HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Police were called to the report of an alleged assault involving a gun early Tuesday morning. That led to a juvenile being taken into custody.

Thirty-three-year-old Dustin Allen Brand and 28-year-old Amanda Gresham allege that a black male pointed a gun at them when they refused to let him use a cigarette lighter to light his cigarette after he approached them on their property in the 100 block of South Elm.

Seventeen-year-old Deandre M. Franklin was taken to the Reno County Juvenile Detention Center for two counts of aggravated assault after he was located in the 1000 block of East 2nd with two other juveniles.

The incident was reported just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 31-year-old woman accused of trying to elude law enforcement while having two kids in her vehicle was back in court Tuesday on new charges.

Kendra Nichols has been charged by the state with one count of robbery and three counts of felony theft.

The state alleges that, on May 4, she took a diamond engagement ring and a yellow gold diamond bridal ring by force.

The three theft cases would normally be misdemeanor charges, but because she has prior theft convictions, the law requires that she be charged with felonies. The first charge is for stealing a ring from Kmart on April 27, the second for stealing a 10-karat white gold wedding band from Walmart, and the third for stealing lottery tickets from Pic Quik.

The third charge is in relation to a case filed earlier by the state. In that case, Nichols is charged with felony flee and elude, two counts of endangerment of a child, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, that being the stolen lottery tickets, and driving while suspended.

Police attempted to stop her during the noon hour on May 11 after she allegedly tried to cash a stolen lottery ticket at a Pic Quik. She’s then alleged to have eluded officers after that.

Both cases are now pending a hearing on a future waiver-status docket on June 30.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – South Hutchinson and Hutchinson Fire Departments worked two grass fires on either side of the Arkansas River this afternoon.

According to Reno County 911, the first call came out to South Hutchinson Fire just before noon for a fire along the south side of the river. Shortly after, the Hutchinson Fire Department was called out to the same area along the north side of the river. Both fires were located along the BNSF railway and it’s thought a train might have started the fires, although Chief Kim Forbes did not rule out that the fires could have been set.

The north side fire was especially difficult due to the narrow area and steep incline along the tracks. The fire burned for more than a ¼ mile from where it started but thankfully was confined mostly to the ground and did not spread too far into the trees nearby. The fires were brought under control by mid afternoon.

No injuries were reported and no damage, but firefighters had to battle the rugged terrain, hot weather and heavy brush.

WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas Girl Scouts recycled nearly 21,000 pounds of aluminum cans to earn the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Council second place in a national recycling challenge, which also recognized two Girl Scout troops from Hutchinson for their outstanding recycling efforts.

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland placed second among 22 Boy and Girl Scout councils across the country that participated Jan. 15 through April 30 in the Great American Can Roundup-Scout Council Challenge, which is sponsored by the Can Manufacturers Institute.

 Hutchinson Girl Scout troops 50024 and 50244 recycled nearly 20,000 pounds of aluminum cans to earn second and third place recycling honors out of 38 troops and 700 Scouts nationwide. Girl Scouts in Reno County have coordinated an annual community can drive for more than a decade, partnering with MidWest Iron & Metal in Hutchinson and rallying the community to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The seven largest school districts in Kansas would lose a total of $67 million in state aid if Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is forced to cut spending $400 million because legislators don’t pass tax increases.

The state Department of Education says Wichita would lose $22 million of the aid it has been promised for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Budget Director Shawn Sullivan has said an across-the-board cut in spending would be Brownback’s most likely option if lawmakers don’t increase taxes to balance the next budget. Schools would lose a total of $197 million.

Kansas City, Kansas, would lose $10.8 million.

In Johnson County, Olathe would lose $10.2 million; Shawnee Mission, $8.3 million, and Blue Valley, $6.1 million.

Topeka also would lose $6.1 million and Lawrence, $3.8 million.

————

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A lobbyist for Kansas school boards and a state Department of Education official say potential spending cuts outlined by Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director would be felt in classrooms.

Kansas Association of School Boards lobbyist Mark Tallman said Tuesday that public schools would be forced to consider holding positions open and allowing class sizes to increase.

Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis said school districts would lose funds for utilities and transportation as well.

Budget Director Shawn Sullivan on Monday said if lawmakers don’t pass a bill increasing taxes, Brownback’s most likely option is an across-the-board cut in state spending of 6.2 percent. Sullivan said the cuts would total about $400 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Sullivan said public schools would lose $197 million in state aid.

HAVEN, Kan. — Residents who live in the Haven School District approved a $12,000,000 bond issue Tuesday with 542 voting “yes,” to 401 saying “no.”

The money will be used for a new roof, gym, new baseball and softball diamonds and a new weight room for the high school, improvements to the middle school, including a new roof and HVAC units. Improvements will also be made to the elementary schools, including renovated kitchens at both Haven and Yoder Grade Schools.

Yoder will also get new classrooms, which would eliminate the mobile classroom. Haven Grade School will also see improvements made to its restrooms and gym. Partridge grade school will get new bleachers installed and get a new roof.

County officials say they will canvass on June 18, to make Tuesday’s vote official.

In Haysville, voters approved a $59 million bond issue for 16 projects, including a new school, tornado shelters and secure entrances at all district schools. The proposed projects will be scheduled at different times but all major projects are expected to be completed by 2017.

Also in Tuesday, voters in the Maize school district approved a $70.7 million bond issue for several projects, including storm shelters and an early childhood center. But voters rejected a proposal to fund a swimming pool and natatorium complex.

Members of the Kansas dairy industry joined with Gov. Sam Brownback for the signing of the proclamation declaring June Dairy month in Kansas. Pictured from left are Ron Grusenmeyer, Midwest Dairy Association, Lynne Hinrichsen, KDA agribusiness development specialist, Stephanie Eckroat-Hays, Kansas Dairy Association, George Blush, KDA dairy program manager, Gov. Sam Brownback, Byron Lehman – dairyman, Newton, Marley Sugar, Midwest Dairy Association, Jackie Klippenstein, Dairy Farmers of America, and Billy Brown, KDA agribusiness development coordinator.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas is becoming known around the country as the dairy frontier. The industry is continuing to experience exponential growth, rising by 6.1 percent in 2014, making Kansas one of the fastest growing dairy states in the United States. Showing appreciation for the hardworking dairymen and women who toil 365 days a year to provide wholesome and nutritious dairy products, Gov. Sam Brownback has declared June as Kansas Dairy Month.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments Kansas dairymen have made to make our state one of the fastest growing dairy states,” Governor Brownback said. “Last year, Kansas produced over 3.1 billion pounds of milk, which equates to nearly 350 million gallons of milk. Kansas dairymen are doing their part to supply the growing demand for dairy products around the world.”

Kansas is home to over 325 dairy farms and 143,000 dairy cows. With spacious land areas, an adequate climate and readily available feed to dairymen, it is highly suited to the dairy industry. In 2014, the value of milk produced in Kansas was $746 million. Kansas dairy farmers help support and stimulate their individual communities and the state’s economy.

During the proclamation signing, Gov. Brownback also recognized the important work of the National Dairy Council which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The National Dairy Council has provided important community and school programs and partnerships with local food banks, and has been a dedicated supporter of nutrition research and education.

A vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to advocate for and promote the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer and economic contributor. Proclaiming the month of June as Kansas Dairy Month helps promote and advocate for an important sector in Kansas agriculture.

Follow the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about Kansas Dairies and celebrate the industry all through the month of June.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Beware, this coming weekend, Hutchinson Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be doing a field sobriety checkpoint in Hutchinson.

They advise you to drink responsibly. If you plan on or do decide to drink, plan ahead and arrange a designated driver.

Drivers suspected of DUI will be given field sobriety tests and if determined to be impaired or over the legal limit, they will be arrested.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 37-year-old man arrested back in April for a series of arson fires was in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing and was bound over for trial on nine counts of arson.

James Farra was charged with ten counts, but Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell noticed in the complaint that he had charged one count twice.

The defense wanted the case dropped because of alleged problems with the charges and the affidavits in the case, saying the property owners were never contacted by law enforcement

The fires are alleged to have occurred on two different dates on April 7 and April 23. Deputy Andrew Soule testified that he was sent to the fires on April 23, and that he noticed shoe prints at two locations he believed matched each other. When they made contact with Farra, they asked to see his shoes. The defendant provided a pair of work boots and a pair of tennis shoes. The work boots according to the deputy matched what he saw at two locations where fires were set. Farra was arrested and later interviewed by Sheriff Detective Richard Jennings. During that interview, Farra allegedly admitted setting as many as six of the fires.

Maxwell also noted that someone saw Farra setting some of the fires and said that he gave a false name.

The fires were all in pastures in the county at least nine different locations in the county.

With him being bound over for trial, the case will now move to arraignment on July 6, in front Judge Trish Rose.

Hutchinson woman convicted of 3 counts of aggravated assault scheduled for sentencing

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 35-year-old woman who was charged with three counts of attempted murder in the second degree and enter pleas to lesser counts is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday.

The state made a plea offer to Nicole Green and she apparently entered pleas to three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The attempted murder charges as well as a charge of intentionally firing into a vehicle were all dropped by the state.

Green was arrested for an incident back on Feb. 21, that started at Walmart back and then ended when the victims vehicle struck the southwest side of the Midas Muffler and Brake Shop. She was accused of firing into the vehicle forcing the vehicle off the road and into the local business.

Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Suspect in motel standoff from last week makes court appearance

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 30-year-old Hutchinson man wanted was taken into custody last week after a stand off with Police at a local motel has been formally charged with crimes. one associated with that incident.

Darrell Beachy is charged with felony theft, theft by deception and interference with law enforcement. The state alleges that on May 13, he stole two vehicles, a 1981 Buick Regal and a 1977 Buck Century.

He also alleged to have obtained money by deceptive means by false statements or representation to the victim. That crime allegedly occurring on May 29.

The final count in regards to the incident where Hutchinson Police Detective Curtis Black attempted to make contact with Beachy and he allegedly ran from the officer.

The incident on that date started around 5 a.m. on June 4, when police were alerted that he was in a motel room at the Sunflower Inn on East 4th. That led to a standoff for a time, with the defendant found in one of the rooms and he was taken into custody.

The case against him will now moved to a future waiver-status docket.

Wichita woman jailed after non-injury accident fails to show in court

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 30-year-old Wichita woman arrested a week ago on various charges after her vehicle collided with another was scheduled to be back in court Wednesday to hear the formal charges against her, however she was a no show.

Monique Ginn is suspected of being in possession of PCP ,also known as angel dust, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, failing to give information on an accident, failing to report an accident, driving while suspended, no insurance and an expired tag.

Her vehicle collided with another driven by 33-year-old Nicole Mesa of Hutchinson in the 500 block of East 23rd, however Ginn was arrested in the 2600 block of North Main in Hutchinson when she was stopped by police.

She didn’t appear before Judge Trish Rose during the Wednesday status hearings according to Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton. That means a bench warrant could be issued for her arrest.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center after a two-vehicle accident at the junction of K-96 and K-14 Wednesday afternoon.

Sixty-eight-year-old Loretta Voran of Kingman was traveling on K-14, had stopped at the stop sign with K-96, then pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Alicia McGrane of Haven.

Voran was transported to the hospital with what was described as non-life threatening injuries. McGrane apparently was not injured.

The accident occurred just after 1 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 35-year-old woman who entered a plea to three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was given 13 months in prison. Nicole Green could have received significantly more time as she was facing charges of attempted murder. Green entered a plea agreement to the lesser charges last month and was sentenced Friday afternoon before Judge Joe McCarville.

Green was arrested for an incident back on Feb. 21 that started with an altercation at Walmart. Green, who had an ongoing feud with the three subjects, followed them down K-61 highway before firing five shots at the vehicle. The chase ended when the victim’s vehicle struck the southwest side of the Midas Muffler and Brake Shop. The defense asked that Green be given the maximum sentence, but that the three counts run concurrent to each other. The state asked for consecutive sentences, but due to sentencing guidelines, the total amount of prison time would have been 26 months. Judge McCarville agreed with the defense and sentenced Green to 13 months on each of the three counts, then ran them concurrent to each other.

Green will also have to pay restitution for the vehicle, which was totaled, and for the groceries that were inside the car at the time of the accident.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Reno County woman charged with unlawful sexual relations with an inmate at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility was bound over for trial by Judge Joe McCarville Thursday.

Marla Criqui is charged in the case for the alleged conduct which actually occurred some years back. According to the criminal complaint filed back in December.

She’s accused of having the sexual relations with 30-year-old inmate Breland Davis at the local prison who is serving time for a murder conviction out of Sedgwick County. Criqui was working for a food service contractor for the prison and the inmate worked under her in the kitchen of the central unit when the alleged encounters occurred.

Davis took the stand and denied there was ever anything sexual saying it was merely a working relationship. But, both apparently made statements to investigators at the prison indicating that the sexual encounters did occur.

Davis told the court that he has since been moved to the Ellsworth Correctional Facility where he is currently serving his sentence. He was moved shortly after it was learned that the encounter had occurred.

The state alleges the crime occurred between June 11, 2012 and June 15, 2012. The charge is a level five person felony with a maximum sentence of over 11 years in prison.

With Criqui being bound over for trial, she’ll be arraigned on the charges on July 6.

Appeals Court remands case over failure to make inquiry

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 32-year-old man sentenced to roughly 28-years in prison will see his sentence come back to District Court because Judge Tim Chambers said no to allowing him to represent himself at sentencing

Apparently Deron McCoy Jr.. convicted of most of the counts against him involving a standoff with police wanted to be his own attorney during the sentencing hearing. Judge Chambers said no, but apparently did so without what the Kansas Court of Appeals in a recent opinion says was not a proper inquiry in the matter. That according to Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton.

Judge Chambers had also denied a motion for a new trial and judgment of acquittal in the case and any downward departure.

The case centers on domestic dispute when McCoy and the mother of his child were arguing over whether he would give her their child, but also whether she would enter the motel room.

McCoy was staying in a room at the Budget Inn Motel at 4th & Washington. After repeated attempts to contact him, police officials decided to rush into the room, and McCoy allegedly had a gun pointed in the direction of a woman he calls his sister, and is also accused of using the baby as a shield in front of his head when officers entered. He denies that he ever held the baby to shield himself. That was back on March 24, 2011. He was convicted of kidnapping and a number of charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal possession of a firearm and possession of opiates.

No word on when the case might come back to District Court.

Alleged drug dealer scheduled for arraignment on Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two men arrested in a cocaine distribution case is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges against him Friday.

Malachi Lewis is charged with the sale of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communications device. He had earlier waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered “not guilty” pleas.

It was on Dec. 27, when the alleged crimes occurred. He was arrested along with 20-year-old Elijah Metheny. They alleged sold about 3.5 grams using a communications device. Drug Enforcement officers apparently had text Lewis to make the transactions.

Methany entered pleas in three cases against him including the one with Lewis and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Sentencing hearing in drug distribution case scheduled for Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After the sentencing hearing for a 42-year-old man convicted in a 2012 case involving the distribution of drugs has been continued, its again scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Mark Wells was arrested on Nov. 8, 2012, after the Reno County Drug Unit served a search warrant on a 2012 Ford Focus. Wells 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.

According to the District Attorney docket, the case is scheduled for sentencing in front of Judge Trish Rose Friday afternoon.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 287 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1200 AM CDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN OUR LISTENING AREA

RENO
HARVEY
MARION
MCPHERSON

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS INCLUDING RENO, MARION, MCPHERSON, HARVEY, KINGMAN AND SEDGWICK COUNTIES, FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.

VERY HEAVY…PROLONGED RAINS ARE LIKELY TO RESULT IN WIDESPREAD 2 TO 3 INCH AMOUNTS ACROSS THE WATCH AREA BY VERY EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

RIVERS AND STREAMS ARE LIKELY TO RISE CONSIDERABLY WITH FLASH FLOODING RESULTING.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND…DON’T DROWN.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 30-year-old inmate who at one time was at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility and was found “guilty” on a charge of battery of a law enforcement officer was sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison Friday.

That was the sentence handed down by Judge Trish Rose, who two weeks ago heard two motions from Douglas Anthony Kling, one for a new trial and the other for judgment of acquittal. Both were denied then by the judge.

The case centers on Kling being upset over a prison officer not responding to his demand to file a grievance. He started making noise and began kicking the door of his isolation cell. The officer, Jason Garcia, says he tried to get Kling to calm down, but he didn’t, so the officer opened the cell door. That’s when the confrontation started with Kling trying to leave the cell. Garcia says he was struck a number of times by Kling, including in the nose.

At trial, Kling chose to represent himself with the assistance of a public defender.

Kling is serving time for convictions out of Marshall County for attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and criminal threat. He also has a conviction for burglary out of Nemaha County. Before sentencing, Kling was looking at his first chance for parole in November 2040, but now it will be over 10 years before that because the sentence handed down Friday was ordered consecutive to the sentence he’s currently serving time on.

Local man gets corrections in one case, ordered to prison in two others

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 28-year-old Hutchinson man who entered a plea to an amended complaint that includes nine charges involving drugs was granted 1-year community corrections on a 20-month sentence Friday. However, Benito Montalbo was ordered to serve the remaining time in prison previous case also involving drugs.

Benito Montalbo entered “no contest” pleas to possession of morphine, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction, five counts of possession of a controlled substance with a prior conviction, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. The state in exchange agreed to not file additional charges against the defendant.

He was stopped by a Reno County Sheriff Deputy back on Jan. 21 of last year at 6th & Porter when the deputy apparently knew his driver’s license was suspended. Allegedly on his person was a small plastic bag of synthetic marijuana or K-2. On the console of his vehicle was a small amount of marijuana, morphine pills, other various types of pills and zigzag rolling papers.

However, the state also argued for prison time stating that it hasn’t worked for him to be on community corrections. The judge had already ordered a 6-month stint in prison as a sanction for violating those corrections. Montalbo was sentenced to just over a year for a case that goes back to October 28, 2008, and year and five months for a case from August 19, 2011. The sentences were ordered to run concurrent to each other.

Montalbo argued for another chance telling the judge that serving the six months in prison made him realize that prison is not for him and that it changed his whole outlook. He did stipulate to violating his corrections by using drugs.

But, Judge Trish Rose followed the recommendation of the state and ordered the sentence be served. However, he will get credit for the time he already served in prison which means he’ll serve just under a year or 11-months. With good time, that could be cut even more.

Man accused in scary shooting incident formally charged

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 38-year-old man arrested on June 6, for allegedly firing a gun in the county, and causing his roommate to feel threatened made a first appearance in court Friday.

Jacob Salome is charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The case starts with 28-year-old Jody Christopher getting into an argument Salome after he picked up a 9mm handgun belonging to Salome. The defendant then allegedly picked up an AK-47 rifle and aimed it at Christopher. Christopher said that Salome then proceeded to shoot into the floor, microwave and computer. Christopher fled out the front door of the residence and was running down Morgan Road to get away when Reno County Sheriff Deputies arrived. He told them that he heard several shots coming from the house and felt threatened.

Deputies allege that Salome then shot several rounds out the back of the residence. Not knowing if 55-year-old Tomi Lee McJimsy was still in the residence and being held against her will, the Hutchinson/ Reno County Emergency Response Team was activated and came to the scene.

After evaluating the situation, the types of guns that Salome had included the AK-47 rifle, AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun. With the threats made, the Harvey County Emergency Response Team was called in to assist with manpower.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., that morning Salome exited his residence and proceeded to his pickup. The Emergency Response Teams were able to apprehend him and take him into custody without anyone getting injured. He was taken to jail, but managed to post bond.

With the formal charge filed, the case will now move to a waiver-status docket.

Hutchinson man enters plea in cocaine distribution case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two men arrested in a cocaine distribution case was scheduled to be arraigned Friday on the charges against him, but entered a plea instead

Malachi Lewis entered a plea for the sale of cocaine, while the state dropped the conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communications device charges.

It was on Dec. 27, 2014 when the alleged crimes occurred. Lewis was arrested along with 20-year-old Elijah Metheny. They alleged sold about 3.5 grams using a communications device. Drug Enforcement officers apparently had text Lewis to make the transactions.

Methany entered pleas in three cases against him including the one with Lewis. Both will now be sentenced next month.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 42-year-old man convicted in a 2012 case involving the distribution of drugs was granted community corrections late Friday afternoon after a long sentencing hearing, mainly because of witness was called by the defense as part of a motion for a departure.

Mark Alan Wells was granted three years community corrections on a roughly 12-year sentence. He was convicted in a case from Nov. 8, 2012, after the Reno County Drug Unit served a search warrant on a 2012 Ford Focus. Wells had pulled up to a residence in the 1000 block of North Washington and as they searched the trunk, they 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.

The defense argued that he should receive a non prison sanction because he’s gay and argued that as a drug addict, he faces pressures that a straight person doesn’t. Testifying via Skype from California was Kenneth Howard. He’s also gay and says he counsels gays including those who are addicted to drugs. He suggested the non-prison sanction and suggested having Wells attend gay specific treatment would be more appropriate then prison.

Some of pressures Howard talked about for gays was bullying, gay bashing and discrimination that leads many gays to use drugs such as methamphetamine and a coping mechanism, but in his report based on conversations he had will Wells, it indicates that Wells didn’t really suffer those things all that much even living in a small mid-western city like Hutchinson.

Interestingly, Wells has another case pending in front of Judge Joe McCarville. In that case, he’s charged with sale of methamphetamine and using a communications device to make the drug transaction. That case which goes back to January 16, 2013 is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Monday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Westar Energy has dropped plans for three new energy efficiency programs.

The Kansas Corporation Commission issued an order Thursday allowing the utility to withdraw its request for the programs. A current program, called WattSaver, which installs special thermostats in homes, will serve existing customers but will add no new customers.

The utility had proposed funding home energy audits, incentives for small businesses to install more efficient lighting and weatherization assistance for low-income customers.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board and KCC staff raised concerns about the programs’ cost-effectiveness. They also suggested the programs might cause one group of customers to subsidize those who benefited from the programs.