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Month: August 2018

UPDATE: Husband of missing wife, 2 young daughters arrested

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FREDERICK, Colo. (AP) — The body was found of a pregnant Colorado woman whose husband was arrested in the disappearance of her and her two young daughters, and investigators were trying to recover what they believe are the remains of the girls, authorities said Thursday.

Chris Watts, 33, was taken into custody Wednesday in the town of Frederick, about 28 miles (45 kilometers) north of Denver. His 34-year-old wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste, were reported missing Monday by a family friend.

Watts photo Weld County Sheriff

“As horrible as this outcome is, our role now is to do everything we can to determine exactly what occurred,” said John Camper, director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Chris Watts was being held in jail and will appear in court Thursday. He has not yet been charged, and it wasn’t known if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.

Chris Watts spoke previously with Denver TV outlets about missing his family and his hopes for their safe return. He said his wife returned home about 2 a.m. Monday after a flight for a work trip was delayed.

He said the two had an “emotional conversation” before he left for work a few hours later and that he became concerned after she did not return his calls or texts or that of her friends. He said he came home to an empty house after a friend knocked on the door at noon and got no answer.

He told KMGH-TV about how traumatic it was to spend the night in the family’s unusually quiet home and missing telling his daughters to eat their dinner and turning on their bedroom monitors.

“Last night I had every light in the house on. I was hoping that I would just get ran over by the kids running in the door, just barrel-rushing me, but it didn’t happen,” he said.

Shanann Watts’ Facebook account paints a portrait of a happy family, with a constant feed of photos and videos of her family, friends and herself. Her comments are typically upbeat and say how happy she is, whether she’s running errands, playing with her kids or promoting a health program.

She posted selfies of her and her husband smiling in restaurants, in front of the ocean on vacation and at their house. On one from May 5, she wrote: “I love this man! He’s my ROCK!”

She posted a photo on June 19 of some texts with her husband after sending him a sonogram. He replied that he loved the baby already. She posted: “I love Chris! He’s the best dad us girls could ask for.”

Her page has photo collages and video slide shows praising Chris Watts for taking care of her and their girls, how their love was growing stronger and how he was why she was brave enough to agree to a third child.

The couple filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015. They estimated they had the same range of assets as liabilities, according to court records.

Shanann Watts was from North Carolina, and her parents’ next-door neighbor, Joe Beach, said he had just seen her when she visited the neighborhood of modest homes in Aberdeen.

“She was here for about three weeks. I talked her a couple times,” he said in a phone interview. “We were talking about general things, about how her two girls were doing and how life was out in Colorado. She didn’t give me an indication that there was anything wrong. She seemed pretty happy.”

He said he knew her parents well and had known Shanann since she was a teenager. Beach said she was a nice person with two lovely children, both of whom he had seen on their recent visit.

“They were sweet kids. The oldest child was quite talkative for her age,” he said.

He said he hasn’t spoken to her parents since the tragedy, but a neighbor told him they flew to Colorado.

“I’m surprised that it happened,” he said. “I wouldn’t expect for anything like that to happen. She was good people.”

Shanann’s father, Frank Rzucek, said on Facebook that the family didn’t want to talk to the media.

She moved to Colorado from North Carolina with her husband in 2012, according to property records and her social media accounts. She had been in a hurry to sell a house in Belmont, west of Charlotte, and left behind the furniture as part of the sale, said the man who bought it, Byron Falls.

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FREDERICK, Colo. (AP) — Authorities say the husband of a missing family in Colorado has been arrested in connection with the case.

The Frederick Police Department said Chris Watts was taken into custody. Watt’s pregnant wife, 34-year-old Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste were reported missing Monday.

Watts photo Weld County Sheriff

The police said on Twitter early Thursday that Chris Watts will be held at the Weld County Jail. He has not yet been charged. It wasn’t immediately known if he had a lawyer.

Chris Watts spoke previously with The Denver Channel and pleaded for his family’s safe return.


 

The FBI and Colorado Bureau of Investigation are also investigating.

Authorities did not release any information on the whereabouts or conditions of Shanann or her daughters.

KELLY: Back to schools as our priority

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By Senator Laura Kelly
Candidate for Kansas governor

As parents turn their attention to the start of the school year, let’s remember how important our public schools are to Kansas. We must commit to making them a priority once again – so our children can thrive.

This issue isn’t new to me. Fighting for kids has been my lifelong mission. Right out of high school, I went to work at a camp that served disadvantaged adolescents. When I became a recreation therapist, I worked with children battling severe mental illness. And, I actually first ran for office because my state senator voted to slash funding for our schools. I won that race because Kansans agreed with my top priority – investing in our children.

During my time in the state Senate, I’ve worked to make sure all Kansas children have the support they need to succeed. That means access to good public schools, but it also means strong early childhood programs, an accountable child welfare system to protect kids, and affordable, safe child care. It’s really not rocket science: put kids on the right path at an early age – and keep them there. It’s how they succeed, it’s how their family succeeds, and it’s how Kansas succeeds.

For years, Sam Brownback pushed his irresponsible tax experiment on Kansas, decimating our state’s budget. Brownback – and his supporters in the legislature – focused on doing the minimum for our students and teachers. As a result, teachers fled the state, schools went to shorter weeks, class sizes grew, and our children were denied the top-notch education they deserve.

Fortunately, the election of 2016 brought a wave of new faces to the legislature and a shift in priorities. Kansas was able to make much needed changes. However, we still have leadership in the legislature and the governor’s office that does not support our schools. We must elect more leaders who will put the focus back on our students, teachers, and schools.

As you take your child back to school, know that I will make your children and their school a top priority. I have a vision of education that spans from early childhood to K-12 to college to the workforce. Because every step along the way is important: a chance for our state to do right by our kids and their parents – or to let them down. And sadly, for the past seven years, Sam Brownback and Kris Kobach have let them down.

Instead of focusing on doing the minimum, we will plan and innovate. We will expand pre-K programs, fully fund our K-12 schools, and add a cost of living index to keep us out of court. We will also invest more in career and technical programs and create new public-private partnerships that connect businesses with skilled young people.

If we come together, we will make sure Kansas has the best schools in the nation so our children can be ready for the jobs of the future. Our economy is changing, and Kansas must continue to modernize our public schools to compete. It’s time we work together to put our kids first.

Verna Lang

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Verna Lang, age 85, of Hays, KS, died on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, KS.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St., Hays. KS. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 17 and from 9:00-9:45 A.M. on Saturday, August 18, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd St., Hays, KS 67601.

A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M., followed by a parish vigil service on Friday both at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

Loyd ‘Bob’ James Keenan

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Loyd “Bob” James Keenan passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 84. He was born on September 2, 1933 in Jennings, Kansas to Edger James and Ellen “Ruth” (Harris) Keenan. He attended the Jennings School and graduated from Jennings High School with the Class of 1951. After graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Air Force. In the Air Force, he worked as an airplane mechanic. He never lost his love and fascination with airplanes. After serving his country, he returned home to Jennings, and Miss Lila Adams caught his attention. Loyd “Bob” and Lila were united in marriage in Jennings, Kansas on May 15, 1959. They were blessed with four children, Ricky James, Debbie, Kathy, and Tammy.

After Loyd and Lila were married, they lived in Oberlin. He worked for Bob Boultinghouse Construction, where among other things; he learned to operate heavy equipment. They moved to Jennings where he started his own Heavy Equipment business. In 1971, Loyd went to work as the Supervisor of the Decatur County Road and Bridge Department.

Loyd was a very hard worker, but he also enjoyed his life. Among some of his favorite things to do was yard work, and he was an animal lover. His passion for airplanes continued throughout his life. If a plane flew over, he was outside identifying it and could tell you everything about it. Tinkering with cars and motorcycles was another of his hobbies. He and Lila spent many hours riding the motorcycle. He was a prankster and would sneak up on someone and scare them half to death. You always had to be on your guard when Loyd was around because you never knew what prank he might pull on you.

Loyd is survived by his wife, Lila of Oberlin, Kansas; son, Ricky James Keenan and wife Pamela of Norton, Kansas; daughters, Debbie Ayers and husband Richard of Dodge City, Kansas, Kathy Harms and husband Roy of Scott City, Kansas and Tammy Touslee and husband Rick of Oberlin, Kansas; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Imogene Keenan; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edger James and Ellen “Ruth” Keenan; brothers, Neil Keenan and Boyd Keenan; sisters, Dorothy Davis and Edna Smith; grandson, Dustin; and great-grandchildren, Natalee and Jagar.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Pauls Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Loyd J. Keenan Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Avenue, Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com

Loyd liked the homey, simple things of life. He had work-worn hands and a heart of gold. He loved his family and held them in his heart. He will be missed, but the memory of him will always be with his family and friends.

Flax named interim athletic director at Ulysses

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TMP-Marian courtesy photo

ULYSSES — Longtime Thomas More Prep-Marian athletic director and coach Gene Flax has joined the staff of Ulysses USD 214 as interim athletic director.

Flax will fill the position left vacant after the unexpected death of athletic director Jason Kenny, who died in July at age 47.

“Gene had reached out just offering his condolences,” said Ulysses Superintendent David Younger. “Him and Jason had worked together in their capacities, and he knew our high school principal.”

Flax offered his assistance and, after an effort to replace Kenney internally did not work out, the district reached out.

Younger said Flax interviewed Saturday, was appointed by the USD 214 Board of Education on Wednesday and arrived Wednesday night to “hit the ground running.”

Flax, who most recently served as AD at Russell, will serve as interim AD for one year, Younger said, with the search for a permanent replacement ongoing.

“Of course, Gene is well thought of throughout the state of Kansas in his role at TMP, a sterling reputation,” Younger said. “He was happy to help us out for the year.”

Flax joined the staff at TMP-Marian in 1996. In addition to being the school’s athletic director, he was the head football coach for 14 years guiding the Monarchs to the state playoffs twice. He also served an an assistant coach for the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Flax was also spent time as the Monarchs head track and field coach as well as an assistant. He also taught P.E., weightlifting as well as drivers’ education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Laura Kelly, a return to sanity

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Contested recounts, an independent spoiler candidate, and national publicity each time our Secretary of State starts a new round of antics. Never a dull moment in Kansas these days.

Enough already. To heck with those guys. I am not even going to bother naming them. It is time to talk about Laura Kelly and the return to sanity.

Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.

Kelly is an experienced state senator, with particular expertise in the state budget, which is desperately needed right now. She easily won the Democratic primary for governor against several other good candidates and can now focus on November. More importantly, Democrats, and their independent and moderate Republican sometime-allies, are now free to focus on Kelly. Otherwise, they just may hand the election to the Republican nominee.

The Democrats could not have chosen a better candidate, to contrast their party with all the foolishness and drama in Topeka over the past eight years. Kelly is low-key, the kind of Kansan who prefers a few words instead of many and who seems less than comfortable in the public spotlight. She brings experience instead of show. Kelly had a whole career delivering education and social services before seeking elective office. She is familiar with many of the state budget’s most expensive and most troubled programs, including Medicaid. She promises a step-by-step plan to repair the damage done to Medicaid recipients by Brownback’s privatization plan. Her experience on the state budget committee brings her the practical knowledge needed to reverse other aspects of that disastrous experiment. No wonder that former Governor Kathleen Sebelius encouraged her to run and has energetically campaigning for her.

After World War I, Warren G. Harding won the presidency by promising a “return to normalcy.” Like humorist Dave Barry, I am not sure if “normalcy” is a real word, but sanity certainly is, and Kansas sure could use some right now. The Brownback experiment busted the budget, while the Secretary of State wasted time chasing virtually nonexistent illegal voters down rabbit holes and losing lawsuits at our expense. On most issues, Kelly is closer than her Republican opponent is to every living Kansas ex-governor except Brownback. For example, like all of them, she opposed Brownback’s attempts to politicize the selection of judges. Like the former governors, she opposed Brownback’s attempts to oust Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss and his colleagues in 2016.

In the end, voters retained the judges—the cooler heads, and the ex-governors, prevailed. This is what a return to sanity looks like. There is more at stake here than partisanship.

I would caution Kelly’s supporters to stay away from the phrase, “anybody but_____.” Such campaigns rarely work.

A case in point is 2014, when challenger Paul Davis said little about his own qualifications and plans. Instead, his focus was “anybody but Brownback.” Lacking a reason to vote for Davis as opposed to against Brownback, late-deciding voters in 2014 helped hand Brownback a narrow re-election. The ante increases for Kelly because she also has a wild-card independent in the race. If voters seek only an alternative to the Republican nominee, they may get confused between the two other candidates.

This fall’s message should be “nobody but Kelly will do,” not “anybody but _______.” Kelly’s extensive policy experience and unassuming Midwestern demeanor are just the ticket for a return to sanity.

Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.

SPONSORED: Eagle seeking digital media coordinator

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Click HERE for more information on how to apply and for other career opportunities at Eagle Communications.

Eagle Communications in Hays is seeking a full-time Digital Media Coordinator to join our team of employee-owners. Qualified applicants should be detail-oriented and goal-driven, but more importantly, focused on providing quality work and an excellent experience to our valued customers.

Experience:
Experience in social media management and/or digital advertising ad trafficking a plus.

Requirements:
Candidates should be hard working, goal oriented and self-motivated. Certifications in Google AdWords and Facebook are a plus. The Digital Media Coordinator is responsible for managing existing digital campaigns and creation of new account campaigns. This may include but is not exclusive to: customer service, ad building, search and ad trafficking in Google and Facebook, ad trafficking on Hays Post, information gathering on web design projects as well as social media maintenance and advertising campaigns in Social Media for clients. Continued client reporting and support is required.

Salary:
Compensation is commensurate with experience. Eagle offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401K, paid vacation, and employee stock ownership plan.

Other information:
Applications will be accepted until the position is the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

Food, Football, Fashion at Big Creek Crossing

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Saturday, August 25, 2018

Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, Hays

Come get autographs from our very own FHSU Football team (2017 MIAA Champions) from 1pm-3pm!

Beforehand, don’t forget to come grab a bite to eat from our food truck vendors outside our parking lot from 11am-1pm! Throughout the rest of the weekend our stores will showcase their latest back-to-school fashion trends to kick off the Fall Semester!

March to Main Aug. 28

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March to Main, formerly known as Core2Campus, fills Downtown with Fort Hays State University, NCK-Tech, and Hays Academy of Hair Design students and Hays community members. Students meet on the quad at FHSU for a March to Main Street, led by prominent community members. The event includes food, t-shirts, music and big prizes.

March to Main is hosted by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the participating schools. The goal of this event is to welcome students, faculty and staff back home. Many downtown business participate in the event by offering food, coupons, and/or submitting prizes.

Rockalooa music festival in Hays Aug. 25

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Rockalooa Music Festival
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Fifth year*First Outdoor* Music Festival in Hays, KS, featuring 20 local/regional bands & artists on 3 stages.
Freakabout*The Big News*Vehicles*Vadre*Primair*Strong Like Bull*MJ12*Funtabi*Faintheart*The Mishaps*Cash Hollistah*Lie Low*Buildings Like Mountains*Graveside*The Inklings*Radioactive*Folk Wagon*Lam*Company Eleven*Cactus Collateral

Food/Art Vendors

Listen via rockhays.com/the-bands.

*After show(10 PM) at The Fox(1202 Main St.)*18+
*Free with festival wristband/$10 without
*featuring Long Faced Dogs/Action Boys/Aether/The Perfect Pursuit

Buy online @ rockhays.com OR Hays Cervs on Vine/Hall/Main

Organized by local artists & other volunteers & made possible by these community supporters: Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Bricks Chestnut Street District Downtown Hays, Lomatos Pizza, True Value Grand Rental, Redeem Design, Great Clips, J & L Auto of LaCrosse, Steel Fabrications, John’s Fencing Service, Sore Loser, L & M, Heavy Eleven Productions, & The Trader.

Rozel man arrested for possession of explosives and drugs

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PAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on charges that involved drugs and explosives.

Christopher Trimble-photo Pawnee Co.

According to a media release from the Pawnee County Attorney, Christopher Lee Trimble, 54 of Rozel, appeared in custody Wednesday afternoon before Pawnee County Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell.

She advised the defendant that he faces a six-count complaint including charges of Aggravated Violation of Offender Registration Act, Criminal Use of An Explosive, Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The charges stem from the execution of a search warrant on August 9, 2018 at Trimble’s home in Rozel, by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Fire Marshall and the Kansas Highway Patrol. Trimble was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Trimble is being held in the Pawnee County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bond. In the event the defendant posts bond, the Court directed he report to Court Services with standard drug and alcohol conditions. A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 27, 2018.

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