Author: Hays Post
Kansas jail escapee missing for a week turns himself in
SHAWNEE COUNTY— A man who escaped from custody in Topeka on October 29 is back in jail.
Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, Jordan Russell, 20, turned himself back into the the Law Enforcement Center in Topeka, according to Lt. Andrew Beightel.
Police have no released all the charges he will face as a result of his escape.
———
SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate a suspect wanted for aggravated escape from custody.
Jordan R. Russell, 20, is approximately 5-foot-10, and weighs 210 pounds, according to Lt. Andrew Beightel.
Russell was last seen at the Topeka Law Enforcement Center at 2:10 p.m. He is believed to have taken off his green Department of Corrections jumpsuit and his current clothing is unknown.
According to police, if you know his location, please do not attempt to apprehend him yourself please call 911 immediately to report his whereabouts.
Western Cooperative Electric receives $19M loan to expand, upgrade system
USDA
TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen announced Tuesday that three rural Kansas electric cooperatives received more than $32 million in financing to build and improve rural electric infrastructure across the state.
“Modern and reliable electric infrastructure has been a cornerstone to rural prosperity since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936,” USDA Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. “This funding we are providing is critical to rural communities and reflects President Trump’s commitment to increasing prosperity across all of rural America. When rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Nationally, USDA is providing $1.4 billion in financing to 27 projects through its Electric Loan Program. It will help build and improve 6,886 miles of line to strengthen reliability in rural areas. The loans include $255.8 million for investments in smart grid infrastructure that uses digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.
In Kansas, the following electric cooperatives received financing:
- Ark Valley Electric Cooperative Association Inc.
$5.74 million loan
This Rural Development investment will be used to build and improve 29 miles of line to serve 228 consumers. The loan includes nearly $42,000 for smart grid applications to increase system resilience and reliability. Headquartered in South Hutchinson, Kan., and energized in 1939, Ark Valley is a rural distribution cooperative serving nearly 5,200 consumers through 2,101 miles of line. - Sedgwick County Electric Cooperative Association Inc.
$8.116 million loan
This Rural Development investment will be used to build and improve 67 miles of line and invest nearly $420,000 in smart grid technologies to improve system efficiencies and security. Sedgwick County Electric Cooperative Association Inc. serves more than 6,800 consumers over 1,175 miles of line in Harvey, Kingman, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner counties, bordering the city of Wichita. - Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc.
$19 million loan
This Rural Development investment will be used to connect 528 customers and build and improve 135 miles of line to enhance system resilience and reliability. Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc. is headquartered in WaKeeney and maintains approximately 4,000 miles of line in Ellis, Gove, Graham, Ness, Rooks, Rush, Trego, Sheridan, Osborne, Russell, Barton, Lincoln, and Ellsworth Counties.
USDA announced investments in the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin. USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ks or call (785) 271-2700.
Hays man sentenced to 5+ years for underage sex crimes
By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
A 26-year-old Hays man was sentenced to more than five years in prison Monday for having sex with a 14-year-old.
Robert Sanetta was originally charged with two counts of indent liberties with a child and one count of criminal sodomy for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old in 2018.
As the result of a plea agreement, Sanetta pleaded no contest in September to the two felony counts of indent liberties and the criminal sodomy charged was dismissed.
Under the agreement, Sanetta was expected to be sentenced to probation Monday in Ellis County District Court, but Chief Judge Glenn Braun sentenced Sanetta to 64 months in prison.
The victim and her mother addressed the court before Braun issued his sentence. They both said they thought of Sanetta as a member of their family. Sanetta also said he felt like he was a part of their family but claimed that not all of the facts were brought to light in court.
His lawyer claimed the same thing, saying there was a lack of parental supervision.
Braun said he understood the reason County Attorney Tom Drees agreed to probation in the case. But he noted he did not see any mitigating factors, pointing out a 14-year-old cannot enter into a consensual sexual relationship, especially with someone who was 11 years older than her at the time.
Braun said probation was not in the best interest in this case and sentenced Sanetta to prison.
Sanetta will be subject to 24 months post-release supervision and must register and a sex offender for 25 years.
🎥 November kicks off holiday events in Hays
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
November is fun-filled with events and activities in Hays. Many of them will kickoff the the holiday season.
Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, has a preview.
For an updated calendar of events, check the CVB website www.visithays.com.
Paul E. Maneth
Paul E. Maneth, 82, passed away November 4, 2019, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on October 30, 1937, in Great Bend, to William Leo & Mary Teresa (Mauler) Maneth. He married Theodora Ann “Teddi” Hoffmann on August 1, 1964 at Great Bend. She died on October 10, 2012. He then married Mary Helen Kummer on July 24, 2015. She died on December 10, 2015.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Paul worked for Barton Community College for 29 years, starting as a counselor in 1970, and retiring as the Dean of Academic Affairs in 1999. He continued his professional career as a real estate agent for Keller Real Estate retiring in 2011. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Golden Belt Woodcarvers, being a three time State Fair blue ribbon winner. Paul served on the Board of Directors for Barton Community College Foundation, Barton County Historical Society and Great Bend Kiwanis Club, and served on the Board of Trustees for Barton Community College. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1957-1959.
Paul enjoyed world travel, which took him to France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Vietnam.
Survivors include, one son, Don Maneth and wife Tatiane of San Diego, CA; one daughter, Anne Marie Higgins and husband LTC Sean (Ret.) of Owensboro, KY; two brothers, Larry Maneth and wife Karel of Salina, and Ron Maneth and wife Janet of Great Bend; one sister-in-law, Kay Maneth of Great Bend; ten grandchildren, Brett Ellis, Preston Higgins, Ashlyn Higgins, Caitlin Morrow, Molly Higgins, Collin Higgins, Brendan Higgins, Isabel Higgins, Jack Higgins and Chloe Maneth; and six great grandchildren, Charlotte, Benson, Titus, Nyla Cate, Emma Grace and Teddy Neil. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bill Maneth.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the Golden Belt Community Foundation to benefit Holy Family School, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Troy D. Hallagin
Troy D. Hallagin, 54, Hays, died Saturday, November 2, 2019 at his ranch in rural Trego County.
He was born July 2, 1965 in St. Francis the son of Ron and Vicki (Harlan) Hallagin. He was a graduate of Ellis High School in 1983, earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Fort Hays State University, and graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He was a self-employed dentist and rancher. On September 10, 1988 he was united in marriage to Mary P. Budke in Hays. He was a member of the American Dental Association. He loved his cattle, farming, ranching, hunting and fishing, traveling, and the outdoors. He was an avid KU and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and he loved spending time with his children and family, especially his new granddaughter, Addison.
Survivors include his wife Mary, of the home in Hays, his parents; Ron and Vicki Hallagin of Ellis, his mother-in-law; Cecilia Budke of Hays, two sons; Tyler Hallagin and Tanner Hallagin, both of Hays, a daughter; Brianna Hargis and husband Tom of Olathe, a granddaughter; Addison Hargis, two brothers; Trent Hallagin and wife Deanna of Silt, Colorado and Trevor Hallagin and wife Tammy of WaKeeney, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street. Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Foundation Troy D. Hallagin Scholarship. Condolences and memories of Troy may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com
There’s still time to send flowers to the Visitation at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on November 6, 2019.
Directly place your order here. Our system automatically takes care of scheduling the delivery with our local florist to meet the upcoming service.
Kansas Rep. urges colleagues to speak out on changes to adoption rule
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ lone congressional Democrat is urging her Kansas Republican colleagues to speak out against a policy that would allow faith-based foster care and adoption agencies to get taxpayer funding even if they turn away same-sex couples based on religious beliefs.
Rep. Sharice Davids sent a letter Tuesday asking GOP colleagues to use their relationships with President Donald Trump to help reverse the policy, proposed by the administration on Friday. Davids is one of nine LGBTQ members of Congress.
I will not sit silently by while this Administration dismantles protections for LGBTQ adoptive and foster parents. It’s time for this Administration to do right by our children and families and reverse this decision. 5/5
— Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) November 5, 2019
The proposed rule would roll back an Obama-era regulation barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Four of the five Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation voiced support for the policy. Sen. Jerry Moran has yet to respond.
Hays bakery recognized as best in state
Hays Post
On Oct. 23, MSN.com recognized Augustines Bakery, 1305 Main, as the best bakery in Kansas, in an online list of the best bakery in every state.
The brief highlights the bakery’s breakfast items along with their German specialties.
Deanna Rae Dewey
Deanna Rae Dewey, 75, of Brewster, entered into her final resting place November 3, 2019, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby.
She was born December 21, 1943, in Arapahoe, NE, to Frank and Bertha (Wendland) Kaltoff. Dee, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed gardening, ceramics and cooking. She grew up near Arapahoe, NE and attended Arapahoe High School.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents and husband Chauncy Dewey Jr.
She is survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the McDonald Ambulance Fund, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.
For information or condolences, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Annetta Sue Rome
Annetta Sue Rome, 68, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Hays, Kansas.
She was born January 2, 1951, in Logan to William Edward and Virginia Lee (Sherling) Hooper. She married Galen Rome; they later divorced. Annetta was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.
Surivors include her sons: Scott Rome (Ashley Richmeier) of Bogue, and Jamey Rome (Tess) of Gibbon, Nebraska; brother, Bryce Hooper (Suzie); sister, Billie Desbien (Steve); and numerous grandchildren.
Click HERE for service details.
Student arrested after fatal ‘accidental discharge of firearm’ at UC Missouri
WARRENSBURG, Mo — Law enforcement authorities are investigating the accidental shooting death of a college student.
Just after 3:30p.m. the Department of Public Safety at the University of Central Missouri responded to a report of an accidental discharge of a firearm at an on-campus apartment, according to a media release from the school.
The accident resulted in the death of Stephon Abron, a student from St. Charles, Missouri. Campus officers immediately determined there was no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of a UCM student Jeremy Manley on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
“The UCM community is saddened by this tragedy. The university will offer assistance through the counseling center to students who may need support. The Employee Assistance Program is available to assist employees,” according to a statement the release.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and Warrensburg Police Department have been working with UCM Public Safety on the investigation.
Authorities have not released details surrounding the shooting.
Brenda Dome-Luff
Brenda Dome-Luff, age 62, died Monday, November 4, 2019, at her home in Wichita, Kansas.
She was born July 10, 1957, in Hays, Kansas, to Floris and Bernadette ‘Bernie” (Stremel) Dome. She married Clyde Luff on October 24, 1992, at Wichita, Kansas.
She was an office administrator for Keurig-Dr. Pepper in Wichita for 26 years. She grew up in Pfeifer, Kansas, attended Pfeifer Grade School, and was a 1975 graduate of Victoria High School. She has lived in Wichita since 1988 and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Derby, Kansas.
Survivors include her husband, Clyde Luff, of the home; one step-son, Shannon Luff and wife, Channing, Valley Center, KS; one step-daughter, Melissa Luff, Wichita, KS; her father, Floris Dome, Pfeifer, KS; five brothers, Florian Dome, Pfeifer, KS; Darrell Dome, Victoria, KS; Marion Dome and wife, Susan, Olathe, KS; Stan Dome, Hays, KS; Stuart Dome and wife, Tammy, Victoria, KS; two step-grandchildren, Christopher and Allison Luff; and several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernadette “Bernie” Dome, Jan. 29, 2017.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pfeifer, Kansas.
A vigil and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pfeifer, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials to a cancer support group, “Victory in the Valley” of Wichita or Holy Cross Charities, Inc.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.