HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured after a two-vehicle accident on Hutchinson’s east side around 6:20 p.m. Thursday.

Sonya Harshburger of Hutchinson was driving in the 600 block of South Airport Road when her vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Phillip Reynolds, who was attempting a U-turn.

Harshburger was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of what was thought to be minor injuries.

A passenger in the Harshburger vehicle and Reynolds were not injured.

Reynolds was cited for making an improper U-turn.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 20-year-old man from California arrested on Christmas Eve for distribution of drugs was in court Thursday morning with a Wichita attorney for his first appearance.

Joshua Mobley is charged with distribution of LSD, possession of marijuana and THC, possession of a prescription depressant and drug paraphernalia.

The arrest came after a traffic stop in the 16500 block of South K-11.

He managed to post bond. Mobley will be back in court Jan. 23.

TOPEKA, Kan. — APAC-Kansas Shears Division of Hutchinson picked up a big contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation for construction work in McPherson County.

That includes work on I-135 from a mile south of the I-135–U.S. 81 alternate junction in McPherson County north to the Saline County line, which will include milling and overlay work for 19.6 miles at a cost of $5,756,222.

Other projects were announced, including work in Harvey County on I-135 from the K-15 junction north to the Harvey-McPherson county line. That will include pavement patching. Pavers, Inc. of Salina won that contract for a cost of $993,782.

Reece Construction of Salina was awarded work on a bridge in Rice County along U.S 56 just over a mile east of K-46. The cost there is $1,243,567.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As we mentioned earlier in the week, the Florida company wanting to build a wind farm in the southern and southeastern parts of the county has yet to file an application for a special use permit for the project.

It has become quite controversial. Residents that will be affected by the project wanted a moratorium so more study could be done. They would also like to see regulations for such projects put in place.

That failed to get past the Reno County Commission mainly because commissioners Dan Deming and Bob Bush were concerned it might kill the project.

Commissioner Dan Deming, who leaves office Jan. 14, says he understands the two sides. He says both sides have a good case to be made:

 

He also talked about the need for oversight and regulations to make sure those living near the project have some protections:

 

Deming says it is too early to know which way this project will go since it is in the hands of the Reno County Planning Commission once NextEra files its application:

 

NextEra needs to have the application filed by Jan. 15 in order to be on the planning commission’s February agenda.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 39-year-old man faces a felony charge of aggravated battery.

Dustin Hippen was charged with aggravated battery after he got into an altercation with a man in the 300 block of East Avenue A in the early morning hours of Dec. 22.

The victim claimed at the time that he was attacked by several males, but only Hippen was arrested from that altercation.

Hippen is free on bond and will be back in court Jan. 9.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 38-year-old man was before a judge Wednesday morning after his arrest for aggravated battery in a domestic case just before 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Bobby McGehee is suspected of battering and choking the victim during an altercation.

When police arrived, the victim didn’t give much information. However, officers noticed some bruising on her cheek and neck.

McGehee is jailed on a $5,000 bond.

Judge Joe McCarville ordered that he have no contact with the victim and refused to let the victim speak while in court.

McGehee will be back in court next week.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you’re looking for a place to take your Christmas tree now that the holiday season is over, the city of Hutchinson will accept old Christmas trees until Jan. 7.

There are two locations you can drop those trees off: the Salt City Splash parking lot and Rice Park.

Those locations are only taking trees until Jan. 7. After that, trees must be taken to the Reno County Landfill.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 24-year-old Hutchinson man on community corrections for numerous convictions was arrested again over the weekend on drug-related charges.

Trevor Hover is jailed and suspected of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, counterfeiting currency, and no tax stamp.

He was arrested just after 11 a.m. Saturday in the 2500 block of North Adams. Officers found items consistent with drug distribution, including 4.3 grams of methamphetamine.

Hover is on corrections for 15 convictions involving drugs, theft, obstruction, criminal damage, falsely reporting a crime, driving while suspended, and flee and elude.

He was wanted on a warrant after being reported as an absconder from those corrections.

Hover is jailed on a $16,000 bond and made a first appearance Monday morning. Judge Joe McCarville noted that more warrants for violations of his community corrections would be coming, so his bond could increase.

Hover will be back in court next week.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two individuals have been arrested or charged in recent days with counterfeiting currency. Police continue to take reports of fake money being passed around.

The most recent occurred at Petco, 1912 E. 17th. An employee there reported someone passing a counterfeit $20 bill on Friday during the noon hour.

For the second time in a week, an employee of Burger King on East 4th reported they received a fake 20 as well. That also occurred Friday.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although the Reno County planning commission has set a tentative date to consider a wind farm in the county, NextEra Energy has yet to file an application for the project.

That came up during the Reno County Commission meeting Monday when one resident who may be affected by the project started asking questions.

County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan noted that the company would need to file the application by Jan. 15 for the planning commission to have time to prepare for a Feb. 21 proposal meeting. O’Sullivan told the commission that he expected it would be filed by Jan. 10.

Residents who live within 1,000 feet of a proposed wind tower property would receive a letter in the mail notifying them of any hearing concerning the proposal. Of course, any resident is able to call the planning department any time for information regarding the project.

When the issue comes before the planning commission is still tentative at this point.