RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials continue their investigation of a school shooting threat.
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm Wednesday, according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
During the course of RCPD’s investigation it was also revealed that an MHS West student had posted a picture of himself on social media while holding what appeared to be a firearm, according to RCPD Captain Josh Kyle. The photograph included a menacing statement. Detained for Criminal Threat was Conner W. Bruce, 15 years of age, from Manhattan, KS. Bruce was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility where he is being held.
Although RCPD’s investigation continues, it has not revealed any other credible threats to students or staff.
————
RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials are investigating a school shooting threat.
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 30), according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
USD 383 has been in contact with the Riley County Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. RCPD will have increased presence at and around MHS East Campus Thursday.
BraunEllis County Undersheriff Scott Braun on Thursday announced his 2020 candidacy for the office of Ellis County Sheriff.
The Victoria High School and Fort Hays State University graduate has 24 years of law enforcement experience and has been with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office since 1997.
He issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:
Scott J. Braun, the current Ellis County Undersheriff, has announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the 2020 election. He chose today to announce his candidacy in memory of his mother who passed away earlier this month. This would have been her 77th birthday and she was his most loyal supporter.
Braun graduated from Victoria High School and then attended Barton County Community College and Fort Hays State University. Braun married his high school sweetheart, Terri, and will celebrate 24 years of marriage in November. Terri has been employed at High Plains Mental Health for 24 years and is also a Christian book author. They were blessed with 2 boys, Bryce and Coby.
Braun has served in law enforcement for over 24 years. He began his career in 1995 as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office before being hired in 1995 by the Ellis Police Department. While employed by the Ellis Police Department, he attended the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduating in 1996. In 1997, Braun was hired by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy. In addition to Braun’s regular duties in 1998, he became a member of the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit advancing to Field Operations Coordinator and then to his current position of Administrative Coordinator of the Unit. In 1999, Braun spearheaded the Canine Program in Ellis County. He became the first Canine Handler and later became a Canine Instructor. In 2005, Braun was promoted to Narcotics Detective serving in that the capacity until 2018 when he was appointed by Sheriff Harbin as the Ellis County Undersheriff. In addition to becoming Undersheriff in 2018, Braun became Certified as a DARE Instructor, teaching 5th graders in Ellis County.
In addition to serving in a law enforcement capacity, Braun believes in serving the community in a civic capacity. He has been a member of the Hays Rotary Club since 2014 and served as President from 2017-2018. He continues to remain an active member by being on the board. Braun also currently serves as the Vice Chair of St. Nicholas of Myra Church Council and has been on the board for 5 years. He is an active member of the St. Nicholas of Myra Knights of Columbus Council and is a 4th Degree Knight. He served on the First Call for Help Board from 2014-2018. Braun also belongs to professional organizations and boards. He has served on the Board of the Kansas Narcotics Officer Association since 2010 and has been a Regional Trustee, Vice President, President and currently is an advisor to the board. He also currently serves on the Ellis County Crisis Intervention Team Council and is a founding board member.
Braun has been honored with the following awards in the course of his law enforcement career: 2001 Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Meritorious Award, 2006 Kansas Deputy Sheriff of the Year, 2007 Gold Award for Valor, and Top Cop Honorable Mention. Braun also has received the following civic awards: 2013-2014 Hays Rotary Outstanding Community Service Award and 2018-2019 Outstanding Club Service Award.
He is asking the citizens of Ellis County to support him in the 2020 election for Sheriff. Braun brings with him Dedication, Experience and Integrity.
TOPEKA—District Magistrate Judge Marty Clark was elected president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.
The organization, open to all state district magistrate court judges, elected officers to serve in the coming year. Officers were elected at a statewide conference for judges conducted in Wichita.
Clark serves in Russell County of the 20th Judicial District. He previously was first vice president.
He is a Smith Center native and has been a magistrate judge since 1998. He graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1989 with a degree in sociology and an emphasis in criminal justice. He currently serves on the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission and the judicial branch’s Judges Assistance Committee. He is a member of the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.
Clark has served in various offices of KDMJA over the years. He was named Kansas CASA Judge of the Year in 1989. He was nominated twice for the National CASA Judge of the Year.
Bigge
He succeeds District Magistrate Judge Douglas Bigge, who completed two terms as president. Bigge serves in Rooks County of the 23rd Judicial District.
Other officers are:
District Magistrate Judge Jenifer Ashford, first vice president. She serves in Johnson County, which is the 10th Judicial District.
District Magistrate Judge Brendon Boone, reelected second vice president. He serves in Gove County of the 23rd Judicial District.
District Magistrate Judge Shannon Rush, third vice president. She serves in Osage County of the 4th Judicial District.
District Magistrate Judge Debra Anderson, reelected secretary. She serves in Norton County of the 17th Judicial District.
Anderson
District Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan, treasurer. He serves in Reno County, which is the 27th Judicial District.
Elected to the board of directors were:
District Magistrate Judge Timarie Walters of Stafford County of the 20th Judicial District
District Magistrate Judge Robert Scott of Johnson County, the 10th Judicial District
District Magistrate Judge Phil Moore of Clark County of the 16th Judicial District
The organization also presented service awards:
Boone
35 years
District Magistrate Judge Richard Ress, serving in Thomas County of the 15th Judicial District
25 years
District Magistrate Judge Blaine Carter, serving in Wabaunsee County of the 2nd Judicial District
15 years
District Magistrate Judge Steve Hilgers, serving in McPherson County of the 9th Judicial District
10 years
District Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell, serving in Pawnee County of the 24th Judicial District
District Magistrate Judge Kenton Gleason, serving in Hodgeman County of the 24th Judicial District
District Magistrate Judge Kristin Hutchison, serving in Elk County of the 13th Judicial District
District Magistrate Judge Dale Snyder, serving in Rush County of the 24th Judicial District
On Monday, Planned Parenthood placed large banners near the location of the hearing…photo courtesy Planned Parenthood Missouri
ST. LOUIS (AP) — An administrative hearing to decide whether Missouri can revoke the license for the state’s only abortion clinic concluded Thursday with emotional testimony from a clinic official.
The hearing in St. Louis before a commissioner with the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission was expected to last five days but wrapped up a day early. A ruling isn’t expected until February at the earliest.
The state health department wants to revoke the license for Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis clinic, citing concerns about four instances of what the state called “failed abortions.” Planned Parenthood officials say conservatives are trying to use the licensing process to end abortions in Missouri.
Revocation would make Missouri the first state since 1974, the year after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, without a functioning abortion clinic. The St. Louis clinic remains open pending the commission’s ruling.
Kawanna Shannon, director of surgical services at the clinic, testified that the state’s March inspection was tense from the start. It was the first inspection under the administration of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, a staunch abortion opponent who ascended to governor in June 2018 after Republican Gov. Eric Greitens resigned.
Investigators were adamant that the clinic should be performing two pelvic exams before an abortion, at a patient’s first visit and again immediately before the procedure. The clinic initially agreed to the second exam, but soon decided it was so “unbearable” for patients that it stopped in defiance of the state law, Shannon said, her voice breaking.
“Patients were made to get unnecessarily violated,” Shannon said.
The health department relented in June, issuing an emergency rule relieving Planned Parenthood of the requirement.
Shannon said that a month after the March inspection, a top health department official showed up to scrutinize records. That investigator was William Koebel, chief of the division that oversees licensing of abortion clinics and other surgical centers. Koebel told Shannon he was there in response to an unspecified complaint, Shannon said. She later learned it was Koebel himself who filed the complaint, she said.
The investigation eventually turned up four instances where women required multiple procedures before abortions were successfully completed.
WICHITA — Today the Kansas Board of Regents voted to name Dr. Jay Golden as the 14th president of Wichita State University.
Please welcome the 14th president of Wichita State University, Jay Golden! Hear what he has to say about joining Shocker Nation. Learn more about the president-elect at https://t.co/bku6Hp1gNo. pic.twitter.com/t0wY4XO4op
“The regents are excited to announce Dr. Jay Golden as the next president of Wichita State University,” said Regent Shane Bangerter, KBOR Chair. “The Regents are confident that Jay is the right president to lead Wichita State in the future and continue to advance the university as a leader in higher education and applied learning. I’m grateful to interim president Andy Tompkins for his leadership during this transitional period. I’d also like to thank the search committee for its outstanding work in identifying great finalists for the board.”
“I’m honored to be the next president of Wichita State University,” said Golden. “I want to thank the Kansas Board of Regents for its confidence in me. I look forward to continuing to grow Wichita State and help drive economic growth for our region and state. My wife, Dina, and I are looking forward to meeting the students, faculty and staff of this outstanding institution and to joining this great community.”
Golden has been serving as the Vice Chancellor of Research, Economic Development and Engagement at East Carolina University. Prior to his appointment there, he served as an associate vice provost at Duke University and as a professor at the University of California Santa Barbara and at Arizona State University. In addition, he has experience as CEO of Golden Environmental Management and Vice President at WMX Technologies.
Golden received his doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where he also earned a master’s in environmental engineering and sustainable development, in a joint program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds an Organizational Master of Project Management from Stanford University and an MLE from Harvard University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in management.
Golden was selected by the board as president after a committee of students, faculty, staff, and business and community leaders led a search and forwarded finalists to the regents. He succeeds Dr. John Bardo, who passed away earlier this year.
Jessica and Linda BusteedRon Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
Donuts. Muffins. Scones. Hope. Wait a minute, what was that last one? Today we’ll meet a young entrepreneur who has started a bakery in her rural community. In addition to baked goods, coffee, and lunches, the ultimate item which she intends to provide to her community is hope for the future.
Jessica Busteed and her mother-in-law, Linda Busteed, are the owners and founders of Cornerstone Bakery in Yates Center. Jessica grew up in the area, near the rural community of Toronto, population 281 people. Now, that’s rural.
After living in Texas for a time, she and her husband came back to Kansas. He is now the elementary and middle school principal at Yates Center. For several years, Jessica telecommuted to her job in Houston.
In downtown Yates Center, a couple of older abandoned buildings around the beautiful town square were being sold at a tax sale. The Busteeds were able to purchase them at a bargain price. They wanted to remodel the upstairs as an apartment. “It had suffered weather damage, but was a neat old building,” Jessica said.
Linda, Jessica’s mother-in-law, was baking pies and brownies for the local farmer’s market. Jessica also loved to bake. She was missing the types of coffee she could get in the big city.
The two women decided to remodel the native stone building and open a bakery and coffee shop. Since the stone building was located on a main corner, they named it Cornerstone Bakery.
They discussed how to decorate their new shop. “I would have gone all froufrou with girly stuff, like a café in Paris, but I wanted a farmer with muddy boots to be okay coming in here too,” Jessica said. “I want everybody to be comfortable here.”
They decorated the shop in what Jessica calls “farmhouse eclectic.” The décor includes inspirational sayings, photos, and classic album covers on one wall. Customers have even donated items to decorate the shop. One plaque in the shop said, “Life happens, coffee helps.” Another said, “Bake the world a better place.”
Baking is something that the Busteeds enjoy. Cornerstone Bakery offers donuts, muffins, scones and other baked goods along with biscuits and gravy. As business has grown, they have added a daily lunch special, often with apple pie for dessert. Lunches are typically sandwiches, quiche and casseroles with various side salads. The bakery is not open for supper. “You have to get up really early to make donuts,” Jessica said.
The bakery offers lattes and various types of flavored coffees. For example: One customer suggested an amaretto dark chocolate flavor.
For the lunch recipes, Jessica and her mother-in-law have experimented with pita bread, goat cheese, and more.
“One of our goals is to expose people to some newer foods, such as quinoa,” Jessica said. “Now people are trying it at home.”
“The community is so supportive,” she said. People purchase items and offer words of encouragement. Jessica is proud of the new energy and spirit that she sees in Yates Center.
When interviewed about the community for a recent film, Jessica said, “It’s thriving. Not only in our community but in our county, it’s growing. People are looking for ways to participate.”
“There are younger people moving back here,” she said. “I want to catch what drew them back. Older ladies will come into the shop and reminisce about good times in the town. They want to help too. New organizations in town are revitalizing the community. We need to communicate a culture of hope. There is hope and hope is contagious.”
Donuts. Muffins. Scones. Hope. Well, hope may not be specifically listed on the menu, but it is a key part of what is behind the offerings at Cornerstone Bakery in Yates Center. We commend Jessica and Linda Busteed for making a difference with their delicious food and hopeful attitude in rural Kansas. I think I’ll have seconds.
And there’s more. Remember that Jessica was interviewed for a film? We’ll learn about that next week.
Janet Kuhn, convention sales manager for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, was awarded the Leilani Thomas Spirit of Tourism Award at last week’s Kansas Tourism Conference in Mulvane.
In 2019, Kuhn served as president of the Northwest Kansas Travel Council, treasurer for Tour Kansas, and treasurer for the Kansas I-70 Association. She also represents Hays as a member of Sports Kansas and Meet Kansas, travel coalitions that promote the state as a destination to those respective groups.
“Janet is so deserving of this award, and it was wonderful to see her peers in the industry acknowledge her dedication,” said Melissa Dixon, Hays CVB executive director. “She is an amazing ambassador for our community and our state, and we are lucky to have her working with us in Hays.”
Kuhn has been on staff at the Hays CVB for over 15 years. Prior to that, she was director of sales for the former Holiday Inn Convention Center and increased banquet sales by 10 percent during her time there.
The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau is located in the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine. For additional information on CVB efforts or community events, call 785-628-8202 or go to www.VisitHays.com.
BARTON COUNTY —For the second night in a row, sheriff’s deputies in Barton County seized suspected controlled substances on a traffic stop.
Gordon -photo Barton Co.
Just before 1:30a.m. a deputy sheriff observed a suspicious vehicle in a rural area of Barton County near the 500 block of NW. 70th Road, according to sheriff Brian Bellendir.
The vehicle was stopped for a traffic infraction and a deputy arrived with K9 Maxx who indicated the presence of suspected controlled substances in the vehicle.
Harley photo Barton Co.
During the course of this investigation deputies found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle.
Deputies arrested Brandon Gordon, 38 and Morgan Harley age 34, both of Hoisington.
They were booked on charges of requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
Anthony (Tony) Worek, 61, of Grainfield, Kansas, died Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He was born August 1st, 1958, fostered by Earl and Darlene (Dollinger) Jones. He graduated from Arvada West High School. Tony worked for the Jefferson County Department of Transportation and Kansas Department of Transportation. He loved NASCAR and was a member of the Grainfield RC Raceway team. His passion was woodwork with a hope to have his own workshop.
He was preceded in death by his foster parents; brothers, Bob Jones, Rick Jones, and Steve Franklin.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Jessica) Worek, of Broomfield, CO and Shawn (Rachel) Worek, of Brighton, CO; two grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 11:00-12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Family will receive friends starting at 12:30 on November 2, 2019 at Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill, Oakley, KS. A celebration of Life will be 1:00pm-5:00pm Friday, November 8, 2019 at Greenway Park Golf Course, Broomfield, CO. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com
The Fort Hays State women’s basketball team is ranked in the top 10 in both preseason national polls, opening the year third in the D2SIDA Media Poll and seventh in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll. This is the highest the Tigers have been listed in either preseason poll.
Fort Hays State is one of two MIAA programs listed in both polls, with Central Missouri opening the year 11th in the coaches poll and 15th according to the media. Emporia State is just outside the coaches top 25 and is the lone MIAA school in the receiving votes category.
The D2SIDA weekly poll also includes a regional ranking, with the Tigers opening the year ranked No. 1. FHSU received five of the six possible first-place votes in the regional standings.
This is the eighth straight season the Tigers have been recognized in the national polls, and the ninth year overall. The Tigers are 83-24 all-time when ranked in the WBCA Top 25, including a 79-23 mark under Tony Hobson. FHSU is 5-0 all-time when ranked seventh in the WBCA poll.
The Tigers have now been ranked in a preseason poll three times since joining Division II. The Tigers opened last year 12th in the coaches poll and 22nd in the media poll, while FHSU entered the 2015-16 season ranked 10th in both polls after the last run to the regional title game in 2014-15.
Fort Hays State opens exhibition play Friday (Nov. 1) against Kansas State before traveling to St. Joseph, Mo. to open the regular season on Friday, November 8 against Minnesota Duluth.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that included a Kansas sheriff’s deputy.
photo from the accident scene courtesy Shawnee Co. Sheriff
Just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s Officer was assisting at the scene of a slide off involving two vehicles near the onramp to westbound Interstate 470 from SW Burlingame Road, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.
The officer was out of his patrol unit assisting drivers involved in the slide offs when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a 2004 KIA Sorento SUV.
The driver of the KIA was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Sheriff’s Officer was not injured.
The crash temporarily shut down the highway. Authorities did not release the names of the drivers or the deputy.
Shirley J. Anderson, 85, died on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City. She was born on April 3, 1934 at Great Bend the daughter of Harold & Vera L. (Smith) Beasley. She married Charles J. Anderson on February 22, 1953 at Deerfield. He died on October 29, 2000.
Shirley spent her early years in Great Bend and then graduated from Leoti High School. After her marriage they moved to Garden City where she was a homemaker. Her passion was her family. She is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 2 Daughters- Pamela Jean Anderson and Paula Jane Anderson and Brother- Lloyd Beasley.
She is survived by her 4 Sons- John & Vicki Anderson of Holcomb, Duane Anderson of Garden City, Richard & Connie Anderson of Wichita and Greg & Angela Anderson of Garden City, 8 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Monday at Bible Christian Church in Garden City with Rev Brian Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Friends Of Lee Richardson Zoo in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Friends may call from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday and Noon to 8:00 PM Sunday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. Friends may post condolences at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com
The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm Wednesday, according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.
