HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 20-year-old Hutchinson man arrested in a serious domestic case on Feb. 19 has been formally charged.

Jerome Windom Jr. is accused of entering, or breaking into, a home in the 500 block of East Avenue A without permission and threatening the female victim with a knife. He’s also accused of battering her during an altercation. The state also alleges Windom placed a child in danger of being injured.

Charges include aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery and aggravated endangerment of a child.

Windom is jailed on a $21,000 bond. He will be back in court on April 3.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair has received the go-ahead to form a nonprofit corporation and accept some major gifts and donations. It was passed in the House on a 122-0 vote.

The purpose of the nonprofit corporation allows the fair to receive gifts, donations, grants and fundraising projects for the benefit of the Kansas State Fair.

The money will be used to improve structures and complete projects on the grounds.

The bill now heads to the Kansas Senate for consideration.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the second time in the last year, the Polo Sports Bar and Grill in Hutchinson has been closed for failing to pay taxes.

Reno County sheriff’s officials worked with the Kansas Department of Revenue to close the establishment for failure to pay sales tax in excess of $20,000.

Officials say they closed the bar and changed the locks on the door. The bar will remain closed until back taxes are paid or some arrangement is made with the department of revenue.

The bar was closed for three days in February of last year for failing to pay taxes.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 55-year-old man with a substantial criminal history has been charged by the state for drug distribution.

Ronald Bliss is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell within a thousand feet of Lincoln Elementary School. Other charges include possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The alleged crimes occurred at his home on Feb. 17.

He remains jailed on a $17,000 bond.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people arrested in a robbery case on Feb. 18 have been formally charged.

Emerson Noble and Elaina Matos are now charged with aggravated robbery. Noble is also charged with interference with law enforcement.

Noble and Matos are accused of robbing the Kwik Shop at 17th and Lorraine. Noble allegedly entered the store and requested to purchase an item from behind the counter. Once the clerk opened up the register, the suspect punched her one time in the face and grabbed some money from the register.

Police believe he conspired with Matos, who drove him to the Kwik Shop and dropped him off with the intent to commit robbery.

Both will be back in court on March 20.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As in most communities, cutting down on drug use and crimes involving drugs or mental illness is a big concern.

When he came to Hutchinson last October, Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper didn’t realize how bad those problems are:

 

Hooper says there should be a place — other than jail — to take those who need help. He says there is a group in town studying the issue:

 

Chief Hooper says residents generally don’t want to invest for such things, but believes it could save money for residents in the long run:

 

Chief Hooper says the department will try to figure out how to fund such a facility or program.

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office announced its Detention Center has partnered with a victim notification network.

VINE, Victim Information Notification Everyday, provides victims and concerned citizens with valuable information.

The free service notifies users via phone, text or email when an offender’s status has been updated. Users can be notified when an offender makes a court appearance, is released or transferred. The online portal provides the most reliable information for custody status changes and criminal case information.

Sheriff’s officials hope this resource offers some peace of mind to victims and the community.

Learn more about VINELink or register at www.vinelink.com.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who was extradited to Kansas from Florida and charged with three felonies entered a guilty plea to one of the counts against him.

Charles E. Richmond was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He entered a plea for the aggravated indecent liberties charge and the other two charges were dropped.

The alleged crimes occurred over a period from Jan. 1, 2013, to Dec. 31, 2017. The child told investigators she had been molested by Richmond more than 100 times.

The conviction falls under Jessica’s Law statutes, meaning he could face a life sentence. However, both sides will be able to argue disposition in the case.

Sentencing will be April 12 in front of Reno County District Judge Trish Rose.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The latest burst of winter weather has many wondering how the snow and ice will impact insect populations this spring and summer.

Al Wells with Advance Termite and Pest Control in Hutchinson says he doesn’t expect much change even though there has been more snow compared to previous years:

 

He says one insect is already becoming an issue even with the cold and moisture:

 

Ticks and fleas can cause issues with your pets and in your home:

 

Wells also talked about bed bugs. His company deals with bed bugs quite often. Wells said they are more of a problem than most people think:

 

Residents with pest problems should contact an exterminator to assist with any issues.