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Year: 2019

Ellis man sentenced to 24 years for fatal shooting in Hays

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Thompson / HPD

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

An Ellis man was sentenced to just shy of 24 years in prison for shooting another man in the back of the head during an argument.

Ryan Paul Thompson was sentenced Thursday in Ellis County District Court in the death of 26-year-old Diego Gallaway on Feb. 27 in Hays. He was also sentenced for drug distribution.

Thompson was sentenced to 272 months for second-degree intentional murder and 15 months for distribution of methamphetamine — a total of 287 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty of the counts in September.

On Feb. 27, Thompson and Kylie Waldschmidt went to the 2700 block of Indian Trail to talk with Gallaway when, according to court documents, Thompson put Gallaway in a headlock and fatally shot him in the back of the head.

Thompson was also ordered to pay the Gallaway family $13,694 in restitution for Gallaway’s funeral.

Waldschmidt has been charged with aiding and abetting felony first-degree murder. Her case is still pending in Ellis County District Court.

Alysha Meade, the woman who investigators said gave Thompson the gun used in the murder, was sentenced Monday to 15 months in prison for felony drug possession.

In September, she pleaded no contest to three misdemeanor charges: distribution of a firearm to a felon, possession of marijuana and interference with a law enforcement officer, as well as felony possession of methamphetamine.

The three misdemeanor counts total two and a half years in county jail, so if she violates her probation once she is out of jail, she can be sentenced to county jail.

CLARIFIED 3:20 p.m. Wednesday to clearly state charges.

Time running out for proposed Kansas coal-fired power plant

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Sign at the entrance to the Holcomb Generating Station in southwest Kansas Photo by Bryan Thompson Kansas News Service
TOPEKA (AP) — Time is running out to begin construction on a new coal-fired power plant in Kansas before its permit lapses.

The battle over the plant has lasted more than a decade. By the time the Kansas Supreme Court cleared the way for construction in 2017, a company involved in it called the chances it would be built “remote.”

Documents show the utility spearheading the project told regulators that “significant interest” remains in building the plant.

Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. asked for an 18-month extension of a key permit “to finalize arrangements” for its construction. State regulators renewed the permit until March 2020 and warned they would not allow more time.

Sunflower didn’t rule anything in or out this week.

Peterson Farm Brother avoids injury after grain rig crash

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Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are looking for the driver of a red Freightliner tractor-trailer rig that was reported to have crossed the center line, forcing an on-coming tractor-trailer rig into the ditch on Kansas Highway 4 in Saline County Wednesday.

Just after 3p.m., Greg Peterson, one of the Peterson Farm Brothers known for their online music videos, reported he was westbound  near Holmes Road when the 2004 Freightliner he was driving was forced into the ditch because an oncoming red Freightliner hauling a cattle trailer crossed the center line, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

Peterson’s rig overturned, spilling its load of milo into the ditch, but Peterson was not injured, Melander said. The red Freightliner did not stop and continued east on K-4, he added.

A couple who witnessed the incident and who had no connection to Peterson told deputies that the red Freightliner had been traveling at a high rate of speed and had crossed the center line multiple times.

The red Freightliner also had a big black dog in the cab, according to Melander.

Persons with information as to the identity of the driver of the red Freightliner are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.

Ruth Alice (Jacobs) Holdren

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Ruth Alice (Jacobs) Holdren, age 100 & 11 months, entered into rest on, Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Residential Care Center, Beloit, Kansas. She was born on December 1, 1918 in Washington Township, KS to Verne and Lulu (Powell) Jacobs.

Ruth graduated from Montrose High School in 1937. She taught school for 2 years in rural Jewell County. On May 1, 1939, Ruth married her best friend and love of her life Edwin Holdren. She was a homemaker.
Edwin and Ruth were blessed with four children, Walter, Mary, Betty, and Janet.

Ruth was a member of Montrose Community Club, Farm Bureau, she served on the Election Board, and was a writer for Jewell County Record.

She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, going to auctions, sewing for her grandkids and most of all spending time with her family, friends and especially her loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Janet Wilcox (David), Beloit, KS.; Betty Meis (Bill), Hays, KS.; Mary Folsom, Independence, MO.; daughter-in-law, Vergaline Holdren, Mankato, KS.; a brother, Hugh Jacobs, Arvada, CO.; 2 sister-in-laws, Jean Jacobs, Tucson, AZ. and Jane Jacobs, Jamestown, KS.; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, a son, Walter Holdren, parents, great-grandchild, Cheryl Carpenter, 2 brothers, George and Leo Jacobs, 2 sisters, Ila Rose Sheahan and Leta Hodgins.

Pallbearers for Ruth’s service will be Jennifer Simms, Megan Wilcox, Beth Wolsieffer, Brian Meis, Roxanne Kimminau, Rebecca Holdren, Crystal Vacura, Debra Folsom, Susan Folsom and Eric Folsom.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas with Pastor Robert Cartwright officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Montrose, Jewell County, Kansas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Melby Mortuary in Mankato.

The family suggests memorials to Solomon Valley Hospice in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com.

Fire Marshal: Kansas house fire intentionally set

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Damage from Thursday morning fire photo courtesy WIBW TV

TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating another intentionally set fire at a residence in Topeka.

Just after 5:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded the the home at 1712 SW Washburn Avenue, according to Fire Chief Michael Martin.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from the  two story wood frame residential structure and kept it from spreading.

The preliminary investigation indicates the fire was intentionally set.

The estimated dollar loss – $7,500.00; all of which is associated with structural loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home. There were no injuries.

The Topeka fire department has responded to 278 fires in 2019, according to Matin and been involved in 99 investigations. Thirty-seven of the fires were intentionally set, according to Martin which is typical for a city the size of Topeka.

Hays USD 489 Parents as Teachers program earns Blue Ribbon status

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Endorsement is highest designation a program can earn

TOPEKA — Nineteen Parents as Teachers programs in Kansas, including Hays USD 489, have been designated Blue Ribbon Affiliates by the Parents as Teachers National Center, the Kansas State Department of Education announced.

This endorsement is the highest designation a Parents as Teachers program can earn and means the program implements the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity and quality, according to the Parents as Teachers website.

The Parents as Teachers affiliate model includes home visits, group connections, child screenings and connections to community resources. It helps equip parents with the knowledge and resources to prepare their children for a strong start in life and greater success in school.

Parents as Teachers affiliates are required to engage in a quality endorsement and improvement process in their fourth year of implementation and every five years thereafter, according to parentsasteachers.org. To earn the quality endorsement, affiliates must complete a comprehensive self-study and review process that demonstrates they are meeting or exceeding Parents as Teachers essential requirements, along with at least 75 of the 100 quality standards.

“Programs that earn the Quality Endorsement are recognized by the national Parents as Teachers office as exemplary Blue Ribbon Affiliates, delivering high-quality services to children and families,” the Parents as Teachers website states.

The 2019-2020 Kansas Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Affiliates are:

  • Gardner-Edgerton Unified School District 231
  • De Soto USD 232
  • Kansas City area consortium, Olathe USD 233

o   Also serving Turner USD 202, Fort Leavenworth USD 207, Leavenworth USD 453 and Kansas City USD 500.

  • Wichita USD 259
  • Goddard USD 265
  • Maize USD 266
  • Beloit USD 273

o   Also serving Rock Hills USD 107, Waconda USD 272, Lincoln USD 298 and Sylvan Grove USD 299.

  • Hutchinson USD 308
  • Rock Creek USD 323
  • Concordia USD 333

o   Also serving Washington County USD 108, Republic County USD 109, Clifton-Clyde USD 224 and Pike Valley USD 426.

  • Stafford USD 349
  • Harvey County consortium, Newton USD 373

o   Also serving Halstead USD 440 and Hesston USD 460.

  • Auburn-Washburn USD 437
  • Basehor-Linwood USD 458
  • Winfield USD 465
  • Hays USD 489
  • Topeka USD 501
  • Keystone Learning Services USD 608

o   Serving Doniphan West USD 111, Prairie Hills USD 113, Riverside USD 114, Holton USD 336, Valley Falls USD 338, Jefferson County North USD 339, Oskaloosa USD 341, McLouth USD 342, Perry USD 343, Seaman USD 345, Atchison County USD 377, Atchison USD 409, Troy USD 429, Easton USD 449, Shawnee Heights USD 450, Tonganoxie USD 464 and Eudora USD 491.

  • Southeast Kansas Education Service Center USD 609

o   Serving Erie-Galesburg USD 101, Piper-Kansas City USD 203, Spring Hill USD 230, Fort Scott USD 234, Uniontown USD 235, Lebo-Waverly USD 243, Burlington USD 244, LeRoy-Gridley USD 245, Northeast USD 246, Cherokee USD 247, Girard USD 248, Frontenac USD 249, Pittsburg USD 250, North Lyon County USD 251, Southern Lyon County USD 252, Emporia USD 253, Marmaton Valley USD 256, Iola USD 257, Humboldt USD 258, Chase County USD 284, Ottawa USD 290, Woodson USD 366, Riverton USD 404, Chanute USD 413, Morris County USD 417, Osage City USD 420, Santa Fe Trail USD 434, Caney Valley USD 436, Independence USD 446, Cherryvale USD 447, Burlingame USD 454, Marais Des Cygnes Valley USD 456, Neodesha USD 461, Crest USD 479, Fredonia USD 484, Columbus USD 493, Galena USD 499, Parsons USD 503, Oswego USD 504, Labette County USD 506 and Baxter Springs USD 508.

— Kansas State Department of Education

A CGI James Dean is cast in new film, sparking an outcry

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By JAKE COYLE
AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — James Dean hasn’t been alive in 64 years, but the “Rebel Without a Cause” actor has been cast in a new film about the Vietnam War.

The filmmakers behind the independent film “Finding Jack” said Wednesday that a computer-generated Dean will play a co-starring role in the upcoming production. The digital Dean is to be assembled through old footage and photos and voiced by another actor.

Digitally manipulated posthumous performances have made some inroads into films. But those have been largely roles the actors already played, including Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing, who first appeared together in “Star Wars” and were prominently featured in the 2016 spinoff “Rogue One.”

But the prospect of one of the movies’ most beloved former stars being digitally resurrected was met with widespread criticism after the news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Chris Evans, the “Captain America” actor, was among those who called the plans disrespectful and wrongheaded.

“Maybe we can get a computer to paint us a new Picasso. Or write a couple new John Lennon tunes,” said Evans on Twitter. “The complete lack of understanding here is shameful.”

Rights to Dean’s likeness were acquired by the filmmakers and the production company Magic City Films through CMG Worldwide. The company represents Dean’s family along with the intellectual property rights associated with many other deceased personalities including Neil Armstrong, Bette Davis and Burt Reynolds.

Mark Roesler, chairman and chief executive of CMG, defended the usage of Dean and said the company has represented his family for decades. Noting that Dean has more than 183,000 followers on Instagram, Roesler said he still resonates today.

“James Dean was known as Hollywood’s ‘rebel’ and he famously said ‘if a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live after he’s died, then maybe he was a great man. Immortality is the only true success,'” said Roesler. “What was considered rebellious in the ’50s is very different than what is rebellious today, and we feel confident that he would support this modern day act of rebellion.”

Adapted from Gareth Crocker’s novel, “Finding Jack” is a live-action movie about the U.S. military’s abandonment of canine units following the Vietnam War. Directors Anton Ernst and Tati Golykh are to begin shooting Nov. 17. In an email, Ernst said they “tremendously” respect Dean’s legacy.

“The movie subject matter is one of hope and love, and he is still relevant like the theme of the film we are portraying,” said Ernst. “There is still a lot of James Dean fans worldwide who would love to see their favorite icon back on screen. There would always be critics, and all we can do is tell a great story with humanity and grace.”

Dean had just three leading roles before he died in a car crash in 1955 at the age of 24: “Rebel Without a Cause,” ”East of Eden” and “Giant.”

Mexican man ICE agent tried to free indicted in Kan. for ID theft

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WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Mexico was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of identity theft, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Tapia is being held in Chase County

Juan Tapia, 33, a citizen of Mexico, who has been living in Wichita, is charged with one count of using another person’s Social Security number, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States.

Tapia also is connected to the case involving Andrew J. Pleviak, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, who is charged with impersonating a federal officer. Pleviak allegedly pretended to be an ICE supervisor in September 2019 when he tried to get Tapia out of the Kingman County Jail. Pleviak was indicted Oct. 9 and is awaiting trial.

If convicted, Tapia could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the Social Security charge, a mandatory two years (consecutive) on the identity theft charge, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

Ellis County receives $6.5M grant for Northwest Business Corridor

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Hays Post

Ellis County has been awarded a $6.5 million grant to help fund the proposed Northwest Business Corridor, according to the office of Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Hays.

The county submitted an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation grant in July. The project will reconstruct and improve approximately 4 miles of 230th and Feedlot Road and construct a new curved section where the roads meet. The project primarily is designed to give large-load vehicles an alternate route around Hays.

The project would also address the width and steepness of the hills in the road.

The total project cost is just less than $11 million. Ellis County has set aside $900,000 for the project from its Special Road and Bridge Fund. Hess Services, which sits on the route, has pledged $300,000 to the project, while the Kansas Department of Transportation has pledged $1 million in matching funds.

Midwest Energy’s Goodman Energy Center is also located on the route.

The city of Hays also received a $6 million-plus BUILD grant to fund its Vine Street reconstruction.

“I am pleased to announce that I have helped secure a BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that will provide new resources to improve the Northwest Business Corridor,” Moran said. “Congratulations to county officials and those across Ellis County for their commitment and dedication to the project. The resources provided in this grant will allow for increased economic development in the region and help existing businesses expand through improved infrastructure that has the capacity for more freight. I look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with officials in Ellis County to see the corridor project through completion for the future of the community and all of northwest Kansas.”

Moran toured the area with local officials in August to learn more about the project.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Herman Joseph Bricker

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Herman Joseph Bricker, 79, passed away Sunday Nov 3, 2019, at 1 p.m. from natural causes at the Drumright Nursing Home in Drumright, Oklahoma. 

He was born March 31, 1940, to Paul Bricker and Christine (Berens) Bricker in Gorham. He was the oldest of four boys. 

In Herman’s early years, he worked at the Gorham Co-Op. And later in life, he was a hard worker in the Oilfield of Russell, where he worked at a few different companies as a Roustabout hand. 

On October 14, 1972, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Karst) Bricker. With this union, they were blessed with two children — Sandra and Christopher. 

Herman’s free time was mostly spent with his three grandchildren. But he spent countless hours sitting on the Saline River fishing for catfish with his family. He also loved hunting and working in his garage doing woodworking. His grandson Craig loved playing pranks on him. His grandson Jakob enjoyed organizing and cleaning up his garage while his only granddaughter Kiera enjoyed it when “Pops” would let her paint his toe nails and put bows in his hair. 

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Christine Bricker and his three brothers, Gary, Cecil & Phil. 

He is survived by his wife Patty, of the home. Daughter Sandy Boos of Russell Ks and significant other Tom Batt, son Chris Bricker and wife Shani of Cushing Okla., along with his three Grandchildren. Craig Boos and wife Victoria of Wichita, Grandson Jakob Boos of Hays and Granddaughter Kiera Bricker of Cushing, Okla. 

Herman was a hard worker, very loyal family man and he had countless friends and family members that will truly miss him. 

Celebration of Herman’s Life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Memorial has been established with Russell Rough Riders. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

COLUMN: High school football playoffs — a community happening

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By KARISSA NIEHOFF
National Federation of State High School Associations
and BILL FAFLICK
Kansas State High School Activities Association

Many people would agree that their years in high school were some of the best years of their lives—particularly those individuals who were members of a sports team or participated in other activities such as the marching band or debate team.

In many cases, team members become lifelong friends. Reunion parties are held from time to time as teammates return to remember the fun—more so than the outcome of games or events—they had participating in high school activities. Quite often, reunions for sports teams are staged during the highlight of each sports season—the state playoffs.

And as the calendar turns to November, there is nothing like the excitement of high school football playoffs in cities across Kansas and throughout the nation every Friday night.

While each team will be trying to advance to the state championship, the outcome of the games is only a part of the experience for those individuals in attendance.

Why? Because the people in the stands at high school football playoffs are moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, neighbors down the street, fellow students, and longtime residents of the community. People in the stands know the players on the field. Win or lose, their support and love is always there.

There is no tradition in sports with the history of high school football. There are 30 rivalry games (60 high schools) that started before 1900 and continue today, the longest of which is Connecticut’s New London High School and Norwich Free Academy, which have been playing annually since 1875.

In Michigan, Battle Creek Central and Kalamazoo Central have been playing since 1896. In Massachusetts, the Wellesley-Needham Heights rivalry dates to 1882. And in Colorado, Pueblo Central and Pueblo Centennial have been matched since 1892.

Although there are more options for entertainment on a Friday night than ever before, there is still nothing to match high school football playoffs in the fall. With all the people attending games of the 14,247 high schools that play football, expect more than 10 million fans each Friday night—easily the #1 fan base in the country.

As you attend high school football playoff games this year in Kansas, remember that the players, coaches and game officials deserve your utmost support, encouragement and respect. While advancing in the playoffs is the desire of each team, the ultimate objective of high school sports and activities is to have fun and enjoy these special years.

We urge you to continue to support the high school teams in your community!

Kariss NieHoff is executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

3 killed in 4-hour span in separate KC shootings

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KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say three people have been killed in separate shootings in a four-hour span in Kansas City.

Police on the scene of Wednesday’s shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV

The first shooting happened just after 3 p.m. The victim was found on a street and died at the scene.

Three hours later, officers were responding to a report of a shooting when they learned that a gunshot victim had been taken to a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. Officers found the woman in the passenger seat of a vehicle. She died at the scene.

Authorities say a third person was fatally shot around 7:15 p.m. on the front porch of a home. Police say the victim was in his late teens or early 20s.

Police Sgt. Jake Becchina says there is “no indication that the events are related in any way.”

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