The Hays Police Department is seeking information on a theft at Walmart in the early morning hours of Monday.

According to HPD Investigator Joshua Burkholder, a lone suspect, wearing gloves and a ski mask, entered the store at approximately 2:20 a.m. Monday and attempted to enter the cash office at the department store. The door was locked, and the suspect was unable to make entry.

The suspect then continued through the store and took a large amount of cash from a cash register before leaving the store and fleeing in a light-colored van or SUV (pictured above from security video footage). No one was confronted by the suspect during the incident, Burkholder said.

The HPD is seeking the public’s help to identify the subject. Anyone with information on the suspect should call (785) 625-1011.

THOMAS COUNTY- Law enforcement and fire officials are investigating the cause of a charter bus fire just before 9a.m. on Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the charter bus was traveling on Interstate 70 just east of Brewster.

The 60 occupants from Purdue University on ski trip are safe.

A bus from Brewster transported them to the Brewster high school. There were 4 buses in the group.

Check Hays Post for additional details as they become available.

James Bell
Hays Post

A bond hearing has been scheduled at 4 p.m. Monday for Fernando Insaurralde Cantero, 20, Paraguay following a preliminary hearing in which Cantero pled not guilty to suspicion of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary, earlier this month.

The charges stem from a incident that occurred on the Fort Hays State University campus on Sept. 20.

In the preliminary hearing the alleged victim accused Cantero of forcing sexual intercourse to occur while she was unconscious in her dorm room.

“I didn’t know him,” she said during the preliminary hearing. “I was not coherent at all.”

Another person with Cantero also testified at the preliminary hearing that the victim appeared “passed out” and was laying on her bed fully clothed when Cantero entered the room, before he left the area.

Cantero said the activity was consensual.

He has been detained at the Ellis County Jail since being arrested on Sept. 30.

 

By James Bell
Hays Post

Two suspects that allegedly robbed Casey’s convenience store in Ellis, followed by a manhunt in Hays, made their first appearance in court this morning.

A bond was set for $100,000 for each on probable cause of aggravated robbery and felony possession of stolen property.

Both Shannon Geoffrey Smith, 26, Wilmer, Alabama and Jessie Dewayne Holland, 29, Saraland, Alabama, had outstanding warrants in Alabama and were told even if they made the local bond, they would be held on the Alabama warrants.

Smith’s warrant in Alabama is from the Mobile Sheriff’s Department on a Sept. 2015 robbery and Holland is wanted on various probation violations, also from the Mobile Sheriff’s Department according to Tom Dress, Ellis County Attorney.

Drees has been given until Jan. 8 to file formal charges.

He also asks residents to remember all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The events that led to the arrests began at Casey’s, 213 Washington St., Ellis, shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday, when the pair allegedly robbed the location armed with a shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle.

They fled the scene in a vehicle stolen from Englewood, Colorado, making their way into Hays.

They fled from Hays Police Department officers after being spotted on U.S Highway 183 Alternate, but crashed the vehicle trying to enter onto I-70. The suspects then fled on foot.

A subsequent search was conducted by Hays, Ellis, Victoria Police Departments, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Russell and Ellis County Sheriff’s and the Fort Hays Police Department with the assistance of a KHP ariel unit.

Smith was found around 8:30 p.m. in a drainage ditch along I-70 and Holland was found later, just after 11 p.m. hiding in a Kansas Department of Transportation vehicle near the scene.

 

Raw Video Courtesy Jessica Moore

 

ELLIS COUNTY– Law enforcement authorities in Ellis County arrested two suspects late Tuesday after an armed robbery at the Casey’s General Store, located near Interstate 70, in Ellis, according to a media release.

Witnesses provided law enforcement a description of the vehicle and police spotted the car near the U.S. 183 bypass west of Hays.

A chase started, and the suspect’s hit vehicle hit a guardrail.

Both men left the vehicle and fled on foot.

Thirty officers, four dogs and the Kansas Highway Patrol plane responded to search for the suspects.

Shannon Smith was found around 8:30 p.m. in a drainage ditch along I-70.

He is wanted on a warrant in Alabama.

Just after 11 p.m., the second suspect, Jessie Holland was located hiding in a KDOT vehicle near the scene.

They are being held on a $100,000 bond.

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ELLIS COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Ellis County arrested two suspects allegedly involved in an armed robbery at the Casey’s General Store in Ellis on Tuesday, according to police.

The robbery led to a chase. The suspects crashed their vehicle just off I-70 exit 157 near Hays and ran from the vehicle.

After a 3-hour search including officers from the Kansas Highway Patrol the suspects were arrested.

Additional details are expected to be released sometime Wednesday.

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By James Bell
Hays Post

Since at least 8 p.m. traffic has been stopped on the US 183 Hwy. Bypass from 27th St. North and the surrounding area as a search for a subject or subjects is underway as law enforcement is combing the area.

The circumstances leading to the search are unknown at this time, however, eyewitness reports indicate a green four door Honda civic was crashed in the area. The vehicle had struck a guardrail off the interstate near the US Hwy. 183 bypass.

Hays Police, Kansas Highway Patrol, Ellis County Sheriff’s and Fort Hays Police are on the scene, with the assistance of a KHP plane searching the area.

Scanner traffic indicates a weapon has been found in the area.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the search is related to an armed robbery that occurred in Ellis earlier this evening.

At 10:05 p.m. scanner traffic indicated one suspect had been apprehended and another was still being sought. Around the same time reports of a rifle and a shotgun from the crashed vehicle had been recovered.

At 11:13 p.m. officers were indicated over the scanner than the second suspect was in custody.

Hays Post will update the story as information becomes available.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the thefts of multiple motorized dirt bikes and ATV’s from rural storage locations around Hays.

The thefts were reported by various people within a 90 day period, from locations owned or rented by the victims, all within a ten mile area of Hays.

“The perpetrator has used force to gain entry into storage building and had a manner to transport or haul the motor bikes,” according to a release from the Sheriff’s office. “The stolen bikes are of a variety of makes, models and colors and are for off road riding.”

Anyone with information about the thefts or the location of the stolen vehicles is asked to contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Detective Division at 625-1040.

PRATT – We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat less, quit smoking or exercise more, and most of us find them hard to keep. However, what if there was a New Year’s resolution that was not only easy to keep but was enjoyable and fun, as well? Impossible, you say? Not if you resolve to participate in a First Day Hike at a Kansas state park.

While the trails at Kansas state parks are open every day, many parks will host special events on Jan. 1, 2016 to promote the First Day Hike program. It’s a great way to spend quality time outdoors with family, exercise and burn off some holiday calories and enjoy an uncrowded state park experience. First Day Hike events will be conducted at the following locations on New Year’s Day, 2016. All hikers should wear warm clothing and good trail footwear and bring water, a camera and binoculars. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. Don’t forget your favorite animal identification guides.

Clinton State Park

North Shores Trail. Meet at the Clinton State Park office at 1 p.m. The trail is moderate in difficulty and 2 miles long. Hikers must be at least five years old. For more information or cancellation notice, see Clinton State Park’s Facebook page or call the park office at (785) 842-8562.

Crawford State Park

This event will feature the Civilian Conservation Corps, Spiderleg Bridge, and Deer Run trails and include a 5K run. Pre-registration is required by calling Crawford State Park Office, 620-362-3671, before January 1. Hikers and runners will meet at the Beach Shelter at 11 a.m. Trails are moderate in difficulty and 2 miles long. For more information call the park office.

Cross Timbers State Park

Hikers should meet at the Turtle Run Trailhead at 2 p.m. Trail is rated easy and is 0.5 miles in length. Hot chocolate will be provided. Hikers may see winter waterfowl, eagles, and other Kansas wildlife on the tallgrass prairie.  Check Cross Timbers State Park Facebook or call the park office, 620-637-2213, for more information or notice of cancellation.

El Dorado State Park

Walnut Ridge Trail – A Doggone Ruff Hike. Meet at the Walnut River Cabins at 4 p.m. Check the El Dorado State Park Facebook page or call the park office, 316-321-7180, for more information or cancellation notice.

Elk City State Park

South Squaw Trail – 5K Fun Run/ Walk (3.1 miles). Meet at the Day-use Beach Area at 1 p.m. Snacks, water and hot chocolate will be provided. Check the Elk City State Park Facebook page or phone the park 0ffice, 620-331-6295, for more information or cancellation notice.

Fall River State Park

Meet at the Casner Creek Trailhead at 1 p.m. Hot Chocolate will be provided. Check the Fall River State Park Facebook page or call the park office, 620-637-2213, for more information or cancellation notice.

Green Property – Pratt

Green Recreation Trail. Meet at the barn/shop at 10 a.m. Bring your own water and snacks.. Hot cider and hot chocolate will be provided after the hike. Call the KDWPT Operations Office, (620) 672-5911, for more information or cancellation notice.

Hillsdale State Park

Hidden Springs Nature Trail. Meet at the Hillsdale State Park office at 10 a.m. Contact the park office, 913-783-4507, for more information or cancellation notice.

Kanopolis State Park

Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail, 2 miles long. Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. Snacks, water and hot chocolate will be provided at the park office before and after the hike. Contact park office, 785-546-2565, for more information or cancellation notice.

Perry State Park

Mad Mile and Daisy Point trails. Meet at Perry State Park Biking/Hiking Trails on Kimberly Drive off West Lake Road at 10 a.m. Bring your own water and snacks. This is a mountain bike multi-use trail so the trail is dirt with tree roots and rocks on it. There are ravines. The entire trail is not wheelchair accessible. Call the park office, (785) 246-3449, for more information and cancellation notice.

Pomona State Park

White Feather Campground. Meet at the Pomona State Park office at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be provided after the hike. Visit the Pomona State Park Facebook page or call the park office, (785) 828-4933 for more information or cancellation notice.

Tuttle Creek State Park

Western Heritage Trail. Meet at the Tuttle Creek State Park office at 10 a.m. Snacks, water, hot chocolate and t-shirts will be provided. Visit the Tuttle Creek State Park Facebook page or call the park office, (785) 539-7941 for more information or cancellation notice.

Information on all First Day Hikes can be viewed at https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

The winter storm across the midwest was at one point expected to drop 15 inches of snow on Hays through Monday, now the total forecasted is less than six inches.

Meteorologists have struggled with the forecasting this particular storm as it has moved from the West. The current forecast shows a 30 percent chance of snow beginning after 7 p.m. Sunday, with a 40 percent chance through Monday.

Below is the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

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Christmas Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a southeast wind 18 to 21 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southeast wind 11 to 16 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 3. Windy, with a north wind 20 to 25 mph.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. Blustery, with a north northeast wind 20 to 23 mph.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Blustery.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Blustery.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of snow before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 32.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 35.

Although the forecast totals are being lowered the National Weather Service is continuing to warn Ellis County residents a significant amount of snow is still possible through Sunday and Monday.

As the storm continues to move into the area forecasting has been difficult due to quickly changing conditions.

The latest notice from the NWS follows:

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A VERY HIGH IMPACT WINTER STORM...COMPLETE WITH BLIZZARD
CONDITIONS...WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE TEXAS PANHANDLE SATURDAY
EVENING. THE LATEST FORECAST TRACK WOULD KEEP A BULK OF THE SEVERE
WINTER WEATHER JUST SOUTH OF THE SOUTHWEST KANSAS REGION...AT LEAST
INITIALLY. HOWEVER AS THE STORM CONTINUES TO DEEPEN AND PUSH
NORTHEAST ON SUNDAY...MODERATE TO OCCASIONALLY HEAVY SNOW WILL
START TO MOVE INTO FAR SOUTHERN KANSAS. AS IT DOES SO...NORTH WINDS
OF 25 TO 35 MPH WILL CREATE RAPIDLY DETERIORATING CONDITIONS.
VISIBILITY WILL LIKELY DROP OFF TO DANGEROUSLY LOW LEVELS IN WHITEOUT
OR NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

THERE IS STILL THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW
ON FREQUENT 50 MPH WIND GUSTS SUNDAY INTO MONDAY CREATING BLIZZARD
CONDITIONS. IT IS UNCLEAR EXACTLY HOW FAR REACHING BLIZZARD OR
NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WILL EXTEND INTO SOUTHWEST KANSAS. AS IT
STANDS NOW...THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE STORM WILL LIKELY RESIDE
ACROSS SOUTHWEST KANSAS. SOME AREAS COULD PROBABLY SEE LITTLE OR
NO SNOW AT ALL. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN LITTLE OR NO SNOW AT
ALL...AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BLIZZARD CONDITIONS MAY BE AS LITTLE
AS 50 TO 70 MILES. THIS IS WHY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP
UPDATED ON OUR LATEST THINKING REGARDING THE TRACK AND STRENGTH OF
THIS STORM. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUBLISH UPDATES VIA OFFICIAL
WEATHER SERVICES MESSAGES LIKE THIS ONE...AS WELL AS ON SOCIAL
MEDIA VIA FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.