HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 37-year-old ex-con charged with aggravated kidnapping after an incident at a local motel was back in court Wednesday and entered a plea that drops the kidnapping charge.

Martin Andes entered a guilty plea in front of Reno County District Judge Trish Rose on charges of criminal threat, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The case started at the Sunflower Inn on Feb. 12 when police were called for the report of an armed subject. Two employees at the motel told police they were threatened by Andes and said he put them in fear for their safety.

He’s also alleged to have forced his girlfriend into a car at gunpoint and threatened to kill her and their 8-month-old child. He reportedly put a gun to her head while making the threats.

During the incident, Andes also fired the gun in the air a couple of times.

With him entering a plea in the case, Judge Rose set sentencing for Dec. 8.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission entered into a real estate agreement Tuesday with Union Pacific Railroad for the replacement of the 43rd Avenue bridge over tracks just east of Old K-61 Highway. The signing of the agreement means the project can begin in the near future.

“The county will pay the Union Pacific Railroad the sum of $1,000 for this temporary access and the temporary rights will be in effect at the date of the agreement,” Don Brittain, Public Works superintendent, said. This agreement allows the county rights onto the railroad property for .12 acres for 24 months or until the project is completed.

The bridge has been in failing condition for several years and was closed, forcing Buhler school buses to find a different route to Prairie Hills Middle School.

The other bridge that would be included in the bond issue is the Nickerson Road bridge over the Arkansas River, south of Nickerson. Because this bridge is included on a bond issue, that project has been on hold.

The cost for work on these two bridges is now estimated at $5,503,410. However, the county is seeking dollars from the state for the 43rd Avenue bridge project.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Post and Eagle Radio news reporter Rod Zook was in Lawrence Monday to accept a pair of awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

Zook was awarded for “Christianity and Survival of the Church.” This special Saturday program featured a roundtable of local ministers discussing Christianity, and the challenges Christians face in the U.S. and around the world.

Zook’s hour-long show was awarded second place by the KAB for Special Program.

Zook was also awarded for his News Feature: Social Media Special Report. His feature garnered an honorable mention nod.

The KAB gathers once a year to honor the best in local radio and television. Broadcasters from across the state are honored in the small, medium and large markets.

Zook anchors newscasts for KWBW 1450 AM/98.5 FM, Country 102.9 and My 93-1. The stations are affiliated with Hutch Post.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Early voting started Monday in Hutchinson. Very few ballots have been cast so far, which is not unusual for this type of election.

According to Jenna Fager, deputy election officer, only 76 residents of the county voted Monday. As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the number had climbed to 121.

The voting is taking place at the Reno County Annex on the southeast corner of 1st and Adams.

The election is for school board and city council seats.

Nickerson voters will also decide on a $29.9 million bond issue for school improvements.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident in Hutchinson Monday evening. Seventeen-year-old Eisetta Gains was cited for disobeying a stop light after the vehicle she was driving struck a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Tericina Hoover.

Hoover was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

That accident occurred just before 7 p.m. at 11th and Main.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly said Hoover’s vehicle struck Gains’ vehicle.

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven Police Department Monday received a $1,260.00 check from ONEOK, Inc. through their ONEOK Foundation and the ONEOK Emergency Responder Grants.

The funds will be used to purchase temporary dash cameras for their patrol vehicles.

According to the ONEOK website, the Emergency Responder Grant program supports organizations committed to safety and ensuring those organizations have the necessary resources.

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — A 40-year-old man who served time in prison for two convictions of aggravated battery is jailed on a $7,850 bond for another case of aggravated battery.

Joseph Kinyon is accused of battering the victim during a disturbance in Pretty Prairie late Friday night. He is also accused of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Kinyon had been drinking and got into a verbal argument with the victim. She apparently struck him in the face at one point and he began to choke her. This happened while children were in the house, according to the sheriff’s department.

Kinyon is known for violence with past convictions from Sedgwick County in 2001 and another case from 2008.

During a court appearance Monday morning, Pro Tem Judge Greg Bell ordered no contact with the victim.

Kinyon will be back in court Thursday.