HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Between Jan. 2 and Jan. 14, the Hutchinson Police Department has investigated numerous complaints involving graffiti being sprayed painted on buildings, vehicles and poly-carts. These complaints came from Ave B north to 11th, west to Monroe and east to Poplar.

On Saturday at approximately 9:20 a.m. an officer was dispatched to a criminal damage to property in the 700 block of North Washington and the investigating officer discovered this was graffiti spray painted on a vehicle. A short time later a citizen called and reported three juveniles were in the area of the last reported criminal damage-graffiti and these individuals were acting suspicious.

An officer responded and was able to locate the three juveniles seen earlier in the area. Through interviews with these juveniles, it was determined that they were responsible for a majority of the criminal damage cases in this area and another suspect was identified.

On Sunday, the fourth suspect was interviewed by officers and this individual admitted their involvement in the criminal damage cases and additional criminal damage cases in the Hutchinson downtown area.

Through the investigation, the officers were able to clear approximately fourteen cases and some of these cases have multiple victims assigned to one case. At this time the four juveniles will not be identified pending the filing of formal charges by the Reno County District Attorney Office.

If you were a victim of graffiti and haven’t reported it yet, you’re asked to contact the police department. If anyone has additional information to these cases please call the Police Department or Reno County Crime Stoppers.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – We lucked out with the Ice Storm. There were no major power outages and no serious accidents so far. Temps now are at or slightly above freezing.. If you need to get out, roads now are just wet, however as the sun sets, we could see refreezing, so keep that in mind if you have to work Monday.

Many people are off Monday because of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Trees did look pretty Sunday though.

This picture above was taken from the little park outside the Eagle Media Centerin downtown Hutchinson.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – An 18-year-old Hutchinson woman was transported to the hospital after a two vehicle accident in the city Sunday night.

Elizabeth Urueta says her vehicle was struck by a dark colored truck in the 800 block of North Severance which apparently left the scene. She was transported by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The accident occurring around 9:10 p.m.

Monday morning house fire in rural Reno County-photo courtesy KWCH

RENO COUNTY – Three fire districts responded to a house fire in the county early Monday morning, this in the 24,000 block of Greenfield Road.

Apparently, there was substantial damage to the home and those living inside were able to escape unharmed.

Dispatch telling us that the fire was handled by Reno County Fire District 4 with the assistance of two other districts.

No word on what caused the fire and dollar amount of damage.

Fern E. Oswald, 85, died Jan. 13, 2017, at her home in South Hutchinson. She was born April 12, 1931, in St. Johns, Mich., to John and Mina (Edelman) Kauffman.

Fern graduated from Shipshewana High School in Shipshewana, Indiana, and attended Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. Fern was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, genealogy, and music, especially singing. She was a member of Journey@South Hutchinson and loved the Lord with all her heart.

On March 30, 1952, she married Kenneth Oswald in Goshen, Indiana. They shared 64 years of marriage. He survives. Other survivors include: daughter, Marcy Sommerfeld and husband Glen of Kinsley; son, Mark and wife Connie of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Justin Sommerfeld, Jill Wiens and husband Brett, Nicholas Oswald and wife Dana, Nathan Oswald and wife Tara; six great-grandchildren; three sisters; and a brother. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Journey@South Hutchinson, 808 S. Poplar, South Hutchinson, with Pastors Howard Wagler and Eric Miller officiating. Private family burial will take place prior to the service at Yoder Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Mennonite Friendship Communities Chapel, 600 W. Blanchard, South Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mennonite Friendship Communities or Journey@South Hutchinson Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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NICKERSON – Penny Rochelle Gitchell, 73, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. She was born July 12, 1943, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Dennis Samuel and Ruth Arlene (Hungerford) Berridge.

She graduated from Nickerson High School in 1961 and Hutchinson Community College in 1963. Penny worked in the family grocery store, Berridge IGA, in Nickerson for several years; she also served as a Nickerson City librarian and councilman. She retired as a secretary for USD 309 at Nickerson High School, serving 20 years.

She was a member of Nickerson United Methodist Church, PEO Chapter Q, Nickerson, and a former Idona Club member. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed teaching her granddaughters how to sew.

On July 14, 1963, Penny married Harlan David Gitchell at the Nickerson United Methodist Church. He died Feb. 20, 2015. She is survived by: her children, Brian and Ashley of Nickerson, Martin and Amy of Breezy Point, Minn., Carmon Unruh and Darrin of Pretty Prairie; siblings, Brad Berridge and Janis, Pam Misunas and Jim, all of Nickerson, Denise Ziegler and Darrell Hufferd of Maize; sister-in-law, Jaci Gitchell of Arlington; nine grandchildren, Logan, Ally, Rylee and Cale Gitchell of Nickerson, Eloise, Gray and Owen Gitchell of Breezy Point, Minn., and Pepper and Gabi Unruh of Pretty Prairie; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Nickerson United Methodist Church with the Reverend Melissa Naylor presiding. Inurnment will follow in Wildmead Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with family present Sunday at the church.

Memorial gifts may be made to the church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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Bertie M. Gibson, 95, of Hutchinson, died Jan. 10, 2017, at Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson. She was born Oct. 9, 1921, in Valley Center, to Charles R. and Anna B. (Cochran) Bunton.

Bertie graduated from Valley Center High School in 1939, Business Preparatory School in 1941, and attended the University of Wichita. She was a homemaker, an accountant for Reimer Ford, and retired as a secretary at Sheridan Elementary School in Junction City. Bertie was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Salt City Miniature Club, Cub Scout Den Mother for three years, Girl Scout Leader for eight years, and church secretary. She enjoyed miniatures, quilting, painting, cross-stitch and embroidery.

On Sept. 12, 1941, she married Charles A. “Art” Gibson, in Valley Center. He died Dec. 12, 2008. Bertie is survived by: son, Steve Gibson and wife Alice of South Hutchinson; daughters, Trudy Doll of Clearwater, Kathy Kaufman and husband Don of Hutchinson; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Adabelle; brothers, Bob and Bill; and son-in-law, Lon Doll.

Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Blake Gillen, Grace Bible Church, officiating. Private family burial will take place in Kechi Cemetery, Kechi. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday with family to receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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Robert Allen “Bob” Seefeldt, 70, died Jan. 10, 2017, at his home in Pretty Prairie. He was born on Dec. 23, 1946, in Hutchinson, the son of Robert Winton and Donna Faye (Hatcher) Seefeldt.

He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964, Hutchinson Community College in 1970, and Wichita State University in 1972. Robert owned and operated Prairie Millwright Company in Pretty Prairie. He served in the United States Army and the Air National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Club, and Single Action Shooting Society.

On April 5, 1969, Robert married Chris M. Hayman in Hutchinson. She survives. Other survivors include: children, Wendy Brown and husband David of Haven, and Gillian Ledbetter of Buhler; grandchildren, Allison McMurry of Haven, Baylie Rayl of Wichita, Brittany Rayl of Wichita, Emily Ledbetter of Buhler, Evan Ledbetter of Buhler, and David Robert Brown and wife Chelsey of Joplin, Mo.; mother, Donna Seefeldt Blevins of Hutchinson; sisters, Julie Smith of Maize, and Cathy Lawrence of Hutchinson. He was preceded in death by: his father; stepmother, Margaret Seefeldt; stepfather, Ken Blevins; and sister-in-law, Brenda Clarke.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Union Valley Bible Church, 1916 E. 30th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Steve Hodgson presiding. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday, with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorial contributions may be made to Pretty Prairie Fire Department and EMS or Junior Golf Program at The Links Golf Course in Pretty Prairie, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. – In an e-mail sent to USD 308 staff, Dr. Shelly Kiblinger says she has been invited to interview in Dodge City Public Schools for a job as superintendent. She says that she expects that her name will be released to the public and wanted staff to hear from her first.

She says that the decision to apply for that job is a difficult one and says she is proud of the work they have done together for the local district.

She goes on to say that the opportunity to be a greater voice for at-risk students at a larger more diverse district while returning to her southwest Kansas “home” was a calling she couldn’t ignore. She says she prays that God will put her or keep her in the place where she can do the most good for students.

Again, she is interviewing for the Dodge City School District Superintendent job. No official word on this has come from either district.

This is the second time she has interviewed for a job outside the local district. She was at one time considered for a job in the Lawrence district, but didn’t receive the job.

We learned of this from a staff member who forwarded it to us.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Tuesday marks the 16th anniversary of the gas explosions that rocked the downtown area of Hutchinson destroying two businesses and the next blowing up a mobile home that killed two people.

It started on Jan. 17, 2001 in the Décor Wedding and Party Supplies store with the explosion from natural gas and then spread to the Woody’s furniture store next door.

The next day, an explosion blew up a mobile home in the Big Chief Mobile Home Park killing two people.

The explosions resulted from natural gas leaking from a salt cavern at the Yaggy gas storage field seven miles northwest of Hutchinson. That gas eventually erupted from old brine wells beneath the city, causing the blasts and a number of gas geysers on the cities east side.

That also forced residents on the east side of Hutchinson from their homes until the city and investigators could determine that it was safe to go home.

The U.S. Senate last year approved the Safe Pipes Act, containing language to improve the safety and regulation of underground natural gas storage facilities based on what happened in Hutchinson.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A local woman remains jailed faces possible charges of aggravated robbery, possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Kimber Lynn Thomas is accused of sending a text to a Hutchinson man where he was then allegedly beat up by Cody Curl who is well known to law enforcement. Curl accused of waiting for the victim to show up.

The victim, Joshua Holmes suffered a laceration to his forehead and items in his pockets were flying out of his pockets during the struggle according to statements made to police.

They apparently found most of the items in a safe in the home in the 300 block of Woodard.

Holmes apparently contacted police from Planet Fitness in East 4th as to what happened.

Police Lt. Marty Robertson says this started from an early incident where Holmes apparently burned a coat belonging to a friend of Curl’s who is diseased.

Curl has not been arrested so far with the information being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.

Thomas was arrested and was denied a bond reduction when she appeared in court. Bond was set at $56,000. She’ll be back in court next week.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 27-year-old man has been formally charged with two counts of aggravated battery and misdemeanor criminal damage.

Jory Voss is accused of choking a woman at a residence in Langdon back on Jan. 7. 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 for treatment.

Voss is also suspected of causing damage inside the home including throwing and breaking things inside.

He remains jailed on a bond of $50,500 and his case now moves to a waiver-status docket.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Board of Regents will ask the legislature to restore $30 million in funding that was cut last year.

Regents CEO and President Blake Flanders says the board would like to see state funding at least stabilize.

In 2012, tuition became a larger source of university revenue than state general fund support. Flanders noted the shift in a presentation Tuesday on the board’s long-term goals to the Senate Education Committee.

Regents’ goals include increasing educational attainment, aligning the higher education system with the needs of the economy and ensuring university excellence.

Flanders says increasing attainment is necessary because higher wages will bring in more state income tax revenue. To reach that goal, the Regents created a pilot program to help high school students transition to college math.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people charged in a drug distribution case from 2015 skipped the preliminary hearing and entered pleas.

Steven R. Morris and Michelle Williams are both charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute. Morris entered a plea to a level five distribution charge as well as the paraphernalia charge. The two sides will recommend aggravated consecutive sentences and will be free to argue whether he goes to prison.

Williams entered a plea as charged with both sides to recommend concurrent sentences with the state not opposing probation for her.

The state had alleged that the two were in possession of the drugs and paraphernalia on Oct. 15, 2015 and were allegedly selling the drugs.

Both defendants remain free on bond and sentencing for both is set for March 3.

ST. JOHN, Kan. – Police in St. John announced Wednesday morning that with the help of numerous citizens, they were able to locate the suspects involved in a burglary Tuesday and recovered the puppies stolen in that burglary. They were returned to the owner.

Sometime in the afternoon hours of Tuesday, the burglars entered a residence in the 100 block of North Nutting. They apparently took two Blue Heeler puppies.

This case will now be forwarded to the Stafford County Attorney for possible criminal charges.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Three people were arrested around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on various charges after a fight in the 200 block of West B.

54-year-old Michael Childs reported he was battered by 47-year-old Michael Howard. 40-year-old Misty Wolf, and 18-year-old Stephen Howard. He says he was punched and beaten when he fell to floor of the apartment.

Michael Howard was arrested for battery, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He managed to get his bond lowered from $7,500 to $4,500 while appearing via video from the Reno County Correctional Facility. He also claims that Child’s entered his apartment and pulled a knife.

Wolf was arrested for battery and misdemeanor interference with law enforcement and her bond was left at a $1,000.

Stephen Howard was arrested for battery and his left at $500.00. The judge refused to lower it because of a robbery case at Walmart where he and three others were involved in robbing some individuals outside the store last year.

All this occurring around 8:30 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A slight decrease was visible for gas prices over the past week. The average price for regular unleaded was at $2.23 per gallon according to www.gasbuddy.com. However, the price at the Central Prairie Coop was at $2.20 per gallon and Murphy’s USA is at $2.21.

Triple A Kansas says the lowest price in the state was $2.04 in the town of Waverly, Kansas in Eastern Kansas.

They also report that national gas prices have fallen for eight consecutive days, reaching the current average of $2.34 per gallon.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved a contract with an engineering firm for a major repair project at the wastewater treatment plant.

The Council approved the contract with CDM Smith of Wichita to do the design, engineering work and other services at a cost of just over $248,000.

The city needs to replace two boilers at the plant. One which has already failed and the second which is nearly at the end of its life cycle. The contract does not include the cost of the two boilers. City Engineer Brian Clennan told the Council that the project should be completed by this fall and will be paid for through the plant’s equipment reserve fund.

Also Tuesday,  the Council approved the zero interest  housing incentive program.The incentive will assist current property owners in the two feature neighborhoods and the residential historic district by providing a zero-interest loan to make home repairs and updates.

To qualify, the homeowner must live in the SW Bricktown, College Grove or the Houston Whiteside Historic district. The maximum interest amount per loan cannot exceed $2,500, which would be covered by the city, thus the zero interest paid for by the property owner.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Saturday will mark the 50th anniversary of the first of what has been three major disasters in American space flight.

The Apollo 1 fire happened Jan 21, 1967 and killed astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee during a test for their February mission.

Thursday’s Coffee at the Cosmo will take time to reflect on that day, and the changes that were brought about by the event.

As always Coffee at the Cosmo is free and open to the public, and beings at 9 a.m. at the Cosmosphere.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The city of Hutchinson is weighing its options on what to do with the vacant fire station located at Wilshire and W. 4th Avenue.

During Tuesday’s Hutchinson City Council meeting City Manager John Deardoff told the Council that several offers have been made on the property, but none are close to the appraised price of $85,000. The best offer to the city for the property and three buildings is just over $40,000.

Deardoff said the Council can give the nod to sell the building at that price or wait for a better offer. No word on what will be done or a timeline for selling the grounds.

The station has been vacant since 2002.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s time for another round of quarterly earnings reports for companies with ties to Reno County.

For years Alcoa was the first to report its quarterly numbers. But with the aluminum giant splitting off its finished metals segment into what is now known as Arconic, any numbers connected to the Hutchinson facility is now further down the earnings calendar. The Hutchinson Alcoa metals finishing plant became part of Arconic this past fall.

That means the kick off for this quarter goes to Union Pacific. The nation’s largest railroad with more than 2,700 employees in Kansas will announce its fourth quarter numbers before the bell Thursday. UP expects to see continue weakness in shipping due to lower numbers in coal, industrial and intermodal car loads.

UP currently has more than 4,000 train crews and 1,000 locomotives idled due to the declining numbers but have expressed confidence that a rebound has begun.

Speaking of Arconic, the aluminum finishing company will announce its first ever quarterly earnings report Jan. 31.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the second time in a year, Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr Shelly Kiblinger has been turned down for a similar job in another district.

Kiblinger interviewed Tuesday for the superintendent’s job in Dodge City, but says she is staying in Hutchinson. Kiblinger notified staff of the interview saying it was a chance to work in a more diverse school district and be closer to home.

Kiblinger had also applied for the vacant Superintendents job in the Lawrence School District in March of last year, but was not named to that post as well. At that time Kiblinger stated that she wasn’t looking any further for a Superintendent’s job, and did not have any other applications out. She said that she just wanted to concentrate on the Hutchinson School district.

According to the Dodge City School District an offer has been made to another candidate, and they have accepted.