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Month: February 2014
Plane from Great Bend crashes in Tennessee (UPDATE)
Update Tuesday: According to WKRN-TV, close family members and friends are confirming that Glen and Elaine Mull, their daughter Amy Harter and her daughter Sami were on board the plane that crashed in Nashville on Monday. Sami was a student at Larned High School.
UPDATE 6:56 p.m.: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) —A fire department spokeswoman says there don’t appear to be any survivors from a plane that crashed outside a YMCA in suburban Nashville, Tenn.
The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight plan listed four people on board.
Nashville fire department spokeswoman Kim Lawson says some cars near the YMCA were damaged from the crash that was reported around 5 p.m. Monday.
The FAA said in a statement that the plane is a Gulfstream 690C that departed from Great Bend Municipal Airport in Great Bend, and crashed 10 miles south of John C. Tune Airport in Nashville.
According to the flight-tracking website FlightAware, the plane traveled from Clarence E. Page Municipal Airport in Oklahoma City to Great Bend around midday before heading for Nashville.
• • •
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash of a small plane near Nashville, Tennessee on Monday.
Authorities say the flight originated from Great Bend Municipal Airport.
Centerline Aviation manages aircraft at the Great Bend Airport and told Hays Post they are working to get details before they could release information.
Officials in Nashville say four people were on board the plane and there are no survivors. Identities have not been released. Stay tuned to Eagle Radio and Check Hays Post for more information as it becomes available.
Grace Evans – New Administrator at Via Christi Village in Hays
Kansas Governor closes offices ahead of winter storm
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has ordered state offices in the Topeka area to remain closed Tuesday and the Legislature has canceled its meetings because of an impending winter storm.
Brownback said Monday that he’s closing state offices in Shawnee County to keep roads as clear as possible of traffic once the storm hits. The National Weather Service is predicting up to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour in some areas.
Brownback said during a news conference that many workers could get to their offices safely Tuesday morning but have trouble returning home later.
He said state agencies will have the discretion to close offices outside Shawnee County.
The governor’s announcement prompted House and Senate leaders to cancel lawmakers’ business.
Prosecutors to seek ‘Hard 50’ against roommate
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — An attorney for a 19-year-old woman charged with killing a Lawrence businessman says the case will prove to be one of why rather than a crime story whodunit.
Carl Cornwell’s client, Sarah Brooke Gonzales McLinn, appeared briefly in Douglas County District Court to hear the amended murder charges against her in the death of 52-year-old Harold Sasko.
Douglas County prosecutors also filed notice that they would seek to have McLinn sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for at least 50 years, known as the “Hard 50.” McLinn is being held on $1 million bond.
Cornwell said after the hearing that there was more to the story that would come out as the court case progressed. He also suggested he hoped to avoid a protracted court trial.
Wichita police investigate killing of intruder
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Sedgwick County prosecutors will decide whether to charge a Wichita man who police say shot and killed an early-morning intruder.
The Wichita Eagle reports the 35-year-old homeowner told police he heard noises around 3:45 a.m. Monday and went to investigate. The homeowner told police the male intruder attacked him without saying anything.
The man says he was able to get a gun and fire several shots at the intruder, who was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Police were withholding the name of the 45-year-old man while his relatives were notified. Investigators said they found no indication that the man was armed, nor that the two men were acquainted.
Annual fundraiser aims to help children in the court system
By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
A local nonprofit is inviting the community to a fundraiser to help “make a difference in the lives of children,” according to Lyndsey Crisenbery, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates.
The fourth annual “Valentines Evening” is CASA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The event is scheduled Friday at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, starting at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction.
Some of the items in the auction include a 32-inch LG TV, salon packages, a John Deere tricycle and more.
“All proceeds go to recruiting, training and managing volunteers,” Chrisenbery said.
Chrisenberry said volunteers are “very important” and help children who are in the court system “through no fault of their own.” The volunteers gather information such as the children’s parents and home life in order to report to the court what outcome is in the best interest of the child.
Chrisenbery hopes the fundraiser will bring more awareness for the need of CASA volunteers. According to Crisenbery, there are 100 children in the court system in Ellis County, but only 20 have CASA representation.
Chrisenbery said there are a few requirements volunteers ned in order to volunteer as an court advocate. The volunteers go though training, pass a background check and must be willing to volunteer two to fours hours per week.
Contact the CASA office at (785) 628-8641. for ticket information.
Hammond’s replacement scheduled to be chosen in April
By NICK BUDD
Hays Post
The committee in charge of replacing Fort Hays State University President Edward Hammond is still receiving applications for the position.
Hammond announced recently he will retire at the end of the school year.
Breeze Richardson, associate director for communications and governmental relations for the Kansas Board of Regents, told Hays Post applications still are being received for FHSU’s top job.
Sometime in mid-February, applications will begin to go through the review process, and some will be submitted to the search committee for review. At that point, the search committee will select semifinalists for the position. In Mid-March, the search committee is expected to begin to interview semifinalists for the position and proceed to select the finalists for the position.
Throughout the end of March and early April, finalists will visit the FHSU campus. On April 22, the search committee is scheduled to submit a list of finalists to the Board of Regents and, during the week of April 28, the ninth president of FHSU will be selected.
Hammond announced his retirement in October. He is currently the longest tenured president in both the Kansas Board of Regents and FHSU history.
Red Cross schedules upcoming blood drives across NW Kansas
WICHITA — Like a hospital emergency room, the American Red Cross must be prepared to provide blood for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It’s the blood already on the shelves and readily available that can be lifesaving for people like Chris Salinas.
Chris was a horse trainer who was seriously injured in an accident when a horse pinned him to the pavement. He and his family said they credit the multiple blood transfusions he received with helping him recover.
Type O negative blood is especially needed right now. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any type. To make an appointment to donate blood and help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need, please visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Ellis County
Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Department of Children & Families, 3000 Broadway in Hays
Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Gove County
Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Opera House, 232 Main St. in Grainfield
Logan County
Feb. 26 from 12-5 p.m. at Christian Church, 200 E. Fourth in Oakley
Osborne County
Feb. 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, South Morgan Avenue in Downs
Sherman County
Feb. 25 from 12:30-5 p.m. at Northwest Kansas Tech College Student Union, 1209 Harrison St. in Goodland
Smith County
Feb. 26 from 12-6 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 101 Armory Road in Smith Center
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
Thursday home game with Auburn highlights 2014 K-State football schedule
K-State Media Relations
Kansas State finalized its 2014 football schedule today, announcing a seven-game home slate highlighted by a prime time Thursday night battle with Auburn on September 18 and home conference matchups with Big 12 foes Texas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and KU.
The Wildcats’ 12-game schedule includes six teams which were bowl-eligible in 2013, with four of those visiting Bill Snyder Family Stadium in 2014.
“We are excited about our seven-game home schedule for 2014,” said Athletics Director John Currie. “Following our record-setting attendance this past season, our fans will have a 2014 slate that ranks among the best in school history including our historic matchup with Auburn as well as conference games against Texas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and KU.”
The 2014 slate will get underway on August 30 against Stephen F. Austin as the Cats play four of their first five games at home to open the season.
Following the season opener against the Lumberjacks, K-State will open up Big 12 Conference play in week two with a road trip to Iowa State before enjoying its first bye week of the season leading up to the game with Auburn, the 2013 BCS National Championship runner-up.
Manhattan and Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be the focus of the college football world on Thursday, September 18, as the Cats and Tigers meet in an ESPN nationally-televised game. The Thursday night matchup, one of the most-watched games in the country each week, will be the first in Manhattan since the 2010 Nebraska game and the fourth overall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
“The chance to host a program like Auburn on ESPN’s Thursday night telecast in what will be one of the best non-conference matchups in the country next year is a terrific and unique opportunity for K-State,” Currie added.
The Wildcats then host the Miners of UTEP on September 27 to wrap up non-conference play.
K-State will continue Big 12 Conference action on October 4 at home against Texas Tech before enjoying its second bye week of the season. Following a road trip to Oklahoma (October 18), the Cats will return home for two straight against Texas on October 25 and Oklahoma State on November 1.
Following a trip to TCU on November 8, the Cats will enjoy another bye week on November 15 before heading to West Virginia for a special Thursday night matchup in Morgantown on November 20.
K-State welcomes KU to Manhattan on November 29 before wrapping up the regular season on the road at Baylor on December 6.
All game times, ticket information and promotional schedules will be announced in the coming weeks with season tickets going on sale March 3. With K-State riding a current home sellout streak of 13 straight games and another season ticket sellout anticipated, K-State officials encourage fans to act early when tickets become available.
2014 K-State Football Schedule
Aug. 30 – Stephen F. Austin, Manhattan, Kan.
Sept. 6 – at Iowa State*, Ames, Iowa
Sept. 13 – BYE
Sept. 18 – Auburn, Manhattan, Kan.
Sept. 27 – UTEP, Manhattan, Kan.
Oct. 4 – Texas Tech*, Manhattan, Kan.
Oct. 11 – BYE
Oct. 18 – at Oklahoma*, Norman, Okla.
Oct. 25 – Texas*, Manhattan, Kan.
Nov. 1 – Oklahoma State*, Manhattan, Kan.
Nov. 8 – at TCU*, Fort Worth, Texas
Nov. 15 – BYE
Nov. 20 – at West Virginia*, Morgantown, WV
Nov. 29 – KU*, Manhattan, Kan.
Dec. 6 – at Baylor*, Waco, Texas
Home games in BOLD
* denotes Big 12 Conference game
Goodland police chief defends investigation of woman’s death
WICHITA (AP) — A northwest Kansas police chief is defending his department’s investigation of a Missouri woman’s death at a county jail amid questions over the impartiality of the detective who handled it.
The Goodland Police Department last week gave the Sherman County attorney the results of its investigation into the Jan. 22 death of Brenda Sewell. The 58-year-old Kansas City woman died in custody after being arrested for having a small amount of marijuana.
Police Chief Clifton Couch said Monday he’s heard concerns about a possible conflict of interest given that the detective who investigated the death is married to the Sherman County undersheriff.
But Couch says local authorities were left with few options after the Kansas Bureau of Investigation refused to investigate the death.
Indians remain atop 5A KBCA rankings
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
For the second week in a row, the Hays High Indians are ranked first in the 5A Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings. The Indians improved to 13-0 on the season with a win over Dodge City on Friday, and they host Salina South on Tuesday.
The Plainville boys are down one spot to No. 4 in the 2A boys rankings.
In 1A division 1, the Hoxie boys are ranked 3rd and Stockton is No. 5.
The Hoxie girls are again No. 1 in 1A division 1, and Dighton is No. 2 in 1A division 2.
Rozel man injured in rollover accident
ROZEL — A man was hospitalized after a single-vehicle accident at 10:10 a.m. Monday in Pawnee County.
The Kansas Department of Transportation reported Carl J. Patterson, 77, Rozel, was southbound on 280th Road, 2 miles south of Rozel, when his 2001 Chevrolet Impala traveled left of center into the east ditch. The vehicle hit an embankment and rolled 1.5 times, coming to rest on its top.
Patterson was transported to Pawnee County Community Hospital, then flown at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment.
The KHP said he was wearing a seat belt.