RENO COUNTY — The Arkansas man involved in a high-speed chase in western Reno County back on Aug. 30 has been formally charged.

Thirty-year-old James Monroe Smith of Salem, Arkansas, is now charged with felony flee and elude, and possession of stolen property — a pickup that belonged to the city of West Plains, Missouri. Other charges include another count of possession of stolen property — a vehicle tag — possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The case started around 10:20 a.m. when a Reno County sheriff’s deputy checking the tag and registration of a vehicle on K-61 Highway discovered that the tag had been reported stolen earlier in the week by a Reno County resident.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled at a high rate of speed. The chase continued down several county roads to include dirt roads and blacktops. The chase ended about five miles north of Sylvia when the vehicle stopped and the driver fled on foot. He was then caught by pursuing deputies.

Smith is also being held for two cases in Arkansas.

He will be back in court Sept. 19.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you’re a political junkie or if you just want to know where candidates stand on the issues, those running for state office will be on the Kansas State Fair this Saturday to give their point of view on Kansas’ future.

A gubernatorial debate is slated for 11:00 a.m. at the Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers Arena.

Meanwhile, candidates for various positions are also speaking individually as part of “Stumpin’ For Votes” throughout the day in the House of Capper.

At 10:00 a.m. Jeff Caldwell will talk about the governor’s race.

Then at 10:40 a.m., local state Rep. Jason Probst will talk about the Kansas House of Representatives.

At 12:20 p.m., James Hannon will talk about the State Board of Education #7 race.

Then comes actual candidates.

At 12:40 p.m., it will be Greg Orman, who is running for governor. He will be followed by Kris Kobach at 1:00 p.m.

Then at 2:00 p.m., Derek Schmidt will talk about the Attorney General’s office.

And finally at 2:20 p.m., Laura Kelly and Lynn Rogers will talk about their race for governor and lieutenant governor.

Also Saturday, those legislators who dare to enter the livestock show ring will be participating in Legislative Showmanship at 1:30 p.m. in the Prairie Pavilion, coached by 4-H and FFA members.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 20-year-old Hutchinson woman was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Tuesday night after a one-vehicle accident northeast of Hutchinson.

Seventeen-year-old Conner Ogburn of Hutchinson apparently lost control of his vehicle in the 5900 block of East 43rd.

As a result, Morgan Miller was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for a possible broken nose.

Neither Ogburn, nor a second passenger, 16-year-old Brycen Wisecarver, were injured.

The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Some in the area may have felt some shaking last night. Another earthquake was reported in the Hutchinson area.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.3 magnitude quake occurred around 10:21 p.m. about five miles west-southwest of Hutchinson.

There were no indications of any damage.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It took a while for her to appear, but a local woman suspected of being involved with the distribution of drugs was read the formal charges against her Tuesday.

Karra Branton, 45, is charged with possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine, all with the intent to distribute within a thousand feet of a school.

Other charges include possession of a prescription drug, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, theft of property — a Panasonic computer — or in the alternative, possession of stolen property.

All of the crimes occurred on July 10.

Branton remains jailed on a $45,000 bond.

She has prior convictions involving drugs with cases going back as far as 2003.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local woman faces a possible charge of aggravated battery after she and a local man got into an altercation.

Jessica Avery is accused of waving a box cutter knife and cutting the victim, causing a laceration to one of his fingers.

Police responded to the home and found her hiding in a closet with her fingers in her ears. They also found a cell phone and the knife with her.

In court, she claimed the victim pointed a gun at her head, but police didn’t find a gun or any indication there was one.

Avery was denied a reduction of her $10,000 bond when she appeared in court Tuesday. She’ll be back in court on Sept. 11.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way campaign is underway for 2018-2019. Lisa Gleason, Director of the United Way, talks about the goal for this year:

She says this is all done to help 25 non-profit agencies in the county that depend on this money each year:

The campaign chair for this year is Jade Piros de Carvalho, who is also on the Hutchinson City Council. She says she’s been involved with United Way of Reno County in one form or another for the last decade and is ready to lead:

United Way is an opportunity to help these agencies with their budgets and missions throughout the year.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Only two items are scheduled as part of the Reno County Commission meeting Tuesday, but there is one item of note.

That is the consideration of a proposal from restoration and waterproofing contractors to repair some lightning damage at the courthouse.

They’re proposing removing the brick of the chimney down to four courses above the roof, but warn some may fall into the chimney or over the edge. They then propose putting a metal cap over the opening and securing it with masonry anchors. The proposed cost would be $54,083 plus tax.

Other repairs to the fire escape would cost an additional $11,078 plus tax. To have the fire escape painted would be $12,247 plus tax.

Also on the agenda is the closing of the 108th Avenue Bridge. The 90-foot span over North Blaze Fork Creek gave way after a local farmer tried to pull a loaded grain cart across it.

The cost to replace the bridge could be in excess of $500,000. McPherson County has a stake in that road since it represents the county line, but has no interest in replacing it.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man has been formally charged with several charges including possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

But, Jesus Valtierra Jr. is also charged with burglary of a dwelling, felony theft, criminal damage to property, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with two or more prior convictions. The crimes occurred on July 31.

He stated in court that he was at a residence where the drugs were found, but that nothing was found on him. He didn’t understand why he was charged.

He asked for relief from his $49,000 bond. Valtierra was denied any relief in part because he also faces a probation violation in two other cases, including one from 2015.