KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man from Mexico was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of heroin trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release Wednesday.

Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara, 23, a citizen of Mexico, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. On June 26, the defendant was a passenger in a 2008 Ford Fusion eastbound on Interstate 70 when a deputy with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office stopped the car. According to court documents, investigators found approximately five pounds of black tar heroin and brown powder heroin hidden in the quarter panels of the car.

If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Emergency responders have resumed their search this morning near the middle ramp of the Minooka campground at Wilson Lake for a person reported missing late Tuesday afternoon.

According to Russell County Sheriff Fred Whitman, a 25-year-old man was reported missing about 4:34 p.m. Tuesday. A companion said he had not been seen for an hour at the time of the report.

He was kayaking on the north end of Lake Wilson. His kayak was found overturned.

Keith Haberer, Russell County emergency management coordinator, said emergency responders are gathering to assist in the search, and asked the public to avoid the area.

Around 10:30 p.m. the missing person was identified by the Russell County’s Sheriff’s office as Engel Rosario, 26, Lindsborg.

The area has suffered from flooding in recent months, but campsites near the ramp are set to open this week, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Kansas Highway Patrol plane was called in to aid in the search. According to a Hays Post reporter on scene, multiple law enforcement and fire department agencies were assisting in the search. Authorities from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Tourism and Parks, KHP, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as Russell city and county law enforcement and fire are all aiding in the search.

No additional search personnel are needed at this time, Whitman said. Wilson Lake remains open to the public.

If the missing person is not located by nightfall, a law enforcement presence will remain in the area into the evening.

Law enforcement is searching on land and water via boat, ATV, foot and horseback, in addition to the KHP plane.

On July 31 last year, a Great Bend man died at the reservoir while trying to swim to a boat that floated away.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Hays Post reporter James Bell contributed to this report.

ELLIS — The city of Ellis announced in a news release Wednesday that, effective immediately, the Ellis Municipal Pool will be permanently closed.

“At the last Council meeting, it was reported that the pool is losing almost 30,000 gallons of water every 2-3 days. After further evaluation, the City reluctantly made the difficult decision to close,” the city said in a news release. “We apologize for the inconvenience. Our Splash Bash on Aug. 17 will go on as planned but our itinerary will be modified accordingly. Watch for our new flyer!”

Ellis is among three northwest Kansas communities that recently were awarded $1 million grants to construct a new public pool.

Check Hays Post for a more as details become available.

Beginning Thursday, the Ellis County Historical Society will relocate offices, photo collections and archive materials to 1111 E. 30th (the little dome).

The Board of Trustees decided to close the Gallery and Stone Church to the public due to negative health effects from increasing mold growth.

“We will continue to provide materials for researchers at our new location, but will have no exhibits. We will be able to focus more heavily on our digital initiative. This includes making photo collections available online through our website and scanning documents for easy access and preservation,” the society said in a news release Wednesday.

Appointments to tour the Volga German House and Fire Museum will be required.

“We are currently investigating alternative housing for the museum and collections in storage, including construction of a new museum building at our current Seventh and Main location,” the new release said.

For more information, visit www.echshays.org, call 785-628-2624 or visit on Facebook.

TMP-M

As Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary make preparations for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, enrollment for those wishing to attend either of the Catholic, private schools might have become closer to a reality regardless of financial position. The Leo J. & Albina Dreiling Trust has gifted the schools $100,000 to be used to assist those whose enrollment may be limited by financial means.

“Hays has a deep history of educational diversity that has enriched the lifestyle of Ellis County for generations,” says Advancement Director, Troy Ruda. “Along with Fort Hays State University, NCK Tech and the public school district, TMP-Marian and Holy Family add to the diversity of educational offerings that make us all better. We owe the Dreiling Trust a debt of gratitude for its history of support to ensure Catholic education in Ellis County remains a thriving reality,” continued Ruda.

TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary operate on a stewardship model of funding in which enrollment is based on the giving of time, talent and treasure to one of the seven Heartland Catholic Parishes in addition to a minimal student fee. Fees are determined each year and as expenses continue to rise, fees continue to trend upward. “The generosity of the gift of fee assistance from the Dreiling Trust will ensure that families that wish for a Catholic, private education but may struggle with fees are still able to receive it for years to come,” said Ruda.

“The generosity of the Dreiling Trust makes possible faith formation along with educational excellence to all families who wish for their children to have that experience. Holy Family Elementary is grateful for the continued support of our schools to make Catholic education available to all,” said Holy Family Elementary Principal, Rachel Wentling. “This gift allows our Catholic schools to offer an affordable Catholic education to any family who desires it, regardless of income. This is paramount in making the Gospel message and faith education available to a wider population. We can’t thank the Dreiling Trust enough for this precious gift,” added TMP-Marian Principal, Chad Meitner.

Families in need of assistance or information regarding enrollment in TMP-Marian or Holy Family Elementary are encouraged to contact Tom Meagher, Business Director at (785) 625-6577 or [email protected]. Those interested are also able to vist hfehays.org or tmp-m.org for information regarding the fee assistance application.

Located in Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary are Catholic schools serving grades K-12. Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world.