HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A local man who was convicted on two counts of indecent solicitation of a child in two cases was sentenced to a total of seven years and three months in prison for this case and one other.

Ricky Gossman had been placed on community corrections back in May of last year for indecent solicitation of a child charge for an incident back in March of 2015.

In the latest case, Gossman he was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl between June 12, and July 25, of last year.

Hutchinson Police Juvenile Detective Scott Carlson told us earlier that they were notified that he may have been having sex with minor girls and so they started doing interviews that led to the arrest. Although he is only charged with one count, he may have been involved with others as well according to Carlson.

As part of the sentence in the latest case, he was given two years and five months, but he’s now considered a persistent sex offender which doubles the sentence to 58-months or four years and eight months. Judge Chambers then ran the sentence consecutive to the other case where the sentence was also two years and five months which brings the total to seven years and three months in prison.

His request to continue the sentencing was denied by the judge. He also denied a request for time to handle some personal issues before being ordered to prison, however did agree to let him stay in the Reno County Correctional Facility for two weeks so he can visit his own doctor over being addicted to pain killers.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 20-year-old man remains jailed charged with aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and illegal consumption of alcohol.

Eli J. Holmes is accused of striking a family member with metal chair during an altercation back on Dec. 29. The state also says that he damaged a wall and a wood shelf during the struggle and that he was under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurring around 11:40 p.m. with police being called to the scene.

With the charges filed, his case will move to a future waiver-status docket.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the three people charged methamphetamine-related charges last year was sentenced Friday morning by District Judge Tim Chambers.

Twenty-three-year-old Paige White of McPherson was given eight years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 11-months for possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, then two six month sentences for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He ran the sentences concurrent to each other for a total of eight years.

Judge Chambers then granted three years community corrections after she spends another 60-days in the Reno County jail.

Judge Chambers noted that the only reason he was granting the corrections is because both the state and the defense agreed to it. He noted that she has been in trouble since she was young, having four juvenile adjudications before she was 11-years-old.

White was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a case from 2012 where she was convicted for sale or distribution of drugs, possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture or distribute. That case out of Reno County. She also has convictions out of McPherson County possession of drugs and felony obstruction

She was arrested in the latest case along with 31-year-old Allison Stroda of Enterprize, Kansas and 27-year-old Shawn Green, where they were initially charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, at least 3.5 grams, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute and personal use drug paraphernalia.

Green also faces a charge of interference with law enforcement. The arrest coming back on Feb. 12, 2015, in the 4200 block of North Plum.

MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a California mother and her 8-year-old son visiting Kansas relatives died after being pulled from an icy pond.

KAKE-TV reports that investigators have not publicly identified the victims of the drowning Friday afternoon at Pack Park in central Kansas’ Moundridge.

The woman’s 43-year-old husband managed to stay above the water and ice and was rescued. He was treated at a hospital.

Ron Blaylock, Moundridge’s fire chief, said rescue efforts were slowed by the fact his volunteer fire department didn’t have a boat and had to summon one from elsewhere.

Details of why the victims were on the pond were not immediately disclosed.

*photo by Rob Dreher

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – It was around 7:14 p.m. Saturday when a 59-year-old man driving a pickup apparently in the wrong gear crashed into a local convenience store.

It happened at the Kwik Shop at 27th & Main. There were several people in the store according to police including a 13-year-old child. The child was close to where the impact happened at the time, but was not injured nor were any others in the store.

The driver identified as Gerald Young was not injured in the crash, however was wearing flip flops and stepped on some glass when he exited his truck. He was not treated for that, but was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be tested for possibly being under the influence of prescription drugs. He was then arrested and taken to the Reno County Correctional Facility for being under the influence and having no driver’s license.

Hutchinson Fireman were called to the scene to assess the structural integrity of the building after the crash and it appeared to be okay.

This is the second time in recent weeks that someone has crashed into this same store.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – At 5:21 pm Sunday evening, Hutchinson Fire crews responded to the 200 block of South Reformatory for a structure fire. First units on scene advised that they had a 10’ x 10’ shed with heavy fire next to an occupied structure.

The fire was controlled within five minutes. The fire was ruled undetermined, and no injuries were reported.

Then a few minutes later, crews responded to 7700 block of North Plum for a structure fire. Due to another structure fire at the same time, mutual aid was requested from Buhler and Fire District #3 for water tenders. Upon arrival units found three rooms heavily involved in fire.

The fire was controlled in 30 minutes. The home was occupied at the time of the fire. The occupants were able to escape and no injuries reported.

The fire heavily damaged several rooms. Investigation ruled this to be electrical in nature.
Units remained on scene for three hours.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – During a ceremony at the Reno County Courthouse, officials were sworn into office with each of them coming before District Judge Tim Chambers.

That included the two new County Commissioners, Bob Bush who takes over the seat held by Brad Dillon who chose not to run again and Ron Hirst who won his election in November after beating the incumbent, James Schlickau in the primary.

Also sworn in Monday morning was Michelle Updegrove who is the new Register of Deeds and Donna Davis who is the new County Clerk.

Others who ran unopposed were also sworn in, including District Attorney Keith Schroeder, Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen and Sheriff Randy Henderson.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 27-year-old man arrested over the weekend for two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal damage made a first appearance in court Monday morning where he was read the potential charges.

Jory Voss is accused of choking a woman at a residence in Langdon. Another man at the residence reportedly struck Voss with some type of club to get him off the woman. Then those two began to fight. The man was struck by Voss causing him to have four broken ribs. That victim was taken to an area medical facility.

Voss is also suspected of causing damage inside the home including throwing and breaking things inside. All this occurring around 8:40 p.m. Saturday night.

His bond set at $50,500 and he’ll be back in court next week to see if formal charges have been filed. He was also ordered to not have any contact with the two victims.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Steve Martens, CEO of The Martens Companies, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Central Bank and Trust Co. Martens’ election expands the board to six members, reflecting the bank’s growing market presence in both Hutchinson and Wichita.

Martens, who joined The Martens Companies in 1975, has built the firm into Kansas’ largest and most diversified commercial real estate entity, encompassing six divisions:

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Martens holds the Certified Property Manager (CPM), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), and Society of Industrial & Office Realtors designations. He is past president of the Kansas Association of Realtors and the Wichita Association of Realtors and was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News’ Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2010.

Equally as important as his real estate expertise, Martens’ leadership and commitment to economic development will prove to be a tremendous asset for Central Bank, according to the bank’s Wichita Market President Chris Anderson.

MARION COUNTY – A Hutchinson man who died in a weekend car, train accident in Marion County has been identified.

Just after 12:40 p.m. on Sunday, a 1990 Geo driven by Nathan L. Parson, 29, was southbound on Kansas 15 in Durham.

The vehicle was hit by a westbound Union Pacific train, according to a media release from The Marion County Sheriff.

The investigation determined the driver attempted to stop. The vehicle traveled under the crossing arms.

Parson was pounced dead at the scene. The crew on the train was not injured.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Security measures at the Reno County Courthouse including scanning everyone and their belongings is about to take another step.

They were in the process Tuesday of installing x-ray equipment which was purchased last year. This is expected to be operational Wednesday. Officials were in the process of hooking up electricity which included drilling into the marble floor.

As we have told you in the past, its best to come with only necessary items when entering the courthouse.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Westar Energy customer advisers are assisting Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applicants over the upcoming weeks throughout the company’s service territory.

Since 2010 Westar Energy customer advisers have partnered with community service
organizations to provide on-site support for nearly 3,000 households applying for LIEAP funds.
Applications are being accepted through March 31, 2017.

Those wanting assistance can come to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson on Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applicants will need utility account numbers, proof of income and Social Security numbers for all members of their household.

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their
home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.

To learn more about eligibility requirements or fill out a LIEAP application, visit the Kansas Department for Families and Children website or call 1-800-432-0043.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Reno County Commission had their first meeting with the two new commissioners taking their seats, that being Ron Hirst and Bob Bush.

The first order of business was to select the chairman and vice chairman of the commission. Current Commission Chair Dan Deming with remain in that post for another year. Hirst was then selected as the Vice-Chair.

Then came a public hearing for the request by a Reno Count rural sewer district to vacate a portion of Redwood Rd. located between Jupiter Drive and West 69th in the Blue Spruce subdivision. This comes with no objections and should be approved by the commission next week.

They did approved a resolution authorizing the offering of sale of general obligation temporary notes for a Reno County sewer district for improvements at the Highlands. The amount of the bonds coming to $1,170,000 dollars.

Also approved was a Community Corrections contract with AMS, “Alcohol Monitoring Systems” for leasing electronic monitoring equipment for 18-months. The commission also gave their blessing for a Hutchinson Community Foundation Grant for the county drug court program in the amount of $10,881. This will help those in the drug court program to get into one of the Oxford Houses as opposed to going back to the same environment that got them on drugs to begin with.

And the commission also went along with a grant application for the Charles E. Carey Memorial fund in the amount of $3,014 to help with helping those housed at the Reno County Correctional Facility get their GED, which helps them gain employment.

The Sterling Community Theatre Troupe is hitting the road when it presents the musical “Radio Gals” on January 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and January 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Flag Theatre at 310 N Main in Hutchinson.
“Radio Gals” is a musical comedy that is wholesome, entertaining, and perfect for all ages. It has been called “a rollicking riff on small-town Americana and the innocent fun of old time music.” The book, music, and lyrics for the show were written by Mike Carver and Mike Hardwick.
The year is 1927, and in the Cedar Ridge, Arkansas, parlor of retired music teacher Hazel Hunt, there is a nonstop radio broadcast and musical celebration in progress.
When she retires as the town’s music teacher, Hazel’s grateful students present her with a brand new radio transmitter. Following the fashion of the “Mom and Pop” radio stations of the day, Hazel sets up her own station, WGAL, to broadcast to the folks of Cedar Ridge Hutchinson resident Terri Torres will play the role of Hazel, the spunky hostess.
Hazel’s regular ensemble of local ladies, dubbed “The Hazelnuts,” performing on the air include Rennabelle, played by Piper Harding of Sterling, America, played by Chelsey Juenemann of Arlington, and spiritualist Gladys Fritts, played by Amy Brownlee of Sterling. The Swindle sisters, Azilee and Mabel, will be played by Sterling resident Larry Brownlee and Hutchinson resident Glen Grunwald. Seth Svaty of Sterling plays O.B. Abbott, a federal agent who stirs up trouble when he is sent to investigate the radio station.

Special thank you goes out to Eagle Radio for helping underwrite this great show!

Meet the Cast

Seth Svaty (Abbott) – Seth finds freedom on stage. He has enjoyed participating in shows at FCT and with the Sterling Theatre Troupe. Some of his favorites include The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), White Christmas (Phil Davis), Shrek (Lord Farquaad), and now Radio Gals. Seth works on the family farm near Ellsworth and lives with his wife and three kids in Sterling.
Amy Brownlee (Gladys) – Amy is a librarian & reading teacher for Sterling public schools and is enjoying letting her inner drama queen and diva shine in this role. She was last seen as Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense at Stage 9. Prior to that, she played Rona Lisa Peretti, realtor and hostess of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Favorite roles include The Music Man (Marian the librarian), White Christmas (Betty Haynes), and Shrek (Princess Fiona).
Piper Harding (Rennabelle) – Holy Cats ! Piper is thrilled to be perform-ing again in one of her favorite musicals. The first time around she played Gladys and can now add the role of Rennabelle to her list of favorites. Others include Nunsense (Sister Amnesia), White Christmas (Martha.) Church Basement Ladies (Mavis), and Mame (Agnes Gooch).
Terri Torres (Hazel) – This is Terri’s first show with the Sterling troupe, but she has been performing with FCT for nearly 25 years. She is a retired speech/language pathologist and enjoys having free time to read, bike, jog, and be in plays.

Glen Grunwald (Mabel) – Glen is a retired phar-maceutical sales executive who is enjoying a second career in radio broadcasting. He is the voice of Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon athletics on Eagle Radio and also co-hosts a morning show and three weekly sports talk shows on KWBW. His favorite theatre experiences have included sharing the stage with his granddaughter Sarah in The Music Man, Shrek, and Mary Poppins.
Larry Brownlee (Azilee) – Larry is the band director and cross country coach for the Sterling school system. In his spare time he loves photography, travel, and mountain climbing. He has taken treks in Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and Nepal. He has acted in over 30 shows in Sterling and Hutchinson. Favorites include: White Christmas, Spelling Bee, Man of LaMancha, and this production of Radio Gals.
Chelsey Juenemann (America) – Chelsey, a language arts and theatre teacher for Fairfield Schools, has enjoyed becoming America, a down-home country girl. Chelsey was last seen on stage at FCT as Mary Hatch Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life and Signe in Church Basement Ladies.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Once again the Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual legislative sessions. A total of three session will be held giving patrons a chance to meet and ask questions of their local legislators.

The three sessions will be  held Saturday, February 4:  9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum, Hutchinson, Saturday, March 4:  9:30 – 11:00 a.m.  at Mennonite Friendship Communities, 600 W. Blanchard Ave., South Hutchinson and then Saturday, April 1: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Towers, 3711 Asbury Place, Hutchinson

The Forums are co-sponsored by AT&T and the Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Advisory Committee, and will offer attendees the opportunity to interact with the Reno County legislators on issues before the Kansas Legislature.

The Reno County legislators invited to participate are Senator Ed Berger, Representative Joe Seiwert, Representative Steven Becker, Representative Patsy Terrell, and Representative Jack Thimesch. There is no cost to attend the forum. Members of the Chamber and the general public are encouraged to attend.

For more information concerning Legislative Forums, contact Chelsey Dawson at chelseyd@hutchchamber.com or (620) 662-3391.

HAVEN, Kan. — More discussion last night with the Haven USD 312 School board about what to do with declining enrollment at two of its three elementary schools. With the school in Mt Hope already closed, the district is now considering several options to deal with low enrollments at both Yoder and Partridge Elementary .

Several options have been discussed in the past two months including closing one of the two schools and consolidating them. That, as you would expect, has drawn a lot of discussion. Another option, according to Superintendent Clark Wedel is to make one school serve k-4 and the other 5-8 grades. Another option is to leave things as they are. USD 312 current has 51 students in k-6 at Partridge and 77 students in k-8 at Yoder. Haven Elementary has 300 students in k-6.

Wedel says that they hope to make a decision on the matter within the next 60 days but they also want to watch the legislature and supreme court and how they deal with school funding which could sway any decision by the district.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -Gov. Sam Brownback is challenging universities in Kansas to allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree and pay only $15,000 in total costs.

Brownback issued the challenge in his annual State of the State address Tuesday evening. He said Kansas residents deserve affordable college educations.

He also said his budget proposals would finance 50 student scholarships for the first university to meet the challenge. He did not provide more details.

The least expensive state university is Fort Hays. A full-time undergraduate student from Kansas pays $2,442 in tuition and required fees. That would be $19,535 over four years.

Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine questioned whether the idea is workable and said he is concerned about lowering academic standards for an inexpensive degree. The Emporia Republican’s district includes Emporia State University.

MCPHERSON COUNTY – Investigators including the State Fire Marshal’s office are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Moundridge on Tuesday.

Just after 1p.m. fire crews responded to the blaze in a single-family home at 224 West Ruth Street, according to Fire Captain Jeremy Johnson.

The fire started outside the home. It damaged a side porch, the kitchen and pantry area. The rest of the home sustained heat and smoke damage.

One occupant was able to escape without injuries, according to Johnson.

“They still don’t know what started the fire,” he said.

The occupant’s pet cat reportedly did not make it out of the home but was not found.

Damage estimate was not available early Wednesday.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 39-year-old man arrested Tuesday morning on drug related charges saw his bond increased when the state pointed out that he’s scheduled for sentencing in case with virtually the same facts.

Police were called to the 3100 block of Vicksburg in Hutchinson for a check of welfare call. When they arrived, they found a man in his vehicle slouched over. He was asleep with the motor running, in drive, but luckily, he had his foot on the brake. He was identified at Rodney Marquez.

Police indicating that they found him in possession of Fentanyl, methamphetamine, other depressants and drug paraphernalia. He was also driving in violation of restrictions on his license.

Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen increased his bond from $11,500 to $15,000 because of another case where he’s scheduled to be sentenced this Friday. In that case from March of last year, he was convicted of possession of methamphetamine and possession of Fentanyl. In that case, he was also in his vehicle when found by police.

Sentencing in that case is scheduled Friday in front of Judge Tim Chambers.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Just hours after new Kansas legislators were sworn in and 23 hours ahead of the governor’s State of the State Address, the USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Shelly Kiblinger gave her State of the District Budget Forecast.

The district continues to focus its resources on literacy and positive student behaviors. These resources, however, are being impacted by lower student enrollment and a minimum of $500,000 of inflationary costs for the 2017-18 school year. Additionally, district pays has not kept pace with inflation and additional funding is needed in for salaries.

As the new Legislative session begins, Dr. Kiblinger told the board her thoughts on what legislators need to do for schools.

That includes passing a new K-12 funding formula in 2017 and not extend the two-year block grant program, listen to community input on school funding, assure districts they will be held harmless financially so they can begin planning for the 2017-18 school year and realize that after seven years of operational budget cuts amounting to $6 million in USD 308, any additional cuts will have an extremely adverse impact on students’ ability to be college and career ready.

The district will work in the community to continue creating community awareness of the need for additional funding for their schools.

Also during her report, the superintendent recognized the seven Board of Education members. January is Board appreciation month. Unlike many states, local Kansas board of education members receive no compensation for their work on behalf of district patrons.