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Author: Hays Post

Insurance pays $107K after Kan. boy topples sculpture

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community has received $107,000 from a family’s insurance company after a 5-year-old boy accidentally knocked over a $132,000 sculpture at a community center.

Security camera image courtesy City of Overland Park

Overland Park spokesman Sean Reilly says the city plans to send $99,000 to the artist of “Aphrodite di Kansas City,” which was damaged in May at the city’s Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. He says that’s the amount the artist, Bill Lyons, would have received if the sculpture sold at the center’s art fair.

A video showed the child wrapping his arms around the piece and then struggling to hold it up as it fell to the floor.

The boy’s mother, Sarah Goodman, said Saturday she had not been told by her insurance company that the money was paid.

Kansas man captured after run from courtroom

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BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas man who wanted to avoid jail time is facing new charges after an attempted escape in Great Bend.

Chapman-photo KDOC

Just before 10a.m. Monday, Raymond K. Chapman, 41 of Hoisington, was scheduled to make an appearance on a probation violation in front of the Hon. Verle Willey in Courtroom B at the Barton County Courthouse, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. 

All went well until Judge Willey sentenced Chapman to 12 months in the county jail. Chapman bolted from the courtroom.

Deputies shot Chapman with a Taser but one of the leads failed to make contact. Chapman made it to the east door and fled from the courthouse. Officers gave chase.

Chapman was captured in the alley between Baker Street and Holland Street in the 1200 block. He was booked into jail for the 12 month probation violation sentence and faces new charges of escape custody. 

He has a previous drug conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

First weekend of Ad Astra Music Festival opens Friday

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RUSSELL – The Ad Astra Music Festival colors central Kansas with classical music during the month of July.

Bringing over 60 artists from all around the country, Ad Astra is a unique music festival, spanning three weekends in July and integrating emerging young artists, community members, and professional musicians.

The first weekend of performances includes the beloved Brahms Requiem on July 13, Jazz at the Barn on July 14, and Here Be Sirens and Charles Wesley & Charles Ives on July 15.

Brahms Requiem opens the 2018 season. The work will feature the Russell Community Choir, the High School Honor Choir, as well as the Chamber Choir, comprised of professional singers from all over the country. The piece’s humanity transcends age, and it brings people from all walks of life together.

Jazz at the Barn brings out a different side of Ad Astra and takes place at Granny Mae’s Barn. Cocktails and popcorn will be available.

Here Be Sirens, a 2014 opera by Kate Soper, will be at the Deines Cultural Center. The contemporary opera featuring three artist-in-residence sopranos explores sirens from different eras and follows them in their quest of what it means to be immortal.

To close the opening weekend, Ad Astra presents a Sunday Evening Series, beginning with Charles Wesley & Charles Ives on July 15. Join in a hymn sing of pieces by Charles Ives and hymns with text by Charles Wesley, honoring the Methodist tradition.

To learn more about our performances, please visit adastramusicfestival.org/calendar.

UPDATE: Police issue alert for alleged Kansas murder suspect

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are searching for a 25-year-old man for questioning in the death of his girlfriend in Wichita.

Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas -photos courtesy Wichita Police

Police say that a first-degree murder warrant has been issued for 25-year-old Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas.

He was in a relationship with 41-year-old Lucy Mojica, who died Saturday at a Wichita hospital after being found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police say Caballeros-Yescas is believed to be driving a black 2010 Volkswagen Beetle with a Minnesota license plate 119TDG.

Lt. Jason Stephens says investigator determined Caballeros left Kansas after the shooting but returned to Wichita and robbed a person he knew at gunpoint.

Police have received tips that Caballeros may have fled to Texas or Mexico.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend murder and asking for help to locate a suspect.

On Sunday, authorities issued a warrant for 25-year-old, Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas, for first-degree murder. Caballeros is believed to be driving a 2010 Volkswagen Beetle with Minnesota license tag number 119TDG.

Just before 12:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting at 531 W. 17th Street North in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Officers located a 41-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds. She was transported to the hospital and died from her injuries.

The victim and Caballeros were in a relationship, according to Cruz.

Juan Carlos Caballeros-Yescas should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone sees Caballeros, please call 911 immediately and do not approach him.

Rex Arnold Gebhards

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Rex Arnold Gebhards, lifelong Weskan farmer and rancher passed from this life on Monday night, July 2, 2018. He was a kind, generous and loving soul who will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had opportunity to know him.

Rex was born in Goodland, Kansas to Sheila Dobbs Gebhards and Jim Gebhards on March 10, 1954. They took him home to the farm south of Weskan where he spent most of the rest of his life, except for his college years in Hays, Kansas where he earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1976 and a short time teaching elementary school in Great Bend. He then decided to return to the farm to work with his dad.

Rex enjoyed the life of a farmer and rancher, especially gardening and raising colorful flowers in unique “found” planters like chair seats and old washer tanks. He liked raising chickens, cats and several beloved dogs, most especially his last canine companion Digsby whose ashes will be buried with him.

He enjoyed hosting his “city” cousins but never faulted them for their lack of country “smarts”. The girl cousins were outnumbered by the boys but often found Rex as their protector when things took a turn for the worse in the horse tank or on the car hood sled in the pasture.

Life on the farm was not as laid back as John Denver would have you believe. Rex worked hard, making the best of the tools and equipment at hand. He and Randy finally gave up the use of a particularly evil pair of fence pliers by placing them in Jim’s “eternal” tool box when they placed his ashes there in July, 2015.

People found Rex a good listener, one who put you at ease and wanted to hear what you had to say. He didn’t judge, wanting to understand what was going on with those he met. He didn’t just listen, he actively helped. He offered gardening advice when he saw a tree in need of care, he traveled to collect furniture when told of a need, and performed many more acts of generosity known only to those who enjoyed his kindness.

Going before Rex were his dad, Jim; his grandparents Herman and Elizabeth Gebhards and F.H. and Elsie Dobbs; aunts Edith Dobbs, Velma Gebhards Smart, and Loretta Gebhards Smart; and uncles Logan Dobbs and Dale Gebhards. He is surely enjoying listening to and catching up with them.

Left behind with broken hearts are his mom, Sheila; his big (in age but not height) brother Randy and his wife Lou Ann; Aunts Irene Gebhards Gittinger and Sheila Kay Gebhards: Dobbs, Gittinger, Gebhards and Smart cousins, and friends too many to name.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Galen Crippen and Reverend Paul McNall officiating. Burial will follow in the Weskan Cemetery, Weskan, KS.

Memorials may be designated to the Wallace County Ambulance Service and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

Two hospitalized after early morning fire in Hays

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At 6:04 a.m. Monday, City of Hays emergency dispatchers were alerted to a house fire at 512 W. 17th. The Hays Fire Department, assisted by Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, Hays Police Department and Ellis County EMS was immediately dispatched.

Arriving firefighters found a room and contents fire in the bathroom area of the home. Two hose lines were used to control the fire. The building suffered smoke damage throughout the home. Firefighters checked the entire home for fire extension.

One victim was transported to Hays Medical Center for treatment and one firefighter was treated for injuries on-scene and released.

Six fire trucks and 21 firefighters responded. The last crew left the scene at 8:17 a.m.

“The Hays Fire Department would like to remind our citizens the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home,” the HFD said in a news release. “Please call the Hays Fire Department (785-628-7330) to take advantage of our free smoke alarm program.”

— HFD

Police cancel alert for runaways from Kan. children’s home

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All four juveniles have been found and are safe, according to police.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have issued an alert involving four juveniles who allegedly ran away from the Wichita Children’s Home just before 11p.m. Sunday.

Clockwise from the left
Taurus J. Hampton, 13, Divine Cherry, 17, Destiny K. Vopat, 14 ( no photo released of Jacob Harris, 15)

According to officer Paul Cruz, the children are ages 13-17, 2 girls and 2 boys.

One of the juvenile’s is 13-year-old Taurus Hampton. He is mentally disabled and police are asking the public’s help in locating them.

If anyone has information, please call 911 or EMCU (316 660-9478).

HPD Activity Log July 6-8

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The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 30 traffic stops Fri., July 6, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Noise–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 1:15 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:51 AM
Disturbance – General–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:19 AM
Urinating in Public–400 block E 15th St, Hays; 8:09 AM
Disorderly Conduct–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:26 AM
Animal At Large–1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 9:52 AM
Animal Call–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 11:01 AM
Theft of Vehicle–700 block Vine St, Hays; 11:34 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 16th St, Hays; 11:50 AM
Found/Lost Property–300 block E 24th St, Hays; 12:45 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:23 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:30 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–13th St and Vine St, Hays; 1:33 PM
Search Warrant–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:58 PM; 3:42 PM
Mental Health Call–500 block E 14th St, Hays; 2:39 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–800 block Vine, Hays; 3:17 PM
Dead Animal Call–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:53 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–3000 block E 14th St, Hays; 4:03 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th St and Canal Blvd, Hays; 10:25 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 4:44 PM
Burglary/residence–300 block E 13th St, Hays; 5:11 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block  W 33rd St, Hays; 6:07 PM
Water Use Violation–1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 6:17 PM; 6:35 PM
Animal Injured–27th St and Walnut St, Hays; 7:49 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Injury–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 8:28 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:54 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 10:38 PM
Animal Call–1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 10:54 PM
Welfare Check–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 11:01 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block Main St, Hays; 11:38 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:41 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Sat., July 7, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:05 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:21 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:50 AM
Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:02 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:07 AM
Disorderly Conduct–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 2:23 AM
Driving Under the Influence–27th and Hall, Hays; 2:26 AM
Aggravated Battery–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:15 AM; 1:25 AM
Missing Person–500 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:46 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 9:05 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:05 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 12:23 PM; 12:36 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1700 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 12:25 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 12:47 PM
Water Use Violation–3300 block Country Ln, Hays; 1:35 PM
Mental Health Call–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 2:04 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:34 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2:42 PM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 2:43 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 1 AM; 6:30 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block Main St, Hays; 8:49 PM
Disorderly Conduct–100 block Main St, Hays; 9:03 PM
Disturbance – Noise–800 block Ash St, Hays; 11:36 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Sun., July 8, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:42 AM
Found/Lost Property–1400 block Ash St, Hays; 1:55 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block W 15th St, Hays; 2:11 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:21 AM
Disorderly Conduct–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:10 AM; 2:18 AM
MV Accident /DUI–500 block W 20th St, Hays; 3:22 AM
Animal Call–200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:30 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 11:26 AM
Theft (general)–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 7/7 1 PM; 7/8 12:30 AM
Drug Offenses–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:28 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 1:04 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:37 PM; 1:40 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:25 PM
Welfare Check–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 3:18 PM
Suspicious Activity–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 4:08 PM
Welfare Check–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Criminal Threat–2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 8:15 PM
Disturbance – Fight–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:25 PM; 10:31 PM
Welfare Check–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 10:32 PM

Police, ATF offer reward for information on Kan. explosion

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ATCHISON COUNTY —The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Atchison Police Department have issued a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for detonating an explosive device in the 100 block of North 8th Street in Atchison, according to a media release.

Security camera image of suspect van courtesy Atchison PD

Just after 2:30a.m. Friday, Atchison Police and Fire were dispatched on reports of an explosion in the downtown area. Upon arrival, authorities found considerable damage to numerous structures in the 100 block of North 8th Street.

Investigators from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the scene and began a “post-blast” investigation.

Investigators determined the cause of the explosion was likely an improvised explosive device placed outside the Hair Spital Barber Shop, 120 North 8th Street.

Downtown businesses damaged from an incendiary device -photo courtesy KSHB TV

The blast shattered windows and spread debris across a one block area of downtown Atchison.

Investigators would like to speak to with anyone who may recognize the minivan seen in security videos near the blast moments before the device detonated. The vehicle may be a 2004-2008 Nissan Quest, according to police.

Anyone with information about this vehicle or the explosion is asked to contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662), contact ATF through its’ website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or text 63975 using the code ATFKC. Tipsters can remain anonymous. A $5000.00 reward is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Mary Ellen Thornton

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Mary Ellen Thornton, age 66, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.

She was born on March 26, 1952 in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Victor Calvin & Ruth May Hendrickson Eichbush. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 moving from Hays, Kansas. She was currently working at Heartland Foods as a store clerk.

She was member of the United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas and a member of AA of Scott City, Kansas

On June 5, 1972 she married Jack R. Thornton in Hays, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors include her Husband – Jack R. Thornton of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Melissa Dawn Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado, One Brother – David Eichbush of Hays, Kansas, One Sister – Ruth Lahendro of Aikens, South Carolina, Grandchildren – Gage Malchow of Scott City, Kansas, Alec Malchow of Johnstown, Colorado, Kelby Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado, Great Grandchildren – Vincent Malchow of Scott City, Kansas, Ivy Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado and Misty Dawn Jorgenson of Johnstown, Colorado.

Mary was preceded in death by her Parents & One Sister – Barbara Kubot.

Memorial Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.with Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may made to the AA in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Inurnment will be on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Mount Allen Cemetery in Hays, Kansas.

News From the Oil Patch, July 9: Ellis County tops Kan. production again

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By JOHN P. TRETBAR

The latest crude-oil production tally from the Kansas Geological Survey shows a continuing decline. K.G.S. reported 3.05 million barrels of new Kansas production in March, for a three-month total of 8.7 million bbl. That’s about 200,000 barrels less than last year’s first-quarter total. Annual production last year was the lowest since 2006. Ellis County continues to lead the state with production of about 659,000 barrels, an improvement of nearly 90,000 barrels over the first quarter of last year. Barton County produced 423,000 barrels and Russell County produced 392,000, both about the same as last year’s three-month totals. Stafford County is down slightly to just over 256,000 barrels produced in the first quarter of this year.

Here are the top ten oil-producing counties in Kansas for the first quarter of 2018, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.
Ellis County: 658,208 bbl
Haskell County: 622,114 bbl
Barton County: 423,779 bbl
Finney County: 419,227 bbl
Russell County: 392,380 bbl
Rooks County: 381,155 bbl
Ness County: 377,193 bbl
Stafford County: 256,731 bbl
Graham County: 233,664 bbl
Butler County: 199,389 bbl
Logan County: 193,385 bbl

Baker Hughes reports 1,052 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of five oil rigs. North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana were all in the plus column, while Texas reported a drop of four rigs. Independent Oil & Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up five, and 29 west of Wichita, down two. Operators are moving in completion tools to four leases in Barton County and six in Ellis County.

Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 56 newly-completed wells last week across Kansas, 26 east of Wichita and 30 in the western half of the state. Two wells were completed in Ellis County, and one in Russell County. Operators have completed 791 wells so far this year.

Kansas operators filed 48 new drilling permits last week, 34 in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 854 permits. Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties report one new permit each.

Energy regulators in Texas report big increases in that state’s oil and gas production during the month of April. Preliminary figures from the Railroad Commission of Texas showed average production of more than 2.7 million barrels per day, up from 2.6 million a year earlier.

The sticker-shock begins in Oklahoma for oil producers and drivers, as the state’s first tax hike in nearly thirty years took effect last week. Gasoline goes up three cents a gallon, and the Gross Production Tax on oil and gas wells jumps from two to five percent. A spokesman for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association told the Enid News & Eagle most drillers have already planned operations for this year, but suggests bearish impact in the patch could likely show up next year. The Daily Oklahoman reports the new fuel tax rates are expected to bring in $105 million during the budget year that began July 1. The changes are expected to raise an estimated $100 million from oil production and another $71 million from natural gas.

BP plans to sell its stake in a large northern Alaska oil field to ConocoPhillips. The Anchorage Daily News reports the company hopes to increase its holdings in an offshore oil field near the UK instead, and focus its Alaska operations on the Prudhoe Bay field. The company said the operators at the Kuparuk field will remain the same, and the state of Alaska will see little change in taxes and royalties.

Suncor on Monday provided an update on the company’s Syncrude oil sands facility in Alberta, Canada, following a power disruption on June 20. Power and steam systems have been fully restored, the assessment and repair for the transformer is underway, and the safe and staged return to operations has begun. Company officials hope they’ll be back to nearly 70% of capacity in August and say they could ramp up to full production by mid-September. That’s roughly two months more down time than originally announced. The outage is providing a boost to Canadian oil prices, as it temporarily creates much-needed spare capacity on the region’s pipelines.

Cenovus Energy’s acquisition of oil sands assets last year from ConocoPhillips has propelled the company to Canada’s number three energy firm in terms of production volume, behind Canadian Natural Resources and Suncor Energy. That’s according to the Dutch auditing firm KPMG. Cenovus doubled its production in May 2017 after spending $17.7 billion to become 100 percent owner of the Foster Creek and Christina Lake oil sands projects.

Despite earlier optimism, China’s independent or “teapot” refineries are not buying as much crude oil, or at least they’re not taking delivery. Reuters reports four supertankers chartered by BP have been held up or delayed off the coast of China for the last two months. That comes amid escalating global trade tensions, rising crude oil prices, an oversupplied domestic fuel market and tighter government tax scrutiny.

Investigation continues after train hits unoccupied Kan. patrol car

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RIVERSIDE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a train has struck a patrol car that got stuck on railroad tracks near Wichita.

Intersection near the crash site-google image

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office says the deputy got out of the patrol car early Saturday before the collision. The train came along minutes after the deputy lost control of the patrol car while responding to a 911 call and got stuck on the tracks.

The crash is under investigation.

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