June 2016 – Page 66 – Hays Post Archive

Kan. man accused of kidnapping judge faces terrorism charge

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

GARDEN CITY − A man accused of forcing himself at gunpoint into a state judge’s home last week and holding the judge hostage for several hours while making demands of the state has been charged with terrorism, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Schmidt yesterday filed criminal charges against Jason Linn Nichols, 33, in connection with the incident that occurred May 31 in Garden City. The charges are one count of terrorism by alternative means, one count of kidnapping, one count of aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of criminal threat and one count of criminal restraint. Bond has been set at $1.3 million.

Kansas law defines terrorism to include the commission of a felony with the intent to influence government policy by intimidation or coercion or with the intent to affect the operation of any unit of government. Under Kansas law, a terrorism conviction carries a possible life prison sentence.

Criminal charges are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Any public comments on the prosecution of Nichols are governed by the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.6, Trial Publicity, and Rule 3.8, Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor. All media requests or inquiries should be directed to the Office of the Attorney General, 120 S.W. 10th, 2nd Floor, Topeka, Kansas 66612, (785) 296-6115.

Nichols is scheduled for a first appearance June 15 at 1 p.m. in Finney County District Court.

Carts filling up for benefit golf tournament as deadline nears

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

If you would still like to get a four person team together for the Eagle Relay for Life-Drive for Cancer Golf Tournament, please call Todd Lynd at 785-301-2211 by no later than NOON Thursday.

The tournament will be this Friday at The Fort in Hays. Registration is at 8am, with a shotgun start at 9am.

All participants will receive a free T-shirt, lunch at the turn, and all competition holes are included.

The cost is $80 per player.

Kan. real estate developer, coach arrested for alleged sex crimes

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

MANHATTAN – A Manhattan real estate developer who is also an assistant coach with Riley County USD 378 was arrested Tuesday on a Riley County District Court warrant in connection with unlawful sexual relations with a student.

Zac Burton, 38, turned himself in shortly after 5 p.m. and faces possible charges involving unlawful sexual relations, allegedly involving a female student at Riley County’s USD 378, according to a media release.

Burton owns Fieldhouse Development, which has built homes and apartment buildings at Grand Mere on the west side of Manhattan.

Last fall, Burton announced plans for Hartford Hill, a 320-acre, 500-home development northwest of Grand Mere and Colbert Hills Golf Course.

Burton’s bond was set at $50,000 and was expected to be released Wednesday.

Burton was a former backup quarterback with the Kansas State University football program from 1996 to 2000.

Hays Vietnam Veterans to honor Richard Coffelt with memorial

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

The Hays Chapter 939 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, assisted by the Hays American Legion Post 173 and the American Legion Riders, will dedicate a memorial to Richard Coffelt at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Hays Regional Airport terminal.

This event will be in conjunction with the Airport Fly-in that day. The public is invited to attend.

Coffelt was a local attorney, educator and Korean War veteran who created the authoritative and official record of the 58,220 U.S. military members who died in the Vietnam War. From 1980 through 2010, Coffelt compiled this information on his own time and at his own expense to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

The Coffelt Data Base is now maintained by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration in Washington.

Speakers will include Jo Ann Jennings Coffelt, Coffelt’s widow, and Hays Mayor Eber Phelps. For more information on the Coffelt Data Base, go to https://coffeltdatabase.org/.

TMP-Marian names new head football coach

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

Courtesy TMP-Marian

Courtesy Honolulu Star-Advertiser / Cindy Ellen Russell

HAYS, Kan. – Thomas More Prep-Marian is pleased to announce the new faculty and coaching staff members that will be joining the Monarch Family for the 2016-2017 academic year.

The departure of John Montgomery at the end of the past school year left a vacancy for head football coach and high school business teacher. The new head coach of Monarch football is Jason Cauley who most recently was head coach at Moanalua High School, a 2,000-student school near the southern shore of Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Cauley is a native of Mobile, Ala. and has been playing and coaching football all his life. Following a successful high school career, Cauley played at Mississippi College before transferring to the University of West Alabama. Following the events of 9/11, Cauley enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Cavalry Scout (19D). After his time in the The Army, Cauley returned back home to work as an assistant for 7A Murphy High School in Mobile on the coaching staff of Rick Cauley, his brother. After a move to Hawai’i, in 2011, Cauley served as offensive coordinator and QB coach for Moanalua, then filled that same role for Kapolei High School for two years before taking the head coaching position at Moanalua. Over the years, Cauley has earned many honors and achievements, both as a player and coach, including multiple playoff appearances. Cauley, his wife, Amanda, and their two children, Liam (4) and Layla (2), will be moving to Hays to join the Monarch family this summer.

“I grew up around the game, and I value the chance to help young men learn the game and the values of respect, excellence, integrity, service, loyalty, and tradition that it teaches. I knew I wanted to coach in a private, Christian environment,” Cauley said. “Hays is just the kind of family-oriented community we’re looking for. I’m excited to be a part of the Monarch family from our alumni roots to our current and future students and families.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Cauley will teach social studies, weights, and study skills classes at TMP-Marian.

Email scam that tricked Barton County Treasurer reported in Missouri

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

KANSAS CITY — A western Missouri county has gotten back more than half of the $48,200 it lost after one of its officials fell for an email scam.
The Kansas City Star reports Platte County Treasurer Rob Willard was duped last week into sending a wire transfer to a bank in Florida at what he thought was the request of Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber.

But Schieber didn’t make the request and Willard was caught up in an internet scam that has victimized several other counties in Missouri and Kansas.

On June 2, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported County Treasurer Kevin Wondra received a check for $34,360.70 from Suntrust Bank of Georgia after $48,600 was erroneously transferred from the Treasurer’s Office in a similar email scam.

The AP contributed to this report.

HPD Activity Log June 7

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 16 traffic stops Tue., June 7, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation–2500 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:53 AM; 4:53 AM
Water Use Violation–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 4:19 AM
Water Use Violation–1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:01 AM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Fort St, Hays; 5:11 AM
Animal Call–600 block E 12th St, Hays; 6:31 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:56
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 12:30 PM; 12:45 PM
Animal Call–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 1:08 PM
Dead Animal Call–6th and Oak, Hays; 2:17 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 2:46 PM
Water Use Violation–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 3:14 PM
Suicidal Subject–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:50 PM
Unattended Death–2100 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 8:30 PM; 3:43 PM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 4:245 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 6/3 6 PM; 6/7 12 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1400 block Elm St, Hays; 5:10 PM
Unwanted Person–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 5:55 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 6/6 6 PM; 6/7 8 AM
Animal Call–500 block Ash St, Hays; 6:56 PM
Criminal Trespass–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 7:09 PM
Suicidal Subject–2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 7:09 PM
Fraud–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:03 PM
Civil Dispute–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 8:52 PM
Harassment (All Other)–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 9:03 PM

KHP: Suspect who fled crash found hiding in a freezer

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

KHP arresting Walton on Tuesday afternoon photo KHP — KHP arresting Walton on Tuesday afternoon Photo Kansas Highway Patrol

OTTAWA COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Ottawa County are investigating a suspect who fled the scene of a Monday evening car accident during a chase by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, a trooper on patrol attempted a traffic stop for a license plate violation on a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer.

The driver, traveling westbound on Treaty Road from U.S. 81, nine miles north of Minneapolis, attempted a right turn, entered the west ditch and struck a pole.

Kristen M. Fox, 36, Oak Ridge, TN., and Edward H Anaya, 24, Los Angeles, were transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment.

“Since the accident occurred on a dirt road, KHP and emergency responders were delayed in arriving to the scene,” according to Ben Gardner with the KHP.

Officers didn’t initially realize a third person, the driver William P. Walton III, 30, St. Louis, had fled the accident scene.

On Tuesday afternoon, a rural Ottawa County resident notified law enforcement that someone was near a building on their property.

The KHP established a perimeter, brought in their aircraft and a K-9 and located Walton hiding inside a large freezer. “He was cold but was arrested without incident,” said Gardner.

Walton is being held in Ottawa County and could face charges including Flee and Elude and Driving on a Revoked License. The vehicle was also possibly stolen, according to Gardner.

Wichita State researcher testing firearms safety knowledge with online survey

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

WSU

Think you know about guns? A Wichita State researcher is inviting the public to test their gun knowledge through an online survey of firearms and firearm safety.

The information gleaned from the survey will lead to more effective strategies for preventing accidents caused by inappropriate firearm safety practices, says Joel Suss, of WSU’s Applied Cognition and Expertise Lab and assistant professor in the Human Factors program.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, in 2014 there were 15,928 nonfatal, unintentional firearm-related injuries in the United States.

Yet there has been little research on the relationship between firearm owners’ perceived knowledge of firearms and their ability to tell whether or not a firearm is loaded.

Shedding light on this relationship could help researchers design better firearms safety training programs and inform the design of firearms.

The anonymous survey is open to people with all levels of firearms knowledge and experience. It’s unique, Suss says, because much of the survey is video-based and designed to directly assess people’s ability to tell whether or not a firearm is loaded.

Current and prospective firearm owners who are familiar with firearms may assume that they “know guns” and follow good safety practices. The survey offers people the ability to test their knowledge in an objective manner. Even experienced firearm users have found that the survey helped them identify areas where their knowledge of firearms functioning could be improved.

Goals of the survey include:

• To examine how gun ownership, gun carry and prior experience with firearms is related to performance on an objective test of firearms safety and functioning.
• To examine how people’s self-assessed knowledge of firearms safety and functioning is related to their performance.
• To understand the types of safety breaches – such as accidental discharge – people have experienced and the extent to which deficiencies in knowledge of firearms safety and functioning play a role in those accidents.
• To develop and validate a test of firearms safety and functioning.
• To develop training that can improve people’s understanding of firearm safety and functioning.

To participate in the firearms survey, go to https://tinyurl.com/GunResearch.

Rooks County Sheriff’s Department awarded first AAA Traffic Safety Award

Posted on June 8, 2016June 7, 2016

STOCKTON – AAA spokesman Jim Hanni presented the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department with their first AAA Traffic Safety Award. Sheriff Gary Knight accepted the bronze level award during a recent Rooks County Commission meeting.

AAA works to identify potentially deserving law enforcement agencies and encourage them to apply to AAA, based on their work. The award is to encourage communities to address local traffic safety issues in a coordinated and cost-effective way. To qualify for an award they law enforcement agencies earn points for their work in traffic safety education, emergency medical response, enforcement and engineering.

The Rooks County Sheriff’s Department was recognized in education, for the Community Policing Booth at the Rooks County Fair. For enforcement, they are being recognized for special traffic enforcement work they do with Click It Or Ticket and for their Rooks County Sheriff K-9 Unit

The Rooks County Sheriff Department has qualified for its first AAA award at the BRONZE level, demonstrating a SUBSTANTIAL effort in addressing local traffic safety issues. They are also the first law enforcement agency in Northwest Kansas to qualify for a AAA Kansas Community Traffic Safety Award in the five years the program has been offered.

HPD Activity Log June 2-5

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and 25 traffic stops Thursday, June 2, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Open Door/Window–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 1:27 AM
Unwanted Person–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 7:15 AM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:10 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 10:22 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block E 22nd St, Hays; 12:53 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 02:44:40 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2700 Vine, Hays; 3:51 p.m.
Assist – Other (not MV)–300 block Main St, Hays; 6/2 5:01 PM; 6/6
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–2400 block Main St, Hays; 5:46 PM
Criminal Trespass–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:25 PM
Civil Dispute–3700 block Hall St, Hays; 6:31 PM
Animal Call–13th and Oak, Hays; 7:29 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:15 PM; 8:30 PM
Animal Call–3000 block Indian Trl, Hays; 11:20 PM
Suspicious Activity–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11:25 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and 17 traffic stops Friday, June 3, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:30 AM
Water Use Violation–3000 block Oak St, Hays; 2:42 AM
Water Use Violation–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:57 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–200 block E 23rd St, Hays; 6:36 AM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–2400 block Oak St, Hays; 7:57 AM
Sex Offense–Hays; 8:07 AM
Animal At Large–1200 block E 30th St, Hays; 9:26 AM
Suicidal Subject–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 11:58 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 12 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:27 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–400 block E 22nd St, Hays; 2:48 PM
Mental Health Call–1500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 4:26 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–3200 block Oak St, Hays; 1:30 PM; 2 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 4:40 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–1900 block Walnut St, Hays; 7 PM
Unwanted Person–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:17 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:02 PM
Welfare Check–2200 block Main St, Hays; 9:10 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 11 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and 44 traffic stops Sat., June 4, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–400 block E 6th St, Hays; 2 AM
Driving Under the Influence–900 block of Milner St, Hays; 2:07 AM
Driving Under the Influence–800 block Elm St, Hays; 2:33 AM
Suspicious Activity–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 7:28 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 9:16 AM
Burglary/residence–3200 block Country Ln, Hays; 2 AM; 9 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–200 block Castillian Blvd, Hays; 11:19 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–2900 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 11:55 AM
Driving Under the Influence–1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 4:37 PM
Theft of Vehicle–3300 block Willow St, Hays; 6/3 7 PM; 6/4 5 PM
Drug Offenses–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 9:45 PM; 10:41 PM
Animal Call–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 10:10 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 15 animal calls and 25 traffic stops Sun., June 5, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Person–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 12:43 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–2800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:03 AM
CMB Viol-sell, furnish, transp–2800 block Vine St, Hays; 1 AM; 1:15 AM
Driving Under the Influence–2800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:10 AM; 3:02 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–400 block W 8th St, Hays; 2:24 AM
Battery on LEO–2800 block Vine St, Hays; 3:04 AM; 3:05 AM
Water Use Violation–3000 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 6:48 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 17th St, Hays; 8:13 AM
Animal At Large–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:11 AM
Unwanted Person–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:34 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:02 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–2000 block Milner St, Hays; 1:15 PM
Animal At Large–500 block Elm St, Hays; 2:09 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–100 block E 17th, Hays; 3:11 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–4100 block Vine St, Hays; 2:22 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–700 block Riley St, Hays; 4:57 PM
Animal At Large–2500 block Timber Dr, Hays; 5:23 PM

Eagle seeks technical support rep, sales pro

Posted on June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

Eagle Communications is seeking a Technical Support Representative. Eagle also is seeking a Sales Account Executive for its Eagle TV and digital sales division. Both positions are based in Hays.

For more information on the career opportunities, click HERE.

Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

Jane Elizabeth Ratcliff

Posted on June 8, 2016

Jane Elizabeth Ratcliff, 81, of El Paso, TX, passed away Monday, May 2, 2016. Jane was born on August 28th, 1934 in Atwood, KS to Dewey James and Ona Mae (Minnick) Ratcliff.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Kansas at Lawrence where she pledged to the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Jane was certified in Texas Music Education, UTEP. She also completed course work at Phillips University in Oklahoma, University of Hawaii and University of Colorado. Her career began by building a music program for 23 schools in New Westminster, Canada. She was an inspiration to her students and touched many lives with her smile and passion for teaching and music. Jane served as a teacher, supervisor, taught music and directed many music programs for the El Paso School District from 1967-1997. She was highly involved in the community with over 150 organizations benefiting from her talent and leadership. She served countless boards for city and community affairs and attended numerous Republican Conventions. Her selfless service and dedication were evident in the passion she had for the causes she supported. Jane’s love for music, teaching, and helping others were reflected in the successes of others. She is now able to conduct a choir of angels in heaven!

She was preceded in death by sister, Anne Schalker and her parents.

Jane is survived by her oldest son, Robert Ratcliff (wife, Christa Rotenberry), of Austin, TX.; three grandsons, Greyson, Carson, Hudson; her youngest son, James Ratcliff of El Paso, TX. and her beloved pets, Coco, Ollie, Ozzie, and Cleo.

A memorial service was held in El Paso, TX. A graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. For information or condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.