SHAWNEE COUNTY — Three people are safe after an explosion destroyed their home while they were away.
House explosion Thursday in Topeka -photo courtesy GoFundMe
Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to the home in the 1300 Block of High in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.
They found a home empty home “pretty much destroyed” by the explosion and accompanying fire.
Shawnee County appraisal records show the obliterated house was owned by Ashley Nadeau, who posted on Facebook saying she’s alive. Martin says the house’s three occupants, a man, woman and child left before the explosion, citing a natural gas smell.
Martin says four people from a neighboring house were taken to a hospital for minor injuries, and have since been released.
Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be Accidental; associated with storm damage earlier in the day, according to Martin.
Estimated total dollar loss $100,000 in structural loss and $50,000 in content loss, according to Martin.
The Topeka Performing Arts Center has set up a GoFundMe page for Nadeau.
TOPEKA—The Kansas Insurance Department Thursday filed a motion for a temporary injunction in Shawnee County District Court to stop the State of Kansas from sweeping more than $16 million from the department’s Service Regulation Fee Fund.
The motion follows the department’s petition filed July 13 asking the district court to declare the sweeps in violation of Kansas law. That action limited the use of certain fee funds for the purposes set forth in the Kansas Statutes concerning the funds, and for no other governmental purpose.
According to the filing, “A Temporary Injunction is in the public interest because consumers will be harmed if (insurance) companies are forced to pass additional assessments on to them in increased premiums.”
The petition and temporary injunction stem from legislation — 2017 Senate Substitute for House Bill 2002 — that authorized the sweep of $8 million in fiscal year (FY) 2018 and $8 million in FY 2019, all from the Service Regulation Fee Fund. The 2018 Kansas Legislature took appropriate action to reverse the FY2019 sweep. However, Governor Jeff Colyer vetoed the reversal of the FY2019 sweep.
The fee fund is a major portion of the department’s operating budget.
In a May 2018 insurance department news release concerning the governor’s budget decision, the action was labeled as a violation of state law.
Both the petition and the injunction pleadings are on the department’s website, www.ksinsurance.org, under “Help with Finding laws, regulations, orders, bulletins.”
TOPEKA –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE), public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multi-state outbreak ofSalmonella Sandiego infections. Spring Pasta Salad purchased at Hy-Vee grocery stores is a likely source of the outbreak.
As of July 17, the CDC reported 21 people infected with the outbreak strain ofSalmonella Sandiego from five states. On July 20, KDHE and JCDHE identified one infected person, an adult resident of Johnson County.
“Any individuals who have this in their refrigerator should return the recalled Spring Pasta Salad to the store for a refund or throw it away,” said KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin. “Even if some of it was eaten and no one got sick, do not eat it. If you stored recalled pasta salad in another container, throw the pasta salad away. Thoroughly wash the container with warm, soapy water before using it again, to remove harmful germs that could contaminate other food,” Lakin said.
The Spring Pasta Salad was sold in Kansas Hy-Vee stores before Hy-Vee removed it from all its locations on July 16. Kansans should check their refrigerators to ensure they do not eat the recalled pasta salad. The Spring Pasta Salad includes shell pasta, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green pepper, onion and mayonnaise. It was sold in one-pound (16 oz.) and three-pound (48 oz.) plastic containers or may have been scooped at the deli counter into clear plastic containers. The recalled pasta salad was sold in all Hy-Vee grocery stores in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The expiration dates for the recalled pasta salad range from June 22, 2018 to Aug. 3, 2018.
Contact a health care provider if you think you got sick from eating recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 12 to 96 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. Children younger than five years, adults older than 65 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help with information.
Police on the scene of the Friday shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH
Just after 5:30a.m. Friday, police responded to report of a shooting at a residence in the 1800 Block of North Porter in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. They found a 32-year-old man with gunshot wound to his arm. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
An investigation indicates shots were fired inside and outside of the residence. Police have made no arrests, according to Davidson. Police did not release a description of a suspect.
Anyone who may have information, saw or heard something is asked to call police.
COMANCHE COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Comanche County.
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The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Lycoming 4-cylinder airplane piloted by Joe E. Strack, 38, El Camp, TX., was landing from the north on the runway at the Coldwater Municipal Airport.
The plane was down to idle speed when it touched the runway and a gust of wind from the southeast lifted the left wing and caused the plane to flip over off the runway.
The plane then caught fire, both occupants were able to leave plane before it was completely engulfed in flames.
Stack and a passenger Juston C. Kallina, 37, Austin, TX., were transported to the hospital in Coldwater.
Phillipsburg resident Randy Lynn Werner passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 61.
He was born July 15, 1957 in Wichita, KS, the son of Donald & Ruby (Robinson) Werner. Randy worked in the Maintenance Dept. for the City of Phillipsburg for many years.
Survivors include his sons, Tim and Kyle, both of Phillipsburg; his daughter, Brenda Piper, of Grand Island, NE; and 3 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 22, from 5 – 9 p.m. and again Monday, July 23, from 9 a.m. –
9 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will greet friends from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening.
Memorial contributions may be given to Fresenius Kidney Care. Online condolences to: www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.
Children from the 4-H quilters group along with Connie Haselhorst, middle left, of Quilts of Valor, award Scott Wasinger of rural Ellis County with a Quilt of Valor Wednesday night at the Ellis County Fair rodeo.
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
Veteran Scott Wasinger, in front of packed stadium at the Ellis County rodeo Wednesday night, had a special quilt in bright red, white and blue colors draped over his shoulders.
He patted his heart before the cheering crowd to signal how it had touched him.
Wasinger said he was surprised and humbled by the gift and did not know his sister-in-law had nominated him to receive the quilt to honor his military service. His niece helped sew the quilt as part of a 4-H quilters group project.
Wasinger, of rural Ellis County, entered the Army Reserve in 1986. He was called to active duty during Operation Desert Storm. He earned the rank of sergeant and left the service in 1996.
Scott received the quilt through a joint project with the 4-H quilters and the local chapter of Quilts of Valor, which makes quilts for both veterans and active service personnel who have been affected by war.
Quilts of Valor just started a new chapter in Hays, and this was the first quilt the group awarded.
Quilts of Valor is a national organization that was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts whose son, Nat, served in Iraq.
Roberts, who was a quilter saw the gifts as a means of healing for those veterans who had been affected by war. Almost 192,000 quilts have been given to veterans and active service personnel since the organization’s inception.
Connie Haselhorst, Kansas Grateful Stitchers Chapter organizer, was in 4-H with Scott. Scott has been active supporter of 4-H and a member of the fair board.
Haselhorst said Scott was very humble about his service both in the Armed Forces and to the community, but was very deserving to be honored with a quilt.
“He is quiet, laid-back guy, who never takes the front seat” Haselhorst said. “He is always there helping but never wants any glory. This will be a little different for him.”
The Kansas Grateful Stitchers became involved with the 4-H quilters group, a group of about 12 youth, because of Haselhorst’s background in 4-H. Scott’s, niece, Marisa, 11, was one of the youth in the 4-H quilters group. Amy Wasinger, Marisa’s mother and Scott’s sister-in-law, nominated Scott to receive the quilt.
“I think the reason why he came to my mind is that he is pretty humble and he doesn’t think he deserves a lot of credit, but he served for 11 years in a difficult, high-stress combat situation,” Amy said. “He has always been in 4-H, so I thought it would be neat for 4-H kids making a quilt for someone who had been in 4-H himself, and it was our family.”
Marisa said of why she thought her uncle should receive a quilt, “He was in the Army, and I am proud of him.”
The 4-H quilters group made quilt blocks and then sewed those together to make Scott’s quilt, but women in Kansas Grateful Stitchers each individually work on a full quilt for someone who has served. Haselhorst said she was very impressed with the work the children did on Scott’s quilt. When they completed it, they all signed the quilt in one corner.
The other 4-H quilters said they wanted to repay Scott for his service.
“I think it is a nice thing to do because they gave to our country, and we should give back to them,” said Mariella Dreiling, 10.
Eva Betz, just 6, said of making the quilt, “It was fun, and it was nice.”
Keeli Kimzey, 10, said, “I just think it would be nice. They do a lot for us, keeping us safe and stuff, so I think we need to do something to show our appreciation for them.”
Haselhorst has been a long-time quilter and thought Quilts of Valor would be a way to give back.
“I love to quilt, and I think that if everybody does just a little bit, you know the worlds just gets a little bit better,” she said. “A friend of mine was telling me about this Quilts of Valor, and I thought this would be a great way to do more for everybody.”
Haselhorst urged other families to nominate friends and loved ones for quilts. If a veteran or active duty service person lives in another community or state, someone from a chapter in that area will be charged with making a quilt. The Kansas Grateful Stitchers serve Ellis, Rooks, Rush and Russell counties.
To nominate someone for a quilt, go to the Quilts of Valor national page and click on Request a Quilt of Valor under the Take Action tab. You can also donate using credit card or PayPal through the website.
Money for the materials for the quilts, which are usually done in patriotic patterns and colors, are purchased with locally donated funds.
The Kansas Grateful Stitchers chapter will be awarding more quilts during the RPM Speedway Military Appreciation night on Aug. 25.
If you would like to join the group, you can connect with the Stitchers on Facebook. They meet once a month on a Monday at Quilt Corral in LaCrosse. The group is looking for a second location to meet once a month on a Saturday.
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a 10-year-old after a Thursday car accident.
Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to the intersection of College and Ash in Salina where a 2000 Dodge Stratus had crashed into a parked 1988 Suzuki Samurai and was blocking the eastbound lane of Ash, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.
A witness told police that four juveniles jumped out of the Stratus and ran away after the crash.
When the woman who reported the theft of the Stratus arrived at the crash scene, she told police that her 10-year-old son had taken her car keys when she wasn’t looking.
In the car with him were a sibling and two other children between the ages of five and eight.
The Suzuki sustained damage to the rear driver’s side and the Stratus was damaged on the front passenger side. There were no injuries, according to Forrester.
The boy faces possible charges including theft, endangering a child, and multiple traffic infractions, according to Forrester.
At approximately 7:50 p.m. Thursday, Russell County Dispatch received numerous calls regarding a grey vehicle acting suspiciously and attempting to steal fuel in the Fairport and Natoma areas.
Shortly after these calls came in, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper spotted the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near Gorham. The vehicle refused to stop for the trooper and the chase entered Ellis County for a period of time. The chase returned to Russell County on Interstate 70 and continued east to the Wilson exit in Ellsworth County.
While in Ellsworth County, a female passenger jumped from the vehicle and was taken into custody by law enforcement officers. The chase continued north on Highway 232 and entered Russell County once again.
Two Russell County Sheriff’s officers deployed stop sticks near the Lake Wilson dam and struck three tires. The driver of the vehicle continued to flee on gravel roads and was eventually taken into custody south of Waldo.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jeffery Nakai Makekau of Hawaii. Makekau was transported to the Russell County jail for booking. He was arrested on suspicion of felony flee and elude, driving under the influence and reckless driving.
“The Russell County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the alert citizens who reported this vehicle and all law enforcement agencies who assisted in the capture of this individual without injuries and minimal property damage,” the Russell County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media posting Friday.
When used as directed, insect repellents are the best way to protect yourself and family members from getting sick from mosquito bites, according to the CDC.
KDHE
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northcentral, southcentral, and southwest Kansas. Northeast, southeast, and northwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections.
West Nile virus can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue, that in some cases, can result in death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.
“Know your risk and take action to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family against West Nile virus”, said Dr. Greg Lakin, State Health Officer.”
KDHE recommends the following prevention measures:
When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times, or consider staying indoors during these hours.
The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn, when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.
Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Although there have been no cases of WNV reported to KDHE in 2018 there have been more than 600 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2017.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this webpage with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites:https://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/. For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.
HARVEY COUNTY — One person died in a fire Friday in Harvey County.
Friday fire in Halstead-Photo courtesy Harvey County
Emergency crews responded to the fire in the 1200 block of S. Spring Lake Road in Halstead, just south of U.S. Highway 50, according to a social media report.
One person was found dead. Officials have not released additional details.
Wayne A. Jacobs, age 78, of Hays, KS, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at HaysMed.
Wayne was born on November 30, 1939 in Pfeifer, KS to Anthony and Regina (Breit) Jacobs. He was a longtime farmer and retired as Foreman for the Ellis County Road and Bridge Department. On October 23, 1971 he married Clairella R. Werth in Schoenchen, KS. He was a sports enthusiast that followed all sports, especially his beloved Duke Blue Devils. Wayne enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending to his garden, hunting and fishing with his family. Most of all, his family was most important to him. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and he cherished following his children and grandchildren in their sports activities.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Clairella R. Jacobs of Hays; three daughters, Karla Neil and her husband Bill of Russell, Kristy Schlaefli and her husband Dustin of Hays, Kaylene Gabel and her husband Chris of Hays; two grandchildren, Mattison & Keaton Schlaefli of Hays; five sisters, Darlene Sander of Hays, Dolores Unrein of Broomfield, CO, Isabella Schuckman of Aurora, CO, Rosie Unrein of Bennett, CO, Carol Moeder of Arvada, CO. Wayne also leaves behind a large extended family consisting of 80 nephews and nieces as well as numerous cousins.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Jacobs; six sisters, Lucille Dreher, Elsie Stegman, Eva Jacobs, Wilma Kuhn, Theresa Bieker and an infant sister, Cecelia Jacobs.
A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pfeifer, KS. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 22, from 4-8:00 PM and Monday from 9-10:00 AM at the Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
A rosary will be held at 7:00 PM followed by a vigil service on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via email to [email protected].
Arrangements are by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.
The backpacks are available to students K-12 who reside in and attend school in Ellis County. Children who attend the STAR classroom at Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays are also eligible.
Donations for the backpacks are still being collected.
According to project coordinator Laura Schoaff, there is an extra need for 1 subject spiral notebooks in wide or college-rule, 2-pocket folders, 4 oz. washable school glue, 3″ x 5″ ruled index cards, large pink erasers and shampoo.
Backpacks will be distributed Thu., Aug. 2, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Hays Armory, 200 Main Street.
For more information, contact Schoaff at 785-623-2800.
