OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union has petitioned a court seeking lists of Johnson County voters who cast provisional ballots and lists of advance mail ballots rejected because signatures did not match their voter record.
Its petition under the Kansas Open Records Act was filed Monday in the name of a liberal activist who challenged Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s listing as the GOP nominee for governor on the November ballot after he argued that hundreds of legal votes were not counted in the primary election.
Board of Canvassers approves recommendation to not count the 898 ballots as described. pic.twitter.com/mRE5RppwwH
— Johnson County Election Office (@jocoelection) August 13, 2018
It names Johnson County Elections Commissioner Ronnie Metsker as defendant. Election officials did not immediately return messages.
The ACLU says people should know whether their vote counted or if people faced any unnecessary barriers to voting. It argues the public interest is in transparency.
COLUMBUS – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility for parole for 25 years for multiple child sex crimes, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Frobish -photo Cherokee Co.
Timothy Russell Frobish, 28, Galena, was found guilty by a Cherokee County jury in January 2015 of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, one count of attempted rape, one count of criminal threat, three counts of endangering a child, one count of possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Three of the counts are subject to Jessica’s Law, which carries a possible penalty of life with no parole eligibility for 25 years.
Judge Oliver Lynch sentenced Frobish to life in prison to be served in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Frobish is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and electronic monitoring. The crimes occurred in February 2013.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have two suspects in custody.
Christopher L. Turner -photo Sedgwick Co.
Just before 1:30a.m. Sunday, police responded to the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1900 Block of South Broadway, according to officer Paul Cruz.
Investigators learned of a physical altercation between a male victim and two suspects. During the altercation, the victim suffered head trauma and was stabbed in the stomach one time. The suspects left the area in an unknown vehicle, according to Cruz.
Officers found the victim lying in the parking lot and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alan Price -photo Sedgwick CountyValerie Wilson-photo Sedgwick County
Police arrested 29-year-old Christoper L. Turner on Monday, according to the Sedgwick County booking report. He is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder.
Police on Sunday booked Alan Price, 36, and Valerie Wilson, 27, on first-degree murder charges, according to the Sedgwick County daily booking report.
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A 6-year-old Kansas girl who was hit in the head by an overthrown softball has come home after spending two months in the hospital.
Paizlee Crumby, of Fort Scott, was rushed to Children’s Mercy Hospital on July 14 after being knocked unconscious. Doctors removed the right side of her skull to remove a blood clot. They also operated twice to drain fluid from on her brain.
Now that Paizlee is home, she spends her time with her kittens and playing the game “Trouble.” Paizlee says she wins “all the time.” She is being homeschooled until she undergoes an operation to replace the right side of her skull. For now, a helmet protects the exposed part of her brain.
Fort Hays State Weekly Football Press Conference September 18th, 2018
Fort Hays State head coach Chris Brown conducted his weekly press conference in advance of the Tiger’s game with Missouri Southern Saturday night in Joplin, Missouri. Brown and select players met with the media inside Lewis Field on Tuesday, a session that can be seen by clicking on the video below.
(00:00 Head Coach Chris Brown, 11:00 Kicker/Punter Dante Brown, 14:30 Defensive End Sheldon Schmidt, 16:22 Tight End Jacoby Williams)
GREAT BEND — The feud between the Barton County Sheriff and County Attorney continues.
On Tuesday, Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor responded to a press release issued Friday by Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Zachariah Dittrick -photo Barton Co.
Bellendir’s statement regarded the dismissal of an aggravated arson charge the previous day against Zachariah Dittrick at the beginning of what was scheduled as a preliminary hearing in Barton County District Court. Mellor stated that this charge was dismissed due to a miscommunication, not through the fault of her office.
Dittrick was never released from jail, as he is also being held in another Barton County District Court case in which he is charged with aggravated domestic battery. His bond set at $20,000.00 in that case.
Mellor explained that, in Kansas, when a person is charged with one or more felony crimes, the case is set for a preliminary hearing. At that hearing, a judge determines whether there is probable cause to hold the person for trial on those charges. The hearing judge does not, however, determine guilt or innocence.
“That’s what a trial will be about,” Mellor said.
Kansas law also dictates that the first preliminary hearing must be scheduled within 14 days of a defendant’s first appearance before a judge. The first appearance is usually the time when a defendant is advised of the charges against him or her.
Mellor continued, “When the preliminary hearing is initially set, it’s usually added to a docket that is already crowded with other cases. Typically, there may be 15 to 20 preliminary hearings that are already set on a particular day prior to another case’s first setting being added to that docket. Since it is impossible to conduct even the 15 to 20 hearings that are previously set in the seven-hour period that a judge is available for hearings, it’s not unusual for a preliminary hearing on the docket for the first time to not be heard in favor of the other cases that have been there longer. Under those circumstances, for cases that are set for the first time, subpoenas are not normally issued.”
Mellor stated the cases are moved along as quickly as possible, but the lack of time and the complexity of some of the cases often prevents that from happening. Additionally, the schedules of the defense attorneys are also crowded.
“It’s frustrating for us, for the judges, the defense attorneys, and for the people whom we call as witnesses,” Mellor said. “But when we know that a case is not going to be heard due to an overcrowded docket or lack of time, we don’t issue subpoenas to avoid inconveniencing people who would be required to take time away from their work. We don’t want to unnecessarily take law enforcement officers away from their duties for the same reason.”
Judge Richard Burgess notified Sheriff Bellendir on Monday, Sept. 17, that Dittrick’s case was dismissed due to a miscommunication, and that it was not the fault of Mellor or her office.
Charges were refiled against Dittrick on the same day. His bond is set at $100,000 in this case, in addition to the $20,000 in his aggravated domestic battery case.
Dittrick and co-defendant Oliver Guyton Jr., both face charges of aggravated arson, arising from an incident in the Barton County jail, which occurred in mid-August.
Mellor reiterated many times when news releases are made regarding issues concerning court cases in which she or one of her assistant county attorneys are prosecuting, she is not at liberty to refute accusations made against her or her office. Kansas attorneys must adhere to the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct, which often prohibits any response to comments, accusations and criticism against a county or district attorney.
“By saying what I’m saying now, I’m not commenting on the particular details of any case,” Mellor stated. “However, the working of the court system and the administration of justice can often seem confusing to everyone not familiar with them. After reading the sheriff’s press release last week, I felt that a response was needed in order to clear the air and help everyone understand that we are working as hard as possible to file and keep cases on track.”
According to the Barton County Attorney’s Office, over 400 criminal cases have been filed in 2018 alone; many of them have already been closed with pleas taken and sentences issued.
“At this moment, we also have an active trial docket, with 21 jury trials currently set to be heard in the next couple of months,” Mellor said. “Jury trials require an enourmous amount of time for preparation, and take the attorney handling the case away from their other duties, such as preliminary hearings. In addition to these cases, we still must continue to deal with our traffic and juvenile case loads, not to mention the criminal docket.” And, she added, the County Attorney’s Office is representing the State of Kansas in over a dozen cases that are currently being appealed by defendants who have been convicted and sentenced.
“That’s a lot for four attorneys and a staff of nine support persons,” Mellor said. “Most counties with the case load that Barton County has employs five or six attorneys, and several additional support staff. But we’re working as hard as possible with the resources we have to continue with the administration of justice.”
ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The second of two teenagers trapped inside an SUV that landed upside down in an Atchison County creek on Sunday has died.
Sixteen-year-old Regan Moger, of Houston, Texas, died Tuesday at the University of Kansas Hospital, where she was flown after the wreck.
Moger was a passenger in an SUV driven by 16-year-old Zachary Armontrout, of Rushville, Missouri, who died Monday. Three other students in the car escaped serious injury when the vehicle went into Independence Creek.
All the teenagers were students at Maur Hill-Mount Academy Catholic High School in Atchison.
The school confirmed Moger died Tuesday while surrounded by loved ones.
Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith said the vehicle crashed through a guardrail before landing in the creek.
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ATCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Atchison County authorities say a Missouri teenager has died and another teenager from Texas is in critical condition after an SUV they were in went into a creek in northeast Kansas during the weekend. Three other teens were able to escape without serious injury.
Undersheriff Toby Smith said 16-year-old Zachary Armontrout, of Rushville, Missouri, died Monday at a Kansas City hospital. Sixteen-year-old Regan Moger, of Houston, Texas, remains in critical condition.
The vehicle they were in hit an object on a bridge and went into Independence Creek two miles north of Atchison Sunday afternoon. Investigators believe the car was submerged for about 30 minutes before first responders extracted it.
The five teenagers are all students at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Atchison.
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ATCHISON COUNTY — Five people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Atchison County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Honda SUV driven by Zachary Armontrout, 16, Rushville, MO., was westbound on River Road just west of Levy Road in Atchison.
The SUV left the roadway to the right, struck the guardrail and landed in the creek.
Armontrout and passenger Regan Moger, 16, Houston, TX., were transported to KU Medical Center.
Passengers Hamilton Snyder, 14, Whittier, CA.; Philip Saragusa, 16, Atchison; Aurora L. Dericotte, 14, Stilwell, were transported to Atchison Hospital. All five were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
RILEY COUNTY — Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Rafael Cuevas Huerta, 57, Manhattan, emerged from a private drive in the 2700 Block of Mohlman Road and failed to yield right of way.
Schoen, 58, Manhattan, was westbound on a bicycle when the van and bike collided.
Schoen was transported to Via Christi. He was wearing helmet, gloves and protective glasses.
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MANHATTAN — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an injury accident involving Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen.
Director Brad Schoen -photo RCPD
Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a call regarding an injury accident in the 2700 block of Moehlman Road in Manhattan, according to public information officer Hali Rowland.
When officers arrived on scene, they found a vehicle vs. bicyclist crash had occurred involving a member of the Riley County Police Department.
The bicyclist, Director Brad Schoen, was transported to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.
The RCPD released no additional details.
In February, Schoen announced he will retire this year after 36 years with the RCPD.
Mildred Irene (Glynn) Ehrlich, 99, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, at Main Street Manor in Russell.
Mildred was born September 8, 1919 in Hoisington, Kansas. She was one of seven children born to Thomas and Mary (Fitts) Glynn. She grew up in Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington High School.
Mildred met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Rolland A. Ehrlich on April 10, 1938 in the Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kansas. They made their home in Russell County on Rolland’s family farm. This union was blessed with four children; Donald, Karen, Larry and Barbara. Rolland preceded her in death on February 19, 2012
Mildred was a devoted wife and homemaker for her husband and children. She was very active in the day to day operations of the family farm and raising her children. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church. She also belonged to the Mayflower Society. She was a creative person who enjoyed making clothes for her children and grandchildren, making crafts and doing pencil portrait drawings. Her main joy in life was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mildred’s surviving family include her daughters, Karen Witt (Cecil) of Russell, Kansas and Barbara Edwards (Tim) of Olathe, Kansas; son, Larry G. Ehrlich of Westwood Hills, Kansas; brother, Bob Glynn of Hoisington, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Mark, Kristin, Jennifer, Tracy, Stephanie, Bruce and Amy, ten great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband Rolland; son Donald Ehrlich; brothers, Jack Glynn and Tommy Glynn; sisters, Virginia Cole , Dorothy Degner and Mary Little; granddaughter Lori Ann Caylor; son-in-law Melvin Caylor and step grandson Cecil Witt, Jr.
Celebration of Mildred’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the St. John Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Forrest Harry Button, 96, died Monday, September 17, 2018, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, Intermediate Swing Bed Unit, La Crosse, Kansas.
He was born June 15, 1922 at Rush Center, Kansas, the son of Roy and Verna (Hallett) Button. He graduated from La Crosse Rural High School in 1940. He farmed for one year before attending Kansas State University for one year and Fort Hays State University for one year. He then returned to farming, and continued to do so in both Rush and Pawnee counties from 1944 to 1993.
Forrest was a former member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church for many years where he was an active member. He was most recently an active member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas. He was also a member of the Walnut City Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas, for over 70 years, and was a charter member of the Rush County Speculators in March, 1998. He served as the Grand Marshal of the La Crosse Alumni parade in 2015. He was also a member of the Walnut Valley Senior Center, Rush Center, Kansas.
On September 2, 1945 he married Blanche Patricia Haller at her parents’ home in Otis, Kansas. She died on August 3, 2015.
Other survivors include one son, Thomas Harry and wife Kathy of Oakley, Kansas, one daughter, Janice Herman and husband Don of Benton, Kansas, and daughter-in-law Pamela Button of Whitesboro, Oklahoma, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son Robert Dale Button, infant sons David Lee and Richard Jay, his parents, sister Dorothy Jean Rice and brother Kenneth Roy Button.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 20, 2018, 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 7:00 P.M.
Church visitation will be Friday, September 21, 2018, from 1:00 P.M. to 1:50 P.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.
Funeral service will be Friday, September 21, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Angie Vertz officiating. Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to Rush County Memorial Hospital, Intermediate Swing Bed Unit, La Crosse, Kansas, or the United Methodist Church, 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.
Robert William “Bob” Prockish, age 84 of Natoma, Kansas, passed away on September 17, 2018 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Bob was born June 22, 1934 in Hays, Kansas to William and Regina (Hammerschmidt) Prockish. He grew up in the Hays area. On February 7, 1959 in Hays, Kansas he married Linda Jensen. To this union 3 sons were born. Michael Andrew, James Lee, and Robert William Jr.
Bob worked in the oil fields in his younger years then later moved his family to Woodston and worked for John E. Jones. In 1973 he moved his family to Stockton and started his own welding business. Bob was well known as “Rod Burner” by many as he spent most of his life as a welder. Bob was also a charter member of Solomon Valley Antique Association. He enjoyed the time he spent with the saw mill, tractors, steam engines, and friends.
Bob’s wife Linda, passed in October of 1990, and later that year in December, his son bobby was killed in a truck wreck. A few short years later in October of 1993 another son, Mike, passed away. Even through the tragedy of losing a large part of his family he remained strong and relied on faith, friendship, and family in those hard times.
Bob met Beverly Hachmeister who soon became his companion and a part of his family. They spent 24 years together. They traveled, gardened, built trinkets, enjoyed dancing, and making pancakes. They were known for their garden produce, canning, and jelly making. More than companions, they were the best of friends.
Bob had 3 grandchildren of his own, along with Beverly’s grandkids, they were all his pride and joy. He recently became a great grandpa and was so proud of his new great-grandson.
Bob was a kind and gentle man, ornery to afault and never knew a stranger. He will be deeply missed by everyone.
He was preceeded in death by his parents William and Regina; brothers Dan and Tom Prockish; wife Linda; and sons, Mike and Bobby.
Bob is survived by his son Jim (Jayne) Prockish; companion Beverly Hachmeister; grandchildren Jamie and Jeff Dohm, Jake Prockish, and Jesse Prockish, Tesha (Nathan) Wampler, Nathaniel (Natasha) Florian, Natasha (Matthew) Mondero, Brandi (Tolan) Lichty, Nathan Bitter, and Lucas Hachmeister; great-grandchildren Jonah Dohm, Collin and Kaiden Wampler, Preston and Kira Florian, Matthew Mondero, and Alayna Hachmeister; sister Carol Jean (Bob Malin); step-children Paula (Brent) Bitter and Ken (Sheila) Hachmeister nephews, neices, and many friends.
Even though we feel he left us too soon, he lived life that touched many, and someday we will meet again.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. til 8 p.m. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. Burial will be in the Mount Allen Cemetery in Hays, Kansas following the service. Memorials are suggested to the Stockton and Natoma Ambulance Service and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.
JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged murder.
Bohnenkemper -photo Jackson County
Just after 3a.m. Tuesday, deputies received a 911 call from a residence located at 26985 Q.4 Road north of Holton, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.
The caller advised that her son had shot her husband twice in the head and she was baracaded inside a bedroom.
Deputies responded to the scene and observed a man inside the residence armed with a long gun.
Deputies were able to approach the house and extricated the woman from a bedroom window while the suspected shooter tried to break down the bedroom door. Deputies were able to move the woman to safety without injury.
The sheriff made contact with the suspect by telephone and spoke with him for several hours. The suspect refused to follow directives and refused to exit the residence.
Deputies propelled gas into the residence at which time the suspect allegedly fired a shotgun towards deputies striking a vehicle they were using for cover.
Just after 8:30a.m., the suspect exited the residence and surrendered to law enforcement around.
Deputies found a deceased man inside the residence. The name of the victim is not yet being released pending the notification of family.
The suspect Derrick G. Bohnenkemper was evaluated by EMS and transported to the Jackson County Jail where he is being held on murder charges, according Sheriff Morse.
