By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

What began as the dream of a unique visionary and philanthropist is now celebrating its 20th year.

Rolling Hills Zoo officials announced Thursday morning the zoo will have a year-long celebration in 2019 for its 20th anniversary.

More than 250 people were at the zoo on opening day (Oct. 27, 1999) to see the late Charlie Walker’s dream come to life. Today, more than 87,000 people visit RHZ annually. More than 68 percent of those people come from outside Saline County.

And while RHZ has changed over the past 20 years, Walker’s standard for excellence remains a guiding force in all that is done at RHZ, according to Robert Jenkins, RHZ executive director. That standard, Jenkins said, is “if you can’t do it right, don’t do it.”

Jenkins attributed RHZ becoming a top regional tourist attraction to Walker and his vision for building an outstanding facility, the quality of the staff, and the quality of the animals.

RHZ employees 40 full-time employees and 41 seasonal employees. It has five interns and 168 community volunteers. RHZ generates annually nearly $128,000 in payroll taxes and more than $70,000 in sales taxes. Additionally, RHZ spends more than $4 million each year on goods and services, with a majority of those expenditures recirculating in the local economy. In fact, since its beginning, RHZ has contributed to the economy more than $20 million in capital costs and more than $73 million in operating costs, a majority of which was spent locally.

The 20th celebration will include a special exhibit in the Earl Bane Gallery that will visually take visitors back to the creation of the zoo, Jenkins said. The exhibit will include interactive displays, a build-a-zoo Lego construction site for children, and a memory wall on which visitors can share their memories of RHZ, Jenkins said. The exhibit is scheduled to open in April.

A “Remember When” documentary, featuring the stories of those involved with the zoo throughout the years is scheduled to be out this spring and will be shared a variety of ways, according to Linda Henderson, RHZ director of development and marketing.

Additionally, RHZ will have monthly specials including the following.

• January — 20-percent-off admission on Sundays
• February — Take gently used towels and blankets to the zoo by February 10 and receive 20 percent off your Wild at Heart order.
• March — 20 cent fountain drinks at the Overlook Restaurant during Sprint Break: GO WILD! March 9-17.
• April — Receive 20 percent off all items from the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop on April 27, the opening day of the 20th-anniversary exhibit in the Earl Bane Gallery.
• May — 20-percent-off admission on Memorial Day (May 27).
• June — $2 foot-long hot dogs at the Overlook Restaurant on Father’s Day (June 16).
• July — 20 percent off Dippin’ Dots at the Overlook Restaurant on Sundays in July.
• August — Back to School Blast 20th Anniversary Celebration — half-price admission for everyone.
• September — 20 percent off adult admission with a paid child’s admission on Grandparents Day (September 8)
• October — 20th-anniversary celebration party on October 26.
• November — 20 cent hot chocolate at the Overlook Restaurant on Saturdays in November
• December — 20 percent off at the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop for sales more than $50 on Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas.

For more information about RHZ events, go to rollinghillszoo.org.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The operators of a Kansas water park where a 10-year-old boy was decapitated aren’t saying whether the attraction will open for the upcoming season.

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said Friday in an email that the Texas-based company doesn’t have an announcement “at this time” about the park where Caleb Schwab died in 2016 on a 17 story-slide that was billed as the world’s largest.

Work began last year to dismantle the slide — called Verruckt. And prosecutors have charged several people, alleging that shoddy planning and maintenance led to Caleb’s death.

Season passes for 2019 for the Kansas City, Kansas, park aren’t available on Schlitterbahn’s website. But they are available at the company’s four Texas locations, which open for spring break. Prosapio says those locations are a “focus.”

RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man accused of murder in a fatal 2017 hit-and-run accident entered pleas in the case Thursday.

The state amended count one in the case from first-degree murder to second-degree murder and 19-year-old Taylor Lukone entered a no contest pleas to that charge and two others, including failing to stop at an accident and interference with law enforcement.

Just after 1 a.m. September 21, 2017, police were called to the report of a bicyclist later identified as 51-year-old Jose Lopez, who had been struck by a vehicle in the 1200 Block of East 4th Street in Hutchinson. The vehicle fled the scene.

Parts of the suspect’s car were left at the scene of the collision, according to police.

Lukone was driving to get cigarettes and spotted Lopez riding his bicycle. He reportedly got angry over the way Lopez had supposedly treated his mother and others. Lukone intentionally struck Lopez and drove away.

Police found the car in front of a residence in the 800 block of East 6th Street in Hutchinson.  Lukone initially claimed his car had been stolen, but later changed his story and admitted he left it there.

Sentencing in the case is set for Feb. 15.

The first count alone has a sentencing range between nine and 41 years in prison.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A friendly worker at a Hutchinson McDonald’s is riding high after one of her regular customers surprised her with a major gift. Watch the surprise here.

Wichita businessman Chris Ellis says he always looked forward to being waited on by Vicki Anderson when he visited the restaurant.

On Monday, Anderson asked Ellis if he knew anyone who was selling a car. Her 1994 vehicle needed repairs that would cost more than the car was worth.

Ellis’ son was trying to sell his 2009 Pontiac. So Ellis bought it and drove it to Hutchinson Wednesday.

Anderson says she had no idea why Ellis and his son asked her to come out to the parking lot.

There, they presented a shocked and tearful Anderson with the Pontiac.

SEATTLE (AP) — A former goalkeeper for the University of Kansas soccer team has been charged with molesting a student while coaching and working as a teacher’s aide at a Seattle high school.

Court records show that 35-year-old Meghan Miller was charged last month with third-degree child molestation and two counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. She was placed on administrative leave from Ballard High School before her arrest.

Court records say Miller met the student in 2014 when the girl was 14 and going through a difficult period. Authorities say the relationship turned sexual when the girl turned 15. The records say they had sexual encounters in the school locker room and Miller’s office.

Miller graduated in 2004 from the University of Kansas, where she held several school records.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas inmate who escaped from the Lansing Correctional Facility on Monday has been captured in Missouri, according to Lansing Police.

Cal Henry Green III was captured without incident Thursday in Independence, Missouri.

Green was believe to have stolen a camo-painted state vehicle to make his escape. Authorities found the vehicle late Monday.

Authorities have not released details on Green’s capture.

He was in the Lansing Correctional Facility after convictions for aggravated battery, burglary and has convictions that include forgery, theft and attempt to flee or elude law enforcement.

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LEAVENWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue their search for an inmate who escaped from the Lansing Correctional Facility on Monday. Late Monday, police did locate the camo-painted state vehicle he drove away in. It was abandoned near 92nd Street and Parallel Parkway, according to police in Kansas City.

Inmate Cal Henry Green, 36, was in the Lansing Correctional Facility after convictions for aggravated battery, burglary and has convictions that include forgery, theft and attempt to flee or elude law enforcement.

Green is described as 5-foot-4 and weights approximately 196 pounds.

If anyone has seen or has information about Greed are encouraged to call 9-1-1.

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LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an escape from a Kansas prison.

Inmate Cal Henry Green, 36, is believe to have stolen a camo-painted state vehicle, according to a social media post from Lansing police.

Green was in the Lansing Correctional Facility after convictions for aggravated battery, burglary and has convictions that include forgery, theft and attempt to flee or elude law enforcement.

Green is described as 5-foot-4 and weights approximately 196 pounds.

If anyone has seen or has information about Greed are encouraged to call 9-1-1.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas mayor who was recently elected after serving three years in prison has spent his first day in office helping qualified ex-offenders get their criminal records expunged.

Jermaine Wilson presided over his first Leavenworth City Commission meeting as the new mayor on Tuesday evening. Wilson stepped into the mayor’s seat roughly 12 years after starting his prison sentence for drug charges, serving as a symbol of redemption for the city.

Wilson worked with Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson on Wednesday to launch a program assisting those who qualify under Kansas law to be considered for having their criminal records erased. Thompson is planning a 60-day event to offer rebounding ex-offenders help from the prosecutor’s office.

Wilson had his record expunged in 2015.

DETROIT (AP) — Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 1.6 million vehicles worldwide to replace Takata front passenger air bag inflators that can be dangerous.

Takata inflators can explode with too much force, hurling shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 23 people have died from the problem worldwide.

The recall covers the 2010 Ram 3500 pickup and 4500/5500 Chassis Cab trucks, the 2010 and 2011 Dodge Dakota pickup, the 2010 through 2014 Dodge Challenger muscle car, the 2011 through 2015 Dodge Charger sedan, the 2010 through 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan and the 2010 through 2016 Jeep Wrangler SUV.

It’s part of the largest series of automotive recalls in U.S. history. About 10 million inflators are being recalled this year. Already Ford, Honda and Toyota have issued recalls in the latest round.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that critically injured one person.

Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, police came to the Sedgwick County Department of Corrections, 905 North Main in Wichita to arrest a suspect wanted on a felony warrant for aggravated assault, according to Deputy Police Chief Troy Livingston.

Officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Service approached the suspect, who was in a vehicle. Officers knew he would be carrying a weapon, according to Livingston.

As police issued commands, the suspect put the vehicle into reverse and collided with a U.S. Marshals’ Dodge Durango.

The suspect’s vehicle then traveled forward, hit a sign and put the officer in a bad position. Livingston didn’t know if the officer was actually hit by the car, pinned or about to be pinned by the vehicle.

The officer fired shots. The 29-year-old suspect was hit multiple times, according to Livingston.

After hitting the sign, the suspect’s vehicle hit a pillar in front of a business, collided with steps and traveled across the street where it embedded into a wall.

The 29-year-old suspect was in serious condition at a local hospital. The officer, a 13-year veteran of the police force, also received injury, according to Livingston, and was being treated.

Police were also questioning a second person reported in the vehicle with suspect.

Police have not released the suspect’s name or the identity of the injured officer.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters will return to Salina and this time they will have a hometown hero on the team – Hannah “Mighty” Mortimer.

As the 17th female player in the team’s 92-year history, Mortimer has wowed fans near & far with her ball-handling skills, energetic playing style and hustle. She will be welcomed back to Salina as a full-fledged member of the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters on February 4 at 7 p.m. at Tony’s Pizza Events Center.

Mortimer graduated from Southeast of Saline High School. She attended Brown Mackie Junior College in Salina, where as a college freshman and sophomore, she was named All-Region XI and led the region in scoring, three-point, and free throw percentage. Following her stint at Brown Mackie, Mortimer walked-on at Wichita State University where her hard work ethic and savviness with the ball earned her a scholarship to play with the Shockers. Mortimer graduated with honors and earned a degree in Psychology at WSU.

After graduating from WSU, Mortimer gained Internet notoriety by sharing videos of her basketball dribbling & spinning abilities. These videos were shared by regional and national news outlets. See her videos here.

Mortimer was also the subject of a short student-produced documentary in 2016 called “The imPOSSIBLE Shot,” which can be seen here:

Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters game start at $24 and are available at tonyspizzaeventscenter.com, the Tony’s Pizza Events Center box office or by phone at 888-826-SHOW (7469). Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounts, call 785-833-5174 for details.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating Kansas felon for a home burglary.

Just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday, a woman arrived at her in the 700 Block of Meadowbrook in Salina and noticed clothing under the walk-in door of the garage, according to police Captain Paul Forrester.

When she opened the door she found 36-year-old Cole Zobel III, nude from the waist down. He was also holding a backpack and wearing the homeowner’s Pittsburgh Steelers cap.

Curtis called police and they took Zobel into custody on requested burglary and theft charges, according to Forrester.

Zobel has previous convictions for criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have found a missing 70-year-old man dead with his dog at his side after his pickup truck became stuck in the mud in rural Kansas.

Dannie Smith, of Topeka, hadn’t been seen for five days when his body was found Wednesday afternoon on a low-maintenance road in Jackson County, near the Shawnee County line.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says Smith was known to drive to the reservation in Jackson County to purchase cigarettes. Morse said Smith was reported missing Sunday because he hadn’t been seen since Friday. An autopsy is planned.

His chocolate Labrador retriever, named Bear, was determined to be in good health.