SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a suspect in custody.
Bentley photo KDOC
Just after 4a.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at the Delux Inn, 8401 W. Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
Officers located 43-year-old Jackie Jerome of Wichita with multiple gunshots to his body. Jerome was transported to an area hospital where he died.
Police have arrested 22-year-old Cory Bentley of Wichita on charges of first degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting.
The investigation revealed Bentley and other individuals arrived at the hotel, a disturbance ensued between Bentley and Jerome when Bentley fired multiple times from a handgun, striking Jerome.
Bentley has previous convictions for theft, burglary and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
This was not a random incident. This is Wichita’s 41st homicide for 2018, according to Davidson.
————
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police are searching for a suspect after a fight at a motel left one man dead.
Crime scene tape outside the motel rooms where police are conducting Monday’s investigation -image courtesy KWCH
Police say the victim was in a fight at a west Wichita motel early Monday before the shooting.
The victim, a man in his 40s, died at a hospital.
Police have not issued a description of the suspect and other details were not immediately released.
The Ellis County Democrats will host State Senator Laura Kelly and other Democratic candidates from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at a rally to be held at the VFW in Hays.
“We are excited to have Senator Kelly in Ellis County one more time before the election. She brings an exciting message to the race for governor of Kansas and has strong momentum going into November,” said Henry Schwaller, chair of the Ellis County Democrats. “We look forward to an energizing evening with Senator Kelly and other important Democratic candidates for office.”
This is Kelly’s third visit to Hays since launching her campaign. Schwaller said she has a strong base of support in Ellis County and expects a large turnout for the rally.
“This event is open to the public and is free of charge. Donations to the candidates are encouraged, but we want all Ellis County voters to have a chance to meet their elected officials,” he said.
In addition to Friday’s rally, the Ellis County Democrats have been actively involved in going door-to-door, providing yard signs, registering voters and hosting smaller events for candidates.
“This is a critical election for Kansas,” Schwaller noted. “This will be a close election, so every vote matters. It’s clear that our state’s future will be determined by voters this November.”
The restored Wilcox School during its dedication on Sunday.
As you crest over a small hill on south U.S. Highway 283 in Trego County, a small limestone building pops out of a wild sea of golden grass and auburn milo.
For years the one-room structure known as the Wilcox School was left to decay and was overrun by rodents and spiders.
But with the help of some dedicated history lovers and a donation of the building by the Harm Schneider family, Wilcox School has been restored. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2006. The building was dedicated Sunday to Harm Schneider’s memory.
The school was built of Niobrara limestone, quarried on the banks of the Smoky Hill River, in 1886 and was used as a school until 1949.
A historic photo of the Wilcox School. Courtesy photo
The stone for the building was likely quarried by hand and moved to the building site by horse-drawn wagon. A stone with the original construction date is still a part of the building, although it is mostly obscured today by an entrance that was added to the building a later date.
Also still remaining is more than a century of student graffiti. Students carved their initials or names along with dates into the relatively soft limestone along the front entrance and portions of the outside walls.
The school was named for the Wilcox family, whose farm was the closest to the school. The school had no running water, so water had to be brought in by students from the nearby farm every day that school was in session.
Raymond Mai, 94, attended Wilcox school through the eighth-grade when he had to leave school to go to work. He said school lessons stuck to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
The unrestored interior of the Wilcox School.
He remembered playing baseball and a game called handy over. In handy over, a child would throw a ball over the school house. They would run to the other side of the school and tag someone from the opposite team. The tagged person had to join the taggers team.
When Mai was asked about rules in the one-room school house, he laughed.
“You better behave, or you’ll get it when you get home,” he said.
Mai lived on a farm two and half miles south of the school along the Smoky Hill River. He and his 12 siblings did farm chores in the morning before school, such as milking cows and feeding chickens, so they sometimes got a ride to school. However, they walked home in the afternoon.
Mai, who has lived in Trego County all of life, said he was pleased to see the school restored.
“It really makes me feel good,” he said,” because it is being taken care of after all this while.”
Graffiti carved in the entrance to the Wilcox School including one signature dated 1901.
In addition to being used as a school, the Wilcox building was used as a community center where church services were conducted as well as literary programs and quilting bees. It was a voting location and draft registration site.
During World War II, families at the school made mattresses for rural families out of surplus cotton donated by the federal government.
Vernon Schneider’s father bought and owned the land on which the Wilcox School now stands. His family donated the building to the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway Committee, which cleared the way for it to be restored. Four generations of the Schneider family were present at a dedication ceremony on Sunday.
Vernon said he remembers going to Sunday school in the Wilcox school between the ages of about 5 to 7 during the mid-1940s. He said even then the building was starting to show its age.
He said seeing the building dedicated Sunday was a great honor for him and his family.
An interpretive panel that has been installed into one of the Wilcox School’s windows.
In 1965 the Hi-Plains Gravel Grinders Motorcycle Club purchased the building for their club house. After the Gravel Grinders moved out, the school house sat in disrepair for several decades until the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway Committee began their efforts to preserve the school.
Although the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway was designated 15 years, it was never dedicated. Cathy Albert, director of WaKeeney Travel & Tourism and Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, took a moment during the school dedication to honor the byway.
The byway makes a 60-mile U-shape. Going west it goes from Ogallah south on U.S. Highway 147 to Brownell and then west on U.S. 4 to Ransom and north on U.S. 283 to WaKeeney. The Wilcox school is 15 miles south of WaKeeney on U.S. 283. This historic Zion Lutheran Church and cemetery and byway marker can also be found on the U.S. 283 stretch of the byway.
The Butterfield Overland Despatch, which was established in 1865, crosses the byway in two locations. One of those crossings is marked with a limestone marker near Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The trail from Fort Leavenworth to Denver was the shortest, but was also considered the most dangerous because it crossed Native American hunting grounds.
The date the school was built is carved into one of the original school stones.
During the spring through the early fall, the U.S. 283 section of the byway is a spectacular location to view native Kansas wildflowers. Volunteers reseeded the byway with native plants when U.S. 283 was reconstructed in the early 2000s.
Interpretive panels in the windows of the school discuss the school’s history as well as aspects of the flora and fauna along the byway. One window was left open so people could look inside the building, which has not been restored. It was the hope that if people could see there was nothing of value in the historic school, this would deter break-ins and vandals.
The restoration of the school was made possible by grants the byway committee received from the Heritage Trust Fund Grants through the Kansas Historical Society. The first grant was received in 2011 to restore the stonework and the roof. Metzker Restoration of Ness City reset the foundation and replaced some of the damaged stones, repaired the brick chimney and put a new roof on the school.
A vest owned by one of the Gravel Grinders. The club owned the school and used for a club house during the 1960s.
The second grant, which was received in 2015, was used to restore the windows, door, fascia, and soffit. Schamber Historic Preservation LLC of Damar built new windows and replaced the front door, fascia, and soffit earlier this year.
Len Schamber, preservationist, said Wilcox school was very dingy and dark when he and his brother began work on the building.
“All I saw was a dream,” he said. “All I saw was something beautiful in the end.”
He said he hoped the building interior could be restored to the point the building could be used at least occasionally by local community groups so the building would not fall into disrepair again.
“Don’t let it die, folks. Don’t let it die,” he said. “It is a beautiful thing, and it’s wow, 1886. That’s pretty awesome — been here, still here. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.”
Corrected 6:06 p.m. Friday Nov. 2, 2108:A former student of Wilcox school came forward showing historical documents that indicated the school was open until 1949 instead of the date previously listed in this story. The Wilcox school became a part of the District 14 at the end of 1947 school year, but remained open until the conclusion of the spring 1949 term.
McPHERSON, Kan. – The Hays High boys soccer team put up a fight Tuesday night but came up short to fourth-seeded McPherson 1-0 in the 5A Regional semifinals at McPherson Stadium.
The Bullpups scored the matches only goal with 14 minutes to play in the second half.
The Indians end their season at 6-11. McPherson improves to 13-4 and advances to regional final where they will host Bishop Carroll Thursday night.
RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man was injured in a farming accident on Tuesday in Reno County.
The Reno County Sheriff’s department reported Brian M. Miller, 31, was driving a New Holland tractor and pulling a 30-foot no till drill, planting wheat near Blanchard and Dean Road
Miller’s father told the sheriff’s department he believes Brian got off of the tractor to spread the wheat seed in the drill and for an unknown reason the tractor shifted into gear. The tractor was supposed to automatically shift into park if the driver’s seat was unoccupied.
According to his father, Brian last had contact with a friend at approximately 3:19 P.M. and hadn’t been heard from since.
His father began looking in the field for Brian and eventually found him just before 9:30p.m.
Brian told his father he had been run over by the drill. The tractor was located approximately a quarter of a mile away and had been stopped after running into a tree. The tractor was still running and was in gear.
Brian was airlifted to Wesley Medical Center by Life Team for injuries to his upper body, according to the sheriff’s department.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State junior forward Santiago Agudelo has been named MIAA Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week, announced Tuesday (Oct. 23) by the league office. This is the fourth time Agudelo has achieved the honor this season.
Agudelo recorded his fourth hat trick of the season in Fort Hays State’s only game this past week. He scored goals in the 11th, 27th, and 29th minutes to push FHSU out to a 3-0 lead at the University of Mary, ultimately going on to win 7-0. He scored on all three of his shot attempts in the match. In Fort Hays State’s current nine-match win streak, Agudelo scored 19 of his nation-leading 22 goals for the season. He only played 32 minutes at Mary before resting for the remainder of the match. He continues to lead the nation in goals per game (1.57), shots on goal per game (3.29), and points per game (3.5), and is tied for the lead in game-winning goals (7).
The Tigers resume conference play this weekend when they travel to Fayette, Iowa to take on Upper Iowa on Friday afternoon (Oct. 26). Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. against the Peacocks.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State men’s soccer team jumped two spots in the latest release of the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Poll. The Tigers now sit at No. 10 in the nation, released Tuesday (Oct. 23). The Tigers extended their winning streak to tie the program record at nine-consecutive matches.
The Tigers defeated University of Mary on Sunday (Oct. 21), in a 7-0 shutout. Santiago Agudelo recorded his fourth hat trick of the season in Fort Hays State’s only game this past week. He scored goals in the 11th, 27th, and 29th minutes to push FHSU out to a 3-0 lead at the University of Mary, ultimately going on to win 7-0. He scored on all three of his shot attempts in the match. In Fort Hays State’s current nine-match win streak, Agudelo scored 19 of his nation-leading 22 goals for the season. He only played 32 minutes at Mary before resting for the remainder of the match. He continues to lead the nation in goals per game (1.57), shots on goal per game (3.29), and points per game (3.5), and is tied for the lead in game-winning goals (7).
The Black and Gold continue their road trip by resuming conference play this weekend. The Tigers are set to take on the Peacocks of Upper Iowa in Fayette, Iowa on Friday (Oct. 26). Kickoff is set to begin at 3 p.m.
Below is the United Soccer Coaches Men’s Division II Poll for October 23, 2018.
Rank School Prev. W-L-T
1 Simon Fraser 1 14-0-0
2 Young Harris College 2 13-0-0
3 Palm Beach Atlantic 3 13-1-0
4 Univ. of Charleston 4 13-0-2
5 Colorado School of Mines 5 14-1-1
6 Midwestern State 7 13-1-1
7 Lander 10 11-1-2
8 Azusa Pacific 14 12-1-0
9 Adelphi 13 12-2-1
10 Fort Hays State 12 12-2-1
11 Univ. of Southern Indiana 16 12-2-1
12 Mercy College 8 9-2-1
13 Barry 19 9-3-1
14 West Chester RV 10-2-3
15 West Texas A&M 17 11-2-2
16 Saginaw Valley State 22 9-1-5
17 UC-San Diego 24 12-2-2
18 Nova Southeastern 23 9-3-0
19 Southern New Hampshire 18 11-2-2
20 Northeastern State 20 11-2-1
21 Notre Dame College 11 12-3-0
22 Limestone College 21 10-3-0
23 Colorado Mesa 24 10-1-4
24 CSU-Los Angeles 9 11-2-2
25 Univ. of Indianapolis RV 12-3-1
Records shown are through games of Oct. 21, 2018.
Also receiving votes: Lynn University, Ohio Valley University, Spring Hill College, Le Moyne College, Lindenwood University, Florida Tech, Florida Southern College.
Today A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 58. South southeast wind 9 to 11 mph.
Tonight Rain. Low around 45. South southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Thursday A 30 percent chance of rain before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind around 6 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 42. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.
FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 67. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph.
GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges. Just before noon Monday, police made a traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 70 at the Marysville-Herington exit, according to the Junction City Police Tour Log.
Nehring -photo Geary Co.Putnam -photo Geary Co.
Officers arrested Lathyn Nehring, 18, Duquoin, Illinois; Tyrese Vinson, 18, Carbondale, Illinois; and Dante Putnam, 23, West Frankfort, Illinois on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana, Distribute Marijuana, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Vinson -photo Geary Co.
Vinson was also arrested on suspicion of Interference with LEO and Putnam on Fleeing / Eluding and Maximum Speed Limits.
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal jury Tuesday convicted a Wichita doctor of unlawfully distributing prescription drugs, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Henson-photo Sedgwick Co.
Dr. Steven R. Henson, 57, Wichita, who operated Kansas Men’s Clinic at 3636 N. Ridge Road in Wichita, was convicted on the following counts:Conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs outside the course of medical practice (Counts 1 and 2).Unlawfully distributing oxycodone (Counts 3 through 15)Unlawfully distributing oxycodone, methadone and alprazolam (Count 16).Unlawfully distributing methadone and alprazolam, the use of which resulted in the deathof a victim on July 24, 2015, identified in court records as N.M. (Count 17) Presenting false patient records to investigators (Count 19).Obstruction of justice (Count 20)Money laundering (Counts 26 through 31).
Henson was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispense prescription controlled substances. His registered addresses included the Wichita Men’s Clinic and a location at 1861 N. Rock Road, Suite 201.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Henson:Wrote prescriptions in return for cash. Post-dated prescriptions. Wrote prescriptions without a medical need. Wrote prescriptions without a legitimate medical exam. Wrote prescriptions for people other than the ones who came to see him.
He faces the following penalties:
Counts 1-16: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
Count 17: Not less than 20 years and not more than life and a fine up to $1 million.
Count 19: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count 20: A maximum penalty of one year and a fine up to $100,000.
Counts 26-31: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced Monday to 110 months in federal prison for prying open a display case and stealing guns from a local store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Aaron-photo Butler Co.
Chaelyn Nichole Aaron, 28, Wichita, pleaded guilty of one count of theft of firearms. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred March 28, 2018, at an Atwoods store at 6235 N. Broadway in Wichita.
Aaron went into the store and used a small red crowbar to pry open a display case. She took seven handguns from the case and left the store. According to documents filed in court, she gave the guns to a drug dealer to pay off her debt.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.
Kane -photo Shawnee Co.
Just after 2a.m. October 9, officers responded to 2930 SE Highland CT in Topeka on a report of a robbery to an individual, Lt. Manuel Munoz. The victim reported being struck on the head by several subjects and they stole his car keys and then drove away in his gold Honda Accord.
Officers quickly located the car traveling westbound at SE 6th and Lafayette and attempted to stop it. Several occupants took off running from the vehicle and were last seen running east through the neighborhood.
Officers quickly set up a perimeter and a K9 unit was brought in to assist. Officers took a juvenile female into custody at the intersection of SE 6th and Locust. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment with non-life threatening injuries.
Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, officers following up on information from detectives, located 18-year-old Anthony Marquise Kane in connection with the robbery. He was booked into Shawnee County Department of corrections for one count of aggravated robbery.
In the latest back-and-fourth between the Ellis County Commission and the County Treasurer, Commission Chairman Dean Haselhorst read a statement Monday night responding to claims of “blind partisanship” and “corruption.”
Treasurer Lisa Schlegel has, in recent letters to the editor, claimed she is being targeted by the “political elites” of Ellis County. Schlegel was not present at Monday’s meeting.
Schlegel has publicly criticized several county officials and specifically targeted Clerk Donna Maskus after she failed to provide the Treasurer’s office with the necessary tax information by the Nov. 1 deadline in 2017.
She claims the commission and County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes have attempted to bully her into not talking about the delay in receiving tax information.
Haselhorst pointed out the three commissioners and are all of the same political party – Republican – while Clerk Maskus is opposite political party – Democrat.
“It is not partisanship to ask questions when we, as a commission, have been approached by our constituents,” Haselhorst said. “It is not partisanship to express our hope that county officials get along. It is not partisanship, and certainly not corruption, to desire to communicate in open public meetings rather than on editorial pages.”
In her letters to the editor, Schlegel also said County Counselor Bill Jeter and Smith-Hanes are using taxpayer funds to dig up information on the treasurer, “for the purpose of a political smear campaign.”
In his response Haselhorst said, “These two individuals are not engaged in any taxpayer-funded attempt to make a county official look bad. In fact engaging in such an activity would violate their publicly available contracts these individuals have signed with the commission.”
“Rather Mr. Jeter and Mr. Smith-Hanes have attempted to meet with Ms. Schlegel to seek answers to questions raised by commissioners. In response, it is Ms. Schlegel who insinuates that some nefarious motives are at play,” Haselhorst said.
Haselhorst added, “Let me be clear, we as a commission hope Donna Maskus will meet her statutory deadlines. We hope Lisa Schlegel will answer questions about her expenditures when we ask them. We hope all county elected officials can work together to highlight the positive things that are happening in Ellis County.”
In other business, the commission approved changes to the exempt waste policy at the landfill, approved the reclassification of a vacant position within the Public Works Department to create a road foreman position, approved the 2018 road striping bid with a four-year option and approved the purchase of a flatbed and sprayer components for the Noxious Weed Department.
