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Police: Kan. suspect used knife during Walmart robbery

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SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated robbery and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.

Security camera image courtesy Wichita Police

Just after 11pm on Monday, police responded to an armed robbery call at the Walmart in the 10600 block of west 21st St. North in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 24-year-old male employee of Walmart who reported an unknown suspect entered the Walmart, brandished a knife, and demanded money from a 24-year-old female employee.

The employee gave the suspect money and he fled out of the store on foot. There were no injuries reported.

If anyone has any additional information on this robbery or the pictured suspect should call WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

UPDATE: University will remove altered flag art piece

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Kansas agreed Wednesday to have an art display that includes an altered U.S. flag taken down, after Gov. Jeff Colyer and other GOP political candidates complained that it was disrespectful, Colyer’s spokesman said.

 

Colyer called Chancellor Doug Girod Wednesday to demand that the art display be removed and Girod agreed to take the flag down quickly, Colyer spokesman Kendall Marr said. The governor is pleased that the display is coming down, Marr said.

“It was disrespectful to have something like that on permanent display on campus,” he said.

 

Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who is running against Colyer in the August GOP primary for governor, also had called for the artwork to be taken down.

The display, called “Untitled (Flag 2) is the last of a series of flag pieces that have flown on the Lawrence campus since last fall as part of a national art project called “Pledges of Allegiance,” which involves 11 institutions at 14 locations across the country. The current piece, which was installed July 5, shows two black shapes on the flag and a black-and-white sock. The artist, New York-based Josephine Meckseper, said it represents a deeply polarized country.

Kobach said it was “outrageous” that a public university would display a desecrated flag, although the university has said private money paid for the project.

“The fact that they call it art does not make it any less of a desecration of our flag. I call upon the university to take down that flag right away,” Kobach said.

University spokeswoman Erinn Barcomb-Peterson said earlier Wednesday that the project was intended to encourage conversation about the current political climate.

Steve Watkins, a combat veteran and GOP candidate for Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District, first drew attention to the artwork, saying the “defaced American flag” was disrespectful to the military. But he said he was not demanding that the flag be removed.

“To those who would trample, burn, or deface the flag, thank a soldier,” Watkins said in a statement. “It hurts me to see a defaced flag fly at the University of Kansas.”

Meckseper, who is based in New York City, was commissioned by public arts nonprofit Creative Time to create the piece.

In a statement on the Creative Time website, Meckseper said she divided the shape of the U.S. in two for the flag design to reflect divisions in the country. She said a black and white sock in the corner “takes on a new symbolic meaning in light of the recent imprisonment of immigrant children at the border … It’s about time for our differences to unite us rather than divide us.”

The “Pledges of Allegiance” project began at Kansas in November and will run until July 30.

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LAWRENCE — Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer and Secretary of State Kris Kobach are now calling for the removal of a public art project involving an altered U.S. flag at the University of Kansas.

 

The piece, called Untitled (Flag 2), is the last of a series of flag pieces that have flown on the Lawrence campus in the last several months as part of a national art project.

 

 

 

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas congressional candidate says a public art project involving an altered U.S. flag at the University of Kansas is disrespectful to the military.

The piece, called Untitled (Flag 2), is the last of a series of flag pieces that have flown on the Lawrence campus in the last several months as part of a national art project. Kansas is one of 11 institutions at 14 locations participating in “Pledges of Allegiance” project, which organizers say is designed to address social issues and inspire community among cultural institutions.

2nd Congressional District candidate Steve Watkins criticized the university in a statement Tuesday.

The flag includes two black shapes that the artist, Josephine Meckseper, says represents a deeply polarized country. It also includes a black and white sock that Meckseper says takes on new meaning during the current controversy over immigration.

Kan. man admits using Facebook to make child porn

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years and two months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Ryan Andrew Rivera, 22, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography.

In his plea, he admitted he used Facebook to contact 10 minor females and urge them to send him sexually explicit images of themselves. In one instance, a 15-year-old girl sent him sexually explicit photos and he forwarded the photos to another 15-year-old girl.

 

Martina ‘Tina’ Staab

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Martina “Tina” Staab, 95, Hays, died Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Via Christi Village.

She was born March 22, 1923 in Munjor, Kansas one of 12 children to Michael and Eva (Degenhardt) Pfannenstiel. On November 10, 1941 she was united in marriage to Wendelin Staab at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. They celebrated over 62 years of marriage prior to him preceding her in death on June 15, 2004.

Martina was a cook at St. Joseph Military Academy/TMP-Marian High School and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Christian Mothers, and the St. Anthony Hospital/Hays Medical Center Auxiliary. She was a “noodle lady”, a volunteer at the Community Assistance Center, and was a sample lady at Dillons Grocery Store. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, quilting, cooking and trying new recipes, and she also loved to travel.

Survivors include two sons; Leon Staab and wife Ann and Tom Staab and wife Lenora, all of Hays, two daughters; Jolene Kreitler and husband Ralph of Greeley, CO and Margaret “Maggie” Leiker and husband Allen of Hays, two brothers; Frank Pfannenstiel and wife Celie and Marvin Pfannenstiel and wife Jane, all of Hays, a sister; Aggie Miller and husband Jim of Hays, two sisters-in-law; Esther Pfannenstiel of Billings, MT and Alice Gerstner of Hays, nine grandchildren; Christine Mellin and husband Rick, Laura Kreitler, Amy Gustafson and husband Marc, Jennifer Parsons and husband Bridger, Dara Thompson and husband Jason, Jared Staab and wife Julie, Ryan Leiker, Derek Leiker, and Austin Leiker, twelve great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wendelin, seven brothers; Victor, Eddie, Ted, Clarence, Julius, Walter, and Paul Pfannenstiel, and a sister; Marcella Eickbush.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A scripture rosary will be at 6:00 followed by a vigil service at 6:30, both on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Hays Community Assistance Center or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, and can be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Martina may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Raymond Fred Henry Grauerholz

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Phillipsburg resident Raymond Fred Henry Grauerholz passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, KS at the age of 89.

He was born in Kensington, KS on June 3, 1929, the son of Fritz & Ella (Norden) Grauerholz.
On April 29, 1955 he married Cecilia Seemann in Kensington, KS. She preceded him in death on May 14, 2011.

Survivors include his son, Marcus, of Olathe, KS; daughters: Melinda Ewing of Alliance, NE, Marcia Nelson of Almena, KS and Dian Tien of Prairie View, KS; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, with Pastors Lee Bennight and Lorna Paulus officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the United States Marine Corp.

Mr. Grauerholz will lie in-state on Thursday, July 12, from noon – 9 p.m. and again Friday, July 13, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church. Online condolences to: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Tony Ray Harp

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Tony Ray Harp, 71, passed away on July 9, 2018 at his home in McCracken, Kansas. He was born in Closplint, Kentucky on January 12, 1947. He was the son of Claude Harp and Bernice (Bennett) Rollins.

Tony attended McCracken Elementary every year except 2nd and 7th grades. He loved playing Basketball, Football and Baseball. He received academic awards in Geometry and Algebra II. He was the senior class Vice President and graduated from McCracken High School in 1965.

Tony enlisted with the USMC – United States Marine Corps from May 21, 1965 – May 15, 1969.  He attended basic training at the San Diego MC Recruiting Depot. While in the Marines, he was a Sergeant as a Radar Fire Control Technician. He was stationed at Huntsville, Alabama and DaNang, Vietnam, later Albany, Georgia and back to DaNang, Vietnam for a second tour.  While on leave he was able to visit Bangkok, Thailand twice and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His awards with the Marines were: Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Civil Action with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Service Star, 1st Marine Air Wing, Expert Rifle Badge.

After returning home from Vietnam, Tony married Shirley Kinderknecht, Grinnell, Kansas, June 6, 1970 and welcomed four children, Lynnette, Bill, Brian, and Michael. He was a farmer and rancher in rural McCracken and raised many animals. He loved planting a large garden in the summer, playing poker, pool, and snooker. He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. Tony married Paulette Nicholson, Ellis, Kansas July 30, 1991. He was like a father to Daniel Zeller and Will Zeller. He began his teaching career in Ellis, Kansas, Globe Arizona, Haxtun, Colorado, Pinedale Wyoming, and many years at LaCrosse High School. He was also the Girls Basketball coach for several schools. It was a must for Mr. Harp’s class to show your work on every math problem assignment.

He was loved by many friends, family, and students including: Shirley Harp, Hays, Kansas, Paulette Harp Ellis, Kansas, a daughter Lynnette and Don Doornbos, McCracken, Kansas children Katelyn, Taylor, & John, son Bill and Kelly Harp, Great Falls, Montana, grandson Adam and Maggie Brecht, great-grandsons Jackson & Cooper, son Brian Harp and Lisa Day, LaCrosse, Kansas children Keldon, McKaylee, & Kelby, son Michael and Jennifer Harp, Cedar Rapids, Iowa children Dylan and Madelyn, son Daniel Zeller, McCracken, Kansas children Jacob and Abby, son Will and Jana Zeller LaCrosse, Kansas grandson Bodie, sister Wanda Fe Bankhead, Morriston, Florida, brother Donnie and Jeannie Harp, Council Grove, Kansas, sister Pam Bankhead, Ocala, Florida, brother Ricky ‘Mac’ Harp, Ness City, Kansas, sister Mary Hattan, Ness City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his father Claude Harp, mother Bernice Rollins, brother Ronnie Harp, brother Billy Harp, and niece Rosemarie “Marie” Buller.

Graveside memorial service will be Friday, July 13, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at the McCracken City Cemetery, McCracken, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to Sons of the American Legion West-Burch, KS Post 59, McCracken, Kansas, or American Legion West-Burch, KS Post 59, McCracken, 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.

Stolen pickup totaled, Kansas felon arrested after chase

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SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on theft charges after a high-speed chase in a reported stolen pickup.

On Tuesday, police took a report of stolen 2014 Honda Ridgeline taken from a garage in the 1900 Block of Ruskin Road in Salina, according to Police Sgt. Jim Feldman. The owner left the keys in the vehicle.

Howard -photo KDOC

A short time later, an officer saw the pickup in the area of Brookwood and Marymount Road.

When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver identified as 20-year-old Stephen Howard drove off and a brief pursuit which reach speeds of near 80 mph began.

The chase ended in the 2400 Block of Cedar Ridge Drive when Howard lost control of the pickup and ran from the crash but was quickly apprehended, according to Feldman.

The pickup valued at $22,000 was totaled.

During a search of Howard, police also found credit cards stolen from the purse of a woman that had been left in her car parked in the garage of her home in the 100 block of Channel Road.

Police booked Howard into the Saline County jail on requested charges of aggravated burglary, felony and misdemeanor theft, felony flee and elude, driving while suspended, obstruction, reckless driving, and felony damage to property.

Howard has previous convictions for Aggravated Robbery, Battery and Burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Blood drive Thursday at Comeau Campus Center

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ARC

Fort Hays State University and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive Thu., July 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Comeau Campus Center, 506 W. 6th.

Right now, the American Red Cross has a critical need for blood donations to ensure blood types don’t go missing. Blood donations are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in.

Click here to make an appointment

The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime.

Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross blood program!

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, get rewards and invite friends to join you on a lifesaving team.

Kansas oilman fined for environmental violations

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita oilman has been fined $10,000 for violating state regulations involving oil and gas contamination.

Google image rural Butler County

The Kansas Corporation Commission on Tuesday fined Benjamin Giles for violations at two wells near Towanda in Butler County.

Giles says he didn’t do anything wrong and he plans to appeal.

The commission found Giles didn’t follow procedures for casing or plugging the two oil wells, which officials say can harm usable groundwater.

Commission documents and testimony indicate that Giles pulled the casing out of an old oil well in 2014 and didn’t replace it until 2016. The commission also said Giles hasn’t shown that another well is properly cased.

Paul Jacob Flax Sr.

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Paul Jacob Flax Sr., age 84, of Hays, KS, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at HaysMed. He was born on February 22, 1934 in Ransom, KS to Frank I. and Catherine Flax. His mother, Catherine died in 1942 and Frank married Clara Weber.

Paul attended Ellis High School and graduated in 1951. After high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from 1954-1956. He had worked in the oilfield for most of his life and was a driller for Abercrombie Oil Company for over 31 years.

He lived in Ransom and then moved to Ellis. On September 7, 1957, Paul married Dolores Ann Rupp in Ellis. The family then moved to Hill City, where he lived for 55 years. In 2015, he moved to Hays. He enjoyed his family, nieces, nephews, camping and playing cards. Paul played the accordion for Andy Anderson Dance Band and played monthly music with his accordion at various nursing homes in the area. He was devoted in his Catholic faith and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 9139 in Ellis.

Survivors include his daughter; Sharon Kay Flax of Phillipsburg; two sons, Paul Jacob Flax, Jr. and his wife Julie of Culver, KS, Bernard “Bernie” John Flax and his wife Teresa of Wichita; three brothers, Alfred Flax and his wife Ida of Wichita, Walter Hicks of Missouri and George Weber and his wife Charlotte of Wichita; two sisters, Agnes Richmeier and her husband Edwin and Dorothy Weber both of WaKeeney; four grandchildren, Cody & Kylie Flax, Courtney Johnson & Brandy Clinton; two great-grandchildren, Trinity & Paisley Johnson as well as a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; beloved wife, Dolores whom passed in September of 2008; twin sons, Gerald & Derald and son, Gregory Flax; sisters, Minnie Flax, Rosie Hicks, infant sister, Catherine Flax, Albertina Fehrenbach and her husband Frank, Virginia Weber Robinette and her husband Danny; brothers, Leonard Weber, Gilbert Flax and his wife Seraphine.

Funeral services for Paul will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 11 from 4-8:00 PM with a rosary and parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at the Keithley Funeral Chapel. Visitation on Thursday will be from 9:00 AM until service time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund and/or to the Masses.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be made via email at [email protected].

Arrangements are in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th St., Ellis, KS 67637.

Hays native Werth joins board of K.C. biopharmaceutical company

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Werth

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Cingulate Therapeutics LLC, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new and innovative products utilizing its precision timed release drug delivery platform technology incorporating the OralogiKTM erosion barrier, today announced a $7.5M equity investment from Werth Family Investment Associates. The company has now raised over $16M as it positions itself for continued growth.

Proceeds will be used to advance Cingulate’s two (2) proprietary, first-line medications for the treatment of ADHD, CTx-1301 (dexmethylphenidate) and CTx-1302 (dextroamphetamine), through investigational new drug applications and Phase I/II clinical trials. Cingulate also announced today that Peter J. Werth, Founder and CEO of ChemWerth Inc., a privately held Connecticut-based corporation will join Cingulate’s Board of Directors.

Shane J. Schaffer, Chairman and CEO of Cingulate Therapeutics, said, “This event marks a significant achievement for our company in multiple ways. The first and most obvious is that the capital will advance our lead products into Phase I/II clinical trials. Furthermore, Peter’s extensive knowledge, experience and tremendous reputation in the pharmaceutical industry will make his contributions as a board member invaluable. His presence in Connecticut as head of ChemWerth extends well beyond the ‘medicine chest’ of pharmaceutical companies in the Northeast to the world-wide business he has built.”

“We are excited about Cingulate’s work as reflected in its co-lead products for ADHD and its innovative drug delivery platform technology,” stated Peter J. Werth, President of Werth Family Investment Associates. “The $14B ADHD market represents a large commercial opportunity. In the wider picture, Cingulate’s technology has the potential to make a real difference in patient care where its once-daily tablets of multi-dose therapies can support patients, physicians and the healthcare system. We are pleased and excited to be able to help accelerate Cingulate’s wonderful work.”

ChemWerth Inc. is a full-service generic drug development and supply company providing high quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients to regulated markets worldwide. Through exclusive development and partnerships with API manufacturers, ChemWerth Inc. provides expertise in product selection and development, analytical and regulatory services, and strong project management to ensure the highest standards of quality.

RELATED: Werth family names FHSU’s College of Science, Technology and Mathematics with $5M gift

RELATED: Hays native, FHSU alum Werth gives $22.5M gift to UConn

Mr. Werth, a Hays native, earned a BS degree in Chemistry and Math from Fort Hays State University and a MS degree in Organic Chemistry from Stanford University. He serves as a director on the boards of the following companies: VM Pharma LLC, VM Therapeutics LLC, VM Oncology LLC, Likarda LLC, Altos Therapeutic, Alzeca, Nuance, Perseus and Cingulate Therapeutics LLC. Mr. Werth has formed LLCs to develop commercial projects using specific technologies which reflect his strong entrepreneurial interests and contributions toward start-ups.

Along with his family, he has established the Werth Family Foundation to support various philanthropic causes, specifically in educational, cultural, and medical-related causes globally. Mr. Werth financed the formation of The Peter J. Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Connecticut, the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University and the Werth Center for Coastal & Marine Studies at Southern Connecticut State University.

— Submitted

Father of 5 fatally shot in Kansas after arranging to buy iPhone

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman says her husband was fatally shot in Kansas City, Kansas, while meeting someone he met through the mobile sales app Letgo about purchasing an iPhone 7.

Oune Somsanith Family-Photo courtesy GoFundMe

The Kansas City Star reports that 45-year-old Oune Somsanith, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was shot Sunday afternoon. The father of five died at a hospital.

His wife, Kelly Somsanith-Hawley, said her husband loved to make money by finding deals online, but was careful. She said that whenever he met someone about purchasing a phone, he always insisted on going to a store to check to see if the phone had been reported stolen before negotiating a final price.

Letgo described what happened as an “unimaginable tragedy” in a statement and said it’s working with law enforcement. Police haven’t released any details.

Ellis County Fire Relief Associations receive $141K

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KID

TOPEKA — The Kansas Insurance Department is currently making the annual funds distribution to state and local firefighter relief organizations.

More than $13.3 million will be distributed among 564 local Firefighters Relief Associations (FRAs) across the state.

Ellis County will receive a total of $141,343.11.

  • FRA#532 ELLIS CO RURAL FIRE DEPT F R A: $44,277.66
  • FRA#190 ELLIS F R A: $7,316.87
  • FRA#237 HAYS F R A: $84,222.00
  • FRA#431 VICTORIA F R A: $5,526.58

“This fund assists firefighters and their families when an accident or death occurs in the line of duty,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Commissioner of Insurance. “We are honored to assist in its distribution.”

The money is generated by a 2 percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas for the previous calendar year. It is collected by the department, on behalf of the Kansas Firefighter Relief Act, and passed on to the FRAs, as required by Kansas law. The funds are disbursed electronically.

“The local association funds are used for purchasing accident and health, disability, and life insurance premiums to assist firefighters and their families,” said John Boyd, FRA administrator for the department.

Also, the Kansas State Firefighters Association will receive $502,863 for education and research purposes and for funding the state association’s death benefit fund. These funds also come from the generated premium tax.

Of the state association total, $402,863 is earmarked for educational purposes and research into fire prevention and firefighting, and $100,000 is used to replenish the death benefit fund.

 

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