown buildings.

The event as a part of Third Thursday brought a large crowd and is the culmination of a year-plus project to replace building lights along Main that had mostly gone dark because of aging wiring and disrepair.

A committee of the Downtown Hutchinson Revitalization Partnership set about raising over $80,000 to replace the lights along Main from Avenue C north to Third and to the alleys on either side of Main. All new wiring with long-lasting, energy-efficient LED bulbs has been installed over the past month. All of the wiring, equipment and lights and the work was all purchased and put together locally.

Half of the money was dedicated by the Hutchinson City Council from a downtown streetscape-public art reserve fund. The rest was raised from private donors and building owners. Westar Energy gave a lead $2,500 gift to the project, and many corporate institutions contributed $1,000 each. Donors are being recognized with a plaque mounted in Avenue A Park which was unveiled during the ceremony.

The entertainment included the Hutchinson Community College jazz combo and the Hutchinson High School band drum line, and Hutchinson Mayor Cindy Proett, flipped the switch which turned on the lights on.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  Hutchinson Police are investigating an armed robbery late Thursday night in front of Great Clips at 1515 E. 17th Avenue.

According to Police, several employees had just left the store when they were robbed of their money bag by a single armed subject. No arrests have been made and there were no injuries.

The incident was reported just after 9 p.m.

Anyone who has information in regards to this crime should call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS or the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2827. This is an ongoing investigation. Please associate tips with case #2014-27525.

DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT

Areas of light rain and drizzle will affect much of the area today, as relatively warm and moist air approaches from the south. Dense fog continues to impact south central Kansas this afternoon. Visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile are possible in these areas.

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Here Is Your 7-Day Forecast For Hutchinson And South Central Kansas

COPPELL, Tex – The company now based in Dallas, Texas had announced back on October 12, that they had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Dallas on Thursday approved an order from the company’s creditors to closed all Alco stores including the 23 in Kansas.

In addition to the store in South Hutchinson, the stores in Lyons, Kingman and Pratt will closed in our area.

A news release indicates that the Bankruptcy Court approved an order authorizing Tiger Capital Group LLC, SB Capital Group LLC and Great American Group LLC to conduct “Going Out Of Business” sales in each of Alco’s 198 locations in 23 states. More than $260 million of inventory, fixtures and equipment will be liquidated during the sale, which began Friday.

The Going-Out-of-Business Sale will offer discounts off Alco’s already everyday, low prices, with store wide savings off the lowest, ticketed price. Current markdowns and clearance items will also have additional discounts. The sale will continue until all merchandise has been sold.

In addition to the liquidation of merchandise inventories, fixtures and equipment from all 198 stores, assets from the company’s 352,000-square-foot distribution center in Abilene will also be sold.

Here is the official news release

PRNewswire

COPPELL, Texas — After 113 years, Alco Stores (OTC-PINK: ALCSQ), a discount retailer focused on serving consumers in smaller communities with limited access to other regional or national retail chains, is closing its doors forever.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Dallas approved an order today authorizing Tiger Capital Group LLC, SB Capital Group LLC and Great American Group LLC to conduct “Going Out Of Business” sales in each of Alco’s 198 locations in 23 states. More than $260 million of inventory, fixtures and equipment will be liquidated during the sale, which begins Friday, November 21.

“Alco’s humble beginning as a single variety store in 1901 began a path of growth fueled by a strategy of focusing on smaller communities throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest while offering a wide selection of products at heavily discounted prices,” noted Daniel Kane, Managing Member of Tiger Capital Group. “In addition to the convenience of being able to shop locally, the chain distinguished itself by emphasizing the kind of friendly, personal service that small-town consumers expect. Unfortunately, many of Alco’s small-town customers were disproportionately impacted by the slow economy. These economic factors ultimately led to the difficult decision to liquidate all of Alco’s assets.”

On October 12, 2014, Alco filed for Chapter 11 protection in federal bankruptcy court, Northern District of Texas, case no. 14-34941.

“This event will offer consumers in Alco’s small-town markets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get extraordinary discounts on food and snack items, apparel and footwear for the family, housewares, health and beauty aids, hardware, electronics, seasonal items, toys, sporting goods, and so much more,” said Scott Bernstein, Chief Operating Officer of SB Capital Group. “This Going-Out-of-Business Sale is timed as such that Alco’s many loyal customers will realize significant savings as they do their holiday shopping.”

The Going-Out-of-Business Sale will offer discounts off Alco’s already everyday, low prices, with storewide savings off the lowest, ticketed price. Current markdowns and clearance items will also have additional discounts. The sale will continue until all merchandise has been sold.

“We know that thousands of shoppers rely on Alco for daily essentials such as groceries, housewares and domestics,” added Scott Carpenter, President of Great American Group’s Retail Solutions division. “We’ll keep these essentials fully-stocked for a limited time as we sell through all of the existing merchandise at discounted prices.”

Alco stores, which average 25,000 square feet in size, are located in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. For a list of locations, go to: http://www.alcostores.com/about_us. All stores will maintain their normal business hours during this liquidation sale. Cash and major credit cards will be accepted.

In addition to the liquidation of merchandise inventories, fixtures and equipment from all 198 stores, assets from the company’s 352,000-square-foot distribution center in Abilene, Kansas will also be sold.

About Tiger Capital Group
Tiger Capital Group provides asset valuation, advisory and disposition services to a broad range of retail, wholesale, and industrial clients. With over 40 years of experience and significant financial backing, Tiger offers a uniquely nimble combination of expertise, innovation and financial resources to drive results. Tiger’s seasoned professionals help clients identify the underlying value of assets, monitor asset risk factors and, when needed, provide capital or convert assets to capital quickly and decisively. Tiger’s collaborative, straight-forward approach is the foundation for its many long-term ‘partner’ relationships and decades of success. Tiger maintains offices in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco and Sydney. To learn more about Tiger, please visit www.TigerGroup.com.

About SB Capital Group, LLC
SB Capital Group, a Schottenstein affiliate, is a leader in the field of asset recovery, rescue finance, restructuring and strategic store closing events. With principals who are equity stakeholders in retail enterprises, consumer products, franchising, licensing and real property, SB Capital Group leverages resources and depth of experience to provide services with applicability across a wide spectrum of industries. Our participation in transactions that span the globe has solidified our reputation as one of the most creative and innovative financial service and asset realization firms in existence today. To learn more, please visit www.sbcapitalgroup.com.

About Great American Group, LLC
Great American Group, LLC is a leading provider of advisory and valuation services, asset disposition and auction solutions, commercial lending and real estate advisory services. Great American Group efficiently deploys resources with sector expertise to assist companies, lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional service firms in maximizing the value of their assets. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of B. Riley Financial, Inc. (OTCBB: RILY), consisting of an array of financial services companies including: B. Riley & Co., LLC, a leading full service investment bank providing corporate finance, research, and sales & trading to corporate, institutional and high net worth individual clients; and B. Riley Asset Management, a provider of investment products to institutional and high net worth investors. B. Riley Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Dallas, Melville and New York, N.Y., Newport Beach, Calif., Norwalk, Conn., San Francisco, and Munich. For more information about Great American Group, visit www.greatamerican.com or call 818-884-3737.

Sentencing in kidnapping case delayed three weeks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a 32-year-old Hutchinson man found guilty of kidnapping was scheduled for sentencing Friday, and both attorney’s were present. It was then learned that Todd Lloyd had been sent to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder told us that he was unaware that this had happened. His attorney Carl Maughn apparently learned this morning that he was not in the Reno County Jail and had not been transported from the DOC. That left Judge Trish Rose with no choice but to continue the hearing. She set a new date of December 12.

Lloyd was nearly killed by two Hutchinson Police Officers during an altercation back on April 23.

Lloyd is currently facing a charge of criminal threat which alleges he threatened the life of Hutchinson Police Officers, Sgt. Josh Radloff and Sgt. Eric Buller in open court after he had been found guilty in the kidnapping case. Carl Maughn represents him in that case as well and asked for continuance until after the sentencing on the kidnapping charge. The criminal threat case is still before Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen and he granted the request.

The two officers he threatened to kill if he ever got out of jail are the officers involved when Lloyd was holding his girlfriend at knife point in front them. That incident occurred as he tried to elude a community corrections officer who wanted him taken into custody for a violation from an earlier case. They came close to shooting Lloyd, but held off after he dropped the two knives he was holding. After a brief struggle, Lloyd was taken into custody.

Again, the sentencing is pushed back to December 12.

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Trial and motion hearing continued in solicitation case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 55-year-old Hutchinson man arrested for electronic solicitation and aggravated violation of the offender registration act was scheduled for a court hearing Friday over a motion to suppress.

However, the attorney for Steven Peterman has yet to file the motion and asked that the hearing and trial be continued.

Judge Trish Rose agreed to the continuance on both matters and set a new motion deadline of Dec. 12 and a trial date of Feb. 14, 2015. She says she will also set a new date for the motion to suppress once that is filed be the defense.

Peterman was arrested back on February 12, when he was allegedly waiting to pick up an underage girl in the parking lot of the Hutchinson Mall. He is accused of engaging in conversations via cell phone with Sheriff Detective Diana Skomal who posed as the 15-year-old. He allegedly went to the mall to pick her up with the intentions of assisting her in running away from home, but also to teach her sex. That according to preliminary hearing testimony.

The case started when Sheriff Officials discovered that he had a cell phone used for calls, text messages and internet access which he didn’t register with the sheriff’s office within 3 days of getting it, which is required. They apparently got an anonymous tip and it was during that time when they were trying to determine if in fact this phone belonged to him that the conversations with Detective Skomal began. There was one conversation that became very graphic and sexual in nature. Later text messages led to the decision to meet at the mall.

Peterman has served time in prison for two counts of attempted rape and electronic solicitation of a child from a case from 2001. But, he also has convictions for three counts of theft, perjury and issuing a worthless check. Those cases go back to 1979 and 1980.

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Sentencing hearing in drug distribution case continued Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 42-year-old man convicted in a case involving the distribution of drugs saw his sentencing hearing continued Friday by Judge Trish Rose.

The delay has to do with expert testimony in the case against Mark Wells. Judge Rose gave the state until 5 p.m. next Wednesday to advise the court if they want to submit an expert report in response to the defendant’s proposed expert.

Wells was arrested on Nov. 8, 2012, after the Reno County Drug Unit served a search warrant on a 2012 Ford Focus driven by the defendant. He had pulled up to a residence in the 1000 block of North Washington and, as they searched the trunk, allegedly found several zip-lock bags of methamphetamine, about 400 grams all together. There were also additional bags used for packaging. Wells allegedly had a glass pipe on him with residue in his pocket.

No new date was set for the sentencing hearing.

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Accident leads to arrest for DUI and other charges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 37-year-old man was taken to jail by Hutchinson Police after he was involved in an accident in the 500 block of East Avenue A, early Friday morning.

Matthew Schmidt was arrested on charges of DUI, no driver’s license, failing to report an injury accident, failing to give information of the accident and leaving the scene of an accident. He’s accused of striking parked vehicles with his car.

A 28-year-old passenger in his vehicle, Kelsey Nunn was taken by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of her shoulder, head, back and neck.

The accident occurring around 12:39 a.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Court of Appeals Friday upheld the conviction and sentence for a 26-year-old Hutchinson man, convicted in a child sex case and given a life sentence under Jessica’s Law.

Salvador Araujo-Gutierrez was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. However, the indecent liberties count was an alternate count to the rape, meaning he could only be sentenced on one. Jessica’s law convictions call for a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

The jury couldn’t find Araujo-Gutierrez guilty on four other charges against him with three encounters occurring between 2006 and 2011, but they did find him guilty for the incident in the basement of a Hutchinson home. That’s where they found his DNA from a stain on new carpeting. The child had pointed out where that stain might be which wasn’t able to be detected by the naked eye. However, the KBI tested the fibers of the carpet and discovered the DNA which matched the defendant.

He was sentenced by Judge Tim Chambers back in August of 2013, and the judge called the evidence in the case “overwhelming.”

Locally dense fog may reduce visibilities below 1/4 mile at times this morning. If driving, slow down and use your headlights while leaving plenty of distance ahead of you. Showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous after 10 AM across southeast Kansas and may persist through much of the day. Fog Advisory till 11 a.m.

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Here Is Your 7-Day Forecast For Hutchinson And South Central Kansas

Today… Not as cool. Mostly cloudy. Areas of fog in the morning. Slight chance of rain showers and patchy drizzle in the morning… Then slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of showers 20 percent.

Tonight… Not as cool. Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain showers in the evening. Lows in the upper 40s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday… Breezy. Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph.

Sunday Night… Colder. Partly cloudy. Lows around 30. Northwest winds around 15 mph.

Monday… Sunny. Highs around 50. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph.

Monday Night And Tuesday… Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Highs in the upper 40s.

Tuesday Night And Wednesday… Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. Highs in the lower 50s.

Wednesday Night And Thanksgiving Day… Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 20s. Highs in the lower 40s.

Thursday Night… Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

Friday… Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming is once again pushing to have County Commission salaries lowered.

Deming, who has unsuccessfully pushed for a complete elimination of salaries for commissioners since he took office, is proposing a reduction from $18,000 to $12,000 per year. He’s also proposing that the board meet every other week, or twice per month, which is similar to most area school boards and the Hutchinson City Council. The matter is up for discussion only and no action is expected. If approved, the changes would take effect in January.

The Reno County Commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Reno County Court House.

Seba

PRATT, Kan. (AP) — A 22-year-old man was given two life sentences Monday for killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says Bryant Alan Seba of Pratt was sentenced for the shooting deaths of 22-year-old Alexandria Duran and her unborn child in July 2013.

He also was sentenced to another 22 years and six months for attempted premeditated murder in the shooting of 28-year-old Brandon Wright, who was paralyzed. Seba will not be eligible for parole for at least 50 years.

Testimony at trial indicated people in Duran’s house and Seba’s house had several racially-tinged confrontations. Witnesses said Seba fired into a crowd of people after Duran and her uncle intervened in a fight that involved Seba, who is white, and Wright, who is black.

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Authorities have made an arrest in a death of man whose body was found along a McPherson County road earlier this month.

31-year-old Clinton W. Bascue of McPherson has been formally charged with two alternate counts of first degree murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old James Amery Croft. Croft was found dead in a car in a ditch north of Galva back on November 15. Sheriff officials had earlier indicated that he was originally from Portland, OR.

According to the criminal complaint filed by County Attorney David Page, the first count alleges that Bascue killed Croft in the commission of another felony, that being aggravated assault. The alternate count alleges the intentional killing of Croft.

The complaint was filed Monday in McPherson County District Court. Page didn’t indicate any court date for Bascue at this point.

The case was investigated by the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Hutch man bound over in battery LEO and theft case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 35-year-old Hutchinson man accused of getting into an altercation with an off-duty sheriff deputy was bound over for trial after a hearing in the case Monday.

Sonny Bray is accused of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, felony theft, battery and interference with law enforcement. Bray is accused of biting one of the officers as he tried to take him into custody. This occurred at Tractor Supply at 1203 N. Lorraine back on Sept. 26. He is also alleged to have battered a woman at the store while all this was occurring. Deputy T.J. Perez suffered three broken ribs as a result of the exchange and was off duty for a short time as a result.

Perez was off duty and, along with the manager, saw Bray leave the side of the store and throw three pairs of boots over a fence. Bray then was attempting to climb the fence when Perez took off after him. That led to the altercation and the deputy being injured.

Bray is currently serving time for another felony theft conviction where he was given a year and four months in prison. He was waiting sentencing in that case when this latest incident occurred. That theft occurred back in July of 2013.

Bray has other convictions for aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, criminal damage, criminal discharge of a weapon and an aggravated weapons violation. Those crimes stretch over a period from 1997 to 2004.

Arraignment in the case will come next week.

Suspect in robbery and battery case enters plea

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 24-year-old man charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated battery avoided a preliminary hearing and possible trial by entering a plea in the case Monday.

As part of a plea agreement, the state dropped the aggravated robbery count charged against Justin T. Brown and also dropped the intentional aggravated battery count down to reckless aggravated battery, which would mean less time ordered at sentencing. However, it’s believed that Brown has a criminal history score of A. That would mean a sentence of 11 years and four months in prison. However, both sides will be allowed to argue disposition at sentencing.

Brown was arrested back on Sept. 15 after battering a woman so severely that she had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. He also punched the victim in the face with a closed fist, then kicked her when she was on the ground. She was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of multiple injuries, which included a broken arm. He was also accused of taking her wallet by force during the exchange.

He was also arrested on three warrants for other cases, including failing to appear for arraignment for domestic battery and no driver’s license, and a pretrial hearing for illegal consumption of liquor.

The sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2015.

Reno County hunting guide sentenced for violating migratory bird act

WICHITA, Kan. — A professional hunting guide from Reno County pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday for violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

36-year-old Ryan Warden, of Haven, pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In his plea, he admitted the violations occurred while he was guiding two agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who were working undercover when they hired him. Warden was a co-owner of a guiding business called Misty Morning Outfitters with a business location at 109 S. Kansas in Haven.

During the hunt, Warden shot a mourning dove from a motor vehicle, which is a violation. He also took one more than the daily bag limit of 15 mourning doves. He did not tag the birds when he took them back to the company’s lodge for storage.

Warden was sentenced to five years on probation, a fine of $2,500 and restitution of $5,000 to the state of Kansas. During probation he is prohibited from hunting, trapping, guiding or outfitting – as well as deriving any income from those activities. He also is prohibited from possessing firearms and archery equipment.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The November sales tax numbers for Reno County show a pretty good increase over last month and November of 2013.

According to the numbers released Monday, the county collected $423,858 for November, compared with $402,278 in October and $404,492 in November of last year.

So far the county has collected $4,254,318 for this year with one month left to go. At this time last year, the county was at $4,089,638. That means the county is ahead of last year by $164,680.

Sales tax numbers for November refect sales in the month of September.

The sales tax collections for the building of the Reno County jail and other improvements also show an increase over the last reported number. In September, the county collected $522,279 compared with $495,688 in August. So far, the tax has generated $4,756,447.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—  Hutchinson fire crews are working a major structure fire.

The fire was called in around 6:45 a.m. and involves an old three-story house in the 100 block of East 6th Avenue.

More information coming as it becomes available on hutchpost.com.

At around 6:40 a.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 100 block of East 6th on the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the structure in the attic of a large 2 ½ story residence, with exposures to both sides of the residence.

Fire Fighters made an aggressive interior push and were able to search the first floor, before the roof collapse into the structure and crews were pulled outside. Both aerial trucks were used to bring the fire under control to a point that crews could make entry and finish extinguishing the fire. The fire was brought under control just after 8:00 a.m.

Fire units remained on scene until around 11:00 a.m. putting out hot spots and assisting with the investigation. Preliminary damage is estimated at $40,000 to $50,000. Major structure damage was done to the roof and attic area. Extensive water damage was done to the entire residence.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The residence was vacant according to the owner. No one was injured in the fire.