August 11, 1932 ~ January 6, 2019 (age 86)
A full obituary and memorial services are pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home, Goodland.
Donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland KS 67735.
SEDGWICK —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a series of armed robberies that left a teen suspect dead and have made two additional arrests.
Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, police conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of north Edgemoor in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. They arrested a 17-year-old male and the 16-year-old male without incident. A firearm believed to have been used in both robberies was recovered in the vehicle.
The 17-year-old male was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF) on warrants for the robberies, possession of narcotics and possession of a firearm by a felon. The 16-year-old male was booked on warrants for the robberies, possession of narcotics, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and a narcotic violation.
A third 17-year-old male was arrested in reference to the armed robberies on Sunday Dec. 30.
In the first armed robbery, at approximately 12:10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, police responded to an armed robbery call at the Family Dollar Store, 936 S. Woodlawn. Upon arrival, Officers contacted a 59-year-old female employee. The investigation revealed two 16-year-old males and a 17-year old male entered the store, pointed handguns at a female employee and demanded property. The suspects who then fled the business took money and cigarettes. There were no injuries in this case.
In the second armed robbery, at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28 Officers responded to a shooting at the B & H Fast Trip, 2796 S. Seneca. Upon arrival, Officers located a 16-year-old male with a gunshot wound. He succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. The investigation revealed two 17-year-old males and two 16-year-old males entered the store, pointed handguns at an employee and customers and demanded money. The suspects took money and cigarettes. During the robbery, an armed 42-year-old male customer pulled out his firearm and fired multiple shots toward the suspects, striking one of the 16-year-olds. The suspects exchanged gunfire with the customer before fleeing the business.
Joyce Ellen (Rounkles) Mello, 79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Joyce was born April 7, 1939 in Russell. She was one of five children born to Chester L. and Elsie V. (Killian) Rounkles. She grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School in 1957.
Joyce was united in marriage to John Joseph Mello, Jr. on April 23, 1960 in Topeka, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children; John and Mary. They made their home in Russell County.
Joyce was a devoted wife and homemaker. She also worked for Klema’s Applemart as a Baker for over 33 years. She was a member of TOPS #161. She enjoyed reading, tending her flowers, playing games, watching college basketball, especially Kansas University and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving family include her son, John Mello (Shirley) of Desoto, Kansas; Mary Bushnell (Lonnie) of Gardner, Kansas; brother, Marvin Rounkles of O’Fallon, Illinois; sisters, Lois Bonar (Gene) of Cherryville, Kansas and Penny Loker (Gary) of McDonald, Kansas; and two grandsons, Chad Bushnell and Michael Mello; and great grandson, Brock Bushnell.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband John and sister Janice Rounkles.
A Memorial Service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. A private family burial of ashes will follow the services. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A Memorial has been established with Melanoma Research Foundation. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Kansas Lottery
Blake and Rachel Ruder of Hays only bought two tickets in the 2018 Holiday Millionaire Raffle and one of them was worth $50,000! The couple made the trip to Topeka on Friday to claim their prize and was all smiles the whole time.
“I didn’t even want to buy the ticket that was the winner,” said Ruder. “My wife brought it up while we were at the store, and I said we could wait until the weekend, but she persisted. I’m glad I listened to her!” The winning ticket number Ruder was glad they purchased was 091787.
“We were at home last night, watching Deal or No Deal, and they had a case with $1 million dollars in it that reminded me of our raffle tickets,” Ruder said. “I asked Rachel if she had checked our tickets yet and she hadn’t, so I pulled out my phone and went to the website. I couldn’t believe it when I saw what we had won!”
The couple was skeptical of their good fortune at first, so they went out to a convenience store to verify their win. “It was so funny, the kid that was working at the store had obviously never had a big winner before,” said Ruder. “When he scanned the ticket, it made the winner noise and printed off the claim form. He was almost as excited as we were!”
The couple says they plan on doing some renovations to their house with the winnings. “The kitchen could use an upgrade. After that I bet we’ll just put the rest in savings. No need to spend it all at once,” said Ruder.
The winning ticket was sold at Cerv’s at 2701 Vine Street in Hays. Other Holiday Millionaire Raffle winners have 365 days from January 3, 2019 to claim their prizes.
Ferne E. Miller, 105 passed away January 6, 2019 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.
She was born August 23, 1913 in rural Bazine; the daughter of Orren and Flora Winkelman Salmans. A longtime area resident, she was a beautician and a homemaker.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Burdett, Shiley E.H.U. and the Burdett Seniors.
On October 12, 1949 she married George Merle Miller at Lakin, Kansas. He passed away March 1, 1982.
Survivors include; two sons, Steven (Margaret) Miller, Burdett and Kim (Peggy) Miller, Caldwell; four grandchildren, Nate (Mandy) Miller, Ryan (Tina) Miller, Brock (Bryttni) Miller and Monica (Adam) Brown and five great grandchildren; Grayson, Beckett, Mia, Dayton and Eva.
She was preceded in death by; a brother, Herbert Salmans and a sister, Florence Miller.
Funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Burdett with Carolyn Tarman presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in Brown’s Grove Cemetery, Burdett, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Burdett, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Florine A. (Hurst) Vernon of Oberlin passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at the age of 103.
She was born near Achilles, Kan., to Aubra John Hurst and Hazel Ione (Riblett) Hurst at their home. She was the third of 10 children. Florine grew up on the family farm, helping her dad farm with horses, milking cows and gardening with her mother. Florine attended grade school at Achilles. She attended high school in Oberlin. She and her sister, Pauline, batched all week during high school, going home on the weekends.
Florine married Cecil Dale Vernon on Nov. 23, 1935. To this union was born two daughters, Dorothy and Sharon and one son, Richard.
Florine and Cecil bought a farm near the Kansas border in 1944. Florine worked right along beside her husband, Cecil, building their farm, by raising crops, milking cows and raising hogs and chickens. Florine had a large garden where no weeds could be found. Florine dressed hundreds of chickens and sold them. She also sold eggs to the bakery, cleaning each one by hand.
In 1965, they moved to Oberlin, where Florine worked for the SRS, the Golden Age Center, for many years. She drove the school bus for 14 years. Her hobbies were crotcheting, quilting and gardening. She raised and canned her last garden at the age of 101, with the help of her niece, Montine.
Florine was preceded in death by her parents, Aubra and Hazel Hurst; husband, Cecil; son-in-law, Roger Shimek; brothers, Johnny Hurst and Francis Hurst; and sisters, Nellie Hurst, Euella Erickson, Nora Bearley and Pauline Olsen.
She is survived by three children, Dorothy Shimek of Jennings, Kan., Sharon (Eldon) Parde of McCook, Neb., and Richard (Shelly) Vernon of Hays, Kan.; and two sisters, Betty Beckley of Colby, Kan., and Shirley Most of Russell, Kan.; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family.
Florine was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in McCook for over 60 years. She also taught Sunday school and played the piano when needed.
Memorials may be given in her name.
Visitation is Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m., with family present, at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin.
Memorial services are Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 811 East C in McCook, with the Rev. Richard Vernon officiating, assisted by grandson, the Rev. Richard Gervais and granddaughter, the Rev. Alisa Parde. Burial will follow at the Oberlin Cemetery.
Pauls Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Sonia Jan “Cloe” Domsch, 84, lost her battle after a long illness, January 4, 2019, at the Good Samaritan in Oberlin, Kansas. She was born May 12, 1934, to Bertha “Irene” and Delbert “Sohn” Cloe, in Atwood, KS. She graduated from Atwood High School and business school in Colorado Springs, CO.
She married Donald W. Domsch Oct. 2, 1954, in the first Christian Church in Atwood. To their union were born two children, Judy Lee & Mike Wayne. Their early family life was spent living on Don’s grandparent’s farm, and running a farming operation with Don’s brother. Sonia also worked in Atwood at several bookkeeping jobs. They later bought a house in Atwood which Sonia lived in until her illness.
Sonia spent years working for Central KS Power Co. in Atwood, and later Midwest Energy where she worked until retirement.
Sonia received notoriety for her bobbin lace making by being chosen as a Kansas Master Folk Artist and a1986 National Fellowship Heritage Award winner. She was also invited to demonstrate at a presidential inauguration. Several of her lace pieces are on display in museums in KS & New Mexico and at the Smithsonian in Washington D. C.
Sonia was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her brother, Bob (Sheri) Cloe, of Manhattan; her daughter Judy (Roger) Cochran, of Oberlin, KS; her son, Mike Domsch, of Atwood; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and many other wonderful family and friends.
Sonia was buried Saturday January 5, 2019 at Fairview Cemetery in Atwood at her request. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Atwood. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name may be made to the Rawlins Co. Museum or Ra. Co. Public Health Dept., sent to Baalmann Mortuary PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
July 14, 1933 – January 5, 2019
An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.
Click HERE for service details.
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State has dismissed sophomore center Maary Lakes from its women’s basketball program for a violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the team.
Wildcats coach Jeff Mittie announced the decision in a statement Monday.
According to the Riley County Police Department, the 6-foot-4 Lakes was arrested early Monday on suspicion of domestic battery and criminal damage to property. She was released on a $750 bond.
Lakes was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery last summer, though charges against her were eventually dropped. Mittie said Lakes was “someone we thought deserved a second chance, but unfortunately, it is time for both of us to move on.”
The native of Peoria, Illinois, had played in all 13 games this season, averaging 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds.
LOGAN COUNTY — Authorities continue to investigate a fatal train incident in Oakley.
The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. Dec. 30, near U.S. 83 and the East Front Street crossing, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Hannah Bolte.
Union Pacific conductor Jeffrey Hague, 34, Bennington, died from his injuries. He had worked at Union Pacific for 10 years.
Bolte released no additional details Monday as the investigation continues.
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OAKLEY — Officials from the Union Pacific Railroad are investigating an accident in Logan County that resulted in the death of a railroad employee.
UP spokeswomen Hannah Bolte said Monday the incident occurred just after 9 p.m. Sunday in Oakley near the crossing of U.S. 83 and East Front Street.
Bolte said she couldn’t go into detail about the incident because the investigation is ongoing and the company is making notifications to family.
“Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with that employee’s family,” Bolte said.
SALINE COUNTY — A Kansas man remains hospitalized in critical condition after a weekend accident in Saline County.
A rural Saline County man was flown to a Wichita hospital after a one-vehicle accident on West State Street Saturday night.
A 1998 Chevy S10 pickup driven by Craig McCombs, 37, rural Saline County, was westbound in the 6200 block of West State Street and North Hohneck west of Salina according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.
The driver who was ejected, sustained substantial injuries, including injuries to the head, Soldan said.
He was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center and then flown to a Wichita hospital in critical condition.
A witness driving behind McCombs told deputies that he reported the accident within two minutes of it happening.
When deputies arrived approximately four minutes later, there was a small fire in the engine compartment of the pickup. The fire then spread, engulfing the pickup, Soldan said.
There was evidence of alcohol at the scene, according to Soldan.
Royal Desmond Reid, 88, passed away January 5, 2019, in Overland Park, KS.
Royal was born September 23, 1930, to parents Fred and Anna (Goetsch) Reid, in Brewster, KS. He was the third of five sons, which also included, Warren, Delmar, J., and Jarrell. Royal was married to Joan Y. (Leonhart) Reid for 53 years.
Royal graduated from Brewster High School in 1948 and attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1955 with a Business Administration degree, with a major in Accounting. Following graduation, he moved to Kanorado, KS to manage the Coffey Grain elevator that was built the same year, and eventually owned part interest in the business known as Coffey-Reid Grain. For a time, he also leased and managed Mueller Grain in Goodland, KS and Burlington, CO. Upon the retirement of Mr. Coffey, Royal purchased an interest in the elevator in Goodland and the business became known as Reid Grain, Inc. In 1980, Royal sold his interest in this business, purchased a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade, and pursued his dream of independent trading. His working career also included owning and managing a farm operation from 1964 until 2014, on land south of Burlington, CO.
Royal’s passion for business was evident in interactions with anyone who crossed his path and he was an inspiration to many. Royal was an advocate of all things Goodland and Sherman County. He was a longtime member of Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks Club, and served on the Goodland City Council. Recreational pursuits included skiing, tennis, golf, and many hours spent at a card table playing bridge with family and friends.
Royal is survived by daughter Leigh Ann Winbolt and grandchildren Jacob and Annie Leigh of Elmurst, IL; brother Warren of Andale, KS; brother J. of Overland Park, KS. He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry, and brothers, Delmar and Jarrell.
Funeral services for Royal will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at the First Christian Church in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating. Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Memorial may be designated to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of alleged identity theft.
Just before Christmas, authorities found credit card skimmers on two ATMs in Arkansas City, according to police.
The suspects were described as driving a red VW Jetta with a paper temporary tag that may be from Texas.
Some of the cards compromised were used in the Houston area last week. Police reported no new information Monday as they work to locate the suspects who were captured on security cameras.
