HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The crime rate in the city and county is dropping. During an interview this week, Sheriff Randy Henderson talked about the new jail facility in the county and how it may be a factor. Henderson praised the new programs implemented at the Reno County Correctional Facility.

“I don’t have stats by saying how many people we have saved,” Sheriff Henderson said. “The stat that we do have is that we’ve had 22 who have graduated from the GED program, 14 of those who graduated have never returned to jail.”

The sheriff also talked about former inmates that have been successful after being released now becoming role models for those still in jail by coming back and talking about their success.

“We have inmates here who are returning to the community that come back in to talk to fellow inmates to get them to change their behavior,” Henderson said.

He says that occurs every quarter. They bring in people from the Oxford Houses and they talk with 10 to 12 inmates. “I’ll tell you, it makes a difference in these peoples lives,” Henderson said. “You just see the wheels turning, ‘these guys made it, I know I can make it too.'”

The jail has programs that allow some inmates to receive their GED and programs for fathers, among others.

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University has selected its 2019 Homecoming royalty finalists. Two of the finalists are from Hutchinson.

This year, there were 24 homecoming royalty nominees representing 20 student organizations and groups. The finalists include five queens and five kings. One finalist for queen is from Hutchinson.

Anna Deal is a junior majoring in communication. She is the daughter of Jeff Deal and Carolyn Morris. Deal is representing the Delta Zeta Sorority.

One finalist for king is also from Hutchinson.

Derek Dreher is a junior majoring in information networking and telecommunications. He is the son of Steve and Kerri Dreher. Dreher is representing the Cybersecurity Club.

The king and queen will be announced at halftime of the homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 32-year-old Wichita man who was listed as an absconder from parole at the time of his arrest on drug distribution charges in 2017 waived his preliminary hearing and entered a plea.

Daniel Balderes was charged with distribution of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, but entered a plea to possession of etizolam with intent to sell and possession of marijuana.

The arrest came as he was traveling on U.S. 50. Once stopped, law enforcement officials discovered he had warrants from the Kansas Department of Corrections and Shawnee County.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of marijuana, the depressant drug, scales, baggies and $190 in cash.

He also has a serious case pending in Sedgwick County where he’s charged with aggravated kidnapping, according to Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton. That could be a factor when he is sentenced.

Reno County District Judge Joe McCarville set sentencing for Oct. 10.

HAVEN, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced that Arlington Road between Haven Road and Victory Road will be closed to all through traffic next Monday and Tuesday for a crossroad pipe replacement.

This schedule is subject to change without further notice because of weather or other factors.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 25-year-old man who was paroled in July is in more trouble after he tried to grab a purse from a woman outside Dillons at 725 E. 4th.

Trae Taylor is jailed for attempted robbery with a bond of $10,000. He was arrested just after 11 a.m. Wednesday in Hutchinson.

The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday as the victim was walking into the store. He grabbed her purse with so much force that it knocked her to ground. She held on and was dragged five to six feet. This caused some bruising. She managed to hold on and he finally gave up and ran away.

The incident was caught on store video, which police used to locate him.

Taylor was on parole for a conviction of indecent liberties for a case in Sedgwick County.

He should make an initial court appearance Thursday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 34-year-old woman who entered pleas to drug charges earlier this year now faces more serious charges.

The state has filed two new cases against Francesca Wharton.

The latest case charges two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. One occurred May 27 and the other on Aug. 19. She’s also charged with distribution of morphine on May 27. On both dates, she is charged with using a cellphone to make arrangements for the drug transactions.

The second case alleges distribution of meth and arranging the drug transaction using a cellphone on Aug. 12.

Her bonds total $160,000. Wharton will be back in court Oct. 16.