HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission held its final meeting of 2018, but tabled the only item on the agenda.

Commissioners were considering an agreement with Horizons Mental Health Center for behavioral health services for inmates and recently released inmates at the Reno County Correctional Facility beginning Jan. 1. That would include adding a person to help with the Stepping Up program.

The one-year contract called for the county to spend $21,910.32 annually and automatically renew each year. County Commissioner Bob Bush was concerned that it would get lost in future years as just a line item in the county budget. He asked that the contract be for a three-year period. Bush wants someone to give a report or presentation on how the contract is working before any renewal. Commissioners tabled the item.

Although this isn’t the last meeting before Commissioner Dan Deming leaves office, it was the last meeting all three commissioners will be present together. Deming was presented with a plaque for his service on the county commission. Deming thanked his fellow commissioners, County Administrator Gary Meagher and County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan for their hard work and counsel over the years.

Ron Sellers, who, like Deming, had served on the Hutchinson City Council, will take Deming’s seat on the commission.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the new year upon us, law enforcement is actively looking for impaired drivers through New Year’s Day.

If you’re going to add alcohol to your celebration, have a plan in place.

The Hutchinson Police Department says there are several alternatives to getting behind the wheel after drinking. Bretz and Young Injury Lawyers are offering a safe ride program that can be reached by calling 899-8369.

It’s also wise to have a designated driver. Law enforcement will be watching for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will hold its final meeting of 2018 on Monday. There is only one item listed as an action item.

That includes the possible approval of an agreement with Horizons Mental Health Center for behavioral health services for inmates and recently released inmates at the Reno County Correctional Facility beginning Jan. 1.

That is the only item listed, however, that doesn’t mean that will be the only item discussed. Additional items or topics of discussion could be added later.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. Monday in the Reno County Courthouse.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Around 1:40 Saturday morning, the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to 605 E. 3rd for a reported house fire.

First arriving units found fire coming through the roof of the residence. Fire crews were able to make an interior attack and found fire in the attic in the front room. The fire was extinguished with minor damage to the interior of the house. Moderate damage was found in the attic area and the roof.

Fire crews remained on scene for an hour and a half conducting overhaul and investigation. Investigators have ruled it an electrical fire.

The house is a one-story, single family residence and was occupied by one adult and three children who were able to escape and notify the fire department. Two cats were located by fire crews inside the residence unharmed.

The Red Cross is assisting the family.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 41-year-old Hutchinson man who entered a plea to a number of charges will serve more than 13 years in prison.

Gregory Collins entered pleas to aggravated assault and criminal damage to property as well as three counts of solicitation to commit perjury and nine counts of violation of a protection from abuse order.

Both sides recommended community corrections, but after Reno County District Judge Trish Rose started to order the sentence served, the defense asked her to consider a durational departure, meaning less prison time. After hearing arguments Friday morning, Judge Rose again stuck with her original order for sentencing, citing Collins’ extensive history of violence, which she says goes back to 1996.

The case started on Jan. 4 when the victim was reportedly attacked with a knife by Collins. He was convicted for holding the victim against her will, putting her in fear of her safety and causing damage to the home in the 600 block of East F. He was also convicted of heating up a taser, then putting it against her neck and threatening to kill her.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices across the area are now well below $2 per gallon for regular unleaded. In fact, as of Friday morning, prices are now below $1.90 with most stations in Hutchinson at $1.88, while others are at $1.89. Prices in South Hutchinson are pretty much the same, according to www.gasbuddy.com.

One station in Wichita is at $1.81, while others vary between $1.83 and $1.93. Prices in Salina are generally set at around $1.89 per gallon. Prices in Topeka are much higher. Most stations are reporting a price of $1.99.

Prices in Colorado are higher with prices in Denver listed at $2.08 per gallon. Prices in Oklahoma City are as low as $1.73.

These prices help make any travel plans much cheaper for those with holiday destinations.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the New Year starting days from now, you may be wanting to get back in shape. As always, the Hutchinson YMCA will have some specials that the whole community can enjoy.

Kirby List, the Executive Director of the Y talks about some the of specials coming Jan. 1:

 

If you’re a parent looking to find some activities for your child, List talked about programs and other activities for children and teens at the Y:

 

He also explains that having a membership at the YMCA could save you money if you want to enroll your child for programs at its facility:

 

For more information or questions, call the YMCA at 620-662-1203, or stop by at 716 East 13th. That’s just north of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police are always concerned with the safety of citizens in Hutchinson, especially for bicyclists who are hard to see. They are now offering to give out some safety bands which are reflective and can be worn on any limb.

If you would like a safety band, go to the Law Enforcement Center at 210 West 1st.

A reminder for you bike riders, between sunset and sunrise, you must have a white light that is visible from 500-feet to the front and either a red reflector or a light amber or red in color to the rear that must be visible from 500 feet.

For pedestrians, where a sidewalk is present, it is unlawful to walk along the road. Where a sidewalk is not available, you should walk on the shoulder of the road as far as possible from the road.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Lottery is having a Super Raffle flash sale Friday and Saturday. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Friday and ending at 8:59 p.m. Saturday, Kansas Lottery players who purchase a $20 Holiday Millionaire Raffle ticket will receive a free $5.00 Super Kansas Cash ticket.

That’s 10 plays for Saturday’s record-setting $4.37 million Super Kansas Cash jackpot.

The Super Raffle flash sale comes in the final weeks of the 2018 Holiday Millionaire Raffle. The raffle Grand Prize drawing is on January 3, where one ticket can win the $1 million grand prize, along with $650,000 in other cash prizes to be drawn as well.

There are just over 16,000 Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets left to be sold.