HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Corrections officials are investigating four altercations at the Hutchinson Correctional facility, according to a media release.

On Wednesday at approximately 3:40 p.m., 5:21 p.m. and 6:52 p.m., three separate incidents occurred between inmates at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility — Central Unit.

On Thursday at approximately 2:19 a.m. a fourth incident occurred between inmates at the HCF — Central Unit. All four incidents are believed to be Security Threat Group (STG) related.

The first incident occurred between three inmates in an education classroom at HCF — Central Unit. One inmate received non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the facility infirmary for observation. The other inmates involved in the altercation were placed in administrative segregation.

The second and third incidents occurred at the HCF — Central Unit dining room. Each separate incident occurred between three inmates. All inmates involved in the altercations were placed in administrative segregation.

The fourth incident occurred at the HCF — Central Unit food service. One inmate received non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the facility infirmary for observation. The inmate was later placed in administrative segregation. The other inmates involved in the altercation were placed in administrative segregation.

The HCF — Central Unit has been placed on lockdown until further notice and visits at HCF — Central Unit have been cancelled for this weekend.

There were no staff injuries during any of the four incidents and no inmates were sent to the hospital. No other information is available at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The members of the Reno County legislative delegation unveiled legislation designed to fund the general operations of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). Senate Bill 335 would yield approximately $3.2 million in additional revenue by increasing non-commercial vehicle registration by $2.00. The revenue increase is needed to update the center’s revenue source, which hasn’t occurred in over a decade.

Majority Leader Terry Bruce (R-Nickerson) said, “SB 335 allows the KLETC to continue to properly train Kansas law enforcement officers in a 21st century legal environment. With the majority of our state’s law enforcement officers receiving training from this facility, it serves as a core function of state government. I look forward to working with the Reno County delegation and my colleagues in the House and Senate to help ensure SB 335’s passage.”
Representative Jack Thimesch (R-Cunningham) said, “This is a win for all Kansans. The additional $3.2 million for the facility in Hutchinson will allow for more officers throughout the state, bringing service and safety to all Kansans.”

Representative Jan Pauls (R-Hutchinson) said, “The KLETC is an excellent resource in Kansas. It provides instruction without charge to law enforcement officers throughout the state. This bill adds an additional funding source to the KLETC, who are currently funded by only court costs. I encourage my fellow legislators to support SB 335 and keep the safety of Kansas citizens at the priority.”

Representative Joe Seiwert (R-Pretty Prairie) said, “The KLETC trains over 300 Kansas officers a year. The additional funding will allow for more training opportunities. I encourage my fellow legislators to support SB 335.”

Representative Steve Becker (R-Buhler) said, “This is a small price to pay for a large benefit to a wonderful resource in Reno County.”

The KLETC is located near Hutchinson, Kan., and serves as the central law enforcement training for our state. It is part of the University of Kansas Continuing Education system.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two days of celebration and music have come to end with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events in Hutchinson.

It concluded Monday with the Rev. Dr. Leroy Adams, who visited Hutchinson for the events both Sunday and Monday and gave passionate and inspirational talks both days. The Rev. Adams is the pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church in Omaha, Neb.

He talked Monday of how Dr. King was a difference maker, then noted that when Jesus came to this earth, died on the cross and rose again was a difference maker. He then told those in attendance to turn to their neighbor and challenge them to be a difference maker.

He also said that Dr. King fought for everyone, not just African Americans. He told the gathering that Dr. King was an American who happened to be black.

The music at the event was again a highlight Monday with the Buhler Varsity Choir and Buhler Singers, the Trinity Catholic High School Singers and the HCC Badinage who once again sang with Dr. Hence Parsons, a former teacher at Hutchinson Community College.

There were other speakers as well, including Dr. Ed Berger, who has been a supporter of the events to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King for over 20 years. He is currently seeking the Republican nomination for State Senate, running against incumbent Terry Bruce. Others speaking included State Representative Jan Pauls, Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho and Reno County Commission Chair Dan Deming. Also speaking was Hutchinson Police Chief Dick Heitschmidt, who told of his monthly meeting with Hence Parsons and local leader of the Hutchinson Branch of the NAACP, Darrell Pope, in effort to keep the lines of communication and trust going over issues concerning the community.

The event Monday was held at the Second Missionary Baptist Church at 1008 N. Ford to a nearly packed house.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Department crews responded to the 900 Block of Bloomville Road for a structure fire about 2:20 this afternoon.

Upon arrival, units found fire and heavy smoke coming from a 30’ x 40’ detached garage. Crews made a quick knockdown of the fire and had it under control in approximately 20 minutes. The owners were home at the time and attempted to extinguish the fire with multiple fire extinguishers before the fire department arrived.

No injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation. Hutchinson Fire Department responded with 6 units and remained on scene for one and a half hours.

TOPEKA. Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of the former Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center instructor who was convicted of killing his estranged wife, then setting their Kingman home on fire.

The Courts ruled that Brett Seacat’s claims his wife tried to commit suicide in the past was not enough to overcome the overwhelming evidence against him. Secat wanted to issue brought up in his trial , but the request was denied. Secat was found guilty of shooting Vashti Seacat in her bedroom then setting the home ablaze in April of 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years.

All of Seacat’s issues before the court of appeals went to the evidence that the district court allowed the jury to hear—the admission of certain testimony by witnesses for the State and the exclusion of certain evidence proffered by Seacat, namely the mental state of his ex wife.

Seacat challenged the trial court’s exclusion of evidence relating to Vashti’s putative depression, which he contends would have bolstered his theory that she took her own life.

 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will spend money for a traffic study of the proposed bike routes in the county as proposed by the bicycle committee.

That committee is seeking the support of the county for these routes, which they say would assist them in getting grant funding for signage along these routes. The cost for the study is estimated at between $800 and $1,200, according to Commissioner James Schlickau.

The idea of a traffic study came from County Commissioner James Schlickau, who wants the study for safety qualities and what signs might need to be placed on those routes whether it be warning signs of bike riders and a full designation of those routes as official bike routes.

The six routes would be part of phase one to make routes around the county.

That includes a route from Hutchinson to Yoder, going south on Yoder Road.

There would be two from Hutchinson to Buhler. The first would start at Orchard Park, go east along 43rd to the old K-61 highway, north to Medora, then east on 82nd to Buhler. The other route would follow 30th to Buhler-Haven Road, then north to Buhler.

Another route would be from Hutchinson to the Highlands, going north on Plum to 82nd, then west to Monroe, then north on Monroe to the Highlands.

The fourth route would be from Hutchinson to Nickerson, going north on Hendricks from Rice Park in Hutchinson to 82nd, then west along 82nd to Nickerson.

The final one would start in South Hutchinson, going down K-14 to Trail West Road, then west on Trail West to Partridge.

With the decision to do the study on a fast track, the county made no decision of the bike committee’s desires for the bike routes designation.

That most likely will happen at the conclusion of the study.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 34-year-old man jailed early New Year’s Day after he allegedly stabbed a man to death was scheduled for court today, but we learned Monday he actually appeared as part of an emergency hearing last Thursday.

Kevin Wayne Ginn Jr. allegedly stabbed 24-year-old Deshamus Diron Lucky during a large disturbance just after 2 a.m. in the area of 8th & Madison.

Charges include voluntary manslaughter for the killing, which the state alleged the crime occurred after a sudden quarrel. He is also charged with aggravated battery for allegedly striking Mark E. Morgan Jr.

It started at the Grand Slam Sports Bar where Ginn may have been struck by the victim of the stabbing. The victim then left that bar and went to another. Ginn then showed up at that bar upset, so the victim then left there and went to the party in the 300 block of West 8th.

That’s when the suspect showed up and got into an altercation with Morgan. He was apparently cut with the knife as well. Lucky was stabbed during that altercation in his upper chest and collapsed on a porch. He was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where he later died from his wound.

The hearing was called because he refused to give a blood sample. Apparently while being arrested, an officer got blood on him, so they wanted Ginn tested to make sure he isn’t infected with something such as HIV.

He remains jailed on a $50,000 bond and the case now moves to a waiver-status docket in the coming weeks.

(photo courtesy of Chad Urbanek)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire crews were sent to a house fire Saturday evening in the 300 block of West 6th. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire venting from the second floor roof and windows. Crews made an attempt to enter the structure, but found it to be too hot at the top of the stairs. Crews were then removed from the interior and the fire was fought from the outside until conditions allowed for re-entry and allowed them to extinguish the fire.

It was contained in about 45 minutes with units remaining on scene for three and half hours for investigation and overhaul of the fire floor. Preliminary damage is estimated at $30,000.

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. One occupant had minor injuries and refused medical care. One firefighter had minor injuries from a fall and also refused medical care.

The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental and being started by a space heater. Investigation cannot rule out other electrical issues.

Then, at 7:37 p.m. Saturday, fire units responded to the 500 block of East 3rd for a structure fire. When they arrived there, they found a fire had occurred outside the residence around the electrical panel. The resident had extinguished most of the fire before crews arrived. Westar was called. No one was injured and damage was estimated around $500.

A third call then came in at 7:54 p.m. Saturday. Units responded to the 800 block of East 11th for a structure fire. Upon arrival, residents met units outside stating they had a fire on the stove that they thought was extinguished. Units found a few small hot spots and the house filled with smoke.

Damage was contained to the kitchen, including the stove, cabinets, and ceiling areas. No one was injured in the fire and damage was estimated around $15,000. A cooking fire appears to be the cause.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After Reno County Commissioners last week discussed bids for the new secure entrance to the Reno County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson took exception to the notion that the county may scrap the idea of building the secure entrance completely.

He was not at the meeting last week and Tuesday morning said scrapping the whole idea was a grave mistake. The sheriff of course is responsible for security at the courthouse and talked about some incidents in the past that could have turned out badly.

He named six events in the past, including Roberto Rincon having two concealed handguns in his coat during a paternity case in Judge Tim Chambers courtroom.

He also told of another incident where a man showed up in a courtroom hoping to shoot a suspect in a criminal case, but the suspect only appeared via video from the jail and not in person. They later learned of that and were able to deal with it.

He also talked of when they have security on the third floor of the courthouse during trials and other hearings when he feels extra security is warranted. He says there is at least one judge who doesn’t like the extra security there, believing it could taint the jury in that case.

Commissioner Dan Deming showed concern that the legislature may expand gun laws even further, making it a waste for the county to spend the money for the entrance and also the cost of manning that entrance.

The county received four bids, all much higher than the architect’s estimate of $1,117, 885. The lowest bid came from Walz, Harman and Huffman of Hutchinson at $1,426,300. That’s over $308,000 more than the estimated cost.

It should be noted that voters in the county approved spending the money as part of building a new jail facility as well as remodeling the old county jail annex to house other county departments.

County Administrator Gary Meagher says he is having a conference call with Treanor Architects and the low bidder this Friday over why the cost is so much higher than the architect’s estimate.