Sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 31. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thanksgiving Day
Sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 43. South wind 9 to 18 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Windy, with a northwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Saturday Night
Rain likely before 1am, then rain and snow likely between 1am and 3am, then snow likely after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Very windy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to stealing scrap metal from a railroad terminal operation in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Justin Drescher, 49, Kearney, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. In his plea, Drescher admitted he was working as a truck driver for Razorback Rail Services when the crime occurred. Razorback was a primary subcontractor providing maintenance and repair work for the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company. As part of the scheme, Dresher and other Razorback employees were told where to find scrap rail and metal belonging to KCT. They transported the metal to Razorback to be sold instead of placing it in KCT’s metal bins with a competitive scrap metal business. Razorback and its employees, including Drescher, received payment for the stolen scrap metal.
Sentencing is set for March 19. He faces a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
OVERLAND PARK (AP) — A group of Kansas residents is fighting for records relating to a suburban Kansas City teenager who was shot to death by a police officer in January.
The Kansas City Star reports that the city of Overland Park has denied most of citizen group JOCO United’s requests to release records over the shooting of 17-year-old John Albers. The push for records comes after authorities released dash cam video of the encounter in which an officer fired 13 times into a minivan that Albers was backing out of his family’s garage.
The group argues that the video didn’t answer questions about how a 911 call to check on Albers’ welfare turned into violence.
Member Mark Schmid says the public is forced to rely on the Johnson County district attorney’s conclusion that the shooting was justified.
GREAT BEND — Amy Mellor has served as Barton County Attorney for just under two years, and nearly half of that time if not more has been experienced with a rocky relationship with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. For this reason and more, Mellor stated she plans to resign her position in December, 2018.
Mellor wrote this letter addressing it, “To the Citizens of Barton County”:
“During my 23-year career as a law enforcement officer and my 10 years as a prosecutor, I’ve long appreciated and worked to maintain the spirit of mutual cooperation among our law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, including county attorneys’ offices. While it is impossible to avoid all conflicts and differences of opinion, we rely on communication, collaboration, and pillars like our judicial system to ensure that we’re working for the best interest of all citizens.
I felt it would be appropriate to share the attached letter I received this week from the Barton County Sheriff and explain to our community why I am planning to resign from my position as the Barton County Attorney in December, 2018.
The Sheriff’s letter, actions, and public commentary make it clear that he is not interested in cooperation and instead would prefer to bully me and my office. This began more than a year ago when I was advised by administration at the Great Bend Police Department that a report had been filed with that agency regarding the Sheriff’s actions during an arrest.
I wrote a letter to an assistant director with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), requesting an investigation. Contrary to statements made by the Sheriff and his attorney, the assignment of agents to investigate was made by the KBI administration in Topeka, rather than by my husband. I recused myself and my office from this matter from the beginning because of the perceived conflict.
Unfortunately, Sheriff Bellendir continues to blame me and my husband for what has transpired as the result of his actions. I had hoped that once the criminal matter was concluded, healing could begin and all parties could act like adults and perform our duties. Based on Sheriff Bellendir’s continued actions and his letter, this is clearly not possible.
It saddens me to see this behavior, and I don’t believe it would benefit our county to continue working in such a hostile environment. Additionally, I do not agree with the Barton County Commissioners’ endorsement of Sheriff Bellendir’s actions. I believe their message condones law enforcement’s mistreatment of suspects and inmates. All citizens should be protected by our laws, and I have always believed that members of law enforcement should be held to a higher standard; law enforcement officers are not exempt from the law.
It never was personal for me, it was and is about what is right and what is wrong.
Beyond that, the Sheriff’s proposed hiring of independent counsel would, in my opinion, be an improper use of taxpayer funds. It would also further distract the county offices from our joint responsibility in protecting our communities and citizens.
If elected officials in Barton County continue to use these bullying tactics to work against one another and address perceived conflicts, I’m concerned for the future of Barton County.
To the citizens of Barton County, thank you for your support throughout my time in serving you. I will continue to pray for grace, mindfulness, and a spirit of cooperation for all who work to protect and improve our communities.
Sincerely, Amy Schartz Mellor
Sheriff Brian J. Bellendir
Bellendir addressed this letter to Mellor on Monday:
Amy,
After consultation with city, county, and state leaders as well as numerous local citizens, it has become clear, a majority of the citizens of Barton County are demanding change in your office. To that end, on Monday, November 26, 2018 I will be addressing the Board of County Commissioners in open session. I will be requesting the commissioners retain independent counsel to research and investigate removing you from office either by ouster or recall.
There is substantial public support for this action and I anticipate numerous citizens will attend.
Most Sincerely, Sheriff Brian J. Bellendir
Mellor was sworn into office on Jan. 9, 2017. In an uncontested race, she earned just under 97 percent of the vote at 9,294. She took over for Doug Matthews after Matthews served as County Attorney for 12 years. Matthews and his office was criticized for moving slowly or not at all on certain cases for prosecution.
Mellor spent time as an officer and detective with the Great Bend Police Department from 1983 to 1995 before deciding to go to law school at the age of 47. Before coming back to Great Bend to work in the County Attorney’s Office in 2010 as an assistant to Matthews, Mellor was an attorney with Wyandotte County and interned with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office while going through law school at Washburn University.
Following a recount, the race for the 111th District in the Kansas House has been decided.
The recount showed Republican challenger Barb Wasinger, currently an Ellis County commissioner, leading over incumbent Democrat Eber Phelps.
The vote total was 4,341 for Wasinger, 4,306 for Phelps. The vote total was certified by the canvass board. Sheriff Ed Harbin voted against the certification, while Mike Morley and Ellis County Commissioner Marcy McClelland voted to certify the results.
The canvass board traditionally is made up of the county commissioners, but with Wasinger’s name on the ballot and Ellis County Commissioner Dean Haselhorst serving on her campaign committee, Harbin and Morley were named to the canvass board.
Following last Thursday’s election canvass, election officials certified the election with Republican challenger Barb Wasinger defeating Democratic incumbent Eber Phelps by just 32 votes.
Check Hays Post for more as details become available.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Adam “Pacman” Jones’ short stint in Denver is over.
The Broncos waived the 14-year veteran Tuesday after he’d appeared in seven games, posting nine tackles and one interception and three pass breakups.
Jones posted a thank you note on Instagram, saying, “Well Denver, it was good. Thanks for the opportunity!!! On to the next !!!”
At 35, Jones might have a hard time finding another team in need of a cornerback/kick returner.
He signed with Denver in August. Coach Vance Joseph, who once served as an assistant in Cincinnati, vouched for Jones, who spent eight seasons with the Bengals.
Jones was the Broncos’ leading punt returner with 10, albeit for a 2.5-yard average, and he returned four kickoffs for a 21.3-yard average.
Cutting Jones would seem to indicate that the Broncos expect Bradley Roby, who’s in concussion protocol, to play Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2-1) visit Denver (4-6).
The other cornerbacks are starter Chris Harris Jr., Tramaine Brock and rookie Isaac Yiadom.
The Broncos on Tuesday also signed free agent Cyrus Kouandjio, a tackle who played three games in Denver last season, including the finale at right tackle, and was cut this summer.
A fifth-year pro with 28 games of NFL experience (he was with the Bills from 2014-16), Kouandjio replaces guard Max Garcia, who tore his left ACL last week at practice.
The Broncos placed Garcia on injured reserve Tuesday. He’s the third starting O-lineman lost for the season to injury, joining guard Ronald Leary (Achilles) and center Matt Paradis (broken right leg).
With the rash of injuries, the Broncos had to start two tackles (Billy Turner and Elijah Wilkinson) at guard and guard Connor McGovern at center.
The makeshift O-line wasn’t whistled for any penalties and didn’t allow any sacks in Denver’s 23-22 win in Los Angeles that snapped the Chargers’ six-game winning streak.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — James Wiseman has chosen Memphis and his former high school coach, Penny Hardaway, over Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Kansas and Florida State.
Wiseman announced his decision Tuesday on ESPN.
The 7-foot center is the No. 1 recruit in the nation for the 2019 class according to a composite ranking of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports . Wiseman made his announcement after to all five of his final options.
Wiseman averaged 17 points and nine rebounds last season helping East High and Hardaway win Tennessee’s Class AAA championship. Hardaway was hired by Memphis to take over at his alma mater soon after that title game, and the former NBA star also coached Wiseman on the AAU level with Team Penny.
Wiseman’s decision pushed Memphis up to eighth with three commitments for 2019, a spot behind Kentucky.
Wildcats coach John Calipari says, “We don’t get every kid. We get the ones that we’re supposed to get, and it just kind of plays out that way, it always has.”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former Kansas City-area teacher and swim coach has pleaded guilty to secretly filming a sexual encounter with a minor in 2013.
The Kansas City Star reports that 54-year-old James Russell Green of Blue Springs, Missouri, entered the plea Tuesday in federal court, but still faces several sex crime charges in state court.
Green taught and coached swimming in the North Kansas City School District and at Blue Springs South High School in Missouri. He coached at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood, Kansas.
He pleaded guilty to the production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Seven other federal charges will be dropped as part of a plea agreement. No sentencing date was set.
Authorities say the crimes spanned a 20-year period. Police investigations revealed at least seven victims.
Logan resident Mary F. Becker passed away Nov. 19, 2018, at her home in rural Logan at the age of 79. She was born March 14, 1939, in Logan, the daughter of Christy & Inez (Paramore) Lynch.
Survivors include her husband Robert of the home; her son Gary of Logan; 2 daughters, Laquita Becker of Hays & Rebecca Torres of Minneapolis, KS; 7 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. John’s Catholic Church in Logan with Father George Chalbhagam officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.
A Rosary service will be held Thursday, Nov. 22, at 8:00 p.m. in the Logan Funeral Home, Logan.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 9:00 Wed. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services or the Logan Manor.
Sean P. McCreary, 59, died Sunday, November 18, 2018 at his home in Lakin. He was born June 2, 1959 in Oak Harbor, Washington, the son of William & Maryann (Halliwell) McCreary.
Sean grew up in Lynnwood, Washington, where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1977. He then served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1987 where he served as a Navy Corpsman. After the service he lived in Everett, Washington.
On August 24, 1991, he married Suzanne Thomas in Edmonds, Washington. They moved to Brewster, Kansas, in 2002 and Sean has lived in Lakin since 2008. Sean worked as a Radiologic Technologist. He enjoyed science fiction, spending time with his family, and was an avid Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners fan.
Survivors include a daughter Erin McCreary of Garden City; a brother Rory McCreary of Lynnwood, Washington; and a sister Sheri Buelow of Edmonds, Washington. Sean is preceded in death by his parents; a son William McCreary; and a brother Jerry McCreary.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Lakin Assembly of God with Pastor Rafael Franco officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. There will be no calling hours.
TOPEKA — Gov. Jeff Colyer and First Lady Ruth Colyer received the Cedar Crest Christmas tree Tuesday morning at the Governor’s mansion. It arrived via horse-drawn carriage, which carried the eight-foot Austrian pine tree to the Governor’s residence along with a fresh Christmas wreath provided by Chris Seets of Chris’ Tree Lodge. Willy and Mary Goevert of 4C Tree Farm donated the Christmas tree this year, which was presented to the Governor and the First Lady by Celia Goering, president of the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association.
“We are grateful to the Goeverts and the Seets for their generous donations to Cedar Crest,” said First Lady Colyer. “The delivery of the Cedar Crest Christmas tree and wreath is a wonderful tradition, and we look forward to bringing these beautiful decorations in to our home for all to enjoy during this holiday season.”
Following the delivery, Cecil and Robert Carter, suppliers of the horse and carriage, loaded their wagon with trees for Trees for Troops, which provides Christmas trees for those living on military installations. This year, KCTGA is aiming to donate 100 trees, all from Kansas tree growers.
From Cedar Crest, the Governor and the First Lady will travel to Perry High School, where the National Christmas tree and the Kansas Capitol tree will be presented at noon. The National Christmas tree will continue on to Washington D.C., and the Capitol tree will be set up in the Governor’s ceremonial office inside the Statehouse.
“What a unique privilege for us to have the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree make a stop in Kansas,” said Governor Colyer. “A special thank you to the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association for providing the trees, to Dave Bruton and the Kansas Forest Service for organizing these events, and to Chris Page for decorating Cedar Crest. We appreciate their hard work and the beauty of this holiday we can share with others as a result.”
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