STAFFORD COUNTY – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before midnight on Saturday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Hans J. Fritzemeier, 30, St. John, was southbound in the 500 block of SE 30th Road five miles south of U.S. 50 and three miles east of U.S. 281.

The driver lost control of the SUV when he swerved to miss a deer.

The SUV entered east ditch and rolled.

Fritzemeier was transported to the hospital in Pratt. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

photo courtesy Westar

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Westar Energy says the increasing use of drones is helping it work faster, save money and improve safety for its employees.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2iAgWiu ) that the company sends drones to inspect equipment, navigate remote areas and manage some emergency situations.LThe state’s largest utility worked with Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus to offer an unmanned aircraft systems program and now has one of the nation’s largest enclosed drone flight facilities on the Salina campus.

Westar recently began deploying drones commercially.

Jason Klenklen, supervisor of transmission maintenance, says the drones currently are used primarily in rural areas to inspect transmission lines. Drones also will be used to inspect boilers, which will allow employees to see the inside of boilers while being able to stay outside.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person has been injured in a two-vehicle accident involving a semi.

Reno County 911 says the accident happened just after 8 a.m. when a pick up driven by 74-year-old James Dix of Hutchinson was struck by the semi driven by 49-year-old David Richmond of Great Bend at the intersection of E. 11th Avenue and K-61.

Dix was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment, while Richmond was uninjured.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson woman was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. on Monday in Reno County.

According to the Reno County Sheriffs Office, Jericah Ravenstein, Hutchinson, was traveling in the 5600 Block of North Plum, when she failed to negotiate the round-A -bout at 56 th Avenue.

Ravenstein’s car slid sideways into the ditch before rolling over onto its top. EMS was able to remove her from the vehicle and transported her to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Ravenstein was not wearing a seat belt according to law enforcement

The Reno County Sheriff Office is continuing the investigation into the accident.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  Current Hutchinson City Council members will be staying in office longer under a charter ordinance moving city elections to November of odd ­numbered years.

The matter will be taken up during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The move is being made  to agree with a change the Kansas Legislature approved in 2015. If the change is approved current council members’ terms would be extended nine months. Council members whose terms are set to expire in April would remain in office until January 2018, and those set to expire in April 2019 would remain in office until January 2020.

Also Tuesday the Council will seek approval to the zoning change that would allow adult day care center in commercial areas. The center would be built at the old Medical Center building at 1125 N Main. Kansas has just 14 of these centers that provide services such as therapeutic activities, meals, transportation, caregiver support groups, personal assistance, social services and rehab therapy, some of which can be covered by insurance. About 80 percent of the centers have a professional nursing staff.

The matter was recommended for approval by the planning commission. Tuesday’s Hutchinson City Council meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the city offices.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Just after 8 p.m. Monday, deputies from the Reno Co Sheriff’s Office and EMS were dispatched to 2203 Nickerson Blvd on the west side of Hutchinson for a 15-year-old that had been shot in the chest with a shotgun.

Sheriff Randy Henderson stated that they are still in the early stages of the investigation but it appears that two 15-year-old’s, one who lived at the home and a friend who was visiting, had been out shooting shotguns earlier in the day. They were on the backside of a barn and there was an accidental discharge, striking the friend in the left upper chest and left arm.

The young man was talking to officers and EMS at the scene and has been transported to Wichita by ground ambulance in serious but stable condition.

Names are not being released at this time.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two arrested on drug-related charges after a control buy was back before a judge Tuesday where he entered a “not guilty” plea during his arraignment.

26-year-old Kerry Potter is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia for intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Twenty-nine-year-old Christa Redd also faces charges in two cases, one involving using a cell phone to arrange a drug buy to a Reno County Drug Unit Officer which included a half ounce of meth was exchanged for $550. She denies that she used a cell phone.

That incident led to a search of the residence where they allegedly found 6.2 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, a handgun and over $1,500 in cash. $550 of that money was from the controlled buy. She claims that she only sold drugs because she was told to by Potter.

The case against Potter will now be scheduled for a pre-trial hearing and possible trial.

Potter had served time in prison for DUI, driving while suspended, flee and elude and possession of drugs for a case going back to 2011. He was released back in August of 2014.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – As of Tuesday, gas prices locally were at $2.23 per gallon for regular unleaded although Murphy’s USA is two cents cheaper at $2.21.

The Kansas gas price average is at $2.20 which according to Triple A Kansas is still the lowest price since 2009 when the average was $1.57.

Since Nov. 28, 33 of the last 37 days, the price average in Kansas has gone up.

Although the prices in Hutchinson are higher then the state average, were below the national average which is at $2.34 per gallon. The national average has moved higher for 34 of the past 35 days, largely due to market reactions to last fall’s OPEC deal.

Officials with Triple A indicate that retail prices will continue to hinge on the ability of cartel countries to successfully implement production cuts, but retail averages are likely to increase leading up to the summer driving season as seasonal refinery maintenance gets underway this spring.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A woman who at one time worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections faces a preliminary hearing on a felony charge for sexual contact with an inmate at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Amy D. Hapner is charged with unlawful sexual relations for the encounter where she’s accused of consensual lewd fondling or touching of the inmate, Donell Williams. The alleged crime occurred on May 7.

Williams is serving time for two counts of murder in the first degree for crimes out of Wyandotte County.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in front of Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – HCC will be hosting the Second Annual Career Connections Job

Fair on Thursday, February 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

This event will provide a tremendous opportunity for current and former HutchCC students, as well as other job-seekers in the community to explore career opportunities in Reno County and the surrounding area and “Get Connected” with close to 100 area businesses seeking employees.

To register or for more information, You’re asked to e-mail CareerZone@hutchcc.edu or visit www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair.

There is no cost for businesses or attendees to participate thanks in part to the support of event sponsors including Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Radio Kansas, Femco, Tyson and Hutchinson Community College.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man with numerous cases pending including cultivation of marijuana was arraigned Tuesday on just one of the cases.

Tracy Roberts, 25 faces a possible trial for non-residential burglary for allegedly breaking into he Leading Edge at 1311 East 11th Avenue. During that break-in, he allegedly stole some speakers valued at around $1,500. He is also alleged to have caused some criminal damage, a window at the business. This occurring back on July 28. He entered a “not guilty” plea

He also faces charges including cultivation of marijuana case as well as other crimes of burglary and thefts.

In the drug case, he was arrested along with 21-year-old Gage Beasley and 29-year-old Kelby

The drug case centers on police going to a residence in the 500 block of East 9th on a warrant check on Roberts

Officers could apparently smell marijuana and also saw some bongs in plain sight. They eventually obtained a search warrant and allege that they found items consistent with the use of drugs including marijuana and illegal mushrooms. According to the criminal complaint, they allege they found between 4 and 50 plants of a hallucinogenic drug. Police allege they also found items used to cultivate drugs.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Mustang driven by Kayla M. Adams, Maize, was eastbound on Kansas 96 just west of Tyler.

The vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled in the median.

Adams was transported to Wesley Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

HALSTEAD, Kan. — An 18-year-old Halstead teen is facing some serious charges after the Halstead Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in that city over the weekend.

Daniel Smith, 18, was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and contributing to a child’s misconduct.

Any formal charges will come from the Harvey County Attorney.

A juvenile male was also taken into custody for possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His charges will go through juvenile court in Harvey County.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police are investigating after an employee of TECH reported Tuesday that some of their clients were ripped off.

Apparently someone stole cash from some of their clients, this at a residence area in the 900 block of East 27th.

It was reported around 1:30 p.m. to Hutchinson Police, but may have actually happened earlier.

No arrests have been made with the investigation just beginning. No word on how many clients may have been affected.

Stolen vehicle involved in a Wednesday morning accident in Reno County-photo courtesy KWCH

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The two arrested a week ago suspicions of stealing a truck and then crashed it in the county were back before a judge Thursday morning.

Nineteen-year-old Alex Currie and 24-year-old Heather O’Gorman are now charged with auto burglary, two counts of felony theft and felony criminal damage.

The two are suspected of stealing a Dodge pickup in Hutchinson on Dec. 28, 2016 only to crash the vehicle in the county. The pickup belonged to a corrections officer at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. Inside the vehicle was prison sort gear, three vallistic vest, two kevlar helmets, a gas mask and miscellaneous tactical gear.

Obviously, the criminal damage is for crashing the vehicle when they turned east on Blanchard at a high rate of speed, lost control on a curve and left the roadway to the right, entering the ditch, and overturning the truck onto its top. The two were reportedly seen near the vehicle just before it was stolen.

Both were also involved in another case involving burglary from March 28, of last year. In that case, the two are accused of breaking into another vehicle, stealing a woman’s wallet, forging a $600.00 money gram and causing damage to the vehicle.

Both cases against the two will move to a waiver-status docket later this month.

Currie remains jailed on a $24,000 bond while O’Gorman is also jailed on a bond of $9,000.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Reno County Communities that Care Youth Leadership Group is inviting all fourth through eighth graders in the county to the annual Youth Empowerment Summit from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Hutchinson High School. The day also is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national day of service.

Featured speaker will be David Sotelo, a 2015 HHS graduate. Before moving to Hutchinson in seventh grade, Sotelo lived in Mexico with his grandmother and spoke only Spanish. He has overcome a great number of challenges in his life and learned to make the most of every moment.

During the day, the students will hone leadership skills, find ways to be involved in their community, learn about avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs and other poor choices and grow to recognize good choices.

The day includes a free lunch.

Students are asked to pre-register for the event by calling (620) 615-4018. Registration forms also are available online at www.ctcreno.org.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man who entered guilty pleas as charged in three cases last year is still awaiting sentencing after a number of delays.

Richard Manion faces sentencing for criminal use of a financial card and felony theft.

The thefts have to do with stealing mail from three locations in the county, one of which included a Chase credit card. The card was sent to one of the victims and had not been activated. Then came reports that, in four days, it had been used at 25 different locations in Hutchinson and McPherson.

Video was obtained showing Manion and a co-defendant, Aubrey Ramsey, using the cards at various locations.

Plus, three motel rooms were rented with Manion using his own name and vehicle information. This occurred in November and December of 2015.

In the other two cases, Manion entered pleas to drug charges for an arrest going back to Aug. 26, 2015, and Feb. 18, 2016, in the other.

As part of the plea agreement with the state, both sides will recommend he serve 12 years in prison for all charges.

The sentencing is scheduled again Friday in front of Judge Trish Rose, but as always, all hearings are subject to change.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — SmartAsset, a financial technology company, recently released its second annual study on the counties across America with the lowest per capita debt and Reno County is one of the best in Kansas.

Counties were analyzed by the amount of debt residents held across three categories: credit cards, auto, and mortgage, compared to local income.

Based on a salary of $23,378, credit card debt stood at 7.7 percent, auto loan debt stood at 12.3 percent and mortgage debt is just over 54 percent.

The lowest debt index, according to SmartAsset, was in Shawnee County at 81.43. Reno County wasn’t far behind with a debt index of 81.71.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 32-year-old man who was apparently wanted for absconding in another case was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he ran from a Reno County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Kenny Wayne Smith was spotted driving in the area of 4th & Wilshire Road, just west of Hutchinson. The deputy saw the car turn onto 4th and began to follow. He did a check of the tag, which indicated it didn’t match the vehicle. The driver began to speed up and the deputy turned on his lights and siren and the car sped away, going up a long drive in the 1700 block of west 4th. The driver eventually got stuck. He was arrested and identified as being Smith.

He faces potential charges of felony flee and elude, driving while suspended, illegal display and interference with law enforcement. He was also arrested on the warrant for the earlier case.

Bond in the case was set at $6,450.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Despite the cold and unexpected snowfall, dignitaries and supporters turned out for the groundbreaking of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center’s new ICU wing.  

The $23 million construction project will begin with a $5 million renovation of the hospital’s mechanical platform followed by the building of the $18 million ICU center.

John Deardoff, Hutchinson City Manager and a member of the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors, said the HRMC upgrades rank as one of the top ten construction projects in the city’s history, and is said to be the most extensive and significant enhancement of the hospital’s facilities in its 40-year history.

The 18-bed facility will include larger rooms than the original ICU, providing a more user-friendly atmosphere, allowing family members to be with their loved ones during what may be the most critical time in the patient’s life. The final design for the ICU was the culmination of efforts by the HRMC Leadership Team along with a committee of nurses and staff members who developed a blueprint for a unit that met the needs of patients and families.

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the ICU construction and mechanical upgrades will serve the healthcare needs of the hospital for the foreseeable future. “The technological upgrades will provide an opportunity to further enhance the patients’ experience with HRMC and provide the means to deliver more efficient care to the patients we serve,” Johnson said. “The multi-faceted project is undertaken in a time when the healthcare industry is being challenged as we plan for a future that includes an aging population throughout our service area. Our continued existence is based in part on proactive changes as we prepare for a future that is uncertain,” Johnson continued. “Throughout our history, HRMC has taken its responsibility seriously and these improvements are a major step forward to continue that tradition.”

The ICU wing is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.