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Month: July 2012

Man Charged With Attack At Kansas TV Station Will Stand Trial

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The man accused of breaking into at Topeka television station and injuring four employees will stand trial on seven charges.

After a preliminary hearing Monday, 48-year-old Ray Anthony Miles was bound over for trial. He faces three counts of aggravated battery and one count each of aggravated burglary and making a criminal threat, as well as two misdemeanor charges.

The 48-year-old Miles is accused of breaking into the WIBW-TV on May 23 because he was upset that the station would not do a story on problems he was having with the Veterans Administration.

Testimony during the hearing revealed that one station employee suffered an eye injury and two others were stabbed during the attack. Those two employees’ injuries were not life-threatening.

Miles’ trial was set for Sept. 12.

UPDATE: Extreme Heat May Have Caused Train Derailment

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Officials believe extreme heat may have caused part of a Union Pacific coal train to derail in north-central Kansas.

Sparks from Sunday’s derailment touched off a fire that scorched several acres of wheat stubble about six miles west of Salina. No injuries were reported.

KAKE-TV reports (https://bit.ly/OyeQ9y) the 106-car train was traveling from Denver to Kentucky. Twenty-seven cars went off the tracks, which were being replaced Monday.

Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis says extreme heat can cause metal tracks to expand and warp.

Cleanup was expected to be finished by Tuesday. Davis says six trains pass daily between Denver and Kansas City. The trains were being rerouted through Nebraska until the derailed train can be cleared.

First Inning Errors Cost Larks in Opening Round Loss at the NBC

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Three first inning errors resulted in two unearned runs and that was the difference Monday night as the Hays Larks drop their opener at the NBC World Series 2-1 to the Greeley (CO) Grays.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview
Frank Leo Post 7-30

Game Highlights
Larks Game Highlights 7-30

A fielding error by Elvin Rodriguez, a throwing error by third baseman Joe Betcher on a double-play ball and a missed cutoff man by center fielder Aaron Cornell following a base hit came during the Grays first four at-bats and put the Larks in the early 2-0 hole.

Hays would score one in the bottom of the first on a MacKenzie Handel single following a Zair Koeman triple, however the Larks would get only two runners into scoring position over the next seven innings.

MacKenzie Handel opened the ninth with a double. Austin Darby followed with a single to left but pinch runner Tito Andino was thrown out at the plate. Ryan Busboom and Joe Betcher following with fly outs to center field to end the game.

The loss negated a tremendous start from Justin Ziegler who went the distance on just 89 pitches, allowing two unearned runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one.

The loss also ended the Larks 10-game win streak in the opening round of the NBC World Series.

They now fall into the loser’s bracket where they will play the loser of Tuesday’s 5 o’clock game between the Wichita (KS) Prospects and the San Luis Obispo (CA) Blues Wednesday morning at 10:30am. We’ll have it for you on 14-KAYS beginning at 10:15am.

The Jayhawk League is 4-1 at the NBC following El Dorado’s 14-2 drubbing of the Katy (TX) Collegians in the final game Monday night.

Bull Rider Fatally Injured At Kansas Rodeo

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A bull rider who suffered fatal injuries at a rodeo in southeastern Kansas has been identified as a 22-year-old Missouri man.

The Iola Register reports that Justin Jeffries died at a hospital after being bucked by a 1,700-pound bull Saturday at the Allen County Fair Rodeo.

Jeffries was a resident of the west-central Missouri town of Cole Camp.

Authorities said Jeffries was wearing a vest and helmet when he was thrown just after leaving the gate to attempt an 8-second ride. The bull’s hind hooves hit Jeffries in the chest and abdomen.

It’s the first fatality in the 27-year history of the Allen County Fair Rodeo. Officials of McKellips Rodeo Co. said Jeffries was in his first year as a member of the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association.

Chance of Evening Storms All Week, Heat Lingering Too

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A stationary frontal boundary will be positioned cross Southern Kansas today and tonight.

Partly cloudy skies will prevail today with a slight chance of thunderstorms north of the front this evening into the overnight hours.

Last Year’s Temps/Record
2011 High: 105
2011 Low: 71
Record High: 116 (1934)
Record Low: 47 (1925)

Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Northeast wind 7 to 13 mph.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. North northeast wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 104. East southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. East wind 3 to 6 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.

Critical Waters to Remain in Drought Stricken Kansas

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WASHINGTON, DC – With historic drought conditions across the state, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has pledged it will cease releasing waters August 7 from three Kansas River reservoirs–Tuttle Creek, Milford and Perry Lake–allowing critical water to remain in the state.

Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would release water from the Kansas River reservoirs until at least August 8th and retain the option to reopen the flow from the reservoirs in October.  The Army Corps said the decision was to assist with river navigation and also to comply with the Endangered Species Act to preserve wildlife and their habitat north of Kansas.

Following a letter from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and phone calls to Jody Farhat, Chief of the Missouri River Water Management Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, from U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and Kansas Water Office staff, the Army Corps agreed to discontinue tapping Kansas reservoirs August 7, 2012 through the end of the release season, pledging not to release water in October.  Wildlife and navigation needs will continue to be addressed.

Senator Roberts and Governor Brownback brought together state, local and federal government officials, along with representatives from the agriculture industry, last Wednesday to talk about the effects of the drought across Kansas and how best to coordinate assistance for local farmers and ranchers.

 

Cause of House Fire Undetermined

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Investigators are unable to determine the cause of the July 20th fire that destroyed a downtown Hays home.

The state fire marshal’s office has determined the blaze started in an enclosed area on the north side of the house, located at 105 E. 15th Street.

The fire at the house owned by Henry and Michelle Wiesner was reported shortly after 7 p.m. and already heavily involved.

No one was in the residence, just a block from the Hays Fire Station, when the fire started.

State Reviewing Health Insurance Rate Increases

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State insurance regulators have started closely reviewing health insurance premiums that increase by 10 percent or more.

In the past, the state insurance department didn’t review rate hike proposals of less than 12 percent.

The change complies with a requirement in the federal health insurance reform law, even though Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration strongly opposes the health care law.

Kansas Department of Insurance is led by an elected commissioner, who is not part of the executive branch.

The provision concerning rate increases in the health care law began in September. Since then, Kansas has received four rate filing requests above 10 percent.

After studying the request, the insurance department drafts an opinion about whether the change is reasonable or unreasonable.

Obituaries – July 30, 2012

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Robert J. Sander

Victoria, Kansas – Robert J. Sander, age 86, died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born April 9, 1926, on the farm North West of Victoria, Kansas, to Joseph A. and Theresa (Quint) Sander. He graduated from Victoria High School and was a U.S. Army veteran and served during WWII.

He was a farmer and worked for NKC Grain Company and as a welder for Ellis County Roads and Bridge Department and retired in 1991. He was a member of St. Fidelis Catholic Church, 3rd Degree and 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, and a Life Member of the V.F.W. Post No. 1751, all of Victoria, Kansas. He held state offices in the V.F.W. as Past District Commander and Past State Commander. He enjoyed his family and playing cards.

Survivors include one sister, Lauraine Drazic, Kansas City, KS; one brother-in-law, A.J. Schmidtberger, Victoria, KS; one sister-in-law, Jo Sander, Victoria, KS; and several nieces a nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edgar, Alfred, Hubert Sander; five sisters, Georgine Dreiling, Virginia Cardwell, Sr. Sarah Sander C.S.A., Thelma Riedel, Celeste Schmidtberger.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas, with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W.

A vigil will be at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, followed by a 3rd and 4th Degree rosary at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday all at Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main, Victoria, Kansas, 67671. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from for 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s Mortuary.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Wednesday at Cline’s Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas. Memorial to St. Fidelis Church or Victoria V.F.W.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

 

Joan F. Whitney

Norton resident, Joan F. Whitney, died Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 83.

Joan was born September 22, 1928 the daughter of Fred A. & Alta F. (Thompson) Scheetz.  Joan owned and operated the Cottage Style Shop in Norton for many years.

She and Eddie W. Whitney were married at the Catholic Rectory in Norton, Kansas, on August 25, 1947.  He survives.

Other survivors include a son, Mark C. Whitney and his wife Torre, of Norton, daughter-in-law Marnie Whitney of Olathe, Kansas, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers & a son, Kevin M. Whitney.

A scriptural wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton.  The family will receive friends following the Wake until 8:30 p.m. in the church.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Fathers Vincent Thu Laing and Dan Scheetz officiating.  Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS.

Joan will lie in state at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church, Norton American Legion Auxiliary or Mary Elizabeth House of Hays.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS  67661, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences – www.olliffboeve.com.

Saturday and Sunday’s Hays Police Activity Log

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The Hays Police Department conducted 17 traffic stops and responded to eight animal calls over the weekend, according to the Hays Police Activity Log.

Saturday:

Disturbance: Police Officers responded to a pair of disturbance calls in the early morning hours on Saturday. The first disturbance call was in connection with a fight and an aggravated battery case in the 3600 block of Vine Street, at Hays Stadium Bar and Grill. Officers received another disturbance call in connection with a disorderly conduct case in the 3600 block ofVine Street, at Ramada Inn just before 2am.

Damage to Property: The Hays PD began an investigation into two cases of criminal damage to property Saturday morning. The first incident occurred in the 500 block of West 7th, at Neighbars, just after 2am. The other incident happened in the 400 block of Walnut Street sometime between 2:17 and 9:30 Saturday morning.

Drug Offenses: Hays Police Officers investigated three different drug related offenses on Saturday afternoon. The first incident was in connection with a report of suspicious activity in the 1000 block of  Reservation Road. Officers also investigated drug offenses in the 600 block of 15th Street and the final report of drug offenses was just after four o’clock Saturday.

Water Violation: According to the Hays Police activity log there was three water use violations on Saturday. The first was in the 200 block of East 29th Street just after 10:40 am. The second was reported in the 400 block of East 11th Street Saturday afternoon. And the final water use violation was reported in the 500 block of West 33rd Street Saturday evening.

Theft: The Hays Police Department received a call about an alleged burglary of a residence in the 1000 block of Country Club Drive on Saturday. The incident was alleged to have happened between May 14th and Saturday evening.

Hit and Run: Officers responded to a report of a hit and run accident in the 2900 block of Trinity Drive Saturday evening just after 7:45.

 

Sunday:

Criminal Damage: On Sunday the Hays Police Department investigated three different reports of Criminal Damage to Property. The first two incidents occurred in the 300 block of West 9th Street. The first is believed to have happened between early Saturday morning and early Sunday morning. The second also is believed to have happened early Sunday morning. The third report of damage to property was in the 400 block of East 13th Street and the final case occurred in the 100 block of East 15th Street early Sunday morning.

Hit and Run: Officers responded to a report of a hit and run accident in the 1500 block of East 22nd Street Sunday afternoon.

Theft: The Hays PD received a report of theft/shoplifting in the 4300 block ofVine Street at Wal-Mart Superstore in Hays Sunday evening.

Petition Drive Against Kansas Sculpture Continues

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Organizers say they’re close to reaching the required number of signatures for a petition drive aimed at removing a sculpture of a partially clad woman from a suburban Kansas City park.

Phillip Cosby, Missouri and Kansas director of the American Family Association, says the sculpture at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is obscene and should be removed.

Cosby is seeking 4,500 signatures required to empanel a grand jury, which would then investigate a charge of promoting obscenity to a minor.

He said Monday he has about 3,500 signatures and hopes to have the rest by Saturday. He expects to file the petition Sept. 1 with the Johnson County court, which would call the 15-member grand jury.

The sculpture was donated to garden by a group of Chinese artists.

Former FHSU Wide Receiver O.J. Murdock Dead in Apparent Suicide

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O.J. Murdock signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2011 but didn’t play in the 2011 season due to an injured Achilles. (Getty Images)

TAMPA — O.J. Murdock, a former Middleton High standout wide receiver, has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to a media alert sent out by the Tampa Police Department on Monday morning, Murdock, who signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans a year ago, was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. His body was found in his car in front of Middleton High School around 8:30 a.m. An updated release said he had died at 10:43 a.m.

“This is just surprise,” said former Middleton coach Harry Hubbard, adding Murdock seemed in great spirits when he ran into him at last fall’s Blake-Middleton football game. “I don’t know if something else is involved or not. That just knocks me off my feet.”

Murdock, who initially landed at South Carolina after high school but was dismissed from the squad by coach Steve Spurrier after being charged with grand theft, eventually played at Division II Fort Hays State. He had a breakout season there, compiling 1,290 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

As a high school senior, Murdock was ranked the nation’s 10th-ranked receiver by Rivals, and chose South Carolina over Florida. He was the Tampa Bay Times’ top bay area prospect in the Class of 2005, after catching 58 passes for 831 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Murdock was also a state track standout that year, winning gold in the 100 and 200 meters.

“I’m going to always remember his smile and just his warmth,” said Hubbard, who coached Murdock for three seasons at Middleton. “Every time he would see me he would always have a big smile and laugh when we talked and everything. … Truly, he was probably one of the best athletes that I’ve ever coached. Personally, I always remember that smile.”

Murdock, who was on injured reserve last season with the Titans after injuring his Achilles’, had not reported to camp this month for personal reasons.

No further information was immediately available.

Courtesy the Tampa Bay Times
https://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/ex-middleton-star-oj-murdock-dies/14286/

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