FORD COUNTY — A man who served as a firefighter in southwest Kansas died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Ford County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2016 Ford Explorer driven by Caleb Matthew Douglas, 28, Minneola, was northbound on U.S. 283 three miles north of Minneola.
Douglas attempted to overtake and pass a northbound 2008 Dodge Ram driven by James Morley Young, 20, Minneola. The Ford struck a southbound Freightliner semi driven by Sofia Esther Ponce, 57, El Paso, Texas, head-on. Debris from the collision then struck the Dodge.
Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Zeigler Funeral Chapel. He had served with the Minneola Fire Department in Clark County for almost three years.
Ponce was transported to the hospital in Dodge City. Young was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Today A slight chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle before 4pm, then a slight chance of snow and freezing drizzle between 4pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of snow after 5pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 29 by 5pm. Windy, with a north wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight A 20 percent chance of snow before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 15. North northwest wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 30. North northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.
FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking for assistance to locate a suspect.
Just before 10p.m. Monday, police responded to the 1200 block of Longbranch Street in Dodge City for a report of an Aggravated Burglary, according to a media release.
Upon further investigation, officers and detectives discovered more crimes had occurred and there were two adult victims.
A suspect was identified as Hector Michael Baca-Sanchez.
He is currently wanted for the alleged crimes of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence, Battery Domestic Violence, Criminal Damage, and Theft.
Baca-Sanchez was last seen driving a white GMC Sierra 1500 Pick Up truck, single cab with Kansas plates 623 DPJ.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Dodge City Police Department at 620-225-8126 or Ford County Communications at 620-227-4646.
TOPEKA – Kansas Secretary of Corrections Joe Norwood today presented a proposal to rebuild Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) to the Legislative Budget Committee. This presentation is the latest in a series related to the construction project at LCF, as the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) seeks legislative approval of the project.
The current LCF facility includes a medium unit built in the 1980s, as well as the original maximum unit that dates to the 1860s. KDOC is proposing that a modern facility be built where the medium facility is currently located.
During the 2017 Legislative Session, the KDOC presented the project concept to the House Transportation & Public Safety Budget Committee on February 8, the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee on March 6, the House Appropriations Committee on March 14, and to the Joint Committee on State Building Construction on March 16.
A budget proviso set forth the process by which the Department requested bids from vendors and moved forward with seeking approval from the legislature for the preferred bid. This proviso specifically authorizes the Department to seek bids for projects only at the site of the current facility in Lansing. It also specifically mandates that the KDOC operate the facility.
With the passage of the 2017 Omnibus Budget Bill, the legislature granted the Department authorization to pursue bond-financing or lease-purchase agreement. In addition to the proviso, the Legislative Post Audit Committee also examined the funding mechanisms available, using assumption-based models.
With assistance from the Department of Administration Office of Procurement and Contracts, the KDOC issued the Request for Proposal in accordance with KSA 75-31,102. Two bids were received, both funded by the lease-purchase funding mechanism. KDOC chose to move forward with the lower bid, submitted by CoreCivic.
CoreCivic proposes to design and construct the new LCF facility within 24 months using Kansas companies. The plan encompasses a net savings of $23.6 million over the life of the lease with staff and building efficiency as the primary drivers. The new construction would replace the deteriorating facility that is inefficient to operate and maintain.
A modernized facility at LCF would allow for efficiency and security upgrades. KDOC currently spends 46 percent of its Capital Improvements Budget on the LCF. The current design of LCF requires an inordinate number of staff for a facility of its size—a demand that the Lansing community struggles to meet, as evidenced by the nearly 20% vacancy rate. The improved working conditions offered by a modern facility will be safer for staff and more attractive to prospective employees.
The proposed agreement with CoreCivic is a 20-year lease term. The facility will revert to the ownership of the State after 20 years at no additional cost. The annual lease payment is $14.9 million with 1.94% escalator, payments that can be made with the savings gained from reduced staffing levels.
The current design of LCF calls for 506 uniformed and 176 non-uniformed staff, at a cost of over $37 million per year. The new design would require 287 uniformed and 84 non-uniformed staff, at just over $20 million.
The proposed design would allow LCF to consolidate many services. Three existing compounds that currently provide duplicated services would be consolidated into two compounds. The new facility would combine the kitchens, dining rooms, clinics, and program areas of the current medium and maximum-security sections of LCF, reducing the number of posts to staff those areas.
CoreCivic is responsible for maintenance of LCF, and is tasked with maintaining a replacement schedule on all capital assets (which includes life cycle replacements and emergency repairs and replacements). The leaser would also covers cost overruns, and lease payments do not start until occupancy.
The proposed facility design includes:
Two housing units: a 1,920-bed maximum and medium unit and a 512-bed minimum unit
75% of the cells are 2-person units, 25% are 4-person units
Medical Services (improved design for aging population) Food Service, Spiritual Life, and Staff Support areas
Indoor and outdoor recreation areas, ample site circulation and parking, and improved lighting and security
Modern utility systems that provide significant cost and energy savings
Capacity for future expansion
Local maintenance staff, locksmiths, and professional services
Energy saving shell design with top-of-the-line roofing system, and highly insulated walls systems
Security systems include triple-biased magnetic door switches, and enhanced video surveillance systems
A layout design which controls the movement of the inmate population
Bartlett Grain Co. elevator in Atchison following the accident
ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) – The federal government has sharply reduced the fines facing a Kansas City-based company after a grain elevator explosion killed six people and injured two others in northeast Kansas.
A pending settlement would require Bartlett Grain Co. to pay $182,000 in fines, safety audits and improvements at its 20 grain handling facilities in six states.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration had proposed $406,000 in fines after the October 2011 explosion in Atchison.
The Kansas City Star reports the agreement must still be approved by an administrative law judge.
Kansas investigators previously determined the grain dust explosion was accidental. Federal investigators have declined to file any criminal charges.
OSHA said previously that the deaths could have been prevented had operators addressed known industry hazards.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback argues as he prepares to leave office that his experiment in aggressive tax-cutting pioneered a national debate over helping small business owners.
He said during a year-end interview with The Associated Press that what Kansas did on taxes influenced Congress and other states even if his home-state lawmakers rolled back the cuts.
The conservative Republican governor predicted that other states will look at lowering personal income taxes for small business owners. He pointed to provisions of a GOP federal tax overhaul as a sign that the idea has taken root.
Brownback is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Looking ahead, he said he believes religious liberty issues are more visible globally and “the time is right” to focus on them.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery.
Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, police officers were dispatched to a residence to contact a man who reported being robbed at gunpoint at Stone Lake around 6:30 a.m.
The victim told police he made arrangements to meet someone at Stone Lake to sell property that he had advertised online.
When the suspect arrived at Stone Lake, a black male, wearing dark clothing, pulled a handgun on the victim and demanded his property. The victim gave his property to the individual and was not injured.
The black male got into a red or brown, late 1990s Chevy Silverado pickup that was driven by a white male. The vehicle was last seen northbound on Washington, away from the area.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.
First responders on the scene of the fatal accident-photo courtesy KWCH
BEL AIRE, Kan. (AP) — Officials say a man who was working inside a trench when tons of dirt fell on him has died.
The collapse happened Wednesday morning in the Wichita suburb of Bel Aire.
Bel Aire Police Chief Darrell Atteberry said the man was at the bottom of the trench when between 16 and 20 tons of dirt shifted and fell on top of him.
Workers tried for hours to rescue the man, including digging with heavy equipment and their hands to reach him.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is on the scene investigating.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A professional racecar driver who lives in Leawood was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of failing to report millions in income from payday lending business he owned, according to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall. The defendant’s accountant was indicted, too.
Scott Tucker, 55, Leawood, Kan., is charged with one count of filing a false tax return, and W. Brett Chapin, 46, Shawnee, Kan., is charged with aiding in the filing of a false tax return.
The indictment alleges that in 2008 Tucker orchestrated a sham sale of his company CLK Management to the Miami tribe for $120,000. In fact, Tucker continued to control CLK and a new entity, AMG Services, Inc.
After the sale, other people and entities were listed as owners of Tucker’s payday lending businesses. In fact, Tucker controlled the daily operations of those business. He was the source of funds being lent and he bore the risk of loans not being repaid.
Tucker’s payday lending businesses included Ameriloan, Cash Advance, One Click Cash, Preferred Cash Loans, United Cash Loans, US FastCash, 500 FastCash, Advantage Cash Services and Star Cash Processing.
Chapin was a CPA who prepared Tucker’s tax returns for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. On Oct. 19, 2009, Tucker signed a 2008 tax return prepared by Chapin that failed to report more than $42.5 million in income from Tucker’s payday lending businesses. On Oct. 20, 2011, Tucker signed a 2010 tax return prepared by Chapin that failed to report more than $75 million in income from Tucker’s payday lending businesses.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Filing a false tax return: Up to three years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aiding and abetting the filing of a false tax return: Up to three years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask are prosecuting.
Norton resident Mary L. Keith passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Whispering Pines in Norton at the age of 91. She was born Jan. 9, 1926 in Norton County, the daughter of John and Ruth (Shewey) Saathoff.
Survivors include her son Ed of Almena; two daughters, Josephine Murphy of Wilson Lake, KS and Diana Greving of Prairie View, KS; 10 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sat. Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the Norton Christian Church Pastor Darrel Boston officiating. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at the Norton Christian Church.
Memorials have been established to Whispering Pines.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
First responders on the scene of Wednesday’s fatal Reno Co. crash-photo courtesy KAKE
RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Wednesday in Reno County,
The Reno County Sheriff’s office reported a 2013 Peterbilt semi hauling milk and driven by Kenneth Lee Batchelete, 61,Butler, Missouri man was eastbound on U.S. 50 one mile west of South Hutchinson.
The semi hit an eastbound passenger car driven by Donald R. Schardein, 89, Partridge.
Both drivers were trapped inside their vehicles, according to Sheriff Randy Henderson. The Schardein was pronounced dead at the scene. Batchelete was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Cause of the accident is still under investigation.
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RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Wednesday in Reno County,
The Reno County Sheriff’s office reported a 2013 Peterbilt semi hauling milk and driven by 61-year-old Butler, Missouri man was eastbound on U.S. 50 one mile west of South Hutchinson.
The semi hit an eastbound passenger car driven by an 89-year-old Reno County man.
Both drivers were trapped inside their vehicles, according to Sheriff Randy Henderson. The Reno County man was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi driver was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Cause of the accident is still under investigation.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock Touchdown Club and Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP announced the finalists for the fifth annual Cliff Harris Award on Wednesday (Dec. 20). Fort Hays State senior defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd is a finalist for the award.
This award is presented to the nation’s top small college defensive player representing almost 500 colleges and universities from NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges. A prestigious selection committee made up of former college and pro football greats will select the winner. In addition to the Cliff Harris Award overall winner, the top vote getter from each division will be announced. The Cliff Harris Award winner will be announced on December 23 and honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet on January 11, 2018, featuring guest speaker Marcus Allen. The winner will receive the Cliff Harris Award trophy presented by Cliff Harris. The inaugural winner of the award in 2013 was Lindenwood University cornerback Pierre Desir. The 2014 winner was Darius Allen of Colorado State University-Pueblo and the 2015 winner was Marqui Christian of Midwestern State University. Last year, Lindenwood’s Connor Harris received the award.
Shepherd was the 2017 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, making it two straight years a player from FHSU earned the distinction. He already received All-America honors from the AFCA (first team) and Associated Press (second team) for the 2017 season. He helped FHSU to its first-ever MIAA Championship as the Tigers posted a perfect 11-0 record in regular season play. Shepherd finished the year with 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks, but constantly disrupted offenses by drawing double and triple teams on the line.
In his three years at Fort Hays State, Shepherd amassed 168 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. He is an All-America selection for the second straight year after earning an honorable mention nod from the Don Hansen Football Committee last year. He is a three-time All-MIAA selection, earning first team this year, second team in 2016, and third team in 2015.
Shepherd will compete in two prestigious all-star games in January. He will participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, played at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 20. That game will air nationally on Fox Sports 1. A week later on January 27, he will participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Alabama. That game will air on NFL Network.
SALINE COUNTY —Two Salina women are accused of calling in a fake shooting and then faking a medical emergency while attempting to elude police during a pursuit.
Just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, a Salina police officer recognized a 1998 Buick Century belonging to 41-year-old Kelly Rose Vermillion of Salina. The officer attempted to stop the Buick near the intersection of Ohio and Iron Street, according to Police Capt. Paul Forrester.
The officer was able to identify Vermillion and knew she did not have a valid driver’s license, according Forrester.
Vermillion traveled south on Ohio, turning west on Edison, north on YMCA Drive, west on Kenwood Park Drive, west on Prescott and then north on Santa Fe.
While the officer was in pursuit, dispatch received a 911 call of shots fired at Casey’s General Store, located at 500 North Ohio. The reporting party told dispatch that a man had shot another man at the store.
Several officers responded to the store, talking to customers and employees but found no evidence of a shooting.
Vermillion finally stopped in the Salina Regional Health Center parking lot where she told the pursing officer that her passenger 39-year-old Mendy Befort was unresponsive.
Before-photo Saline Co.
The officer pulled Befort from the vehicle and medical staff began chest compressions. Capt. Forrester said that Befort pretended to be unresponsive for a short period of time until she was examined by medical staff and released.
Befort had a felony warrant. She was also in possession of the phone used to call in the shooting at Casey’s, according to Capt. Forrester.
Police seized 22 grams of methamphetamine, seven grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia found in the car.
Vermillion was arrested for felony flee and elude, felony interference with law enforcement and multiple drug charges.
Befort was arrested for her active district court warrant, giving a false alarm and interference with law enforcement.
FORD COUNTY — A man who served as a firefighter in southwest Kansas died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Ford County.
