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Month: September 2019
Defendants indicted in Kan. among hundreds indicted in worldwide fraud probe
WICHITA, KAN. – Five men indicted in federal court in Kansas are among hundreds of defendants charged in an international fraud investigation, according to U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister.
King Bassey Essien, 26, Wichita, Kan., Franklin Ogochukwu Okapu, 20, Wichita, Kan., Oluwatimileyin Aloaye Frederick Diyaolu, 21, Wichita, Kan., Emmanuel Oluwaseun Daramola, 22, Wichita, Kan., and Abasiakara Ime Ekanem, 22, Nigeria, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges the defendants received money from victims of fraud in the United States and foreign countries. The frauds took many forms including romance scams and investment scams designed to cause victims to transfer money to bank accounts controlled by the defendants and others. The defendants would transfer the money to other accounts, primarily in Nigeria and Ghana. The defendants also transferred money among themselves, received transfers and made cash withdrawals.
The indictment alleges: Essien’s account received cash depots of more than $190,000, international wire transfers of more than $120,000 and domestic wire transfers of more than $88,000. Two-thirds of the money was transferred to bank accounts in Nigeria and Ghana.
Okapu’s accounts received cash deposits of more than $67,000 and total deposits of more than $337,000, including domestic transfers, money orders and cashier’s deposits. Diyaolu’s accounts received total deposits of more than $572,000. Three-quarters of the money was transferred to bank accounts in Nigeria.
Daramola’s accounts received total deposits of more than $283,000. More than two-thirds of the money was transferred to bank accounts in Nigeria.
Ekanem’s accounts received total deposits of more than $208,000. Almost half the money was withdrawn as cash.
Together, the defendants are alleged to have transferred more than $923,000 to an unindicted conspirator in Lagos, Nigeria, and more than $211,000 to another unindicted conspirator in Lagos, Nigeria.
The defendants in Kansas were among more than 280 people arrested in the United States and overseas as a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of State.
The investigation targeted many kinds of scams including so-called romance scams that obtain money from victims by claiming their loved ones need funds, and investment scams that seek money from victims seeking business opportunities.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $500,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Civil War cannonball found in Kansas City area tree
KANSAS CITY (AP) — A worker has found what’s believed to be a Civil War cannonball lodged in a Kansas City area tree that he was hired to take down.
The small cannonball fell out as the worker was chopping the diseased tree on the grounds of the Overfelt-Johnston house. The house was used as a hospital during the First Battle of Independence, Missouri, which was fought across the street in 1862.
Fourteen people were killed and 18 wounded as nearly 800 mounted Confederates overpowered the 350 men of the town’s federal garrison.
Property owner Randall Pratt says a cannonball also was found when the property was restored in 1980. That cannonball, which had been shot into a wall, is in a county museum. Pratt plans to keep the latest find at the home.
DCF Deputy Secretary of Operations named
DCF
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard named Megan Dodge deputy secretary of operations for the agency. Dodge brings years of experience in government management to the position.
“I am excited Megan has decided to share her talent and expertise in public administration with the Department for Children and Families,” Howard said. “We have a lot of moving parts in DCF and I am confident Megan will use her experience and talent to ensure the agency runs smoothly.”
Dodge and her family recently returned to Kansas after living in San Antonio, Texas for several years. She served in various capacities working for the City of San Antonio, most recently as assistant director for the government & public affairs department, where she oversaw government relations, audio visual/video production and creative services. During her tenure, Dodge worked to implement San Antonio’s legislative priorities and led various projects to enhance public participation and transparency in city government, serving a community of 1.5 million residents. While in San Antonio, Megan also worked in the office of management & budget and the city manager’s office.
Prior to her work in San Antonio, Dodge also served Kansas local governments, working in the county manager’s office for Johnson County and in the city manager’s office for Bonner Springs.
“My family and I are thrilled to be back in our home state of Kansas,” Dodge said. “I look forward to supporting the great teams we have at DCF, making sure employees have the resources necessary to do the important work of protecting children and strengthening families.”
In her role as deputy secretary of operations, Dodge will manage the agency’s information technology, fiscal and facilities departments.
Dodge is a proud native Kansan and lifelong Jayhawk. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Public Administration at the University of Kansas, she completed KU’s Master of Public Administration Program, which is ranked top in the nation for programs of its kind.
She and her husband are raising two children in Lawrence.
Vernita ‘Neter’ Kay Hodges
Vernita “Neter” Kay Hodges, 69, passed away September 13, 2019 at University of Kansas Health Systems, Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.
She was born September 29, 1949 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Ernest and Lucille Hoffman Fuhr. A longtime area resident of Larned; she was a Med Aide, LMHT II and a P.A. II all at the Larned State Hospital for 43 years.
She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Larned.
Survivors include; a son, William Hodges, Thornton, Colorado; two brothers, John (Annette) Fuhr, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Mark Fuhr, Pratt, Kansas; and three sisters, Judith (Duane) Garmeson, Kansas City, Missouri, Norma (John) Carr, Great Bend, Kansas and Joanne Bortz, Eldorado, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Father Bernard Felix presiding. Family requests casual attire. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary with family present from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the V Foundation, both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Luetta Lucille (Collins) Scott
Luetta Lucille (Collins) Scott was born in Oakley, Kansas on January 18, 1929, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wassemiller) Herdt. She was the youngest of four children; Lester, Lavina, and Lillian. She grew up on the family farm attending school there and graduated from Oakley High School.
She married Lee Collins on June 18, 1947 and was happily married for 37 years until his death in 1984. They were blessed with 4 children, Deanna, Butch, George, and Judy. In 1954 they moved to the farm south of Page City where they farmed along with having a herd of 50 milking cows. While Lee worked away from home, Luetta was the head herdsman for the cows with the help of the kids. After the kids were in school, Luetta went to work as a school cook for Page City and later Winona Schools. She then worked for Oakley Motors as bookkeeper for over 20 years before retiring. Luetta was also the family doctor for the kids while they were growing up especially George. She could do miracles with band-aids!
Family was important to her and she was also making food for any occasion. For several years Luetta and Lee would host weekly family get togethers where many memories were made and Fried Chicken dinners was her specialty. Bowling was one of Luetta’s favorite past times that allowed her to travel as far as Las Vegas to compete and won numerous tournaments. Another favorite past time was Wednesday afternoon card parties. Luetta was an active member of the Ladies V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 2981 were she held several officer positions as well as State President. She also helped with many Stag and Stagette dinners that were held at the VFW and was famous for her potato salad and cole slaw. She enjoyed working in her yard and flowers especially the roses. In 1991 Luetta married Glenn Scott. While being married to Glenn they were able to travel and see the country along with going on her first cruise!
Luetta was baptized into the Lutheran faith as a child where she continued faithfully until her death. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Oakley and Lifetime member of Oakley V.F.W. Post 2981.
Luetta was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Lee Collins and Glenn Scott; children, Terald “Butch” Collins and Judy Dible and siblings, Lester Herdt, Lavina Gilkerson and Lillian Jones.
Luetta is survived by her children, Deanna (Darrell) Pabst of Colby, KS and George (Judy) Collins of Page City, KS; daughter-in-law Janet Collins, of Oakley; special friend Bill Jones. She will also be fondly remembered by her fourteen grandchildren, Shawn (Shelly) Pabst, Stacy (Lee) Stremsterfer, Jodi Moellering, Jacque (Brad) Willems, Traci (Ron) Hazelton, Tate Collins, Niki (Shawn) Clark, Crystal (Melvin) Rucker, Tenille Lee , Gary (Lacey) Collins, Michelle (Jeff) Riley, Travis Zerr, Andy (Kenna) Dible and Bret (Valerie) Dible. Twenty-five great-grandchildren, JW Pabst, Makenna Pabst, Colt Stremsterfer, Colbie Stremsterfer, Chase Moellering, Kaci Moellering, Katelyn Willems, Jake Willems, Claire Willems, Elle Hazelton, Wyatt Hazelton, Eric (Shaylyn) Rucker, Aaron Rucker, Journey Lee, Isaiah Lee, Kaden Lee, Kylie Clark, Colin Clark, Trey Collins, Laif Collins, Megan Riley, Matthew Riley, Madigan Dalton, Annabelle Zerr, Tanner Zerr, Pason Dible, Alora Dible, Jade Dible, Benny Dible. Along with two great-great grandchildren Elijah and Riya
Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Mortuary with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Dale L. Redmond
Dale L. Redmond, age 87, of Quinter, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Gove County Medical Center – Long Term Care.
Arrangements are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home.
John Alan Webster
John Alan Webster, age 59, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Monday, September 9, 2019. He was born on February 27, 1960 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Charles Daniel Webster and Lillian Norma Boulware. A resident of Scott City, Kansas for 20-30 years before moving to Hotel, Oklahoma. He was a farmer and horse trainer.
In the mid 1970’s he married Brenda Parker.
Survivors include his Two Daughters – Shelly & Scott Payne of Stanley, North Carolina, Tammy McClintock of Stanley, North Carolina, One Brother – Lance & Janell Webster of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sisters – Kerri Chavez of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Lesha Webster of Ellinwood, Kansas, Step Father – James Simons of Marienthal, Kansas and Four Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother and One Son – James Webster.
Graveside Services will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
Paul Eugene Nather
Paul Eugene Nather, 57, Timken, Kansas, died Friday, September 13, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kansas.
Paul was born July 8, 1962, in La Crosse, Kansas, the son of Edward Ernest and Mary Ann (Oborny) Nather. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. He was a farmer, and a master mechanic for Superior Essex, Hoisington, Kansas, for 21 years.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas.
On April 13, 2013, he married Sheila Schad at the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located on the grounds of the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village, Great Bend, Kansas.
Survivors include: his wife, Sheila Nather, Timken, Kansas; four daughters, Jennifer Roth (Zachary), La Crosse, Kansas, Kera Willer (Erik), Phillipsburg, Kansas, Audra Nuckolls (Nate Warner), Great Bend, Kansas, and Sedonah Schad, Timken, Kansas; one grandson, Riggins Willer, Phillipsburg, Kansas; one brother, Ed Nather, Colorado Springs, Colorado; two sisters, Annie Pechanec, Hays, Kansas, and Linda Hampton, (Paul), Larned, Kansas; and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Monday, September 16, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.
Church visitation will be Tuesday, September 17, 2019, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas, with Father Anselm Eke officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Timken, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Rush County Sheriff’s Office Equipment Fund, La Crosse, Kansas.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.
Kan. felon jailed after report he dragged woman by her hair into a home
HUTCHINSON— A Kansas man remains jailed on some serious charges after a domestic case in the city.
Jeffery Kennedy, 40, Hutchinson, was taken into custody around 11:40 p.m. Thursday on requested charges of battery, interference with law enforcement, criminal trespass and violation of a protection from abuse order and kidnapping.
According to statements made in court Friday, Kennedy was seen dragging a woman by her hair back into a Hutchinson home. Police were called. When officers arrived, no one would answer the door. At one point, officers saw someone look through the curtains. Officers eventually forced their way into the home and found the victim with a cut under her eye. Kennedy had a bump on his head because the victim threw a lamp at him.
Bond was set at $101,750.
Kennedy has a prior conviction for possession of opiates. He will be back in court on Sept. 19.
Trella Ann Berscheidt
Trella Ann Berscheidt, 75, passed away September 12, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born February 29, 1944 in Alexander, KS to Glenn C. & Hazel M. (Swartz) Scheuerman. She married Paul Berscheidt June 23, 1962, at Ellinwood, KS. He survives.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Trella worked as a Clerk at the Barton County Courthouse. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She enjoyed helping people and performed volunteer work. Trella loved people, her family and always took care of her husband.
Survivors include, her husband Paul of the home; one son, Michael Berscheidt of Gardner, KS; one daughter, Kimberly Schenk and husband Greg of Great Bend; two brothers, Terry D. Scheuerman and wife Naomi of Tecumseh, OK, and Clifford E. Scheuerman and wife Lynne of Great Bend; 7 grandchildren, Craig Berscheidt, Matthew Schenk, Aaron Berscheidt and wife Kayla, Jason Berscheidt and wife Liz, Jessica Kelly and husband Cody, Sarah Smith and husband Jace, and Blake Berscheidt; and 4 great grandchildren, Colson Kelly, Chloe Kelly, Emma Smith, and Layla Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials have been designated to the Central Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired, Golden Belt Memorial Park Veterans’ Memorial and Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Russell and Colby join JAG-K; program earns top national honor
JAG-K
TOPEKA – Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) announced that for the fifth consecutive year it has earned the Jobs for America’s Graduates 5 of 5 Award. The 5 of 5 Award is bestowed upon those JAG programs that meet or exceed the performance measures in five categories: graduation rate, successful outcomes, employment, post-secondary enrollment and job placement.
JAG has a 12-month follow-up period with all seniors as part of its successful evidence-based, data-driven national model. Seven JAG-K regions and 35 JAG-K programs also earned the 5 of 5 Award. JAG-K students had a graduation rate of 98 percent for the Class of 2018.
“The JAG model has proven that all students, regardless of barriers, can be successful leaders and reach their full potential,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “The 5 of 5 Award is important because it shows our JAG-K students are meeting and exceeding goals. While a 98 percent graduation rate is impressive, we are also pleased that 90 percent of our graduates are on a successful career path.”
JAG-K is a nationally accredited in-school program that teaches students career and leadership development skills, requires community service, provides time for academic remediation and ensures students master a minimum of 37 core life-skill competencies. The learning strategies of the national JAG model are primarily introduced through Project Based Learning. JAG-K has been a leader within the national organization for implementing Project Based Learning.
JAG-K is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that partners with students facing various barriers to success, helping them graduate high school and pursue a successful career path. JAG-K currently has 79 programs in 41 Kansas school districts, serving approximately 4,000 students.
The organization starts the 2019-20 school year with new programs in Colby, McPherson and Russell. Knapp indicated there is currently a waiting list of school districts requesting a JAG-K program.
Funding for the program primarily comes from a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant, administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
JAG-K is an affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates program that started in 1980 and has 35 affiliate organizations across the country. In addition to school districts, JAG-K partners with DCF and the Kansas State Department of Education. JAG-K also receives private funds from contributors including Taco Bell Foundation, AT&T and John Deere Coffeyville Works.
JAG-K partners with public schools to offer an elective class that provides academic and other positive supports to ensure students earn their diploma. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service, or into the workforce following their graduation.
Class of 2018 JAG-K 5 of 5 Award Winners
| Arkansas City High School |
| Atchison High School |
| Augusta High School |
| Basehor-Linwood High School |
| Concordia High School |
| Emporia High School (11-12) |
| Field Kindley High School (Coffeyville) |
| Garden City High School |
| Great Bend High School 11-12 |
| Holcomb High School |
| Hutchinson High School |
| Kansas City Harmon High School (11-12) |
| Kansas City Washington High School (10-12) |
| Kansas City Wyandotte High School (11-12) |
| Kiowa County High School (Greensburg) |
| Labette County High School (Altamont) |
| Liberal High School |
| Newton High School (11-12) |
| Parsons High School |
| Pittsburg High School |
| Pratt High School |
| Royal Valley High School (Hoyt) |
| Salina Central High School |
| Salina South High School |
| Shawnee Heights High School (11-12) |
| Topeka High School (11-12) |
| Topeka West High School (11-12) |
| Wichita East High School |
| Wichita Heights High School |
| Wichita West High School (11-12) |
| Winfield High School |
Alternative Education JAG-K 5 of 5 Award Winners
| USD 475/Larry Dixon Center |
| Salina West Alternative Education (11-12) |
| USD 500/Donnelly College |
| Garden City Alternative Education Center |
New family preservation grants awarded by DCF
DCF
TOPEKA – With the goal of providing vulnerable families access to strong evidence-based programs, Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced new grantees for the state’s family preservation program.
“At the beginning of my administration I canceled previously awarded family preservation grants because of the lack of transparency,” Kelly said. “Today, I am pleased to say that the Department for Children and Families with assistance from the Department of Administration have chosen well qualified partners to assist in our efforts to strengthen families.”
“I am excited that these new grantees include familiar faces and new partners,” Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard said. “DCF looks forward to working together to reduce risk and safety concerns for children and keep Kansas families together.”
Family preservation is a voluntary service provided to families with a child at risk of entering foster care. It includes both short term case management services and intensive in-home services. The program also may serve pregnant women using substances to help the mother find and maintain substance use treatment.
Beginning Jan. 1, three grantees will manage the four DCF regions.
· DCF awarded DCCCA the contracts in the Kansas City and Wichita Regions. DCCCA has 12 years of experience providing family preservation services in Kansas. The agency also has more than 30 years as a prevention services provider and more than 43 years as substance use disorder and addiction provider.
“Given DCCCA’s experience with family services, expertise in substance abuse programming, ability to engage communities and our mission of improving lives, these family preservation grants allow us to combine our strengths,” DCCCA CEO Lori Alvarado said. “Our ultimate goal is to strengthen families and support them to nurture their children, which helps reduce the number of children in care.”
· DCF awarded TFI Family Services the contract for the West region. TFI previously provided family preservation services in Kansas from 2005 to 2009. The agency also has provided recruitment, training, retention and support of foster families across Kansas since 1996.
“TFI Family Services is honored to be selected as the provider for family preservation services in the west region,” TFI CEO Michael Patrick said. “We are excited that our TFI caseworkers and therapists will have the opportunity to serve some of our most at-risk families and ensure they remain safely together as a family.”
· Cornerstones of Care of will manage the contract in the East region. Cornerstones provides intensive in-home services in several Missouri counties including the Kansas City area. The agency also is providing family services for the DCF Kansas City region and functional family therapy for the Kansas Department of Corrections.
“We’re beyond honored and grateful to grow our partnership with the State of Kansas across the DCF East region,” Cornerstones of Care president and CEO Denise Cross said. “We strongly believe in prevention services and will work closely with children, families and community partners through a trauma-informed philosophy. Together, we can keep children safe and families together.”
In order to maintain transparency throughout the process, DCF partnered with the Department of Administration to use a traditional request for proposal process that included:
· DCF grant review teams representing each region and administrative staff
· Technical review for evidence-based practice models, child welfare experience, staffing ratios, accreditation and letters of support.
· Cost proposal review by fiscal staff
In total, DCF received two proposals for the west region, three proposals for the east region, four proposals for the Kansas City region and five proposals for the Wichita region.
The contract term awarded is Jan. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024.
To report child abuse or neglect or to request services, please call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.