LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A woman accused of intentionally driving into the Kansas River with her children in the car will stand trial on first-degree murder and attempted murder charges.
Scharron Dingledine-photo Douglas County
A mental evaluation of 26-year-old Scharron Dingledine, of Columbia, Missouri, found she was mentally competent to stand trial.
Dingledine made a brief video appearance in Douglas County District Court Tuesday to learn the results of the examination. Her attorney, Carol Cline, said she would not contest the evaluation results.
She is accused of driving into the Kansas River near Lawrence in August, killing her 5-year-old daughter and critically injuring her 1-year-old son. Children’s Mercy Hospital said Tuesday his condition has been upgraded to serious.
Dingledine’s next court appearance is Oct. 2. She remains in custody on $1 million bond.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man has been sentenced to 58 years and two months in prison for a deadly Manhattan shooting.
Harris-photo Riley Co. Police
Steven Harris was sentenced Monday for second-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old German Gonzalez-Garcia, of Manhattan and attempted second-degree murder in the wounding of a second victim.
Prosecutors say Harris shot the two victims in May 2017. Gonzalez-Garcia died at the scene.
Harris was arrested along with his girlfriend in Wichita four days after the shooting when they tried to check into a Wichita hotel.
Harris had previously been convicted of attempted second-degree murder in Franklin County and was released from prison in 2015. In the 2017 shooting, Harris also was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
JEWELL COUNTY – Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents are investigating the shooting of two Jewell County sheriff’s deputies which occurred Tuesday morning at the Sheriff’s Office in Mankato, Kan.
Law enforcement authorities on the scene of the chase in Ottawa County-photo courtesy KWCH
Preliminary information indicates that on Aug. 28 at approximately 7:52 a.m., a male subject, identified as Jason L. Whitson, 40, of Mankato, entered the Sheriff’s Office. He walked up to the dispatch desk and requested to talk to a deputy. As a sheriff’s deputy approached to speak with him, Whitson fired multiple times through a door that led into the dispatch room. Two deputies were injured during the shooting. No law enforcement officers discharged their firearms.
Whitson then fled the Sheriff’s Office. Since he was recognized by personnel at the Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement immediately began to locate him and the vehicle they assumed he would be driving.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper spotted Whitson’s vehicle and pursued him Eastbound on US-24 Highway. When the vehicle was just south of Minneapolis, Kan., an adult female and five minor children were allowed to exit. Whitson then continued onto US-81 Highway where law enforcement used a maneuver that forced the vehicle to stop.
Streets blocked off near the law enforcement center in Mankato Tuesday morning- photo courtesy KWCH
Once the vehicle was stopped, KHP Troopers approached it and found him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No law enforcement officers at this scene discharged their firearms.
EMS responded and transported Whitson to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Both Sheriff’s deputies are expected to recover from their injuries. One deputy has been released from a local hospital. The second deputy remains at a Salina hospital, but is out of surgery and is now in stable condition.
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JEWELL COUNTY —Following the shooting of 2 deputies at the Law enforcement center in Mankato, Kansas Highway Patrol began a search in surrounding counties for the suspect Jason Whitson, according to a statement from the KHP.
At 8:46 a.m. troopers encountered the suspect’s eastbound vehicle on U.S. 24 near Glasco. The suspect continued eastbound at approximately 70-miles per hour.
At 9:09 a.m. just south of Minneapolis, the suspect stopped the vehicle in the road and let out passengers and continued southbound on U.S. 81, according to the release.
At 9:11 a.m. a trooper conducted a tactical vehicle intervention on the suspect vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and stopped on the roadway. Troopers located the suspect in the vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the release. He was transported to the hospital in Salina for treatment.
One deputy was expected to be released from the hospital after treatment. The other deputy was in surgery, according to a statement from the Jewell County Clerk’s office.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
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JEWELL COUNTY —The suspect wanted for shooting two deputies at the Jewell County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday is in custody and hospitalized in Salina with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The suspect was taken into custody in Ottawa County.
I’m praying for a full recovery for the two Jewell County deputies shot in the line of duty earlier this morning. We appreciate the service rendered by all law enforcement officers, and thank them for their bravery. #ksleg
The suspect identified as Jason Whitson allegedly shot two deputies at the Jewell County Sheriff’s office early Tuesday in the 300 Block of North Commercial in Mankato, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said Tuesday that both Saline County Sheriff’s deputies and Salina Police were prepared to keep Whitson from driving into Salina. Soldan said that Sheriff’s deputies were blocking exits at U.S. 81 and K 143 and at the intersection of Interstate 135 and Interstate 70. Salina Police covered the Ninth Street exit of Interstate 70 and the State Street and Crawford Street exits on Interstate 135.
“Our thoughts are with the deputies who were shot and the Jewell County Sheriff’s office,” Soldan added.
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JEWELL COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are searching for a man who allegedly shot two deputies at the Jewell County Sheriff’s office Tuesday morning in the 300 Block of North Commercial in Mankato, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Location of the Law enforcement center in Mankato where the shooting occurred -google map
The suspect identified as Jason Whitson, according to the KHP fled the shooting scene.
Whitson is described as bald, has multiple tattoos and was wearing a black hat and shirt. He may be driving a 2002 Ford Windstar with Kansas Tag 729 JFG. He is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him call 911.
Mark Alan VanCamp, 64, passed away Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Omaha, Neb. He was born Dec. 29, 1953, in Wichita to Lynn Allison VanCamp and Alma Rose Herrman. He married Anna “Christie” Nelson on May 16, 1997.
Survivors: wife, Christie; sons, Chad VanCamp (Erin), of Olathe, and Nicholas VanCamp (Shelby), of Kansas City, Kan.; daughters, Janea Lynn Trapp (Tim), of Derby, RaeAnne VanCamp, ZoraLin VanCamp, Jordis VanCamp, Tessa VanCamp and Kendalan VanCamp, all of Carbondale; brother, Colin VanCamp (Melissa); sisters, Jan Ross (Jerry), Pat Schreiber (Tony) and Kris Lienhart; aunts, Mary McKown, and Martha Sabourin; five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
There are no funeral services. Memorials to: the Mark VanCamp Funeral Fund, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City.
Donna Marie Griffith, 65, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
She was born on October 13, 1952 in Ellis, Kansas, to John and Catherine (Honas) Gnad. Donna was a high school graduate.
After being a stay at home mom for 16 years, Donna went back to school and attended Connors State College where she obtained her certified medical assistant certification. She worked for a short time as a CMA until her health declined.
She enjoyed going fishing and being outdoors. She loved taking care of her family and spending as much time as she could with them and her friends. Donna enjoyed going fishing whenever she had the chance. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Gnad; sister, Gracie Gnad; and brother-in-law, Alvin Ramey.
She is survived by her companion of 20 years, Tony Breshears; daughters, Angela Boydston (Raymond), Holly Girard (Steve), Tracy Scott (Jerry), and Katie Henry (Brent); brothers, Michael Gnad (Laytha), David Gnad (Carolyn), Pat Gnad (Cheryl), John Gnad (Pam) and Marvin Gnad; sisters, Shirley Dinkel (Jim), Martha Nunemaker (Ray), Mary Ramey, Kathie Moravek (Mark); grandchildren, Billy, Karlie, Brooke, Blake, Zach, Abigail, Jazzy, Kayleigh, Pitcher, Avery, Carter and Brayd’n; great-grandchild, Kinlie; and many niece and nephews.
A rosary service will be 6:00 P.M., Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral Home.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 31, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with celebrant Rev. Richard Cristler officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with her family serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 N. York St, Muskogee, OK. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two suspects in custody.
Emily Victoria Munoz -photo Shawnee County
Just before 10:30p.m. Monday, a man in his 20s arrived at a Topeka hospital for treatment, according to Lt. Manual Munoz.
He had been shot in the leg and suffered a non-life-threating injury.
Officers located a possible crime scene in the area of SE 21st and Pennsylvania in Topeka. and investigators took into custody a juvenile male and 18-year-old Emily Victoria Munoz of Shawnee County
They were booked on aggravated battery and aggravated robbery.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at (785) 368-9400 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.
TOPEKA – A man who was arrested with 471 pounds of marijuana in his van pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release Tuesday.
Mark Berg, 41, Coon Rapids, Minn., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. According to court documents, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper noticed the van and two other vehicles traveling with it on Interstate 70 in Ellsworth County. Although one of the escort vehicles attempted to distract him, the trooper stopped the minivan Berg was driving. Berg told the trooper he had been in Las Vegas and had driven through Denver on his way home to Minnesota. After a drug dog sniffed the vehicle, investigators searched the van and found the marijuana.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 19. He faces a penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal altercation and have made an arrest.
Damien Manuel -photo Sedgwick County
Just after 5:30p.m Monday, police arrested 31-year-old Damien Manuel, according to officer Charley Davidson.
He is being held on requested charges of felony murder in connection with the death of 46-year-old Desmond Winesberry.
Early Sunday, police were contacted outside the Patrol North Police Station in Wichita by a 45-year-old man who stated a 46-year-old man was injured at a home in the 2300 block of north Chautauqua and needed help, according to officer Charley Davidson.
Officers located the victim identified as Desmond Winesberry with trauma to his body and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Captain Brent Allred. An investigation determined there was a verbal and physical altercation inside the residence, according to Allred and police do not believe this is a random incident.
Police originally reported the incident was a shooting. On Monday, Allred said to protect the integrity of the investigation, police did not want to confirm the specifics on the type of trauma hat killed Winesberry.
KENSINGTON – Patricia Gean (Donovan) Bienhoff was born August 10, 1937 in Kansas City, Ks the daughter of Douglas and Mae (Belcher) Donovan. She passed away August 24, 2018 at Prairie Wind Villa in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 81.
Pat spent her first years in Kansas City where she finished the first grade. The family moved often after that as her parents began studying for the ministry and teaching. Pat attended eight different schools before graduating from Smith Center High School in 1955. She attended Phillips University in Enid, OK for one year before returning home to Smith County where Pat and Don were married on November 4, 1956 at the Christian Church in Smith Center with her father performing the ceremony. Their Church home the rest of their lives was St John Lutheran Church in Kensington except for a few years during retirement when they lived in Kearney NE and attended Family of Christ Lutheran Church.
Their first child, Teri Lynn, was born in July 1957 with serious physical and mental disabilities. Don and Pat were able to keep her at home with them for three years before her admission to the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, KS in September 1960. That same week their son, Curtis Jay, was born and in April 1962 son, Robert Wayne, was born to complete the family. The Church was their guiding influence through the rest of their lives raising their children and working on the farm.
Besides being a devoted farm wife, Pat was employed by the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company for several years and after that by the State of Kansas in the Family Services Department. She also served as a Conservator for several people while they were in nursing home care. Pats family always came first though. She was a devoted Mother and Grandma and she attended as many of their events as possible.
Pat served the Church in many ways enjoying most providing group music and occasionally a solo. When St John was presented with a set of hand bells, Pat was asked to organize a bell choir and become the first director. She enjoyed this challenge very much. Music was a very important part of her life.
Pat will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew her.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Teri Lynn, Don, husband of 60 years, and sister in law Irene and husband Paul Hilbrink.
Survivors include her son Curtis and wife Natalie of Kensington and son Robert and wife Amy of Kensington. Four grandchildren Kyle and wife Morgan of Kensington, Michaela of Manhattan KS, Deidra and husband Dylan of Kensington, and Blayne and wife Alyssa of Kensington, six great grandchildren Alexis, Barrett, Peyton, Declan, Harbor, and Fynley, and nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged burglary.
Kilbourn -photo Barton Co.
Just before 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, a citizen reported seeing a suspicious subject in the area of 19th and Lincoln in Great Bend, according to a media release from police.
Officers responded to the area in reference to a subject possibly breaking into vehicles. They contacted a white male, age 19, in the area, but found no evidence of a crime.
Officers then remained in the area watched the subject identified as 19-year-old Ethan Kilbourn of Great Bend and witnessed him breaking into vehicles in the 1800 block of Monroe.
Police contacted him again, found stolen items and arrested Kilbourn. He is being held in the Barton County Jail on requested charges of burglary, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Edmund Lee McCabe, age 89, died Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society of Ellis, Ellis, Kansas.
He was born August 1, 1929, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Lester and Ella (Penn) McCabe. Ed grew up in Kansas and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1948 and went on to attend the Salt City Business College in Hutchinson.
In 1950 he began a 35-year career with Laughlin-Simmons Co. of Oklahoma City, as an oil field surveyor. In 1985 he began his own oil field survey company “American Elevations, Inc.”, retiring in 1996.
He is a veteran of the Korean War, serving in Japan and Korea with the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and was a long-time member of the Russell and Hays VFW Post.
He was married for 63 years to Martha Jean (Sandidge) until her death in 2016. Survivors include two daughters, Martha Lee McCabe, Wichita, KS; Amy Stump and husband, Frank, Thornton, CO; daughter-in-law, Teresa McCabe, Quitman, GA; a grandson, Matthew Dorzweiler, Hutchinson, KS; two granddaughters, Sara Masura and husband, Jon, Bayfield, CO; Lisa Dorzweiler, Wichita, KS; four-step-grandchildren, Nathan Dreiling and wife, Kasey, Hays, KS; Scott Stump and wife, Sarah, Macon, GA; Jim Stump, Portland, OR; and Jennifer (Stump)Patterson and husband, Leonard, Renton, WA; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Henry and Minnie Mae (Austin) Sandidge; his wife, Martha Jean, and his son, John Ed McCabe; his brothers, Lester, Raymond, Irvin “Toot”, and one infant brother, Bardell; his sisters, Rocena Ulrich and Jo Ella Patterson.
Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 1, 2018, at First Baptist Church, 12th and Fort, Hays, Kansas. Military honors will be conducted by the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076. A private family inurnment will be at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 31st at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd , Hays, KS 67601 and from 9:30 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the church.
Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church-Hays in care of the mortuary.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or sent via email to [email protected].
Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident Glenda Kay Garret, 77, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.
Glenda was born on February 25, 1941 in Brewster, Kansas to Fred and Bernice (Eicher) Oldham. She grew up and attended school in Brewster and graduated from Brewster High School in 1959.
On July 3, 1978, Glenda married Gary Garrett in Reno, Nevada. Glenda worked for many years until her retirement as a clerk for the Sherman County Treasurer’s office.
In her spare time, Glenda enjoyed quilting and baking, and attending Mass regularly at the Catholic Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents and daughter Angie Garrett.
She is survived by her husband Gary, her daughter Brenda, a son Todd McIlnay (Heather) of Littleton, CO, and daughter Kristi (Ryan) Johnson of Parker, Colorado. She is also survived by eight grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM MT at the Goodland Cemetery in Goodland, KS with Father Andrew Rockers officiating.
Memorials may be designated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral service arrangements are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
