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Month: September 2017

2 Kansas teens jailed after crash in stolen SUV

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Haymond (courtesy photo) was listed in a missing person report by police on Sept. 22.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stolen vehicle and have made an arrest.

Just before 4:30 Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to report of an injury accident at the intersection of Center and First in New Cambria, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan

Kimberly Potts, 46, New Cambria, told deputies she was stopped at the stop sign on Center Street when a vehicle came from the west at a high rate of speed. The driver attempted to turn south on Center and struck the front of her 2002 Dodge Dakota. The vehicle then drove off. 

While deputies were working the accident, an 81-year-old New Cambria woman reported that her 2009 Nissan Pathfinder was stolen from her driveway. 

She told deputies two teenagers came to her house around 2 a.m., asking for her grandson, who no longer lives at her residence. The boys told the woman that they did not have any place to stay, so she invited them to spend the night. She contacted authorities a couple hours later after she discovered that the boys and the car were missing. 

Sheriff Soldan said that the woman was familiar with the boys and provided names. Authorities caught up with them in the community of Solomon a short time later. They told deputies that they had returned the Pathfinder. Deputies the vehicle at the residence with damage to the front and driver’s side.

Deputies took Calob Haymond, 15, and Benny Garza, 14, both of Solomon into custody for deprivation of property. Haymond, who was driving, could face additional charges, according to Sheriff Soldan. 

A private vehicle transported Potts to Salina Regional Health Center.

Haymond and Garza are being held at North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City, according to Soldan.

KC man who said ‘I won’ after wife’s murder gets life in prison

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Santamaria Jr. -photo Clay Co.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who declared “I won” after killing his wife has been sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

A Clay County jury in August convicted 45-year-old Thomas Santamaria Jr. of first-degree murder in the beating and strangulation death of his 50-year-old wife, Yuvett Santamaria.

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel White said video and audio recordings taken when Santamaria was being led away from the crime scene show him telling an acquaintance “I won.”

The victim was found dead on a bedroom flood in March 2015. Her husband was asleep in the bed in the same room.

The Kansas City Star reports trial testimony indicated Santamaria suspected his wife was having an affair and wanted a divorce.

Kansas first responders recognized for Hurricane Harvey deployment

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Crews in Salina preparing to deploy Aug. 31 to Hurricane Harvey (Photo courtesy Salina Fire Dept.)

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Governor Brownback and Lt. Governor Colyer on Wednesday recognized water rescue teams from agencies across Kansas who were deployed to Texas to assist in recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey

The ceremony took place on the South capitol steps, and was followed by a reception at Cedar Crest that included the teams and their families.

The search and rescue teams, comprised of over 50 individuals from 16 different agencies across the state, deployed to Texas on Aug. 30 to assist with the floods after Hurricane Harvey. In addition to personnel, the deployment included hard bottomed, air, and inflatable boats. They all returned to Kansas on Sept. 5.

“We are proud of these individuals who were ready and willing to help when called upon. They were prepared with specialized swift water rescue training that allowed them to be of service in this unique kind of disaster. We thank them for their talents, abilities, and willingness to help others,” said Brownback.

The crews engaged in search and transportation operations for people and animals stranded by flood waters. Kansas search and rescue swift-water/flood teams, along with teams from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, worked mostly in Katy, Texas, with teams from Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Missouri. Collectively, 15 strike teams consisting of five boat squads combined for a total of 75 water assets. Kansas strike teams searched close to 1,200 structures and evacuated 27 individuals. In total, the joint operation resulted in over 4,000 structures searched and over 100 evacuations. The teams also worked on other small assignments and were on standby as needed.

“What these brave men and women accomplished in serving our neighbors in Texas is a remarkable feat of collaboration and caring,” said Colyer. “They have represented our state well and we thank them for serving.”

“I am proud of the men and women from the many different Kansas organizations who did not hesitate when called upon for hurricane relief,” said Maj.Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas adjutant general. “I am especially proud that the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which guides the coordination of all these resources across the country is once again being managed right here in Kansas by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

“I would also like to remind Kansans that September is Preparedness Month. Though there are numerous skilled, courageous responders such as these, it is everyone’s responsibility to be prepared at home for an emergency. If you need information about what your family can do to be prepared, please visit www.ksready.gov.”

Agencies involved were: The Kansas Adjutant General’s Office, Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Chanute Fire Department, Derby Fire Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, South Hutchinson Police Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Mission Township Fire Department, Neodesha Fire Department, Newton Fire/EMS, Parsons Fire Department, Pittsburg Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Sedgwick County Fire District #1, Shawnee Fire Department, and Winfield Fire/EMS.

New state command senior enlisted leader for JFH KNG

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KAG

TOPEKA – Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, announced the selection of Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams as the state command senior enlisted leader for Joint Forces Headquarters, Kansas National Guard, Topeka. Williams replaces Command Chief Master Sgt. James Brown, who is leaving the position to become the command senior enlisted leader for Joint Force Civil Support, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

In this role, Williams, will be the primary advisor to the adjutant general of Kansas on all matters pertaining to the enlisted force. He currently serves as the state command chief master sergeant for Joint Forces Headquarters, North Carolina National Guard, and will begin his duties in Kansas Oct. 2.

“I am pleased to announce the selection of Chief Master Sgt. Williams, who brings with him an impeccable record and leadership experience that will benefit the Kansas National Guard,” said Tafanelli. “This position carries great responsibility and I am confident that he is the right person to join our team.”

“I am looking forward to serving the Citizens, Airmen and Soldiers of the state of Kansas,” said Williams. “Chief Master Sgt. James Brown has laid a great foundation for the enlisted Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard and I look forward to the opportunity of building upon his legacy.”

“It has been my absolute honor to serve the citizens of Kansas and the soldiers and airmen as their command senior enlisted leader for the Kansas Guard,” said Brown. “It is comforting to know I am leaving our most valuable assets, our enlisted warriors, in the capable hands of this tremendous Airmen, Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams.”

Williams entered the North Carolina Air National Guard in 1987 and graduated from the Air Transportation Specialist course at Shepard Air Force Base, Texas, in 1988. During his career, he has served in a number of command positions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.

His military education includes the Noncommissioned Officer Prep Course, Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Course, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Course, Air National Guard Chief Executive Course, Chief Leadership Course, Command Chief Orientation Course, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, and numerous other professional courses.

Williams earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in businesses administration from Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama.

Williams’ military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, North Carolina National Guard Meritorious Unit Citation, North Carolina Adjutant General’s Meritorious Achievement Service Ribbon and North Carolina National Guard State Service Ribbon.

Consumer alert: Know the signs of water-damaged vehicles

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KID

TOPEKA— Officials say that within the next two months vehicles will appear for sale from unscrupulous sellers that are the result of water damage from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Kansas consumers should check the backgrounds of vehicles they may consider purchasing, said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.

“The time is coming when the adage ‘let the buyer beware’ will become ever more important when it concerns buying a used vehicle,” said Commissioner Selzer. “A common-sense approach to inspecting a vehicle is needed now, because some flood-or-hurricane-damaged vehicles may be making their way to Kansas car lots from Texas or Florida.”

Commissioner Selzer and Kansas Insurance Department staff members urge prospective vehicle buyers to get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. This will tell if the vehicle has been in a flood, a crash or a fire. Also, buyers should consider taking the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an inspection prior to purchase.

The Commissioner also recommends checking these possible signs of vehicle water damage:

  • Water stains under the carpet
  • Corrosion around electrical wiring
  • A musty odor
  • A water mark in the engine compartment

New members inducted into local DAR chapter

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Diana Crouch, chapter vice regent; new members Judy Sherard, Deb Becker and Sheena Scalph, and Donna Schmidt, chapter chaplain.

Three new members were inducted Sept. 16, 2017 into the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Pictured are Diana Crouch, chapter vice regent with new members Judy Sherard, Deb Becker and Sheena Scalph, and Donna Schmidt, chapter chaplain.

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in April 1926 with members from Ellis, Russell, Trego and Ellsworth counties. Its current goals stress membership growth, conservation, American History and Good Citizenship Awards to further the education and historic values of youth. The chapter focuses on U.S. flag presentations, supporting patriotism throughout the nation and supporting troops in Project Patriot.

The chapter name was derived from the ancestors of the two ladies instrumental in organizing the chapter, Coral Courtney Carter, whose ancestor was Thomas Courtney from Virginia and Mary Lois Ruppenthal, a descendant of Ezekiel Spalding from Massachusetts.

–SUBMITTED

Lifted: Boil Water Advisory for Rush Co. RWD 1

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Rush County Rural Water Dist. 1

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for Rush County Rural Water District 1 in Rush County. The advisory was issued earlier this month because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the Rush County Rural Water District 1 indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

Tyson considers new location for chicken plant in Kansas

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Members of Gov. Sam Brownback’s Cabinet are working to find a new home for a $300 million Tyson Foods chicken plant in Kansas.
STEPHEN KORANDA / KPR

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Saline County commissioners are supporting an effort to bring a Tyson chicken plant to Cloud County and Concordia.

The commissionon Tuesday signed a letter in support of the $300 million project. The letter says the plant would benefit the entire region because Tyson will invest $100 million to help farmers and ranchers raise poultry.

Tyson was planning to build the plant near Tonganoxie but put those plans on hold after fierce opposition from nearby residents. On Sept. 19, the Leavenworth County Commission rescinded an offer for $500 million in industrial bonds for the plant because of the opposition.

Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration had pledged an undisclosed amount of tax breaks to persuade Tyson to locate on a 300-acre site south of Tonganoxie.

NWKAAA meeting about Medicare and ACA Oct. 4

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Learn about Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, Wednesday, October 4, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main Street. Refreshments will be provided.

This event is sponsored by the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

For more information, call Glenna Clingingsmith, NWKAAA, at 785-628-8204.

Western Kansas man held on $500K bond for fatal shooting

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SCOTT COUNTY — A western Kansas man accused in a September 22, shooting death in  Scott County made a first court appearance Wednesday.

Rene Inguanza, 50, of rural Scott County, is charged with Aggravated Battery and First-Degree Murder, according to Undersheriff Jeff Pounds.

Just after 10p.m. on September 22, deputies responded to report of a shooting at a rural residence in Scott County, according to the sheriff’s department.

They located 44-year-old Darryn Rodenberg dead from a gunshot wound. Deputies found Inguanza in a pickup approximately one-half mile from Rodenberg’s residence and arrested him without incident.

An investigation revealed that Inguanza was angry and accused Rodenberg of selling drugs to his son, according to Pounds. During a confrontation Inguanza allegedly shot Rodenberg.

Inguanza remains jailed in Scott County on a $500,000 Bond, according to Pounds.  His next court appearance is scheduled for October 11.

Pallister, Kirkpatrick honored with USD 489 Best of Best awards

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USD 489 Best of the Best Award winner, Craig Pallister, Hays Middle School principal, poses with the Hays school board.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Craig Pallister, Hays Middle School principal, was honored with the Best of the Best Award by the Hays school board Monday night.

Pallister, who has been with the Hays district for 25 years, was nominated by Jerry Braun, HMS gifted teacher.

Braun has been on the staff at the middle school three different times, and he said it was because of Pallister that he wanted to keep coming back.

“I have had many bosses now, and he is the best I have ever had,” Braun said. “Mostly because he doesn’t get in our way. He lets us to our job. He supports us and he gives us the resources we need. He tells us every day from day one that working with students is about caring, compassion and connections. Craig Pallister is someone who practices what he preaches.”

Pallister approached the award with humility, saying, “This is not really my thing being recognized for this, because it is part of my job that I started in this district 25 years ago.”

He thanked Braun, the middle school staff and all the central administration staff he has worked with over the years.

He said he had been blessed with many assistant principals, including Shanna Dinkel, who is now the assistant superintendent of the district.

“I felt as if I should have had teachers, paras, secretaries, coaches, custodians, bus drivers, nurses, counselors and school [psychologists] all up here instead of me,” he said.

He said he went in this weekend and put in about a dozen nominations for the Best of the Best Award for people he really felt strongly about.

Superintendent John Thissen added, “There is a characteristic that we love to have leaders have, and none have it more than you in all the years I have been working in schools, and that is humility. We are very fortunate to have you care for your staff the way that you do.”

USD 489 Best of the Best Award winner Wyatt Kirkpatrick, Lincoln Elementary School fifth-grader, poses with the Hays school board.

Wyatt Kirkpatrick, Lincoln Elementary School fifth-grader, was named this month’s student Best of the Best. He was nominated by teacher Monica Dreiling.

“Wyatt Kirkpatrick comes to school each day with a cheerful attitude and is always willing to learn,” Dreiling said. “He is respectful to adults and peers and listens to directions and is honest. Wyatt actively participates in class and is a self-motivated learner.

“He sets high goals for himself and is willing to ask for help when he needs it. He frequently assists other students in the classroom and gives them encouragement. I am exited to have Wyatt in my classroom. I know he will be a role model for his peers this school year and in the future.”

Kansas man sentenced a second time for child sex crimes

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Pruitt -photo KBI

MEDICINE LODGE –A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 19 years in prison for sex crimes against a child, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Robert E. Livi Pruitt, 26, pleaded guilty in July to one count of attempted rape, one count of aggravated intimidation of a victim and one count of contributing to a child’s misconduct. Judge Francis Meisenheimer sentenced Pruitt to 231 months to be served in the Kansas Department of Corrections. The sentence is to run consecutive to the Jessica’s Law life sentence Pruitt is currently serving.

The crimes were committed in May 2012, before his Jessica’s Law conviction. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant Attorney General Lyndzie Carter of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case.

Pruitt had a previous rape conviction in Barber County in 2014.

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