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21-year-old Kansas felon jailed for weekend shooting death

Mork- photo KDOC

SEDGWICK COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting near Pawnee and Cardington in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Offices found a 31-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his legs.

He told police his friend had been shot at an apartment in the 2200 Block of South Partridge. When officers arrived at the apartment, they could still hear shots being fired, according to Davidson. A few moments later the 21-year-old suspect identified as Jeremiah Mork left the apartment armed with a handgun. Police arrested the suspect without further incident.

When officers entered the apartment, they found a 45-year-old man identified as Randy Gibson dead from multiple gunshot wounds. A 38-year-old woman at the residence was not injured. The 31-year-old was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

An investigation revealed that Gibson, the 31-year-old a 22-year-old man were in the process of moving Gibson’s property from the residence. The 21-year-old suspect appeared shot all of them. The 22-year-old fled the scene but did go to a local hospital later for treatment, according to Davidson.

Mork is being held for First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the Sedgwick County Jail Arrest report.

Mork has 2 previous firearms convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The Latest: White House links bomb, immigration issue

NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the explosion in a New York City subway passageway (all times local):

3 p.m.

A White House spokeswoman says a pipe bomb explosion in New York City’s subway system shows the need for “immigration reform.”

Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that Congress should work with the president, stressing the need to “protect our borders” and calling for a “merit-based” immigration system.

Authorities say a man inspired by the Islamic State group set off a pipe bomb strapped to his body in a subway corridor near Times Square, injuring himself and wounding three others.

Law enforcement officials say the man came to the U.S. from Bangladesh seven years ago with a type of preferential visa for people with relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

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2:15 p.m.

The suspect in a pipe bomb explosion in New York City’s subway system at one point had a license to drive livery cars and for-hire vehicles.

Authorities have identified the attacker as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah. The blast in an underground subway corridor during the Monday morning rush hour injured three people, as well as Ullah.

New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission says records show he had a for-hire license from March 2012 through March 2015. It then expired and wasn’t renewed. At the time, a for-hire license did not allow someone to drive one of the city’s yellow taxis.

The TLC says there are no records to indicate if he actually used the license to work as a car driver.

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1:45 p.m.

New York’s governor says the suspect in a pipe bomb blast in New York City’s subway system may have crafted the device from online instructions, and so far it doesn’t appear to be part of a larger plot.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo told cable news channel NY1 that officials “have reason to believe that this person went to the internet and found out how to make a homemade bomb.”

Authorities identified the attacker as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah. Monday’s explosion injured him, slightly wounded three other people and sent commuters fleeing in terror through a subway corridor near Times Square.

Cuomo says he’s boosting security at high-profile spots statewide. The Democrat also suggests internet companies need to look at the access potential attackers have to what he calls “garbage and vileness” online.

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1:10 p.m.

Law enforcement is stepping up patrols at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority train stations after a pipe bomb went off in a crowded subway corridor in New York City.

Boston police say that while there doesn’t appear to be a specific threat to the area at this time, police are increasing their presence at major MBTA train stations.

MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan says he contacted the Joint Terrorism Task Force and state and local law enforcement agencies in the wake of the Monday explosion.

Sullivan says additional EDU teams— bomb detecting dogs and their handlers —will be deployed through the system.

The crude pipe bomb strapped to a man went off in an underground passageway in the Times Square area during the morning rush hour.

Massachusetts State Police are monitoring the investigation

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12:40 p.m.

Law enforcement officials say the 27-year-old man who set off a pipe bomb in the New York City subway came to the U.S. from Bangladesh seven years ago with a type of preferential visa for people with relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The officials say Akayed Ullah was living in Brooklyn. They say he told investigators Monday he was inspired by the Islamic State group to carry out an attack, but had no direct contact with the terror group. They say he is speaking with investigators from his hospital bed. The suspect had burns on his abdomen and also to his hands

Officials say he assembled the crude device in his apartment. Investigators are talking to witnesses and his family.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the blast.

Bangladesh has been expanding its anti-terror operations after grisly attacks killed dozens of people.

Three others suffered minor injuries in the blast.

—By Colleen Long and Michael Balsamo.

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Noon

The mayor of Paris is expressing support for New York City and those wounded in a pipe bomb explosion in an underground passageway in the Times Square area.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo said Monday that “New York has been by our side each time we have been hit by attacks and threats, and Paris is also by the side of New York.”

Hidalgo, whose city has been hit by multiple attacks in recent years, said she was thinking of New York Mayor Bill De Blasio after Monday’s blast.

Speaking ahead of an international climate summit, she said “when something like that happens in one of our cities, we are all on alert.”

A crude pipe bomb strapped to a man inspired by the Islamic State Group went off in a crowded subway corridor, injuring the man and three others.

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11:55 a.m.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he has ordered extra security at mass transit hubs in his state following the pipe bomb explosion in a passageway near Times Square in Manhattan.

New Jersey Transit buses have resumed normal service Monday into New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.

New York City also has reopened its subways amid heightened city-wide security after a man with a pipe bomb strapped to him caused an explosion in an underground passageway in the Times Square area during the morning rush hour.

Law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press that Akayed Ullah was inspired by the Islamic State Group, but apparently had no direct contact with the terrorist group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the suspect or incident.

The suspect had burns on his abdomen and also to his hands. Three others suffered minor injuries, including headaches and ringing in the ears.

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10:20 a.m.

New York City has reopened its subways amid heightened city-wide security after a man with a pipe bomb strapped to him caused an explosion in an underground passageway in the Times Square area during the morning rush hour.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Joseph Lhota (LOH’-tuh) says trains on the Seventh and Eighth avenue lines were still bypassing the Times Square corridor as the investigation proceeded Monday morning. But he says overall service is back to normal.

Law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press that Akayed Ullah was inspired by the Islamic State Group, but apparently had no direct contact with the terrorist group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the suspect or incident.

Police say he attached the device to his body with Velcro and zip ties.

— By Colleen Long

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10 a.m.

New York City police say they are combing through video of the bombing in the subway system.

They say the suspect meant to set off the bomb, but it’s not clear if he meant to do so in a passageway in the Times Square area where it went off Monday during the morning rush hour.

Twenty-seven-year-old Akayed Ullah is in police custody. Officials say he sustained burns to his abdomen and hands and cuts after the crude pipe bomb exploded.

Law enforcement officials say Ullah was inspired by the Islamic State, but apparently had no direct contact with the terrorist group. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the suspect or incident.

— By Colleen Long

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9:55 a.m.

Police have identified the 27-year-old man who detonated an explosive device strapped to his body in the New York City subway.

Police say Akayed Ullah intentionally exploded the crude device in a passageway under Times Square during the morning rush hour Monday. They say he is in custody. They say the device is a crudely-made pipe bomb.

Authorities called the incident an attempted terrorist attack. Three others suffered minor injuries, including headaches and ringing in the ears.

The suspect had burns on his abdomen and also to his hands.

Law enforcement officials say he was inspired by the Islamic State, but had apparently not had any direct contact with the terror group.

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9:45 a.m.

Police Commissioner James O’Neill says the device that exploded in the New York City subway was a terror-related incident.

A 27-year-old man had a crude pipe bomb strapped to him and it went off in a passageway from Seventh and Eighth Avenues near Times Square.

Three people suffered minor non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was also injured and was taken into custody.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says the device that exploded in the New York City subway was an attempted terrorist attack. He says it’s lucky the suspect didn’t achieve his ultimate goals.

Law enforcement officials say he was inspired by the Islamic State, but had apparently not had any direct contact with the terror group.

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9:40 a.m.

A photo published by the New York Post from the scene of the Manhattan subway explosion shows a bearded man crumpled on the ground with his shirt apparently blown off and a police officer holding the man’s hands behind his back.

Soot covers the man’s bare midriff.

The Fire Department of New York says four people, including the suspect, have been hurt following the pipe bomb explosion at the height of the morning rush hour Monday.

None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a man had a pipe bomb strapped to him when it went off. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the incident.

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9:30 a.m.

The Fire Department of New York says four people, including the suspect, have been hurt following a pipe bomb explosion in a New York City subway at the height of the morning rush hour.

Fire officials say Monday none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Police say the pipe bomb explosion inside the subway happened in an underground passageway between Seventh and Eighth Avenues on 42nd Street.

A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a man had a pipe bomb strapped to him when it went off. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the incident.

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9:15 a.m.

Police say the pipe bomb explosion inside the New York City subway happened in an underground passageway between Seventh and Eighth Avenues on 42nd Street.

The explosion filled the passageway with smoke while it was crowded with throngs of Monday morning commuters.

A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a man had a pipe bomb strapped to him when it went off. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the incident.

The person was arrested and has non-life-threatening injuries. Another person on the platform sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The Port Authority Bus Terminal, the nation’s largest bus hub, was shut down, along with the eight subway lines and all streets around Times Square.

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8:45 a.m.

A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a man had a pipe bomb strapped to him when it went off on a New York City subway platform.

The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. Monday. Details were still developing.

The person was arrested and has non-life-threatening injuries. Another person on the platform sustained non-life-threatening injuries

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has tweeted that President Trump has been briefed on the explosion.

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8:40 a.m.

New Jersey Transit buses headed to the Port Authority Bus Terminal are diverting to other locations following an explosion in New York City.

NJ Transit says buses are taking passengers to Secaucus and Hoboken. From there, they can take trains or PATH into the city.

Trains, PATH, light rail and ferries are honoring bus tickets into New York.

The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. Monday. Details were still developing.

Passengers were evacuated as a precaution from the subway line where the explosion happened, near 40th Street and Eighth Avenue.

A person was arrested and has non-life-threatening injuries.

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8:25 a.m.

A law enforcement official says what is believed to be an explosive device has been set off on Manhattan subway platform.

The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. Monday. Details were still developing.

A person was arrested and has non-life-threatening injuries.

There was no immediate word of any other injuries.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.

Passengers were evacuated as a precaution from the subway line where the explosion happened, near 40th Street and Eighth Avenue.

Fort Hays State softball announces four commitments for 2019 season

HAYS, Kan. – Adrian Pilkington, head softball coach at Fort Hays State, announced the signing of four student-athletes for the 2019 season. All four are currently seniors in high school and will join the Tiger program in the fall of 2018. The four individuals signing with Fort Hays State include Elise Capra, Megan Feiner, Allicyn Harris, and Taylor Humphries.

Capra was an all-state selection and first-team all-region selection as a senior at Erie High School. She was a CCGS All-Star selection and twice earned all-conference honors in her prep career. As a senior, she hit .422 with 17 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs), 31 RBI, and 26 runs scored. She projects to play either catcher or a corner infield position.

Feiner was an all-state selection as a senior at Golden High School. The three-time all-conference selection hit .533 as a senior with 18 extra-base hits (11 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs), while driving in 22 runs and scoring 11. Feiner hit over .400 in her final three seasons of high school. She is also an accomplished snowboarder as she competed for the U.S. Junior Worlds Team in 2017 in the Czech Republic. Feiner has experience as both an infielder and outfielder, along with time at catcher.

Harris was the Texas District 13-5A Utility Player of the Year as a senior at Heritage High School. She was a three-time all-district selection as well. Harris projects to play the middle infield, but also has the ability to move around the field as a utility player.

Humphries was a two-time all-state selection and four-time all-conference selection at Horizon High School. As a senior, she hit .481 with 13 extra-base hits (9 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs), 22 RBI, and 17 runs scored. She projects to play middle infield position.

Name Pos B/T Ht Hometown Previous School
Elise Capra C/INF R/R 5-6 Erie, Colorado (Erie HS)
Megan Feiner UT L/R 5-4 Golden, Colorado (Golden HS)
Allicyn Harris INF/UT R/R 5-7 McKinney, Texas (Heritage HS)
Taylor Humphries INF R/R 5-8 Thornton, Colorado (Horizon HS)

UPDATE: Elephant rescued by Kansas fire department has died

Photos courtesy city of Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka officials say a 35-year-old African elephant at the Topeka Zoo has died.

The elephant, named Shannon, died Monday morning after she was found lying on her side for the second day in a row.

When the 5,500-pound elephant was found on her side Sunday, Topeka fire personnel used a large strap and tripod to help lift her back into an upright position.

Zoo director Brendan Wiley said firefighters were attempting to lift the elephant again Monday morning when she took her last breath.

Wiley said zoo officials are investigating what caused the elephant’s death.

Shannon and Cora, a 59-year-old Asian elephant, arrived at the Topeka Zoo in August 2016 from a traveling elephant program based near Tampa, Florida. They joined two other elephants at the zoo.

——-

By Molly Hadfield

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Four years ago, when the Topeka Zoo’s elephant program was identifying goals for its Geriatric Elephant Management Plan, it identified a need to be able to assist an elephant back up on its feet. With the goal identified, staff began working on a plan to address a down elephant.

Focus at the zoo was placed on developing the ability to lift an elephant anywhere it was down in either the indoor or outdoor habitats. “The first phone call we made was to the fire department,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “They were willing to help.”

A team was assembled for some table top discussions. Around the table were zoo staff, firemen, crane operators, tow truck operators and others that had some experience with lifting heavy awkward
things. Not long after the first meeting in 2013, the fire department brought someone new into the picture – the Animal Search and Rescue team of the Emergency Equine Response Unit. Once or twice a year over the last three years, Topeka Zoo staff, Topeka Fire Department personnel and the Animal Search and Rescue team have trained on different down elephant scenarios. Each training led to enhancements in both equipment and technique. This morning, that training paid off.

When staff arrived at the zoo Sunday morning, Shannon, a 35 year old African elephant, was down. She was lying on her side in an indoor space with the other elephants standing guard. Staff tried to encourage Shannon to stand up. She simply couldn’t do it. At approximately 7:30 this morning, the Down Elephant Emergency Protocol was initiated. Working together the zoo, the Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue Team and the Animal Search and Rescue Team began the process of getting straps under Shannon’s side and attached to a rigging system. A tripod was erected around her. When all was ready, the rigging was attached to a specialized hoist that began to lift Shannon up.

With the majority of Shannon’s body weight off the ground, she was given an enema for rapid hydration. She began to try to get her feet under her and failed. Several attempts later, she was able to stand and support her own weight. At approximately 11:30 this morning, she was released from the straps that had helped her stand.

During the procedure, zoo veterinary staff administered several medications. Staff were able to retrieve blood samples which will hopefully help identify the underlying cause. Shannon will be staying inside for the rest of the day. Currently, she is eating and drinking well but she needs to be kept under close observation.

Elephants typically don’t lay down for extended periods of time in part due to their body mass. In the event where an elephant is sick or injured, if it stays lying down for too long, body processes can begin that may cause the elephant to die. The older an elephant gets, the more concern this causes.

 

“What I witnessed this morning was incredible,” said Wiley. “When I first saw Shannon lying there, I didn’t think she was going to make it. Even with all the preparation we had put into this, I was still amazed by the commitment and determination of our firefighters and colleagues from Animal Search and Rescue. They saved an elephant today.”

Kan. man jailed for alleged kidnapping, assault of 32-year old woman

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged kidnapping and criminal damage to property. Just before 11:30 a.m. Sunday, police arrested Jonathan Norton Kirby, 46, at 4503 Lamont Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department.

Offices listed a 32-year-old woman as the victim. Officers also reported she knew the suspect.

Kirby remains jailed on a $150,000 bond for aggravated kidnaping, aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon and criminal damage to property.

The total loss associated with this case is approximately $600.00, according to the RCPD

Ellis Co. Commission will consider bids on Health Department remodel

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider moving forward with the remodeling of the future home to the county Health Department at Monday’s commission meeting.

In June, the county purchased the property at 2507 Canterbury Drive in Hays with the intention of remodeling the space and moving the Health Department to that location.

Last month, the county posted a bid package, and six bids were received Dec. 4. The commission will consider the bids Monday.

The commission will also continue a discussion on broadcasting the meetings and review and authorize 2017 end-of-year budget transfers.

The Public Building Commission will meet at 5 p.m. with the regular county commission meeting to follow at the County Administrative Center.

Update: 65-year-old held on $150K bond after Kansas meth bust

Ewing-photo Pratt Co.

PRATT COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects in connection with a drug arrest.

photo courtesy Pratt Co. Sheriff

Just after 8 a.m. last Friday, a deputy with the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a routine traffic stop and during the stop, the deputy obtained a search warrant of the vehicle for suspected drugs. The search resulted in the seizure 10.5 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $404,000.00.

Deputies booked Dale Gordon Ewing, 65, into the Pratt County Jail on requested charges include distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute or manufacture, no tax stamp and transporting an open container of alcohol.

His bond set at $150,000 and he should make a court appearance in Pratt County this week.

———-

PRATTT COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects in connection with a drug arrest.

Just after 8a.m. Friday, a deputy with the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a routine traffic stop, according to a social media report.

During the stop the deputy obtained probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle. The search resulted in the seizure 10.5 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $404,000.00

The sheriff’s department did not release additional details late Friday.

Lois Maxine Glenn

Lois Maxine Glenn, 92, of Overland Park, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas and Sun City, Arizona, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017 surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her children, Marilyn Staab (Lyle) of Overland Park, Kansas; sons, Mark Glenn (Melissa) of Sun Lake, Arizona; Wade Glenn of Shawnee, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Justin Glenn (Katrina), Evan Glenn (Alex) and Lily Staab (Sean Cedillo).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur (Art) Glenn on Nov.7,2017.

Services are pending with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Margaret Elaine Cobb

Margaret Elaine Cobb, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 08, 2017, at Homestead of Russell (Vintage Place Assisted Living).

Elaine was born on July 27, 1923 in Effingham, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Anna ( Fitzmorris) Schrick. She lived in Effingham and Norton before moving to Russell as a young child. She graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1941. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Vaughn A. Cobb on November 18, 1942 in Russell, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with six children Charles, Paul, Mary Ann, Jean, Joe and Theresa. As a teen she worked at the Mecca Theater in Russell but after marriage she became a full time wife and mother. When all her children reached school age she returned to work. She was a cook at Nickerson Farms Restaurant and later worked at Boogaarts Super Market. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Lioness Club, V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and, later in life, a senior companion. Elaine was also involved in the beginning of Santa’s Helpers which continues to this day. She was a regular at the Senior Center for more than 20 years, and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren.

Surviving family include her children Paul Cobb (Marsha) of Salina, Kansas, Mary Ann Thill (Carl) of Dorrance, Kansas, Jean Coltrain (Tom) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Joe Cobb of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Theresa Wagner (Brad) of Russell, Kansas, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vaughn, son Charles Cobb, brother Fred Schrick, Jr. and sister Patricia Dragoo.

A celebration of the funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell. A vigil and rosary will be held at 7 P.M. on Monday, December 11, 2017, at the church. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Monday, December 11, 2017, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary’s Handicapped Fund or the Russell Senior Center, sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Jason Allen Zerr

Jason Allen Zerr, 35, of Mitchell County, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017. Jason was born May 23, 1982 to Steve Jr. and Lucy (Moellering) Zerr.

Jason’s passions for life were hunting, fishing, and helping people in any way he could. He lived life to the fullest each day glorifying his Lord and Savior. Jason was currently working at Ringneck Ranch in Tipton which he enjoyed very much. He faithfully attended Bethany Church of Lincoln County where he spent time serving the young people and children during Awana, VBS, and Bible Camp. His vibrant smile and bear hugs will be very missed. He was in the 388th MED LOG Unit of Hays Army Reserves. His rank was E5 Sergeant. He served a tour in Iraq from 2004-2005. He served his country with great honor and pride for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by: grandparents, Reynold and Hilda Moellering; cousin, Kevin Zimmerman; as well as many brave comrades in arms.

He is survived by his parents Steve Jr. and Lucy; sister, Stacy (James) Finney and their children Corban, Hannah, Lydia, and Philip; grandparents, Steve Sr. and Louella Zerr; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12th, from 1-6 p.m. with family present from 4-6p.m. at Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments, Beloit. A celebration of Jason’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 13th, at Beloit’s Municipal Building. Interment will follow at Bethany Church of Lincoln County Cemetery, Hunter KS. Memorials may be given to the Jason Zerr Memorial, to be designated at a later date.

Sheriff: Investigation continues after man dies in fall from phone tower

Google Satellite image location of the accident site

TREGO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating a fatal weekend accident in Trego County.

Just after 3 p.m. Saturday, a 39-year-old man died from an apparent accidental fall on CC Road between U.S. 283 and 26th Avenue, according to Sheriff Richard Hanks.

The coroner is expected to complete a report Monday or Tuesday, Hanks said.

The sheriff’s department did not release any additional details Monday.

Operation Christmas Child collects 6,350 gift boxes in northwest Kansas

Volunteers from the Northwest Kansas Area Team are celebrating the record-breaking collection of 6,350 gift-filled shoeboxes that will remind children around the world they are loved and not forgotten.

The Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child surpassed last year’s Northwest Kansas Area Team donations of shoebox gifts. The Northwest Kansas Area Team is now thanking the Hays community for their generous contributions already on their way to children in need worldwide. For many of these children, the shoebox gift will be the first gift they ever receive.

Although collections have finished for the season, there is still time to pack a shoebox gift online for children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. They can also donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

Another way to share the gift of giving is by purchasing a $25 gift card for a family member or friend so they can join in the excitement of Operation Christmas Child by packing a shoebox online. These shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—are delivered to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries around the world.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 816-622-8316 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and,together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

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