We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Month: October 2018

Kevin Ray Scheuerman

Posted on

HUTCHINSON, KS – Kevin Ray Scheuerman, age 58, formerly of Athol, KS passed away October 1st, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer, Kevin was born April 11th, 1960 in Smith Center, KS to Edward “Larry” and Lucille (Verhage) Scheuerman. He was the second of four boys born to this union.

Kevin graduated from Smith Center High School with the class of 1978. After high school, Kevin went on harvest to North Dakota where he met Lori Sorenson. Kevin and Lori were united in marriage on December 10th, 1980 in Williston, North Dakota. To this union 2 children were born, Raylene Lucille Yvonne and Jenaya Jolene Marie. They made their home in Athol, Kansas.

Kevin was very active in his children’s lives. You could always find him at any event they were participating in, even if he was watching from a distance due to being ejected because of his obnoxious behavior. He was a constant for his daughters and always encouraged them to be their best, even while running interference between them during their times of utter annoyance with each other.

Kevin loved anything adrenaline fueled. His hobby’s included racing, coyote hunting, and hand fishing. Kevin started his racing career in 1984 with his brother Kelly. He raced his last race in 2002, also with Kelly. Throughout his career, he brought home several wins and wrecked several cars, some that weren’t even his. His fishing stories were the best and he still believed he held the record for the biggest fish caught in the north Solomon. Coyote hunting was a favorite winter sport and he will always be remembered by the name of “scrounge” by his hunting buddies.

After Kevin’s racing career ended, his love of chemistry steered him in a different direction. For 10 years, his daughters and grandchildren, traveled all over Kansas to visit him. Along the way, many new friendships were born. On July 17th, 2017, Kevin was reunited with society and his family. He looked forward to making new memories and reconnecting with old friends. He loved talking about the good old days and making everyone laugh.

Kevin’s humor and personality was something everyone will remember about him. His upbeat attitude and positive outlook is what inspired his family to continue moving forward throughout the undesirable times.
He and his daughters will always be “3 Big”.

Kevin is survived by his daughters, Raylene Spargo (Jim Glendening) of Hays and Jenaya Scheuerman (Jared Shelton), also of Hays. 9 grandchildren; Graesyn Baxter, Rhett, Cauy and Hudsen Shelton; Devin, Danielle, Hayley, KC (Kevin Charles) and Jacob Spargo, all of Hays. His little brother, Kelly Scheuerman, of Nelson, NE; his half sister Kimberly Workman of Hutchinson, KS; his mother, Marcia Lucille Weber, of Hutchinson, KS; and bonus mother, Wanda Scheuerman, of Smith Center, KS; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Edward “Larry” Scheuerman, bonus father, Kenneth “Buck” Weber, his brothers Coklin and Kalen Scheuerman and best friends Pam Hudson, Clay Lyon and Brett Freeborn.

Click HERE for service details.

Richard Norbert Mai

Posted on

It is with immeasurable sadness that the family of Richard Norbert Mai announces his passing, at the age of 92, on August 19, 2018, in Broomfield, Colorado.

Richard “Dick” will be lovingly remembered by his living children Michael Robert Becker and Barbara Diane Becker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga Lynne Mai, and his son Richard Alan Mai. Richard “Dick” was born on the farm in WaKeeney, Ks; 5 miles west of Trego Center.

He farmed for his entire life. He was a Veteran of the Korean War and retired to Springfield, Mo. In 1993, with Lynne. He moved to Broomfield, CO in 2011 to reside with his daughter. “Mike” and “Diane” spent the next years filling his life with love and joy.

Dick was baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, along with his family, and attended church in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Dick was a proud Father, and his warmth, dignity, as well as love and support are lovingly remembered by his family.

Survivors include: Michael Robert Becker (Donna) and their children Amy Agre and Aaron Becker. Barbara Diane Becker and her son Peter Ryan Elespuru. He is, also, survived by six great grandchildren and five nieces and three nephews. He is survived by two sisters” Ruth Irwin of Springfield, Mo and Jean Carr of Wichita, Ks. He was preceded in death by his parents (Kathryn and George), sister (Lori) brother (Alfred) and brother (Edward).

Services will be announced at a later date.

Lanie Geneva Elizabeth Weathers

Posted on

Lanie Geneva Elizabeth Weathers, 87, passed away Sept. 21, 2018, in Hill City, Kansas.

She was born July 8, 1931, to Wade Hampton and Lola (Ingram) Henderson, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by three brothers and one sister.

Click HERE for service details.

Sheriff: Kan. teen accused of attempted murder of 17-year-old girl

Posted on

JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a teen in custody.

Bailey -photo Jackson County

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to report of a shooting in the 15000 Block of L Road west of Mayetta in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

According to investigators, a car occupied by three teen girls drove into the driveway of the residence, when Lance Malone Bailey, 18, of Mayetta allegedly opened fire with a rifle striking a 17-year-old girl twice as she was standing in the driveway.

The incident is believed to have occurred during a verbal altercation between the suspect and victim, according to Morse.

The three girls left the scene in the vehicle and called law enforcement. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Potawatomi Tribal Police responded to the scene and took Bailey into custody.

EMS transported the victim to a Topeka hospital where she was in satisfactory condition Wednesday evening, according to Morse.

Deputies and Officers obtained a search warrant Wednesday evening processing the scene and interviewed witnesses.

Bailey was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, 3 counts of aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bond had not been set early Thursday.

 

Eugene A. ‘Gene’ Wellbrock

Posted on

Eugene A. “Gene” Wellbrock, 81, Victoria, died Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at HaysMed.

He was born June 27, 1937 in Hays the fourth of six children to George and Wilhelmina (Roth) Wellbrock. He was a 1956 graduate of Victoria High School and following graduation he attended Fort Hays Kansas State College for one year before returning home to help his father at his Phillips 66 service station doing mechanic work, a business he would later purchase.

On November 4, 1961 he was united in marriage to Joan C. Schmidt in Hays, a union which would span nearly 57 years. Gene enjoyed being involved and volunteered for many different activities and organizations and he served on the Victoria City Council and was also Mayor. He was a local volunteer fireman and fire chief and later served as the Ellis County Rural Fire and Emergency Preparedness Director. Prior to his retirement, he was an insurance agent.

He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis and served on the parish council and with other great volunteers, helped organize many fundraisers for the church. He was a member of the St. Fidelis 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, was a Faithful Navigator and District Deputy, and chaired two state K of C conventions held in Hays with some activities in Victoria. He was also a member of Tiger Club and enjoyed attending FHSU football and basketball games.

Gene enjoyed doing PA for Victoria High School football games and announcing for the Victoria Eagles baseball games for many years. He was an original member of the VHS Alumni board, received the VHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame award in 2016, and he helped organize and coach little league baseball, volunteered with the Cub Scouts, worked as a crossing guard at the grade school prior to religion classes, and helped present medals to the Special Olympics participants at their events at Fort Hays State University. Even though Gene always seemed busy, he always had time for family and fun. He enjoyed barbequing, cooking breakfast, woodworking, watching and listening to sports, spending time with his grandchildren, and he was an avid golfer. Eleven years ago, Gene suffered a massive stroke affecting his mobility and speech. Despite this, he maintained a positive attitude and was always happy and smiling.

Survivors include his wife Joan, of the home in Victoria, a son Gerard Wellbrock and wife Tammy of Hays, two daughters; Ann Hugunin and husband Hyle and Christine Weber and husband Mike, all of Hays, four sisters; Arlene Pfeifer and husband Albert R. and Gladys Pfeifer and husband Dale, all of Victoria, Mary Lou Mirkovich of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Rosann Welser and husband Hal of Moline, IL, a sister-in-law Marlene Wellbrock of Bainbridge Island, WA, and seven grandchildren; Garrett Wellbrock, Abby Hugunin, Janet Hugunin, Allison Weber, Patrick Weber, Grant Weber, and Samuel Weber.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Mary (Mermis) Roth Wellbrock, a brother Varian Wellbrock, a brother-in-law Art Mirkovich, a step-brother Delbert Roth, two step-sisters; Twila Brungardt and Elgerine Wayne, and a grandson Peyton Weber.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, October 8, 2018 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave, Victoria, Kansas, with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Fidelis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until service time on Monday, all at The Basilica of St. Fidelis. The St. Fidelis Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6:00 pm until 7:00, a parish vigil service will be at 7:00, followed by a combined Daughters of Isabella and Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to The Basilica of St. Fidelis Endowment Fund or for masses, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, Kansas. Condolences and memories of Gene may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Vehicle/deer crash season looms in Kansas; 122 crashes in Ellis Co. last year

Posted on
Trooper Tod Hileman
Kansas Highway Patrol, Hays

By TROOPER TOD HILEMAN
Kansas Highway Patrol

Just in time for car/deer crash season, here is my annual map of the 2017 car/deer crashes in Kansas by county! Close to half of the total car/deer crashes we work all year come within the months of October, November and December, so be extra cautious the next few months. Mid-November is the highest number of crashes. Top # is total crashes, bottom # is injury crashes and an * denotes a fatality. So we had 10,226 total crashes with 577 injuries and 8 fatalities last year.

You can see that Butler County came in #1 with 438 crashes. Maybe it’s because Butler sound like Antler. 🤔 But wait, Elk County, the one you most associate with four legged creatures with antlers, only had one. This is mind boggling! 😱

Seriously, we don’t want to see anyone get hurt or killed from deer running into the road. Your vehicle can be replaced, you can’t. Follow these tips below.

AGENCIES WARN OF THE INCREASE IN VEHICLE-DEER CRASHES

Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move this time of year, increasing the chances of vehicle collisions.

Typically, the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes are in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks. In addition to the rut, deer are also on the move in mid-fall seeking new food sources and shelter as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.

“The deer population has stabilized over the last six years, so areas that have had deer likely still have them,” said Levi Jaster, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Big Game Coordinator. “This time of year, young animals are dispersing to find new places to live and breeding season is approaching. More animals on the move means more of them will be crossing roads, so be extra cautious in areas with good deer habitat.”

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 10,226 (17 percent) of the 58,834 vehicle crashes reported in 2017 were deer-related (crashes in which a deer and vehicle actually collided or the presence of a deer was a contributing circumstance). Crashes involving deer occur in every part of the state throughout the year. In 2017, Butler County had 438 vehicle-deer crashes, the most of any county, while Sedgwick County followed with 385 vehicle-deer crashes.

“In addition to potentially causing human injuries and loss of life, deer collisions often cause significant vehicle damage that can lead to large expenses for the vehicle owner if not properly insured,” said Jennifer Haugh, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas. “Of the animal strikes reported by AAA Insurance policy holders in 2017, the average cost per claim was more than $4,500.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol cautions drivers to refrain from making exaggerated maneuvers to avoid a deer in the road, lest a bad situation become even worse.

“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said the KHP’s Lt. Adam Winters. “Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

The agencies recommend the following to help motorists avoid crashes with deer:
• Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are more active.
• If you see one deer, watch for others, as they seldom travel alone.
• Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
• Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle/deer crashes have occurred in the past.
• Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the road ahead of you to watch for deer.
• Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer—the most serious crashes sometimes occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.
• Always wear a seat belt and use the appropriately-fitted child safety seats—they are your best defense should you be involved in a crash.
• Honk your horn with one long blast. A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.

If you do strike a deer, here are some additional tips:
• Slow down, move your vehicle to the shoulder if possible, and call for law enforcement. KHP dispatch can be reached at *47, Kansas Turnpike at *KTA, and local law enforcement at 911. Make sure you tell the dispatcher if the animal or your vehicle is still in the road.
• If you hit a deer or other animal, do not worry about removing the animal. Law enforcement can remove the animal from the road when they arrive. Don’t go near a wounded animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be unpredictable.
• Turn on your hazard lights and remain buckled up inside your vehicle. You are more protected this way, should a secondary crash occur.
• If you must be outside your vehicle, make sure it is as far off the road as possible, and do not stand between your vehicle and another one. Keep children buckled, and in car seats in the vehicle. Be vigilant and watch traffic.

Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

A salvage tag is required to remove a deer carcass, or any part of the carcass, from the crash site. Tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWPT game wardens.

Ellis FFA member will perform with National FFA Band

Posted on

Isabella Bollig
INDIANAPOLIS – Isabella Bollig, a member of the Ellis FFA chapter in Ellis will be on stage and in the spotlight Oct. 24-27 during the 2018 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Bollig, a sophomore and the daughter of Matt and Jennifer Bollig, has been selected to play clarinet in the National FFA Band.

Bollig submitted an audition tape and was selected to help bring full instrumental balance to the band from a pool of applicants nationwide.

The National FFA Band will perform several times during the national convention and expo. BOLLIG will join fellow band members in Indianapolis for rehearsals three days before the convention and expo begins.

Corteva Agriscience Agriculture Division of DowDupont sponsors the National FFA Band.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

— National FFA Organization

Kan. bank robbery suspect told teller, ‘Give me 100’s and 50’s’

Posted on

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas man was indicted Wednesday on charges of robbing a bank in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Ralph McGinnis, 62, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 6, 2018, McGinnis robbed the Bank of Labor at 756 Minnesota Avenue.

According to documents filed in the case, McGinnis told a teller, “Don’t say anything,” as he handed her a note. The note said: “This is a robbery. Give me 100’s and 50’s.” After the robbery, a security guard followed the robber to a nearby apartment building where McGinnis was living.

If convicted, McGinnis faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Kan. man bound over for trial for alleged sporting goods store theft

Posted on

RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man was bound over for trial Wednesday for two drug cases that occurred earlier this year.

Mark Ray -photo Barton Co.

In the first case 30-year-old Mark Ray of Great Bend was bound over for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to package, theft of property and conspiracy to commit theft.

On April 6, police arrested Ray, 27-year-old Michael S. Moore and 23-year-old Courtney Clark after an employee of Dunham’s Sports in Hutchinson reported a theft. The employee’s description led officers to the Great Bend trio at the Yesway at 11th & Severance in Hutchinson.

Ray was also bound over for trial in a separate case where he was caught pulling parts from a vehicle at a local car lot. He’s also accused of giving police a fake name and running while officers investigated the theft.

Ray will be arraigned on the charges Nov. 5.  He has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, aggravated battery and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Cloudy, cool Thursday with a chance for showers

Posted on

Today Areas of drizzle and thunderstorms before 7am, then a chance of showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 44 by 4pm. Northeast wind 8 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11pm. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 51 by 5am. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south after midnight.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Dems won’t back candidate seeking to become first deaf Kan. legislator

Posted on

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Democrats have pulled their support from a deaf legislative candidate who is accused by three women of being emotionally abusive.

The state party and the Kansas House Democrats said in a joint statement that the allegations against Chris Haulmark are “deeply troubling.”

The party says it won’t invest any resources in Haulmark’s effort to unseat Republican John Toplikar. The National Association of the Deaf says Haulmark would be the first deaf legislator — at the state or national level — if he wins the House seat is in a GOP-leaning Olathe district.

Haulmark told The Star the Democrat’s decision was “reached prematurely and without merit.” Days earlier, Haulmark said in a Facebook post that he is “far from perfect.”

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File