HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heavy rains and flooding have many residents concerned about mosquitoes.

Because of high demand, the Reno County Health Department announced it is currently out of mosquito dunks.

When more become available, the health department says it will make another announcement. More mosquito dunks are expected next week, however, the health department says you can check availability at the end of this week.

In the meantime, if you need some, dunks can be purchased at most retail locations in Hutchinson and surrounding areas.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Tuesday, the Reno County Commission will discuss bonds for the renovation of the Reno/Harvey County Joint Fire District 2 building in Buhler.

They renovated the building last summer for an estimated cost of $318,685. The fire district used $100,000 from its equipment fund as upfront money, meaning the county now has to issue a temporary note for the rest. The bonds will be financed over a 15-year period.

The commission will also consider an agreement with ONEOK for a sewer line easement. They will consider the holiday schedule for county employees.

The commission will also hear a presentation of the wastewater treatment lagoon for Reno County Sewer District 201 in the Yoder area.

The meeting is Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 54-year-old man who started a fire at a local motel may have mental issues.

Edward Love is jailed on a $105,000 bond for aggravated arson after it was determined that a fire in his room at the Sunflower Motel in Hutchinson was intentionally set.

Love told the court he used a cigar to start the room phone on fire and that caused a lot of smoke. Love said he put the fire out and opened the window to let the smoke out.

There were 14 other occupants of the motel at the time he set the fire. His bond was set based on that number.

In court Friday, Love’s brother told the court he has mental issues and hasn’t been taking his medication. They even asked for Love to be sent to Larned State Hospital for an evaluation, however, that was denied by Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan.

Love has prior convictions from Lyon County for criminal damage to property. His case will come up again on June 26.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two people arrested in a drug distribution case back in 2017 was granted community corrections over the objection of the state.

Twenty-seven-year-old James Anderson of Turon was charged with possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia with intent to distribute, personal use drug paraphernalia, felony interference, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana.

He entered pleas to two counts of possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana.

Reno County District Judge Tim Chambers sentenced him to a total of two years and six months in prison, but granted a year and six months of community corrections.

The case falls under a border box, meaning the judge has the option of ordering prison or granting corrections. The vehicle Anderson was in didn’t belong to him and the three guns found inside were not his.

Anderson was arrested with 23-year-old Hali E. Laws back on April 15, 2017, by Hutchinson police.

Anderson has prior convictions for theft, flee and elude, and driving while suspended. He also served prison time in Missouri.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Thirty PlayOn® members with the Kansas Lottery have won two VIP Experience tickets to the 2019 Kicker Country Stampede at Heartland Park in Topeka. That includes two from Hutchinson and one from McPherson and Kingman.

The VIP Experience tickets include the following: two VIP reserved seats within the first 40 rows, premier parking, access to the exclusive VIP hospitality area, catered meals, and complimentary beverages.

Harry Babcock of McPherson and Brandon Scholes of Kingman won tickets for June 20.

Cynde Goertzen of Hutchinson won tickets for June 21 and Rick Stowell of Hutchinson won tickets for June 22.

Players are invited to submit all their winning and non-winning tickets in the Kansas Lottery PlayOn® Players Loyalty program to earn points for drawing entries and a chance to win cash and other prizes.

PLEVNA, Kan. — Three people suffered injuries when the Polaris RZR they were riding wrecked.

Twenty-seven-year-old Lathan and Samantha Keener, both of Langdon, and 36-year-old Marcella Moeckel of Sylvia were in the vehicle in 22900 block of West Longview Road.

Lathan Keener was driving and drove into a washed out area of the road. That caused the vehicle to roll multiple times.

The Keeners were both transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center by EMS while Moeckel was taken by private vehicle.

This occurred around 9:40 p.m. Thursday.

STERLING, Kan. — A benefit dinner for Rice County Sheriff Bryant Evans and Undersheriff Chad Murphy who are recovering from gunshot wounds, will be held at the American Legion in Sterling this Saturday.

Undersheriff Murphy was shot and wounded back in April trying to execute a warrant against a man who absconded from the corrections system. A short time later, Sheriff Evans was shot in a subsequent standoff at a nearby house that ended with the suspect and his father dead.

A free will donation benefit for two will be a first come, first served; dine-in or carry out event.

The menu includes pulled pork, baked bean, bread, tossed salad, dessert, coffee, tea and water. The bar will be open for members and their guests.

Hosted by the American Legion Post is Sterling and Nicodemus Buffalo Soldiers, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 105 East Garland.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The two people arrested back on April 23 for drug distribution and other charges were again before a judge Thursday morning.

Aly Gibson aka Amanda Woodmansee and Brian Jung are both charged with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of distribution paraphernalia. Gibson is also charged with interference with law enforcement and aggravated escape from custody.

The case against the two started after a Hutchinson police officer learned Gibson had an outstanding warrant and was at a local storage facility in the 1000 block of north Halstead.

The officer arrived and found Gibson and Jung in a white pickup truck. The officer made contact and attempted to place Gibson in cuffs, but she was able to get loose and ran from the area. An unsuccessful attempt was made to tase Gibson, however, she was eventually caught and taken to jail.

A K-9 officer was utilized to search for drugs and discovered a black bag containing methamphetamine, needles, baggies and a scale.

Jung was also jailed on the two charges against him and in court used curse words to deny the charges.

Both will be back before a judge on June 26.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Eastbound lane of 23rd Ave. from Plum to Severance in Hutchinson will be closed between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day for the next two weeks.

Officials with the city say their work on the new pedestrian and bike trail will require trucks to be coming in and out and they think it would safer for the workers and drivers if the lane is closed.

Officials say it will reopen after work hours each day and will also be open on weekends.

23rd is a high traffic route for those living on the west side of Hutchinson to get to the east side. This including any trips to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, the Hutchinson Clinic and the other doctor’s offices near the hospital.