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Month: May 2019

Kansas teen accused of shooting at party that wounded 4

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

Police on the scene of the April 19 shooting -photo courtesy KAKE

Just after 10:30p.m. April 19, police responded to reports of shots fired at a business in the 1600 Block of South George Washington Boulevard, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Officers found a 27-year-old, a 25-year-old and a 20-year-old with gunshot wounds. The 27 and 20-year-old males were transported to a Wichita hospital for treatment. The 25-year-old refused treatment.

Police also contacted a 19-year-old woman at the hospital with gunshot wounds to her leg and elbow. Her vehicle was also damaged by gunshots. She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have learned there was a party held at the business that night. During a disturbance, a 17-year-old and another suspect fire multiple shots that struck multiple victims, according to Davidson.

Police arrested the 17-year-old on requested charges of aggravated battery and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to Davidson.

Kansas man dies after car travels into creek bed

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Thursday in Montgomery County.

A 2003 Buick Century driven by Joseph Pomeroy Independence was northbound on County Road 2700 at 2400.

The vehicle ran off the road into a creek bed and struck an embankment, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.

Pomeroy was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger Delores Pomeroy was transported to the hospital in Coffeyville and later airlifted to a hospital in Tulsa.

The sheriff’s department released no additional details Friday morning.

Susan Noble (Hancock) Benkelman

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Susan Noble (Hancock) Benkelman passed away on the afternoon of April 29, 2019.  She was born on May 16, 1945 in Baltimore, MD to John Harvey Hancock and Joan (LaGarde) Hancock.  She grew up in St. Francis, KS. After graduation, she attended Kansas State University for 2 years.  She married William S. Benkelman “Bill” on June 8, 1966. They moved to WaKeeney in 1967 to establish their family.

Susan was a professional volunteer including:  A 55 year member of P.E.O., also serving a term as President of the Kansas State P.E.O. Board, past state president of Kansas Optometric Association Auxiliary, American Optometric Association Auxiliary Woman of the Year, WaKeeney Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator, Trego County Library Board Member, and an active Member of FUMC.  Susan and Bill were team members on 10 Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity trips.

Her hobbies included reading, cribbage, bridge, Rummikub, and entertaining.

Susan had a way of making everyone she met feel welcome and loved.  Many people considered her a second mother. Susan could also be a feisty lady not afraid to speak her mind.  She will be dearly missed by all the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.  Her legacy that she shared with her husband of 52 years Dr. William Benkelman consists of son Barry H. Benkelman and wife Susan of Lawrence, KS, son John H. Benkelman and wife Dr. Heather Robben of rural Riga, KS, two grandsons William L. and Jackson K. Benkelman of Lawrence, KS, her younger brother John L. Hancock of Jacksonville, AL and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be on Friday May 10th at 11am at the First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney.  Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 that morning in the Church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to P.E.O. Chapter CT, PO Box 458, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Hansen Foundation awards grant to USD 489 Summer Reading Camp

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USD 489 

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation awarded Hays USD 489 a $25,000 grant to pay for costs associated with the district’s second-consecutive summer reading camp.

120 students in grades K-2 across the district will be able to participate in the camp this year due to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s generosity.

Students will attend camp from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of June.

Activities will include reading and writing in small groups and a field trip to the Hays Public Library.

The 2018 Summer Reading Camp yielded several positive results for students who attended. Of the 112 students who participated in camp last year, 39 students were able to maintain their reading levels from the spring to the fall testing dates. 40 students increased their reading level during that same period. Only 33 students performed at a lesser level than their spring test date in the fall.

FHSU’s Parker, Legette earn 2019 NSCA All-American Athlete honors

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FHSU Athletics

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Fort Hays State seniors Wyatt Parker (football) and Tatyana Legette (women’s basketball) received the 2019 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Athlete Award. Both receive the honor based off their athletic accomplishments and dedication to strength and training, nominated for the award by Fort Hays State Strength and Conditioning Coach Doug Boucher.

Parker was a member of the Tiger football team for five years from 2014-2018. After redshirting his first year, Parker played in 48 games during his career at FHSU, while making 35 starts over the last three seasons primarily at defensive tackle. Parker finished with 187 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery in his career. He earned All-America Honorable Mention honors from the Don Hansen Football Committee in his final year, putting together 71 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 11.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles in 2018. He was a two-time All-MIAA selection. Parker helped the Tigers to back-to-back MIAA Championships in 2017 and 2018 and two consecutive appearances in the NCAA Playoffs, while also helping the team to bowl game appearances in 2015 and 2016. FHSU had a record of 36-12 overall in Parker’s four seasons on the field, winning at least eight games each year. Parker is a Health and Human Performance major at FHSU and has been a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. He is a native of Blue Springs, Missouri.

Legette was a member of the Tiger women’s basketball team for four years from 2014-2018. Legette was one of the best ever to put on the Tiger uniform, finishing her career with 1,256 points, ranking 11th on the all-time list at FHSU, and 865 rebounds, good for fourth in program history. She also ranks fifth in program history for blocked shots (126) and free throws made (352), sixth in free-throw attempts (487), and 10th in field goal percentage (50.3 percent). Legette helped Fort Hays State to NCAA Tournament appearances in three of her four years on the court as the Tigers put together an impressive 105-23 record in that span. Legette and fellow senior Carly Heim are the first players in program history to be a part of teams to win 100 games over a four-year span. Legette helped the Tigers to a 32-2 record and reach the NCAA Regional Finals in her senior year of 2018-19, averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during the season. She also ranked second on the team in blocks per game (1.5) and third in steals per game (1.4). For her efforts this past season, Legette earned MIAA Player of the Year honors before receiving All-America honors from the WBCA and Division II Bulletin. She was a three-time All-MIAA selection. Legette also excels in the classroom as a Health and Human Performance major at FHSU, consistently earning a spot on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. She is a native of Topeka, Kansas.

2 jailed in Kansas after woman’s body found in Missouri lake

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BUTLER, Mo. (AP) — Authorities have arrested two people in Kansas after a woman’s body was found in a Missouri lake.

Samantha McCoy -photo Linn County
Monte McCoy -photo Linn County

Thirty-three-year-old Samantha McCoy and 43-year-old Monte McCoy were charged Thursday with first-degree assault.

They aren’t charged in the death of 69-year-old Cindy McCoy, whose body was found Thursday afternoon in a vehicle in the eastern Missouri town of Butler.

But the arrest warrant for Monte McCoy says he and Samantha McCoy acted together and “knowingly attempted to kill or cause serious physical injury to” Cindy McCoy by striking her with a vehicle.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation also had sought Samantha McCoy as a person of interest.

The two suspects are jailed in Linn County, Kansas. Their relationship wasn’t released. No attorneys are listed for them in online court records.

SPONSORED: Eagle seeking technical support representative

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Are you looking for a way to utilize your technical knowledge and skills to serve your community and its families? Would you like to have a vested interest in your company where you will see your efforts benefitting the company and its customers daily? If so, we are looking for you at Eagle Communications! Eagle Communications is 100% employee-owned and we are seeking an Employee-Owner with outstanding technical support and customer service abilities. Each day, in our technical support center, you will have the opportunity to work with the latest technology in Digital Television, Internet, Wi-Fi, Telephone and customer premise equipment by providing technical solutions to our customers. This position is located in Hays, KS.

Experience:
– Interact with customers to provide and process information in response to inquiries, concerns, and requests about products and services.
– Gather customer’s information and determine the issue by evaluating and analyzing the symptoms.
– Diagnose and resolve technical hardware and software issues involving internet connectivity, email clients, CATV, Internet, Digital Phone Service and more.
– Research required information using available resources.
– Follow standard processes and procedures.
– Identify and escalate priority issues per Client specifications.
– Redirect problems to appropriate resource.
– Accurately process and record call transactions using a computer and designated tracking software.
– Offer alternative solutions where appropriate with the objective of retaining customers’ and clients’ business.
– Organize ideas and communicate oral messages appropriate to listeners and situations.
– Follow up and make scheduled call backs to customers where necessary.
– Stay current with system information, changes and updates.

Requirements:
– Proper phone etiquette.
– Ability to speak and write clearly and accurately.
– Demonstrated proficiency in typing and grammar.
– Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
– Effective listening skills.
– Proficient in diagnosing and troubleshooting problems.
– Multi-tasking capabilities.
– Proficient in computer knowledge and office productivity software.

Competencies:
– Customer Relations
– Problem Solving/Technical Support
– Maintain the technical/professional expertise required to do the job effectively and to create effective customer solutions.

Salary:
Compensation is commensurate with experience, along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, and employee stock ownership plan.

Other information:
Applications will be accepted until 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.

Marilyn Kunzler

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Marilyn Kunzler, 70, of St. Joseph, Mo., passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph . Marilyn Miller (Merm) was born February 8, 1949 in Russell, Kansas. She was the daughter of Maxwell and Vivian (Dawson) Miller.

Marilyn was born into a musical family hearing from an early age music played and sung by her siblings and parents. She began learning piano from her grandmother. Marilyn’s love of music was encouraged with vocal and flute lessons.

During her high school years, Marilyn won recognition at district and state music contests in both instrumental and vocal divisions.

Marilyn was known for her sense of humor and sharing herself with others. She volunteered at the Russell City Library, was active in Russell Congregational Church, the Order of Rainbow for Girls, Girl Scouts, and many school organizations. She graduated from Russell High School in 1967 and from Fort Hays State College in 1972, where she majored in music. She was a member of the music honors society Sigma Alpha Iota and worked in the music department library.

She taught elementary music in Northeast Kansas schools including Troy, later working as a counselor in Wathena, having earned a Master’s Degree from Fort Hays State University in 1979.

She married Dwayne Kunzler on January 10, 2004, joining him in their music business and teaching lessons to many children and adults.

Before her last illness, she was giving flute, piano, and voice lessons.

Marilyn was preceded in death by father, Max Miller, mother, Vivian Miller.

Survivors include, husband, Edward Dwayne Kunzler, Sr. of St Joseph, brother, Tim Miller of Hays, KS, brother, Doyle (Betty Smith) Miller of Branson, MO, sister, Gwendolyn Johnson of Hays, KS, sister, Emilie Miller of Elk Grove Village, IL, brother-in-law, Roger (Gail) Kunzler of Agency, MO, step-daughter, Tania Dawn Clymer of Saint Joseph, MO, step-daughter, Kimberly (Jack) Wright of Amazonia, MO, step-son, Edward Dwayne Kunzler, Jr. of Pennington Gap, VA, sister in-law, Kathy (Samuel) Cupp, 11 grandchildren, Allison, Ashley, Hannah, Haylee, Hudson, Jackson, Madison, Makayla, Samantha, Sierra and Stephanie, great-granddaughter, Courtlynn and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Abundant Faith Church of God. Pastor Mark Smith, officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Abundant Faith Church of God . Mrs. Kunzler will be cremated following services.

Memorials are requested to the Friends of the Animal Shelter, 701 Lower Lake Road Saint Joseph, MO 64504.

Carol Sue Ludlum

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Carol Sue Ludlum, 76, passed away May 1, 2019 at HaysMed, The University of Kansas Health System, Hays.

She was born March 28, 1943 in Stark, Kansas to Sherman Martin and Violet Wilma Gier Goff.

On January 4, 1964 she married Alfred A. Ludlum at Stark; he preceded her in death on November 25, 2016.

A longtime area resident since 1972, she was a cook for USD 496. She was a member of Rozel United Methodist Church, Widows Club, and enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Kevin (Edie) Ludlum, Ellsworth; Kenneth (Berniece) Ludlum, Dighton; Daughter, Deanna Carr, Rozel; a brother, Jerry (Marconia) Goff, Kansas City; Sister-in-law Betty Jo Goff, Virgil; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; her beloved dog, Butch.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Georgia Romine, Florence Burlakoff; three brothers, Wilford Goff, Virgil Goff, Lawrence, Goff.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at Rozel United Methodist Church, Rozel, with Pastor Berniece Ludlum presiding. Interment will be in Rozel Cemetery, Rozel. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Rozel United Methodist Church or Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Jo Murphy

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Jo Murphy, 76, Hays, died Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at HaysMed.

She was born April 15, 1943 in Estherville, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Rose (Whitlow) Coyle. Jo was working as a lab technician at Mayo Clinic when she met Jim Murphy, and on June 4, 1966 they were united in marriage in Rochester, Minnesota. They celebrated nearly 53 years of marriage. She attended Indiana University, Western Illinois University, and earned her Volunteer Management Program Certification from the University of Colorado in Boulder and her Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services Certification from the American Hospital Association.

In 1980, she became a volunteer at Hadley Regional Medical Center. In 1986 she started her employment at HaysMed as Director of Volunteer Services, retiring in 2014. Jo’s wholehearted dedication and pride in being part of HaysMed was equal to her passion for their volunteers and the difference they make. In 2014 she received the Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award at HaysMed, one of the highest awards of honor an associate can receive. Jo was very much loved by her HaysMed friends and family and will leave a void in many lives. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the PEO chapter BQ, was an excellent cook, enjoyed baking, gardening, flowers, listening to birds, drinking coffee, and reading. She was always striving for self-improvement, helping people be better, had a huge capacity of love for others, and saw beauty and potential in all she met. She was kind, classy, generous, and loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Jim of the home in Hays, a son; Sean Murphy of Hays, a daughter; Erin Storer and husband Doug of Hays, four brothers; David Coyle and wife Dana Reno of Georgetown, TX, Richard Coyle and wife Sue of Big Lake, MN, Patrick Coyle and wife Colleen of Coon Rapids, MN, and Kevin Coyle and wife Suzanne of Green Valley, AZ, a sister; Peggy Undem and husband Kevin of Eagan, MN, two grandchildren; Courtney and Hunter Storer, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister; Virginia Judd.

A celebration of life for Jo will be on Monday, May 6, 2019 from 9:00 am until 11:00 at Fort Hays State University in the Memorial Union Stouffer Lounge. A private family inurnment will be at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. Memorials are suggested to the HaysMed Volunteer Fund in honor of Jo Murphy, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Jo may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Thomas Lee Charles Rupp

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Thomas Lee Charles Rupp, age 69, of Russell, Kansas passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He was born January 23, 1950 in Hays, Kansas to Edward and Leonilla (Schmidt) Rupp. He married Jeanie (Seib) on December 9, 1989.

Thomas was currently working for the Russell County Road and Bridge Department. He had worked for APAC for 27 years as a Heavy Equipment operator and he was a past fire chief in Pleasantview, Colorado. He enjoyed woodworking, guns and mechanic work.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Rupp of Russell; a son, Eric T. Rupp of Colorado; a daughter, Michelle Wheeler (Joseph) of Colorado; two step sons, Greg Schaffer (Amy) and Brian Schaffer (Jennifer) all of Hays; a step daughter, Sonya Schaffer of Amarillo, Texas; two brothers, Norman and Edward Rupp both of Hays; two sisters, Sandy Cantu of Trinidad, Colorado and Pamela Russell of Dodge City as well as 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 2:30 PM Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Visitation will be Friday 4 PM – 8 PM and Saturday 1:30 PM until service time all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

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

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Crotinger

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Gerald “Jerry” Crotinger, age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away Wednesday May 1, 2019 in Hays. He was born January 14, 1939 in McCracken, Kansas to Alfred and Lucille (Allen) Crotinger. He graduated from McCracken High School in 1957 and had a bachelor’s degree in Art from Fort Hays State University.

Jerry was a farmer and remodeling contractor. He enjoyed art of all kinds including photography, oil and watercolor painting and ceramics.

He is survived by two sons, James Crotinger (Laura) of Kirkland , Washington and Daniel Crotinger (Amber) of Salina, Kansas; a daughter, Theresa Crotinger of Salina; a step son, Frank Boutin (Maria) of Defuniak Springs, Florida; two step daughters, Tina Augustine (Lonny) of Eaton, Colorado and Clorice LaBarge of Hays; a sister, Dorothy Graham (Sam) of Kingman, Kansas; 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Suzanne Crotinger and a grandchild.

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Monday, May 6, 2019 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow services in the Locust Hill Cemetery in Rush Center, Kansas.

Visitation will be Sunday 4 PM – 8 PM and Monday 12:30 PM until service time all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the McCracken Library.

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

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