MITCHELL COUNTY – A 6-year-old Kansas boy died in an accident just after 7p.m. on Thursday in Mitchell County.
The mother, Kay Lynn Lewis, 28, Beloit, was driving her two children to their rural home northeast of Beloit.
Near the home, the children asked if they could run the rest of the way to the house, according to Trooper Ben Gardner with the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The mother saw the older child running ahead of the SUV. When the vehicle continued, she realized the vehicle’s left rear tire hit the younger boy.
Nolan D. Lewis, 6, Beloit, was transported to Mitchell County Hospital where he died.
The accident remains under investigation, according to Garder. However, there is nothing to suggest any charges from this accident.
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MITCHELL COUNTY – A 6-year-old Kansas boy died in an accident just after 7p.m. on Thursday in Mitchell County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Durango driven by Kay Lynn Lewis, 28, Beloit, was traveling in the 3200 block of E Road just west of Charlene Road Northeast of Beloit.
The vehicle’s left rear tire hit Nolan D. Lewis, 6, Beloit, who was running outside the vehicle.
He was transported to Mitchell County Hospital where he died.
208 South Maple in Coffeyville, Kansas -google map
COFFEYVILLE –Law enforcement authorities in Southeast Kansas are investigating a triple murder.
Just after 11:p.m. Thursday, the Coffeyville Police Department requested the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate a fatal shooting in Coffeyville, according to a media release.
When Coffeyville police officers arrived at the residence, 208 S. Maple, three individuals were found deceased. They were 50-year-old Reginald Johnson of Coffeyville, 47-year-old Kimberly Bell of Coffeyville, and a 17-year-old male.
KBI agents arrived at the shooting scene Thursday night and the KBI’s Crime Scene Response Team arrived Friday afternoon to collect and process evidence, and reconstruct the crime scene.
Preliminary information indicates that gunshots were exchanged between two of the individuals. At this time it is not believed any suspects remain at large.
The KBI, the Coffeyville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this crime to determine what events led to the deaths. Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or the Coffeyville Police Department at 620-252-6160.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Washburn University’s board of regents has approved a campus concealed-carry policy.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the board unanimously approved the gun policy without discussion Thursday.
The policy requires campus housing residents to safely secure and conceal handguns from sight on themselves, in their dorm or in the trunk of their car. A student will be subject to criminal charges if the weapon is used improperly.
A Kansas law passed in 2013 allows for keeping concealed guns out of public college and university buildings as long as security is installed at entrances. Washburn officials say making those security enhancements is too costly.
A 2015 Docking Institute of Public Affairs survey shows that 53 percent of Washburn students don’t want concealed weapons on campus.
Location of aggravated robbery-photo Anderson Co. Sheriff
OSAWATOMIE and GARNETT – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that three arrests were made Thursday afternoon in connection to an aggravated robbery incident in Garnett, Kansas.
Just after 11:30 p.m Wednesday, the Garnett Police Department responded to an aggravated robbery report at Papa’s Front Porch Antiques, 618 East 6th in Garnett, according to a media release.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a female victim who had been physically battered and robbed. She was transported to the Anderson County Hospital for serious injuries sustained during the robbery.
On Thursday as a result of investigative efforts by the KBI, the Garnett Police Department, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Osawatomie Police Department, evidence was collected that led to the arrests of Billy Joe Waters, age 43, of Osawatomie, Harold Stults, age 36, of Osawatomie, and Daniel Vannorman, age 30, of Garnett.
Vannorman was arrested in Garnett, and Waters and Stults were arrested at separate locations in Osawatomie. Each arrest took place without incident. All three suspects were booked into the Anderson County Jail for aggravated robbery.
This investigation is ongoing. Requests for further information on this case should be directed to the Anderson County Attorney’s Office.
RILEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public to help find a vehicle.
Just before 2a.m. police responded to a report of a hit and run injury accident that at the intersection of 12thStreet and Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release.
First responders found a pedestrian identified as Amber Wilhelm, 21, Manhattan, suffering from severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Witnesses on scene described a light in color 2011 to 2016 Chevrolet or GMC extended cab pickup truck that hit her and then fled the scene headed westbound on Anderson Avenue.
Interviews with witnesses lead officers to believe there is a chance that the suspect vehicle will only have slight damage to its front end.
Wilhelm was transported to Via Christi and then flown to Stormont Vail where she remains in critical condition, according to police.
Anyone with information on a vehicle matching the description is encouraged to call police at 785-537-2112.
Lifelong Phillipsburg resident Glenn G. Kendall passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE at the age of 73.
He was born August 23, 1943 the son of Clarence & Winifred (Bretton) Kendall. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was an over the road truck driver.
He was united in marriage to Vicki L. Colby on July 17, 1999 in Phillipsburg. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his 3 sons, Jay of Montana, Brian of Canyon, KS & David of Denver, CO; a step-son, Dustin McClurg of Logan, KS; 2 step-daughters, Bonita Slipke of New Almelo, KS & Pamela Karnas of Woodbridge, Virginia; his brother, Wilbur Kendall of Phillipsburg; & 2 sisters, Donna Smith of Tyler, Texas & Alice Searight of Phillipsburg, KS; 2 grandchildren; & 9 step-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2017 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Inurnment with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Friends may sign the book from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services, Inc.
Laina and I wish you a very happy Easter weekend. We hope your time is filled with joy as we reflect upon the risen Lord! In the spirit of focusing on the importance of this Holy Week, we will keep this week’s note short.
Here’s your friendly reminder that I am still in the middle of a Listening Tour of our district. You can see more details here. I hope to see you along the way!
On the Job
Jon Wefald Hall
1st Dist. Congressman Roger Marshall with U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, former K-State President Jon Wefald and K-State football coach Bill Snyder
Earlier this month, Kansas State University dedicated their new student living center: Jon Wefald Hall. It is fitting to name it after a President so dedicated to students. It is an incredible new facility, and named after a man I am proud to call a friend.
It was also great to see Coach Snyder at the grand opening. He took a break from film to see us and he said he is doing great! (Pictured right with Senator Roberts, President Wefald and Coach Snyder)
Visits from Kansas Students
Last week, student government leaders from the University of Kansas (below) and Kansas State University (left) visited my office to talk about a variety of issues. From campus safety to supporting research, we covered a wide range of topics and ideas they had. Most importantly, it was great to get to know these students, and reassuring to know that Kansas is supporting and developing great young leaders.
Prairie Acres current lift station location (Click to enlarge)
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
After years of discussion, the city of Hays and Prairie Acres, a residential development Just west of the city limits on old Highway 40, have reached an agreement to tie the private Prairie Acres sewer lift station into the city’s lift station.
Prairie Acres is a private sewer district. The system connects with the city’s sewer system and has been treated at the wastewater treatment plant since 2004.
The aging Prairie Acres meter has resulted in difficulties for city staff to determine accurate billing. It’s also become very time consuming for the city clerk’s office, according to Jeff Crispin, interim director of water resources.
“Waste water is typically very difficult to measure,” Crispin explained to city commissioners Thursday night. “Due to issues with their meter, staff has been estimating flows and billing quarterly based on ‘outside city’ rates.”
According to Crispin, when the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, 1376 U.S. Highway 183 Bypass, was built in 2011, it was designed to receive Prairie Acres’ sewage and eliminate the Prairie Acres lift station. Staff recognized an opportunity assist Prairie Acres and negotiated a new agreement that brings their system up to date with the city’s current billing practices and rate structures.
105 ft. of sanitary sewer pipe will tie the Prairie Acres sewer system into the sports complex lift station. (Click to enlarge)
The project will require installation of 105 ft. of sanitary sewer pipe and a tie-in of the Prairie Acres sewer system to the sports complex lift station.
“The city is able to pay for this project upfront and Prairie Acres will be billed for the improvements as part of their regular bill. We have a 20-year time frame for payback by Prairie Acres, estimated at about $460 per quarter,” Crispin said. The project was included in the 2016 budget with $30,000 set aside in the Sewer Capital line item.
There are 51 homes, 51 sewer accounts, located in Prairie Acres, 28 of which are on rural water from Trego County.
“Within the last couple of weeks, Trego County Rural Water District has installed automated readers out in Prairie Acres,” Crispin announced. “That allows for all their data to be collected via cellphone tower and submitted into Trego County.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the low bid of $37,352.65 by APAC of Hays.
APAC indicated they would begin work in April and complete the project within five working days. No service interruptions are anticipated during this project.
City Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was absent from the meeting.
Here at the United Way of Ellis County, we want to be fully transparent on letting our donors keep well informed.
On March 14th we held our Annual Meeting where we presented the Annual Report for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. You can view the full report here.
Strategic Highlights
2015 was a year of changes with a new Executive Director, Sherry Dryden, joining the United Way in June. One of the first changes was planning for a true ratio of campaign outcomes to allocations. The CARE Council application process was transitioned during 2016 to the fall/winter from the spring. This allowed opportunity for the CARE Council to determine agency allocations based on actual money raised/pledged instead of hoping the allocations requested would be raised. Grants were sought by the United Way for new opportunities provided to the partner agencies such as leadership training provided through the Kansas Leadership Center.
Financial Highlights
Fiscal years 2014 and 2015 saw a decline in donations with donations reaching below targeted goals for both years. The economy has been challenged during the past two years with Campaign 2016 falling short of goal as in the previous two years however, remaining consistent with 2015.
Progress Highlights
In 2015, the fifteen partner agencies provided over 17,000 services for 18,672 individuals and families. While most agencies saw a reduction in funding from State and Federal monies, they diligently continue to look for additional funding sources.
Looking Ahead
The United Way of Ellis County is looking at the structure for a Community Action model for opportunity to make direct impact through joint agency efforts based on needs assessment.
If you have any questions on what you see in the report please contact us by email: [email protected], phone: (785) 628-8281 or stop in to our office at 205 E. 7th St., Suite 111, in Hays.
We are giving away the hardcover book, An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith that Brought Me Home by Jessi Colter with a copy of her new album, The Psalms.
Listen to Theresa Trapp April 10 – 14, 2017 for chances to call 785-628-2995 and win the book and album.
No age requirement to win.
Winners will need to pick up their books and albums at the KZ Country Studio, 2300 Hall, Hays, KS within 30 days of winning.
Remember, one win per household per 30 days!
Winners: Brandon Kuhn, Pat Sauer, Sandy Keas, Neva Rodgers and Rose Hammersmith
*****
Renowned songwriter, singer, and wife of Waylon Jennings writes an intimate, enormously entertaining memoir of American music, of life with Waylon and the Outlaws, and of faith lost and found.
The daughter of a Pentecostal evangelist and a race-car driver, Jessi Colter played piano and sang in church before leaving Arizona to tour with rock-n-roll pioneer Duane Eddy, whom she married. Colter became a successful recording artist, appearing on American Bandstand and befriending stars such as the Everly Brothers and Chet Atkins, while her songs were recorded by Nancy Sinatra, Dottie West, and others. Her marriage to Eddy didn’t last, however, and in 1969 she married the electrifying Waylon Jennings. Together, they made their home in Nashville which in the 1970s, was ground zero for roots music, drawing Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein, and others to the Nashville Sound. And Jessi was at the center of it all, the only woman on the landmark Wanted: The Outlaws album, the record that launched the Outlaw Country genre and was the first country album to go platinum. She also tasted personal commercial success with the #1-single “I’m Not Lisa.”
But offstage, life was a challenge, as Waylon pursued his addictions and battled his demons. Having drifted from the church as a young woman, Jessi returned to her faith and found in it a source of strength in the turmoil of living with Waylon. In the 1980s, Waylon helped launch the super group The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and the hits kept rolling, as did Waylon’s reckless living. Amid it all, Jessi faithfully prayed for her husband until finally, at Thanksgiving 2001, Waylon found Jesus, just months before he died.
An Outlaw and a Lady is a powerful story of American music, of love in the midst of heartache, and of faith that sustains.
Gretchen Banker, age 74, of Hays, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Hays Medical Center. She was born July 22, 1942 in Topeka, Kansas to Glenn and Mildred (Snow) Banker. She graduated from Russell High School in 1960.
She was a certified Medication Aide and worked for DSNWK. She enjoyed handiwork, sewing, knitting and puzzles.
She is survived by a son, Stu Flegler and wife Kayla and children, Devan and Dylan all of Hays; a daughter, Theresa Geist and husband Anthony of Hays and children, Angela Alvarez of Wichita, Michael Geist of Salina and Matthew Geist of Hays and another daughter, Lorina Dreher and husband Bill of Hays and children, Sharon Crain of Salina and Billy Dreher of Gardner. She is also survived by a brother, Jan Banker of Houston and 17 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be 2 PM Saturday, April 15th at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorials are suggested to the Community Assistance Center.
Condolences may be sent to her guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]
Hays city commissioners heard a review of the city’s 2016 budget audit Thursday evening by Melissa Romme of Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball.
It was completed earlier than usual this year, according to Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp, who thanked city staff for their hard work.
“I appreciate all their help,” Rupp said. Romme also recognized city employees. “If your staff hadn’t helped us, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver the audit report as quickly as we did. We thank them for their time and effort in getting us the reports in a very timely manner.”
One change noted by Romme was an increase in the city’s cash balance.
“If you look at the total cash balance for the city of Hays a year ago (2015), it was at $49 million. And at the end of this year (2016) it was at $53.7 million, up by $4.7 million,” she said. “That’s because you’ve been setting money aside for certain capital projects and you’ve watched what your spending has been.”
Romme said her firm expected the cash amount to go up.
“It’s not because you got a lot of additional revenue. It’s because you’ve controlled your expenditures going into 2016,” she explained.
As required by Kansas statute, the city of Hays hires an outside firm to conduct an annual audit of city finances. The audit represents an unbiased opinion of business practices and the financial soundness of all city funds.
