Three-day weather outlook
Month: October 2019
69th annual bazaar, turkey dinner scheduled at Russell Co. church
PARADISE — On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Paradise United Methodist Women will hold its 69th annual Bazaar and Turkey Dinner in the Paradise Auditorium on Main Street.
The Bazaar features the Church Cookbook, handmade crafts, homemade baked items as well as candies, jellies, and other foods.
The Bazaar opens at 10:30 a.m. and the Turkey Dinner begins at 10:45 a.m. The menu includes turkey & dressing with all the trimmings, including homemade rolls, cranberry fluff, cole slaw, pies and desserts. Carryout is also available. The cost of the meal is $12 for adults, and kids grades K-4 is $6.
Cold weather rule takes effect Nov. 1 in Kansas
TOPEKA — The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.
The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, encourages Kansans who are past-due on their utility bills and at risk for disconnection to prepare for the colder weather by contacting their utility company to make the necessary payment arrangements.
The Cold Weather Rule was first enacted by the Commission in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees within the following 48 hour period.
The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.
Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.
The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction. More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website (https://www.kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule). Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.
Fire marshal: Kansas house fire intentionally set
TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire and asking the public for information in an effort to locate suspects.
Just after 4:30 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to the report of a structure fire at 320 SE Golden Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Michael Martin.
Upon arrival, fire crews reported heavy smoke and flames showing throughout residence. A search of the structure revealed no one was in the home at the time of the fire. The owner was on site to provide assistance and information to responding firefighters.
The Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit determined the cause of the fire as Incendiary; intentionally set, according to Martin. The estimated structural dollar loss is $10,000, with $5,000 contents loss. Working smoke detectors were NOT found within the structure.
Any individuals with information about the circumstances of this fire are being asked to please contact Crime Stoppers at (785)234-0007 or Toll Free at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477).
Football ranks ninth in first NCAA II Super Region 3 rankings
INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA released its first set of Division II Super Region Rankings for football on Monday (Oct. 28). With a record of 6-2, Fort Hays State holds a ranking of ninth in Super Region 3 entering Week 9 of the regular season.
Three weeks remain in the regular season as Fort Hays State continues its quest for a third-straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. At the end of the regular season, the top seven teams in the Super Region are selected to compete in the playoffs. Right now the Tigers are on the outside looking in, but several of the teams within Super Region 3 still have key games in front of them that could shake up the rankings in the weeks ahead.
Four unbeaten teams remain from all four conferences that make up Super Region 3. Ferris State (GLIAC), Central Missouri (MIAA), Indianapolis (GLVC), and Ouachita Baptist (GAC) are the teams that have yet to take a loss this year. Harding, Northwest Missouri State, and Grand Valley State all have one loss, while Missouri Western and Fort Hays State each have two. Henderson State is 10th among the group, though it only has one loss.
The top seven in the initial set of Super Region 3 rankings nearly reflects all seven that made the playoff field last year. The only team within the top seven that did not make the playoffs last year is Central Missouri, which replaces Fort Hays State among that group for now. However, plenty can change in the final three weeks of the season.
Below are the Super Region 3 rankings for October 28, 2019.
| Rank | Team | In-Region Record | Overall DII Record |
| 1 | Ferris State (Mich.) | 7-0 | 8-0 |
| 2 | Central Missouri | 8-0 | 8-0 |
| 3 | Indianapolis | 7-0 | 7-0 |
| 4 | Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) | 8-0 | 8-0 |
| 5 | Harding (Ark.) | 7-1 | 7-1 |
| 6 | Northwest Missouri State | 7-1 | 7-1 |
| 7 | Grand Valley State (Mich.) | 5-1 | 7-1 |
| 8 | Missouri Western | 6-2 | 6-2 |
| 9 | Fort Hays State (Kan.) | 6-2 | 6-2 |
| 10 | Henderson State (Ark.) | 7-1 | 7-1 |
Fuller named Mammoth Turf MIAA football Offensive Athlete of the Week
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA released its Mammoth Turf Football Athletes of the Week on Monday (Oct. 28). Sophomore quarterback Chance Fuller earned Offensive Athlete of the Week honors for the second straight week following his performance in a 37-31 win over Nebraska-Kearney.
Fuller threw for a career-high 435 yards in the 37-31 win over Nebraska-Kearney in Hays. He completed 28-of-38 pass attempts (73.7 percent), while throwing for three touchdowns. Fuller connected with Manny Ramsey for an 88-yard touchdown, the longest pass completion of his career so far, putting the Tigers up 30-17 just before the end of the third quarter. He had touchdown passes of 15 yards and 9 yards in the first half. Fuller spread the ball around well to seven receiving targets, led by Ramsey with 169 yards, Layne Bieberle with 127 yards, and Harley Hazlett with 81 yards.
Fuller joins Missouri Western linebacker Anthony Williams (Defensive Athlete of the Week) and Central Oklahoma kicker Alex Quevedo (Special Teams Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.
DEA investigation in Kansas: 14 charged, 220 pounds of meth seized
WICHITA, KAN. – A prosecutor said in court Monday that federal agents seized more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine in a drug trafficking case in the Kansas City, Kan., metro area. According to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, 14 defendants are charged in the case.
“Opioids are often in the news,” McAllister said. “But methamphetamine remains our biggest drug problem in the Midwest.”
Investigators found the methamphetamine when they served a search warrant at a house in Kansas City, Kan., where one of the defendants lives.
The 33-count indictment, which was based on more than a year of investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, contains charges including conspiracy, distribution, possession with intent to distribute and interstate communications in furtherance of drug trafficking. Many of the charges carry potential penalties of 10 years or more in federal prison.
The following defendants have been charged:
Christopher Hite, 36, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Yader Arita, 30, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Luis Martinez-Carrango, 57, Kansas City, Mo., conspiracy, interstate communications in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Alfredo Rey, 34, Kansas City, Kan., conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Antonio Edder Calderson-Reyes, 31, conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, interstate communication in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Raul Gutierrez-Zamaripa, 31, conspiracy.
Jose Rosa-Pacheco, 34, Kansas City, Kan., conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Carlos Rosa-Artia, 35: Kansas City, Kan., conspiracy.
Enrique Rodriguez, 42, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Rusbein Galicia-Lopez, 31, conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, interstate communication in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Abraham Gutierrez-Ojeda, 36, conspiracy, distributing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, interstate communication in furtherance of drug trafficking,
Jerry Taylor, 44, conspiracy, interstate communication in furtherance of drug trafficking, distributing methamphetamine.
Manuel Leyva-Quijada, 43, Kansas City, Kan., conspiracy.
Mary Cain, 38, Kansas City, Kan., conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
If convicted, the defendants could face the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Distribution: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Possession with intent to distribute: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Interstate communication: Not more than four years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Police: Suspects in 2 Kan. bank robberies worked together
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas bank robberies and have to suspects in custody.
Just after 2:30 p.m. on September 16, police responded to a bank robbery call at at Fidelity Bank, 2111 N. Bradley Fair in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers contacted employees who reported a suspect later identified as 28-year-old Stephanie Steele entered the bank and handed a note to a teller demanding money and indicating a gun. She took the cash and fled on foot.
On October 16 at 3:15 p.m., police responded to a bank robbery call at the same bank.
Upon arrival, officers contacted employees who reported a suspect later identified as 32-year-old Joshua Coster entered the bank and handed a note to a teller demanding money and indicating a gun. He took money and fled on foot. Authorities determined he was wearing brown face paint. There were no injuries in either case, according to Davidson.
Through the investigation and a Crime Stoppers tip, investigators were able to determine Steele and Coster’s involvement and learned they were working together.
Police located them and made an arrest. Steele and Coster were booked into jail Monday morning and being held on requested charges of aggravated robbery.
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Man from Hays avoids injury after 2-vehicle crash
NORTON COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30 p.m. Monday in Norton County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by Tre Frankhouser, 27, Goodwell, Okla., was behind a 2019 Ford pickup driven by Kevin J. Ubert, 39, Hays, eastbound on Kansas 383 four miles north of U.S. 36.
As Ubert attempted to make a left turn, the 2018 F150 attempted to pass and struck the driver side of the 2019 truck.
A passenger in the 2018 Ford, Jena K. Eder, 27, Goodwell, was transported to the hospital in Phillipsburg.
Fankhouser and Ubert were not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Trump tweets photo of military dog wounded in Baghdadi raid
WASHINGTON (AP) — The name is still classified but President Donald Trump on Monday outed the military working dog that tracked down the head of the Islamic State.
We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvw
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2019
Trump tweeted a photo of a Belgian Malinois that he said worked with a team of special forces in the capture of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a tunnel beneath a compound in northeastern Syria.
The name and other details about the dog remain a secret.
“We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi!” the president tweeted.
Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, told reporters earlier Monday that the animal “performed a tremendous service” in the Saturday night raid.
Al-Baghdadi set off an explosion that killed himself and three children and apparently wounded the dog.
Milley said the dog was “slightly wounded” but is now recovering and has returned to duty at an undisclosed location. Milley says the U.S. is protecting the dog’s identify by keeping any information about the canine classified for now.
The U.S. military commonly uses the Belgian Malinois to guide and protect troops, search out enemy forces and look for explosives. The breed is prized by the military for its intelligence and ability to be aggressive on command, said Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association.
“That’s the kind of dog you want to lead a patrol like this,” said Aiello, a former Marine dog handler whose organization helps active duty and retired military dogs. “They are the first line of defense. They go out front.”
Trump gave a dramatic account of the raid, variously saying there was one dog and multiple canines involved in the raid. He said that as U.S. troops and their dogs closed in, the militant went “whimpering and crying and screaming all the way” to his death.
“He reached the end of the tunnel, as our dogs chased him down,” Trump said.
News From the Oil Patch, Oct. 28
By JOHN P. TRETBAR
Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained half a dollar on Friday and starts the week at $47 per barrel. That’s more than three dollars higher than the price at the beginning of the month.
The government said U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped 1.7 million barrels last week. At just over 433 million barrels, U.S. stockpiles remain at the five-year seasonal average.
The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. production was unchanged at its all-time record pace from last week, at 12.585 million barrels per day. A year ago at this time operators were pumping 10.87 million barrels per day.
The government reported a drop of 438,000 barrels per day in U.S. crude-oil imports last week to 5.9 million barrels per day. The four-week average is nearly 20% less than the same period a year ago.
Baker Hughes reported a big drop in its weekly rig count on Friday. There are 830 active rigs across the U.S., down 21 rigs. The count in Oklahoma was down six, while Texas was down five.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reports a small dip in the rig count in eastern Kansas. West of Wichita it’s unchanged with drilling underway on two leases in Stafford County, and drilling ahead at sites in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties.
Regulators approve 28 permits for drilling at new locations, 21 in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita, including one new permit in Ellis County. So far this year there are 876 new drilling permits on file, compared to over 1,400 at this point last year.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reports 28 newly-completed wells for the week. There were 12 east of Wichita and 16 in Western Kansas, including a dry hole in Barton County and a producing well in Ellis County.
Amid a continuing decline in U.S. freight-train traffic, oil-by-rail continues to show growth. The American Association of Railroads reports 12,718 tanker cars shipped petroleum and petroleum products for the week ended October 19, an increase of 6.3% year-on-year. Total freight traffic last week was down 8.6 percent. Canada’s oil-by-rail traffic declined just over two percent. The cumulative totals so far this year are up more than 15% in the U.S., and up more than 20% in Canada.
Reuters is reporting on a scary prospect for the patch. The largest banking lenders to the U.S. oil and gas sector are marking down their expectations for oil and gas prices that underpin loans. Major banks including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Royal Bank of Canada have cut their estimated values for oil-and-gas companies’ reserves, which serve as the basis for those companies to receive what are called “reserve-based loans.”
Oil-price expectations are expected drop one to two dollars from similar estimates last spring. It’s estimated that there are a few hundred companies that take such loans, which total in the billions of dollars.
Caroline Elizabeth (Rollings) Wilson
Caroline Elizabeth (Rollings) Wilson, 90, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born at home June 12, 1929, to Carroll Eldon and Marjorie Anne (Richards) Rollings in Delphos, Kansas. Caroline’s family moved to Kansas City, Kansas when she was five years old. She grew up there, along with her younger brother, James W., graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1947. Later in the year, she attended Brown-Mackie School of Business in Salina, taking secretarial courses.
While working in Salina at School Specialty, she met William George “Bill” Wilson. They were married Easter Sunday April 13, 1952 in Kansas City and then moved to Carlton. During the early years of their married life, they were on the “harvest trail”, planting spring wheat in South Dakota and then traveling south to Oklahoma. As the wheat ripened, they worked their way back up north.
In 1956, Bill and Caroline moved to the George F. Rollings farm in Delphos. While there, four children were born, David L. (August 5, 1956), Elizabeth A. (August 21, 1957), Dan T. (October 31, 1959), and Elaine M. (December 31, 1965). They enjoyed their growing family, socializing with neighbors, and square dancing. The family was very involved in the Delphos Presbyterian Church.
Caroline accepted Christ at an early age and then re-dedicated herself to the LORD in September of 1966. After Bill’s untimely death October 26, 1967, she was encouraged to move back to Kansas City. She chose to stay on the farm, devoting herself to the children and providing the stability they needed. Her faith in Jesus and the support of her church family were very important to her during this difficult time.
Once all the children were in school, Caroline worked at the Delphos Rest Home as activity director, using her crafting and people skills. In 1980, she moved to Minneapolis, so Elaine wouldn’t have to drive from the farm alone. She continued to be involved in the Delphos Presbyterian Church for many years, especially enjoying the ladies work days, tying quilts and packing care packages for missionary projects.
In Minneapolis, Caroline worked at the city office and later the Ottawa County Register of Deeds office, retiring in 1994. In retirement, she had more time to devote to her love of crafts. She took every opportunity to teach grandchildren, community children and adults new skills.
In 2009, Caroline moved to the Elkhorn Apartments and enjoyed her years there. One of the highlights was meeting with Pastor Michelle and others for weekly devotions and prayer at the donut shop. Later, this meeting became known as “Donut Church” and continues today at the Elkhorn Apartments community room.
In September of 2017, Caroline moved to an assisted living facility in Overland Park to be near Dan and Elaine. She resided there at the time of her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, J.W. Rollings and his wife, Joyce.
Survivors are her children, David and wife, Christine Wilson of Glasco, Elizabeth and husband, Timothy Cress of Weskan, Dan and wife, Melanie Wilson of Olathe, and Elaine and husband, Timothy Talbert of Olathe; grandchildren, Natalie (Cress) and husband, Christopher Morton of Swalwell, AB in Canada, Tiffany (Cress) and husband, Benjamin Solum of Olathe, Emma (Cress) and husband, Todd Strand of Tulsa, OK, Wilson Cress of Weskan, Peter Cress of Weskan, Hannah Cress of Weskan, William Wilson of Olathe, Danielle (Wilson) and husband, Christopher Melton of Overland Park, Andrew Talbert and wife, Chloe of St. Louis, MO, Isaac Talbert of Little Rock, AR, Ezra Talbert and wife, Meegan of Greenbrae, CA, and Josiah Talbert of Olathe; and great-grandchildren, Michael Morton, Elliott Morton, and Victoria Solum.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Delphos Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Delphos Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 1, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. Memorials may be made to the Delphos Presbyterian Church and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467.