We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Gorham trio sweeps KDOT poster contest

Front (left to right): Conner Miller, Matthias Miller and Janessa Miller. Back: Trooper Tod Hileman

Siblings Matthias, Janessa and Conner Miller of Gorham have each been named northwest Kansas regional winners in the 2018 Put the Brakes on Fatalities poster contest.

Matthias received top honors in the 5-7 age division, and Janessa and Conner were selected as the winners of the 8-10 age division and 11-13 age division, respectively. Each received a bicycle and helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

A total of 836 kids across Kansas ages 5 to 13 took the time to think about safety and participated in the contest. Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities and is recognized annually on Oct. 10.

For more information, visit www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.

Luella Effie Purinton Kephart

Luella Effie Purinton Kephart was born Dec 15, 1919 at Collyer Kansas to Ray and Leona Ward Purinton. She died at home October 23, 2018 in Buffalo, MO.

She was married to Hollie Lee Kephart October 23, 1938. To this union three children were born. Robert Lee Kephart, Ruby Carol Wallace and Cleo Mae Schneider.

Luella was a homemaker and nurse. She enjoyed making quilts on which she won several ribbons. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Buffalo, MO. She was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and also a member of the D.A.R. She was an active member of several quilt groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Leona Purinton; her husband, Hollie; a daughter, Cleo Mae; a son-in-law, George Wallace; a sister, Ruby and husband Elmer Cue; and a brother, Leonard and wife Irene Purinton.

She is survived by her son, Robert; daughter, Carol Wallace; granddaughter, Kim Routt and husband Melvin; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Routt and wife Miranda, BJ Routt and wife Sharon; one great-great granddaughter, Bristol Routt; one sister, Hazel Mae and husband Sam Rocco. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside services and burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at Union Cemetery (a.k.a. Collyer Cemetery), Collyer, KS.  Service will be officiated by Pastor Bob Clemence with honors by Eastern Star.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Donations to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

There will be no visitation.

HPD Activity Log Oct. 24 & 25

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 18 traffic stops Wed., Oct. 24, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1400 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:21 AM
MV Accident /DUI–500 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:50 AM
Driving Under the Influence–13th and Vine, Hays; 2:09 AM; 2:10 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 2:36 AM
Harassment (All Other)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:26 AM
Burglary/business–2400 block Main St, Hays; 10/21 12 AM; 11:59 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:59 AM
Animal Call–400 block E 17th St, Hays; 10:58 AM
Juvenile Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:08 AM
Drug Offenses–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 11:32 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:55 PM
MV Accident-Personal Injury–1100 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:21 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:17 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6/21 8 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:41 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 10:47 PM
Burglary/residence–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 10/25 11:18 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 11 traffic stops Thu., Oct. 25, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Activity–200 block E 15th St, Hays; 12:07 AM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 3:01 AM
Animal At Large–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 5:46 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–600 block Elm St, Hays; 8:25 AM
Wildlife Incident–1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 10 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–500 block W 31st St, Hays; 12:39 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–Hays; 12:38 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:08 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1900 block E 22nd St, Hays; 6:46 PM
Animal Bite Investigation–1100 block E 43rd St, Hays; 6:48 PM
Animal Call–2000 block 40 Hwy, Ellis County; 7:16 PM
Juvenile Complaint–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:54 PM
Aggravated Battery–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:45 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:16 PM

LETTER: Former lieutenant governors support Phelps

In 2016, the voters of the 111th District elected Eber Phelps to return to the Kansas Legislature as their representative. The election of Eber was tremendously important for this district’s residents and all Kansans.

In the 2017 legislative session, Eber led other Democrats and moderate, responsible Republicans in the successful fight to end Sam Brownback’s failed tax experiment. This bipartisan action by the Legislature began to restore the state’s ability to meet its financial obligations including adequately funding education and investing in highways.

Informed legislators, like Eber, who put the people of Kansas first and reject extreme political ideology remain critically important to the state. He will again fight to fully fund education and focus on making health care available and affordable. By returning Eber to the Kansas House of Representatives, residents of the 111th District and all Kansans will benefit from good policy not bad politics.

We fully support the re-election of Eber Phelps this year just as we supported his election in 2016. He will continue to serve with wisdom and honor.

Gary Sherrer, former Republican Lieutenant Governor
John Moore, former Democratic Lieutenant Governor

Editor’s Note: The deadline for submission of letters related to the November general election will be Nov. 1.

Irwin returns to Kansas for Friday concert

ABILENE — Singer/songwriter Courtney Sue Irwin is coming back to Kansas from Tennessee for a one-night performance Friday.

Irwin, who has roots in the Hays and Salina areas, is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Friday at the Great Plains Theatre, 401 Cottage Ave. in Abilene. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the GPT box office, which is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Irwin’s original music reflects influences from Jewel, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood. Her country style is full of energy and down-home goodness.

Sandoval joins Ness County Sheriff’s Office as deputy

Jose Sandoval Jr.

NESS CITY — Jose Sandoval Jr. has been named a deputy sheriff at the Ness County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s department, Sandoval graduated in 2013 from Liberal High School and also completed AIT/basic training in 2013. Sandoval is currently enlisted with the National Guard and has been for nearly six years. His duties involve transporting vehicles in convoys and providing security for those convoys.

Sandoval, a Ness City resident, will attend the KLETC Academy in 2019.

The announcement was made by Undersheriff William Sutton, who is serving as acting head of the department. Sheriff Bryan Whipple recently pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge and agreed to resign.

An appointment to fill Whipple’s vacancy is expected within the next 20 days. Whipple’s term ends in 2020.

Man charged with attempted murder for shooting woman in Great Bend

GREAT BEND — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a shooting and have filed second-degree attempted murder charges against 36-year-old Troy Thomas Tutak, according to Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor.

Tutak -photo Barton County

Just before 5 a.m. Oct. 20, officers from the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 5900 block of Hemlock Drive in reference to a shooting, according to a media release.

Upon officers arrival, they located a 33-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. Officers also found Tutak at the scene.

After questioning about the incident, Police arrested Tutak and he was transported to the Barton County jail. The victim was transported to the hospital in Great Bend and she was later flown to a Wichita hospital with critical injuries.

Tutak was arrested and is being held on a $100,000 Bond, according to Mellor. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8.

FBI: Reward offered for information on Kansas bank robbery

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas bank robbery and are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Click to Expand
Surveillance images from the Sept. 29 robbery in Topeka

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the reward Thursday in connection with the September 29, robbery of the Kaw Valley Bank at SW 29th Street and Urish Road in Topeka.

The suspect entered the bank with his face covered with a nylon draw string style bag over his head, indicated he had a weapon, demanded cash and left with an undisclosed amount of money in black 2012-2016 Chevrolet Malibu that had been parked in the adjacent Dillons parking lot.

The suspect did not display a weapon and there were no injuries.

The suspect is described as a black man, 6-foot-1 – 6-foot-4 and weighing 300 lbs. He was wearing a light blue zip-up jacket, dark colored pants, and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the FBI Topeka office at 785-231-1700 or the Kansas City office at 816-512-8200. Tips can also be sent the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office at 785-251-2200 or Crimestoppers at 785-234-0007.

Sunny, mild Friday

Today Sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 7 to 17 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 42. West wind 6 to 8 mph.

SaturdaySunny, with a high near 73. West northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 46. South southwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north after midnight.

SundaySunny, with a high near 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday NightClear, with a low around 42.

MondaySunny, with a high near 67.

Kan. man charged with attempted murder, tampering with evidence

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a shooting in rural Barton County.

On Thursday, 26-year-old Kenneth Birt Jr. was charged with one count of second degree attempted-murder, interference with law enforcement and tampering with evidence, according to Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor.

Birt -photo Barton County

Just after 10 p.m. Oct. 19, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 451 Northwest 40 Avenue in Barton County to a reported shooting, according to sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Upon arrival, deputies identified Dustin Turner who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the left leg. EMS transported Turner to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries.

After interviewing several individuals, deputies identified a suspect as 26-year-old Kenneth Birt Jr. and found him in the 1000 block of Jackson Street in Great Bend, according to Bellendir. He was booked on charges of attempted murder and is now being held on a $100,000 Bond, according to Mellor. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File