By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record

    Justin and Kyre Hatcher, together with John Nishwitz, all of Valley City, had bond set Wednesday, May 7, on charges of conspiracy to manufacture, attempt to manufacture, manufacture and use of a controlled substance.
    Justin Hatcher and Nishwitz had bond set at $10,000 surety or $2,000 cash. Kyre Hatcher had bond set at $5,000 surety or $2,000 cash.
    Justin Hatcher posted $2,000 cash. Kyre Hatcher and Nishwitz remain in custody.
    The Hatchers came to the notice of authorities after their trailer house burned down April 5 and Justin suffered second- and third-degree burns. Because the Hatchers have a history of drug-related charges, there was speculation that the trailer fire was caused by the operation of a meth lab. The Hatchers strongly denied the charges and claimed the fire started when Kyre accidentally threw a towel on a gas stove.
    The manufacture of methamphetamine involves the production of phosphine gas, which is highly toxic and prone to spontaneous ignition.
    The Hatchers and Nishwitz were arrested and  charged on May 1 after a month-long investigation by Barnes/Stutsman County drug task force. The Hatchers tested positive for use of methamphetamine and admitted to use of meth during the week of March 4-9.    

For full story, see Thursday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.