WICHITA– A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in federal prison for brandishing a gun during a robbery at a local credit union, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Colvin-photo courtesy Wichita PD
Mack W. Colvin, Jr., 32, Park City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
In his plea, he admitted that on Dec. 19, 2017, he robbed the Wheat State Credit Union at 1400 S. Oliver. He pointed a firearm at tellers and demanded money. Investigators identified him and issued a warrant for his arrest. Colvin turned himself in to the FBI several days after the warrant was issued.
DOUGLAS COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Wednesday in Douglas County.
The Kansas Turnpike Authoritiy reported a 2010 Honda Odyssey driven by James A. Beck, 79, Topeka was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Kansas 10 exit.
The Honda collided with a Riley County ambulance driven by Scott Ten Eyck, 33, Wamego, causing it to spin and hit the barrier wall and then strike the ambulance again.
The collision forced the ambulance across all lanes of traffic and into the ditch.
Beck and a passenger Carol Beck, 78, Topeka, were transported to Stormont Vail. Eyck was not injured.
The ambulance was returning after transporting a patient to Kansas City, according to Joshua Gering with Riley County EMS.
Eyck and the occupants of the Honda were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
Elaine Weigel, age 75, WaKeeney, died Monday, November 26, 2018 at her home. She was born April 11, 1943, in Hays, Kansas, to Leo and Mabel (Harger) Faulkner.
Elaine was a graduate of Marion High School in Hays. She married Norbert Weigel on December 30, 1961, in Hays, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was a member of Christ the King Parish in Wakeeney. Elaine worked at the Trego Manor and Trego County Hospital. She taught CCD for 23 years and worked at the Trego County Fair Office for 30 plus years. She was a long-time member of the Friendly Dozen EHU and Red Hatters.
Survivors include five children, Gloria (Robert) Custer of Hays, Kansas, Claudette (Steve) Sands of Meriden, Kansas, Sue Weigel of Omaha, Nebraska, Eric (Stephanie) Weigel of Austin, Texas, and Vince (Staci) Weigel of Wakeeney; grandkids, Zachary, Cody, Courtney, Colby and Conner Custer, Tyler Sands, Seth and Malory Weigel, and Nathan and Drew Weigel; great-grandchildren, Melanie and Xander Custer, Khloe, Kennedy, Kacie and Karson Bartling; sisters, Margaret (Alvin) Armbrister of Ellis, and Katheryn (Bob) Wilson of Abilene; and brothers, David Faulkner of Wakeeney, and Leo Faulkner of Hays.
She was preceeded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Tammy Sue; and grandson, Adam Sands.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Wakeeney. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Schmitt Funeral Home, Wakeeney. A parish vigil service will follow at 7 p.m., also at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Trego County Fair Board or Christ the King Catholic Church. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
William Edward “Ed” Froelich, 93, Hays, formerly of Walker, died Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Via Christi Village.
He was born June 7, 1925 in McAllen, Texas the son of Jonas and Sylvia (Cox) Froelich. He was a medic in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was stationed in the Philippine Theater and near Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received during the war.
On April 22, 1947 he was united in marriage to Dolores A. Stroemel at St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Kansas. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on July 13, 2010. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #2794 in Gorham, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #6240 in Russell, Kansas.
He enjoyed playing Pinochle and the game Aggravation, gardening and growing roses, and he was very charitable and giving. He loved to polka and square dance with his wife Dolores, and he possessed a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes.
Survivors include a daughter; Margie Hawk and husband Duane of North Platte, Nebraska, a son; Van Froelich and wife Darla of Walker, Kansas, a brother; Morris Froelich, Sr. and wife Mary Ann of Gorham, Kansas, a sister; Ina Bell Wilkerson of Dighton, a sister-in-law; Twila Froelich of Russell, two step-granddaughters; Cindy Halstead and Tiffany Sanford and fiancé Chad Hammerschmidt, five step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolores, and by four brothers; Art, Albert, Donald, and Elmer Froelich.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 30, 2018 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Ann Cemetery with military honors by the Hays and Russell VFW Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church. A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30, both on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed or to St. Ann Cemetery, Walker, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Ed may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting and aggravated battery to a law enforcement officer and asking the public for help to locate a person of interest for questioning.
Retana
Chelsee Ann Retana, 26, was last seen running southbound from a silver SUV from NE Grant and NE Madison, in the company of another adult female, according to Lt. Andrew Beightel.
Just after 10:45a.m. Tuesday, a police officer witnessed a maroon passenger vehicle stalled out in the intersection of NE Grant and NE Monroe in Topeka, according to Beightel. The Officer went to make contact with the occupants of the vehicle.
At that time, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper responded to the area, because a Trooper attempted to stop that vehicle earlier in the morning, but the driver of the vehicle later identified as Jarmane Dyane Logan, 35, Topeka, fled and evaded the Trooper.
As the Trooper and Officer were speaking to the occupants of the vehicle, a silver SUV approached them at a high rate of speed, almost striking them.
The occupants of the maroon passenger car attempted to flee and get into the SUV.
Law enforcement on the scene of the investigation Tuesday in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV
As the Trooper and Officer tried to intervene, the Trooper and Officer were dragged by the SUV. The trooper shot and injured the Logan. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and died, according to Beightel.
Retana is described as a white female 5-foot-8, 175 lbs., last seen wearing a brown heavy coat.
Retina has previous convictions for fleeing or attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Anyone with information on Retana or regarding this crime is encouraged to contact police.
ELLIS — At Monday’s meeting of the Ellis City Council, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported on the department’s current fleet of vehicles.
He said the average age of the pickups used daily by staff is over 18 years old, noting one vehicle already has incurred over $3,500 in repair costs this year.
The council allocated $24,000 in 2018 to replace a pickup, and an additional $16,000 in 2019. The council’s preference was for Scheuerman to try to replace two pickups in 2019 with the combined $40,000 available.
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Complete minutes of Monday’s meeting:
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
November 19, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Dustin Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Susan Eaton was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Martin LaBarge, Verda Flinn, Barbara Perkins, Nickole Byers, Glen Keller, Steve Ferland, Gary Luea, and Guy Riedel.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 5, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2057. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine provided his monthly report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Repair/Maintenance
Chief Vine presented bids to replace the roof at the Old Fire Station. Although both bids were similar in price and work performed, High Plains Roofing offered a 20-year warranty, while Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. offered a 15-year warranty. After further discussion, Council member Bret Andries moved to accept the bid from High Plains Roofing in the amount of $14,828, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund and existing insurance proceeds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire: Acquisition
Chief Vine continued by presenting three bids for the purchase of thermal cameras for the Fire Department. Council member Dena Patee moved to accept the low bid from Emergency Fire Equipment for the purchase of two FLIR K2 thermal cameras in the amount of $1,349 each, with funds to come from the Fire Department budget. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Licenses/Permits
Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for Casey’s General Stores. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Special Event
City Clerk Amy Burton inquired if Council was interested in holding a City Christmas Party for staff, elected officials, and their guests. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to hold a City Christmas Party. The motion carried 5-0.
Personnel: Benefits
Ms. Burton continued by asking if Council wanted to continue the practice of giving City employees a Christmas bonus. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve a Christmas bonus for each full-time and part-time employee in the net amount of $200. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: Acquisition
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported on the Department’s current fleet of vehicles. The average age of the pickups used daily by staff is over 18 years old. One vehicle in particular has already incurred over $3,500 in repair costs this year. Council allocated $24,000 in 2018 to replace a pickup, and an additional $16,000 in 2019. Council would like for Mr. Scheuerman to try to replace two pickups in 2019 with the combined $40,000 available. Council would also like for Mr. Scheuerman to purchase a pickup specific to the department needing it, and not switch vehicles around among staff. Mr. Scheuerman stated the four vehicles needing replaced the soonest are the 1988 Chevy, the 1990 Ford, the 2001 Dodge Ram, and the 2004 Ford F250. When pressed for the two worst vehicles, Mr. Scheuerman stated the 1988 Chevy and the 1990 Ford.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period September 10th to October 10th.
Water: Training
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Water Operator John Leiker to attend backflow prevention training in Hays. The motion carried 5-0.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman further discussed the City’s increasing issue with sewer inflow and infiltration. The sewer plant is treating 150,000 gallons a day more than it is producing. Council questioned why Mr. Scheuerman didn’t have Mayer Service camera more linear feet of sewer line when they were in town for the annual sewer cleaning. The City budgeted $11,000 in 2018 to investigate the infiltration problem.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented his Department report. The two new warning sirens have been installed and the County hopes to have them on-line by the end of the year.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton informed Council of the Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission’s Annual Meeting on November 28th. The October Tourism Committee meeting minutes were reviewed. The Kansas Department of Commerce is considering a special round of CDBG grant funding for swimming pools for small cities. The public hearing will be on December 10th.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the second contract for the Water Exploration Project has been accepted as revised. Once signed, the City can close on the land contracts. Council member Jolene Niernberger asked Ms. Raub to investigate if the City already has an ordinance in place for infrastructure for tele-communications towers. The League has reported an ordinance needs to be in place by January.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel congratulated Jolene Niernberger, Steve Ferland, and Martin LaBarge on their election to Council. The new council members will be sworn in on January 14th.
Council member Bret Andries questioned the need to hire an engineer to draw up specifications for the Campground Expansion Project. An engineer is needed to apply for grant funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The Campground Committee has been asked to solicit bids from engineers to review at a future Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Steve Gilliland
Archery fall turkey season here in Kansas has been open since October1 and fall turkey gun season will open December 10. I see fall turkey season as the most under-utilized hunting season in Kansas; I shouldn’t preach, I haven’t hunted fall turkeys myself for years. But every time I think about fall turkey season, I think of this story from years ago.
Ordinarily being inducted into any sort of members-only club or organization is an honor; something to be proud of, something to be pleased about, a reason to hold ones head high. One weekend several years ago, however, I was unintentionally and involuntarily given membership in an organization I’m ashamed to be a part of… Let me explain.
It was dusk and a chilly wind blew from the west. I had finally aligned my priorities, and number one was labeled “bag a fall turkey.” Our hunting blind was tucked under some craggy low hanging trees in front of an old silo. An alfalfa field lay in front of me, and the river with its fringe of trees and scrub brush, lay behind. I couldn’t see much to my left, but the west wind had been bringing with it the clucks and cackles of wild turkeys for nearly an hour. Fall turkey hunting is as different from spring turkey hunting as east is from west. The turkeys are grouped in large flocks for the winter, often a hundred or more around here, and hunting them becomes a game of cat and mouse, (ideally the turkeys play the part of the mouse.) Maybe I hunt overly paranoid and ultra-suspicious turkeys, but when the dust settles, I often end up looking more like the mouse myself.
Anyway, there I sat, straining to see the birds I could hear. Slowly black specks appeared in the alfalfa until the field was black, like a pepper shaker had spilled onto a green tablecloth. In two distinct groups they ever-so-slowly filed across the field, strutting, flapping and twittering like school kids after recess. As the first group crossed in front of me they were too far away for a shot, and when they finally disappeared into the trees to my right, I thought my evening’s hunt was over. However, the sounds of turkeys still wafted on the wind and a second large group materialized through the branches to my left, this bunch much closer than the last. I slowly and quietly eased the 12 gauge barrel through the open slit in front of the blind, released the safety and waited, already tasting fresh wild turkey breast.
My best shot was through an opening in the trees about as wide as the blind, and one large hen in front of the flock soon stood there. As she cocked her head and looked my way, I put the front sight of the barrel on the base of her neck, and squeezed off the shot. Even as the sound of the blast still hung in the air, wild turkeys flew everywhere; I mean all the turkeys, every last one of them including the hen I’d shot at!.. I sat in the silence of the dark blind, somehow trying to deny the fact that I had just blown an easy shot. I walked around in the alfalfa as if I expected the earth to suddenly spew forth a dead turkey it had hidden from me as a cruel joke. I gazed in the direction of the fleeing birds as if I planned to see a dead turkey appear without warning somewhere in the distance. I had been told by other hunters that sooner or later every turkey hunter misses an easy shot, and I had just joined that club. I was now a card carrying member of TWITS (That Was Incredibly Terrible Shooting.)
Walking to my pickup, I had to chuckle and wonder what was going through that turkeys mind (since it was not pellets from my shotgun shell.) I knew I could count on a compassionate and understanding response from my wife at home, and, sure enough, she replied “How in the world did that happen?” Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.
Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].
HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, was awarded an “A” rating in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C-based organization aiming to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers.
The “A” is for its efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S. The Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms among patients in their care.
“Only about one-third of 2600 general acute-care hospitals nationwide get an “A” grade from the Leapfrog organization,” said Melanie Urban, Director of Patient Quality. “Our “A” rating is indicative of the strong culture and focus on patient safety by all of the employees who put patients first every day at HaysMed.” Grades are assigned twice a year by The Leapfrog Group.
According to Leapfrog this is the only national rating of how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and death, such as medical errors, infections, and injuries. Receiving an “A” Safety Grade means a hospital is among the best in the country for preventing these problems and putting their patients first, 24 hours a day.”
Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to approximately 2600 hospitals twice per year. It is peer reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
The 28 performance measures include handwashing practices, blood infections and patient falls. Leapfrog uses the measures to come up with a single letter grade ranging from A to F, meant to show how effective a hospital is in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.
Reflection is good for the soul. It allows you to see where you’ve been and hopefully chart a better course on where you’re going. During the Thanksgiving holiday I took the time to contemplate my early life in the small community where I grew up.
Located in northwestern Kansas, Seguin was a small farm/ranch community of approximately 50 hearty souls. It was located in Sheridan County, three miles south of Highway 24 and the Union Pacific railroad used to run through our small village.
Seguin was a community where families were raised and principles – good and sometimes bad – were instilled. Looking back, those fortunate enough to grow up there like I did in the ‘50s and ‘60s were surrounded by people with core values that helped guide us throughout our lives.
At the top of this list of virtues my community provided was spiritual in nature. A spiritual quality like, seek ye first this kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be given unto you.
We all grew up with Monsignor Mulvihill and the Sisters of St. Joseph, went to mass six days a week and learned to abide by the golden rule.
Next, was the courtesy level of our town. This was measured by the ordinary civilities a total stranger could expect. Residents of Seguin and the outlying community always welcomed family and friends back for special events – many centered around our church and its congregation.
Transient laborers, especially during wheat, milo and corn harvest, were also treated well because of their valuable contributions during these critical periods.
Rootedness or a sense of commitment on the part of a town’s people was another cornerstone in our little community. Dependent on the fertile, sandy loam soil of the High Plains, Seguin’s families lived by the unspoken agreement that this was a place to stay, put down roots and build a family, a farm, a business and a future.
This quality is closely related to a sense of place, which now grows more rare with each passing day.
Diversity – not necessarily in the form of many nationalities – but rather in the form of creative disagreement was another building block in our community. This meant our little town enjoyed a certain confidence that all its inhabitants didn’t have to echo one another in order to make progress.
On the contrary, a community, like a country, can profit by its differences. Believe me, nearly everyone I ever knew in Seguin spoke up, voiced their opinions and let their ideas be heard.
Loyalty was the fifth attribute our community was blessed with. Loyalty is often confused with conformity, though the two are really opposites.
It is precisely loyalty to the community, to posterity and to principle that moves a citizen not to conform. A dissenter may never be so loyal as when refusing to go along quietly.
Loyalty is a virtue, but not a simple one. Certainly, it is not as simple as those who use it as a club to enforce their will on an individual or a community.
Generosity was the sixth attribute and not just with material support but a generosity of spirit akin to humility. This broader, deeper attribute sets aside not only personal interests for the sake of community, but personal grudges, slights and obsessions.
One might call this trait charity, but charity in our society has acquired an unfortunate connotation of being optional – not obligatory. Some believe charity is what you do with what you have left over. Those who believe they owe a debt to their community and embrace the opportunity to repay it practice charity, the real thing.
Pride in our little burg was also readily apparent. Self respect may be a better word for this civic virtue. It has to do with much more than clean streets, green lawns and painted buildings. It also explains good schools, honest law enforcement and other amenities that make for a proud, self respecting community.
Openness was the final attribute in our small northwestern Kansas community. Without openness all these other virtues would only be a façade. Our community was an open book. Everyone knew everyone else and everything that was going on. Candor, candidness, frankness, sincerity and plain dealing were the only way of doing business and conducting each day of your life.
Everyone who lived in Seguin was a member of the community and part of our town. Didn’t matter who you were, where you lived, how old you were or whatever else. Our community was a place of human and humane values.
Sometimes in the rush of every day life we forget to live by such values. Know your neighbors, coworkers and the members of your community. And, yes, it’s all right to argue and disagree with them about what is best for the community.
What is important is to care about your community. Think of its best interests and don’t let your mind be diverted by lesser concerns or scattered holdings.
Just like the little community I grew up in and the family and neighbors who helped shape who I am today, each of us live in communities that have values and fine traditions to uphold. Be part of yours.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.
KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect who led them on a chase of about 100 miles with a stolen tractor-truck before the truck caught fire.
Suspect in a stolen tractor-truck led officers on a chase of about 100 miles before the truck caught fire-photo Missouri State Highway Patrol
At 8:48 p.m, Troop A Communications overheard Kansas City Police Department radio traffic regarding the pursuit of a tractor-truck westbound on 31st Street from Arlington Avenue reference an aggravated assault involving a revolver, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol
At 8:55 p.m., the suspect vehicle began traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 from Manchester Trafficway. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office became involved then requested the Highway Patrol take the lead after the vehicle entered Lafayette County.
At 9:20 p.m., two troopers entered the pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound on I-70 at speeds up to 73 mph and struck spikes in multiple locations deployed by multiple agencies. Troop F Communications began coordinating radio traffic after the vehicle entered Cooper County.
A patrol helicopter joined the pursuit and began following the suspect vehicle, allowing ground vehicles to back off. The suspect vehicle eventually became disabled and stopped just east of the 106.6-mile marker near Boonville, MO, where it caught fire and the driver fled on foot.
Patrol aircraft then directed officers to the driver after he ran into a barbed wire fence and laid down north of I-70. At 10:36 p.m., troopers advised Troop F Communications the subject was in custody. The driver was relayed back to Jackson County and released into the custody of the Kansas City Police Department in connection to the aggravated assault investigation.
Additionally, a baggie of methamphetamine was seized. The tractor-truck is believed to have been reported stolen through Oak Grove Police Department.
Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. South wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night Areas of fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
FridayA slight chance of drizzle before noon, then a chance of rain after noon. Areas of fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday NightA chance of rain before 2am, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
