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Author: Hays Post

Kansas suspicious death investigation goes cold

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DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police say eight months after a woman died of a head injury, investigators have not determined whether she was the victim of crime.

Sabrina Frock -photo courtesy Wright Funeral Home
Allen -photo KDOC

Sabrina Frock died in May at the home of a Lawrence man she met online.

The man identified as 33-year-old Shane Allen currently is in prison after violating probation for abusing another woman he met online two years ago. He is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Frock’s mother, Denise Slaughter, of Brookfield, Missouri, says she suspects foul play and is frustrated with the police investigation.

Police are investigating Frock’s death as suspicious but say they have no new leads.

Frock’s autopsy report has not been released.

Slaughter said police told her Frock died from a brain injury but the coroner’s ruling on whether the death was a homicide or an accident was undetermined.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report

OSHA cites contractor after fatality at Kan. job site

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A Maryland-based solar contractor is facing nearly $40,000 in fines after an employee died from electrocution at Fort Riley.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday it cited Power Factor LLC for four serious violations after the employee died in July while installing solar panels at the fort.

The agency says the employee was hoisting a metal rail that came into contact with overhead power lines.

OSHA cited the company for exposing workers to electrical hazards, including live and uninsulated power circuits. The agency says the company also didn’t regularly inspect the job site or train workers to avoid hazards.

The employee’s name hasn’t been released.

Power Factor, LLC. has 15 days to pay the fine or contest the findings.

An official with Power Factor was not immediately available to comment.

Ferne E. Miller

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Burdett – Ferne E. Miller, 105, passed away January 6, 2019 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

She was born August 23, 1913 in rural Bazine; the daughter of Orren and Flora Winkelman Salmans. A longtime area resident; she was a beautician and a homemaker.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Burdett, Shiley E.H.U. and the Burdett Seniors.

On October 12, 1949 she married George Merle Miller at Lakin, Kansas. He passed away March 1, 1982.

Survivors include; two sons, Steven (Margaret) Miller, Burdett and Kim (Peggy) Miller, Caldwell; four grandchildren, Nate (Mandy) Miller, Ryan (Tina) Miller, Brock (Bryttni) Miller and Monica (Adam) Brown and five great grandchildren; Grayson, Beckett, Mia, Dayton and Eva.

She was preceded in death by; a brother, Herbert Salmans and a sister, Florence Miller.

Funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Burdett with Carolyn Tarman presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in Brown’s Grove Cemetery, Burdett, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Burdett, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Fort Hays State grad named athletic director at Liberal High

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Courtesy photo

LIBERAL — Nathan Smith has been named the Liberal High School athletic director effective July 1.

Smith comes to Liberal from Garden City High School where he worked as an assistant in the athletic office and testing coordinator. He has previous experience as an athletic director along with 13 years of coaching football, wrestling and track.

He completed his master in Educational Administration from Kansas State University in the spring of 2018. Smith has a K-12 Physical Education degree and a Human Health and Performance degree with an emphasis in Recreation and Sports Management both from Fort Hays State University.

Nathan and his wife Chrissy (Headrick) Smith have two children, Trinity (9), Bladen (4), and are expecting another daughter in April.

“My family and I are excited about the opportunity that we have been blessed with and look forward to getting to know the community,” Smith said.

“Nathan comes to us with a wealth of experience, knowledge and ideas. He understands the importance that athletics and activities play in both the development of our students and the enrichment of our community. I am confident that Nathan will be fully invested in Liberal High School and the Liberal community,” said LHS Principal Ashley Kappelmann.

— Liberal High School

KSCA chess tourney in Hays Saturday

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A KSCA (Kansas Scholastic Chess Association) sponsored chess tournament will be held at the former Kennedy Middle School building, 1309 Fort, Hays on Saturday, January 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The tournament is open to all students in grades kindergarten through high school senior.  There will be separate sections for different age levels.  Medals will be awarded for all in the top third of each section.

More information and registration is available by calling the TMP-Marian office at 785-625-6577.  Registration cost is $7 per person and is to be paid at the tournament site on Saturday.

Additional information about the KSCA organization is available at www.ksca.us.

– SUBMITTED –

Harlan D. Campbell

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Harlan D. Campbell Sr., Age 77, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.

Harlan was born October 14, 1941 in Norton County, Kansas, the son of Guy Donald & Winona Jewell (Hayes) Campbell. A resident of Tribune since 1958, he was manager of the Farmco station in Tribune, Kansas.

Harlan was a member of the N.R.A., Kansas Trap Shooters Assn and the Anthem Masonic Lodge in Scott City, Kansas.

On May 18, 1960 he married Judith Vayrene McGinness at Tribune, Kansas

Harlan’s surviving family includes His wife – Judith Campbell of Tribune, Kansas, Three children – Harlan D. Campbell, Jr. of Tribune, Kansas, Erica Trevino of Tribune, Kansas, Vayrena Hamilton of Tribune, Kansas, One sister – Reva C. Brown of Golden, Colorado and Two grandchildren.

His parents, a daughter- Tammy I Campbell, a brother- William F. Campbell and a sister- Norma Jean Runyon precede him in death.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm through 8:00 pm Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Tribune, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Greeley County E.M.S. in care of the funeral home.

Helen M. Kaiser

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Helen M. Kaiser, 88, died January 7, 2019, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. She was born December 19, 1930, in Odin, Kansas, the daughter of Alois F. and Regina (Hermann) Prosser.

On October 10, 1950, she married Frank S. Kaiser in Odin, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2001.

A longtime resident of Hoisington, Frank and Helen were former managers of the Dairy Queen.

Helen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was active in many aspects of church, including the Altar Society, Parish Bible Study, as a Eucharistic Minister, in RCIA, Renew Program, and the Parish Council. She was also a Dominican Associate, a former member of Daughters of Isabella of Claflin, a member of the American Eagle Club and the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

She is survived by children, Cletus J. Kaiser of Rogersville, Missouri; Timothy D. Kaiser and wife Janet of Wichita, and Gina A. Streetman of Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Natalie Warrick, Alan, Bradley, and Kimberly Streetman, and Matthew, Chelsea, and Lisa Kaiser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; seven brothers, Tony, John, Bill, Joe, Julius, Leonard, and Louie Prosser; and seven sisters, Anna Steiner, Tillie Kramer, Jean Rome, Eleanor Kingston, Cecilia Tipperman, Catherine Schremmer and Mary Birzer.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 7p.m.

Vigil with Altar Society Rosary will start at 7 p.m., all at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Betty L. Wagner

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Betty L. Wagner, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, January 08, 2018, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas

Services are pending at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.

Lawrence Edward Mahoney

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Lawrence Edward Mahoney, 80, of Liberal, passed away on January 6, 2019 at Homestead Estates Home Plus, Liberal, KS.

He was born on August 24, 1938 to Lawrence and Bernice (Swenson) Mahoney at Lyons, KS.

On December 22, 1963 he married Bernice Hillery in Oakley, KS; she survives.

Lawrence graduated from Lindsborg High School; class of 1956. He received his Bachelor Degree in Education from Bethany College. He received his MBA from Fort Hays State University. He taught at Oakley High School, Colby Community College and Garden City Community College. He was Vice-President and Dean of Fiscal Affairs at Colby Community College. He was Dean of Administrative Services at Garden City Community College. Retiring in December of 1999 to Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, MO. Lawrence enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time on the lake with his family.

He is also survived by three Daughters – Michele Schonlau and husband Matthew of Ulysses, KS,Tanya Dowell and husband Luke of Liberal KS, Marcie Albers and husband Heath of Warrensburg, MO.; Six Grandchildren – Cameron Schonlau and Cheyenne Derrick, Ryan Schonlau, Daniel Dowell, Nathan Dowell, Abbie Dowell and Heather Albers, Two Great Grand Children – Kennedi Lanham and Cole Schonlau. One Sister- Phyllis Mahoney Kelling and husband Lyle of Lindsborg, KS, and many nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Oakley United Methodist Church in Oakley, KS, with Pastor Wehling officiating. Burial will follow at Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Colby Community College, Garden City Community College and Community Lutheran Church, Eagle Rock, MO. in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905

UPDATE: KU running back granted diversion in battery case

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Star Kansas running back Pooka Williams has been granted diversion in a domestic battery case, meaning he has a chance to keep the allegation off his record.

Williams photo University of Kansas Athletics

Williams, who appeared in court Wednesday, is accused of punching an 18-year-old woman in the stomach and grabbing her by the throat last month. An affidavit says the woman had text messages from Williams admitting to punching her and a police officer found bruises on her.

Williams reportedly told police he pushed the woman when he saw her in a room with other men. Both have said they were in an intimate relationship.

Diversion allows someone to avoid the usual legal procedures and complete specific requirements, which can include rehabilitation programs or fines. Williams’ attorney, Hatem Chahine, said if Williams successfully completes terms of diversion, the domestic battery charge would be dropped and not appear on his legal record.

Williams was the Big 12 offensive freshman of the year and a first-team all-Big 12 selection as running back and kick returner last season. He was suspended by the football program Dec. 7.

——————–

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The attorney for Kansas running back Pooka Williams says the star athlete from New Orleans has applied for diversion in a domestic battery case.

Hatem Chahine disclosed the effort Wednesday. Chahine has entered a not guilty plea on Williams’ behalf.

An affidavit alleges that Williams punched an 18-year-old woman in the stomach and grabbed her by the throat last month. The woman showed the officer text messages from Williams admitting to punching her in the arms. The document says the officer also found the victim had bruises.

Williams reportedly told police that he pushed the woman when he saw her in a room with other men at an apartment building. Both have said they were in an intimate relationship.

Pooka has been suspended pending investigation.

Bill Dean Lumpkins

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Bill Dean Lumpkins passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the age of 83. He was born on June 10, 1935 in Plainville, Kansas to Marion and Nevella (Benedick) Lumpkins. Bill married Virginia Malin on July 3, 1969 in Plainville.

Bill grew up in Plainville where he graduated from Plainville High School in 1954. After Bill graduated from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He left Plainville while on duty and later returned in 1995 after his 8 years of honorable service to our country. Bill was a talented carpenter and handyman. He found a love for restoring cars, and his proudest restoration was a 1935 Ford Phaeton. He also enjoyed the outdoors and had a love for hunting. Bill was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville as well as some car clubs.

While Bill liked spending time with his hobbies, his favorite time spent was with Virginia, their children, and later his grand and great-grandchildren. He was a loving, family-oriented man that always took in the opportunities to be with family never missing a family reunion.
Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia of the home; children, Richard (Pam) Lumpkins of Rawlins, WY, and Cinthia (Mark) Brown of Sinclair, WY; sister, Anita Taylor of Great Bend, KS; six grandchildren, Staci Nottestad, Valory Drayton, Timothy and Billy Lumpkins, Hailee Brown, and Britany Brattin; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Nevella Lumpkins; and sisters, Marilyn Gibson and Carolyn Clark.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville starting at 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the Food Pantry or Sacred Heart Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

LETTER: Ellis County sales tax for buildings successful

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Commissioners thank voters, City of Hays

On May 14, 2013, Ellis County voters approved a one-half cent per dollar local sales tax to construct a new building for Fire and Emergency Medical Services and extensively renovate the County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center. That sales tax went into effect on October 1, 2013, and sunset five years later on September 30, 2018.

At the time of the election, the sales tax was projected to generate $14,352,000 over the five-year period to repay bonds issued to finance construction of the two facilities. Reconciliation of the sales tax receipts through December 28, 2018, indicates that the tax actually generated $16,299,016.69. Expenditures on construction and associated expenses totaled $14,887,328.70, leaving a remaining balance of $1,411,687.99. Ellis County Commissioners will consider in February of 2019 plans for spending that remaining balance.

The County Commissioners would like to thank the voters of Ellis County for their trust in County government. Using proceeds of the sales tax, the new Fire and EMS building at 1105 E. 22nd Street in Hays was completed and occupied in late 2015 and the Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center were reoccupied in March 2016, with final bond payment being made in August 2018.

Commissioners would also like to thank the Hays City Commission. Of the $16.3 million raised by the sales tax over its five-year life, nearly 54 percent ($8,785,609.64) was from the City’s portion of the countywide tax that the City of Hays contributed for these building projects. “This is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together as a community, irrespective of jurisdictional lines,” said outgoing Ellis County Commissioner Barbara Wasinger.

Added County Commission Chair Dean Haselhorst, who served as Project Manager for completion of the construction: “As exciting as it was to open our facilities, it is thrilling to have the bonds paid off and to have funds remaining. I look forward to working with our new Commission to determine the best use of these additional proceeds and I’m proud that we were able to sunset the sales tax as promised.”

— Submitted by Ellis County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes

Settlement reached in Kan. girl’s drowning-death at church party

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The parents of an 11-year-old Wichita girl who drowned at a church party have reached a settlement.

Shelby Cramb -photo courtesy Downing and Lahey Mortuary

Andy Cramb and Joanna Cramb alleged in the suit that Pathway Church and the homeowners failed to keep their daughter, Shelby, safe. Andy Cramb says his wife and son were the ones who realized that the girl was missing when they went to pick her up from the party in 2017. Divers found her body in the lake behind the house.

The couple’s attorney, Brad LaForge, says the church had taken stops to “make sure that nothing like this ever happens again.” He declined to elaborate on those steps and said the settlement amount is confidential.

Lawyers for the church and the homeowners didn’t comment.

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