FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and alleged rape have a suspect in custody.

Couch -photo Sherman Co.

Just after 11:30 a.m. December 18, police were called to the southeast area of Garden City for a reported residential burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers went inside the residence and located an adult woman, according to Sergeant Lana Urteaga

The victim told police an unknown man entered her residence armed with a weapon. Once inside, the man sexually assaulted the woman and caused significant injury to her, according to police. The suspect then fled the area. The woman was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.

Over the holiday weekend, police identified and located a suspect. They also were able to identify a vehicle likely used in the incident. A tip was received from a citizen who recognized the vehicle from a recent social media post by the Garden City Police Department. Officers received additional information as to where the driver and the vehicle were located.

On Monday, police confirmed 45-year-old Michael W. Couch is currently in custody in Sherman County on local charges. A warrant for $900,000.00 (cash or corporate surety bond) was issued Monday and he is awaiting transport to the Finney County Jail where he will be held until his court appearance on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Sodomy, Rape and Aggravated Battery, according to Urteaga.

RENO COUNTY — Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire in Hutchinson.

Firefighters work early morning blaze after new years party. Photos from the Hutchinson Fire Department.

Just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 909 South Main Street East for a reported commercial structure fire, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

The structure was a commercial property that was used for a wood hobby shop and was unoccupied at the time the fire was reported.

It was being utilized for a New Year’s Eve party until 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

First arriving units found fire coming through the roof of the structure. Crews immediately called for a 2nd alarm which brought all fire units from Hutchinson to the scene.

Two elevated master streams were in operation during the height of the fire from Hutchinson’s truck companies. Numerous handlines were also deployed to assist in containment. One minute prior to the report of this fire, Hutchinson fire was dispatched for a report of an electrical fire in a residential structure.

Sub-zero wind chills hampered fire operations with a broken hydrant, freezing water, slippery conditions, and wet gear for the firefighters.

Approximately 40 firefighters were utilized to bring the fire under control. The building of origin is considered a total loss; however, firefighters were able to save two structures to the north and south of the fire building.

Hutchinson Fire Department was assisted by Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Westar, South Hutchinson Mobile Command, and Hutchinson Public Works.

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita amassed more homicides in 2018 than in any year since 1995, in part because of an increase in self-defense killings.

First responders on the scene of a September fatal shooting-photo courtesy KWCH

At least 43 people died by homicide in Wichita over the past year, up five from 2017. Police said the five-person increase can in part be attributed to self-defense killings, which increased by five, from three to eight.

Kansas is among numerous states where citizens have no legal obligation to retreat from an attacker if they are lawfully present in a place. Before the stand-your-ground law was approved in Kansas in 2007, a person couldn’t use force before trying, if there was a chance, to escape violence or retreat.

A homicide is justifiable in Kansas when a person “reasonably believes” that the use of deadly force is “necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm” to that person or a third party.

In the past three years, Wichita police have worked five times as many justifiable homicides as during the first six and a half years of the stand-your-ground law, according to numbers provided by police. From 2006 to the middle of 2012, Wichita police worked three justifiable homicide cases, police said at the time. From 2016 to 2018, there were 15.

Nationally, police shootings account for the majority of justifiable homicides.

Prosecutors can’t file charges against someone in Kansas in a self-defense killing unless the state can establish — beyond a reasonable doubt — that a person didn’t act in self-defense, said Marc Bennett, Sedgwick County’s district attorney.

Prosecutors must first decide whether a person believed he or she had to act when using deadly force. Then, prosecutors consider if that person’s belief was sensible under the facts known to that person at the time of the killing.

Bennett said charges can be dropped if evidence doesn’t show beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted in self-defense.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere announced Wednesday that five new board members will be joining the museum and science center in 2019.

Three new Governing Board members — Mike Pritchett, Debra Teufel and Tonya Witherspoon — will help oversee the organization’s operations, while former astronaut Dr. Steven Hawley and Kent Longenecker will be joining the Foundation Board to help build and manage endowed funds that support the Cosmosphere and its programs. Rick Staab will move from his previous position on the Governing Board to the Foundation Board.

Pritchett is the Executive Vice President and Manager for Correspondent Bank Services at First National Bank of Hutchinson. Teufel is President and CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, where she oversees the Chamber, Economic Development and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Witherspoon is the current Director of Commercial Ventures and Applied Innovation at Wichita State University.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Kansas Gov.-elect Laura Kelly says she’s aware the state may need to help higher education institutions but has more pressing issues she needs to focus on during her first legislative session.

“We’re going to have to deal with situations in the state in a sort of triage approach, where we go after the critical issues first,” Kelly said, listing K-12 education funding, Medicaid expansion, infrastructure and the state’s foster care program as the main issues. “I’m fully aware of the needs for higher education and we will be reviewing those and doing what we can.”

Under Republican former Gov. Sam Brownback, higher education saw its budget slashed by $30.7 million. Lawmakers restored $6 million of that in 2017 and another $15 million in May. But despite the partial restoration of funding, the University of Kansas announced it would need to make a $20 million cut from its own budget.

Kelly, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 14, said she’s aware morale seems to be low at the university because of the proposed budget cuts and ensuing layoffs.

“Higher education has not been immune to the damage that has been done over the past several years,” Kelly said, referring to the state’s budget crisis during Brownback’s tenure.

She said government can help by passing a balanced budget and reinstating an executive order that provides state workers with protections from job discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity, she said.

“I think that will send a message to other states that Kansas is open and we are friendly and this is a place you’ll want to consider,” she said of the LGBT protection order. “Those are the types of things that can help the university and its morale.”

She said that increasing enrollment also would help and noted that foreign student enrollment is down.

“I think that’s a lot because families in other countries see the United States as an unfriendly place at the moment, so they are sending their kids to Canada or London.”

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will hold a special meeting on Friday to take the next major step in finding a new superintendent.

According to district spokesman Ray Hemman, the Kansas Association of School Boards will spend the day Friday going over the list of applications. That will be followed by an executive session at 6 p.m. During the meeting, the KASB will provide a list of two to five candidates for interviews.

If all goes as planned, those interviews will be held next week. Each candidate will spend the day going through the district’s facilities and then have a final interview with the board.

Hemman says they could name a new superintendent during a special meeting the week of Jan. 14 or during the board’s regular meeting Jan. 21.

TOPEKA—Fiscal year tax collections have exceeded previous year’s totals by $195.73 million according to data from the latest revenue report released Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Fiscal year 2019 tax collections so far total $3.39 billion, exceeding current estimates by $13.06 million.

December tax collections were down $24.24 million, or 3.41 percent below last December. December’s tax collections exceeded expectations for the month by $10.59 million.

Individual income tax collections in December totaled $291.52 million which is $43.85 million or 13.07 percent below the same time last year. Corporation income tax collections in December totaled $69.61 million which is $22.61 million above current expectations and $29.47 million above the same time last year. December sales tax collections fell short of last December’s collections by $1.97 million.

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

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.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ new Democratic congresswoman is preparing to vote for legislation drafted by her party’s leaders for reopening parts of the federal government, and she hopes President Donald Trump will accept the package.

Rep.-elect Sharice Davids said during an Associated Press interview Wednesday that the wall Trump wants to build on the U.S.-Mexico border is “not a good use of taxpayer resources.” Parts of the federal government have been shut down since Dec. 22 because the dispute over the wall has prevented passage of funding bills for several departments.

The legislation Davids supports would fund the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 8, with $1.3 billion for border security. Trump wants $5.6 billion for the wall.

Democrats take control of the House when the new session begins Thursday, but it’s not clear whether the GOP-controlled Senate would consider the Democratic package. Davids said the proposals have had bipartisan support in the past.

“Hopefully, we’ll see the House and the Senate send over a bill to get the government back up and going and that the president will see that it is not good for our country for the government to continue to be shut down,” she said.

Davids, who will represent the 3rd Congressional District in the Kansas City area, will be the only Democrat in the state’s delegation and the first since 2010. She is to be sworn into office Thursday, along with Republican Rep.-elect Steve Watkins from the 2nd District in eastern Kansas.

Watkins’ office did not immediately reply to messages Wednesday seeking comment about the dispute over border security. But he said repeatedly during his campaign that he supports building the border wall.

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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.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors say text messages show that a woman plotted her ex-boyfriend’s death with a friend for more than a month before his body was found inside a burning home near Lawrence.

Tria Evans stands next to her attorney Carol Cline during an appearance before Judge Kay Huff on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 in Douglas County District Court-photo by Nick Krug courtesy Lawrence Journal World

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that prosecutors want to present the texts at the upcoming trial of 39-year-old Tria Evans. But the defense says allowing them wouldn’t be fair.

Evans and 38-year-old Christina Towell are charged with first-degree murder in the November 2017 killing of 34-year-old Joel Wales. Evans and Wales had a child together and a history of domestic disputes. Towell is accused of driving Evans to the scene.

One text between the women reads: “This needs done this week.” Evans also called Wales a “psycho” in a text and said she hates being “scared all the time.”

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you want dinner tickets for this year’s Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, you better act fast.

As of Wednesday morning, only about 120 tickets remain. The Chamber actually increased the number of dinner seats to 1,000 this year to try and accommodate the demand, but, as usual, the tickets have gone quickly.

Tickets for Chamber members are $60 if purchased by Jan. 8. After that, the price goes up to $70. Non-member tickets are $80. Gallery seating will be available again this year. That cost is $10 in advance or $20 at the door for members, and $20 in advance or $30 at the door for non-members.

The keynote speakers for this year’s event are authors of the documentary “I’ll Push You” — Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, inspirational adventurers and lifelong friends.

New this year, a special trade show before the meeting will take place in the auxiliary gymnasiums. The event will run from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. If you visit by 5 p.m., you can register for a night out on the town courtesy of the Chamber.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 620-662-3391.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the New Year’s Day fire that destroyed a commercial building in the 900 block of South Main in Hutchinson.

According to Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer, parts of the building were taken apart so hot spots could be extinguished. It also allowed the department to send two investigators to comb through the building and look for a possible cause. Beer says no cause has been found at this time, but anything suspicious has been ruled out.

Fire crews had to battle the intense blaze and sub-zero temperatures during the fire, which broke out a few hours after the conclusion of a New Year’s Eve party.

No injuries were reported.

BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a high-speed chase.

Guyton -photo Barton Co.

Foster -photo Barton Co.

Just after 12:45a.m. Thursday, a deputy attempted to stop a 2000 Chevy Silverado with an expired registration in the 400 Block of SE. 80^th Avenue in Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Riddle -photo Barton Co.

The driver later identified Tanner Guyton, 19, Great Bend, fled from the officer.  It was later determined the vehicle was stolen, according Belinder.  Speeds during the chase exceeded 100miles per hour and deputies pursued the vehicle for 23 miles in rural Barton County.  The truck then entered the City of Great Bend.

Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks but the suspects evaded them.

Near the intersection of 18^th and Kansas Street in Great Bend, the suspect then intentionally rammed deputy Lomas’s patrol car. The vehicle sustained heavy damage and was out of service, the deputy was not injured.

The suspect vehicle continued to flee, reaching speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour in the city. Fortunately, traffic was light at that time of the morning and and there was little danger to the public.

Because of the complete disregard for public safety and striking the deputy’s patrol car, the sheriff authorized the use of lawful intervention by another patrol car to strike the suspect vehicle if possible, to bring it to stop.

The chase continued to the 1500 block of 11^th St. in Great Bend where Deputy Sheriff Richard Allen had the opportunity to strike the rear of the suspect vehicle with his patrol car putting it into a spin.

The truck went into the front yard and struck a tree. Several officers arrived seconds after the stop and arrested the three occupants including Guyton, who was charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer for striking the deputy’s vehicle, felony flee and elude, felony obstruction, possession of stolen property and numerous other traffic violations.

The passengers were identified as Esteban Foster, age 20 of Great Bend and Jericho Riddle age 18 also Great Bend. Riddle and Foster were both charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony obstruction. Bond for all three suspects is set at $100,000 each. No law enforcement officers or suspects were injured during the chase or arrest.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department has stressed its enforcement of phone and texting ordinances the last few months in the city.

The numbers are not good. Officers wrote more than 100 tickets in the last three months. Law enforcement says that ticket count is way too high and shows too many people are distracted while driving.

Officials say they do not want to work crashes where you, a passenger, or anyone else gets hurt because of distracted driving.

Just a few months ago in Larned, a 22-year-old girl was killed because she was on Snapchat and got into a crash.

The Standard Traffic Ordinance explains that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public road or highway while using a wireless communication device to write, send, or read a written communication.”

There are exceptions to the rule if you park off the roadway; send or receive a phone call; receive an emergency traffic or weather alert; or receive a message related to GPS functionality.

Lorraine ‘Pete’ Hemphill, 86, of Hutchinson, died Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.  She was born May 4, 1932, in Grove, OK, to William Henry and Rachel Love (Hockman) Morgan.

She attended Sherman School. Lorraine was a loving mother and grandmother.

Lorraine is survived by: son, Ron Reboul and wife Tami of Madison, AL; daughter, Marleisa Cabral of Hutchinson, grandchildren; Madolyn Sanchez, Tamara Younker and husband Jon, Jake Reboul and wife Katie, Josh Reboul, Journey Martinez and Zoe and Ian Cress; seven great-grandchildren; sister Jeannie Wintamute and husband Dick of Inman, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, a grandson, five sisters and one brother.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.  Memorials may be made to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Paul T. Gianakon, 85, of Hutchinson, died Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born October 17, 1933, in Hutchinson, to Athanasios Thomas and Flora (Apostolou) Gianakopoulos.

Paul attended Hutchinson High School, graduating in 1951. He then attended Hutchinson Community College and Kansas State University, graduating in 1956. Paul was a civil engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He proudly served in the Army and Air National Guard.

On June 26, 1960, he married Vida Groneman in Lincolnville, KS. She survives. Other survivors include: sons, Thomas Gianakon of Santa Fe, NM, and Mark Gianakon of Hutchinson; daughters, Marie Gianakon of Hutchinson, Susan Dougan and husband David of Stillwell, KS, DeAnne Atkinson and husband Jeff of Palestine, TX, and Karen Bassett of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Erica, Christina, Brandon, Michael, Logan, Travis, Taylor, Catherine, and Caroline; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Riley; and brother, Alex Gianakon of Hutchinson. He was preceded in death by: his parents; grandson, Brian Main, and daughter-in-law, Dena Gianakon.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave., with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann and the Reverend Henry Blickhahn officiating. Burial will take place at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the book from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.