August 2019 – Page 55 – Hays Post Archive

Sheriff: Drugs, gun and cash seized after SW Kan. traffic stop

Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019

GRAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop arrest.

On Monday night, a sheriff’s deputy on patrol stopped a car for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 50, according to the Gray County Sheriff.

During that stop he detained the driver and passenger of the vehicle for plain view marijuana possession.

During a search of the car the deputy found a loaded 9mm handgun and approximately 2.2 pounds of dispensary retail marijuana along with just under $5,000.00 in cash.

According to the sheriff’s office, “People argue about marijuana laws and the medicinal effects and they are entitled to their opinion, but this was criminal possession with intent to distribute, a business that doesn’t care about safety or health of the traffickers, the officers or the citizens. This like any stop for a law enforcement officer is dangerous, but needed.”

Both men in the vehicle were arrested and are in the Meade County Jail.

Kansas man dies after train, John Deere tractor accident

Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019

FORD COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a John Deere Tractor driven by Bernard V. Stegman, 59, Spearville, was northbound on Garnett Road three miles southwest of Spearville. The driver failed to stop at the railroad crossing.

A BNSF train struck the tractor. EMS transported Stegman to the hospital in Dodge City where he died. There were no injuries to three occupants of the train, according to the KHP.

🎥 FHSU on generator power; storm damages campus power plant

Posted on August 13, 2019August 14, 2019

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Tuesday evening’s storm in Hays knocked out the main Midwest Energy electrical line trunk that powers Fort Hays State University.

Generators immediately kicked in, according to Ed Howell, FHSU police chief, and the entire campus currently has electricity.

The damaged wall of FHSU Akers Energy Center shortly after the storm abated. (Photo by Ruth Dreher, FHSU)

The powerful wind gusts tore down a large portion of the north wall of the campus power plant Akers Energy Center.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Dodge City, a wind gust of 78 mph was measured at the Hays Regional Airport at 7:56 p.m. “You never know what that wind will do coming through this little tunnel area (between buildings),” said Howell.

At 8:20 p.m. the damaging winds were still at 52 mph sustained and gusting to 72 mph at 8:20 pm, the NWS reported in an update.

Campus crews were using heavy equipment late Tuesday night to clear the glass and cement wall block debris from the damaged area and sidewalk. A large limb was torn from a tree along the building driveway to the east.

Other tree damage was noticeable on the east side of Tomanek Hall which is adjacent to the power plant.

Classes start Monday for the fall semester.

Celebration Community Church suffers heavy storm damage

Posted on August 13, 2019

Images from Ellis County storm

Posted on August 13, 2019August 14, 2019

Photos captured by Hays Post readers of the storm that swept through the area Tuesday evening. Please stay safe and stay off roads and streets. Flooding, debris and downed power lines are making conditions dangerous, according to public and utility officials.

Photos can be submitted to [email protected].

Camper in the front yard on 46th St. / Katie Parson

Cedar Bluff Estates. Trego County. Glen Pfeifer photo

Took this picture 5 minutes before the storm hit. Just north of Wal-Mart. Notice the Hays water tower to the right to see the scale of the storm. Jessi Jacobs

South of Cedar Bluff lake at Brownell. A view just before the storm came through. Rashell McCarty

Storm damage cancels first day of 2019-20 school year in Hays

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

According to a message sent to parents just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, classes will be canceled for Hays USD 489 Wednesday, which was scheduled to be the first day of the 2019-20 school year.

USD 489 reported that damage to Hays Middle School forced the decision.

The first day of school will be rescheduled to Thursday, with elementary schools having a half day and HMS and Hays High School having a full day.

UPDATE: I-70 open; some power still out in Hays area after Tuesday storm

Posted on August 13, 2019August 14, 2019

Taken by Brooks Barber approximately 7:30 PM from East 27th Street looking west toward Hays.

A section of debris was blocking the road on 41st. Street west of Vine in Hays around 9 p.m.

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

UPDATE AT 6:25 A.M.: Midwest Energy crews got power lines up off I-70 and the interstate was reopened just before 2 a.m. Wednesday morning after a severe thunderstorm blew through the area about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.

About 20 semi-trucks were reported overturned on I-70 with power poles and lines downed near Hays, although that information has not been verified by authorities. I-70 closed for several hours between Hays and WaKeeney.

Midwest Energy is reporting electricity is back on in Ellis. Some 20 power poles are down in Ellis County, with seven reported downed north of Exit 157 near Celebration Community Church which was heavily damaged. MWE crews from Colby, Colby, Oakley and WaKeeney will be in Hays this morning to help with repairs.

From Midwest Energy Tuesday night: I-70 earlier tonight… the driver stayed in his truck, and fortunately nobody was injured!

In the Great Bend area, at least 10 power poles are down.

Approximately 382 Midwest Energy customers are still without power in the Hays vicinity this morning according to the MWE outage viewer.

UPDATE AT 11:20 p.m.: Traffic remain closed on I-70, but a semi that overturned has been up-righted as the KHP works to clear the scene. Midwest Energy is working to restore transmission lines down across I-70 in order to reopen I-70.

“Crews are working hard to get wires crossing I-70 back up; fortunately everyone stayed in their vehicles and nobody was injured,” Midwest Energy said. “It will likely be 2-3 hours before wires are up and KHP can make a decision to open I-70 back up.”

They are also asking for any gas leaks to be reported immediately.

“We are also seeing reports of gas leaks due to fences and AC units hitting meters; please call those in ASAP at 1-800-222-3121 and follow prompts for gas leaks,” they said.

Traffic around Hays is causing delays to repairs, Midwest energy said.

Everyone is asking to remain off roadways if possible.

UPDATE AT 10:45 p.m.: Midwest energy said a transmission line came down atop a semi on I-70 two miles west of Hays.

“That is our priority, clearing that and getting I-70 cleared of wires so KHP can get it back open,” they said.

“We have the main line feeding Ellis with two known poles down; we are working on rerouting power, getting Ellis back on from the WaKeeney line. We have found 7 structures down near I-70 and Celebration Church in Hays, which also sustained heavy damage. Please avoid the area.”

They ask that anyone with a power outage to continue to call in and they are prioritizing problems.

“Please keep calling your outages in, but bear with us; heavy sightseeing traffic is slowing our ability to patrol lines,” they said. “We will prioritize restoration by transmission, then sub-transmission, then individual yard lines.”

UPDATE AT 9:44 p.m.: The Kansas Highway Patrol was reporting Interstate 70 was closed between WaKeeney and Hays due to downed power lines and semi trucks blowing over due to the storm.

UPDATE AT 9:27 P.M. The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a Flood Warning for Central Ellis County until 12:30 a.m. Wed., Aug. 14.

As a large storm blew through Hays Tuesday evening storm damage was being reported across town with power lines down, debris littered across roads, flooding and about 6,200 without power around 9 p.m.

“As you can imagine we have a fair amount of damage across the county,” said Mike Morley, director of communications, Midwest Energy.

“There is also a fair amount of debris in the street,” he said.

“We have crews out right now doing damage assessments, trying to find where those wires are down, so we ask people to call in their outages to our 800 number.”

Midwest Energy’s outage line is 800-222-3121.

He suggested avoiding driving through the town as flooding was occurring throughout large portions of Hays.

Midwest Energy is currently assessing damage in Hays, but Morley said it may get worse before it gets better when looking at the outage map.

“As we fix one section of line, we have to take down a whole of city block or two city blocks as we make that connection and bring it back on,” he said.

But they are working as quickly as possible to get power restored.

“Folks should know we are going to be out there throughout the night as we do during outages and getting everyone on as quick as we can,” Morley said.

Teen arrested after 9-year-old Kan. girl injured by gunfire

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 11:30a.m. Monday, police responded to shooting call at a home in the 700 Block of south Laura in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers found a 9-year-old girl with an injured finger. Investigators learned the girl was playing in her backyard when she heard two loud bangs and a projectile hit her finger, according to Davidson.

A boy next door was seen retreating back into a home with an object in his hand. As officers approached the residence, the boy exited armed with a silver handgun. Police issued verbal instructions to the boy who again retreated back into the home.

After officers made phone contact with those in the home, four juveniles and an adult exited the residence without incident.

Police confiscated a handgun and arrested a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm by a juvenile, obstruction and an outstanding warrant, according to Davidson. Police do not believe the 9-year-old was an intended victim. The boy appears to have been shooting at some type of target, according to Davidson and it is illegal to fire a gun in the city. The Sedgwick County will review the case.

Kansas, Missouri officials pledge to help keep ‘border war’ truce

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Local officials are helping Kansas and Missouri preserve a truce in an economic “border war” that had seen the states use incentives to lure jobs across their border in the Kansas City area.

Kansas governor Kelly and Missouri governor Parson during Tuesday’s signing photo courtesy office of Kansas governor

The cooperation came ahead of a summit Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, between Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

The Port Authority of Kansas City’s board agreed Monday to limit incentives to companies relocating to Missouri to 10-years, the existing limit in Kansas. Mayor Quinton Lucas has promised to push for a similar limit in Kansas City, Missouri.

Parson signed a law in June and Kelly issued an executive order earlier this month declaring that their states won’t use their incentives to lure existing jobs across the border.

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🎥 Back to school safety tips offered by Hays PD

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

School starts Wednesday for students in Hays USD 489 and Monday for the two Hays Catholic schools – TMP-Marian High School/Junior High School and Holy Family Elementary – along with Fort Hays State University.

Traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, will increase dramatically.

Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright has some back-to-school safety tips for drivers and students.

Drivers should slow down, stay off their cell phones, and allow extra time to get where they need to go. Speeding fines are doubled in school zones.
Drivers in both directions must stop while a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm out. A third offense in five years of passing a school bus with its lights activated is $1,000 plus court costs.
Don’t drop off or pick up students where they’re forced to cross a traffic lane.
Children should walk or bike the same route to and from school each day and have a plan to check in with someone after school.
Bicyclists should wear helmets.
Make sure children are aware of traffic ways at alleys and driveways.
Talk with children about stranger safety.

Mary Katherine (Riesselman) Youll

Posted on August 13, 2019

Mary Katherine (Riesselman) Youll, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, in Bentonville, Arkansas, surrounded by family, at the age of 64.

Mary was born on May 4, 1955 in Carroll, Iowa to Vincent and Edith (Hoffman) Riesselman. She was a 1973 graduate of Sac City High School. With her gift for caregiving and her compassion for others, Mary followed a natural path into the medical field. She graduated from Saint Luke’s School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa in 1976, and she worked as a registered nurse at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas for many years.

Mary wed her high school sweetheart, John Youll, on June 25, 1976 in Auburn, Iowa. Together they raised two sons, John and Jim, and one daughter, Josie, and enjoyed 43 years of marriage.

Mary’s fondest memories were of raising her three children in Salina, Kansas (later Hays, KS) with her loving husband, and spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother who embraced every opportunity to spend quality time with family. Her grandchildren will remember Grandma Mary’s awe-inspiring homemade costumes, harvesting pumpkins, and her cheering from the sidelines at their sporting events. Mary’s creative talents were evident in her gardening, baking, and home decor. Friends and family benefited from Mary’s gifts in hospitality; her home was always a warm, welcoming, and loving space. Mary’s friends knew her as a loyal and loving friend, who enjoyed traveling and entertaining.

Faith was a fundamental cornerstone of Mary’s life, and she prayed faithfully for those whom she loved. She instilled a love of God in her children and was an active member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Vincent Riesselman and her mother Edith (Hoffman) Riesselman. She is survived by her husband John Youll, three children, John Youll, Jim Youll (Katie), and Josie Herold (Robbie); sister Jean Smith (Scott), brothers Don Riesselman, Jim Riesselman, and Tom Riesselman, three grandchildren Vincent Herold, Cooper Herold, and Madeline Youll, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Click HERE for service details.

Patricia Ann (Cook) Rundle

Posted on August 13, 2019

This is the story of our mother, Patricia Ann (Cook) Rundle. Mom passed away at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. We felt so blessed to have had those last cherished moments with Mom to remind her of how much we loved her and to say our last earthly good-byes.

Mom was born October 12, 1938 in Olney, Illinois and was the oldest daughter of Hugh L. and Ella Mae (Irvin) Cook. She lived many places during her life including Claflin, Logan, San Diego, Hays, Manhattan, Smith Center and Franklin. Mom received her education from Logan High School (Logan, Kansas) and graduated in 1956. On September 10, 1957, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Kenneth Rundle at the Christian Church in Logan, Kansas.

She and Dad were blessed with their four children, Kimberly Rundle of Topeka, Ks, Kirk (Becky) Rundle of Wichita, Ks, Karla (Brad) Burgess of Red Cloud, Ne and Kate Flesner of Topeka, Ks.

In June, 2018, after Dad’s death, Mom moved to Topeka and shared a home with Kim and Kate. She enjoyed being a daily part of their lives, being pampered and well taken care of. She was happy and had settled into her new home. She also enjoyed not having to cook and asked quite often, “What’s for dinner?”. She giggled at the irony of asking something that SHE had been asked many times over numerous years! Also, while living in Topeka, Mom cherished being able to cheer on her great-grandkids in their musical and sporting events.

When we were reminiscing about Mom’s life, we all recalled these things that made Mom so special. When we were young kids, Mom was very involved in the Christian Church in Smith Center, KS. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, helping to build a solid foundation for many children in their love of Christ. She had always been a faithful servant of our Lord, and had a strong faith throughout her life. Also, she always made sure there were cookies in the cookie tin for the kids to have during Sunday School.

Besides her love of God, Mom loved her family- her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Growing up, she supported our dreams and encouraged us to believe that we could be anything we wanted.

Mom was the kind, caring, and compassionate cornerstone of our family. And though she will be missed by those of us who loved her the most, we can’t help but think of her joyous reunion with our dad.

She was preceded in death by our father, her sister Carolyn Beasley, sister-in-law Tonya Cook, son-in-law Gary Flefner, her parents Hugh and Ella Mae Cook, and in-laws Chet and Alfreeda Rundle. We are sure they are all playing cards, eating pie, and drinking Pepsi.

Left to cherish her memory are her children and their spouses; her brother, Jerry Cook from Climax, Mo., her sister, Judy (Bob) Channell of Hays, Ks, and sister-in-law, Starlet (Roger) Henry of Logan, Ks., as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is also survived by the special light in her life, her grandchildren: Joshua (Tammy) Hughes, Jara (Jason) Matney, Jesse (Ashley) Hughes and Joseph Hughes all of Topeka, Ks; Derek (Leah) Rundle and Kelsey (Scott) Pringle both Wichita, Ks; Dillon Burgess of Lincoln, Ne and Keaton Burgess of Red Cloud, Ne; Clayton (Bree) Preble of Herman, Ne and Cale Preble of Nashville, Tn. as well as her 15 great-grandchildren.

Mom’s absence from our daily life will hurt for many years, but our love for her will never fade. Until we meet again, Mom…

She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Cor. 13:4-7

Private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Youth pastor, coach accused of sex with students

Posted on August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

OKLAHOMA CITY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex charges.

According to a media release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the agency began an investigation after allegations surfaced that 34-year-old Justin White had inappropriate relationships with young females while a teacher at Smithville Public Schools in McCurtain County and as a Youth Pastor at Spiro Baptist Church in LeFlore County, Oklahoma.

He is currently employed as the Youth Pastor at Clayton Avenue Baptist Church in Hugo, Oklahoma and the baseball coach at Smithville Public School.

During the 2013-2014 school year he allegedly had sexual intercourse with a female student several times at his residence located on school property, according to the OSBI.

During the investigation, agents spoke with another girl who was a member of the Spiro Baptist Church youth group when White was Youth Pastor. The girl who was underage at the time, said White would take her upstairs at the church to be alone. When alone, White would inappropriately touch and kiss the teenager.

White was arrested at the Clayton Avenue Baptist Church in Hugo and is currently in the Choctaw County jail awaiting transport to McCurtain County and then to LeFlore County.