SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged crimes against a 13-year-old girl.
Shawn Matthew Wynne photo Saline County
Following an investigation by the sheriff’s office, deputies arrested Shawn Matthew Wynne, 33, Salina, on requested charges that include, Aggravated indecent liberties with a child, Aggravated intimidation of a witness, Sexual exploitation of a child, Attempted rape, Aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, Kidnapping and Breach of privacy, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.
The alleged incidents occurred between July 2017 and July 2018 at a residence in Salina and in rural Saline County.
On Tuesday, Brenda Culbertson, NASA/JPL solar system ambassador, was at the Hays Public Library presenting highlights from the Apollo 11 mission that sent Americans to the surface of the moon 50 years ago.
A longtime observational astronomer, Culbertson ran the Washburn planetarium for over 20 years and has taught astrophotography.
She uses those skills in the ambassador program setting up observation sessions in locations across the state.
“That’s probably what I do most,” Culbertson said.
But while in Hays, she stepped away from the telescope to present three sessions at the Hays Public Library recapping the first manned lunar mission.
She believes sharing the story of the mission is important to get children interested in exploring their potential.
“When you are wondering ‘Can I really do this?’ and you look back and see other people have done harder things, I think that encourages them to try for it,” Culbertson said. “They learn from history and, if history is taught correctly and you are given a good taste of it, I think it will encourage them to go forward.”
She noted the tragedy of Apollo 1 as an example of how learning from history can be a powerful tool.
“NASA learned from it greatly,” she said. “From there, OK, we have to be more careful and more thorough.”
The lesson learned from that failure still resonates today.
“If they are taught and shown, I think it is important for them to learn this kind of thing,” Culbertson said. “You learn from failure.” she said.
With the knowledge of history, Culbertson hopes students can push forward and reach their potential.
“We give them a little bit of the tragedy as well as the success and maybe it will spark something in them to go forward.”
About the Solar System Ambassadors Program
“The Solar System Ambassadors Program is a public engagement effort that works with motivated volunteers across the nation to communicate the science and excitement of NASA’s space exploration missions and discoveries in their communities,” according to the program’s website. “The program — which started in 1997 — currently consists of 730 ambassadors who conduct approximately 2,400 annual events that, reach about 500,000 people directly, with millions reached via publications, social media, TV and radio.”
HUTCHINSON — Just two days after the celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the man who started it all has died.
Christopher Kraft passed away on Monday. Kraft started NASA as we know it and was Mission Control’s first flight director leading the space agency through the Apollo moon missions and beyond.
“Chris Kraft is a legend,” Jim Remar, President of the Cosmosphere said. “Without his efforts on the ground, two astronauts who touched down on Tranquility Base 50-years-ago probably don’t get there, at least don’t get there to fulfill (President) Kennedy’s challenge.”
Mission Control was assembled by a group of men who were just out of college and was willing to give it their all for the space program, which included inventing procedures and solutions moment to moment.
“Most of the flight controllers and directors were in their early 20’s so they were really writing the rules and procedures as they went,” Remar said. “As a whole, the team needed a figurehead like Chris Kraft to guide them through.”
Remar said he hopes that more people who grew up after the Apollo program will use Kraft’s legacy in the space program to inspire them.
Christopher Columbus Kraft was 95 years old and will be remembered for his leadership under immense pressure during the space race to the moon, and for great vision to establish the inner workings of Mission Control.
Patsy Leone (Smith) Michael, 75, of Norton, KS, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019, at Hays Medical Center in Hays.
She was born April 26, 1944 in Almena, KS to Ivan Raymond and Mildred Erma (Keene) Smith. She attended country schools in Norton County and then Norton High School. She lived most of her life in Norton and worked various jobs with the last being in the kitchen at Norton Hospital.
Patsy will greatly be missed by all who knew and loved her!
She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Eugene Smith.
Survivors include her brothers, Wayne L. Smith (Barbara) of Norton and Kenneth R. Smith (Lois) of Atwood; nieces, Rochelle Dearman (John) of Mooresville, NC, Robin Wiggins (Jeff) of Austin, TX and Kypris Cooper of Lavon, TX; nephews, Michael Smith (Heather) of Phillipsburg, KS, Brian Smith of Norton, Timothy Smith of Norton, Luke Smith (Shannon Pettijohn) of McDonald, KS and Jason Smith (Amber) of Colby, KS; six grand-nephews, five grand-nieces and one great-grand-niece. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
The family will conduct a memorial service 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27th, 2019 in the Church of God, Norton, KS. Memorials may be made to Guardian Home Care of Norton, Kansas c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.
Armella Marie Kruse, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Prairie Senior Living Center in Colby, Kansas. Armella was born on October 12, 1924, to Herman and Mary Lintel. She grew up and lived most of her life in Oakley, Kansas.
On January 24, 1944 she was united in marriage to Ralph J. Kruse in Oakley, Kansas, and was privileged to celebrate 55 years of marriage. Together they made a life of farming and their marriage was blessed with eight children. Armella spent much of her time cooking, baking, doing laundry, canning, and maintaining the household. She would spend time in the summers traveling with Ralph and his harvest crew to cook meals for all of them.
She enjoyed spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens and with her sisters, brother, and their families. Armella also took delight in spending the winters with Ralph in Texas, California, or Arizona, after the children left home.
Armella was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, and the Altar Society, where she served in many capacities.
Mrs. Kruse is survived by seven children, Karol Swart (Terry), Rodney Kruse (Mary Lu), Ralph Jr. Kruse (Cheri), Connie Renner, Berny Kruse (Missy), Janice Wilkening, and Robert Kruse (Chan); 26 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine Swart; brother, Donnie Lintel and son-in-law Lanny Hockersmith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph J. Kruse; her parents, Herman and Mary Lintel; her daughter, Marilyn Hockersmith; son-in-law, Rod Wilkening and her sisters Marietta Coats, Elaine Hammerschmidt, Eunice Weber, LaVerna Robben, and Lila Heier.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, July 26, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic School or Hospice Services, Inc., in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, Kansas, 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
WICHITA – Pools and schedules have been released for week one of the 85th NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy.
The Hays Larks are in Pool D and will open against the Waco (TX) Missions at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. If they win that game, they will play the Great Bend (KS) Bat Cats Sunday at a yet to be determined time. If they lose their first game, they will play Great Bend on Monday.
The top two teams from each of the four pools advance to single elimination bracket play on Tuesday, July 30. Those four winners advance to play Wednesday, July 31 with the winners advancing to Championship Week.
The Larks secured the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball automatic spot in the first week after winning the KCLB Post-Season Tournament with a 10-9 win over the Wellington Heat Tuesday.
Both the Heat and the Dodge City A’s received at-large bids into the tournament’s first week. The Liberal Bee Jays and the Kansas Cannons were the KCLB division winners and both have spots in Championship Week.
The NBC World Series takes place July 27 through August 10 at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University.
Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County is one of 11 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Kansas that benefited from a $165,000 grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). Funds supported technology upgrades, marketing, and tools and equipment so volunteers can better partner with homeowners to achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.
“We are so thankful for the $12,000 grant awarded to us from the KHRC. We used the funding to increase our visibility in Ellis County with ads featured on HaysPost.com through Eagle Communications,” said Leslie Wyatt, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County.
“We purchased signage for our ReStore location at the Big Creek Crossing Mall and fixed the heater in the main section of the building. Our volunteers and customers were much more comfortable this past winter. We were able to purchase and gift our dedicated volunteers with HFHEC t-shirts and sweatshirts which was really great too.”
In addition, the grant allowed Kansas to be represented at the 2019 Habitat for Humanity International Affiliate Conference in Atlanta in March. This biennial conference provided affiliates from all over the country the opportunity to share ideas and gain insight into developing national campaigns that will increase affordable housing opportunities. Some of the funding also will cover a portion of the administrative costs.
“This is the second year that KHRC has granted Kansas Habitat for Humanity affiliates with funds that allow us to expand our impact on affordable housing opportunities in Kansas,” said Shawna Dennett, advancement director at Wichita Habitat for Humanity and administrator of the KHRC grant. “We are so thankful that the KHRC recognizes the work done by Habitat for Humanity in Kansas and is willing to provide funds that will allow us the opportunity to serve more people in our community with affordable housing and home repairs, as well as provide financial literacy and homeownership education to homebuyers and homeowners in 13 counties. Affiliates have been meeting together annually to share ideas and resources and this grant will allow us to develop stronger connections with smaller affiliates, providing the support they need to increase their ability to build homes, communities, and hope across Kansas.”
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is a self-supporting, public corporation serving as the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the state of Kansas. Its mission is to increase the availability of affordable, decent and accessible housing for lower-income Kansans. KHRS collaborates with lenders, developers, builders, real estate agents, service providers, homeless advocates, non-profit organizations and government agencies.
HERINGTON — When a suspect wanted by the Herington Police Department didn’t turn himself in, the police took to Facebook for help in finding him.
“We’ve waited long enough for this guy to turn himself in. Looks like he made the wrong choice. This is a photo of Trenton Svitak, compliments of the Dickinson County Jail. He is wanted for Possession of LSD With Intent to Sell, Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Sell and a few other illegal drug related charges.
These charges stem from a search warrant executed at 114 South 13th Street by HPD on June 3, 2019.
Jessica Christyauntie (Sjodahl) was arrested during the search warrant execution. If you know where Trenton Svitak is, give us a call. We’d love to chat with him. Before we forget, if you harbor or aid him in any way, we have a reservation in Abilene for you too. Happy hunting!”
The post garnered at least 128 shares and 35 comments, including one from the suspect.
HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition HaysMed’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
To earn accreditation, HaysMed’s cardiovascular/pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability
from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.aacvpr.org.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle has launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate. The Wichita Republican and 65-year-old lawmaker filed paperwork Tuesday evening with the Federal Election Commission forming a campaign committee.
Wagle spoke to republicans in Wichita over the weekend-photo courtesy Susan Wagle
She is seeking the GOP nomination for the seat held by four-term GOP U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. He is not seeking re-election in 2020.
Wagle has served in the Legislature since 1991 and has been the Kansas Senate’s top leader since 2013. She’s emerged as a vocal opponent of new Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and helped thwart Kelly’s push for Medicaid expansion.
Wagle launched her campaign the same month as former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. The race already is crowded, with as many as 19 candidates considering it. Wagle is the only GOP woman running.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks, rookies and injured players reported to Scanlon Hall at Missouri Western Tuesday for their 2019 training camp in St. Joseph. These players will have three practices before the rest of the veteran players report to MWSU Friday and the entire team will officially begin training camp Saturday.
The first three practices are closed to the public so Saturday’s full squad practice will be the first one open to the public. It will begin at 3:30 p.m. and there is a $5 admission fee.
You can listen to the press conference’s from head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Mecole Hardman below.
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal jury found a Wichita-area pharmacist guilty Tuesday on charges of unlawfully dispensing opioid prescription drugs, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Ebube Otuonye, 46, Bel Aire, Kan., was convicted on the following counts:Conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs (count one).Unlawfully distributing prescription drugs (count two). Health care fraud (counts three and four).
Ebube Otuonye photo Butler County
The crimes occurred while Otuonye owned and operated Neighborhood Pharmacy at 2810 E. 21st in Wichita, where he filled prescriptions for patients of Dr. Steven R. Henson.
In October 2018, Henson was convicted of unlawfully distributing prescription drugs outside the usual course of professional medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. In March 2019, Henson was sentenced to life in federal prison.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Henson’s patients had difficulty filling Henson’s prescriptions at pharmacies other than Neighborhood Pharmacy. Otuonye’s pharmacy charged more than other pharmacies and he set up a system requiring Henson’s patients to fill three non-narcotic prescriptions when filling a narcotic prescription.
A sign in the pharmacy said: “You may use another pharmacy if all you want to fill is (a) narcotic prescription.”
Evidence at trial showed Henson’s patients took their prescriptions to Otuonye himself because another pharmacist at Neighborhood Pharmacy refused to fill them. Prosecutors argued that Otuonye failed to perform his professional responsibilities by continuing to fill prescriptions for Henson’s patients despite warning signs including: Large numbers of prescriptions for highly addictive drugs, customers paying cash, multiple patients coming in at once with Henson’s prescriptions and patients from the same family presenting identical prescriptions.
Otuonye filled prescriptions for more than 21,600 tablets of oxycodone, more than 48,600 tablets of methadone, more than 18,000 tablets of hydromorphone and more than7,800 tablets of alprazolam.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Otuonye submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for filling Henson’s prescriptions.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 23. Counts one and two carry a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Counts three and four carry a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Hays Striders Track Club were in competition at the AAU Regional Qualifier June 27-30. 23 Striders vied for a spot at the 2019 AAU Junior Olympic Championships and 19 qualified. The Junior Olympics will be held July 28 through August 2 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“In the 24 years we’ve been involved with the Striders, this is the most we’ve ever qualified to compete in the Junior Olympic Games. That is a testament to these kids who go to practice for two hours every day, fighting the cold, the rain, and now the heat to improve and compete. They are true competitors, from the little guys and girls to the high school athletes. They amaze me everyday how hard they are willing to work,” Coach Dave Haberman said. “And those workouts are not easy!”
Region 16 for AAU comprises Kansas, Oklahoma, western Missouri and Arkansas. The top six athletes from the regional meet qualified to compete at the Junior Olympics.
Four Striders — Jade Beckman from Oakley, Lillian McGaughey from La Crosse, Jacob Leiker and Mario Valencia of Hays — were crowned Regional Champions in their events. Beckman and McGaughey are described by Coach Elaine Haberman as a “future Olympic superstars.”
Beckman won the long jump in the 11-year-old girls division with a leap of 14’51/2.” McGaughey had a very busy three days in the 11-year-old division by winning the turbo javelin and discus and qualifying in the high jump and Pentathlon. Leiker blew away the competition in the 8 Under 800 while dropping 10 seconds off of his time a month ago at the AAU District Qualifier. Leiker also qualified in the 400. Hays Middle School athlete Valencia was the top Pole Vaulter in the 13-year-old age group and also qualified for the Junior Olympics in the high jump.
The girls side of the team have been battling injuries throughout the season, but even those with injuries managed to qualify for the JO’s. Hays High’s Brooklyn Lewallen, competing with a nagging hamstring, qualified in the 15-16 100 meter hurdles as well as the 400 meter hurdles. Hays Middle School athlete Lacy Droegemeier, battling a lower leg injury throughout most of the summer season, qualified in the 14-year-old 100 hurdles and Pentathlon. “They are a great group of kids that love to work hard and they have fun doing it, which is the most enjoyable part,” Striders hurdle coach Maddux Winter said.
Middle distance phenom Morgan Armbruster switched gears mid-season due to injuries, adding the Turbo Javelin throw to her 11-year-old event listing. Armbruster placed 3rd in that event to qualify. Zoe Brown of Plainville, battling knee trouble throughout the season, qualified in the 12 year old Pentathlon. Kaliyah Bannister qualified in the 11-year-old long jump with a personal best. Sydney Lewallen, described by Coach Dave Haberman as “one of our hardest working athletes, and one to watch for future years” qualified for a second year in the 9-year-old girls 400 and long jump. Grace Molthan qualified for her first Junior Olympics in the 9-year-old Girls 1500 meter run. Lyndi Zimmerman qualified for her third Junior Olympics in two events, the 10-year-old 400 and 1500.
“We are so proud of all of these girls,” Coach Elaine Haberman said.
On the boys side, beside Leiker and Valencia, seven more athletes qualified. Plainville’s record breaker AJ Brown, qualified in the 14-year-old 200 hurdles and Pentathlon. Logan Leiker qualified in the 10-year-old 1500.
“Those Leiker boys can just flat out run,” Dave Haberman said. “This is their first year and they’re running like seasoned athletes!”
Emery Zimmerman qualified in the 8 Under 800 and 1500, and Tayte Lewallen in the 8 Under 1500.
“Those two are fighters,” Coach Dave Haberman said, “they challenge each other every day in practice and are just great competitors on the track.”
Hunter Molthan, the veteran on the boys team, qualified in three events. The 800, 1500, and 3000.
“Hunter is a beautiful runner,” Elaine Haberman stated. “He’s a hard worker and just loves track.”
Of the Strider boy throwers, coached by 4 time All-MIAA FHSU athlete Tim McElroy, two qualified to move on to North Carolina. Jack Zeller qualified in the 13-year-old javelin, shot put and discus. Caleb Englert qualified in the 11-year-old turbo javelin and discus.
“The kids worked extremely hard this summer and their accomplishments show it,” throws coach Tim McElroy said.
“We are very proud of all of our Strider kids,” Dave Haberman said. “And we have a great coaching staff! They are committed to helping these kids improve every day.”
The Striders are coached by Dave and Elaine Haberman, Dustin and Wendy Armbruster, Meredith and Darris Lewallen, Bob Threlkel, Rose McFarland, Maddux Winter, and Anthony Ventura.
Complete Results are as follows, Top 6 Qualify:
Girls
Paityn Armbruster, 400-27, 1:42.05; LJ-17, 7’1”
Sydney Lewallen, 9, 400-2, 1:15.38; LJ-5, 11’9 ½”; 200-12, 34.49
