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Dale Eugene Eckels

Dale Eugene Eckels, age 84, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on July 5, 1935 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, the son of Louis & Mollie Hindergart Eckels. A lifetime resident of Shallow Water, Kansas, he was self-employed working numerous jobs.

He was a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas.

On July 4, 1954 he married Beverly Ann Bulkley in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on June 23, 2010 in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors Include her Two Sons – Les & Nancy Eckels of Huron, South Dakota, Kenton & Debbie Eckels of Scott City, Kansas, Two Daughters – Kim & Jeff Baier of Ulysses, Kansas, Jynette & Jerry Buxton of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Scott Eckels of Orange County, California, Seven Granddaughters – Kelsi Sneyd, Coley Baier, Nichole Frandsen, Majken Fullner, Krista Eckels, Emily Mulligan & Lexi Buxton, Four Great Grandchildren – Wyatt Sneyd, Case Coley, Tori Frandsen and Camden Mulligan.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife and Four Brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials can be made out to the Pence Community Church for the Alpha Christian Children’s Home or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

JoAnn Pundsack Kerbs

JoAnn Pundsack Kerbs, formerly of Great Bend, died June 29 in Lawrenceville, GA.

She was born Dec. 20, 1931 and graduated from Great Bend High School. Her first job was at Kerbs IGA No. 2 where her checkout line was always backed up because everyone wanted to talk with Jo. In a strategic career move, she married the owner, her “dear” Warren, and was promoted to her dream job of wife and mother. They were married for 59 years until his death, and life was never the same for her without Warren.

Always grateful for what she called her “wonderful life,” she loved her husband and children selflessly and unconditionally. She was gentle and kind, but also strong and quietly fierce before anyone ever used the word. She was not afraid to laugh at herself and had a clever and quick wit. Her comments were always on point.

JoAnn had a rare and wonderful outlook on life — she genuinely believed everyone was as good as she was. And to her, they most often were.

As a mom, she was unbelievably patient and believed so hard that we were wonderful that we often believed it too. As a Nanny, she was never too tired for one more story, another game of make believe, or a staring role as a superhero’s best girl.

She met the indignities of age with dignity and grace, and was caring and grateful to those who cared for her. Everyone that met JoAnn soon thought they were her favorite; her heart was big enough to hold us all.

JoAnn is survived by her son, Jon (and Nancy) Kerbs; daughter, Dana Kerbs (and Leo) Urrutia, daughter, Tracey Kerbs Lane (and Al Eddy); and grandchildren, Kevin and Megan Kerbs, Brian Urrutia and Laura Urrutia (and Michael) Albares, and Colin and Zachary Lane. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; infant daughter, Elizabeth; parents, Edward and Marie Pundsack; and sisters, Bonnie Pundsack Grisamore, and Lee Pundsack Stalcup.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose Church, Great Bend, at 11 a.m. on Fri., Aug. 9th. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Wilson man faces 11+ years in prison for robbery, jail attack

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hay Post

A 33-year-old Wilson man pleaded no contest to robbery and battery charges Friday in Ellis Count District Court.

Jeremy Schulmeister initially was charged with five felonies, including kidnapping and aggravated robbery, in connection with a February armed robbery in Ellis County.

As a result of a plea agreement, Schulmeister pleaded no contest Friday and was found guilty of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. Three other charges were dropped.

According to court documents, on Feb. 7, the victim was walking on the south end of the city of Hays when a car pulled up and offered the man a ride back to the Fort Hays State University campus. Instead of taking the man to campus, the driver — identified as Tanner Cullens of Wilson — drove south out Hays.

While driving in the county, the victim said a man emerged from the trunk of the car through the backseat and pointed a gun at him. The gunman was later identified by the victim as Schlmeister.

Schlmeister robbed the man of more than $1,500 cash, an iPhone and clothes. The two men then forced the man out of the car. He walked back to town and contacted law enforcement.

The victim was able to identify the driver of the car as Cullens and law enforcement officials served a search warrant on Cullens’ home in Wilson. Schlmeister also resides at the residence in Wilson.

During the search, police found cash and the clothes in Schlmeister’s and Cullens’ rooms. An iPhone was also located during the search.

Schlmeister is expected to be sentenced to 114 months, or 9 years and four months, in prison for the two charges.

Cullens had previously entered into a plea agreement in Ellis County District Court and admitted to police and in court that the he and Schulmeister committed the robbery. But Chief Judge Glenn Braun informed Schulmeister on Friday that Cullens submitted a request to withdraw his no-contest plea. Braun has not yet ruled on the motion.

Schulmeister told the court that even though Cullens filed the motion to withdraw his plea, he still wanted to go forward with his plea agreement.

While in the Ellis County jail, Schlmeister attacked another inmate and pleaded no contest to a charge of reckless battery Friday. He is expected to be sentenced to 21 months in prison in that case.

In all, Schlmeister is facing 11 years and three months in prison as a result of the plea agreement.

Court services will conduct a pre-sentence report to determine Schlmeister’s criminal history. He is expected to be sentenced on Aug. 26.

SPONSORED: Eagle seeking outside plant maintenance technician

Looking to get your career started?

Eagle is committed to training our technicians to provide them with the skills and tools necessary to be successful. Our focus is growing your skill set so that you can quickly become a valued technician; one that our customers trust to deliver high-quality Eagle services.

Eagle Communications is seeking a Full-Time Combination Field/Maintenance Outside Plant Technician based in the Hays, KS and the surrounding region. Each day, you will have the opportunity to work with the latest technology in Digital Television, Internet, Wi-Fi, Telephone and customer premise equipment by providing technical solutions to our customers.

An Outside Plant Field/Maintenance Technician at Eagle Communications will enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working independently. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for continued growth. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and the satisfaction of providing our customers with the latest technology and services. Normal business hours are 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Our on-call rotation and desire to meet the demand of producing quality installation can change the flow of a normal day allowing the opportunity for overtime, including weekends.

Qualifications:
Experience in RF outside plant maintenance is preferred, but not required. Qualified candidates can substitute with experience in a comparable field such as mechanics, HVAC, electrical, or other related hands-on trade roles. Candidates should have proven customer service experience. This position requires a valid driver’s license. This individual will be self-motivated and able to work independently. Candidates must have a stable work history and willing to work required shifts and overtime (as necessary). Candidates must be able to work after hours and on weekends as required. This position may include some travel.

Requirements:

  • Drive company vehicle between office, headend, and work sites,
  • Ability to use a 28 foot extension ladder and climbing equipment,
  • Comfortable with attics and crawl spaces (as necessary),
  • Work within or outside of a customer’s property,
  • Ability to lift 70lbs,
  • Ability to handle stressful situations and fast-paced troubleshooting environment,
  • Ability to work overtime on regularly scheduled days or on scheduled days off due to customer or operational demands,
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions,
  • Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to traveling to other systems, completing work scheduled for other co-workers and any other additional tasks.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Maintain overall cable infrastructure in assigned location,
  • Maintain and report on compliance in all systems of CLI, FCC and OSHA performance standards,
  • Participate in performing 24-hour FCC Proof of Performance Test,
  • Manage and monitor underground maintenance and line repair,
  • Perform preventative maintenance of power supplies, plant electronics and physical plant components,
  • Maintain plant health including preventative maintenance (i.e. adjusting amplifiers and line extenders as needed to maintain proper signal levels at customer locations),
  • Knowledge of appropriate testing equipment (i.e. spectrum analyzer, signal level meters, TDR’s, cable line toners, ohm meters, CLI detection meters, full scan, etc.),
  • End of line balance checks,
  • Ability to read and comprehend system design prints,
  • Work in seasonal weather any time of day as needed to resolve sudden outages,
  • Perform the duties of a Service Technician, when needed, to troubleshoot and repair customer cable or high-speed internet services,
  • Interact with customers in a professional, courteous manner, including responses to escalations and repeat customer concerns,
  • Participate in scheduled on-call (stand-by) duties for providing technical repair and system maintenance during non-business hours,
  • Work with low voltage electricity,
  • Maintain satellite dish alignment and receivers at a headend facility.

Salary:
Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

Other information:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background and motor vehicle check, drug test, and successfully complete a Physical Capacity Profile screening. Eagle Communications is an employee-owned company and an EEO employer.

Click HERE TO APPLY.

Rep. Marshall: Trump beef export deal with EU great for Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump celebrated a new agreement Friday to increase beef exports to the European Union, saying sales should increase by 46 percent in the first year.

Trump portrayed the agreement as standing up for farmers and ranchers. Producers have been hurt by retaliatory tariffs that China imposed after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products.

The signing of the agreement comes the day after Trump increased pressure on China to reach a trade deal by saying he will impose 10% tariffs Sept. 1 on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports he hasn’t already taxed.

The European Commission announced in June that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. to allow more hormone-free U.S. beef onto the European market.

“Opening markets for our farmers is about more than just an industry. It’s about a way of life,” Trump said from the White House before the signing of the agreement.

Police ask for help to locate Kansas suspect in knife attack

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a knife attack and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Fitch photo Arkansas City Police

James Henry Fitch V, 28, of Arkansas City, is wanted on suspicion of aggravated battery in connection with a knifing incident July 26 in the 400 block of North A Street, according to the Arkansas City Police Capt. Eric Burr.

Just after 6:30 p.m. July 26, police responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of North A Street, according to a media release. At the scene, officers found a 22-year-old Arkansas City man who had sustained a cut to the side of his face. Investigators worked quickly to identify Fitch as a suspect in the case, but he had fled the scene prior to their arrival. He allegedly cut the victim in the face with a knife as a result of a disagreement. The Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department provided emergency medical assistance to the victim.

Anyone with information on Fitch should contact the Arkansas City Police Department at (620) 441-4444.

Missouri farmer held without bond in connection with missing Wis. brothers

Garland “Joey” Nelson/Photo courtesy of Caldwell County, Mo.

By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A northwest Missouri farmer, accused in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of two Wisconsin brothers, has been formally charged with tampering with the truck the two rented to drive to his farm.

Garland “Joey” Nelson of Braymer appeared in Caldwell County court via video Thursday for a bond hearing.

The only charge Nelson, 25, now faces is tampering with a motor vehicle. Authorities say Nelson admitted to driving the truck rented by 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel and his 24-year-old brother, Justin, who were reported missing July 21st when they visited Nelson’s farm.

Authorities found the truck abandoned at a commuter parking lot in Holt.

A search for the two men began to focus on the Nelson farm near Braymer this week. Clinton County Sheriff Larry Fish announced this week human remains were found on the Nelson farm. They have not been identified. No cause of death has been announced.

Court documents have been released outlining a checkered past. A court order issued in 2015 bars Nelson from having contact with a woman he resided with and from the residence they shared. Nelson served time in federal prison in a $262,000 cattle fraud scheme, involving the Farm Service Agency and Farm Bureau Insurance. He was 22 at the time.

Nelson was convicted of passing bad checks in 2015.

Nelson is being held in the Caldwell County jail in Kingston, without bond.

Meanwhile, Nelson’s mother tells the Kansas City Star she cannot see him being involved in their deaths.

Tomme Feil tells the newspaper she has no idea why her son would have moved the brothers’ vehicle.

UPDATE: Body believed to be missing kayaker found at Lake Wilson

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Friday morning announced search crews have recovered a body from Lake Wilson believed to be the man reported missing earlier this week.

Engel Rosario was reported missing just before 5 p.m. Tuesday at Lake Wilson. Rosario had been kayaking at the lake with companions. His kayak was found overturned Tuesday.

The sheriff’s office said positive identification is pending an autopsy, noting the investigation remains ongoing.

“I would like to thank all individuals from all agencies involved for their hard work,” the sheriff said in a social media update.

According to Rosario’s own social media postings, he hailed from the Dominican Republic and played baseball at Bethany College. He had recently started a job at Pfizer and also had just married in May.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Kansas joins Missouri in shaky truce in conflict over jobs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has signed an executive order aimed at ending a long-standing “border war” with Missouri over existing jobs in the Kansas City area.

But the order that Kelly issued Friday suggests the truce may be shaky.

Kelly’s order pledges that Kansas won’t use economic development incentives to lure existing jobs across the border in the Kansas City area. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a law in June pledging the same for his state.

Kelly’s order notes that local governments in Missouri still can offer more generous incentives than those in Kansas and says she might rescind her order if they don’t stop.

The nonprofit Hall Foundation estimates the states have used $335 million in incentives since 2011 to move more than 12,000 existing jobs in the area.

Steven Charles ‘Pete’ Henry

Steven Charles “Pete” Henry, 71, passed away August 1, 2019, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born August 17, 1947 at Seward to Ray A. & Edna Grace (Yingling) Henry. He married Sherri Keeler on August 17, 1982, in Las Vegas, NV. They later were divorced.

A lifetime Stafford and Barton county resident, Steven was a Bulk Plant Operator for Haliburton until his retirement. He was an avid hunter.

Survivors include, his brother, Rick Henry and wife Rosemary of Houma, LA; former wife, Sherri Henry of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Edna Henry; two brothers, Ron Henry and Terry Henry; and two sisters, Carol Ann Dyer and Carmen Elsen.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Eden Valley Cemetery, Seward.

Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Zoological Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Report: Former Scott City star signs deal to play for Russian team

Baker / New York Knicks

Former Scott City basketball star Ron Baker has reportedly signed a deal to play in Russia.

Eurohoops.net reported Baker has signed a one-year deal to play in the EuroLeague for CSKA Moscow.

Baker was waived by the Washington Wizards of the NBA in January.

Baker, who played his high school basketball Scott City, had played with the Knicks since the 2016-17 season after a successful college career at Wichita State University. He was a three-time first team conference play in the Missouri Valley Conference and an honorable mention All-American in 2015.

Click HERE for more from Eurohoops.net.

HPD Activity Log July 26-29

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Fri., July 26, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:26 AM
Drug Offenses–1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 2:26 AM; 2:35 AM
Water Use Violation–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 2:42 AM
Burglary/residence–1705 block Sunset Trl, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:35 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–300 block E 19th St, Hays;  7/24 10:30 PM
Temporary Deprivation of Property–29th and Ash, Hays; 9:50 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 10:19 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:03 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 11:40 AM
Suspicious Activity–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 11:53 AM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 12:16 PM
Drug Offenses–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 12:48 PM; 12:49 PM
Animal At Large–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 12:57 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7/1 7:05 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Felten Dr, Hays; 2:45 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 7/23 4:50 PM; 4:51 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 5:20 PM
Found/Lost Property–4400 block Vine St, Hays; 5:21 PM
Missing Person–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:30 PM;  6:50 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block E 15th St, Hays; 7:17 PM
Mental Health Call–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:19 PM; 6 PM
Missing Person–200 block E 16th St, Hays; 7/26/ 7 PM; 7/27 8:29 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 9:55 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2500 block E 21st St, Hays; 10:13 PM
Civil Dispute–1900 block Main St, Hays; 11:26 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 23 traffic stops Sat., July 27, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 12:16 AM
Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:48 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block E 6th St, Hays; 3:58 AM
Domestic Disturbance–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 3 AM; 4 AM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 30th St, Hays; 7:24 AM
Drug Offenses–100 block Main St, Hays; 8:46 AM
Custody Dispute–2400 block Fort St, Hays; 9:10 AM
Drug Offenses–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 9:50 AM; 10 AM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1300 block Douglas, Hays; 2:05 PM; 2:12 PM
Theft (general)–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 7/26 10 AM; 7/27 8:45 AM
Disorderly Conduct–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 12:51 PM; 8:50 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9 PM; 9:12 PM
Criminal Trespass–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 9:20 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Sun., July 28, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–300 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:33 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:50 AM; 1:10 AM
Disorderly Conduct–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:41 AM
Open Door/Window–200 block W 9th St, Hays; 3:08 AM
Dead Animal Call–2800 block Indian Trl, Hays; 9:01 AM
Trash Dumping–400 block W 27th St, Hays; 9:43 AM
Suspicious Activity–500 block W 20th St, Hays; 10:25 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Henry Dr, Hays; 10:28 AM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block W 11th St, Hays; 12:09 PM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 12:23 PM; 12:33 PM
Criminal Trespass–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 4:06 PM
Suspicious Activity–1600 block E 27th St Terr, Hays; 4:18 PM
Welfare Check–Hays; 4:49 PM
Theft (general)–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 9:49 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Mon., July 29, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 6:11 AM
Theft (general)–4400 block Vine St, Hays; 8:27 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:31 AM
911 Hangup Call–400 block W 15th St, Hays; 8:42 AM
Suicidal Subject–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 7/28 9 PM; 7/29 9 AM
Drug Offenses–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:15 AM; 11:30 AM
Burglary/residence–1900 block Main St, Hays; 7/28 12 PM; 7/29 12 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–7th and Oak, Hays; 1:08 PM
Animal At Large–22nd St and Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:12 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–2600 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 2:33 PM
Animal At Large–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 2:50 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–100 block E 5th St, Hays; 3:06 PM
Theft (general)–100 block E 5th St, Hays; 3:26 PM
Water Use Violation–1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 3:49 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 12:30 AM; 4:30 PM
Disturbance – General–700 block St, Hays; 8:40 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:02 PM
Animal Call–400 block W 13th St, Hays; 9:37 PM
Littering–Hays; 9:58 PM
Traffic/Driving Complaint–Hays; 10:17 PM
Unwanted Person–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 10:38 PM
Injury w/Weapon–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 11:04 PM

Kansas woman sentenced for husband’s death from neglect

BURLINGTON –  A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday to more than 10 years in prison after a Coffey County jury found her guilty of second degree murder and a related charge in connection with her husband’s death from neglect, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Carol Burris is being held in Allen County

Carol Sue Burris, 69, of New Strawn, was found guilty in April of one count of reckless second degree murder and one count of mistreatment of a dependent adult. The charges stemmed from the mistreatment and death of her husband, Michael D. Burris, from April 2016 to October 2017.

Chief Judge Taylor J. Wine presided over the trial and today sentenced Burris to 117 months for second degree murder and 8 months for mistreatment of a dependent adult. The sentences are to be served consecutively in the Kansas Department of Corrections for a total of 125 months.

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