HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man charged with rape and aggravated criminal sodomy from August of last year would like his confession suppressed.

Nathan Allen Crum is accused of sexually assaulting a local woman while they watched a movie at his home. Crum admitted they had sex, but claims it was consensual. The alleged crimes occurred Aug. 17.

After an evidentiary hearing this week, Reno County District Judge Tim Chambers took the motion under advisement, saying he wants to watch a video before making a decision. He’s expected to make that ruling Monday.

Crum also wanted a new attorney, but it doesn’t appear that will happen, according to Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder.

The trial is scheduled to begin next week.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time in its history, the Kansas State Fair will be offering a more intimate concert experience on Tuesday and Thursday nights during the 10-day event — and it’s free.

Two up-and-coming country acts will headline the new free series at Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers Arena. Mason Ramsey, the 12-year-old “Little Hank Williams,” will perform Tuesday, Sept. 10. Lindsay Ell, this year’s Country Music Association’s Newcomer of the Year nominee, will take the stage on Thursday, Sept. 12, with special guest Madison Kozak. Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

This new venue will have the same beverage amenities available as the grandstand. Beer sales in the arena will start at 6 p.m. and end at the end of the show. Food vendors will also be available nearby.

Seating is first come, first served. Fairgoers will be able to stand in front of the stage or take a seat in the stands.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The latest unemployment numbers from the Kansas Department of Labor have been released and show the rate for both Hutchinson and Reno County have increased.

According to the report, the rate for Hutchinson in May was at 4.6%, up from 3.5% in April and higher than May of last year when the rate was 3.7%.

The May number for Reno County is at 4.2%, up from 3.1% in April and also higher than May of last year when the rate was 3.4%.

1,218 residents of the county were looking for work last month with most of those living in Hutchinson.

Other counties in the area saw slight increases while the rate for the state stayed the same as April at 3.3%. However, that number was slightly higher than May of last year when the rate was 3.3%.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 29-year-old man who was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday in two distribution cases can now add a third.

The state filed the new case against Kirk Surdi accusing him of the sale of methamphetamine within a thousand feet of a school and using a cell phone to make the transaction. That was on Nov. 28, 2018.

The other two cases occurred around the same time, including Nov. 26 where he faces the same two charges of selling methamphetamine within a thousand feet of a school and using a cell phone for the transaction.

The third case includes charges of methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia used to package the drugs. This case also occurred on Nov. 28, 2018.

He also faces a probation violation in a fourth case.

The state has offered a plea agreement in the cases, however, there was some indication that he may have made threats against his ex-wife. Reno County District Judge Joe McCarville Wednesday ordered a no-contact order while the state threatened to pull the plea offer if it happens again.

The preliminary hearing in the three cases was continued. Depending on whether he agrees to enter a plea, the hearing will be heard at a later date.

Surdi has prior convictions for indecent liberties, burglary and theft.

PRATT, Kan. — Parkwood Village, an assisted living and memory care community in Pratt, has achieved a deficiency-free survey from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

“It is very difficult and a huge accomplishment to obtain a deficiency-free survey,” Kristin Sutton, Regional Health Care Director for Kansas and Colorado, said. “Assisted living communities are under increasing regulatory scrutiny with each passing year and we continue to strive to meet or exceed the highest levels of quality care for seniors.”

Parkwood Village is owned by Covenant Housing and managed by Legend Senior Living, which is a privately held senior housing and services company based in Wichita. The company is a family-owned business.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo is attempting to raise $10,000 by Family Fun Day on Aug. 17 to assist in the reopening of the zoo. They are asking for the public’s assistance. As of Thursday morning, the zoo had already raised $5,200.

The heavy rains at the end of May caused extensive flooding and significant damages to approximately one-third of the Hutchinson Zoo in Carey Park.

Animals whose homes were in the path of the water have been moved to temporary housing on higher ground and are spending their days comfortable and healthy while being cared for by the zoo’s staff.

Unfortunately, the high water has flooded five buildings and large portions of the grounds. This situation has required the zoo be closed to the public for nearly a month. It is not expected to reopen for several more weeks.

Clean up and repairs will be costly in both time and money.

A fundraiser has been set up on Facebook.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of four people from Wichita suspected of being involved with an attempted robbery at the Kansas State Fairgrounds waived his preliminary hearing and entered a plea to a single count of attempted robbery.

Richard Fenters was charged with attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, but entered the plea to the single count as part of a plea agreement.

He was arrested with Kerrah Shulze, Blaine White and Kaleb Beard. They were suspected of driving from Wichita and plotting to rob Armando Castillo Jr. of Mineral Wells, Texas, on May 10.

Castillo was reportedly confronted by four individuals while inside his fifth-wheel camper. He was battered but was able to grab a firearm he had hidden in the camper. Castillo fired a couple of shots to alert neighbors to call 911.

Everyone involved was still on scene when officers arrived. No injuries were reported from the gunfire. During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects came to Castillo’s camper to get cash.

District Judge Joe McCarville set sentencing for July 19. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Davidson says Fenters is looking at presumptive probation because of his lack of criminal history and the low-level felony.

The charges against the other three are still pending.