Suspect in aggravated assault case scheduled for court Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 31-year-old Hutchinson man charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and unlawful discharge of a firearm is scheduled for a court appearance Thursday.

Jason Mendoza is alleged to have fire a shot in the direction of police and now is scheduled for a court hearing over a possible plea.

The firing of the weapon happened in the 300 block of East 2nd around 10:15 p.m., back in December when three officers were conducting a follow-up investigation in that area when a single shot was fired in their direction. Officers found a shell casing from a .30 caliber semi-automatic hand gun, but didn’t locate the round itself. A witness spotted a man wearing a jacket running from the scene. Officers found the jacket, but no suspect. They were eventually able to run down leads which led to the arrest of Mendoza. No one was injured from the incident.

He remains jailed on a $65,000 bond and the hearing is scheduled in front of Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen.

As always, all hearings are subject to change.

Plea hearing in drug distribution case rescheduled again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although a 35-year-old man may still enter a plea, there is not as much certainty that will happen now after the defense again asked for a continuance.

As it stands now, Bruce Alexander II is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, criminal possession of a firearm, defacing identification marks on a firearm and personal use drug paraphernalia.

A hearing for a possible plea was actually scheduled for Monday, then got pushed to Wednesday. Now, his attorney says he wants to look over some police reports, so Alice Osburn asked that the hearing be pushed back three weeks to April 1.

The case against Alexander involves a drug-related search being served on his home back on Oct. 22, 2014 and officers allegedly finding new and used packaging materials, digital scales with crystal residue, a glass pipe with burnt residue, a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun with the serial number filed off and two grams of methamphetamine.

He remains jailed on an $18,000 bond and if convicted, his two prior felonies for aggravated assault will work against him at sentencing.

Hutch woman charged in indecent liberties case enters plea

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As expected, a local woman was in court Wednesday where she entered a plea to a charge of indecent liberties with a child.

Samantha Otterbein is now guilty of inappropriate touching of a 15-year-old girl which occurred back on July 24, 2014. The crime is a level 5 person felony with a sentencing range of two years, seven months, to over 11 years in prison.

Judge Joe McCarville set sentencing for April 10.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More acts were announced for the Kansas State Fair coming in September. They announced the addition of Christian gospel, arena rock and classic country. That includes the Newsboys with for KING & COUNTRY, Hairball and The Oak Ridge Boys with Jimmy Fortune.

Tickets go on sale for these Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand concerts on Friday, March 20, at 8 a.m. and can be purchased at the Kansas State Fair ticket office by calling 1-800-362-3247 or at www.kansasstatefair.tix.com. Unless otherwise noted, grandstand tickets include gate admission when purchased through August 22.

By joining the Fair Fan Club, Fairgoers are able to purchase up to two tickets to each concert before the public on-sale date. Buy your membership now. Dues are $100 per fair and can be purchased online; by phone at 1-800-362-3247 or 620-669-3600; or at the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. Tickets for the Newsboys with for KING & COUNTRY, Hairball and The Oak Ridge Boys with Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers concerts go on sale beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 13. For more information on joining the club, visit http://bit.ly/FAIRFANCLUB.

Newsboys with for KING & COUNTRY – Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $20/$30/$40*

Comprised of drummer Duncan Phillips, lead vocalist Michael Tait, guitarist Jody Davis and keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, Newsboys have taken Christian music by storm since arriving on the scene in 1985 in their native Australia. This iconic band is an undisputed industry leader, garnering six gold albums, 8 million units in career sales, 33 No. 1 singles, multiple GRAMMY® and American Music Award nominations and signature hits from “He Reigns” and “Born Again” to their recent 15-week chart-topper, “We Believe.” The group expanded their reach into film when they appeared in “God’s Not Dead,” a 2014 movie inspired by their own song.

The Newsboys’ latest recording, Hallelujah For The Cross, marks their first-ever collection of hymns. They were faced with a challenge in taking the powerful, foundational hymns and refreshing them for today’s listeners. Newsboys’ manager, Wes Campbell, notes that old hymns don’t receive much press these days but they certainly haven’t lost their punch. The album, produced by Seth Mosley, who helmed Newsboys’ RIAA Certified Gold Selling record God’s Not Dead, also features a new arrangement of Newsboys’ classic “Where You Belong/Turn Your Eyes.”

We really wanted people to be introduced to the power of the lyric,” manager Wes Campbell says. Vocalist Michael Tait adds, “This album is a nice detour to a place, by today’s terms, less traveled. For me, as a seasoned musician, I like the fact that we could bring something, still intact, that might usually be left to an older generation, to the forefront of where we are today with CCM and music period, and make it new again.” The songs in this album keep the integrity of the original hymn yet modernizes it for today’s audiences.

For more information on Newsboys, please visit www.newsboys.com.

for KING & COUNTRY is a reflection of standing and fighting for something greater than yourself, a mission statement that helps guide the duo on their projects. “Our goal was to continue that theme of writing honestly and authentically about life,” Joel says. The duo, comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke, has accomplished several notable feats on their new record, but perhaps the most remarkable is that the award-winning rock/pop duo has achieved the unexpected.

The brothers have ventured into new musical territories with notable highlights including collaborating with hip-hop artist Andy Mineo, and continuing their creative partnership with artist and producer Aqualung. Additionally, the duo has discovered new soundscapes with latest producer Tedd T. (MuteMath).

The brothers raised expectations with the release of Crave in 2012 and won New Artist of the Year at the 2013 GMA Dove Awards, where they received six nominations. Billboard also named them as one of the New Artists to Watch for 2012 and American Songwriter called them “Australia’s answer to Coldplay.”

Soaring melodies, driving rhythms, theatrical instrumentation and personal themes are the heartbeat of for KING & COUNTRY’s sophomore album, RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG. The album also serves as the musical journal documenting the last three years of the brothers’ lives, a life-changing time of growth, transition, revolution and revelation. In addition to their professional success, Joel got married and Luke became a father. But Luke also faced a life-threatening illness that forever altered his perspective.

The album’s most gut wrenching and moving track is “Without You,” which unexpectedly features Luke’s wife, Courtney, on vocals and is also the most difficult song Luke has ever written. To Joel and Luke, remaining focused on what truly matters is crucial to succeeding musically. And therein lies the phrase that has ultimately become not only the title of their sophomore album, but also a statement of what it means to truly be alive.

To learn more about for KING & COUNTRY, visit www.forkingandcountry.com.

Hairball – Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $14/$24*

Join Hairball as they celebrate the all-time best in arena rock and create an experience worth remembering. Hairball creates a unique event unlike typical concerts. Lights, sounds, smoke, pyrotechnics, special effects and screaming fans make the Hairball experience one-of-a-kind. The group consists of Freaky on the electric bass, Blake on drums and Happy on the lead guitar with vocalists Rockstar Bob, Joe Dandy and Kris Voxx. These men breathe rock ‘n’ roll and the Hairball stage transforms into an entirely new rock spectacle with Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, Prince, Aerosmith and more.

In 2000, Hairball pulled the best rock of the 80s into the new millennium, and they are now celebrating their 14th year of rocking hundreds of thousands of fans at venues across America and now the world. With each performance the band adds more characters, pyrotechnics, lights, sound, props and more surprises.

Hairball headlined the Lonestar Bike Rally in Galveston, Texas in 2013, and also sold out four straight nights at the world-famous Easy Riders Saloon at Sturgis. They also performed onstage in Las Vegas and Phoenix with guest superstars and rock legends Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Dee Snider, Stephen Percy, Vince Neil, Europe, Rob Zombie and Joan Jett. The 2013 milestones continued as Hairball went international. The group rocked out as the featured entertainment for the Minnesota Vikings-Pittsburgh Steelers game in London and headlined south of the border at Teatro Al Aire Libre De La Sauceda in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Don’t confuse Hairball with the countless “80’s Tribute” bands across the country. Rather, Hairball is an experience, an attitude and expression of music that isn’t simply a retro flashback.

To learn more about Hairball, go to www.hairballonline.com.

The Oak Ridge Boys with Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers – Tuesday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. – Tickets $28/$34*

The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits and a No. 1 pop smash, earned Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. They represent a tradition that extends back to World War II. With gospel music roots, they began performing gospel in nearby Oak Ridge.

Calling themselves The Oak Ridge Quartet, they started with regular Grand Ole Opry appearances in 1945. In the mid-fifties, they were featured in Time magazine as one of the top drawing Gospel groups in the nation.

By the late 1960s, more than 30 group members had come and gone. The lineup now includes Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban.

The Oaks modernized into a country music band with its 1977 song “Y’All Come Back Saloon.” Even more branching out came when they added a hint of pop to their style as they sang along on Paul Simon’s pop smash “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

In 2000, the group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. Since signing with Spring Hill, their recordings have earned three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. While recording their 2009 album, The Boys Are Back, the group was presented with the Academy of Country Music’s top honor, its Pioneer Award.

The group’s 2011 album, It’s Only Natural, is a twelve-track CD with seven rerecorded hits, including their multi-platinum, Country-Pop hit Elvira, and five new songs. The album debuted on Sept. 19, a month after The Oaks were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Among many accomplishments, the group has performed before five presidents and is one of the most successful longtime touring groups, performing some 150 dates each year. More recently, The Oak Ridge Boys performed at the 2012 Kansas State Fair. In 2014 they began serving as spokespersons for The American Legion, the country’s largest veterans service organization, which raises awareness and support for needs of U.S. military veterans, including better detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, help with VA benefits process and education and career opportunities for those who served the nation in uniform.

For more information on The Oak Ridge Boys, please visit www.oakridgeboys.com.

Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers

Once a member of the legendary Statler Brothers and now pursuing a solo career, Fortune has performed in all of the U.S. states, in Canadian provinces and in front of audiences as large as 100,000.

For 21 years, Fortune toured, sang and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers. His first performance with the group was in 1982 in Savannah, Ga., after he was added to the group as a temporary replacement for Lew Dewitt. However, due to debilitating effects of Crohn’s Disease, Dewitt was unable to return to the stage with the Statlers, and Fortune was hired as a permanent replacement in August 1982.

After joining the Statler Brothers, Fortune’s contributions were just getting started. He wrote the group’s No. 1 hit, “Elizabeth,” on their 1983 album, Today and wasn’t stopping there. He continued with three more No. 1 hits, “My Only Love,” “Too Much On My Heart” and “More Than a Name on the Wall.” His career also included The Nashville Network’s popular “The Statler Brothers Show” which aired for seven seasons and debuted in 1991 as the highest-rated show for the network.

Fortune was privileged to perform at the White House on two occasions, once for President Ronald Reagan and once for President George H. W. Bush throughout his musical career. He also presented a special gift to actress Elizabeth Taylor by singing his song “Elizabeth” to her for a birthday celebration. Fortune and The Statler Brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007, and inducted into the Country Music Association Hall of Fame on June 29, 2008.

After the Statler Brothers retired in 2002, Jimmy seized the opportunity to launch a solo career. His first solo CD, When One Door Closes, was released in August 2003. He released a gospel album, I Believe, in 2005; a Christmas CD, Feels Like Christmas, in 2006; a live concert CD in 2007; and another country CD, Windows, in 2009.

To learn more about Jimmy Fortune, please visit www.jimmyfortune.com.

Concert tickets, unless otherwise noted, include general gate admission when purchased through August 22.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Following on the success of the Kansas River being named a national water trail by the National Park Service (NPS) in July 2012, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wants the same designation for a portion of the Arkansas River here in Kansas. That goal is a little closer thanks to technical assistance they will receive from the Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program to develop the designation application. The goal is national water trail recognition for the Arkansas River Water Trail from Great Bend downstream past Hutchinson to the Oklahoma border, a network of public river access points providing recreational and conservation opportunities, as well as enhancing the prospects for communities and businesses to attract enthusiastic river-goers and boost local revenues.

The Arkansas River is classified as a “navigable water,” so the right of the public to travel on the water is protected by law. The river provides over 180 miles of publicly navigable water and riparian wildlife habitat in Kansas. The public may use the waterway between the ordinary high-water marks on each bank, but people aren’t allowed to trespass on private property adjacent to the river. As a result, it is important to establish reasonably-spaced public access points at suitable locations. Currently, the Arkansas River Water Trail includes more than 15 public access sites established in partnership with cities, counties and private landowners. KDWPT will work with the NPS to engage additional partners and stakeholders, set priorities to analyze issues and opportunities, improve public information resources, and achieve the national water trail designation.

“Designating the Arkansas River as a national water trail will help draw tourists who enjoy leisurely excursions and want to experience Kansas in a unique way,” said KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison. “Many people might not think of our state as a place to take a river trip, but the Arkansas and Kansas rivers offer some really great opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy parts of the state that are often overlooked.”

According to Jessica Mounts, KDWPT district fisheries biologist, the project is community-driven and individuals and groups interested in water trail development are encouraged to volunteer. Planning meetings will begin this month.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A coach for Trinity Catholic School in Hutchinson is jailed on a $150,000 bond faces Jessica’s Law charges.

Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he plans to file formal charges Friday against Patrick Kent Blevins for aggravated criminal sodomy and four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

The arrest and pending charges stem from two incidents with a child under the age of 14. Schroeder wouldn’t specify the exact age of the child or even the sex of the child at this point because the child apparently attends Trinity. He says one of the incidents happened last summer and the second in January of this year. These will be Jessica’s Law charges because of the child being 14 or under. That means if convicted, Blevins could be looking at multiple life sentences.

Schroeder wanted to stress with us that neither incident occurred at the school or during any school activity.

Blevins should make a first appearance on the charges Friday morning and Schroeder may have the formal complaint ready at that time.

Schroeder says Blevins has been suspended from being involved at the school because of this incident. He said he worked with the Junior High girls basketball team.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The third annual Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Academy will launch June 8, and if the first two years of the program’s existence is any indication, the next generation of healthcare professionals is getting an early start in what may be a lifelong profession.

During the past two years, ten Reno County high school students spent the summer working 24 hours per week at HRHS rotating through multiple departments including Nursing, Imaging Services, Heart and Vascular, Outpatient Rehab, Surgery, and Hospice and Homecare of Reno County.

Membership in the 2015 Academy Class is open to Reno County high school students who are entering their 11th or 12th grade years in the Fall of 2015.

Applicants are required to have a 3.25 overall grade point average and the same in science related courses on a 4.0 grading system. Applicants are also required to complete a lengthy application followed by an interview with a selection committee comprised of Healthcare System staff members.

A series of Lunch N’Learn sessions provide time for the Academy members to interact with healthcare professionals in Administration, Finance and Human Resources.

The deadline for submitting an application for the Class of 2015 is March 20.Winning entrants will be announced soon thereafter.

The Class of 2015 will report to work on June 8.

The program concludes in early August, with a graduation banquet for class members whose family will be invited to attend as special guests, along with members of the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Board of Directors, department heads and physicians involved with the program.

Each student will be required to prepare a power point presentation for the graduation banquet highlighting their summer long experience. Two class members are awarded $500 scholarships at the conclusion of the evening program.

Kevin J. Miller, F.A.C.H.E., President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said if the first two classes are any indication, all participants are destined for a successful professional life, regardless of where their career path may take them.

“The two graduating classes were great representatives of Reno County schools and we feel certain the Class of 2015 will be equally impressive,” Miller said. “Working with these high achieving area high school students is an invaluable experience for the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System team as we learned as much from the class members as they did from us.”

Interested students can obtain an application by visiting with their school counselor or they may contact Kate Huggins, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at 620-665-2063 or online at hugginsk@hutchregonal.com.

Suspect in aggravated assault case enters pleas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 31-year-old Hutchinson man charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and unlawful discharge of a firearm was in court Thursday where he entered pleas to the three count of aggravated assault, while the fourth charge was dropped.

Jason Mendoza is now guilty of firing a shot in the direction of police, It happened in the 300 block of East 2nd back in December as three officers were conducting a follow-up investigation in that area in a different matter. That’s when a single shot was fired in their direction. Officers found a shell casing from a .30 caliber semi-automatic hand gun, but didn’t locate the round itself. A witness spotted a man wearing a jacket running from the scene. Officers found the jacket, but no suspect. They were eventually able to run down leads which led to the arrest of Mendoza. No one was injured from the incident.

He remains jailed on a $65,000 bond and with him entering the plea in front of Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen, the case will move the criminal docket of Judge Tim Chambers for sentencing on April 24.

Suspect in local robbery enters pleas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man charged with the robbery in front of Great Clips Haircut Salon at 1515 E. 17th was in court Wednesday where he entered pleas in the case.

22-year-old Tyler Joe Mossor was charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, both using a deadly weapon, a handgun, but entered a plea to robbery and aggravated assault.

According to Police, two female employees had just left the store back on Nov. 20, 2014, when one was robbed of a money bag and her purse, according to the complaint.

Mossor had stated in a past hearing that he’s from Ohio and was staying with a friend when the robbery occurred.

With the plea, sentencing will occur next month in front of Judge Trish Rose.

Local man formally charged in aggravated robbery case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 33-year-old man arrested back in March 6, on some serious charges after he allegedly battered a local man was back in court Thursday morning where he was read the formal charges against him.

Chancey Brownfield is now charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. When read the charges he told the judge that this is “malicious prosecution.” Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen told him he could take that up with his attorney.

The victim was at a local hotel at 14 West 4th and when he says he was attacked by Brownfield and he took a I-Phone 6+ cell phone by force. The incident occurring around 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Brownfield also requested a bond reduction again, but the state objected stating that the first count is a level 3 person felony. The judge agreed and denied the request. Bond is set at $20,000.

Brownfrield has one other prior person felony, that being aggravated robbery for a case out of Geary County which occurred in September of 1997.

The case now moves to a waiver-status docket on April 14.

HAVEN, Kan. – A Scott City man with with a history of DUI arrests admitted that he was drinking before he was involved in a grinding two-vehicle accident east of Haven Thursday evening.

The Reno County Sheriff’s office took 20-year-old Drake Inguanza into custody following the accident which occurred just before 6 p.m. at K-96 and Worthington Road. Inguanza was on Worthington Road when he pulled in front of an east bound car driven by 63-year-old Judith Stump of Wichita. Stump was taken by EMS to a Wichita hospital of minor injuries. Inguanza, who admitted he had a beer before driving, was arrested for failing to have a DUI interlocking device on his car and illegal transportation of alcohol.

He was also cited for failure to yield at a right of way and not wearing a seat belt.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Hutchinson fire crews responded to the Skaets Restaurant about 6:30 last night for a structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews found a roof top fan on fire. The fire was quickly brought under control. About 75 patrons were in the eatery at the time of the fire and all were evacuated safely. There were no injuries and very little damage.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Food Safety responded as is required for such incidents.

HALSTEAD, Kan. — A Halstead man died hours after being burned in a grass fire. Authorities say 81-year old Fred Rodenberg suffered 4th and 5th degree burns to at least 50 percent of his body.

Rodenberg was burning limbs and brush around noon Thursday, when some nearby grass caught fire. Rodenberg tried to stomp out the flames, but ignited his clothing. His grandson, who was nearby, called for help, then tried to put the fire out, but Rodenberg’s clothing reignited several times. Eventually, Halstead firefighters put out the fire.

Rodenberg was airlifted to St. Francis Regional Medical Center where he later died.

PRATT, Kan. – The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on a piece of property in the northeast part of that county Friday. As a result, three horses were seized which were in a severe state of malnutrition, One carcass of a horse was also found.

The seized horses have been relocated.

No arrests have been made in this case, but a suspect is being sought.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case.

Indecent Liberties with a child arrest made Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – We don’t have many details, but another individual is jailed on a single count of aggravated indecent liberties. This again involves a child, age 14 or under.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he was advised of the arrest of John Robert Haney Friday by police, but didn’t know the particulars of the case thus far.

Detectives were not available because of police training, so it may be Monday before we know anymore.

Bond in the case is set at $150,000.

Sentencing for Hutchinson man in marijuana distribution case delayed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 26-year-old Hutchinson man busted back on February 25, 2014 after search warrant was served on his home was scheduled for sentencing Friday afternoon, but that was pushed back to next Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Bo Newberry was cinvicted for possession of marijuana with intent to sell and other drug related charges. The case is presumptive prison, but the defense wanted time to filed a motion for a departure in the case and state may or may not oppose that.

The case goes back to a search warrant being executed at his home on Sunset Drive and law enforcement say they found a Ziplock bag and a baby jar, both with suspected marijuana. They also allegedly found some pipes with burnt residue, a digital scale and new and used packaging materials and four hand guns with ammo inside. The suspected marijuana weighed around 23 grams according to the arrest report.

The sentencing again delayed till Tuesday afternoon.

Sentencing in Reno County flee and elude case pushed back to Thursday

Victor Gutierrez

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The sentencing for a 26-year-old man convicted of charges associated with a high-speed chase saw his sentencing pushed back to next Thursday.

Victor Gutierrez entered pleas to criminal possession of a firearm and felony flee and elude, while the state dismissed a charge of possession of cocaine. The chase started because of law enforcement being on the lookout for Gutierrez because of his suspected involvement with a murder in Ford County.

He led law enforcement here in a high-speed chase with speeds as high as 150 miles per hour. The chase reportedly ended at U.S. 50 and Mayfield Road east of Hutchinson, where he pulled over and was taken into custody without incident.

In addition to the murder charge in Ford County, Guttierrez is also charged with aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and defacing identification marks of a firearm. The charges in Ford County come after police responded to a home back on Sept. 23, 2014 and found 30-year-old Natasha Pruitt dead of a gun shot wound.

His attorney apparently wants to file a motion for a departure prior to sentencing, so Judge Trish Rose Friday agreed to continue the hearing to 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man who was coaching at Trinity Catholic School in Hutchinson taken to jail Thursday on child sex charges may be in even more trouble.

Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder had formal charges ready when 21-year-old Patrick Kent Blevins appeared via-video from the Reno County Jail on charges of aggravated criminal sodomy and four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. But in court, Schroeder notified the court that police are now starting an investigation in two other cases involving the same type of activity. Apparently, after the story broke in the media, others came forward to make additional reports.

The bond was set at $150,000 at the time of his arrest because of the case involving Jessica’s Law charges. In court, Schroeder asked that the bond be increased to a total of $750,000. He says the fact that this defendant is looking at life sentences makes him a flight risk. He added that the fact that other possible victims are coming forward makes him believe he is a predator. Blevins asked for a reduction saying he wanted to go back to work at another job, but Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen went with the states request and increased the bond.

The arrest from the two incidents with a child under the age of 14 coming after an investigation by Hutchinson Police. According to the formal complaint, the alleged crimes occurring between June 1, and August 31, 2014. Then crimes also occurring on three dates in January of this year, that being Jan. 17, Jan. 20 and Jan. 22.

These are Jessica’s Law charges because of the child being 14 or under which means if convicted, Blevins could be looking at multiple life sentences.

Schroeder again stressed that none of these incidents occurred at the school or during any school activity. And he indicated that the latest reports which came in late Thursday night after the story broke do not involve victims of Trinity, but at other schools. We asked if we should expect additional charges soon and Schroeder said the investigation was just now beginning over the new allegations, so at this point, he didn’t know.

Blevins has been suspended from being involved at the school because of this incident. Schroeder said he worked with the Junior High girls basketball team.

His case now moves to a future waiver-status docket.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information over a number of fires they believe were intentionally set in the county.

They say that at approximately 7 a.m., Saturday, the first fire of what appears to be 14 set fires were called in. The first fire was in the area of Arlington Road and Herran Road in southern Reno County.

The fires strung about 20 miles to the west, ending near Langdon. Most were within two miles of Parallel Road. These were in open pastures and CRP grass. No structures were involved in any of these fires. The largest fire damaged several hundred acres in the area of Parallel and Avery Road.

Sheriff Randy Henderson says they have no suspects in the setting of these fires. If anyone has any information or saw any suspicious activity along this area between 6:30 a.m. and 11a.m. Saturday, you’re being asked to call 911 or Reno County Crime Stoppers at 694-2666 or 1-800-222-8477.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The 67-year-old man jailed on two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child made a first appearance in Reno County District Court where he was told of the potential charges and potential sentences.

John Robert Haney faces theses charges after he was arrested by Hutchinson Police Detective Scott Carlton for incidents involving two kids, ages eight and nine. According to Carlton, the sexual contact occurring during the past three months or so. The charges will fall under Jessica’s Law, meaning if convicted, he could be looking at life sentence with no chance of parole for 25-years. Considering his age, he may not ever be released from prison if convicted.

His bond is set at $150,000, and in court he had no comment about his bond, so it was left the same. He’ll be back in court on March 25, or whenever the state files formal charges.

Hutchinson man charged in aggravated assault case

A 26-year-old Hutchinson man is jailed facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal discharge of a firearm at or in an occupied dwelling, possession of stolen property and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Christopher A. VanWye is alleged to have threatened a man during an altercation back on December 15, 2014. He’s also alleged to have fired the weapon in a home in the 800 block of West 14th on that same date. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell noted to the court that the bullet went through a wall. He also told the court that VanWye put the gun at a man’s head while threatening him.

The state also alleges that the weapon, an Astra 357 revolver was stolen from another individual and that at the very least, VanWye was in possession of stolen property. At the time of his arrest, he was also allegedly in possession of marijuana.

In court, VanWye was told of the potential charges, but there’s some question if he understood what the state was alleging. He told Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen that he has mental health issues and couldn’t recall what had happened and why he’s being charged with these crimes. He asked that he receive some sort of mental health examination at the same time admitting he has a drug problem.

Judge McEwen decided to set a status hearing for March 25, so that an attorney could be present to help him understand the charges and potential penalties.

Bond in the case is set at $15,000.

Pretty Prairie man faces drug distribution charges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 33-year-old Pretty Prairie man was taken to jail Friday night on drug distribution charges.

Julian Sung Price was jailed for potential charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute and no drug tax stamp.

It started with a South Hutchinson Police Officer spotting a vehicle traveling 54 miles per hour in a 45 mile zone in that city. The tag lamp on the vehicle was also out, so the officer made a traffic stop at K-96 and Mills Ave. The officer says he could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The officer then began searching the vehicle and says he found a total of 178 grams of suspected marijuana along with $3,474 in cash.

In court, Price requested a reduction of his bond, but the state objected citing the large amount of marijuana and cash found, plus his prior criminal history. Price was convicted of aggravated battery, the sale of drugs and aggravated assault for cases out of Saline County. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen agreed with the state and denied the reduction meaning the bond of $53,500 dollars will stay in place.

The judge set a status hearing in the case of March 25, to give the state time to file formal charges, however if the charges are filed prior to that, he could make another court appearance at an earlier time.

Hutchinson woman arrested for selling meth to Drug Unit detective

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 22-year-old Hutchinson woman was arrested by a Reno County Drug Unit detective after she allegedly sold him drugs.

It happened Sunday evening when the detective met with Alexa Rashelle Baugh at a convenience store in the 1400 block of East 4th.

The detective apparently set up the controlled buy using a communications device to do so. At around 8 p.m., he met Baugh where he allegedly purchased a small amount of a crystal substance, about 1.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine. She was taken to jail on a $27,000 bond and made an initial court appearance Monday morning where she was told of the potential charges.

Bond was left the same and her next court appearance will be on March 25, or whenever the state files formal charges.

Hutchinson woman arrested for stabbing incident on Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 28-year-old Hutchinson woman made a court appearance over a stabbing incident over the weekend.

Ashley Miles faces a single charge of aggravated battery for allegedly stabbing her brother during a domestic dispute on Saturday. Her brother suffered a single wound to the abdomen according to police. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment and released. However, there may have also been a puncture wound to his leg, but didn’t require any treatment.

In court, she denied that she stabbed anyone and asked for a reduction of the $10,000 bond which was denied.

Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen set a status hearing in the case for March 25.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although the fire is out, fire crews remain in scene of the large grass fire north of Hutchinson on Plum Street.

It was reported this afternoon north of 82nd forcing the closing of Plum from 82nd to 108th Street. 95th east of Plum was also closed as a precaution. The closings were worked by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Sheriff Randy Henderson has stated on Facebook earlier that there were some homes north of 82nd that were threatened. No word on any homes being damaged.

The extremely dry-warm conditions and fairly strong winds didn’t help the situation. Hutchinson and Reno County firefighters were assisted by other fire agencies in the area.

There were also reports of brush fires near Cheney Lake and also in McPherson and Rice Counties on Monday.

The good news is that there are chances for rain mid-week and the hopefully will help with the fire danger across Kansas.

No word on the cause or how much acreage was burned.

Byron Stuckey- photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say that a man accused of stealing air-conditioning units has been federally indicted.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Byron Stuckey faces three counts of venting a Class II substance for releasing Freon, a gas used as a refrigerant, when he allegedly cut copper tubing in units he stole in 2012 and 2014. Stuckey is currently imprisoned at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in connection with the 2014 theft as well as forgery, identity theft and misdemeanor theft convictions from Sedgwick County.

Police announced the indictment Monday after working with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Kansas City office. According to Capt. Jose Salcido, the indictment redefines the way police will go after people who steal air conditioners.

Each count carries a potential sentence of five year in prison, and $250,000 in fines.

Court records did not have an attorney listed for Stuckey.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Immediately after Nick Baldetti officially became the new Reno County Health Department Director at the Reno County Commission meeting, he then gave a report on that department to the commission.

That included a report on Pertussis in the county. He says they’ve seen an increase in pertussis like symptoms, but only one confirmed case of Whooping Cough thus far.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than one year of age.

Baldetti says they’re working with local physicians to ensure that the necessary testing and steps are followed to ensure accurate investigation procedures are executed.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission went through their agenda pretty quickly Tuesday approving the plans for the renovation of the current Reno County Jail Annex.

The plan is to move four county departments to the annex. That includes the Register of Deeds, County Treasurer, County Clerk and County Appraiser. Although the appraiser would actuall be housed in a small portion of the building just to the east of the annex. Thecommission did decide to eliminate bullet proof counters for the treasurers office as well as around County Treasurer Jan Hull’s office. That will save roughly $34,000. However they may add a panic button and possibly cameras to the area.

The commission did agree to move ahead with replacing the roof on the annex building which they say would need to be done anyway. That is an additional cost of $125,000. Then there was some discussion of furniture for the offices, but County Administrator Gary Meagher said there may be some other money that could offset that cost.

It’s clear that the county at this point will go over the initial budget set for the project. But, in the end all three commissioners agreed to the design change. The work there will begin once inmates housed there are moved to the new county jail still under construction.

They also approved the contract for a new Health Department Director. Nick Baldetti has been with that department since 2013, starting as a health educator. Six months later, he became the Assistant Health Department Director. He then became the Interim Director when Julia Hulsey retired.

They apparently went through a process of looking for a replacement for Hulsey with 14 people applying for the position, but the search committee in the end recommended Baldetti. He’ll receive an annual salary of $72,000. In addition to being named the Health Department Director, he’ll also be the Reno County Health Officer.

Baldetti told the commission, “I’m very grateful and humbled for the opportunity.” He also stated that he’s excited to work with the staff at the health department.

The commission also approved a resolution appointing to Dr. William Unsderfer as a consultant to the program administrator for the health department.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Three people were injured in an accident just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Brandon S. Cook, 26, Canton, was northbound on U.S. 75 just north of 25th.

The vehicle veered off onto the right shoulder. The driver over corrected into the median and struck and a southbound 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Connor Scott Cummings, 17, Topeka.

Cook, Cummings and a passenger in the Eclipse Zachary Stephen Cummings, 15, Topeka, were transported to Stormont Vail.

The KHP reported all were properly restrained at the time of the accident.