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

Month: April 2017

UPDATE: Spring storm brings blizzard, flooding to Kansas

Posted on

TOPEKA -Spring storms moving across Kansas this weekend brought a variety of weather issues.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka on Sunday afternoon to a partial level in response to the severe winter storm system affecting the western region of the state and flooding in southeast Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reopened Interstate 70 at 5 a.m. Monday. Other roads in many areas of western Kansas remained closed.

The National Weather Service reported 17 inches of snow in Thomas County including the city of Colby; Stanton County 16 inches; Scott City and portions of Greeley County 15 inches; Rawlins County, Morton and Grant County 14 inches of snow.

Workers restored power to the city network in Garden City late Sunday afternoon. Localized outages still exist in Finney and other areas of southwest Kansas.

Officials opened Horace Good Middle School in Garden City as an emergency shelter for those in Finney County were still without power or are stranded and unable to get home.

In addition to the snow, officials in three counties in eastern Kansas had flooding.

————

TOPEKA -Spring storms moving across Kansas this weekend brought a variety of weather issues.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka on Sunday afternoon to a partial level in response to the severe winter storm system affecting the western region of the state and flooding in southeast Kansas.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, Governor Brownback declared a state of emergency in 13 western Kansas Counties and four more in southeast Kansas.

Early Sunday, the Kansas Department of Transportation closed Interstate 70 in Trego County and then at Hays.

That followed with multiple roads and highways in western Kansas closed due to heavy snowfall and blizzard-like conditions that made them impassible.

A large area of southwest Kansas experienced a major power outage due to the winter weather according to police in Garden City.

Finney County Emergency Management was set to open shelters. The city of Colby declared a snow emergency, according to Thomas County Emergency Management. Officials reported up to 17 inches of snow.

In addition to the snow, heavy rains caused flooding and flash floods in southeast Kansas.

Sano powers Twins past slumping Royals

Posted on

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Miguel Sano homered and drove in five runs, helping the Minnesota Twins beat slumping Kansas City 7-5 on Sunday for the Royals’ ninth straight loss.

Sano posted his fourth consecutive multihit game. He has 11 hits in his last 16 at-bats. He drove in nine runs in the two-game, rain-abbreviated series.

Sano connected in the third after Jason Hammel (0-3) walked Byron Buxton and Max Kepler. He added run-producing singles in the fourth and sixth innings.

It’s the longest slide for Kansas City since a 12-game skid in April 2012.

Suspect faces federal charges in KC armed robbery caught on camera

Posted on

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man was charged in federal court Friday with illegally possessing a firearm following the armed robbery of a Jimmy John’s restaurant in Kansas City on Thursday, according to Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

Terry K. Rayford, 54, of Kansas City, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City.

Friday’s criminal complaint alleges that Rayford was in possession of a Witness-P .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun on Thursday, April 27, 2017.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, the firearms were found in Rayford’s vehicle after he was stopped by Independence, Mo., police officers at approximately 7:30 p.m. Officers received information about a person matching the description of the suspect in an armed robbery at a Jimmy John’s restaurant the day before. A retired major with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department had seen video of the robbery broadcast on the news and saw Rayford – who appeared to be the robbery suspect – driving in the area of 40 Highway and Crysler in Independence.

Independence police officers responded to the area and stopped Rayford’s vehicle. When they ordered him to get out of his vehicle, officers found the Witness-P .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun lying on the driver’s side floorboard. Rayford was arrested and his vehicle towed. During an inventory of the vehicle, the Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun was found in the back pouch of the front passenger seat.

Rayford told investigators he had stolen both of the handguns from his source of supply for crack cocaine, to whom he owed money.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rayford has numerous felony convictions for first degree armed robbery and he was on parole at the time of the alleged offense.

Larson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.

Central Oklahoma wins MIAA softball tournament

Posted on

EDMOND, Okla. – Central Oklahoma won their first MIAA Tournament Championship as the defeated Emporia State 10-6 at Broncho Field in Edmond, Okla.

UCO jumped out to an early lead as in the top of the first Tori Collet and Carli Jones had RBI singles to make it a 2-0 lead. Ashleigh Tramel would follow that up with a grand slam making it a 6-0 lead after the Broncho first.

The Hornets would answer immediately in the bottom of the first as Jacie Stephens reached on a fielders choice driving home MaKenna Davis. Annie Rockley and Stephens would score later on the same play as they took advantage of a throwing error.

The Bronchos would get a run back as Morgan Heard homered to left field making it a 7-3 lead. The Hornets would cut the lead to one in the bottom of the fifth inning as Davis tripled to right center driving home Caitlin VanVleck. Hailey Cope would follow that up with a an RBI single through the left side plating Davis. Stephens would drive home the third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly that brought Rockley home.

UCO would grab some insurance runs in the top of the sixth inning as Tramel doubled to right center plating Brooke Zukerman. Lexi Watson would then hit a line-drive home run to left center field bring Tramel home.

Tramel was two for three with two runs scored and five driven in while Heard finished three for four with two runs scored and one driven in. Jayden Chestnut got the win for UCO working a complete game and striking out four.

UCO earns the MIAA’s automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament while all other teams will await the announcement of the field on Monday, May 8 at 9 a.m. on ncaa.com.

MIAA

Catholic university in Kansas plans LGBTQ group

Posted on

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A private Catholic university in Kansas is planning to offer a support group for its LGBTQ students, using a model implemented at Notre Dame.

Newman University in Wichita says the group was formed in response to a growing interest to recognize diversity on campus. The group, called “Kaleidoscope,” met this semester but will officially launch next school year.

The Wichita Eagle reports Newman students tried unsuccessfully to form a LGBTQ group in the past. The growing interest prompted formation of committee, which worked over the summer and fall last year.

The club must not contradict Catholic teaching that LGBTQ students should be chaste because sex is condoned only in marriage between a man and woman.

The group will hold supportive meetings and plan events that recognize LGBTQ students.

Concrete patching will close portions of Hays streets this week

Posted on

Beginning Monday, Pershing Drive will be closed between 21st and 23rd streets with work continuing down to 20th Street. The concrete patching is in conjunction with the 2017 Street Maintenance Projects. This section of the project is scheduled to be completed within two weeks, pending weather conditions.

Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and, if at all possible, avoid these areas.

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, call the Public Works Planning, Inspection, and Enforcement Division at 628-7310 or the contractor, Sweeney’s Pavement Maintenance, at 639-3919 or 432-0772.

Kansas judges back off effort to keep jurors’ names secret

Posted on

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas judges are backing off an effort to shield jurors’ names in a compromise with transparency advocates who hope to avoid court secrecy.

The Kansas District Judges Association will still seek to keep jurors’ addresses secret under its compromise with the Kansas Press Association. Lawmakers had approved the original bill, but the measure can still be changed before getting final legislative approval.

Transparency advocates had warned that the original effort was part of what they see as a growing trend across the U.S. toward anonymous juries. States where courts don’t have to release jurors’ names include California, Indiana and Oklahoma.

Kansas judges said they want to protect jurors from harassment and stop a “chilling effect” potential jurors’ feel when they have to disclose their information for the public record.

Michael R. Strohl

Posted on

screen-shot-2017-04-30-at-12-41-45-pmMichael R. Strohl, 64, died April 28, 2017, at Pratt.

He was born Jan. 18, 1953, at Nashville, Kansas the son of Richard I. and Josephine Freund. A resident of St. Leo most of his life, he was farmer.

Michael was a member of the St. Leo Catholic Church.

On March 3, 1973, he married Rita Weber. Other survivors include 3 sons and their wives, Frank and Erin, Kevin and Jodi, and Keith and Megan; 2 daughters and their husbands Cheri and Heath Dorzweiler and Vicki and Landon Oldham; a brother Joe; sisters Lucille Strohl and Carol Miles; 7 grandsons Jaden Richard, Zachary Logan, Tate Michael, Devin Michael, Carson Richard, Bentley Michael and Jace Tilden; 2 granddaughters Shelby Jo and Morgan Renee; and step-grandsons Brent Michael, Logan Ray and Daylen Andrew. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Tom.

Parish rosary will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday (today) at the Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, at the St. Leo Catholic Church. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to rosary time at the funeral home. Burial will be in the St. Leo Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made with the St. Leo Catholic Church or Interim Hospice, both in care of the funeral home.

Jeffrey P. Mason

Posted on

WAKEENEY — Jeffrey P. Mason, 54, of WaKeeney, passed away Friday, April 28, 2017, at his home. Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, is handling arrangements.

UPDATE: More roads closed in northwest Kansas, including I-70 at Hays

Posted on

KDOT

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed the following roads in Northwest Kansas:
• I-70 from Hays to the Colorado border
• U.S. 24 from Colby to Hoxie
• U.S. 36 from Atwood to Norton
• U.S. 40 from Oakley to the Colorado border
• U.S. 83 south of the Nebraska state line
• K-9 west of the Norton/Decatur county line
• K-25 south of the Nebraska state line
• K-27 south of the U.S. 36 junction
• K-117 north of the U.S. 36 junction
• K-383 from the U.S. 83 junction to the west U.S. 36 junction

For up-to-date information on road closures and road conditions, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas, or check travel information online at www.kandrive.org.

May 4 reception to honor FHSU faculty for tenure and promotions

Posted on

fhsu limestone entrance signFHSU University Relations and Marketing

Promotions and grants of tenure for faculty members at Fort Hays State University will be celebrated at a reception at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 4, in the Stouffer Lounge of Memorial Union.

Ten faculty members were granted tenure and promoted to the listed academic rank. The changes take effect with the next academic year.

Tenured and promoted

Dr. Suzanne Becking, associate professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. LeAnn Brown, associate professor of management.
Dr. Clifton D. Clark III, associate professor of physics.
Dr. Arvin Cruz, associate professor of chemistry.
Dr. Grady Dixon, professor of geosciences.
Joel Dugan, associate professor of art and design.
Dr. J. April Park, associate professor of psychology.
Dr. Steven Tam, associate professor of management.
Dr. James Ward, associate professor of applied business studies.
Dr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of geosciences.

Eleven faculty members were promoted to the listed academic rank.

Promoted

Dr. Keith Dreiling, professor of mathematics.
Dr. Conchita Espino-Bravo, associate professor of modern languages.
Dr. David Fitzhugh, associate professor of health and human performance.
Jason Harper, senior lecturer in English.
Dr. Greg Kandt, professor of health and human performance.
Dr. Richard Lisichenko, professor of geosciences.
Dr. Mary Martin, professor of applied business studies.
Dr. Robert Moody, professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Paul Nienkamp, associate professor of history.
Dr. Kenny Rigler, associate professor of applied technology.
Dr. Lanee Young, professor of mathematics.

KDA grant supports disposal of orphaned pesticide

Posted on

 

pesticide-safety-extensionKDA

MANHATTAN ­­— The Kansas Department of Agriculture pesticide and fertilizer program recently received a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Air to aid in the disposal of orphaned pesticide products. The grant was made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7. The grant extends over a two-year period for a total of $75,000.

Orphaned pesticide products are herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides and fungicides that can no longer be offered for sale in Kansas. This can include partially used products owned by private citizens, unsold products at retailers, or unused/partially used products owned by an applicator. Disposal of these products must be done at your local Household Hazardous Waste facility (HHW). Although the HHW will often take pesticide waste at no charge from an individual or at little to no charge from a business, sometimes the cost of disposal for the facility is too great or the facility is not permitted to take that particular type/kind of waste. The grant is available for those instances when the HHW will not take the waste for these reasons.

The orphaned pesticide waste grant applies to waste from homeowners, farmers, ranchers, retailers, businesses or other private individuals. The waste must be taken to the HHW; funds are dispersed either to the HHW or to the waste contractor. Grant funds can also pay for the disposal of abandoned pesticide waste left on property that was sold or waste that was dumped or abandoned. The grant period began in December 2016, and a total of $16,000 has been awarded so far.

To apply for funds to dispose of orphaned pesticide waste, contact the KDA pesticide and fertilizer program at (785) 564-6688 or email product registration specialist Judy Glass at [email protected]. You will need to complete a form and receive approval before disposing of waste. This grant helps KDA fulfill its mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the customers they serve, while protecting natural resources and promoting public health and safety.

UPDATE: Police arrest 2 in 86-year-old Kan. man’s stabbing death

Posted on
Crime scene in the 800 block of N. Chautauqua -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a fatal stabbing and have made two arrests.

Police booked an 18-year-old woman for murder and robbery and a 28-year-old man for murder, robbery, forgery, and resist, according to a social media report from police.

Investigators are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this homicide. No additional details were released early Sunday.

Just before 4p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a home in the 800 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita.  They found the home owner Otto Meyer, an 86-year-old male from Wichita dead from multiple stab wounds, according to a social media report.

At the time, police needed help in locating the victim’s stolen 1989 Chevy, two toned, maroon top and silver on bottom extended cab long bed pickup with Kansas tag 320JWN.

————-

SEDGWICK COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Sedgwick County are investigating a fatal stabbing and need help to locate a vehicle.

Just before 4p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a home in the 800 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita.  They found the home owner Otto Meyer, an 86-year-old man from Wichita dead from multiple stab wounds, according to a social media report.

Police need help in locating the victim’s stolen 1989 Chevy, two toned, maroon top and silver on bottom extended cab long bed pickup with Kansas tag 320JWN.

If you see the stolen truck, please contact 911.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File