We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Month: July 2012

McPherson County Man Charged With Producing Child Pornography

Posted on

A McPherson County man has been charged with using a 9-year-old girl to produce child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Thursday.

Philip Andra Grigsby, 50, Marquette, is charged with two counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, one count of possessing child pornography and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred in April and July 2012 in McPherson County, Kan.

If convicted, Grigsby faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the counts of producing child pornography; not less than 5 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count; and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the gun charge. The FBI, the Australian Federal Police, the Marquette Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

Johnson Announces 11 Signings for 2013 Baseball Season

Posted on

Fort Hays State baseball coach Steve Johnson announced the signing of 11 players for the 2013 season. Seven are transfers and four are true freshmen. Transfers include Clayton Garland, Michael Edlefson, Jordan Miller, Garrett Blair, Horace “Ryan” Johnson, Nathan Briar, and Robert VanCour. Freshmen include Ryan Norton, Josh Norris, and Brady Abrahams, along with early signing Nick Hammeke.

Garland is a junior transfer from Barton (Kan.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2012, Garland earned All-KJCCC West Division First Team and All-Region 6 Second Team honors in the outfield. He led the team in hitting with a .363 batting average, runs (61), hits (78), triples (9), slugging percentage (.581), and stolen bases (17), and was second in doubles (14), home runs (5), and RBI (57), while starting all 59 games. As a freshman in 2011, he hit .333 with five doubles, 15 runs scored, and 13 RBI. Garland is a native of Cheyenne, Wyo.

Edlefson is also a junior transfer from Barton (Kan.) Community College that has the ability to pitch and play outfield. As a sophomore in 2012, he posted a 2-0 record on the mound with a team-leading 2.86 ERA in 20 appearances, all out of the bullpen. He led the team in saves with three, while striking out 15 batters, and held opponents to a .228 batting average. As a hitter, he played and started 39 contests, hitting .295 with 41 hits, 27 runs scored, nine doubles, three triples, 21 RBI and six stolen bases. He sat out the 2011 season, but as a freshman in 2010, hit .297 with five doubles and nine RBI. Edlefson is a native of Bloomington, Minn.

Miller is a junior transfer from Neosho County (Kan.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2012, Miller earned All-KJCCC East Division Second Team honors in the outfield. He hit .354 with 63 hits, 53 runs scored, seven doubles, 20 RBI, and 19 stolen bases, helping his team to the Region 6 Championship and an appearance in the NJCAA World Series. As a freshman in 2011, he played at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he hit .231 with nine RBI, one home run, 11 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Miller is a native of Spring Hill, Kan. and the son of former Fort Hays State quarterback Jeff Miller.

Blair is a junior transfer from McCook (Neb.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2012, Blair was an All-Region 9 Second Team selection at shortstop. He batted .320 with 57 hits, 42 runs scored, nine doubles, three triples, five home runs, and 25 RBI. As a pitcher, he pitched 20 innings in his five appearances with a 4.05 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Blair is a native of Las Vegas, Nev.

Johnson is a junior transfer from Seminole State (Okla.) College. As a sophomore in 2012, Johnson hit .258 with four doubles, one triple, five home runs, 15 runs scored and 21 RBI. As a freshman in 2011, he hit .264 with 13 doubles, one triple, four home runs, 23 runs scored and 31 RBI. Johnson is a native of Raymore, Mo.

Briar is a junior transfer from Butler (Kan.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2012, Briar led Butler pitching in appearances with 25, all out of the bullpen. He posted a 4.74 ERA with three wins and three saves in 43.2 innings of work. He struck out 34 batters. As a freshman in 2011, he made 22 appearances and won two games with a 4.96 ERA, striking out 21 in 32.2 innings of work. Briar is a native of Newton, Kan.

VanCour is a senior transfer from New Mexico State University. He made two appearances as a junior in 2012 for NMHU. Prior to that, he played two years at Barton (Kan.) Community College. As a sophomore in 2011, he posted a record of 4-1, starting in six of his seven appearances with a 5.01 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched. As a freshman in 2010, he made 22 appearances, including two starts, with a 2-1 record, four saves, and a 5.11 ERA. That year he had 38 strikeouts in 37 innings pitched. VanCour is a native of San Antonio, Texas.

Norton comes to Fort Hays State from Monarch High School in Colorado. He is projected to play second base or outfield. He hit .352 as a senior with an on-base percentage of .514 and 19 RBI. Norton is from Louisville, Colo.

Norris is a pitching product of Lee’s Summit High School in his hometown of Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Abrahams is transferring from Baker University has not played in any games since his senior year of high school in 2010. He competed at Silver Lake High School in his hometown of Silver Lake, Kan., where he earned Class 4A All-State First Team honors as a pitcher.

Hammeke signed with Fort Hays State in the fall of the 2011-12 school year. He was a Kansas Class 3A All-State First Team selection at pitcher as a senior in 2012 and earned all-league first team honors all four years at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. The Hays, Kan., product is projected as both a shortstop and pitcher at FHSU.

– FHSU Sports Information –

Wednesday’s Police Activity Log

Posted on

The Hays Police Department conducted 10 traffic stops and responded to eight animal calls on Wednesday, according to the Police Department Log.

Theft/Burglary: The Hays Police Department investigated three theft cases and one report of a burglary on Wednesday. The first case was a burglary/theft case that occurred in the 700 block of East of 6th Street. The incident reportedly happened between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Officers investigated a general theft case Wednesday night, in the 1900 block ofVine Street at Dillons. Hays PD responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 2800 block ofCanal Boulevard. When officers arrived they began to investigate the incident in connection with a burglary.

The Hays PD also responded to a theft report in connection with a civil dispute in the 1100 block of East 22nd Wednesday afternoon. Officers responded to another civil dispute call in the 300 block of West 9th Street Wednesday night.

Drug Offenses: According to the Police Activity log, officers investigate drug related offenses in the 2800 block ofCanal Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers also responded to a mental health call and an overdose in the 300 block of West 6th Street Wednesday.

Vehicle Accident: The Hays PD responded to one motor vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon in the 100 block of West 13th Street.

Suspicious Person: Officers also investigated a suspicious person in connection with a report of harassment by telephone/fax in the 2800 block ofAugusta Lane Wednesday afternoon.

Moran Calls Foul Over USDA Newsletter Encouraging Employees Not To Eat Meat

Posted on

Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran is calling foul over a U.S. Department of Agriculture newsletter that suggested employees of that department participate in “Meatless Mondays”.

The newsletter declared “The production of meat, especially beef (and dairy as well), has a large environmental impact. According to the U.N., animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases and climate change. It also wastes resources.”

The newsletter went on with unsubstantiated claims, “many health concerns” associated with “excessive consumption” of meat. It noted that many people are just not ready to go all-vegetarian, and said forgoing meat one day a week “is a small change that could produce big results.”

Moran stated, “Never in my life would I have expected USDA to be opposed to farmers and ranchers. American farmers and ranchers deserve a USDA that will pursue supportive policies rather than seek their further harm. With extreme drought conditions plaguing much of the United States, the USDA should be more concerned about helping drought-stricken producers rather than demonizing an industry reeling from the lack of rain.”

The USDA’s newsletter, which was on their website has now been removed, claiming that program was included without proper clearance.

Drought Resources Available for Cattle Producers

Posted on

Emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program land is approved for 104 Kansas counties to assist producers struggling with the drought. Todd Domer with the Kansas Livestock Association says USDA policy changes are allowing greater flexibility with the program.

The deadline for haying is August 15th and grazing can continue through September 30th.

The KLA website has a link for drought resources.

 

Larks Wrap Up Regular Season With Home Win

Posted on

Joe Betcher’s one-out single to right field scored MacKenzie Handel with the go-ahead run in the eighth inning as the Hays Larks rally for a 4-2 win over Dodge City in their regular season finale Wednesday night at Larks Park. The Larks would an insurance run on a throwing error off a Tito Andino grounder for the final margin.

Manager Frank Leo Postgame Intterview (Part 1)
larkspost7-25part1

Manager Frank Leo Postgame Interview (Part 2)
larkspost7-25part2

Aaron Cornell tied the game an inning earlier, scoring Andino second on a two-out single to right field.

Hays grabbed the early lead when Cornell advanced to second when the A’s right fielder dropped a fly ball. Handel later doubled, scoring Cornell. The game was then delayed for a half-hour due to lightning.

Dodge City tied the game with a run in the fourth then take the lead with another run in the seventh.

Caleb Hawkins (2-2) was one of seven Larks pitchers in the game and picks up the with a perfect eighth inning. Jason Heflin pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his third save.

Cornell had three of the Larks nine hits including one of their five doubles.

The Larks close out the regular season 29-11 and 23-11 in the Jayhawk League and win the league by four games over both Dodge City and Liberal who tie for second.

Game Highlights
larkshighlights7-25

The Larks now head to the NBC World Series in Wichita where they open with the Colorado Collegiate Baseball League champ Greeley Grays at 7:30pm Monday. Dodge City will have the league’s runner-up entry while Liberal and El Dorado received at-large berths. Haysville is in by winning the Midwest Regional.

The World Series starts Saturday and runs through August 11th. You can hear all of the Larks action on 14-KAYS as well as on-line at www.hayspost.com.

Monarchs Advance to Zone Finals, Junior Legion Wins State Opener

Posted on

Monarchs 4, Lincoln 2
After waiting out five weather delays, the Hays Monarchs advance to the finals of the Lincoln zone tournament with a 4-2 win over Lincoln.

The Monarchs will now play in the championship at Friday at 6pm.

Hays Eagles 9, Salina Eagles 0
 The Hays Eagles Junior American Legion wins their first game at the Class A state tournament in Pratt, beating the Salina Eagles 9-0.

The Hays Eagles took advantage of seven Salina errors and score just one earned run in the victory.

Hays will now play the defending champion Salina Hawks tonight at 6:30pm.

Kansas Burglar Who Found Woman Dead In Home Gets Two Years

Posted on

A northeastern Kansas man who stole a neighbor’s purse after finding her dead in her home has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Bryan Keylon, of Leavenworth, was sentenced Wednesday for burglary. He pleaded guilty to the charge in June.

Keylon admitted breaking into the 54-year-old woman’s home in January 2012 and finding the body in a bedroom. He took her purse, then called 911.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said the woman was found to have suffered a massive heart attack, and Keylon had nothing to do with the death.

Keylon first told police he had simply gone to visit the neighbor. But police concluded it was a burglary after they noticed a broken window and a button that matched a coat belonging to Keylon.

3-Year-Old Dies After Swing Set Accident At Kansas Day Care

Posted on

A 3-year-old boy has died in Topeka after an apparent accident on a swing set at a residential day care center.

The Shawnee County sheriff’s office says it received a call shortly after noon Wednesday about an unresponsive child at the home. The boy was taken to a Topeka hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities say it appears the boy somehow became tangled in the frame of the backyard swing set. Investigators are looking into how the accident happened.

Ten children were at the day care at the time. It’s not clear if any of the children witnessed the incident.

All 105 Kansas Counties Now Emergency Drought Status

Posted on

Topeka – Drought conditions persist and intensify for Kansas which led Governor Sam Brownback to update the Drought Declaration for Kansas counties Thursday afternoons.

The updated drought declaration has all 105 counties in an emergency status. This status triggers the Kansas Water Office (KWO) and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) to issue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for emergency use of state fishing lake storage .

“Our focus at this time is to ensure communities, livestock producers and farmers have the available resources they need,” said Tracy Streeter, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “This MOU would allow small communities and producers to pump water from certain state fishing lakes to provide some relief if they are in dire need of water.”

The MOU limits the types of water use and a fee may be set for use of the state fishing lakes’ water supply.

“As fields, pastures and stock ponds get drier in this drought, we must do everything in our power to assure farmers and ranchers have the ability to access all water and forage available to care for their crops and livestock,” said Dale Rodman, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture.

The  State Fishing Lakes available for withdrawals for Emergency Declared counties are:

Atchison , Barber , Brown , Bourbon , Butler , Chase , Clark , Crawford , Goodman , Jewell , Kingman , Leavenworth , Lyon,  Pottawatomie #1 , Pottawatomie #2 , McPherson , Miami , Mined Lands (Pits), Neosho , Osage , Ottawa , Saline, Scott , Shawnee , Sheridan, Washington, Wilson, Woodson

The emergency drought declaration by the Governor also makes water available from Corps of Engineers reservoirs.

No Transplant For Hill City Woman In Religious Freedom Case

Posted on

A Kansas woman’s victory in a religious freedom case came too late for her to get a life-saving liver transplant.

Mary Stinemetz of Hill City is terminally ill with chronic liver disease.

The 65-year-old woman is a Jehovah’s Witness, a religion that forbids blood transfusions. She won a legal battle last year that forced the state to pay for a transplant in Nebraska that did not require a blood transfusion.

Kansas officials had argued that a bloodless transplant was not a medical necessity, and Steinmetz’s religion should not determine insurance coverage.

The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday, the legal victory came too late for Stinemetz. By the time she won, her condition deteriorated so much that she was not eligible for a new liver.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File