The long running science show “Nova” has made its most recent episode of “Making North America” — titled “Life” — available online. The program features unique geologic features of northwestern Kansas including Monument Rocks, a popular attraction south of Interstate 70 approximately an hour west of Hays.
The episode was the second of three that has aired on PBS this month. The last episode will broadcast at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
The full episode featuring the area can be found here.
HIAWATHA, Kan. (AP) — A school bus carrying more than 20 students has rolled over in northeast Kansas, injuring students onboard.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Department told MSCnews the accident involving the school bus from the Hiawatha school district occurred early Wednesday in Hiawatha.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says more than 20 students were on the bus, and all were taken to a hospital for assessment. Merchant says the students’ injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening. He says the students range in age from elementary school to high school.
Details of what caused the accident are still under investigation.
Merchant also says several people arrived at the scene to help the students.
Elsie Marie (Everhart) Babcock, age 89, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital, Carrollton, Texas, on November 15, 2015.
She was born on July 16, 1926 in Ransom, Kansas, to George and Mae Everhart.
She graduated from a county school through 8th grade and went to the 9th grade in Ransom.
On May 19, 1943, she married Don Babcock. They enjoyed 58 ½ years together. To this union, Dorothy and Don Leon were born.
She lived all her married life in Utica, KS. She was employed at the Citizen State Bank and worked at the Utica Schools. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Utica. She resided in Texas for the last 12 years, moving there to be close to her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy (Richard) Van Winkle, Flower Mound, TX; son, Don Leon (Sherry) Babcock, Cape Girardeau, MO; grandchildren, Tonya (Nick) Loy, Charity (Shane) Christopher, Micaiah Van Winkle, Justin (Kaley) Van Winkle, Jessica (Curtis) Wood, Jocelyn (Travis) Gunter, Vanessa Babcock, Wes Malone, Lora (Travis) Stalford; great-grandchildren, Hope and Natalie Loy, Taylor and Alyssa Christopher, August Gunter, Everly Wood, Zander and Graceyn Bowman.
She was preceded by her parents; husband, Don; great-granddaughter, Anistyn; brothers, Stanley, Clinton, Bill, Rolla, and Carl Everhart; sisters, Stella Schuler, Sylvia Martin, Bertha McKinnis, and Helen Russell.
Family was the most important thing to her. He home was always warm and inviting and full of love. She was loved by all her family, and they always enjoyed going to visit her as she was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren and loved going to basketball games that they played in. She wouldn’t miss a game. She made Christmas so special for the kids growing up and for her grandchildren; it is their favorite time of year. When you went out to eat with her, she always paid. She was so generous and loving. She will be missed by all her family, nieces and nephews, and friends.
She is never gone from us, but will live in our hearts forever. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. You have been our delight.
Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Friday, November 20, 1:00 – 9:00 P.M. with family present to receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Funeral will be at the United Methodist Church, Utica, on Saturday, November 21, 2015, 11:00 A.M.
Burial in Utica Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to United Methodist Church, Utica.
GREAT BEND – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating an accident involving a Sheriff’s Deputy just after 10:30a.m. on Tuesday.
The Barton County Sheriff’s office reported a deputy was traveling south on Main Street responding to report of a fight in progress outside of town.
The vehicle, with lights and siren on, attempted to proceed through the intersection at 10th Street and struck a westbound semi.
The deputy and semi driver were not injured.
The Great Bend Police Department is in charge of the investigation, according to a media release from the Barton County Sheriff.
ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have taken a person into custody in connection with an online threat to a northeast Kansas college.
The St. Joseph News-Press reports security was increased at Benedictine College late Tuesday after an anonymous threat posted on the social networking site YikYak.
Atchison police Chief Mike Wilson says authorities arrested one person associated with the comments, but formal charges hadn’t been filed early Wednesday.
Benedictine College ALL CLEAR – Police have the person who posted a threat on Yik Yak in custody. Classes are in session as scheduled.
— Benedictine College (@BenedictineKS) November 18, 2015
Benedictine College became aware of a threat on Yik Yak tonight. Additional posts indicate it is a hoax, but campus remains on alert status. — Benedictine College (@BenedictineKS) November 18, 2015
Benedictine spokesman Steve Johnson says security had been stepped up on the campus after the comments were posted. He says classes are being held as scheduled Wednesday on the campus, which is located about 50 miles northwest of Kansas City.
Recent threats on YikYak also led to arrests of students at Northwest Missouri State University and the Missouri University of Science & Technology.
By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
WAKEENEY — Three and a half days into the first-degree murder trial of Scott Bollig, prosecutors have rested their case Tuesday following testimony from Dr. Lyle Noordhoek, board certified pathologist and medical examiner, who testified the death of the unborn child of Bollig and Naomi Abbott was due to an outside force.
“My conclusion was that this was not a natural miscarriage,” he said. He also testified the cause of the miscarriage was ingestion of the abortion inducing drug mifepristone.
Bollig is accused of secretly lacing pancakes Abbott was eating with the drug.
Following Noordhoek’s testimony, prosecutors closed their case, allowing the defense to begin calling witnesses, but before the first witness was called, Bollig’s attorney Dan Walter asked the court to dismiss two charges against Bollig.
Those two charges had been added after the initial charges had been filed after evidence allegedly surfaced that Bollig had communicated with an ex-girlfriend, Angel Abbott, about the pregnancy and was working with her to ensure the pregnancy was terminated without Naomi Abbott’s knowledge.
The defense argued “no evidence” of conspiracy had been presented during the prosecution’s case. Walter argued further that there was no proof the alleged conspiracy occurred in Trego County.
District Judge Glenn Braun, however, said “sufficient facts have been shown,” and the question is better in the hands of the jury.
One of the first witnesses to be called by the defense was Brandon Payne, EMS director of Trego County, who spoke with Abbott following the morning Bollig allegedly laced the pancakes.
“It is my belief she knew something was going on,” he said, telling the jury that morning her disposition was happier than it had been in the days before and that she made a special note to him of watching Bollig make the pancakes.
The defense also brought forward Linda Anderson, who also testified Abbott knew what was going on.
Anderson testified that her former husband, Steve Anderson, was friends with Naomi Abbott’s ex-husband, Ron Abbott. She further testified Ron Abbott and Steve Anderson had a conversation in her presence that alleged Naomi Abbott knew she was taking the mifepristone, but became frighted later and so blamed Bollig. Linda Anderson also claimed Ron Abbott had told her Naomi Abbott had put the pill in the pancakes.
However, that testimony was quickly refuted when Ron Abbott took the stand later.
“I don’t remember that conversation,” he said.
He also testified he had not told Steve or Linda he had helped Naomi Abbott in any way and she had never told him she had caused her own miscarriage. Ultimately, he said Linda Anderson’s story was not true.
The defense called Delbert Bollig, Scott’s father, to the stand, where he testified Dawn Chase, a dispatcher at the WaKeeney Law Enforcement Center, told him Naomi was guilty.
Chase testified shortly after disputing the claim.
“I don’t believe I ever said Naomi was guilty,” she said.
Wrapping up the witness for the defense Tuesday was Ashley Garza, WaKeeney assistant chief of police.
Garza worked with Naomi Abbott and testified that Naomi Abbott had felt Bollig was “coming along,” in his attitude to being a father following the alleged time the mifepristone had been ingested.
Prior to that, Garza testified, Bollig “wished she would fall down down the stairs and have a miscarriage,” a similar comment to others that came through testimony to have been said by Bollig.
Testimony will continue Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Luella B. Erskin, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on January 7, 1930 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of John and Hilda Koch Wiechman. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas from 1930 until 1954 moving to North Dakota and then back to Scott City in 1970. She was a homemaker.
Memberships include the Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary both of Scott City.
On December 31, 1949 she married Elmer Erskin in Scott City, Kansas. He survives.
Survivors include her Husband – Elmer Erskin of Scott City, Kansas, One Son – Harold & Susan Erskin of Mulvane, Kansas, Three Daughters – Sandra & Rick Kahl of Scott City, Kansas, Shirley & Dan Rogers of Valley Center, Kansas, Sharon & David Powers of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Gerald & Joyce Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Donald & Marlo Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sisters – Lavera King of Scott City, Kansas, Velda & Milt Riddiough of Scott City, Kansas, Nine Grandchildren and Eighteen Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Two Brothers – Marvin Wiechman and Martin Wiechman and One Sister – Geneva Faurot.
Funeral Services will be held at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 with Pastor Warren Prochnow presiding.
Memorials may be given to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
Hays, Kansas – Robert B. Marye, age 73, died Sunday, November 15, 2015, at the Volga Street DSNWK home in Hays, Kansas.
He was born August 31, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland to Robert Brooks and Irma Ruth (Wisnom) Marye Sr.
He lived at a care facility in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Parsons State Hospital at the age of eleven.
In 1973 he moved to Hays and entered services at Homer B. Reed Training Center. He moved to DSNWK’s Eight Street Home at Victoria in 1992 where he spent his remaining years of life before falling ill.
He worked as an assembler for a Flex King contract, a material handler for Stromgren-Scott and in 1987 he began participating in the Life Management Program at Reed Developmental Center enjoying a more relaxing environment for those person desiring to retire from work.
He enjoyed fishing, bowling, putting together Lego/puzzle pieces, drinking coffee, watching the news, especially during elections years, the Christmas holidays, going to sports events, his favorite teams were the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Bronco’s and spending time with his gardians, the Strecker family.
Survivors include his gaudians, Phillyis Strecker, Hays, KS; and the late Forrest Strecker; his cousin Marie Sasse, Baltimore, MD and his DSNWK family and staff.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Barbara.
Services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2015, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
His guardian family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].
Marjorie L. Disney, age 90, of Hays passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born May 14, 1925 in Revere, MA. to Herbert and Louise (Vesper) Bradshaw. She worked as a Registered Nurse.
She is survived by a daughter, Ruth Walters and husband Greg of Hays; a son, Mark Wheeler and wife Ginger of Tallahassee, FL; and three grandchildren, Bailey Wheeler, Brian Wheeler and wife Laura and Aislinn Walters.
Cremation has been chosen with private family services to be held at a later date.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
Patricia J. Staab, age 81, of Hays passed away Friday, November 13, 2015 at Via Christi Village, Hays.
Funeral services will be 10 am on Monday, November 23, 2015 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday 5 pm – 8 pm at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601
A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be Sunday at 6:30 pm followed by a parish vigil all at the funeral chapel.
Christine Marie Billinger, age 93, of Hays passed away Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Hays Medical Center. She was born November, 2, 1922 in Hyacinth, Kansas to Alex and Barbara (Sander) Rupp. She married Alvin A. “Al” Billinger on April 5, 1943 in Hays. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2002.
She was a homemaker and had worked as a waitress at the VFW, The Coachman and The Rose Room, she had been a manager of a convenience store and was a secretary for Gary Eller Insurance Company. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and she enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends.
She is survived by three sons, Alan Billinger and wife Carrie of Hays, Steve Billinger of Casper, Wyoming and Greg Billinger and wife Jolene of Bakersfield, California; a daughter, Roxie VonLintel and husband Hank of Victoria, Kansas; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Al; a son, Douglas Billinger, six brothers, Wendelin, Celestine, Alex, Al, Alfred and Elmer Rupp; five sisters, Georgine Peters, Olive Macintosh, Eleanora Peters, Mary Ellis and Alma Girado.
Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Joseph’s cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, November 20, 2015 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday 9 am – 9:30 am all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601
A rosary and vigil service will be 6:30 pm Friday at the Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to KU Medical Center to support stroke research. Please make all donations payable to KU Endowment and mail to KU Endowment, 3903 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66103 or the Endowment Foundation of TMP-Marian to be used for the Al Billinger Fieldhouse renovation.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
Victoria, Kansas – Ludmilla “Millie” (Werth) age 79, died Monday, November 16, 2015, at Hays Medical Center.
She was born September 23, 1936, on the farm northwest of Schoenchen, Kansas to Sylvester and Theresa (Pfannenstiel) Werth. She married Elmer A. Dinkel on June 15, 1954 at Schoenchen, Kansas.
Millie was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She worked 13 years at Travenol Labs, seven years at Hays International Mailing and a few years at Adronics-Elrob Manufacturing.
She was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis and was a volunteer on the St. Fidelis Funeral Committee.
Survivors include her husband, Elmer A. Dinkel, of the home; two sons, Robert F. Dinkel and his companion, Theresa Truan, Munjor, KS; Don Dinkel, Hays, KS; one daughter, Rosie Klaus and husband, Dan, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three brothers, Father Alvin Werth, Hays, KS; Kenneth Werth and wife, Elaine, Schoenchen, KS; Francis Werth and wife, Rosie, Hays, KS; and one sister, Deltha Legleiter, Hays, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one great granddaughter, Madison Dinkel.
Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2015, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.
A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.
Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Friday, all at Cline’s Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.
Memorial to The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to
[email protected]
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is once again hosting the annual Thanksgiving Day Feast Nov. 26 at noon.
Ellis County churches, for the eighth year in a row, will partner with the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth, to provide a meal for those who do not have a place to enjoy Thanksgiving.
According to the ECMA, over 800 turkey dinners were served last year. Organizers of the event expect this year to be even bigger.
Volunteers will also be collecting nonperishable food items this Saturday, Nov. 21, at both Dillon’s locations and Walmart from 9am-5pm. The food that is collected that day will then be bagged and then handed out at the Thanksgiving Day Feast.
According to ECMA Co-chairman and Celebration Community Church Senior Pastor Kyle Ermoian, they provided almost 500 bags of food for people in need not only on Thanksgiving Day, but for the weeks ahead.
Organizers are looking for volunteers to help sack the collected food Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and to help serve the meal at noon on Thursday. Those interested in volunteering can call First Call for Help at (785) 623-2800.
The ACCESS van will be available to provide rides to those needing a ride on Thursday but the officers are closed on Thanksgiving Day so those needing a ride will have to make arrangements beforehand.
