HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people arrested on March 18 for distribution of drugs were back before a judge Monday for the formal reading of charges.

Kristen Bugger and Jesse Meyers were charged with distribution of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug proceeds, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Bugger was also charged in a second case. She faces 10 charges in the case that also occurred on March 18.

Charges include distribution of methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of certain depressants, distribution of marijuana, possession of a stolen firearm and four counts of aggravated endangerment of a child.

In court, there was discussion about her having contact with her children. The children were taken away from her when she was arrested. She noted that she’s trying to get her children back with a child in need of care case before the juvenile court. Through that court, she is not allowed to have contact.

Both suspects are free on bond. They will be back in court next month.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A South Hutchinson businessman who wants to sell liquor on Sunday finds himself in trouble with the law.

Greg Dovel was arrested on March 18 and has been formally charged with aggravated battery and criminal threat.

According to court documents, Dovel suspected an employee of stealing some change from him. On Nov. 18 of last year, Dovel allegedly waited for the employee. When he saw the employee grab some change, Dovel is accused of confronting him, battering the employee and causing injuries to his face. Dovel also allegedly threatened the employee and told him to tell no one about the incident.

This case was originally investigated by South Hutchinson police, but after former Police Chief Mark Thompson was not retained, the investigation was taken over by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.

Dovel, who is opening a liquor and smoke shop in South Hutchinson, has been trying to get the city council to pass Sunday liquor sales. The city has made no decision on the matter.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man is in jail for taking his two children across state lines without the mother’s permission.

Vitality Stubbs is jailed on a $23,000 bond for aggravated interference with parental custody and contributing to a child’s misconduct.

According to statements made in court, Stubbs does not have custody of the children and took them to Colorado and Wyoming.

He appeared before a judge Friday morning from the Reno County Correctional Facility. His attorney was in the courtroom attempting to get his bond lowered. However, Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan had no information from law enforcement to find probable cause for the arrest and declined to address bond because he did not know the facts of the case.

Stubbs was also arrested for a probation violation for an earlier conviction for being in possession of marijuana. The judge set an additional $2,500 bond for that case.

Stubbs is expected back before the judge on Monday.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The latest unemployment numbers released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor show the rate for Hutchinson improved some in February.

The rate dropped to 4 percent last month, down from the 4.3 percent in January and lower than the 4.3 percent in February of last year.

Reno County also saw its rate drop to 3.6 percent, down from the rate of 3.9 percent in January and lower than the 4.1 percent in February of last year.

Most of the other area counties also saw a drop in their rates last month. Kingman County saw a slight increase.

The state showed a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4 percent in February. This is unchanged from January and down from 3.5 percent in February 2018.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There is another chance to have your child car seats checked next week in Hutchinson.

Officials say there is a three-out-of-four chance your child is not as secure in your vehicle as you think. They are inviting parents to learn how to install child safety seats correctly.

This safety seat check will occur March 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Midway Motors at 1200 E. 30th in Hutchinson.

If you’re unsure if you installed the seat correctly, this is your chance to ensure your child’s safety.

HUTCHINSON – A 57-year-old man has been formally charged in three cases, all involving the alleged distribution of drugs.

Randy Boyd is accused of distributing methamphetamine and heroin in all three cases — two of the cases occurring on the same date, Oct. 5. The state alleged that in those two cases, he had a seller’s quantity of methamphetamine and heroin.

The third case involves the same charges involving the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin.

His bond was set at $300,000.

When appearing in court, he cut the judge off from reading the formal charges, which is required.

“I know the charges, and I don’t want to waste the court’s time,” said Boyd as hung up the phone from the Reno County Correctional Facility.

He was brought back to via telephone later in the court proceedings and, finally, he allowed the judge to read the complaints against him.

During that hearing, he also indicated he would get the American Civil Liberties Union to represent him. Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan set another hearing for next week to see if that happens.

HUTCHINSON – A Hutchinson man arrested in October for allegedly stealing catalytic converters was before a judge Thursday for the reading of formal charges.

Joshua Alderman is charged for theft of property for allegedly stealing the converters —  valued between $1,500 to $25,000 — from Silas Enterprises.

The state, as an alternate count, also charged him with possession of stolen property. An alternate charge means he can be convicted of one of the two, but not both.

Alderman is scheduled to be back in court next month.