OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The University of Nebraska's medical school is seeking 25 people for a study of a medication derived from marijuana.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha says the study will investigate the use of Cannabidiol in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who also will take anti-epileptic drugs.
Cannabidiol is extracted from the marijuana plant - Cannabis sativa - and is distinct from the component that makes people high. The study medication is called Epidiolex. It's described as a plant-based pharmaceutical formulation of pure cannabidiol and contains only trace amounts of the psychoactive component.
The study is authorized under a legislative bill approved in 2015.
(KAIR)--A Horton man goes to jail following what Brown County Sheriff John Merchant describes as an unusual incident.
He says the arrest of 19-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie followed the report of a “rolling domestic” around 11:15 Thursday morning.
“What that is a domestic inside a moving motor vehicle,” Merchant said.
The report, from what Merchant calls an alert member of the public, led to an investigation, and to the arrest of Pahmahmie, on charges of domestic battery, criminal restraint and driving without a valid driver's license.
“There were some people fighting inside of a vehicle,” Merchant said. “They reported a gold-color Jeep-type vehicle in the vicinity of 170th and Kestrel Roads. Officers reported to that location and a short time later in the vicinity of 170th and Hazelnut, located the vehicle.”
Merchant says the female victim did suffer minor injuries during the incident.
The 10th Annual All-American Fish Fry Blood Drive is Friday, July 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The drive will be held at Woodlands Christian Church at 1400 East Hartford Avenue.
The event is hosted by Mark Sanders, who will be cooking the catfish and making the potato salad. There also will be chips, dinner rolls and drinks.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have two Bloodmobiles on hand to serve donors. Each donor receives an "Otter Give Blood" T-shirt, two tickets to the Oklahoma City or the Tulsa Zoo, and two tickets to see the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball team.
Any time on Friday, donors can log on to OBI.org, click on Donor Express, and complete the computer screening questionnaire and then print a completion sheet with a bar code on it. When you go to donate, hand that sheet to the screener and you're halfway done with the pre-donation requirements. It saves the donor time and allows OBI to process more donors faster. This works with or without an appointment.
The drive is especially important to an 18-month-old girl from Ponca City who has leukemia and is currently receiving blood products at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. All of her blood needs are being met by the Oklahoma Blood Institute with the help of many donors.
It is also possible she may need bone marrow transplants in the future. At the blood drive, there will be a bone marrow registry available for those interested in helping.
For more information, check the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/294542054220013/ or search for 10th Annual All American Fish Fry Blood Drive.
Each donor can help save up to three lives, at a time of year when blood donations are especially critical.
The annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show over Lake Ponca will begin at dusk Monday, about 9:50 p.m. This is a free fireworks display put on by the City of Ponca City. The fireworks will be choreographed to music and will be broadcast live on KLOR and KPNC.
A safety zone will be buoyed off on Lake Ponca beginning about 7 p.m. If you are on a water craft, please avoid the buoyed area until the fireworks are over and the buoys have been removed.
As part of the safety zone, Lake Ponca Park will be closed July 2, 3 and 4 to allow for the setup of the display.
Remember – private fireworks are not allowed on or around the Lake Ponca Recreation area and also are not allowed inside the city limits in Ponca City. This includes traditional fireworks like sparklers, smoke bombs, glowworms, roman candles and fountains.
Ponca City is moving forward with construction, repair and replacement of sidewalks since voters approved using the city's one-cent street sales tax for sidewalk projects, as well as street construction, in 2012.
Two projects now underway are on South Avenue between Ninth Street and 12th Street and at First Street and Central Avenue.
The South Avenue project is building new sidewalks in an area where none have existed before. Work includes curb ramps at corners.
The Central Avenue and First Street project replaces failed sidewalks and will include new curb and gutter, and curb ramps at the corner.
Ponca City has 140 miles of sidewalks, Traffic Engineering Manager Mike Lane told City Commissioners this week. In order to facilitate timely repairs on sidewalks, City Commissioners voted Monday to approve an authorization to advertise for bids to obtain unit prices for items of work performed for sidewalk maintenance from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.
This measure would allow contractors to give quantity bids for designated amounts of materials and for certain amounts of work. Work would be packaged in areas of not more than a 500-foot radius for a single project, Lane said. None of the projects would be for more than $50,000, he said, and larger projects would be sent out for bids separately.
Lane said bids would be advertised from June 30 to July 21 and accepted on July 25. Prices would be valid from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31. He said the program will be evaluated in November to see how it is working.
City Manager Craig Stephenson said Ponca City needs to deal with pedestrian traffic as well as vehicle traffic.
"Private residents have been caring more for improved walks," Stephenson said. "That helps improve the appearance of streets and yards."
Lane said the city plans to spend about $100,000 a year on the sidewalk projects.
In a related project, City Commissioners also approved a proposal presented by Assistant City Engineer Tyler Autry to advertise for bids to rebuild the Redbud Walking Trail from East Woodland Road to Hartford Avenue.
The current surface, 2 inches of asphalt, has cracks and is deteriorated in several areas. The trail will be rebuilt with 6-inch concrete, which is expected to have a 40-year life, Autry said.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
#34 SPOKE WITH AN RP FROM BARTLESVILLE, P/S, WANTING TO RPT HER FRIEND, UNK AGE FEM, AS MISSING. LIVES AT UNK ADDR IN PONCA. #34 ADV'D RPT HAS MINIMAL INFO. OFFICER WILL ATTEMPT TO MAKE CONTACT W/ FAMILY.
RP ADV'D THAT HOUSE WAS BROKEN INTO AND FRONT DOOR WAS KICKED IN. #41 & #50 RESPONDED. RP WAS NOT OWNER BUT WILL CONTACT FOR A RPT IF NEEDED, REQ XPTL.
A new government report shows Kansas growers planted this spring more of their fields into corn and soybeans, and put in fewer acres of sorghum.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service said Thursday that Kansas farmers planted 4.8 million acres in corn, an increase of 16 percent compared to a year ago. About 95 percent were biotechnology varieties.
Also up in the state are soybean acres. The agency said Kansas had 4.15 million acres seeded in soybeans, an increase of 6 percent compared to last year.
Plantings this spring of sorghum are down 7 percent to 3.15 million acres.
Sunflower plantings plummeted 35 percent, down to 55,000 acres.
Kansas farmers are now harvesting the 8.5 million acres of winter wheat seeded last fall.
(KAIR)--A search is launched for the man believed to have attacked a woman in the parking lot of a Holton convenience store.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened early Wednesday morning, between 1:00 and 1:30, at Casey's, located on the northeast corner of the intersection of K-16 and U.S. Highway 75.
It was there the female victim reports that a man approached her as she got out of her car, unsuccessfully attempting to force her back into the vehicle. The victim told authorities she struggled with the man but was able to escape from him, apparently driving from the scene.
The alleged attacker is described as white, standing about 5 foot 7 inches, with an average build. At the time of the reported assault, he was wearing dark pants and a dark hoodie.
Anyone with information about the crime should contact Holton Police at 785-364-2174 or the Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.
FAIRLAND, Okla. (AP) - An employee of Simmons Feed Mill in northeastern Oklahoma has been killed in an accident at the plant.
Simmons Prepared Foods Chief Operating Officer Gary Murphy said in a statement to reporters Wednesday that the company is devastated and working to support the employee's family. Murphy says operations at the plant are suspended while the incident is investigated.
The employee's name and details of the death were not immediately released.
The plant is part of Siloam Springs, Arkansas-based Simmons Prepared Foods, which produces pet and livestock food.
That word is released by the FBI following the arrest of the man accused of robbing a Platte County bank earlier this month.
KQ2-TV reports Jesse Bud Leaverton was apprehended early Thursday morning in southern Missouri.
The 58-year-old is blamed for the robbery of four banks, including the Platte Valley Bank, in Dearborn, Missouri, on June 20th.
The federal warrant for Leaverton's arrest was issued after he allegedly robbed a bank in Tulsa, Oklahoma just days after the Dearborn bank was targeted.
The FBI earlier reported that Leaverton, during the alleged robberies, produced a demand note and stated he had a weapon.
Following his arrest, Leaverton was transported to Oklahoma where he was booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
(KNZA)--Hiawatha residents can set off fireworks at the City Lake over the 4th of July holiday weekend.
They can be discharged Saturday and Sunday until midnight, and Monday until 10:00 that night.
The city will hold its Independence Day celebration Sunday evening near Noble Park. The Community Jazz Band will play starting at 7:00, with fireworks at dusk.
(MSC News)--As part of the trail system being created at Highland Community College’s Klinefelter Farm, two bridges were needed for access across two creeks on the property.
Through the generosity of two couples, those bridges are now a reality as the trail system is near completion.
Jere and Patty Bruning of Hiawatha donated a 64-foot long steel bridge for the trail system, which was constructed by MWI in Hiawatha.
The bridge spans Norton Creek on the west side of the Klinefelter Farm and is one of the final links to connect parts of the trail system.
On the west side of the creek is a newly completed campground for use by approved group camping. The Norton Bend Campground was an Eagle Scout Project designed by Nathan King of Troy.
Last year, a 54 foot bridge was donated to the Klinefelter Farm by Dave and Mary Neilson of Murray, Nebraska. That bridge spans Klinefelter Creek to the east of the Klinefelter Barn Conference Center.
Most recently, a 90 foot “catwalk” which came from the Robinson elevator was donated to the Klinefelter Farm by Ag Partners. The structure is currently being modified to accept wooden planks for decking and when finished will be installed over Norton Creek near 230th Road.
The Klinefelter Farm Trails cover over five miles throughout the farm and are free and open to the public during daylight hours. The trails average 10 feet wide and are turf grass surface. They are for foot traffic and bicycle use only -- no motorized vehicles are allowed.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Dallas-based energy company's decision Wednesday to terminate a merger with Tulsa-based pipeline company Williams Cos. has relieved officials in that city who worried the merger would lead to an exodus of high-paying jobs from Oklahoma.
Energy Transfer Equity announced Wednesday that it intends to terminate a merger agreement with Williams. It cited a Delaware court's ruling last week that it could back out of the deal if its attorneys couldn't deliver a required tax opinion.
Williams has appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court. It said in a statement Wednesday that it believes Energy Transfer Equity breached the merger agreement by failing to "use necessary efforts" to close the deal.
Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett calls the deal's termination "a huge win for Tulsa."
(MSC News)--Charges have been filed in connection with a single-vehicle wreck last November in Doniphan County that claimed the life of an 8-year-old Troy girl.
The Kansas Chief reports 57-year-old St. Joseph resident Dennis Meers has been charged with aggravated endangerment of a child stemming from the death of his grandaughter, Cadence Orcutt, in the November 22nd wreck on 175th Road about two miles west of Wathena.
Meers was arrested June 22nd on a Doniphan County warrant charging him with the felony offense and is being held in the Buchanan County Jail pending extradition.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says Meers had given the child permission to drive his car.
The Patrol says Orcutt lost control of the Chevy Cobalt for an unknown reason. The car left the roadway and went down an embankment where it overturned, landing on it’s top.
Orcutt, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meers, who was a passenger in the car, was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of possible injuries.
Winners of the KawFest Bass Fishing Tournament, Boat Poker Run, Sand Volleyball Tournament, Horseshoe Pitching Tournament and Pork Cook-off were announced at the conclusion of KawFest on June 25 at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake.
The KawFest Bass Fishing Tournament had three winners, plus Big Bass and a special cash pot drawing.
First place with 10 pounds, 5.5 ounces, was the team of Aaron Short and Paidon Cook, earning a payout of $100.
Second place was the father-son team of Kirk and Colziah Jones with 8 pounds, 11.5 ounces, earning $75.
Third place was the team of Stephen Leven and Tregan Woolley, with a total of 2 pounds, 1.3 ounces, for a payout of $50.
Big Bass was the team of Kirk and Colziah Jones. Stephen Leven won the special Cash Pot Drawing.
Saturday afternoon boats cruised around Kaw Lake, with boaters playing their best poker hand. Starting at the McFadden Cove Marina there were stops at Sarge Creek Cove, Pioneer Cove Marina and Osage Cove. The run ended at Sandy Beach.
Winner was Mike Weber, of Blackwell, with best hand. Worst hand was Kevin Stacy, of Lamont. Tyler Palmer, Turpin won the 50/50 pot.
First place team in the KawFest Horseshoe Pitching Contest was Claude and Jay Langley, with Greg and Bret Smith coming in second.
Saturday afternoon, the team of We Can Keep It up battled the team of Kittiman Block Party.
First place was won by the Kittitian Block Party team, including Erica Miller, Scott Miller, Matthew Custis, Patrick Courson and Casey Wollanhgk. Second place was We Can Keep It Up including Talby McClure, Ashleigh Hawkins, Katelyn Hadlock and Brittany Sranxman.
The day ended with the announcement of winners in the Pork Cook-off as selected by those purchasing a tasting kit.
First place was the Triangle S Team aka the Smith Brothers. Second place was the Low Life Mitchells, led by Wayne Ray Mitchell, and third Flamin’ Rays led by Ray Espinosa.
Throughout the afternoon people enjoyed music by local band Funk Da Fied.
KawFest co-chairmen were Natascha Holloway and Sheila Jackson.
Sponsors for KawFest 2016 were Platinum-Kaw SouthWind Casino; Band-The Fox; Silver-First National Bank of Oklahoma, McFadden Cove Marina, The Boat House; Bronze-Grant County Bank, Support Community Lifestyles and Paladin Apartments.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A group of teachers, parents and other supporters of public education working to elect like-minded candidates to the Oklahoma Legislature passed their first test at the ballot box on Tuesday with flying colors.
Candidates the group supported knocked two Republican officeholders from office, and came close to beating a third, a high level of success for challengers in an Oklahoma primary election. Only three GOP incumbents have lost to a challenger in the last 16 years.
A Facebook page launched by an elementary school teacher and a mom frustrated with the Legislature's lack of action, quickly grew to nearly 25,000 followers. The group gave candidates a forum and an opportunity to tap into a network of local volunteers.
Now they're hoping to continue pushing their pro-education message, and candidates, through November.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A group of teachers, parents and other supporters of public education working to elect like-minded candidates to the Oklahoma Legislature passed their first test at the ballot box on Tuesday with flying colors.
Candidates the group supported knocked two Republican officeholders from office, and came close to beating a third, a high level of success for challengers in an Oklahoma primary election. Only three GOP incumbents have lost to a challenger in the last 16 years.
A Facebook page launched by an elementary school teacher and a mom frustrated with the Legislature's lack of action, quickly grew to nearly 25,000 followers. The group gave candidates a forum and an opportunity to tap into a network of local volunteers.
Now they're hoping to continue pushing their pro-education message, and candidates, through November.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A group of teachers, parents and other supporters of public education working to elect like-minded candidates to the Oklahoma Legislature passed their first test at the ballot box on Tuesday with flying colors.
Candidates the group supported knocked two Republican officeholders from office, and came close to beating a third, a high level of success for challengers in an Oklahoma primary election. Only three GOP incumbents have lost to a challenger in the last 16 years.
A Facebook page launched by an elementary school teacher and a mom frustrated with the Legislature's lack of action, quickly grew to nearly 25,000 followers. The group gave candidates a forum and an opportunity to tap into a network of local volunteers.
Now they're hoping to continue pushing their pro-education message, and candidates, through November.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A LeFlore County man has been arrested after he reportedly admitted to fatally stabbing his nephew during an argument.
A 59-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of second-degree murder in the death of his nephew.
When deputies went to the suspect's home in Spiro around 9 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a call about a possible stabbing, the victim was lying in the front yard. He died later in a Fort Smith hospital.
The suspect first told deputies his nephew had fallen on an open knife. A juvenile witness told investigators that the two men had gotten into an argument and that the suspect stabbed his nephew in the leg, twisting the knife in the wound.
Arrest documents say the suspect admitted to stabbing his nephew when investigators confronted him with witness statements.
(KAIR)--The search continues for a suspect involved in a late Thursday morning Atchison pursuit.
Escaping from Atchison Police, the suspect managed to make his way over the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, into Missouri, where he was last spotted by authorities.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News it began around 10:00 when an officer observed an older model Ford truck southbound on River Road. In the back of the truck was metal siding, which drew the suspicions of the officer, who suspected it might have been stolen.
The officer attempted to stop the truck after observing several violations, but the driver sped off, making his way to Commercial Street then south to Main Street where he traveled down an alley to 5th Street, where he drove over the viaduct to Park Street, then to 4th Street, and ultimately across the bridge into Missouri.
Wilson says the metal siding has been recovered, having fallen out of the truck at 4th and Main Streets.
(KAIR)--As the Fourth of July approaches closer on the calendar, Atchison residents may be tempted to light off fireworks. However,
“Fireworks are prohibited in the city,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.
Fire danger, safety risks and noise complaints were the three primary reasons Wilson gave for the banning of fireworks.
He says his officers will be responding to calls about fireworks over the holiday.
“Not only could individuals possibly face charges, but we will also confiscate fireworks,” Wilson said. “The possession of fireworks—as well as the use of fireworks—is prohibited.”
You have several opportunities to see fireworks professionally done throughout the area for free.
For a full list of these events, see the community calendar on our website.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - No one was injured when a roller coaster at an Oklahoma City amusement park stalled out and stranded eight people, including seven children.
Oklahoma City Fire Department District Chief Benny Fulkerson says firefighters walked the stranded riders down a catwalk to safety Wednesday afternoon after the Frontier City ride became stuck.
The riders, which included children ages 7 to 15, were stranded on the coaster for about an hour Wednesday.
Fulkerson says the Silver Bullet roller coaster at Frontier City "just didn't make it over a hill" and became stuck.
Fulkerson says power to the ride was shut off and the cars were chained to the rail before the stranded riders were escorted down one at a time.
POTEAU, Okla. (AP) - A judge in eastern Oklahoma has sentenced an Arkansas man to life in prison without parole for the 2010 killing of a 22-year-old woman.
LeFlore County District Judge Jonathan Sullivan followed the jury's recommendations when he handed down the sentence Wednesday for Elvis Thacker.
Thacker was convicted in April of first-degree murder in the death of Briana Ault of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Thacker's attorneys blamed his brother, Johnathen Thacker, with killing Ault. Johnathen Thacker pleaded guilty in 2014 to first-degree murder as part of an agreement in which he testified against his brother.
Johnathen Thacker is set for sentencing on Friday.
(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council adopted an ordinance this week authorizing the refunding of $2.4-million in City General Obligation Water Refunding Bonds, Series 2016.
Ameritas will handle the refunding and re-issuing of the bonds that should result in savings of at least $1,066,000. The bonds were originally issued for the new water plant and distribution system project.
The three-readings of the ordinance were suspended to take advantage of interest rates.
In other action the Council approved a Water Ordinance on final reading setting the water rate increase at $27.50 for three-quarter inch meters effective in October, 2017 and adjusting the base rate annually at a minimum of 50-cents per year, effective October 1, 2018.
The ENDUI Prevention teams are continuing their proactive search for impaired drivers and will be conducting a DUI checkpoint Saturday near Lake Road and Pecan Road.
The checkpoint will coincide with regular patrols aimed at impaired drivers and several local and county law enforcement agencies will be taking part.
Impaired driving is one of Oklahoma's deadliest crimes. In 2013, 189 people died on Oklahoma's roadways in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, according to ENDUI.
The deadly risks and costly consequences of driving while impaired are far too serious. With increased enforcement efforts, well trained law enforcement officers will have zero tolerance for driving while intoxicated.
The goal is to have a highly visible ENDUI program that will discourage people who have been drinking or using impairing substances from getting behind the wheel, and to address those who do make a poor decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Driving impaired or riding with someone impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious. Not only are lives at stake, but also the trauma and financial costs incurred from a crash or arrest for driving while impaired can be significant.
Violators face jail time, the loss or suspension of driver licenses, increased insurance rates and dozens of other fees.
The ENDUI Prevention teams want all of the citizens of the State of Oklahoma to have a safe and enjoyable spring and summer.
If you are planning to drink, designate a non-drinking driver, call a taxi, use mass transit, or call a friend or family member.
Remember to read medication warning labels and never drive after taking a medication or substance that can cause impairment. Together, we can ENDUI.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Kansas man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole for participating in a four-state methamphetamine trafficking operation.
Federal prosecutors say 49-year-old Anselmo Salazar, of Kansas City, Kansas, was sentenced Wednesday after being found guilty in December in a drug and money laundering conspiracy. The ring, which was based in St. Joseph, distributed more than 15 kilograms of meth from 2009 to 2013 in northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas, southern Iowa and Nebraska.
Salazar was one of 24 people charged in the conspiracy. Prosecutors say he and two other men, Carlos Alberto Yanez, of Lee's Summit, and Marvin Carl Rogers, of Gladstone, were the primary suppliers of methamphetamine. The other two men have already been sentenced to prison.
(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has accepted a proposal for the county’s insurance coverage for 2016-2017.
After reviewing proposals Monday, the Commission agreed to renew it’s policy with SBS Insurance Agency, of Seneca, for property, liability, and worker’s compensation insurance coverage, with a total premium of $125,625. That’s nearly $58,000 lower than the current premium. The policy year begins in July.
Two other proposals were received. KCAMP submitted a bid of $78,890 for property/liability insurance and KWORCC submitted a bid of $35,514 for worker’s compensation insurance.
In other business, the Commission received two additional budget requests for 2017.
Nemaha County Community Health Services submitted a request for $60,000, which is a $2,000 increase over this year.
Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center submitted a request for $60,187, which is the same as what the organization received this year.
The Commission will consider the requests when working on the 2017 county budget.
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a warning that's sure to disappoint many who enjoy sneaking a taste of cookie dough, the federal Food and Drug Administration says people shouldn't eat raw dough or batter of any kind due to an ongoing outbreak of illnesses related to a strain of E. coli bacteria found in some batches of flour.
The FDA says some of those who got sick ate or handled raw dough that contained flour made at a General Mills plant in Kansas City, Missouri. General Mills has voluntarily recalled 10 million pounds of flour sold under the Gold Medal, Gold Medal Wondra and Signature Kitchen brands.
The agency also warns against using dough for play clay or homemade ornaments.
The CDC is advising restaurants not to give kids raw dough to play with while waiting for meals.
The Liberal’s Farmers Market, sponsored by the Liberal Area Coalition for Families, is giving everyone who purchases an item at the market the chance to win a $25 gift card. The Liberal Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon in the in Village Plaza in front of Spencer Browne’s Coffee House. The promotion will start Saturday, July 2, and a $25 gift card will be given away every Saturday in July.
“Every time you buy from a vendor at the Farmer’s Market, the vendor will give you a ticket to put in the drawing. Obviously the more vendors you buy from, the better your chances are to win a gift card,” said Donna Thorp, the market manager. The drawing will be held when the market closes at noon and the winner contacted that day.
Thorp said that the Farmer’s Market was also trying a new “Guest Booth” at the market starting in July that would only cost $5 a Saturday. “We are going to give individuals who may only have a limited amount of items to sell or who want to see if what they have to sell would work at the Farmer’s Market, the opportunity to share a booth with one or two other vendors in the same boat.” Thorp said that the market would provide a tent and tables for the “Guest Booth” but that vendors would be limited to only two Saturdays as a “guest.”
Guest vendors would need to contact Thorp ahead of time because the space is limited to a total of three vendors a Saturday. “We see this as an opportunity to cultivate new vendors,” Thorp said, “and this would also be a great way for some of our younger entrepreneurs to try out new products.”
The Farmers Market also allows booths to nonprofit and church organizations to have fundraisers. The cost of a booth is $20 a Saturday or $100 for the season. For non-profit fundraisers, the cost is $10 a booth. Free booth space is available for those who just want to provide information or a free service on a space available basis and at the desecration of the Market Manager.
For more information about booking a booth and the rules and regulations for what can be sold at a Farmer’s Market, call Thorp at 620-391-2252. Information and regular updates can also be found on the Facebook page, Farmer’s Market in Liberal, KS.
The Liberal Bee Jays welcomes everyone to come out to Brent Gould Field and enjoy all of the activities that will still be happening prior to and during the 7:00 PM Jayhawk League game against the Dodge City A’s. So gather up your family and come enjoy the following 4th of July activities on Monday.
First Southern Baptist Church will be hosting a picnic at Brent Gould Field on the campus of SCCC from 2:00 PM 6:00 PM. They will have hot dogs, snow cones, bottled water, barrel train rides and bounce houses. (All activities and food will be free of charge)
The Liberal Bee Jays will host the Dodge City A’s with the first pitch at 7:00 PM. Pizza Hut and The Community Bank are the buyout sponsors (admission to the game is free) and there will be plenty of prizes given away during the game.
Immediately following the game, the public display of fireworks will take place.
NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) - A 75-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting two residents at a Nebraska City nursing home.
Online records say Terry McClane, of Union, remained in Otoe County custody Wednesday. He's charged with two felony and two misdemeanor counts of sexual assault and two felony counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult. The records don't list the name of an attorney who could comment for him.
Prosecutors say McClane began visiting the Golden Living Centers facility while his wife lived there and continued after she died May 15. Staffers became suspicious after a June 17 incident and called police. Two residents say McClane sexually assaulted them between Jan. 1 and June 17.
Golden Living Centers Executive Director Jade Harrah says the facility is cooperating with authorities and the residents' relatives.
Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) today announced that Chuck Knapp will be the organization’s new president, effective Aug. 1.
JAG-K partners with schools to work with students who have various barriers to graduating, to help the students develop their full potential and get started on a career path past high school. In addition to completing high school, JAG students receive career development training to prepare them for opportunities in employment and further education or training programs that include technical school, apprenticeships and college. The JAG-K graduation rate is 93 percent, which exceeds the overall Kansas graduation rate of 90 percent.
Knapp currently serves as chief of staff to Kansas Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. Knapp has previously held leadership roles in the Kansas Department of Administration and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
JAG-K is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is engaged in 29 Kansas school districts and serves more than 2,500 students. Job's for America’s Graduates is available in the following communities: Kansas City, Basehor, Atchison, Emporia, Lawrence, Salina, Hoyt, Concordia, Topeka, Junction City, Ft. Riley, Wichita, El Doredo, Arkansas City, Pittsburg, Parsons, Coffeyville, Labette County, Holcolmb, Liberal, Garden City, Kingman, Stafford, Pratt, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Kiowa County and Newton. Governor Sam Brownback brought JAG to Kansas in 2013.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ AN OFFICER REF HER SON'S VEH WAS EGGED. #38 ASND. #38 MADE CONTACT W/ THE VEH OWNER AT BUSINESS. THE VEH OWNER WAS ADV'D OF OPTIONS AND #38 GAVE HIM HIS CARD IN CASE HE COMES UP WITH ANY LEADS. NO RPT.
06/28/16 11:32 11:34 11:44 12:33 ACCIDENT, MINOR PD 16009218 9245
N 3RD
RP REQ OFFICER REF MINOR ACCIDENT. NO INJURIES. #38 ASND. RPT TKN.
06/28/16 13:57 14:11 14:15 14:58 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16009228 9908
S WASHINGTON
RP REQ OFFICER REF ASSAULT.
#28 ASND, #40 ASST. WENT 10-15 W/ 50 YO W/M FOR DOM A&B ADW.
RPT OF SUBJS SHOOTING OFF FIREWORKS AT THIS LOCATION. #217 ASND. MADE CONTACT AND ADV'D THEM ALL OF THE LAW OF SHOOTING OFF FIREWORKS IN CITY LIMITS. NO RPT.
(MSC News)--A missing man was found dead Wednesday morning near Faucett, Missouri after what authorities say appears to have been a fatal crash.
KQ2-TV reports Colonel Bill Puett with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department identifies the victim as 54-year-old William Frederick, of Faucett.
Frederick was reported missing around 6:30 Tuesday night after he had left on a scooter and didn’t return.
Authorities searched for Frederick throughout the night, but were unable to locate him. Around 8:15 Wednesday morning, Puett says that Frederick was found dead near MM and DD highways after a passerby spotted him and his scooter.
Puett says that the investigation is ongoing, but the case is being worked as a fatal crash.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Transportation Secretary Mike King is resigning effective July 15 and says he plans to return to private business.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's office announced King's departure Wednesday and said former state Rep. Richard Carlson of St. Marys will serve as interim secretary until a permanent replacement is named.
King had worked in the construction industry for more than three decades and was owner of a McPherson company when Brownback named him transportation secretary in March 2012.
King has run a department with about 2,500 employees and an annual budget of well over $1 billion. Since 2013, he's also overseen daily operations for the 236-mile Kansas Turnpike.
But also during his tenure, the state has repeatedly diverted highway funds to other parts of state government to balance its budget.
Governor Sam Brownback today announced that Mike King, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation will resign effective July 15, 2016. King has served as KDOT Secretary since March, 2012.
“I am grateful for the vision and leadership of Mike King,” said Governor Brownback. “His experience and construction knowledge have been instrumental in maintaining our nationally recognized highways. I appreciate Mike’s dedication to serving the people of Kansas.”
During King’s tenure, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority achieved flexibility in delivering transportation services to Kansas and increased efficiencies in inter-agency workings. Both organizations are in billion-dollar plus highway and technology programs to meet the current preservation needs, future expansion and increasing volume of multi-modal freight.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Governor for these past four years in providing a transportation network that meets the needs of all Kansans. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve my home state and am proud of the accomplishments by the entire KDOT and KTA team members," said Secretary King. “My family and I look forward to returning to private business in south central Kansas, leaving fond memories of our time working with the Governor, legislators, and citizens across the entire state. We have made many friendships that will last a life time."
Former State Representative Richard Carlson will serve as interim secretary until a permanent hire is made. Carlson, who served in the legislature for 10 years, most recently was the legislative liaison for the Kansas Department of Revenue.
The rape and kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl have led to the arrest of 41-year-old Daniel C. Patterson and a 17-year-old male.
An incident, which was first reported at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday indicated it was a disturbance near the Marland Mansion was unfounded. A second call at 10:15 p.m. to the Communications Center initiated the response of officers to 821 Edgewood.
Patterson is being held for rape, kidnapping and providing alcohol to minors. The 17-year-old has been transported to a state detention facility, and is charged with kidnapping and rape.
The investigation is continuing, the Ponca City Police Department reported.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is asking the state's highest court to reconsider rulings earlier this year that motorists suspected of drunken driving cannot be punished for refusing to take sobriety tests.
Schmidt cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Minnesota and North Dakota cases in filing his request Monday with the Kansas Supreme Court.
Kansas law has punished a motorist's refusal to take a breath, blood or urine test with up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,250.
But the state Supreme Court ruled in February in four cases that the law was invalid because of protections in the U.S. Constitution against warrantless searches.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that motorists could face criminal penalties for refusing to take breath tests.
(KNZA)--Another new scam has surfaced in Brown County.
Sheriff John Merchant says scammers are calling county residents who have DISH Network and informing them that their receivers are out of date and not compatible with the new satellite configuration.
The caller is informing residents they will have to pay an additional $250 for the upgraded system.
Merchant says county residents have contacted DISH Network and they have been advised this is a scam.
As always, Merchant reminds residents to never give out personal information over the phone or computer.
HOMINY, Okla. (AP) - Inmates at an Oklahoma prison have been drinking bottled water and using buckets of water to fill their toilets after a waterline break.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokeswoman Terri Watkins tells The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/291UHsY ) that the approximately 1,200 inmates at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy were able to shower Sunday and Tuesday, but that the water pressure wasn't sustainable.
The department has reached out to the state Office of Emergency Management and the Oklahoma National Guard for assistance transporting water to the facility. Watkins says that aside from bringing in bottled water and ice, each cell was given a bucket of water to refill toilets after each use.
She says crews are working to pressurize the water. Watkins wasn't able to provide a cost estimate or completion date.
(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council has ratified a new contract for law enforcement services for the community.
The Council voted unanimously this week to approve a three-year contract to have the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office provide law enforcement services for the community. The new contract calls for a 3-percent price increase each year of the contract.
A stipulation in the contract calls for the increased amount to be applied directly towards salaries for law enforcement officials.
Pawnee County traditionally has been a spot for newly hired deputies to begin their law enforcement career, but after gaining experience, they leave for better paying positions. Officials are hoping the higher pay will allow the deputies to remain in Pawnee County.
The Pawnee County Commission approved the contract last week.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Authorities in Tulsa are investigating a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead and a 16-year-old girl in critical condition.
Tulsa Police Sgt. Dave Walker says investigators believe the teens were shot late Tuesday after an altercation with another driver who was stopped at a stop sign. Walker says the other driver apparently opened fire on the teens' SUV after the SUV's driver honked his horn.
Walker says the 16-year-old was shot at least twice and is in critical condition. The 17-year-old died at Hillcrest Medical Center. Both were passengers in the SUV, and the SUV's driver was not injured.
Police have not yet released a description of the shooter's vehicle, and no arrests have been made.
(KLZA)--A final push is underway to raise money for the new Pawnee City assisted living facility.
President of the Assisted Living Facility Committee, John DeFreece said they’re 10 percent away from their goal of $640,000.
The remaining cost, reaching $3-4 million will be funded through a loan from the USDA.
“We’re in the process right now of filling out the application,” DeFreece said. “We have visited with them, and it sounds like we will get the loan. They will not release the funds to us until we’ve reached our goal.”
The facility, slated to boast 22 apartments, has been in the fundraising stage for 18 months, DeFreece said.
Now, they’re planning an ice cream social in the coming weeks to reach their final goal.
To donate to the fund or for more information, see this story at MSCNews.net for the committee’s website.
The Kansas Supreme Court has signed off on a new education funding law that boosts state aid to poor school districts.
The justices issued a brief order Tuesday saying that the Legislature "has currently satisfied" the court's previous orders on education funding by approving the measure last week.
The decision ends a threat that the state's public schools would be shut down after Thursday.
The court issued its three-page order a day after Republican Gov. Sam Brownback signed the school finance measure into law. Lawyers for the state and attorneys for four school districts suing the state submitted a joint statement saying that the measure complied with the court's dictates.
The justices ruled last month that the state's school funding system remained unfair to poor school districts.
With all the precincts reporting in Texas County, Sheriff Matt Boley remains Texas County Sheriff with 83.13 percent of the vote with current results.
In the Texas County commissioner race, Dicky Bryan has taken 58.21 percent of the vote over Short Winters with 41.79 percent.
Bryce Marlatt will remain the District 27 State Senator with 70.33 percent of the vote.
Representative Casey Murdock remains the Republican candidate for District 61 with 66.01 percent. He will go up against Democratic candidate Ashlee Ortiz in the November general election.
All five U.S. House members from Oklahoma won their Republican primary races in blowouts on Tuesday.
Reps. Jim Bridenstine and Markwayne Mullin, who represent eastern Oklahoma and faced the most serious challenges, easily dispatched their opponents.
Freshman Rep. Steve Russell and veteran Reps. Tom Cole and Frank Lucas captured easy victories over their opponents as well.
Unofficial totals for Kay County's primary election as reported by the Kay County Election Board Tuesday night. Results are unofficial until certified. These are unofficial, unverified results. Election results are posted to this website as they are received at the Oklahoma State Election Board from county election boards and will not include provisional ballot results until after 5 p.m. Friday, July 1. Results shown here are subject to contest and recount and are neither final nor official until they are certified by the appropriate election board.
Online registration for Ponca City Public Schools will begin July 5, district administrators said Tuesday.
Parents and guardians with an existing Parent Portal account will have the ability to update addresses, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, student medical information and manage other district-required information for their students.
Proof of residence is required for all elementary students, grades kindergarten through fifth.
In addition, documentation of current immunizations for grades kindergarten and seventh must be provided. Proof of residence and immunization documentation can be presented to the Registration Center, 111 West Grand Avenue, beginning July 11 during summer registration hours.
The registration process will not be complete until documentation has been provided. Incomplete registrations will result in elementary students not being assigned to a teacher.
Secondary students will not be permitted to pick up class schedules until registration is complete.
Parent/guardians who have not established a Parent Portal account, do not have access to a computer or want to register students who are new to the district, will need to go to the Registration Center during the summer registration hours for assistance.
Summer registration dates are July 11-14 and July 18-21. The hours on Monday and Wednesday are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Additional staff members have been hired to assist parent/guardians in the registration process.
The Registration Center will be closed July 25 to 28 and August 1 to process completed registrations.
Make-up registration will take place August 2-3 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for lunch.
Parent/guardians may experience longer wait times during make-up registration as no additional staff will be available to assist with the registration process.
For more information, contact the Registration Center at (580) 718-3834 beginning July 5 or the Administration Center at 767-8000.
Information about the online registration process is posted on the district website, www.pcps.us.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Eight places in Oklahoma - including schools, a hotel and a church - have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Oklahoma Historical Society's State Historic Preservation Office made the announcement Monday. The newly added sites include the Dunbar School in Atoka and the Oakland School in Marshall County, along with the Carrier Congregational Church in Garfield County and the Hotel Dale in Guymon.
Four sites in Oklahoma County made the list as well. They are: the Edmond Ice Company in Edmond and the Electric Transformer House, Sunshine Cleaners and the Tiffany House, all in Oklahoma City.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas Supreme Court has signed off on a new education funding law that boosts state aid to poor school districts.
The justices issued a brief order Tuesday saying that the Legislature "has currently satisfied" the court's previous orders on education funding by approving the measure last week.
The decision ends a threat that the state's public schools would be shut down after Thursday.
The court issued its three-page order a day after Republican Gov. Sam Brownback signed the school finance measure into law. Lawyers for the state and attorneys for four school districts suing the state submitted a joint statement saying that the measure complied with the court's dictates.
The justices ruled last month that the state's school funding system remained unfair to poor school districts.
MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) - A federal appeals court has affirmed the convictions of two former Muskogee County Jail officials found guilty of assaulting inmates, but set aside their sentences and ordered a federal judge to resentence them.
Monday's decision by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals involved former jail superintendent Raymond Barnes and former assistant superintendent Christopher Brown. They were convicted of conspiring to violate the rights of inmates at the Muskogee County Jail. Brown was also convicted of making false statements to the FBI.
A federal judge handed down prison sentences of one year and a day for Barnes and six months for Brown. But a three-judge panel of the appellate court described the sentences as "unusually lenient" and "far below" applicable federal sentencing guideline ranges. The court ordered both men resentenced.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City police say an officer fatally shot a man on a public transit bus after a struggle.
Police Capt. Paco Balderrama said at a Monday news conference that police were responding to a vandalism call when the suspect, 42-year-old Miguel Angel Chavez-Angles, hijacked a car occupied by two female victims and forced them to drive off against their will.
The Oklahoman reports the suspect exited the vehicle and locked himself inside an auto repair shop, then boarded a bus.
Balderrama says the driver pulled over and ordered passengers off. Officers boarded, and Chavez-Angles grabbed for Officer Heather Lane's gun.
Officer Daniel Carli shot Chavez-Angles several times at 4:45 p.m. Friday, killing him.
The involved officers are on paid routine administrative leave pending an investigation. Balderrama says a video from the bus will be released to the public.
Long-time Kansas Department of Transportation engineer Larry Thompson has been named KDOT’s Director of Operations.
For more than 20 years, Thompson has led KDOT’s southwest district based in Garden City. In his new position, he will lead all six KDOT districts at the headquarters office in Topeka.
“Larry is one of the most talented engineers at KDOT,” said Secretary Mike King. “His expertise and dedication will be a tremendous benefit in mentoring and leading our employees in the field offices.”
After earning a civil engineering degree from Kansas State University, Thompson worked at KDOT in Topeka for 10 years starting in 1966. Following 12 years in the contracting business, he came back to KDOT in different positions in Dodge City and Garden City. He was promoted to his current position as District Six Engineer in 1995.
Thompson replaces Catherine Patrick, who was recently named KDOT’s new State Transportation Engineer.
(KNZA)--An Atchison man has been sentenced to more than 2 1/2 years in prison on charges in connection with a Hiawatha residential burglary.
22-year-old Timothy Cooke was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court to 32-months in prison on charges of burglary and criminal possession of a firearm.
Cooke was also ordered to pay a total of $4,400 restitution.
He pleaded "no contest" to the charges earlier this month as part of a plea deal, cancelling a September jury trial that had been set in the case. In exchange for the plea, charges of felony theft and misdemeanor criminal damage to property were dismissed.
Co-defendant, 18-year-old Hiawatha resident Josh Sangrait, was sentenced to 24-months supervised probation last month on a charge of burglary for his role in the case.
The pair were charged in connection with a February 26th burglary of a home in the 200 block of Cherokee Street in Hiawatha. Stolen were two rifles and two handguns.
Cooke and Sangrait were arrested in March following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.
The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening at 5:30pm for their regular meeting. Among the items on the agenda, the Commission approved a rezone of property, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board, from Manufactured Home District, to Multiple Family Dwelling District.
Commissioners also approved Bunker Gear purchase for the Fire Department and Tasers for the Police Department.
The commission abated a vehicle at 1204 N. Western, and heard an update from the Recreation Department on the Arkalon Assault which was held on June 11, 2016.
The Commission will meet Wednesday at 5:30pm for a Water Project and rate review work session. Not For Profit Funding Request presentation will take place Thursday, July 7, also at 5:30pm
(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about a new scam circulating in the area.
Sheriff John Merchant says the sheriff’s office has received reports that scammers are calling county residents and pretending to be from the local electric/utility company.
The caller says that for $4.99 their electric bill would be paid and the resident would also receive a $100 gift card by providing their bank information.
Merchant says this is scam, and reminds local residents to never give out personal information over the phone or internet.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ AN OFFICER REF A BEER RUN. #51 DISPATCHED AND #14 ASST. #51 ADV'D SUSPTS LEFT IN GRY HONDA PN TAG 004795. #51 ADV'D THE SUSPT IS 28 YO I/F AND HE IS DOING A WR.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas regulators have reduced the amount Westar Energy can earn on transmission costs, which will save customers about $18 million over the next 12 months.
The Kansas Corporation Commission made the decision Tuesday. The commission said in a news release that the savings stem from a complaint it filed last year with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, alleging that Westar had over-earned on its transmission costs.
In March, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a settlement agreement between the KCC and Westar Energy. The reduction in transmission costs should save average households about $1.50 a month.
(KAIR)--The Jackson County community of Netawaka remains under a boil water advisory, which is in place long term due to water line related issues.
Due to the inconvenience the advisory causes the residents of the community, the Sabetha Chamber of Commerce has been working to provide some relief.
Executive Director Gina Murchison tells MSC News generosity has been strong, with local donations allowing the purchase of a pallet of water, to be donated to the affected community.
She said she reached out to Sabetha businesses that were chamber members.
“They would donate money toward the purchase of a pallet of water,” Murchison said. “I called one of the chamber businesses, Tony from Hardware Hank, he is selling us the water at cost.”
Murchison says donations are still being accepted, and more water could be purchased in the future based on support.
“If the donations keep coming in, then the chamber will ear-mark those donations for water for Netawaka for Jackson County,” Murchison said. “As the donations come in, we’ll buy more water and take it down to them.”
Murchison said people can e-mail her at sabethachamber@gmail.com or call (785)285-2139.
The pallet of 84, 24-packs of water, will be delivered to Netawaka Wednesday morning.
The boil water advisory was issued in May, and at that time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said it would remain in place for up to three months.
It was issued due to a Netawaka water line repair project that has resulted in the repeated loss of pressure.
U.S. Air Force Airman Mia D. Stone graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Stone is the daughter of Maryann Y. Lopez-Ortega of Albuquerque, N.M. She is also the wife of Tyson B. Stone.
The airman graduated in 2003 from West Mesa High School, Albuquerque, N.M.
(KAIR)--The Hiawatha man arrested Sunday for theft and possession of meth at Walmart now faces additional charges.
“Drew Reeves is also now charged with a theft that occurred on April 11,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “Specifically that involved the theft of three computers from the store valued at $750 as well as criminal damage due to damage that was done to security brackets holding the computers in the store.”
Reeves was booked Monday on the additional charges and remains in custody at the Atchison County jail.
He was arrested Sunday evening after the theft of two cell phones called the police out to the Atchison Walmart where meth was discovered on his person, according to Wilson.
The Kansas Water Office’s (KWO) Cimarron Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) will have a meeting to discuss current water issues affecting the basin as well as the state.
The meeting will be Tuesday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. at the Mahuron Building, 802 E 8th Street in Liberal, KS. The Central Kansas Water Bank Association information will be presented in addition to developing the Regional Action Plans.
The agenda and meeting materials will be available at www.kwo.org or you may request copies by calling (785) 296-3185 or toll-free at (888) KAN-WATER (526-9283).
(KLZA)-- The City Council in Pawnee City is back at full strength.
Monday night, Mayor Charlie Hatfields appointment of Rick Helms was unanimously approved.
Five people submitted applications for the open position, one dropped out leaving four. Mayor Hatfield said in making the appointment that he felt Helms background with roads would be an asset to the City with the street issues. Helms works for Constructors Incorporated.
The opening occurred when Hatfield became Mayor following the resignation of Deb Klein for health reasons.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to additional prison time for his participation in a deadly riot at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution last year.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports Johnson County District Judge Daniel E. Bryan Jr. sentenced Ian Yelton to 20 months to five years in prison for the attempted second-degree assault of inmate Cory Bewley.
His term will run consecutively with a 30- to 50-year sentence he received in Madison County in 2012 for a sexual assault.
Yelton pleaded guilty to the charge. He was the second of five inmates charged in the riot to enter a plea and be sentenced.
Twenty-two-year-old William T. Harris pleaded no contest to third-degree assault in May. Judge Bryan added a year to his 51- to 74-year sentence.
(KMZA)--A Manhattan man is facing charges in the aggravated burglary of a Pottawatomie County residence.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Rait says the sheriff’s department received a report of a residential burglary in progress in the 54-hundred block of Taylor’s View Road, in rural Manhattan, shortly after 4:00 last Thursday morning.
Riat says the victim discovered an unknown male inside their residence.
When discovered, the man fled from the residence. Various items were discovered missing from the residence believed to have been taken by the suspect.
With tips from area residents and evidence from the scene, Riat says they were able to develop a suspect, and around 1:00 that afternoon the male suspect was located near the same area.
Mark Burghart was taken into custody on charges of aggravated burglary, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked into the Pottawatomie County Jail. Bond was set at $15,000.
This election day, all voters in Kay County will be given the opportunity to level the playing field for the restaurants in Kay County.
As it stands now, restaurants in Kay County are prohibited from serving liquor on Sunday for on-premise consumption. Counties surrounding us do not have this same law, and that puts our restaurants at an unfair disadvantage 52 days per year.
I see this as an economic issue and not a moral issue. What if there is a law in place prohibiting Kay County restaurants from serving dessert on Sunday while surrounding counties could? I think that would not be fair and that our restaurants would be at an unfair disadvantage. This is the case with the current law for consumption of alcohol in restaurants.
A yes vote for the proposition will let Kay County restaurants compete on an equal playing field with the surrounding counties and keep more dollars in our county.
Let’s join our other fellow Oklahomans in other counties who have decided to modernize the laws and keep more dollars within their counties.
Vote Yes Tuesday for the proposition to allow liquor sales in restaurants on Sundays in Kay County.
Regardless of your party affiliation, if you are a resident of Kay County you will be allowed to vote on this county-wide proposition.
I urge you to vote YES June 28 on this economic issue
There are six ballots available for different voters in the Kay County election today. Each voter will receive a ballot based on the voter's party affiliation as well as their home location.
All voters will be able to vote on acounty-wide question on permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages by individual drink for on-premise consumption on Sunday and on any election days.
There is a county-wide Republican primary ballot for a U.S. Representative, as well as the next Kay County Sheriff. All of the candidates are registered as Republicans, so other voters will not cast a ballot for the office. The candidates for Representative are Desiree Brown and Frank D. Lucas. The Sheriff candidates are Steve Kelley, Brian Herbert and Tom Burg.
Libertarian voters will choose a candidate for U.S. Senator, choosing between Robert T. Murphy and Dax Ewbank.
Newkirk voters will decide a proposition to issue bonds for $100,000 to fund school buildings, furniture and improvements.
Tonkawa voters will decide on a 10-year, 1.5 cent sales tax to pay for infrastructure for the community, including streets, sidewalks, water, sewer and drainage systems.
Blackwell voters are asked to vote on a 1-cent sales tax which would end in 2021 and would be used to provide financial support for Blackwell's hospital, or in the event it closes, for other emergency medical services.
A government snapshot shows farmers have now harvested about 58 percent of their winter wheat crop in Kansas.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday that the harvest this year is well ahead of both the 37 percent cut statewide at this time a year ago as well as the five-year average of 50 percent for this date.
Harvest activity extends across Kansas.
Southeast Kansas has cut 91 percent of its wheat, with the south-central Kansas harvest now 74 percent finished. Central Kansas has cut 78 percent. Harvest in northwest Kansas reached 13 percent.
For the wheat still out in the field, the report rated its condition as 64 percent good to excellent. About 28 percent is in fair condition and 8 percent remains in poor to very poor shape.
(KMZA)--A two-vehicle wreck in Pottawatomie County Monday morning left three injured.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S 24 Highway and Blackjack Road.
The Patrol says a car driven by 40-year-old Wamego resident Carl Behrens was eastbound on U.S. 24 in the slow lane when he struck a southbound car crossing the highway on Blackjack Road driven by 15-year-old St. George resident Alyssa McCormack.
Behrens was transported to the Wamego hospital. Alyssa McCormack and a 13-year-old passenger,Kyla McCormack, were transported to a Manahttan hospital for the treatment of injuries.
The Patrol says all three were wearing seatbelts at the time of the wreck, which was reported around 10:20.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed legislation that would increase aid to poor school districts to meet a court mandate and end a threat that the state's public schools might shut down.
The bill signed Monday increases poor districts' state funding by $38 million for the 2016-17 school year by diverting funds from other parts of the budget. It also redistributes some funds from wealthier districts, which is in line with a state Supreme Court ruling last month.
The court said Kansas' school funding system is still unfair to poor districts and gave lawmakers until Thursday to make further changes. It had warned schools might not be able to reopen otherwise.
The bill had broad bipartisan support when the Republican-dominated Legislature passed it last week during a two-day special session.
(KLZA)-- Insurance was one of the topics covered during last week’s meeting of the Richardson County Commissioners.
Joe Miller and Steve Simon with Miller-Monroe Insurance presented the County liability, workman’s comp, and property insurance renewal information. The cost increase is about 10-percent.
Judd Allen, Marketing Representative with the Nebraska Association of County Officials Benefit Services Division, reviewed the health insurance plan for Richardson County employees. Allen provided information on alternative options for the Board to consider. No decisions were made.
(KNZA)--A former Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce treasurer convicted of embezzling funds from the organization has been placed on 12-months supervised probation.
Beth Makita was given a suspended 16-month prison sentence Monday on charges of felony criminal use of a financial card and felony theft.
Makita was also ordered to pay restitution, with the amount to be determined during a July 25th hearing.
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill requested that Makita be ordered to serve 60 days in jail as part of the terms of her probation, saying she had breached a position of public trust. District Judge Jim Patton opted not to impose any jail time, but warned Makita he could if she doesn't follow the conditions of her probation.
Makita pleaded no contest to the charges in April. As part of a plea agreement, a charge of identity fraud was dismissed.
She was charged with the theft of more than $9,100 between August 2014 and April 2015 while serving as Chamber treasurer.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed legislation that would increase aid to poor school districts to meet a court mandate and end a threat that the state's public schools might shut down.
The bill signed Monday increases poor districts' state funding by $38 million for the 2016-17 school year by diverting funds from other parts of the budget. It also redistributes some funds from wealthier districts, which is in line with a state Supreme Court ruling last month.
The court said Kansas' school funding system is still unfair to poor districts and gave lawmakers until Thursday to make further changes. It had warned schools might not be able to reopen otherwise.
The bill had broad bipartisan support when the Republican-dominated Legislature passed it last week during a two-day special session.
Eight places in Oklahoma - including schools, a hotel and a church - have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Oklahoma Historical Society's State Historic Preservation Office made the announcement Monday. The newly added sites include the Dunbar School in Atoka and the Oakland School in Marshall County, along with the Carrier Congregational Church in Garfield County and the Hotel Dale in Guymon.
Four sites in Oklahoma County made the list as well. They are: the Edmond Ice Company in Edmond and the Electric Transformer House, Sunshine Cleaners and the Tiffany House, all in Oklahoma City.
There are six ballots available for different voters in the Kay County election on Tuesday, June 28. Each voter will receive a ballot based on the voter's party affiliation as well as their home location.
All voters will be able to vote on acounty-wide question on permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages by individual drink for on-premise consumption on Sunday and on any election days.
There is a county-wide Republican primary ballot for a U.S. Representative, as well as the next Kay County Sheriff. All of the candidates are registered as Republicans, so other voters will not cast a ballot for the office. The candidates for Representative are Desiree Brown and Frank D. Lucas. The Sheriff candidates are Steve Kelley, Brian Herbert and Tom Burg.
Libertarian voters will choose a candidate for U.S. Senator, choosing between Robert T. Murphy and Dax Ewbank.
Newkirk voters will decide a proposition to issue bonds for $100,000 to fund school buildings, furniture and improvements.
Tonkawa voters will decide on a 10-year, 1.5 cent sales tax to pay for infrastructure for the community, including streets, sidewalks, water, sewer and drainage systems.
Blackwell voters are asked to vote on a 1-cent sales tax which would end in 2021 and would be used to provide financial support for Blackwell's hospital, or in the event it closes, for other emergency medical services.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club hosted its second in-house tournament on June 25.
The club began in February.
This tournament was the 1,000th tournament for Chess Express Ratings (CXR). CXR is an official international chess rating authority for organizers, and for chess players of all ages and strengths, from beginners to grandmasters.
Founded in 1995, CXR has grown to thousands of members and dozens of affiliated chess clubs and organizations on two continents. From its corporate headquarters in New York, CXR processes scores of tournaments with more than 10,000 officially rated games annually.
To help celebrate CXR's 1,000th tournament, they provided the FLS Chess Club with valuable coins, travel chess sets and other additional items to be used as prizes.
Pictured from left: Cason Wilson, 6th grade West Middle School student, secured a solid first place win in the 900 & Under section with 4.5 out of 5.0 possible points. Catheryne Martin, 8th grader at East Middle School, took second with 3.5 points. Second grade First Lutheran School student Wesley Vaughan was awarded third place with 2.5 points.
Pictured from left: In the 550 & Under section, fourth grade First Lutheran School student Pierce Wagner took home first place with 4.0 points. In second place was Roosevelt third grader, Jason Devinney. Third place in that section was 5th grade First Lutheran School student, Timothy Crank.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
(KNZA)-- A Hiawatha woman convicted of embezzling funds while she worked for a local realty company has been placed on probation and ordered to pay $30,000 restitution.
35-year-old Gretchen Randall was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court on charges of felony theft and misdemeanor criminal use of a financial card.
District Judge Jim Patton gave Randall a suspended 19-month prison term on the charges and placed her on 12-months supervised probation.
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill requested that Randall be ordered to serve 60-days in jail as part of the terms of her probation. Patton told Randall he was reserving that right, if she doesn't abide by the terms of her probation.
Randall pleaded “ no contest” in April to the charges as part of a plea-agreement. In exchange for the plea, an additional count of felony theft was dismissed.
Hill says the crimes occurred in 2014 and 2015 while Randall was employed with Heartland Realty, of Hiawatha.
She was arrested in January following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.
A 20-year-old Ponca City woman was injured in an accident Monday morning in Osage County.
The accident occurred about 10 a.m. on Glasgow Road, 2.5 miles south of U.S. Highway 60, 2 miles east of Ponca City.
Rebecca Dawn Simmons, 20, of Ponca City was transported by EagleMed to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa in critical condition with a head injury, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.
The patrol reported she was driving a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix northbound on Glasgow Road at a high rate of speed, went left of center, attempted to get back into her lane and departed the roadway to the right.
Her car collided with a tree, entered the roadway, departed the roadway to the left and came to rest in a ditch, the patrol said.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
06/25/16 16:31 16:35 16:39 16:44 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16009100 9742
N 14TH
RP REQ OFFICER TO PARKING LOT REF A HIT N RUN. #37 DISPATCHED AND TOOK INFO FOR RPT. #37 VIEWED VIDEO AND THE SUSPT VEH IS A NEWER RED VOLKSWAGON BEETLE W/ PPR TAG AND DAMAGE TO DRIVER SIDE REAR. IF LOCATED, STOP AND GET INFO.
RP WANTING TO SPEAK TO AN OFFICER P/S ABOUT A DOMESTIC SITUATION INVOLVING A .45 CAL HANDGUN. #49 HANDLED.
#49, RP HAD A DOMESTIC ARGUMENT WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND AND LEFT HIS RUGER P97 STAINLESS .45 CAL PISTOL IN THE CAR. WANTS IT DOCUMENTED IN CASE A CRIME IS COMMITTED W/ THE GUN WHILE IT IS NOT IN HIS POSSESSION. HE EXPECTS SHE WILL PROBABLY RETURN TOMORROW. LOGGED FOR INFO.
The HOSA 40th Annual International Leadership Conference was held in Nashville on June 22-25.
The following Adult Health students from Pioneer Technology Center were Top 10 International Leadership Conference finalists in each of the following events:
Joyce Flanagin, Home Health Aide, Jamica Bass, Medical Assisting and Fawnda Jarrett, Physical Therapy
Pictured from left are Mrs.Orr, Joyce Flanagin, Jamica Bass and Fawnda Jarrett
Also, congratulations to Nathan Voelkers, Machine Tool student, who placed second in the nation in Precision Machining at SkillsUSA in Louisville, KY. He is pictured here with his instructor, Jared McMartin.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Officials with AAA Oklahoma are predicting a record number of travelers in the state over the Independence Day weekend.
AAA says 558,400 Oklahomans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend, which is up 1 percent from last year's numbers. About 86 percent of the travelers will drive, 12 percent will fly and the rest will travel by other means, including trains and buses.
AAA Oklahoma spokesman Chuck Mai says travelers are taking advantage of low gas prices. A gallon of gas in Oklahoma is $2.09 - down 48 cents from the same day last year.
Nationally, 43 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday weekend, breaking a joint record set last year and in 2007.
ADA, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a woman who had stopped to pick up a fishing tackle box that had fallen onto a state highway was struck and killed by a semi.
The OHP says 39-year-old Rochelle Stormoen died in the accident Friday.
An OHP report says Stormoen stopped in the inside lane of Highway 1 near Ada to retrieve the tackle box that had blown out of a boat being towed by another vehicle. The report says that while Stormoen was outside of her vehicle, she was struck by the semi.
ENID, Okla. (AP) - Police in Enid say a teenage boy was killed and two other people were wounded - one critically - in a shooting at a home on the city's west side.
Capt. Jack Morris says officers were called to the home shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday where they found 17- and 19-year-old males and a 21-year-old woman wounded by gunshots.
Morris says the 17-year-old later died at a hospital and the woman is in critical condition while the 19-year-old was treated and released.
The victims' names were not immediately released.
Morris says a 23-year-old man found at the scene of the shooting was questioned and later arrested for first-degree murder and two counts of shooting with intent to kill. Court records do not show that formal charges have been filed.
(KNZA)--A warning has been issued for water customers of the city of Hiawatha as the city again exceeds the allowable level of nitrates in its drinking water.
According to a notification released by the city, concentrations of 11 milligrams per liter were found in a sample collected June 13th, exceeding the state and federal maximum contaminant level.
Customers are told that while the water is safe to consume for most, it should not be given to infants, as children below the age of 6 months could become seriously ill.
Pregnant women, or those with specific health needs, should consult a doctor prior to ingestion. The water should also not be boiled.
The high nitrate warning also effects customers of Brown County Rural Water District #2, the city of Powhattan, city of Robinson and Doniphan County Rural Water District #1, which receives its water from Hiawatha.
The City is in the process of constructing a new water treatment facility to eliminate the high nitrate issue.
Meanwhile, Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 has partnered with several other water suppliers in the region to create Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 27 for the purpose of distributing high quality water that is low in nitrates to its member entities at the lowest cost possible. The new public wholesale water supply district is expected to be under construction later this year and operational by the spring of 2017.
Drinking Water Warning
City of Hiawatha water system has high levels of nitrate
THE CITY OF HIAWATHA has exceeded the state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for nitrate (as N) in drinking water. Concentrations of 11.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) were found in a sample collected on June 13, 2016. Nitrate above 10 mg/l is considered to be an acute MCL violation.
What to do?
DO Not GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink the water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with heath deteriorating over period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can) However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Source of Nitrate
Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate can vary in drinking water throughout the year. The City of Hiawatha will let consumers know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.
Corrective Action
The City of Hiawatha is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and USDA Rural Development to bring the nitrate levels to an acceptable level. We have secured funding for a water treatment plant and have hired an engineering firm to design and oversee the construction. We anticipate the plant being done in 18 to 24 months. In the meantime, we will continue to adjust our wells to lessen the level of nitrates in the drinking water.
For additional information, please contact Rick Koenig at (785) 742-7850 or stop at City Hall at 701 Oregon Street, or call (785) 742-7417.
This notice is being sent to you by City of Hiawatha, State Water System ID# KS 8500.
Distributed on June 27, 2016.
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 water system has high levels of nitrate
The City of Hiawatha collected a water sample on June 13, 2016 from which Rural Water District No. 2 purchases water and it showed nitrate levels of 11.0 mg/L. This is above the federal and state nitrate standard or maximum contaminant level (CL) of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
What to do?
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Water, juice and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Source of Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 will let you know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.
Corrective Action: Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 has partnered with several other water suppliers in our region to create Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 27 for the purpose of distributing high quality water that is low in nitrates to its member entities at the lowest cost possible. PWWSD #27 has been designed by its engineering consultant and has secured funding from Kansas Department of Health and Environment and USDA Rural Development. We expect PWWSD #27 to be under construction later this year and in operation by spring of 2017.
For more information, please contact Harold Keller at 785-474-3407 or by mail at
110 N. Commercial St, P.O. Box 126, Powhattan, KS 66527.
This notice is being sent to you by the Brown Co. RWD #2, State Water System
(KAIR)--The search is launched for a pickup truck missing from an Atchison County residence.
The Atchison County Sheriff's Office reports the truck, identified as a black, 2008 Toyota Tacoma extended cab, disappeared Sunday.
Owner Matt Young, of Lancaster, made the report around 10:45 Sunday morning, saying the truck was taken from his property at 21480 U.S. Highway 73. It's believed the truck was taken sometime during the early Sunday morning hours.
Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of the truck, or who was involved with taking it, should contact the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.
(KAIR)--An extensive, five-hour search for a missing Jackson County child Monday has a happy ending.
“You just don’t ever know how these things are going to end,” said Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. “We were worried about this going into the night. We were very happy when we got word she was located.”
Morse says it's believed the 3-year-old wandered from her western Jackson County home, accompanied by the family dog, sometime before she was reported missing around 9:00 Monday morning.
“Apparently, the mother had seen the child sleeping and went back to bed,” Morse said. “When the mother woke up, the child was missing. The German shepherd was also missing.”
The Sheriff's Office went to work to find the girl, joined by numerous law enforcement agencies, and volunteers.
“We used the Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft and assistance from various other agencies,” Morse said. “Jackson County Fire Department as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s offices. We had assistance from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks who brought some tracking dogs. The Kansas Highway Patrol was there as well, and we also had assistance from Kansas Search and Rescue Group who brought a tracking dog as well.”
Both tensions, and temperatures, ran hot as the search proceeded, ultimately leading to the discovery of the little girl early Monday afternoon.
“We had two Jackson County Sheriff Deputies and two Kansas Wildlife Park Game Wardens that were using tracking dogs and went west of E Rd. and 166 Rd.,” Morse said. “They actually located the girl a little after 2 p.m., and she was a quarter mile east of a dead end. They found her sitting under a tree in the tall grass with her dog there to protect her.”
Morse says EMS treated the child at the scene, and she was later transported to a Topeka Hospital for evaluation.
(KAIR)--A step forward for an Atchison walking and biking trail.
That comes in the way of a grant approval from The Sunflower Foundation Trails program, according to a press release from the City of Atchison.
The city partnered with Live Well, Live Atchison for the grant.
The exact amount of money granted is not immediately made available, the foundation is waiting to release that until the agreement is finalized.
But Atchison Public Works Director Justin Pregont said they applied for the maximum amount, $55,000.
When complete, the trail will begin at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 59 and U.S. Hwy 73. The ten-foot-wide, asphalt trail will continue for approximately a mile and a half in southern Atchison ending at Raven Hill Road by the hospital and Walmart.
The trial is on schedule for bids in August or September with construction to follow in fall 2016.
The Liberal Early Risers Kiwanis Club has been fortunate enough to acquire fresh Georgia peaches for sale on Saturday, July 9th. We will have seven pallets of #1 quality Georgia peaches. We will sell from approximately 6:30 am Saturday the 9th until they are all gone. The sale location will again be on the Kansas Avenue parking lot of Jerry Harding’s State Farm Insurance. The peaches will sell for $35.00 per case. Proceeds from this sale will be used to fund our annual “Coats for Kids” program and other Kiwanis projects aimed at benefitting children in the community.
Early Risers Kiwanis would sincerely like to thank everyone who supported our successful Georgia Peach sale last year and hope that you will return again this year.
Anyone wishing to reserve a case of peaches ahead of time may contact Robert Hutton at 620-629-5655, Ed Poley at 620-482-3431 or Kelly Kirk at 620-629-0568.
OWASSO, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a woman was killed when the car she was in was struck by a stolen pickup truck that was leading troopers on a chase in Owasso.
The OHP told reporters that a trooper spotted the stolen truck Sunday afternoon on Interstate 44 and the driver then led several troopers on a chase and tried to run troopers off the road.
The OHP says the chase ended when the driver tried to make a turn and instead crashed into the woman's vehicle.
Police say the woman later died at a hospital and the driver was hospitalized in good condition.
(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council has voted to amend several city ordinances.
Earlier this spring an alert was issued when a Boa Constrictor was reported missing from a Humboldt home. The current ordinance allows dogs and cats in the city limits but not exotic animals. The list of exotic animals will be amended to include snakes.
The missing snake was eventually found in the home of its owner.
Another change will be to the ordinance on building permits. Once approved, it will require a building permit to build a fence.
The Humboldt Council was asked to approve allowing ATV’s; UTV’s and golf carts on the city streets. The Council decided to continue to follow state statute that does not allow these vehicles to be operated on city streets.
Longtime Ponca City attorney C.D. Northcutt passed away in his sleep at his home in Ponca City, OK on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the age of 99.
First Baptist Church, Ponca City, will host a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2016, in the Worship Center.
C.D. was born in Guin, AL to Walter and Essie Northcutt on July 7, 1916, his mother's 20th birthday. His given name was Clarence Dewey and it was always easy to know a person was from his younger years because they called him Clarence. However, he simply preferred to be called C.D.
He was the oldest of 10 children, seven sons and three daughters. While he was still an infant, his family moved by train to share crop at a farm in Lexington, OK. C.D. grew up on "the farm" and attended Lone Star School, a one-room schoolhouse. Upon graduation from Lexington High School, he attended The University of Oklahoma and worked his way through school there.
He graduated from Law School when he was 20 years old, but had to return to the farm to pick cotton and await his 21st birthday to be eligible to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. For this reason, he always referred to himself as a "cotton pickin' lawyer!"
C.D. moved to Ponca City to practice law in 1938. Dr. C.E. Northcutt, who was associated with the Niemann-Northcutt Clinic, hired him to be their office manager, which helped C.D. pay the bills as his law practice became established.
On May 25, 1941, he married Ruth Eleanor Storms at First Baptist Church in Norman, OK. They established their home in Ponca City, and she taught math at East Junior High School while he was away during World War II. C.D. served our country in the European Theatre as part of the VII Army, Field Artillery.
During his military service, he received a Bronze Star, Air Medal with Clusters, and five Battle Stars as well as attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, C.D. returned to practice law in Ponca City and said that his proudest moment in his law practice was when his brother, Paul, joined him as a partner in 1951.
C.D. was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers as well as the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was a member of the International Society of Barristers, past president of the Oklahoma Bar, and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
C.D. was an avid Sooner fan and served in numerous leadership positions at The University of Oklahoma, including serving on the Board of Visitors of the Law Center Board, as a trustee of the Lew Wentz Foundation, and in the Academy of University Fellows.
His honors include being named Ponca City's Outstanding Citizen in 1982 and being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2001.
Many became aware of the part he played in helping Lydie Marland come back to Ponca City from the recent documentary movie, "High Stakes." He also co-authored a book about the Marland Mansion called "Palace on the Prairie." It always amazed him that he was an "author."
C.D. was an active member of First Baptist Church in Ponca City for over 78 years. He taught Sunday School for over 50 years and established a Business Men's Sunday School Class during the 1950s. He also served the church as a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and chairman of various committees through the years. He was faithfully in his "place" at church last Sunday, Father's Day, because his Lord and His Church were a priority to him. Now, because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we are sure C.D. is at rest today in his Heavenly Father's arms. Upon entering Heaven, however, we are equally sure that his first words were, "I never thought I would be here so soon."
C.D. was greatly looking forward to July 7, when he would have actually been 100 years old. His family celebrated that birthday with a Reunion on June 11 attended by nearly 100 family members. He made it known that he wanted to live to be "107 and thirty minutes" because his own mother passed away at 107! He dearly loved his family and prayed for each of them by name daily.
C.D's parents; his wife, Ruth Eleanor; his son, John Edward Northcutt; and his brothers, O.V., Bernice, Carol, N.B., and Paul; preceded him in death.
He and Gwen Walker Barton were married on Feb. 2, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Gwen; and her daughter, Carrie Tate and husband Stuart; grandchildren, Hannah Tate, Elizabeth Tate, and Andrew Tate; her son, Adam Stroud and wife Amanda; and grandchildren, Christian Stroud, Brooke Stroud, Gwendolyn Rose Stroud, Chris Root, Jessica Root, and Brock Root.
Other surviving family include his daughter, Gayle Young and her husband John; granddaughter, Marcy McConnell and husband, Randy; great-grandchildren, Micah McConnell and Gracie McConnell; grandson, Charlie Young and wife Carsha, great-grandsons, Brooks Young and Jace Thibodeaux; his daughter-in-love, Jen Andrews; grandson, Jeff Northcutt and wife Kelli; great-grandchildren, Jackson Northcutt and Jenna Northcutt; granddaughter, Julie Nephew and husband Michael; and great-grandchildren, Shelby Nephew and Austin Nephew.
C.D. is also survived by his youngest brother, Walt Northcutt; and his sisters, Rubye Scull, Evelyn Hull, and Jonni Noah; the grandchildren of Dr. C.E. Northcutt, Nancy Seely and David Northcutt; as well as numerous "favorite" nieces, nephews and friends as close as relatives.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Midwest City man charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in the abduction of an 8-year-old girl in 1997 won't face the death penalty.
The Oklahoman reports prosecutors had until Friday to seek death as punishment for 57-year-old Anthony Joseph Palma but chose not to.
Kirsten Renee Hatfield's body has never been found. She disappeared after her mother put her to bed in May 1997. Palma lived two doors down from the victim at the time.
Palma was arrested in October 2015 after new DNA testing connected him to evidence found at the crime scene.
Palma briefly appeared in court Friday, and his next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.
We want to encourage everyone to VOTE YES Tuesday to modernize the alcohol sales at Kay County restaurants on Sunday.
Area counties such as Osage and Payne allow sales of alcohol at their restaurants on Sunday. A Yes Vote will help our restaurants compete fairly with area county restaurants. Everyone who is registered to vote, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, can vote on this issue.
Republican voters, get to elect a new Kay County Sheriff.
Please exercise your right to vote Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday at 2 p.m. for the new owner of Cruises and More located at 2128 N. 14th Street. Debbie Simunek is the new owner. Cruises and More will also have a reception for former owner Joyce Davis following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Cruises and More has always been a big help to me when making travel plans. This is a great business for Ponca City. Please plan to attend and check out what they offer.
(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Holton man accused in the attempted strangulation of a Holton woman.
Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller says 27-year-old Manual Juarez-Benito pleaded “ not guilty” Friday to charges of attempted first-degree murder, rape, aggravated battery, two counts of criminal threat and domestic battery.
Miller says a trial was set for October 31st-November 2nd.
Juarez-Benito was arrested February 9th after officers responded to a domestic incident at a Holton residence involving an alleged attempted strangulation. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The victim also testified during a preliminary hearing last month that Juarez-Benito had allegedly raped her several times between April 1st and September 30th of last year.
Juarez-Benito remains in the Jackson County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
A Western Kansas man is dead after a two-vehicle crash late Saturday morning.
It happened just after 11 a.m. at an uncontrolled intersection about 17 miles north of the Kearny/ Hamilton County line.
Kansas Highway Patrol crash logs show Manuel Perea, 58, of Syracuse, was traveling northbound on Road B when his Chevy Silverado pickup collided with a semi truck traveling eastbound on Road 320.
Perea was rushed to the Kearny County Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The KHP reports neither driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the semi, 32-year-old Tyler Bontrager, of Syracuse, was also taken to the hospital with injuries.
MOORELAND, Okla. (AP) - The U.S. Geological Survey says two earthquakes have rattled parts of western and central Oklahoma.
The strongest was a 3.7 magnitude temblor that rattled near Mooreland about 5:30 a.m. Saturday. Less than an hour earlier, a 2.5 magnitude quake struck near Perry.
A few miles across the border, a 3.1 magnitude hit near Caldwell, Kansas, around 1 p.m.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage.
Scientists say damage is not likely in earthquakes below magnitude 4.0.
The number of magnitude 3.0 or greater earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma, from a few dozen in 2012 to more than 900 last year.
Scientists have linked the increase to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production, prompting state regulators to ask producers to reduce wastewater disposal volumes.
Shortly before 1 am, Blackwell Police Department received a call about a house on fire. Blackwell Fire, EMS, and Police responded to 222 E. Kansas. After investigation, police arrested Billy Stout, 51, of the same address. No bond was set. The investigation continues.
(KLZA)-- Representatives of a 5-county Southeast Nebraska economic development group met with the Auburn City Council and the Auburn Board of Education when they met last week.
Stronger Economies Together, known as SET outlined the groups points of emphasis during the meetings. Manufacturing and Industry, Tourism, Workforce Education and Entrepreneurship are the areas the group plans to focus their attention.
The group has received grant funding through the Extension Service.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- A 29-year-old Leavenworth County man charged in the death of a Kansas City, Kansas, police detective has made his first court appearance in Kansas.
Curtis Ayers, of Tonganoxie, is charged with capital murder in the May 9 death of Detective Brad Lancaster. Ayers is accused of fleeing to Missouri in a car after Lancaster was shot.
Kansas City, Missouri, police shot and wounded Ayers before taking him into custody. He had been hospitalized until last Monday when he was returned to Kansas to face the charges.
The Kansas City Star reports Ayers appeared Friday in Wyandotte County court, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He wasn't required to enter a plea. His next court date is July 20.
Prosecutors say they anticipate filing additional charges.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ ATL GREEN 1999 TOYT 4RUNNER LIMITED 641AZK/ OK. EX-HUSBAND, 44 YO W/M TOOK THE VEH AT 1:30PM YEST. HE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID DL. IF LOCATED, PLEASE CONTACT RP TO PICK UP THE VEH.
PHYSICAL DOMESTIC, MALE 1/2 [REDACTED] THE FEM 1/2 W/ A SMALL CHILD PRESENT. REC CALLS FROM BOTH 1/2'S AT THE RESI BUT SEPARATED. #41 & #20 RESPONDED, SETTLED, RPT WAS TKN. BOTH PARTIES SEPARATED FOR THE NIGHT.
06/24/16 23:08 23:25 23:25 23:25 EXTRA PATROL PD 16009059 9271
BELLFLOWER & KYGAR
RP REQ XPTL FOR AREA AT BELLFLOWER & KYGAR REF SOMEONE STOLE HER OUTSIDE LIGHTS LAST WEEKEND. RECENT VANDALISM. #20 ADV'D.
06/24/16 23:12 23:17 23:18 23:28 EXTRA PATROL PD 16009060 9666
S 11TH
C911 CALL, CONTACT VERY SIG 87 MALE STANDING IN THE STREET REF A FEM "BEING HELD HOSTAGE" IN A HOUSE THERE. IS WRG A LIGHT CLR SHIRT, JEANS.
RP ADV'D FEM 1/2 IS BACK TRYING TO FIGHT. #20 & #31 RESPONDED. #20, MALE 1/2 IS UPSET BECUASE SHE RETURNED. OPTIONS GIVEN. BOTH STAYING AT RESI, SETTLED FOR NOW.
Hiawatha Family Practice and Hiawatha Community Hospital have announced that Dr. Jessica Jarvis will be joining their team of providers in September.
According to a press release, Dr. Jarvis is a 2016 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita and completed her residency at Via Christi Family Medicine Residency. She was named the Top Resident in her class all three years of residency.
As a family medicine provider, the release says Dr. Jarvis will see patients of all ages, but has a passion for women's health including OB.
Dr. Jarvis is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine as well as in Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, STABLE, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. She is a member of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Jarvis and her husband, Richard, recently purchased a home in Hiawatha and are currently relocating to the area.
The couple enjoy KU athletics, as well as the Chiefs and Royal’s. Dr. Jarvis also enjoys cooking, baking and going to zoo's.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma voters sent three new congressmen to Washington in the past four years, and Republicans are considering whether it is time to switch again.
Navy pilot Jim Bridenstine upset a five-term GOP congressman in 2012, the same year plumber Markwayne Mullin won a House seat from eastern Oklahoma. Former state Sen. Steve Russell took a spot in 2014.
All three have challenges from within their party - as do two veteran Republican congressmen.
One battle line is last December's $1 trillion government funding vote supported by everyone except Bridenstine.
Mullin is supported by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, but former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn is backing Mullin's opponent.
Early voting opened Thursday. GOP runoffs are possible in two U.S. House races. Each Republican has an opponent in the fall.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Two proposals designed to control future growth of the Oklahoma prison population are one step closer to placement on the November ballot.
Oklahoma Secretary of State and Native American Affairs Chris Benge on Friday said his office confirmed State Questions 780 and 781 each received more than 110,000 valid signatures - more than the 65,987 the state requires to place each measure on the ballot.
The first proposal would reclassify some drug and property crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies.
The second requires the state to estimate the cost savings and direct that money toward crime prevention efforts, such as rehabilitation programs, education and job training.
Benge says his office has submitted its findings to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which will officially determine whether each signature total is sufficient.
GRANT, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma State Board of Education has ordered the closure of the Grant-Goodland School District because of financial problems.
The board voted Thursday in support of a mandatory annexation of the district in Choctaw County in southeastern Oklahoma. The state board says the annexation was needed because of financial misconduct and alleged corruption at the 118-student district.
The prekindergarten through 8th grade district will be annexed into Hugo Public Schools, but the state says students can request to be transferred to a different district if they wish.
The education department says Grant-Goodland officials did not consistently provide financial information to the state. The school district had been designated academically at risk for the past three school years.
(KLZA)-- The new Richardson County Law Enforcement Center and Jail is scheduled to open in August.
Richardson County Commissioners this past week discussed a proposed change order for the addition of a kitchen area. No action was taken as more information and clarification was requested.
The Board did approve advertising for sealed bids for equipment to service the kitchen at the new facility. Bid are to be opened July 12th at 11:30 a-m.
(KLZA)-- Motor vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among those between the ages of 16 and 19. The financial website WalletHub recently conducted an analysis of the best and worst states for teen drivers.
Nebraska ranks in the bottom five.
The survey shows that Nebraska ranked 42nd out of all 50 states when it comes to distracted - driving and texting while driving laws, 46th when it comes to the presence of Teen Driver's Graduated Licensing Program Laws and 38th when it comes to the quality of roads.
On average, 220 teenagers are killed in car accidents each month.
Those in the 15 to 24 year age bracket make up only 14% of the population but account for nearly one-third of all costs resulting from motor vehicle injuries.
(KLZA)--It's now legal to shoot fireworks in Nebraska until midnight on the 4th of July.
The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department reminds everyone to be aware of the dangers when setting off fireworks.
If you are going to be shooting off fireworks, make sure there is a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. An adult should always be present when kids are shooting fireworks.
In 2015, Nebraska fire departments reported 49 fires directly attributed to fireworks with damages from those fires coming to more than $60,000.
(KLZA)-- Work continues on the building project at the Mound City School.
Superintendent Ken Eaton updated Board members on the progress during the June Board meeting.
The Board approved a bid to construct a retaining wall on the west side of the new multipurpose building in an amount of $27,250. The wall project is to be completed by July 29th.
Eaton is hoping the entire building project is completed by the time school starts in August. The original completion date was January 1, of this year. Rainy weather last summer slowed progress on the project.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators passed an education funding plan Friday night after top Republicans rewrote it to gain broad, bipartisan support so that it would satisfy a court mandate and end a looming threat that public schools across the state might shut down.
The votes were 116-6 in the House and 38-1 in the Senate, sending the measure to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, who told reporters he would sign it. The GOP-dominated Legislature met for two days in a special session forced by a state Supreme Court ruling on education funding last month.
Lawmakers struggled with how to pay for a $38 million increase in aid to poor school districts for 2016-17 — in a dispute that ultimately focused on less than 1 percent of what the state already spends. Brownback said lawmakers did “a fantastic job.”
Kansas is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by four school districts, and legislators were fashioning a one-year funding fix ahead of a potentially more contentious legal and political battle over schools next year. The immediate issue was complying with the Supreme Court’s mandate to make the distribution of state aid fairer to poor school districts.
(KNZA)-- A July 8th preliminary hearing has been set for a St. Joseph man charged in the death of another St. Joseph man injured in a carjacking.
27-year-old Paul Belding appeared in a Buchanan County courtroom Friday morning on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 77-year-old Richard Gray.
Police say Gray was seriously injured while trying to prevent Belding from taking his van on June 13th from the parking lot of a St. Joseph convenience store. He died this past weekend at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.
Belding remains in the Buchanan County Jail, held on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
(KAIR)--Fire crews rushed to the scene of an Atchison business early Friday afternoon, following the report of a structure fire.
It happened at Express Lube, located at 2605 U.S. Highway 73, around 12:45, when a storage facility, located in the parking lot of the business and primarily used to store tires, caught fire.
Interim Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf tells MSC News the structure was found to be fully engulfed. “Units arrived on scene to find a metal storage building that was fully involved in fire. Fire had spread to a small storage building, just to the west, that also contained some different types of small equipment.”
Assisted by Shannon Township firefighters, crews went to work to extinguish the blaze. “Personnel for the Shannon Township Fire Department also responded, due to the close proximity to their building,” Graf says. “The fire was under control within about 30 minutes. A backhoe was brought in from the Public Works Department and was utilized to remove some of the unburnt tires, and debris, from what remained of the building, for better overall extinguishment. Both building, and their contents, are considered a total loss at this time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, no injuries were reported.”
Graf says the business also stored paperwork in the storage unit, and investigators believe those papers were where the fire began.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ AN OFFICER REF THREE MEN WHO BROKE INTO THE GARAGE AT VACANT RESI. THEY LEFT 10 MIN AGO NB IN AN OLDER 70'S MODEL TRK THAT WAS BROWN AND WHITE. MALES WERE DARK COMPLECTED. RP ADV'D THERE IS A BROKEN WINDOW AND BLOOD ALSO. #56 DISPATCHED & #59 ASST. #56 TOOK INFO FOR RPT. #56 CK'ING ON ADDR FOR POSS OWNER AND ADV'D IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ENTRY WAS MADE. #56 LEFT INFO FOR POSS VICTIM.
#40 WENT 10-15 W/ 34 YO W/M FOR (CITY: FTA-DUS 1ST.)
06/23/16 17:02 17:05 17:18 17:30 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16008994 9004
N WOODLAND
REQ OFFICER REF AN ASSAULT HAPPENED SOMETIME OVER THE WEEKEND. #56 TOOK RPT.
06/23/16 18:07 18:09 18:10 00:30 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16008998 9004
N 2ND
MALE WITH WOUND ON SIDE, UNK HOW IT GOT THERE. #56 DISPATCHED & #43 ASST. #43 STARTED CPR AND #56 ADV'D IT WAS A GUN SHOT WOUND. #22, #12, #15, #08, #06, #03, & #41 RESPONDED. EE'S ASST. M/E ADV'D. RPT TKN.
RP ADV'D HIS GIRLFRIEND [REDACTED] AT RESI HAS ABOUT 10-12 SUBJS ILLEGALLY DRINKING ALCOHOL. HE LEFT, WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. #49 & #33 RESPONDED.
#33 WENT 10-15 FOR #49 W/ 30 YO W/F FOR SOCIAL HOST & RESISTING.
RP JUST ARRIVED HOME, 3 JETSKIS STOLEN FROM PROPERTY, WERE ALL ON A TRAILER. #03 & #41 RESPONDED. #41, RPT TKN. FOR A RED, A PURPLE, AND A PINK JET SKI ON A WHT TRLR APPROX 15 FT. HAVE VIN'S FOR TWO, WILL BE ENTERED NCIC.
(KLZA)-- Efforts are moving forward on a new home for the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire Chief Rex Kapel and Secretary Larry Stauffer met with the City Council this week to provide an update on the project.
The Quad County Museum donated the former Humboldt Hospital facility to the Fire Department for a place to house equipment as well as the Humboldt Rescue Squad Ambulances. The department has outgrown its current facility in downtown Humboldt.
The estimate for the project is $400,000. Currently grant writing efforts are underway to secure financing for the project.
These photos of storm damage in Newkirk this morning were sent to us by Doug Dillow. You can send news and weather photos to us at poncacitynow@eteamradio.com and they may be used on our websites.
(KAIR)--Seven Kansas officials, including three from Leavenworth, were granted an inside look at one of the most classified prisons in the world.
Leavenworth Mayor Larry Dedeke, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mark Preisinger and Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson spent a little more than six hours at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center.
“We were given a tour by General Parks,” Dedeke said. “They showed us the original camp that was first built in 01-02 by the Bush administration. Then he showed us the other camps and the last new one, which is very similar to American prisons.”
The group, joined by United States Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, also included Kansas State Senator Steve Fitzgerald and State Representatives Tony Barton and Willie Dove.
President Barack Obama has promised since his first campaign as president to close the center and relocate prisoners to United States facilities. One of those possible locations is Fort Leavenworth.
Jenkins said, in a press conference, the trip was to give local officials a first-account look at the facility in order to gain a better understanding of its workings. This way, Jenkins said, “They have more information and tools they need in the event they need to pursue legal action, at some point down the line, to prevent detainees from being transferred to Fort Leavenworth.”
Jenkins said she feels these are the worst of the worst, radical Islamic terrorists who wake up every day determined to harm Americans.
Jenkins and supporters received some good news days ago when Obama said he wouldn’t pursue executive orders to close the facility.
Guantanamo Bay is a an extremely controversial detention center coming under fire from several civil and human rights groups including the ACLU.
(KAIR)--Fire crews are on the scene at an Atchison business following the report of a structure fire early Friday afternoon.
It happened at Express Lube, located at 10905 U.S. Highway 73, shortly before 1:00, when a storage facility, located in the parking lot of the business, apparently caught fire.
The Atchison Fire Department, assisted by Atchison Police, worked to suppress the fire.
MSC News noted smoke, but no visible flames, at the scene.
It's not immediately confirmed what items were being stored in the structure.
(KNZA)--Longtime Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Moore is retiring July 1st.
A come-and-go reception in his honor will be held Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 at the hospital, and the public is invited to attend.
Moore is retiring after 27 years of service with the hospital, the last 20 years as CEO.
He will replaced by Roger Barnhart. Barnhart, a native of Phillipsburg, brings 20 years of healthcare experience, mostly recently as the CEO of Ashland Healthcare in Ashland, Kansas.
The Security State Bank in Fairfax was robbed at 9:46 a.m. Friday, the Osage County Sheriff's Office reports.
A man walked into the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds. He was in his late 30s to early 40s, witnesses said. The man was bald with no facial hair and has a tattoo on the back of his head.
Witnesses said he was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and blue jeans and left the bank on foot. He may be armed.
Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is asked to call the Osage County Sheriff's Office at (918) 287-3131, or in Osage County, call 911.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans advanced an education funding plan Thursday in the Kansas Legislature as the best way to satisfy a court mandate, pushing past doubts that it would avert a threatened shutdown of the state's public schools.
House and Senate committees approved separate but identical bills to boost state aid to poor school districts by $38 million in 2016-17. With Kansas facing an ongoing budget crunch, the plan mostly shuffles existing education dollars, redistributing money from 141 of the state's 286 districts, starting with wealthy ones.
Each Republican-dominated chamber planned to debate the plan Friday.
Lawmakers convened a special session Thursday to address a state Supreme Court order issued last month, and GOP leaders would like to wrap up the work Friday.
The urgency is dictated by the Supreme Court's warning in its ruling that schools might not be able to reopen after June 30 if lawmakers don't make education funding changes by then. The justices said the state's education funding system remains unfair to poor school districts, despite three rounds of changes in three years.
(KAIR)--The FBI has connected the dots between three recent bank robberies, saying they believe the man who targeted a Platte County, Missouri bank also robbed two banks in Oklahoma. The Platte Valley Bank, in Dearborn, was robbed Monday, while a Bank of America location in Tulsa was robbed Thursday, and an Arvest Bank, also in Tulsa, was robbed June 18th. The Kansas City Star reports that in all three robberies, the man produced a demand note and told tellers he had a weapon. He's described as white, in his mid-50s, about 5-foot-10 with tattoos on both arms. A tattoo on his right arm possibly includes the image of a woman’s face. Anyone with information about any of the robberies should notify authorities.
(KLZA)-- A literal sign of progress for the new disc golf course at Stanton Lake Park.
“We’d like to put up a sign somewhere as you come down the hill,” said Marc Merz with the Tanner Shelby Merz Foundation. “It’ll list the name of the course and the list of the sponsors and thank everybody for their donations.”
He presented the plan for signage at the Fall City Council meeting. The council directed Merz to Mike Huppert, with the Parks Department, about placement of the sign.
(MSC News)-- The National Association for Amateur Radio will hold its annual emergency communications drill, called Field Day, this weekend.
Local ham operators from Hiawatha and Falls City will join more than 35,000 other ham operators throughout North America, and territories in the Pacific to practice their emergency communication skills. The purpose of the drill is to demonstrate that in an emergency, amateur radio operators can set up quickly and pass along critical messages and information without the use of local utility power for at least 24-hours.
Locally, amateur radio operators from Falls City, Hiawatha and Horton will set up on the west side of the Hiawatha Wal-Mart parking lot. Using only 5-watts of output power, which is about the same power as a flashlight, they will exchange messages with other ham radio stations for 24-hours beginning at 1:00 Saturday afternoon until 1:00 Sunday afternoon.
While the drill has a serious side, for the amateur radio operators there is also a fun, competitive side to it. Stations compete for the honor of contacting the most stations in their operating category, and also enjoy showing off their communication skills to each other and to the public.
The public is welcome to come by and even get on the air with the ham operators.
This election day, all voters in Kay County will be given the opportunity to level the playing field for the restaurants in Kay County.
As it stands now, restaurants in Kay County are prohibited from serving liquor on Sunday for on-premise consumption. Counties surrounding us do not have this same law, and that puts our restaurants at an unfair disadvantage 52 days per year.
I see this as an economic issue and not a moral issue. What if there is a law in place prohibiting Kay County restaurants from serving dessert on Sunday while surrounding counties could? I think that would not be fair and that our restaurants would be at an unfair disadvantage. This is the case with the current law for consumption of alcohol in restaurants.
A yes vote for the proposition will let Kay County restaurants compete on an equal playing field with the surrounding counties and keep more dollars in our county.
Let’s join our other fellow Oklahomans in other counties who have decided to modernize the laws and keep more dollars within their counties.
Vote Yes Tuesday for the proposition to allow liquor sales in restaurants on Sundays in Kay County.
Regardless of your party affiliation, if you are a resident of Kay County you will be allowed to vote on this county-wide proposition.
I urge you to vote YES June 28 on this economic issue
(KLZA)-- Fireworks season begins Saturday in Nebrasaka. Fireworks can be sold and shot off through midnight, July 4th.
There are a number of prohibited fireworks including rockets with a stick attached, nighttime parachutes and wire sparklers.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshall’s Office reminds everyone to be very carefule with fireworks. In 2015 Nebraska Fire Departments reported 49 fires directly attributed to fireworks. Those fires resulted in $60,417.00 of total loss.
A total of 176 fireworks related injuries were reported by 44 Nebraska hospitals during the survey period of June 25 through July 5, 2015.
Some fireworks safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety, American Pyrotechnics and the Insurance Information Institute that can make your celebration safer include:
Never throw or point fireworks at others.
Obey the law. Don't use fireworks that are illegal.
Keep fireworks away from children. Sparklers burn at up to 2,000 degrees, making them extremely dangerous for children.
Always read and follow the directions for fireworks carefully.
Take it slow. Light only one at a time.
Don't use malfunctioning items. Never attempt to relight a "dud."
Have a fire extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water handy for emergencies. Drop used fireworks into a bucket of water.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
(KMZA)--A Fairview man takes a trip to the hospital after his semi rolls over, leaving him injured.
The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says it happened Sunday when 33-year-old Eric Niehues was westbound on U.S. Highway 36 when the semi ran onto the shoulder.
Niehues overcorrected, causing the semi to overturn into the north ditch.
Niehues was transported from the scene by ambulance to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for treatment of his injuries.
(KAIR)--Speed is being blamed for a Thursday morning Buchanan County, Missouri crash, that left six Saint Joseph teens injured.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on Southeast Barnett Road, near Southeast 32nd Road, when all six teens were traveling in a Honda Civic, eastbound on Barnett Road.
The Patrol reports the car, being driven at a high rate of speed by 17-year-old Hayden Ellison, crested a hilltop, went airborne, and traveled off the south side of the roadway.
Ellison overcorrected, sending the car off the north side of the roadway where it struck a tree and overturned, ejecting a 13-year-old passenger who was not buckled up.
The Patrol reports only one other teen in the car was not wearing a seatbelt.
Four of the teens, including the driver, suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph for treatment.
Two suffered minor injuries and refused treatment.
The Patrol says the crash happened around 8:20 Thursday morning.
Ponca City Police are investigating the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in the 1000 block of North Second Street.
Spokeswoman Sherry Bowers said a 911 call was received by the Communication Center at 6:07p.m. from a resident of garage apartment in the 1000 block of North Second Street.
The caller reported a male bleeding heavily from his side. Police and ambulance responded, Bowers said.
The first officer on the scene began CPR. The ambulance arrived shortly after and took over the resuscitative efforts.
The victim was transported to AllianceHealth Ponca City, where he died from the single gunshot wound to his left side.
Police are questioning a witness now. No other details are available at this time, Bowers said.
(KNZA)--The city of Horton has hired an activities coordinator.
Keith Olsen, of rural Horton, has been selected to fill the new position, which will be temporary initially.
The hiring of Olsen was announced at this week’s Horton City Commission meeting.
He was among three candidates interviewed for the position.
In his new role, Olsen will be responsible for organizing and coordinating recreational activities in the community along with other city events.
The Commission approved the hiring of an activities coordinator during a special meeting on May 23rd. At that time, they agreed the position should be part-time with the individual hired working through December 1st.
There are six ballots available for different voters in the Kay County election on Tuesday, June 28. The ballot will depend on the voter's party affiliation as well as their home location.
There is a county-wide Republican primary ballot which will vote for a U.S. Representative, as well as the next Kay County Sheriff. All of the candidates are registered as Republicans, so other voters will not cast a ballot for the office. The candidates for Representative are Desiree Brown and Frank D. Lucas. The Sheriff candidates are Steve Kelley, Brian Herbert and Tom Burg.
Part of the Republican ballot includes the county-wide question on permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages by individual drink for on-premise consumption on Sunday and on any election days. This question is also on ballots for other parties.
Libertarian voters will choose a candidate for U.S. Senator, choosing between Robert T. Murphy and
Dax Ewbank.
Newkirk voters will decide a proposition to issue bonds for $100,000 to fund school buildings, furniture and improvements.
Tonkawa voters will decide on a 10-year, 1.5 cent sales tax to pay for infrastructure for the community, including streets, sidewalks, water, sewer and drainage systems.
Blackwell voters are asked to vote on a 1-cent sales tax which would end in 2021 and would be used to provide financial support for Blackwell's hospital, or in the event it closes, for other emergency medical services.
A Kansas Senate committee has approved a Republican education funding plan aimed at satisfying a state Supreme Court mandate and averting a threat that schools will shut down.
The Ways and Means Committee’s 9-2 vote Thursday sent the plan to the full Senate for a debate that is expected Friday. Lawmakers are meeting in a special session to address a Supreme Court ruling last month.
The plan would boost aid to poor school districts by $38 million, but much of the money would come from reshuffling existing education dollars. The votes against the plan came from the committee’s two Democrats.
The Supreme Court said the state’s education funding system remains unfair to poor school districts. The justices warned that schools wouldn’t be able to reopen after June 30 without changes.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP IN THE PD LOBBY TO RPT HIS GREEN 95 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WAS STOLEN FROM S PERRY LAST NIGHT. TAG IS 115GGP. #38 ASND, RPT TKN. IF LOCATED CALLE THE OWNER; PLEASE DO NOT TOW. VEH ISN'T WORTH THE COST OF THE TOW.
06/22/16 10:56 10:58 11:04 12:40 FIRE RUN PD 16008927 9366
S 5TH
RPT OF GARAGE ON FIRE. #42 & #17 RESPONDED. WAS THE SHED BEHIND THE RESI. THIS WAS ARSON. #42 TOOK RPT. #03 & #07 ASST.
06/22/16 14:23 14:27 14:27 14:27 EXTRA PATROL PD 16008937 88PD
W CLEVELAND
RP REQ XPTL REF A STOLEN LAWN MOWER FROM LAST NIGHT. HE DOESN'T WANT TO MAKE A RPT AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PATROL THE ALLEY. *****ALL SHIFTS****
KSO ADV'D OF A BLUE CHEV P/U PULLED UP HALF ON CURB BY BLDG. SLUMPED OVER WHEEL. BACK END STICKING OUT IN TRAFFIC. #41 RESPONDED, #50 ASST. SHORT FOOT PURSUIT BEHIND BUSINESS.
#41 WENT 10-15 W/ 18 YO W/M FOR PI. ACTION TOW PN 001 764.
Registered voters in Kay County who want to vote by mail absentee ballot in next Tuesday’s Primary Election, Kay County Special Question Election, Blackwell Municipal Special Election, and Tonkawa Municipal Special Election, and Newkirk School District I-125 Special Bond Election have missed the application deadline, County Election Board Secretary Cheryl Howard said today.
“They aren’t out of luck, however,” Howard said.
Voters who want to cast absentee ballots still can do so at the County Election Board office on Thursday, June 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, June 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A two-member, bipartisan Absentee Voting Board will be on duty each day to assist absentee voters.
“In-person absentee voters fill out an application form when they get to the office. They are not required to give a reason for voting absentee” Howard said. “They are required to swear that they have not voted a regular mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their polling place on election day.”
According to Howard, the Absentee Voting Board verifies a voter’s registration information, then issues the voter’s ballots. The voter marks the ballots in a voting booth and then puts them in the voting device. “It is very much like voting at a precinct polling place,” said Howard.
Contact the County Election Board, located at 201 S. Main St. basement of Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk for more information. The telephone number is 580-362-2130.
Ashley Nicole Hooper, 23, has been charged with first degree arson following a house fire in the 500 block of North Pine Street on Tuesday.
She was arrested by Ponca City Police about 9 a.m. Tuesday at her address in the 800 block of North Pine Street on a probable cause warrant and was transported to the Kay County Detention Center. Bond was set at $10,000.
An initial court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former Republican officeholder who was offered a newly created $250,000-a-year job as the head of a state tobacco fund is turning down the post.
Former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas said in a statement Wednesday that she decided to not accept the offer after consulting with family and friends.
(KAIR)--The name of the man whose body was pulled from a Buchanan County, Missouri pond this week has been made public.
According to a press release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the victim is 48-year-old Ezequiel Contreras-Vasques. The Patrol identifies him as a resident of Saint Joseph.
The results of an autopsy are pending.
His body was recovered as part of a water rescue launched Tuesday evening near the Bankers Crossing Bridge, along U.S. Highway 59, south of Saint Joseph.
Authorities were notified that a car was partially submerged in the pond, and rescue crews rushed to the scene, and the car was pulled from the water.
Found to have no occupants, the search of the water continued, and that's when the body of Contreras-Vasques was found.
It remains unclear exactly how the car went into the water.
The investigation is continuing, and is being overseen by the Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas legislators have convened a special session to address a state Supreme Court mandate on education funding and avert a threat that public schools might not reopen next month.
Lawmakers returned to the Statehouse Thursday after key Republicans negotiated with superintendents from various districts on a $38 million plan for increasing aid to poor school districts.
The Supreme Court ruled last month that the state's education funding system remains unfair to poor districts and warned that schools might not reopen after June 30 if lawmakers don't make further changes by then.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and legislative leaders have authorized a record $900 million in temporary borrowing to cover the state's expenses through June 2017.
Brownback and the leaders met Wednesday as the State Finance Council and voted 8-1 to loan the state's main bank account the money from other, idle funds. It's a move the state has used repeatedly to cover bills when cash is projected to be tight.
The vote came after Budget Director Shawn Sullivan said the state likely would have to divert transportation funds and Medicaid fee funds and delay payments to school districts until next month to avoid a projected short-term deficit of $45 million on June 30.
(KNZA)--A new senior housing development is planned in Hiawatha.
Manhattan,Kansas-based Action Pact has announced plans for a two phase development in the northeast part of the community at the intersection of 2nd and Aztec Avenue.
According to a news release, the $5.4 million first phase will consist of two skilled nursing households designed to reflect family-style living. Each facility will include 20 private rooms that will be clustered around a common area, with a kitchen, dining room and living room.
The second phase will consist of independent living cottages, which will include nine small homes designed to accommodate a senior or a couple ready to downsize.
The company says its the first project of kind geared specifically toward rural Kansas.
The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2017. The company says when completed, the project will have more than 30 employees.
The news release says the project will offer an environment suitable for residents who need healthcare and assistance with daily activities, including those with memory loss.
Early detection and quick action kept a Guymon home from being destroyed by fire. At 1:57pm Wednesday afternoon, Guymon Firefighters were called to 317 Morgan Street for a reported structure fire. “Upon first fire unit arrival, found heavy smoke condition coming from the front door and from beneath the closed garage door”, stated Assistant Fire Chief Grant Wadley. Firefighters quickly entered the house and located the point of the fire located in the garage. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 5 minutes of arrival at the house and prevented any fire damage to extension to the rest of the home.
The family of the home were not present at the time of the fire. Cause of the fire was a dryer that malfunctioned in the garage and began to extend to the back wall of the garage. The dryer and the clothes inside the dryer were a complete loss. Investigators concluded that the dryer was left on when the occupants left the home. “One of the children that lived in the home had come back to get something, noticed smoke in the home when he entered, then ran to a neighbor’s home to call for help and notify his mother”, Wadley said. Clothes dryer fires are common and can be prevented by simply checking to make sure the vent hose is unobstructed, lent trap is cleaned between every use, dyer is not over loaded with clothing, and power cord is intact and has no damage.
There were no reported injuries and the home had minor smoke damage throughout. Guymon Fire Department responded with 4 units and were assisted by Guymon Police, Tri-County Electric, Texas County Emergency Management, and the Gas & Water department of the City of Guymon.
(KAIR)--An elderly Atchison man finds himself the victim of a theft that left him without a financial card, and city Police Chief Mike Wilson says the crime is being blamed on a close acquaintance of the man. “We did have an investigation focusing on the theft of a financial card, with an 88-year-old victim,” Wilson tells MSC News. “That financial card was subsequently used at an ATM machine and that particular incident involved an about $400 transaction. We have taken a 28-year-old man into custody for crimes related to the theft, and use, of that financial card.”
Arrested Tuesday on a District Court Warrant for the crime is Tremell Bratton.
He now faces charges of computer crime and criminal use of a financial card.
Following his arrest, Bratton was booked into the Atchison County Jail.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma City school district's top official says open participation will continue during school board meetings despite last week's comments from the board's leader, who said she was considering eliminating public comment.
Acting Superintendent Aurora Lora tells The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/28YYcCH ) that board member and public comments will be allowed at school board meetings "indefinitely."
Last week, board chairwoman Lynne Hardin said she was considering eliminating public and board member comment after a recent string of contentious exchanges and outbursts. She said she planned to meet with other board members next month to discuss options.
News of Hardin's consideration was criticized by parents and others who attend school board meetings.
(KLZA)-- During last weeks meeting of the Nemaha County, Nebraska Board of Commissioners Jim Duval, Project Manager with Design Build Procure met with the Board to discuss services he could provide.
Plans are being developed to expand the Nemaha County Sheriff’s office space. Duval presented information on his experience as a Project Criteria Developer. Duval described himself as the “watch dog” between the architect and contractor.
Duval offered to prepare documentation as required by law for the project for a fee of $10,000 including mileage and visits; 1-percent on a project from $1-$1.5-million. The price is negotiable after $1.5-million.
Commissioners indicated they would approve a contract with Design Build Procure as Project Criteria Developer during their June 19th meeting.
(KLZA)-- Pawnee and McPherson counties had the lowest unemployment rate in Nebraska for the month of May.
The 1.7-percent unemployment rate in Pawnee County dipped down from 2 percent the previous month. The jobless rate also dipped in nearly all the rest of the counties in extreme Southeast Nebraska for the month. The exception was Nemaha County.
Nemaha County had a May unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, up three-tenths of a percentage point from April. Richardson, Otoe and Gage counties all had an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent all slightly lower than April. In Johnson County the unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, down three tenths.
The Nebraska unemployment rate has been steady at 3 percent for five consecutive months. The rate is well below the national unemployment rate of 4.7 percent in May. Nebraska’s unemployment rate is third best in the country behind the 2.5 percent rate in South Dakota and 2.7 percent in New Hampshire.
GROVE, Okla. (AP) - A judge says a tribe in northeastern Oklahoma must redo its election because of questions over how it was handled earlier this month.
A judge with the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Court of Indian Offenses ruled Tuesday that the Seneca-Cayuga Nation must hold a second election for chief, two business committee seats and three grievance committee seats.
The Tulsa World reports (http://bit.ly/28RcvMZ ) that Judge Tom Walker cited a failure to follow procedures outlined in the tribe's constitution. Walker ruled that the next election should be conducted on July 23 or as close to that date as possible, and it will be subject to oversight by a court-appointed monitor.
Based in Grove, the Seneca-Cayuga Nation has about 5,100 enrolled tribal citizens.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation to require high school students to pass a civics test and learn CPR.
The legislation signed Wednesday requires high schoolers who start ninth grade after July 2017 to pass an exam similar to the U.S. citizenship test.
The measure also creates a pilot program for rating preschools based on quality. Nixon's office says Missouri previously was the only state to ban such a rating system.
Other provisions include mandated dyslexia screening in public schools beginning in fall 2018 and a requirement that public schools give students a chance every day to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools now must make time for the pledge once a week.
(KLZA)-- Negotiations are ongoing between Pawnee City and Pawnee County for law enforcement services.
The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement for Pawnee City as well as several other villages in the County.
Pawnee County had sought a 3.5-percent increase in the contract amount for law enforcement services. Pawnee City countered with an increase of 1.5 percent.
Commission Chairman Dennis Schaardt met with the Pawnee City Council earlier this month. While the Council said they could go 2.5 percent annually for three years, Schaardt said the County did not want to go lower than 3 percent.
Tuesday during the Commissioners meeting the Board approved a motion to increase the contract amount 3 percent each year for a three-year contract.
The Pawnee City Council will meet again June 27th.
In a related agenda item, the Board approved a motion to increase the law enforcement agreements for the villages of Burchard, DuBois, Lewiston, Steinauer and Table Rock by 2 percent for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) - Omaha's public power utility says its nuclear power plant in eastern Nebraska has been temporarily taken offline for a minor malfunction.
Omaha Public Power District says in a written release that the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station north of Omaha was taken offline Tuesday morning when a turbine tripped.
The utility says the system responded as designed by automatically shutting down the reactor without incident. The utility says the plant is safe and there were no injuries.
Operators are analyzing the cause of the situation, focusing on the speed and power controls of the turbine. Crews are working to resolve the issue and restore the unit to service.
The utility announced earlier this month that it would close the nuclear power plant by the end of the year.
TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) - Wild mustangs rounded up from the open range in Western states are up for adoption in northeast Kansas.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the adoption event is planned from Friday to Saturday at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds in Tonganoxie. This year, the Bureau of Land Management will have 36 mustangs and burros at Tonganoxie available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a minimum $125 adoption fee.
The BLM started the adoption program in 1973 and has placed more than 230,000 horses and burros in its 43 years. BLM wild horse and burro specialist Crystal Cowan says the animals are rounded up to preserve healthy herds and to protect range-land resources.
Adoptees must be at least 18 years old, have no animal abuse record and adequate facilities.
The Coronado Museum and Dorothy’s House in Liberal will be hosting a meet and greet for Bud Estes, Senate Candidate for the 38th District . The position is currently being held by Senator Garrett Love who has decided not to serve again.
Mr. Estes is currently representing the Dodge City area as a State Representative and has business interests in Southwest Kansas in addition to his experience as a State Representative for the 119th District. He is interested in hearing from you and invites you to attend this important event.
Refreshments will be served.Mark your Calendar:
Bud Estes Meet & Greet
Coronado Museum,
567 E. Cedar, Liberal, KS
July 8th, 4:30 - 7:00pm
For more information contact Jim Rice 620 624 3140
(KLZA)--No city money for the Falls City 4th of July fireworks display.
That word came down during Monday's meeting of the Falls City City Council, following a request for funding made by Rick Lemerond.
Lemerond, who has spearheaded the popular, annual attraction for a number of years, told the Council it costs between $5,000 to $7,500 to make it happen. "We have people come to town [for the display], spending money [which generates sales tax.]," Lemerond told the Council. "Other towns, actually the City bankrolls the whole activity."
Mayor Jerry Oliver informed Lemerond there were no funds budgeted for such a donation, suggesting that the Budget Committee consider the request in the future.
Councilman Don Ferguson directed Lemerond to seek the support of the Chamber of Commerce. "If this wants to become a community event, that's the probably the first place to start, with the Chamber. They have people that are supposed to do things like that."
Another concern was also voiced by Council members who said making the donation could open the door to other such requests, which could not be financially supported.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP ADV'D 57 YO I/F IS OUTSIDE BEGGING FOR MONEY. RP ALSO REQ TRESPASS. #42 ASND. #42 LOCATED THE SUBJ AND ISSUED HER A TRESPASS WARNING FOR THE BUSINESS.
#25 REQ A TRANSPORT UNIT FOR A 10-15 FROM ADDR ON PINE.
#25 WENT 10-15 W/ 23 YO W/F FOR FIRST DEGREE ARSON.
06/21/16 09:30 09:31 09:43 11:!4 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16008867 9677
N 14TH
ER ADV'D THEY ARE TREATING A FEM DOMESTIC ASSAULT VICTIM. #38 ASND. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS CALL FURTHER, #38 ADV'D HE WOULD NOT BE TAKING A RPT. [REDACTED.]
06/21/16 10:32 10:35 10:53 11:19 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16008869 9366
S OAK
RECORDS CALLED AND ADV'D THERE ARE A COUPLE OF WOMEN IN THE LOBBY FROM ADDR ON S OAK THAT HAVE A PROBLEM AND THERE IS A LANGUAGE BARRIER. #42 ASND. #42 IS BRINGING THE SUBJ TO SPEAK TO THE DV ADVOCATE. #42 ADV'D NO RPT, OPTIONS GIVEN, THE DV ADVOCATE IS GOING TO HELP THEM OUT.
REQ OFFICER REF VEH BROKEN INTO. #38 ASND, DECLINED RPT. NO ITEMS MISSING. REQ LOG NOTED THAT VIDEO EVIDENCE SHOWED IT WAS A NEIGHBOR THAT BROKE INTO VEH. RP HAS HAD PREVIOUS TROUBLE WITH SAME NEIGHBOR.
06/21/16 16:30 16:33 16:39 17:13 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16008889 8654
N 14TH
RP IN LOBBY ADV'D OF A HIT N RUN AT CAR WASH YESTERDAY, #57 ASND, RPT TKN. NOT A HIT N RUN. WAS IN CAR WASH LINE. RP HAD AMPLE OP TO CALL AND DIDN'T.
STILLWATER PD REQ ATL FOR 20 YO W/M, 5'9, 135LBS, BROWN HAIR, BLUE EYES, SCAR ON TEMPLE, UNK CLOTHING. SUBJ HAS [REDACTED.] IF LOCATED, PLEASE CONTACT STILLWATER PD.
Grab the sun screen, lawn chairs and get ready to enjoy fun on the beach Saturday, June 25.
It's the annual KawFest at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake, organized by the Kaw Lake Association.
"We’re bringing back some the things you love including live music with Morrison 33, Beach Volleyball Tournament and Pork Cook-0ff,” said Natascha Holloway, KawFest chairman. “Last year we added a Boat Poker Run and Sand Horseshoe Pitching Tournament both of which were successful so we’re bringing them back again, plus adding a Bass Fishing Tournament.”
Admission to KawFest is $5 per person, $3 for teens, and free for children 12 and younger.
Entry forms for any of the tournaments are available by contacting the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494, 580-716-9015 or email kawlake@cableone.net.
The morning will begin at safelight (approximately 6:45 a.m.) with the KawFest Bass Fishing Tournament from the McFadden Cove Marina.
Entry fee is $25 per two-person team with guaranteed payouts to first, second and third place, plus Big Bass. Anglers can sign up in advance by contacting the Kaw Lake Association at 580-762-9494 or 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, at the required tournament meeting at the McFadden Cove Marina. Boats will depart from the McFadden Cove Marina and return there for weigh-in.
Gates to Sandy Beach will open Saturday at 9 a.m. Then play in the water or on the beach and later in the day watch talent on the stage. In the evening, there will be music with Morrison 33 and Funk Da Fied.
For those into a more sedate sport, the second annual KawFest Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 10 a.m.
Entry fee is $10 per two-person team with a prize of $100 to the first place team. Teams must use horseshoes provided by the Kaw Lake Association. You can enter in advance or that morning at Sandy Beach.
If volleyball is your sport, then enter the Co-ed Sand Volleyball Tournament Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. A previous KawFest favorite event, entry is $50 per team and teams will consist of up to five players. Teams should enter by Thursday, June 23.
To enter or to get more information, contact the Kaw Lake Association at 580-762-9494 or Jaimee Miller, 580-716-8172.
Backyard Barbecue Cooks, fire up your smokers and get ready to cook all day in the KawFest Pork Cook-off. This is a leisurely event with food provided by the Kaw Lake Association to each backyard barbecue cook.
Whether your specialty is ribs, pork loin or pulled pork, you’ll get to cook them all. The public will purchase tasting kits that evening for $6 each to taste and judge your finest pork.
Entry fee is $100 per team with a $500 prize to the first place team. Teams must sign up in advance by contacting the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494 or 580-716-9015.
The Second Annual KawFest Boat Poker Run starts at 1 p.m. at the McFadden Cove Marina. You can depart anytime from 1 to 3 p.m. First hand is $20 and $15 for a second hand played by the same person. First place wins $100 and worst hand $25. In addition, there will be a 50/50 pot for $5 per ticket. The Boat Poker Run will end at Sandy Beach with last card drawn at the KawFest Information Booth on Sandy Beach and awards at 4:30 p.m. Sign up that afternoon at the marina.
Kids get wet and work off excess energy on the bounce-a-lot for only $5 for the day.
The evening winds down with live music on the beach featuring local favorites Morrison 33 and Funk Da Fied. Morrison 33 is an original band that refuses to be classified by any genre, according to their website. They work hard to create unique music.
For more information on KawFest or the Kaw Lake Association, please contact the Kaw Lake Association office at 580-762-9494 or 1-877-671-6985 or e-mail kawlake@cableone.net.
___
Entries are being accepted for the KawFest Sand Volleyball Tournament, one of the many KawFest events Saturday, June 25 at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake. Entry fee is $50 for a five-person team and teams should sign up by Thursday, June 23 at the Kaw Lake Association office, 3517 Lake Road, Ponca City or by calling 580-762-9494 or 580-716-9015.
This Saturday, June 25, is Pioneer Arts and Crafts day at the Pioneer Woman Museum.
Hands-on activities will include candle making, weaving, tie dye and other hands-on craft activities.
“This is, by far, my favorite theme of our summer activities,” said Museum Director Robbin Davis.
Each Saturday in June and July, the museum offers new activities as part of Pioneer Family Fun Days.
“We are having such a great time this summer with the kids and adults who have been coming out and enjoying their time at the museum,” Davis said.
This Saturday’s activities are make-and-take, where each participant can try their hand at the craft and then take home what they make.
“There is so much joy on the kids’ faces when they make something of their own and get to take it with them,” Davis said.
Families of up to six people can join in on the fun for only $5. The activities are designed so that participants can come and go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each week’s activities are preplanned and more information can be found at www.facebook.com/PioneerWomanMuseum. Most activities are appropriate for ages six and up, but everyone is welcome.
For more information about any of the programs and events hosted by the Pioneer Woman Museum, contact the museum at (580) 765-6108, piown@okhistory.org or visit its Facebook page.
The Pioneer Woman Museum, a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society, is located at 701 Monument Road in Ponca City. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 30 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former Oklahoma Senate leader convicted of bribery has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
Former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan was resentenced Tuesday after a federal appeals court found his original sentence of probation as too lenient. Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence between 41 and 51 months, arguing the bribery conviction is more serious because of Morgan's position of power.
Morgan's attorneys requested that he be assigned to a federal facility in El Reno.
The Stillwater Democrat was found guilty of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. Morgan maintains any money he took was payment for legal work, but prosecutors said his sentence should serve as a warning to other attorneys in the Legislature regarding such arrangements.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - The University of Oklahoma plans to increase tuition and fees by 7 percent to help offset state budget cuts.
OU said Tuesday that the increase will offset about one-third of the estimated $35 million decrease in state funding to campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. OU said voluntary retirements, salary cuts of 3 percent for top leaders, a reduction of faculty and staff by attrition and changes in retirement programs are also reducing costs.
State lawmakers reduced funding to higher education by nearly 16 percent to help fill a $1.3 billion state budget shortfall.
According to OU's website, tuition and fees for in-state students taking 30 hours per year is currently $10,090. A 7 percent increase would raise the cost by $706 per year.
(KAIR)--An inquiry into a possible shoplifting case leads to the suspect vehicle, which, in turn, lands one man behind bars, in part for his alleged possession of meth.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News while the Monday afternoon shoplifting investigation revealed no actual crime had been committed, that call did lead to the arrest of Lansing resident Corey Gray, who was wanted on a warrant. “At 4:30 on Monday afternoon, our officers were searching for a vehicle connected to an investigation at a downtown business,” Wilson says. “That vehicle was located in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue, with two occupants. Gray, of Lansing, was taken into custody on a Leavenworth County warrant for criminal use of a financial card, and during that arrest, a small baggie containing methamphetamine was found on his person.”
The 32-year-old Gray was booked into the Atchison County Jail, following his late afternoon arrest, both on the charge related to meth possession and for the out of town warrant.
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission met for the last time Tuesday after a newly passed state law combines the entity with the Grand River Dam Authority.
The commission has been a state agency for nearly 40 years and has focused on protecting, enhancing and preserving the Illinois River and its tributaries. The law passed this legislative session disbands the commission on July 1.
Ed Fite, who has served as the commission's administrator since 1983, told lawmakers earlier this year that the best way to save the organization's mission would be to disband and reorganize it under the authority.
The Tahlequah Daily Press reports (http://bit.ly/28MFlI6 ) that the Grand River Dam Authority will hire three full-time and 15-part-time officers to assist during summer holidays and weekends on the Illinois River.
(KNZA)--A date has been set for the sale of the former Brown County Jail.
The Brown County Commission Monday authorize the publication of a notice setting the public auction for Friday, July 29th.
The auction, which will be conducted by Sheriff John Merchant, will take place on the 1st floor of the Brown County Courthouse at 10:00 that morning.
Merchant will offer tours of the old jail to interested parties on the morning of June 25th from 9 to noon.
The Commission voted unanimously at their June 6th meeting to put the building built in 1924 up for public auction.
The building will be sold as is to the highest and best bid. The Commission has the right to reject any and all bids.
Brown County voters in November 2008 approved a one-half cent countywide retailers sales tax to fund the construction of a new 41-bed jail, which was completed in the fall of 2010.
(MSC News)--A St. Joseph man has been charged in death of another St. Joseph man injured in a carjacking.
KQ2-TV reports Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins charged 27-year-old Paul Belding Wednesday with second-degree murder in the death last week of 77-year-old Richard Gray.
According to court documents, Belding escaped from the Community Supervision Center in St. Joseph on June 13th before stealing the vehicle. He allegedly stole a van belonging to Gray from the parking lot of a convenience store following a struggle between the two men. The documents say Gray was thrown from the van and dragged during the theft.
He died this past weekend at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph from serious head injuries.
Belding is scheduled to be arraigned in a Buchanan County courtroom Friday morning. He’s held on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
The Silvertop Farm and Vineyards will be featured on Discover Oklahoma this Saturday. The program will air at 6:30 p.m. on KFOR Channel 4 in Oklahoma City, KTUL Channel 8 in Tulsa, KSWO Channel 7 in Lawton, and KCTU in Wichita, Kansas, and at 5:30 p.m. on KXII in Sherman/Denison, Texas.
Rock, Roll & Reminisce will be appear live from Branson at The Poncan Theatre on Saturday, June 25.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students 12 and younger, and are on sale now at The Poncan Box Office.
Remember when you could understand the words of songs and weren’t bothered by what they were singing about? Come and reminisce with songs from the fabulous '50s!
Rock Roll & Reminisce is straight from the live music capital of the world, Branson, Mo.! This retro musical celebration stars Brother South, Branson’s hottest vocal duo. Brother South is known for their “family style” harmonies, reminiscent of the Everly Brothers with such songs as Kathy’s Clown, Dream, Wake up little Susie, Bird Dog, and many more. These boys also know how to Rock & Roll with hits from Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Sam Cooke, to name a few. Joining them is Heather Gentry. You may have recently seen her on TruTV’s "Branson Famous."
Rounding out the boys with stunning beauty, charm, and wit. Heather was awarded Female Entertainer of the Year and once you see her perform, you’ll understand why. Things get hot with her version of Peggy Lee’s classic Fever. Also reminisce with her of Brenda Lee, Connie Frances, Etta James and more!
(KLZA)-- Two meetings are scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd,in Pawnee City concerning the city comprehensive plan and a housing study.
At 4 p-m members of the Pawnee City Planning Commission will meet with the Hannah: Keelan group at the Library Meeting Room to review the suggested changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Study.
From 5:30 – 7 p-m an open house will be held at the library to receive input from the public on these plans.
(KLZA)-- A favorable ruling in a lawsuit involving Falls City.
That was revealed Monday by Mayor Jerry Oliver during a report delivered during the Falls City Council meeting.
At that time, Oliver told the Council the Richardson County District Court ruled in favor of the City, and Community REdevelopment Aurhtoiry as well as Consolidated Grain and Barge.
A trial on one remaining cause of action is expected to begin June 28th and take three days.
The ruling is in favor of 11 of 12 causes of action stemming from a 2012 injunction suti filed by David Leon Frederick, Salem Grain and William Lester.
The lawsuit was filed to halt the expansion of Consolidated Grain and BArge into Falls City. It challenged actions taken regarding the project, including granting tax increment financing and other financial incentives.
Thirteen people who were passengers on an Amtrak train that derailed March 14 near Cimarron have joined a federal lawsuit claiming gross negligence on the part of a cattle feeding company investigators have said damaged the track and subsequently caused the accident.
The train was heading east toward its Chicago destination when it derailed at 12:02 a.m. March 14, about 2 1/2 miles west of Cimarron, injuring 28 people. The railroad tracks on which the accident occurred are owned and maintained by BNSF.
Attorney Nathan Karlin of Pottrof Law Office in Manhattan filed a complaint in intervention Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Wichita on behalf of the 13 passengers. In doing so, the passengers collectively have become a third party in a lawsuit filed April 8 by Amtrak and BNSF Railway Co., claiming gross negligence on the part of Cimarron Crossing Feeders in connection with the derailment.
The complaint in intervention also names Amtrak and BNSF as defendants. The complaint alleges each of the three defendants acted with negligence and failed to operate with care, and that their recklessness and intentional disregard for the passengers' safety led to the injuries and damages they suffered.
Cimarron Crossing Feeders is located on a hill just north of the railroad tracks where the derailment occurred. The lawsuit claims what investigators have alleged, which is that at about 9 a.m. March 13, employees of the feed company were loading a feed truck that belonged to the company and "left the truck unattended, out of gear and without any brakes applied." The lawsuit alleges the truck rolled south down the hill, crossed U.S. Highway 50 and hit and damaged the tracks.
According to the passengers' complaint, Cimarron Crossing Feeders retrieved the truck sometime on March 13 and failed to notify anyone prior to the accident that the truck had struck and damaged the tracks.
The passengers are asking for a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Wichita and are seeking damages.
For more on this story, go to: www.gctelegram.com
Guymon Firefighters were called Tuesday afternoon at 2:50pm to the area behind the Girl Scout Office at 1002 NW. 5th for a reported grass fire. “Upon Fire units arrival, found fire and smoke showing behind the building on the steep slopes leading into the over flow area behind Sunset Lake”, said Assistant Fire Chief Grant Wadley. Three fire units from the Guymon Fire Department responded and were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it extended into trees and brush next to the building. Less than an acre burned before Guymon Firefighters had the fire completely out. Dry conditions, moderate south winds, and high temperatures made this area particularly dangerous for fire activity.
Office workers were present inside the Girl Scout building at the time of the fire but were not aware of the fire behind the building. Fire Investigators have listed this fire as suspicious in nature and asking the public for any information on this fire. They can contact the Guymon Fire Department (580) 338-5536 or the Guymon Police Department (580) 338-6525 with information.
(KNZA)--The Brown County Humane Society will serve as the official shelter and holding facility for animals picked up by the city of Hiawatha.
The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening accepted a bid from the organization to provide the service for a fee of $10 per day.
NEK Veterinary Services, which has been providing the service, submitted a bid of $15 per day.
At the request of Police Chief John Defore, the Commission also voted to allow the Humane Society to sale city dog tags for animals being released back into the city.
Defore says the city currently averages 54 animals impounded a year.
A representative of the Humane Society approached the Commission earlier this month asking to be designated as the official shelter for stray dogs and cats picked up by the city. At that time, the Commission decided to seek bids to provide the service.
Brownback ordered to explain why he hasn't appointed judge
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas Supreme Court is giving Gov. Sam Brownback until July 11 to tell the court why it shouldn't force him to fill a vacant district magistrate position.
The court on Tuesday ordered the governor to explain why he didn't make the appointment in 90 days, as required by state law.
Three 26th District judges filed a petition with the court last week after Brownback announced he would wait until after the August primaries to consider filling the vacancy, which was created when Judge Tommy Webb of Haskell County announced his retirement in February.
The petition says Kansas law requires five magistrate judges to serve the six-county district.
Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley says the governor has the discretion under the Kansas constitution to make the appointment when he sees fit.
(KAIR)--A body is discovered following the search of a Buchanan County pond Tuesday night.
KQ2-TV reports the discovery came as part of a search when a car was spotted in the water.
Rescue crews rushed to the scene, located near the Banker's Crossing Bridge, south of Saint Joseph, around 7:30. Upon their arrival, minutes after a passerby had reported seeing the car partially submerged, the vehicle had gone under the water.
The vehicle was found to be empty once retrieved, but the search continued, leading to the discovery of the body about an hour and a-half later.
The TV station reports the body is that of a man, but no additional information is yet made public during the early portion of the investigation.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
911 RPTING A PHYSICAL DOMESTIC BTWN RP'S DAUGHTER AND HER 1/2. FEM IS [REDACTED.] BOTH HALVES ARE STILL THERE. #14 ASND. #57 & #59 ASST. FEM 1/2 NOT PUNCHED [REDACTED.] CONTACT BTWN THE TWO WAS INCIDENTAL.
#59 WENT 10-15 W/ 19 YO I/M FOR (KSO: FTA-RULE 8 RESISTING AND FTA-RESISTING.)
(KAIR)--In the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in the nation’s history, local church leaders came together for a prayer service to end violence in the United States.
It was just over a year ago when nine were killed at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
In response to the deadly attack, the Trinity Episcopal Church in Atchison held a prayer service Wednesday evening as a memorial to the victims and an effort to end such violence.
“After the events in Orlando, it was decided the community wanted to hold another prayer service to pray for the victims of violence and an end to violence,” said Father Jon Hullinger of Trinity Episcopal Church. “So, we’re hosting the second annual prayer service.”
“I think anytime we see victims of violence and hatred, it’s important for the community to come together to remind ourselves that we really are all one, that we need to work together to try and overcome our divisions and recognize we are all children of God and find ways to promote our solidarity in spite of our differnces,” Hullinger said.
(KAIR)--A special honor for an Atchison institution.
Long time Atchison Fire Chief Michael McDermed was recognized in a special way at Monday’s city commission meeting, complete with a proclamation.
“The city of Atchison shall declare Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 “Michael E. McDermed Day,” and instruct staff to change the bridge lights to red,” said Atchison City Mayor Jack Bower, reading aloud from the proclamation that also dedicates the Atchison Fire Station in McDermed's honor on August 7.
McDermed boasts 45-years of service with the Atchison Fire Department, the last 35-years as Chief.
“The word professional, over and over in my mind is what comes when I think of Mike,” said City Manager Trey Cocking. “Mike is the absolute consummate of professional. He has set the bar for every chief that I will ever probably work with again. I thank him for everything he’s done for the community. In the end, Atchison is absolutely a better place because of you.”
Members of the fire department lined up to thank the Chief after the proclamation of recognition was read.
Following the heart felt recognition, in tears, hugs and hand shakes, McDermed departed his final city commission meeting which served as his final farewell from the long time role.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Leavenworth County man accused of fatally shooting a Kansas City, Kansas, police detective has agreed to be returned to Kansas from Missouri for prosecution.
Curtis Ayers had been hospitalized under guard until Monday since being shot May 9 by police during his arrest in Kansas City, Missouri, hours after prosecutors say he killed Brad Lancaster near the Kansas Speedway.
The Kansas City Star reports Ayers on Tuesday signed extradition paperwork and agreed to be transferred to Kansas, where he faces a murder charge carrying the possible death penalty if he's convicted.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ayers also faces charges in Missouri's Jackson County and Kansas' Leavenworth County for alleged crimes that followed the shooting involving Lancaster.
Police used Lancaster's handcuffs on Ayers when they transported him Monday from the hospital to jail.
As the fiscal year at Seward County Community College draws to a close, trustees held their regular meeting Monday and handled a long agenda that included careful scrutiny of bids for new equipment and projects. Along with regular business, the board approved payment of final bills and encumbered funds for FY 2016.
Approved purchases included blast pots and related equipment for the corrosion program, for the low-bid price of $10,729 from SOT Abrasives and Equipment of Tulsa; construction of a third permanent greenhouse for sustainable agriculture, for the low-bid price of $193,473.16, from Knudsen Enterprises of Liberal, of which $103,633 is for materials purchased from a greenhouse supply company; an ultra-low temperature freezer for the microbiology student laboratory, for $13,374.95, from Fisher Scientific of Houston; and two 2011 Freightliner Cascadia trucks from National Carriers of Liberal, for the price of $79,000 total.
Industry partnerships enabled the corrosion and truck-driving programs to negotiate value pricing on the blast pots and trucks, saving the college nearly half the price on both purchases. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Todd Carter, worked with Dean of Industrial Technology Larry McLemore and truck driving instructor Michael McCarthy to purchase the trucks.
“We’ve got a good working relationship with National Carriers, which wants to be able to send students through our program,” Carter told the board. “These kinds of partnerships benefit both parties.”
While the truck purchases were made with the college’s own capital outlay fund, the corrosion, biology and agriculture purchases received grant funding.
Trustee Dustin Ormiston noted, during discussion of the greenhouse and biology cooler bid approvals, that he would like to see more completed bids for large purchases, rather than receiving items with only one vendor listed.
In other business, the board heard comments from women’s basketball coach Toby Wynn, who shared concerns about what he described as pay scale discrepencies.
“I just felt like, after 12 years here, I needed to speak up about some of my questions,” Wynn said. “I’d like to see something done, like a salary matrix. The faculty have Professional Employees Association to negotiate for them, but over in the athletic division, we don’t have a voice to represent us, and that can lead to low morale. I appreciate you taking time to hear me.”
The board also heard updates from Vice President of Student Services Celeste Donovan, who heads the professional development team, and from Dennis Mulanax, who leads the safety and security team. Along with trustee Rick Brenneman, Donovan and Mulanax recently attended a national conference on campus safety, in Portland.
“Coming from 24 years of police experience, I found it excellent to talk to the people who were there,” Mulanax said. “These are people with qualified opinions, some of whom have survived a campus incident at Virginia Tech and Umquaa Community College. Our goal is to be ready and trained if, God forbid, something like that should ever happen.”
As part of SCCC’s effort to establish contingency plans, Mulanax said, the security offices will move to the main building, where officers can have more everyday, casual contact with students. The move will take place during the summer months. A new ID card system is being programmed for use beginning in August, and it can ultimately allow the college to use a keyless entry access system, connected to individual identification, across campus.
President Trzaska said the new measures for the upcoming school year are in line with the overall philosophy of safety through prevention and attention.
“It’s better and smarter to invest in caution than to try to regain lost students, team members and credibility after an event we all hope will never happen,” he said. “Attending the summit was great, and we can build on what was learned: it also calls on all of us to do a better job of paying attention to things on campus.”
Insurance agent Al Shank brought the board an updated list of policy renewals as part of the ongoing effort to align all insurance policies with the college’s fiscal year. There, too, safety concerns surfaced as a priority.
“All in all, we’re still in a good range with premiums,” Shank said.
Over the past year, Shank has researched options for casualty coverage, which the college will need when Kansas law regarding concealed carry of weapons changes in July 2017. Many insurance carriers refuse to cover anything to do with guns on campus, Shank said, but others are in the process of creating “School Violent Act” policy standards to provide indemnification for crisis management services, intervention, media, public relations, communication, security, travel for family members, and mitigation.
“It’s a policy that is still evolving, and it has to do with what, unfortunately, we’ve seen across the country,” Shank said. “I have no idea what that will cost, which doesn’t mean it’s going to be high, just that it’s unknown. But at least we have some options.”
The board voted unanimously to accept the policy renewals as presented.
Trustees accepted the personnel report, which listed new employees Loretta Heft, KSBDC Business Consultant based in Dodge City; Manual Hernandez, truck driving instructor; Tyrone Hughbanks, biology instructor; and James Lickteig, drafting and engineering instructor. Open positions remain for adjunct instructors in humanities, marketing/management, adult basic education, diesel instruction, nursing instruction directors for human resources, and the office of research and assessment. Dean of Science, Math, and HPERD Luke Dowell presented a science program review, which he described as a team effort from his entire department. Of the students who enroll in science classes at SCCC, 89 percent complete their coursework, which is higher than state and national averages, Dowell said.
Following a review by the program feasibility committee, the Health Information Technology program will be discontinued, VP Carter reported.
“When Dr. Suzanne Campbell and I did the research, we found there’s not a high need for registered HIT employees,” he said. “Employers want medical coders, not HIT individuals, and coding is just three or four classes, not a whole program.” Through an agreement with Neosho Community College, Carter said, the three students currently enrolled in the HIT program will be able to complete their degrees.
The board voted unanimously to discontinue the HIT program.
The board also voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kansas Workforce Development Center, and received information about a Performance Agreement with the Kansas Board of Regents. Both items ensure continued financial support from state and federal sources.
As part of its reorganization project, administration presented several recommended several title changes. These included renaming of the Academic Achievement Center to Student Success Center, changing the administrative assistant to the president and board to “Executive Assistant” to the same, and division chair of Allied Health to Dean of Allied Health.
Renaming division chairs as deans, Trzaska said, “creates a more visionary sense of leadership in those areas.”
The board approved the changes unanimously.
Vice Presidents gave brief reports to the board:
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Todd Carter, noted that the pass rate for GED testing at the Colvin Adult Learning Center surpasses the national average, with 87 percent of students mastering the test and earning their high school equivalency diploma. Average age of GED students is between 20 and 34 years old.
Vice President of Student Services Celeste Donovan said 85 housing contracts are complete, and 143 in progress for the the dorms, with many student athletes yet to submit paperwork. She attended an alcohol awareness task force in Wichita and has plans for increased alcohol abuse prevention events and programs in the upcoming year. Funds are available thanks to new grant money accessed with help from the Liberal Area Coalition for Families.
Vice President of Finance and Operations Dennis Sander presented a list of maintenance projects underway on campus, as well as a brief overview of the college’s funding sources.
President Trzaska presented trustee Marvin Chance with a plaque and certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service on the SCCC board. He reviewed meetings with community college presidents group and KBOR, and shared copies of the NISOD “Diversity” magazine with the board. SCCC is one of 10 institutions listed as “A Most Promising Place to Work for 2016” in the magazine.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be July 18. Meetings take place on the first Monday of each month, and the board voted to move the September meeting, which falls on Labor Day, to Sept. 8, a Thursday.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - A military veteran has been convicted of taking hostages at an office complex in Norman.
A Cleveland County jury on Monday found Devin Rogers guilty of kidnapping, reckless conduct with a firearm and two counts of pointing a firearm. He was acquitted on additional charges of kidnapping and reckless conduct with a firearm.
Authorities say Rogers took hostages at gunpoint on Nov. 10, 2014, and held them for four hours before surrendering to police. No one was injured.
Rogers has said he was homeless and took the hostages in an effort to negotiate a prison sentence so he would have a place to eat and sleep.
Rogers testified that he caused pain and scared people and did things he "wouldn't normally do" and said he deserves whatever he gets.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - State finance officials are confirming cuts that were ordered to agency budgets in March likely were deeper than necessary and that Oklahoma will finish the fiscal year on June 30 with surplus revenue that could be reallocated back to agencies.
Secretary of Finance Preston Doerflinger declined Monday to speculate how much money will be left over until all revenue has been collected for the month of June.
Doerflinger discussed the potential surplus following a meeting of the State Board of Equalization, a panel led by Gov. Mary Fallin that determines each year how much revenue is available for the Legislature to spend.
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services reported Monday that Oklahoma currently has a surplus of $166 million, but that number is almost certain to decline.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A Tulsa man will have to return to prison to serve the rest of his 24-year prison sentence related to a 2009 car accident that killed three people.
The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/28KjLcd ) reports that after spending nearly five months out of custody, Steven Wade Jameson must return to prison due to an appellate court's opinion that a Tulsa County judge erred when he threw out the 26-year-old's manslaughter conviction in January.
The Oklahoma Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with the Tulsa County district attorney's argument that District Judge James Caputo unlawfully granted Jameson post-conviction relief.
Caputo had ruled Jameson be released on bond pending a challenge of his conviction that's based on another ruling that the suspension of his driver's license wasn't valid.
Jameson pleaded guilty in 2011 to three counts of first-degree manslaughter while driving under suspension.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A former leader of the Oklahoma Senate convicted of bribery is expected to be sentenced to serve some time in prison after a federal appeals court found his initial sentence of probation too lenient.
Former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan is scheduled to be resentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City.
Federal prosecutors have recommended a prison sentence between 41 and 51 months, arguing the bribery conviction is more serious because of Morgan's position of power.
Morgan's attorney wrote in court filings that a sentence of months, not years, is sufficient.
The Stillwater Democrat was found guilty of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. Morgan maintains any money he took was payment for legal work.
(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen approved a new solid waste contract with Mike Klosek during their June meeting.
The new contract is for three years instead of the normal one-year contract.
In other action the appointments of Garrett Burge and Adam Johnson to the Planning Commission were approved. They will serve 4-year terms on the board.
Approval was also given to allow the First Christian Church Bible School kids to paint the shelter house at Griffith Park as their project for this year. The City will provide the paint.
(KLZA)-- The HTRS School District is fully staffed for the 2016-17 school year.
During last weeks Board of Education meeting three hires were approved. Kurt Finkey will serve as elementary counselor. Breanna Pohlman will be the new music teacher and Rebecca Bridgewater will serve as a special education teacher.
Job descriptions for employees were approved. Previously none existed.
The Board also approved a girls golf cooperative with Pawnee City.
An Operation Kidsafe Safety Event is set for Ponca City this Thursday through Saturday at Jack Bowker Ford Lincoln.
Operation Kidsafe is Free and private for families.
Parents take home the only record of the visit, a bio document, that is ready to hand to law enforcement in an emergency. Safety tips to start a family safety action plan are also included.
The event is free for every family. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
A Kaw City man drowned Monday afternoon in the Pioneer Cove Marina area of Kaw Lake.
Gregory Allen Skrdla, 52, was riding on a 1987 Searay operated by Ron Enderud, 60, of Kaw City about 2:16 p.m. Monday. When the vessel was northbound toward the boat ramp, approximately 100 yards from the ramp, Skrdla jumped from the vessel to swim to shore.
Once in the water, he started complaining of cramps, then went below the surface and never resurfaced, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported. He was under water for 1 hour and 12 minutes before his body was recovered by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Neither man was wearing a personal flotation device, although the vessel was equipped, the patrol said.
A new report shows Kansas farmers have harvested 25 percent of their winter wheat crop.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday that wheat harvest progress for the state is near the 27 percent average for this time of the year.
It rated wheat still out in the fields as 62 percent good to excellent, with 30 percent in fair condition. About 8 percent of the crop remains in poor to very poor shape.
The industry group, Kansas Wheat, reports that rain over the weekend in central Kansas is expected to put a damper on what had been an otherwise great yielding harvest.
Storms in Reno and McPherson counties brought harvest to a halt on Sunday, and likely for Monday, in parts of the state.
The USD 480 school board met Monday night and approved raises for classified staff and administrators. Classified staff will receive a raise of 25 cents an hour and administrators will receive a one percent raise.
The district also purchased 1,121 chrome books for use in classrooms across the district for $281,250. The board also approved purchase for 60 computers for two computer labs at Eisenhower Middle School for $37,500.
The board approved purchase of custom build receptions desks at Eisenhower Middle School and Prairie View Elementary School for $31,487.
(KNZA)--A memorial plaque honoring longtime Hiawatha Police Officer Michael Thompson was unveiled during a ceremony held prior to the beginning of Monday evening’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting.
The plaque sits at the foot of a pole located in a planter on the east side of city hall that now fly's the Kansas flag.
Members of Thompson’s family raised the flag while Greg Bryant sang the Kansas anthem. That was followed by a volley salute by the Hiawatha American Legion Honor Guard and the playing of taps.
Police Chief John Defore dedicated the flag and pole to the city in memory of Thompson's 37 years of service with the Hiawatha Police Department and 20 years with the Kansas National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery unit .
Donations were raised to fund the memorial plaque, flag and pole.
(KMZA)--A two-vehicle Marshall County wreck Monday afternoon sent three to the hospital.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 77 Highway about five miles south of Waterville around 3:30.
The Patrol says 79-year-old Delores Parker, of Waterville, was northbound when she attempted to pass a tractor pulling a planter. Parker struck the planter, causing her SUV to overturn onto its top.
Parker and a passenger, 81-year-old Delevan Parker, were transported to a Manhattan hospital. Another passenger, 55-year-old Hanover resident Brenda Prell, was transported to Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville with possible injuries.
The driver of the tractor, 74-year-old Waterville resident Robert Blaser, was not hurt.
(KAIR)--Two Horton men are jailed in Jackson County following their arrests Monday morning after they allegedly attempted to flee from authorities.
Facing charges related to the case are 31-year-old Michael Dorsch and 24-year-old Stephen Cadue.
Sheriff Tim Morse tells MSC News it began when suspicions arose that Dorsch may have been impaired behind the wheel. “We received a report from the [Kansas] Highway Patrol Motorist Assist Vehicle Unit that reported a northbound white Nissan passenger car in the area of 182nd and U.S. 75 that the driver appeared to be impaired possibly due to their driving.”
A Holton Police Officer attempted to make the stop around 11:00, but it's alleged Dorsch sped off, making his way north of Holton. “Apparently, the police vehicle had mechanical failure and had to end the pursuit,” Morse says. “Jackson County Undersheriff Darrel Chapman quickly picked up the pursuit and ended up northbound toward the town of Netawaka. Stop sticks were deployed, just south of the City of Netawaka, and the vehicle continued through Netawaka, then northbound up to 326th road, where the vehicle then turned east, nearly losing control.”
At that point, Morse says it's alleged unspecified drug paraphernalia, later recovered by deputies, was thrown from Dorsch's vehicle, allegedly by Cadue.
Chapman was able, through the use of his vehicle, to stop Dorsch's car, with both suspects fleeing on foot, south of 326th Road. Morse says a taser was used to incapacitate Cadue, but Dorsch got away, leading to assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol, complete with search helicopter, along with Kickapoo Tribal Police, Sac and Fox Tribal Police, Horton Police and the Sheriff's Offices of both Brown and Nemaha Counties.
Through the use of K-9 officers, Morse says Dorsch was tracked down, was found hiding in a field, and arrested.
Once both men were in custody, they were booked into the Jackson County Jail.
(KAIR)--The watchful eye of an alert Jackson County resident is commended for assisting with the arrest of a Hays, Kansas resident who allegedly stole a vehicle and committed both burglary and theft on the Potawatomi Nation Reservation Monday morning. “Somebody called him in as a suspicious person in the area there at 250th Road,” Sheriff Tim Morse tells MSC News. “We believe that he broke into a shed there at that residence and stole some gas.”
Arrested was 27-year-old Trenton Voss who was captured by deputies southeast of Circleville Monday. When he was located, investigators say he was behind the wheel of a Chevy pickup truck that was stolen from outside a residence, at 162nd Road, near Mayetta Monday.
According to Morse, his office was providing assistance to the Potawatomi Tribal Police, following the discovery of a burglary at the Potawatomi Nation Government Center, which, coupled with the tip from the concerned resident, led to Voss. “Voss was placed under arrest for possession of a stolen vehicle, and also was placed under suspicion of a burglary to a shed at the residence where his vehicle was stopped. Voss is also a suspect in the burglary to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Government Center and to the theft, and attempted theft, of some vehicles there in the near area of the government center.”
Voss, taken to the Jackson County Jail following his apprehension, is awaiting the filing of formal charges.
(KLZA--)Fulton Villa, a multi-family housing facility in Falls City was honored, along with Southeast Nebraska Community Action as the Most Improved Project of the Year for 2016 by USDA Rural Development on Monday.
USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul presented SENCA, the manager and owner of Fulton Villa, with a plaque Monday afternoon. Moul talked about the improvements at the 12-unit facility.
“There were enough reserve funds that SENCA had built-in in this facility so that when there were some occupancy issues, SENCA was able to come in and do renovations and update the apartments,” Moul said. “And now they’re at 100 percent.”
Moul said that’s well worth recognition as these are one of the most improved properties for multi-family housing in the state of Nebraska.
The improvements included new kitchen cupboard and floor covering, bathroom vanities, smoke detectors and bathroom exhaust fans. Prior to the renovation, Fulton Villa had experienced a substantial drop in occupancy, cutting the project income by more than half.
Since the renovation, the facility is now filled to capacity.
Moul says there are more than 200 such facilities with more than 1,000 units across Nebraska.
“This has been a wonderful service to these communities and service to the elderly as they retire off the farm or retire from other businesses in the community,” Moul said. “We also have projects that are for families, too.”
Moul said there are a number of single-parent families with children who are living in these units across the state.
“If there is a need, we can provide rental assistance to some of these tenants who need a little additional help in paying their rent,” Moul added.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP ADV'D W/M PUSHING A W/F WALKING SB NEAR RESTAURANT. #38 LOCATED SUBJS AT 14TH/PROSPECT. #52 ASST.
#38 WENT 10-15 W/ 32 YO W/M FOR (LOCAL WA: FTP-OBSTRUCTING OFFICER, FTP-RESISTING ARREST, APP REV RESISTING,) (KSO WA: BREAKING ENTERING, POSS DRUG PARA, AND DOM A&B STRANGULATION.)
(KLZA)-- Three people suffered what were described as minor injuries when they were ejected from a boat on Big Lake, Missouri, shortly after 9 o'clock Sunday evening.
The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 44-year-old Toby Jackson of Craig, Missouri took his hands off of the steering wheel of his 17-foot aluminum boat while westbound on the main channel of the lake.
All three people declined medical attention. Also aboard was 9-year-old Quimby Jackson, of Craig who was wearing a life jacket and 19-year old Tyler Jackson of Omaha. Toby Jackson and Tyler Jackson were not wearing life jackets.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
KSO REQ 1090 OF K845, NOT ANSWERING HIS RADIO OR PHONE AFTER CHECKING WARRANTS ON 3 SUBJS. K845 CKS OK, PASSENGER RAN FROM STOP. #34 RESPONDED, #19, #32, & #40 ASSST.
#43 WENT 10-15 FROM ADDR ON S ASH FOR TROOPER K845.
KSO PICKED UP THE 10-15 FROM BOOKING AND TRANSPORTED TO KSO.
RP ADV'D A SUBJ IS CONTACTING HER AND IS IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER. #26 TOOK A RPT OVER THE PHONE & WILL DO F/U INVES.
06/18/16 14:21 14:23 14:26 14:50 MISSING PERSON PD 16008746 9999
S 10TH
RP ADV'D HIS STEP DAUGHTER IS MISSING, ADV'D SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO SHOW UP AT HIS HOUSE 4 DAYS AGO AND NOW HE CAN'T GET AHOLD OF HER. #40 ASND.
***ATL ON 20 YO W/F W/ BROWN HAIR AND BROWN EYES. SUBJ IS 5'3, 90 LBS. HAS HEART TATTOO ON CHEST AND [REDACTED] SCARS ON ARMS. BELIEVED TO BE IN AREA. NO VEH DESC.***
RP ADV'D THAT A NEIGHBOR HAS BEEN BEATING HIS WIFE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. RP SAW THE WIFE A FEW MINUTES AGO, SHE IS COVERED IN BRUISEES AND RAN BACK IN THE HOUSE. #51 ASND. #39 ASST. BOTH HALVES ADV'D WAS VERBAL ONLY.
#51 WENT 10-15 W/ 28 YO W/F FOR (FELONY KSO: WA/FTP-ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER.)
RP ADV'D OF A W/F, PURPLE SHIRT, BLUE SHORTS, SHORT BROWN HAIR, SITTING ON FRONT PORCH, SEEMS SIG 12. #37 ASND, #39 ASST. HOME OWNER ADV'D HE DOESN'T EVER WANT ANYONE TO COME CHECK HIS WELFARE AGAIN.
RP ADV'D HE HAS 44'S AND IS WANTING TO TURN HIMSELF IN. UNSURE OF WHERE HE IS. WAS CONFUSED AND POSSIBLY INTOX. WRG SHORTS AND BLK SHIRT. #27 ASND. #31 ASST.
#27 WENT 10-15 W/ 28 YO I/M FOR DRUNKENESS, (PAYNE CO,) AND (OSAGE NATION.)
RP ADV'D THAT B/M IN ORANGE SHIRT AND JEANS BROKE OUT THE WINDOWS ON HIS VEH AND CUT ALL HIS WIRES. RUNNING WB BEHIND BUSINESS. #31 ASND, #20 ASST. #31 10-15 X4:
MADILL, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a 24-year-old Texas man has died at a hospital after he was pulled from Lake Texoma in southern Oklahoma.
The highway patrol says Roy A. Seims of Denison, Texas, died Sunday night at an Oklahoma hospital. Seims had been swimming with friends in Lake Texoma when he went underwater but did not resurface.
The highway patrol says the incident happened Sunday afternoon at the Rooster Creek Swim Beach Area at Lake Texoma. Authorities say Seims was pulled from the water by his friends from an area about 100 yards from the shore.
The highway patrol says Seims was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead later Sunday.
(KNZA)--Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal wreck Friday in northwest Missouri that claimed the life of an Oregon, Missouri man.
64-year-old Mound City resident Robert Brandon is make his first appearance in a Holt County courtroom Tuesday afternoon on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree.
The Missouri Highway Patrol says Brandon was driving a SUV on State Route N north of Mound City late Friday morning when he attempted to make a left hand turn and struck a car driven by 75-year-old Russell Neiderhouse.
Neiderhouse was flown to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph where he was pronounced dead. Brandon was treated at the scene at transported to the Holt County Sheriff’s office.
Authorities allege Brandon was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
He remains in the Holt County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
(KAIR)--The search is on for the suspect behind a Monday morning Platte County bank robbery. According to a press release from the Platte County Sheriff's Office, the crime happened in the community of Dearborn shortly before 9:00, at the Dearborn branch of the Platte Valley Bank. The suspect is described as a white man, aged 40-50, with brown hair, tattoos on his arms and the left side of his neck. He was, at the time of the robbery, wearing a dirty black tee shirt and black jeans. Authorities have not yet released any suspect vehicle information as the investigation moves forward.
(KAIR--)Developers and contractors looking to build in Atchison could qualify for assistance from the state.
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is a self-supporting pubic company working to increase affordable housing for low to moderate income Kansans, according to its website.
A program is already in place that helps Kansas communities with a population 60,000 or less to develop housing.
Now, Atchison’s Economic Development Advisory Group is seeking local developers, contractors or non-profits to partner with them to go through the application process.
Atchison Pubic Works and Utility Director Justin Pregont said whether or not people agree with the assistance, which is essentially a subsidy, the fact is the program is already in place so the city may as well take advantage of a program it’s already helping to fund.
Pregont is confident in the likelihood of Atchison being awarded the assistance since nobody in Northeast Kansas has ever applied for it.
The application deadline is in October, but Pregont says interested parties should contact the city as soon as possible as the application process will be lengthy.
(KAIR--)Both Atchison Senior Village and the Dooley Center have been recognized by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services for excellence in providing person-centered care, according to a press release from KDADs.
Atchison Senior Village was one of six nursing homes in the state recognized for person-centered care.
While the Dooley Center, was one of three recognized for person-centered care as well as a Mentor Home for its mentorship program.
The release explained that person-centered nursing homes have shifted from the institutional model of what a nursing home is and moved to a home-like model where residents have more control of what happens in their day-to-day lives.
Interim Secretary for KDADs Timothy Keck congratulated the nursing homes for their achievement and said they have a unique way of improving the seniors’ quality of life.
(KMZA)--Details have been released on a single-vehicle wreck last Thursday in Nemaha County that sent a Baileyville man to the hospital.
The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says the wreck happened shortly before 8:00 in the morning on D Road at 176th Road.
The sheriff’s department says 59-year-old Michael Schmitz was driving a grain truck southbound when his front tire went off the roadway. Schmitz overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.
He was transported by ambulance to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of unspecified injuries.
Ponca City's Salvation Army hosted a Bike & Build group visiting Ponca City this past weekend.
The Ponca City Habitat For Humanity assisted with a tour of its ReStore and the newest Habitat Home located on West Grand.
There was an early morning breakfast for the group Sunday at Northeast Baptist Church's Life Center.
The Bike & Build group, with an average age of 21, was from mainly eastern seaboard states - New York, Florida, Connecticutt, Massachusuetts and New Hampshire. They left at 6 a.m. Sunday for Wichita, Kansas.
The Bike & Build group didn't get an opportunity to work on Ponca City Habitat's newest home, but they did have a tour of the home Saturday evening and were impressed with the quality work Ponca City's Habitat workers do.
On 06/18/16, at 2:34am, Officers of the Liberal Police Department and members of the Liberal Fire Department were called to the Liberal Inn for reported smoke within the Liberal Inn. The Liberal Inn was occupied by numerous people, which were all evacuated. No injuries were reported.
The smoke was found to be coming from a specific room and a suspicious fire was discovered within that room. Liberal firefighters entered the room and put out the fire.
Through a subsequent investigation it was determined that the fire was intentionally set by a 35 year old white male, who was taken into custody reference the incident.
The 35 white male is incarcerated at the Seward County Jail and is awaiting a first appearance in court.
(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education recently approved a contract with Tami DiGiacomo to teach 4th Grade for the 2016-17 school year.
The Board also approved the hires of Shelly Thompson as an Early Childhood Sixpence Teacher – Home Visiting Specialist. Sara Armbruster will serve as the High School and Middle School Library Assistant. Lindsay Davis has been hired as a Special Education Paraeducator at North School and Brittany Shafer will fill the same position at the High School.
The resignation of 4th grade teacher Laura Carlton was accepted and the Board voted to leave the daily substitute teacher pay at the same rate as last year, $110 per day.
(KLZA)-- With the closing of the school at Table Rock, there will be some changes for HTRS School District patrons to get used to for the 2016-17 school year.
During last weeks HTRS Board meeting, decisions were made concerning bus routes and activity routes. There will continue to be six daily bus routes to get students in the very large geographic district to class and back home. However, Superintendent Sherri Edmundson says there will be some changes in pickup points in the towns making up the HTRS district.
Because of busy highways in Dawson and Stella there will be two pickup points. One on each side of the highway that runs through the communities. There will only be one pickup and drop-off point in the communities of Elk Creek, Nemaha, Pawnee City, Shubert, Steinauer, Table Rock and Verdon.
Another change is the deletion of the activity bus routes after various practices for Middle School students. When there were practices at Table Rock for Middle School students in years past, an activity bus would drop off students and Humboldt at the school and in one place in Dawson and Shubert.
The HTRS District includes parts of Richardson, Pawnee and Nemaha counties.
(KLZA)-- A representative of Nebraska Third District Congressman Adrian Smith will be meeting with constituents at mobile offices in Pawnee City and Tecumseh on Tuesday, June 21st.
The mobile office allows constituents to meet directly with one of Smith’s staff members about federal issues and take advantage of the services available through his office.
Those wishing to meet with Congressman Smith’s representatives may do so Tuesday from 11:30 a-m until 12:30 p-m at the Pawnee City Public Library and from 1:30 – 2:30 p-m at City Hall in Tecumseh.
We will elect a new Sheriff for Kay County on Tuesday, June 28.
This Friday we will have a Candidates' Forum sponsored by the Chamber’s Ponca Politics Committee. It will start at noon and end at 1 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The public is invited to join us and meet the candidates.
We will have all three candidates in attendance, including Tom Burg, Brian Herbert and Steve Kelly. You will have an opportunity to ask questions on index cards.
Barry Bickle, Chair of the Ponca Politics Committee will be the moderator. Each candidate will speak for 10 minutes on why they want to serve Kay County as our Sheriff. Please plan to attend.
The Ambassador Committee will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Chamber Office. Kasey Pruitt with First National Bank of Oklahoma is the Ambassador Committee Chair.
The Tourism Bureau will meet Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Chamber Office. Travis Colson with RCB Bank is the Tourism Bureau Chair.
Are you looking for fun things to do this summer? Check out visitponcacity.com for all kinds of ideas. We have awesome tourist attractions, fun outdoor recreation and great shopping!
(KLZA)-- Around 40 people attended a special city council meeting in Pawnee City week to discuss street issues and possible solutions.
Brad Slaughter with Ameritas Financial discussed funding options and Pawnee City Street Engineer Evan Wickersham with JEO Engineers discussed the streets. The goal is to replace about 36 blocks of asphalt streets with concrete.
City Clerk Tammy Stephens said it was an excellent meeting with lots of good questions from the citizens in attendance.
In 2011, JEO did a street study. It would need to be updated. Estimates are that a large-scale project could cost $2-million or more. How to pay for the project is a big concern. If the project goes forward, the costs would be assessed city wide, not just to the properties adjacent to the improved streets. The City will also be looking at highway allocation funds, possibly increasing the sales tax a half a percent with the added funds earmarked for street improvement is a possibility.
It was the consensus of those in attendance, not to piece-meal the project. The preference was to make the project big enough that you tell something has been accomplished.
The meeting was for questions and answers only. No decisions have been made. Stephens said the public will be involved in the final decision, noting that another public hearing would be scheduled once the streets to be included have been identified.
The proposed project is for residential streets in Pawnee City. Streets in the downtown area are in pretty good shape at the present time.
(KLZA)-- The City of Auburn is asking the Nebraska Department of Roads for uniformity. They want Highway 136 West of U.S. Highway 75 to include a turn lane.
Since the highway was rebuilt in 2014, there is a wide shoulder on 136 west of the Highway 75 intersection. The wide shoulder is used by some as another driving lane, and there has been confusion among drivers as well as law enforcement.
The Council simply wants this portion of U.S. 136 to match up with the rest of the highways in town. The Council is requesting a middle turn-lane be placed on U.S. 136 from the Highway 75 intersection and going west. There is already a middle turn lane in Auburn on U.S. 75 and U.S. 136 east of the intersection with Highway 75.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma City Zoo says a 41-year-old silverback gorilla named Tatu has been euthanized because of ongoing health problems.
The zoo says Tatu's health had been declining for several weeks and his appetite had decreased. Last week, the Western lowland gorilla suddenly lost the ability to use his legs, and an MRI showed compression on his spinal cord, which was caused by severe arthritis.
The zoo says a vet care team consulted with a spinal surgeon before deciding to euthanize Tatu on Saturday.
The zoo says Tatu's death is "an enormous loss." The gorilla arrived at the zoo in 1983.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma State University students will pay 7 percent more for tuition and mandatory fees for the next academic year.
The Oklahoman reports that the Board of Regents for the university and the A&M Colleges approved the increase and Oklahoma State's fiscal year 2017 budget on Friday.
The state appropriation to higher education was decreased by 15.9 percent for the fiscal year starting July 1. The university will receive $37 million less than it received this year.
The university's president says the increase in tuition and fees will cover half of the loss.
The Board of Regents also approved budgets and tuition increases for Connors State College, Langston University, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Panhandle State sought the smallest tuition and fees increase at 3.7 percent.
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - A 42-year old Stilwell man has died after drowning on a lake in far eastern Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Benjamin Floyd Chambers drowned about 4 p.m. Saturday on Lake Tenkiller at the Carters Landing area near Tahlequah.
The patrol says Chambers was swimming at the edge of the water and holding onto rocks in about 20 feet of water. For an unknown reason, the patrolmen says Chambers went under the water and didn't resurface.
Authorities say the victim was under the water for more than 90 minutes.
A collision at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at State Highway 11 and Enterprise Road northeast of Ponca City resulted in several injuries.
Lucinda Grace, 47, of Ponca City was transported by Ponca City EMS and was admitted to Alliance Health Ponca City hospital with trunk and head injuries. She was driving a 2008 Dodge pickup northbound on Enterprise when she collided with a 1998 Dodge pickup.
The second truck was driven by Cody Hasty, 31, of Kaw City. He was westbound on State Highway 11. He refused treatment at the scene for arm and leg injuries.
Dominique Hasty, 36, was airlifted by Eagle Med to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where she was admitted in stable condition with head and trunk injuries.
A 14-year-old boy was transported by Ponca City EMS to the Ponca City hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition with trunk and leg injuries.
A 6-year-old girl also was taken the the Ponca City hospital nad then was airlifted by Eagle Med to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where she was admitted in stable condition with head, arm, leg and trunk injuries.
A 13-year-old girl was treated and released with head and trunk injuries at the Ponca City hospital.
Grace's truck failed to yield from a stop sign and hit Hasty's truck, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. Her truck left the roadway and hit a stop sign, and Hasty's truck left the roadway, hit a utility pole and a fence. His truck rolled at least one time and one of the passengers was ejected out of a passenger window.
(KAIR)--Suspects are being sought in connection with the theft of a pickup truck in Atchison County that was later found destroyed.
Sheriff Jack Laurie says the truck, belonging to Tony Servaes, was stolen while parked at his residence, located at 3789 U.S. Highway 73.
The theft is believed to have happened sometime after 12:30 Sunday morning.
Hours later, around 4:00 Sunday afternoon, the Ford F150 was found in Leavenworth County, in the area of 219th and Hand Road.
Laurie says the truck had been set on fire and was destroyed, and an arson investigation has been launched by the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Department.
Atchison County authorities are trying to find whoever's responsible for the crime, and anyone with related information should contact authorities.
(KMZA)--A ground breaking ceremony for the first major phase of the Marysville school bond project will take place this ( Monday ) evening.
The ceremony will be held at 5:30 at the Marysville Elementary School on the north side of the gym. Following the ceremony, hamburgers and hotdogs will be served in the cafeteria where the public will have an opportunity to meet with the contractor and visit with the architect.
A new two-story addition is to be built on the north side of the school this summer and fall. It will contain new classrooms, a new music room and new restrooms, which will double as a storm shelter.
Three additional small rooms will be added to other parts of the school. Also, a new computer lab will be created by enclosing the stage next to the gym.
The USD 364 Board of Education during a meeting on June 8th accepted the low bid submitted by AHRS Construction of Bern in the amount of just over $2 million for the first phase of the project, which was well under the engineer’s estimate.
The work is part of a $26.4 million bond issue that district patrons approved in November.
(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education accepted several resignations during their final meeting of the 2015-16 school year last week.
Marcia Philbrick, who has been with the district for 40 years, will be retiring after serving in a variety of positions at the high school. Most recently, she was over the media center, technology integration specialist and over saw the Power School and State reporting systems.
Her husband, Michael Philbrick, will also be retiring after 42 years with the district. He was in the Science department at the high school and most recently taught Physics, Computer Applications and Principles of Engineering.
Also turning in her resignation was high school counselor, Briana Evans. Evans has held the position for ten years and was the middle school English teacher for the nine years prior to that . She will be working for the Sabetha High School as counselor next school year.
Special Education Director, Amy Haussler, will be working in the same capacity with the Holton district next year. Haussler has been director for four years at Nemaha Central.
A contract was approved for Shana Steinlage to fill the vacancy left by Haussler. Steinlage has been a special education teacher with the coop since 2013 and has worked in the Frankfort schools.
Other hires approved were: Rosemary Burt as school psychologist from August through December; Nikki Heiman, from part-time to full-time special education teacher; Brett Brack as IT specialist; and Connie Detweiler as part-time Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School para.
(KNZA)--Building a brighter future for Jackson County is on the agenda for three Community Conversations to be held this month.
The conversations are part of United Way of Greater Topeka’s volunteer visioning process and will help guide future investments in the county.
The Jackson County Advisory Council is inviting all Jackson County residents to help address the issues most important to them. United Way will host a two-hour facilitated conversation to help residents begin to craft a vision for the community.
The Community Conversations will be held at three locations this month. June 23rd at the Holton High School, June 27th at Royal Valley High School, and June 30th at Jackson Heights High School. Each meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
While not required, RSVPs are appreciated. You can contact Katie Sullivan, Director of Community Impact, United Way of Greater Topeka, at 785-228-5121 or email her at ksullivan@unitedwaytopeka.org.
In 2012, Jackson County officially became part of United Way of Greater Topeka. A year later, two Jackson County residents joined the United Way Board of Directors and a Jackson County Advisory Council was established.
United Way of Greater Topeka’s work in Jackson County currently focuses on basic needs, specifically food, rent and utilities, and prescription assistance. Residents of Holton, Hoyt, Mayetta and Netawaka currently serve on the Advisory Council.
(MSC News)--A six-month-old child was among the four who were killed Sunday afternoon in a double vehicle Jefferson County crash.
Haley Askew died along with her parents, 35-year-old Travis Askew and 27-year-old Ashley Askew, as a result of the wreck, which happened on U.S. Highway 24, just west of Perry.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the family lived in Basehor.
Also dead is 56-year-old Ronald Heston, of Oskaloosa. He was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that smashed head on into the minivan driven by Travis Askew.
The Patrol says Heston had been westbound on the highway when his truck left the roadway and ran onto the north shoulder. He overcorrected, and that sent the pickup into the eastbound lane where the fatal crash occurred.
Two other children in the Askew vehicle, 5-year-old Linda and 3-year-old Lilly, were both transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail for the treatment of injuries they suffered in the wreck that happened around 3:20.
The Patrol says Heston and Ashley Askew were not buckled up, but everyone else was properly restrained at the time of the crash.
(KMZA)-- A motorcycle crash early Sunday afternoon in Nemaha County left two Parkville, Missouri residents injured.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 Highway just east of N Road shortly before 1:00.
The Patrol says 55-year-old Michael McCoy was eastbound when the rear tire went flat on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, causing him to lose control and put the vehicle on its right side.
Michael McCoy and a passenger on his motorcycle, 52-year-old Martha McCoy, were transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of injuries.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Democrats and Republicans in Oklahoma won't be picking a candidate for U.S. Senate in the June 28 statewide primary election, but all of the state's 266,000 registered independents will have a chance to vote.
Oklahoma's incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. James Lankford didn't draw a single GOP challenger. Two Democrats filed for the seat, but one of them withdrew, leaving Mike Workman of Tulsa as the Democratic nominee.
But Oklahoma's newest official political party - the Libertarian Party - will have two candidates vying for the seat in the primary, and registered independents are invited to participate.
Information technology professional Dax Ewbank of Guthrie and Norman retiree Robert Murphy both are running as registered Libertarians.
The winner will be on the ballot in November with Lankford, Workman and two independents.
SULPHUR, Okla. (AP) - The Texas truck driver accused of causing a 2014 crash that killed four members of a women's college softball team has been ordered to stand trial.
Russell Wayne Staley is charged with four counts of first-degree manslaughter.
The Oklahoman newspaper reports that a Murray County judge ruled Thursday that prosecutors had enough evidence for a trial on all four counts.
Federal transportation officials said last year they believe Staley was likely high on synthetic drugs during the crash - although a blood test didn't confirm he had drugs in his system.
The National Transportation Safety Board voted 4-0 that the likely cause of the head-on collision on a highway near Davis, Oklahoma, was the semitrailer driver's incapacitation, "likely stemming from his use of synthetic cannabinoids."
HARRAH, Okla. (AP) - The U.S. Geological Survey says a 3.2 magnitude earthquake has rattled the central Oklahoma town of Harrah.
The temblor was recorded Saturday at around 4:30 p.m. Hours before that, the USGS recorded a 2.8 magnitude quake near the north central town of Langston.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property.
Scientists say damage is not likely in earthquakes below magnitude 4.0.
The number of magnitude 3.0 or greater earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma, from a few dozen in 2012 to more than 900 last year.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's longest-serving U.S. House members face primary election challengers who say the incumbents' time in Washington has left them out of touch with constituents and their votes do not represent voters' values.
Congressman Frank Lucas faces fellow Republican Desiree Brown of Hennessey in the June 28 primary race, with Lucas seeking a 12th term in the sprawling western Oklahoma district. The winner will meet Democrat Frankie Robbins of Medford in the Nov. 8 general election.
In southwestern Oklahoma, Congressman Tom Cole is vying for an eighth term against a pair of Republican challengers, Norman pastor James Taylor and Army veteran Shawn Roberts of Lawton. The GOP primary winner will meet Libertarian Sevier White and the winner of the Democratic primary, Bert Smith of Moore or Christina Owen of Norman.
(KLZA)-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced an increase in income limits for their homeownership programs.
The direct homeownership program provides subsidized loans in rural areas to purchase or construct a single family home. Applicants interested in obtaining a direct home loan must have an adjusted income that is at or below the applicable low-income limit based on their size of household and the county where they wish to buy a house.
Nebraska is participating in a pilot program that allows for two-two tiered income limits rather than limits based on individual household size, which will allow more families to qualify for the program. The two-tiered pilot will band together 1-4 person households and 5-8 person households.
The new income limit for most counties in Nebraska for 1-4 person households is $48,800 and 5-8 person households $64,400. However, higher income limits may be applicable in some counties.
A full list of income limits by county and household size are available on the Rural Development website at www.rd.usda.gov/ne .
The direct loan program offers 100% financing and rates are currently available at 3.0%. Depending on household incomes, mortgage payments may be further subsidized to as low as one percent interest rate.
All Nebraska communities in the area are eligible for USDA Rural Development housing programs.
Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne and click on the link for “Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans” under Key Feature Programs for more information and a list of contacts.
(KNZA)-- Additional details have been released on a motorcycle chase in Brown County over the weekend.
Sheriff John Merchant says at about 10:30 Friday night a deputy on routine patrol noticed a group of 7 motorcyclists in the southbound lane of U.S. 75 Highway traveling at an excessive rate of speed.
When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, six of the motorcyclists pulled over. However, Merchant says the seventh fled in to Jackson County.
A short chase ensued and was terminated by Brown County within a few miles.
The suspect, 21-year-old Papillion, Nebraska resident Cody Hauschild, was stopped in Holton by Jackson County authorities.
Traffic citations were issued to the six motorcyclists stopped in Brown County for driving 94 miles an hour in a 65 mile per hour zone and exhibition of speed.
Merchant says a deputy went to Holton and issued Hauschild a citation for speeding and fleeing or attempting to elude. In addition, he was arrested by Jackson County authorities on charges in their county.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ OFFICER REF VANDALISM. #34 ASND. THIS WAS A VEH EGGING. NO DAMAGE, XPTL REQ'D. ****XPTL*****
06/17/16 14:59 15:04 15:06 --:22 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16008687 8961
BROADWAY & UNION
RP ADV'D OF MINOR ACCIDENT BTWN TAN SUV AND CHEV HHR. MAROON HHR LEFT THE SCENE. #19 ASND, RPT TKN. MAROON HHR THAT LEFT SCENE WAS OCCUPIED BY A MALE AND A FEM. DAMAGE TO PASSENGER DOOR.
RP CALLED 911 AND REQ OFFICER TO RES THEN HUNG UP. NO ANSWER WHEN CALLED BACK. #49 ASND, #37 ASST. MALE 1/2 LEFT PRIOR TO PD ARRIVAL REF DOMESTIC. #49 MADE CONTACT W/ DV SHELTER ADVOCATE. TRANSPORTED FEM TO ANOTHER ADDR. NO RPT.
RP ADV OF A BROWN 4DR CAR PARKED IN ALLEY BEHIND HIS HOME UNOCCUPIED. #49 ASND, OK 477AZK BLOCKING ALLEY, UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT W/ OWNER BY P/S OR AT RESI. NP ACTION TOWED 2000 OLDS 4DR.
KSO BOLO FOR WHITE 92 FORD F150 XLT, KS TAG 411FSW, STOLEN FROM CASINO 6/17/16 AROUND 2200 HRS. POSSIBLE SUSPT MALE DOB 1982 OUT OF LONGTON, KS. LEFT IN UNK DIR OF TRAVEL. IF LOCATED, STOP AND NOTIFY KSO. WB ENTERED NCIC. ALL OFFICERS ADV'D.
PAULS VALLEY, Okla. (AP) - A Garvin County transport deputy has been fired after authorities said he had an inmate disguise himself as a fellow deputy and help transport U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees.
The former deputy is accused of telling the inmate to wear a black windbreaker jacket and a deputy sheriff ball cap before removing the inmate's restraints. According to jail inspection records from the state Health Department, the inmate helped handle detainees at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Oklahoma City, and was left unattended without restraints at one point.
After the former deputy and inmate were done transporting the detainees, authorities said the inmate was allowed to sit in the front of the transport van.
The Oklahoman reports that the 45-year-old was fired April 14.
Garvin County Sheriff Larry Rhodes called the former deputy's actions "inexcusable."
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Jurors have recommended life sentences for two men convicted in the Oklahoma killings of four people, including a woman featured on the HBO series "Cathouse."
On Friday, the jury in Oklahoma County recommended life in prison without parole for Denny Edward Phillips and Russell Lee Hogshooter. Two of the victims were pregnant.
The men were convicted of six counts of first-degree murder in the 2009 deaths of 22-year-old Brooke Phillips, 32-year-old Casey Mark Barrientos, 22-year-old Milagros Barrera and 25-year-old Jennifer Lynn Ermey.
Prosecutors say Denny Phillips ordered the killing of Barrientos and that the women were killed to eliminate witnesses.
Brooke Phillips was featured on the show about the Moonlite BunnyRanch, a legal brothel near Carson City, Nevada.
Gov. Mary Fallin has directed Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Thompson, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary of Safety and Security, to delay the use of Electronic Recovery and Access to Data (ERAD) devices.
DPS purchased 20 of the card readers in May, with 16 assigned to Troopers.
“I strongly support the Governor’s decision to suspend the use of this card reader technology,” Thompson said. “Suspending the ERAD program was a viable option which I discussed with the Governor’s staff this week. The public has expressed strong concerns about this program, and it is important that we address their concerns. The Highway Patrol's focus will be to continue to faithfully serve the people of Oklahoma.”
At 2:35 am Saturday Liberal firefighters were called to 603 E. Pancake Blvd. for a report of smoke in one of the rooms at the Liberal Inn.
First arriving units at 2:40 am encountered heavy smoke in three corridors and several rooms on the East side of the building.Hotel staff and law enforcement officers were aggressively evacuating all occupants to safe areas outside.After a brief search of the building, the fire was located in room #106 and was quickly extinguished.The room of origin was believed to be occupied and was thoroughly searched, but found to be vacant.All other hotel guests were able to be accounted for and a secondary search of the remaining rooms found no additional guests or pets.Three persons were evaluated at the scene by Seward County EMS, but were released without further treatment or transport.The fire was declared under control in approximately 45 minutes.Firefighters continued with ventilation and smoke removal efforts until the entire property was cleared.
The fire was apparently discovered simultaneously by multiple guests and staff as they investigated an odor of smoke in the building and light smoke in rooms adjacent to the room of origin.Quick thinking and response by hotel staff coupled with calm response and evacuation by the hotel guests very likely contributed to a positive outcome at this particular incident.Also responding and assisting at the scene were the Liberal Police Department, Seward County EMS, Black Hills Energy & Southern Pioneer Electric.The Liberal Fire Department responded with a total of 13 personnel and two engines.All fire units were clear of the scene and returned to service at 6:22 am.
Investigation into this fire will be ongoing.The room or origin had been occupied during the previous evening however the occupants had vacated the room at some point prior to the fire.Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is urged to contact the Liberal Fire Department at (620) 626-0128.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska is on pace to collect less tax revenue than expected in the current fiscal year.
A Department of Revenue report released this past week says the state has received about $3.89 billion as of May 31, which is nearly 2 percent below the state's certified forecast for the year. The current fiscal year ends June 30.
Net tax receipts in May totaled $379 million, which was roughly on par with estimates for the month. Net sales-and-use and miscellaneous tax receipts came in below projections, while individual and corporate income tax revenue was higher than expected.
The comparisons are based on the forecast made by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board in October.
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - A northeast Kansas woman has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for causing a deadly crash while using drugs.
Thirty-seven-year-old Jaime Carter, of rural Linwood, was sentenced Thursday in Leavenworth County District Court for the May 2014 crash that killed 49-year-old Mary Steuber and led to the amputation of one of her husband's legs.
The Leavenworth Times reports that Steuber was riding with her husband on a motorcycle when Carter's car crashed into them. Carter tested positive for methamphetamine and prescription drugs after the crash.
Carter pleaded guilty last year to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of drugs, aggravated battery and driving with a suspended license.
Carter's attorney, Elaine Halley, said her client has "severe mental illnesses" and "admits she made a terrible decision."
(KNZA)-- A two-vehicle northwest Missouri wreck late Friday morning claimed the life of an Oregon, Missouri man.
The Missouri Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck on State Route N about 2 miles north of Mound City was 75-year-old Russell Neiderhouse.
The Patrol says 64-year-old Mound City resident Robert Brandon was southbound in a Chevy Silverado when he attempted to make a left hand turn and struck a southbound Chevy Nova driven by Neiderhouse shortly after 11:15.
Neiderhouse was transported by helicopter to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph where he was pronounced dead. Brandon was treated at the scene and transported to the Holt County Sheriff's Office.
The Patrol says Neiderhouse was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck while Brandon was.
(KLZA)-- USDA Rural Development, Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul will be in Falls City Monday to honor Southeast Nebraska Community Action.
Fulton Villa, a multi-family housing unit in the 2200 block of Fulton Street in Falls City will be recognized as the Most Improved Project of the Year for 2016, by the Multi-Family Housing Program at USDA Rural Development.
The program will be held at 3 p-m at 2223 Fulton Street.
(KNZA)--$40,000. That's the financial outcome of the annual Brown County Relay for Life.
Organizers say the funds raised for the 2016 American Cancer Society fundraiser came through the support of 21 teams, sponsors, volunteers, and participants.
The annual silent auction, featuring donated items, is credited for raising $1,500 of the total figure.
The Relay for Life was held June 10th at the Hiawatha High School Track.
A wrap-up meeting is now planned for the evening of June 27th, at 5:30, at the Eternal Hope Family Life Center, in Hiawatha.
The relay is held annually to raise funds that are earmarked to assist the American Cancer Society, including research, education, advocacy, and service programs.
Longtime volunteer Julie Brobst says the success of the event is a testament to the support shown by Brown County residents, and demonstrates the serious desire to create “a world with more birthdays and less cancer.”
(KAIR--)Two men are arrested, putting an end to a rash of burglaries at Atchison businesses.
“The two suspects are now in custody for burglary theft and criminal damage to property,” said Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. “These involve cases that occurred from mid-May to mid-June.”
The burglaries occurred at four different Atchison businesses including: King’s Super Store, All American Pawn, Iron Horse BBQ and Nell Hill’s.
He says the pair was caught after a burglary was reported Friday around midnight at Iron Horse BBQ.
The men, Antonio Clayter, Lansing and Devan Newson, Atchison were picked up by Atchison police shortly after the alleged break-in after their vehicle was spotted leaving the area.
“Then the investigation continued throughout the night in other burglaries that have occurred since mid-May,” Wilson said.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
#37 WENT 10-15 W/ 31 YO MALE SUBJ FOR POSS MARIJ, POSS PARA, (CITY 44'S: PL AND FTP-PI,) (KSO 44'S: POSS CDS MIS $3,000, RULE 8-CASH ONLY $1,000, AND 2 COUNTS APP TO REVOKE POSS CDS.)
FEM RESIDENT ADV'D GOAT RUNNING LOOSE. #31 & #49 OUT W/ FRIENDLY GOAT EATING SHRUBS. #49 10-12 W/ GOAT TO ANIMAL CONTROL. A/C #143 CANCELLED. GOAT WAS TIED TO THE GATE AT A/C DUE TO PD BEING UNABLE TO GAIN ACCESS.
(KAIR)--The prevalence of methamphetamine is made apparent through it's discovery inside the Atchison County Jail.
That word from Sheriff Jack Laurie, following the arrest of two inmates for possessing the drug. “ [Fox was] strip searched at the time of the booking,” Laurie tells MSC News. “This one slipped by, and unfortunately, was able to get it into the jail without anybody noticing.”
Arrested for allegedly possessing the meth inside the jail is 35-year-old Nicole Fox and 43-year-old Tammy Ontiveros.
It's believed Fox, who was booked into the jail on June 5th, had the drug concealed internally, and that's why it wasn't found at that time.
The investigation alleges that Ontiveros had received the meth authorities say she was in possession of from Fox.
The discovery was made June 12th during a contraband search, that came after a tip was made to jail staff, who then began to monitor the situation.
Laurie says it's unknown if any other inmates had received a portion of the meth, but it's believed all of the illegal product, inside the jail, has been located.
Fox was originally booked into the jail after she allegedly pulled the trigger in a non-fatal Atchison County shooting. She was being held on charges of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ontiveros was arrested in March on burglary related charges.
Laurie says the additional meth-related charges have been forwarded to the Atchison County Attorney for review.
(KNZA)-- A Jackson County man has been arrested three times since May on sex-related charges.
Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller says 21-year-old Jacob Ewing turned himself in to authorities Friday morning in the lastest case.
That comes after a warrant was issued Thursday charging Ewing with attempted rape, aggravated sexual battery and battery for alleged incidents occurring in January 2014.
Miller says Ewing was initially arrested May 6th on charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, battery and other offenses against an 18-year-old female allegedly occurring that day. He posted a $75,000 bond in the case the same day.
A second complaint was filed on June 10th in Jackson County District Court charging Ewing with similar offenses occurring in September 2014. He was arrested on a $75,000 bond, which he posted the same day
Miller says despite the state’s objection, a judge Friday morning modified Ewing’s $150,000 bond in the latest case to an O.R. bond.
As part of the conditions of his bond, Ewing must be electronically monitored, have no (social) contact, direct or indirect, with any non-relative female and abstain from drug or alcohol use.
Ewing is scheduled to make a first appearance on all three cases Monday morning.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the sheriff's department is actively involved in the investigations which are ongoing.
A major month-long raid by US Immigration and Customer Enforcement has ended with more than two dozen arrests in Kansas.
It was part of a larger operation throughout the Midwest. In all, 331 criminal immigration violators were arrested.
In Kansas, ICE made 31 arrests. Twenty five of those had been convicted of crimes including battery, sexual assault, DUI and robbery. The other six were recent border crossers.
About half of the arrests were made in Wichita. The others were made in Dodge City, Garden, Great Bend, Hutch, Liberal, Newton and Ulysses.
Those arrested who have outstanding orders of deportation will be sent out of the country immediately. Others will await court hearings.
(KMZA)--Plans for a major rehabilitation of the city of Seneca’s sewer collection system move forward.
Following a public meeting and hearing Wednesday evening, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing the submitting of an application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a 20-year loan to fund the more than $2.2 million project.
The Council also approved an agreement with Wilson and Company, of Salina, to provide engineering services for the project at a cost of nearly $126,000.
Doug Goetz with Wilson and Company presented information on the proposed project including the estimated cost and potential impact on sewer user rates.
The project will include the rehabilitation of all the clay tile pipes in the older part of town, which are failing. Goetz said that is causing too much rainwater to enter the city’s sewer system.
In addition, he recommended the city set aside funds for the removal of sludge from the existing primary lagoon cells which he said are losing capacity due to sludge buildup.
Under a preliminary project schedule, bids are to be opened in February of next year, with construction beginning in April, and completion in December 2017.
(KMZA)--A Fort Riley soldier is to be sentenced July 7th on charges in connection with a head-on collision last August in Nemaha County that sent three Seneca residents to the hospital.
As part of a plea agreement, Justin Gerdes pleaded “ no contest” to two counts of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol in the case. In exchange for the plea, three additional counts were dismissed.
Gerdes was charged in connection a two-vehicle wreck on August 22nd on U.S. 63 Highway north of Seneca that was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The Patrol says Gerdes was northbound when he attempted to pass another vehicle and collided head-on with a southbound vehicle driven by Kelsey Bradley, of Seneca.
Bradley, two passengers in her vehicle and Gerdes were transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of injuries.
The Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City will lose $25,000 from its operating budget as a result of an unprecedented million-dollar budget cut suffered by the Oklahoma Historical Society during this past legislative session.
The museum will retain its staff, but the operational funds will have to come from local supporters for the museum to remain open.
On June 15 the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors met in special session to deal with a record-breaking budget cut that includes an 11.65 percent decrease in appropriations and a $112,000 decline in sales tax revenue.
“This cut of more than a million dollars will force us to vacate 20 staff positions and shift cost-sharing to support groups across the state,” said Dr. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the OHS. “The impact is especially painful because the OHS has absorbed a series of cuts since 2008 that had already reduced the staff by 38 and depleted operational accounts.”
The cut, according to Blackburn, could have been worse due to an accounting error made in the closing days of the legislative session.
“By mistake, the 11.65 percent cut was applied to funds set aside to make bond payments for the Oklahoma History Center,” said Blackburn. “Fortunately for the state’s credit rating and our operational budget, legislative leaders, OMES Director Preston Doerflinger and the Governor’s office found a way to relieve the cash flow crunch and cover the inadvertent $248,000 cut until a supplemental appropriation can be considered in February.”
The plan approved by the OHS Board of Directors is structured to absorb the cuts without halting the progress made in recent decades. Every operating division is affected, with 58 percent of the cut assigned to the Oklahoma History Center and 42 percent shared by satellite operations across the state.
Of the 20 positions lost to the cuts, 7 were already vacant due to the recent revenue shortfalls and 13 will be vacated through voluntary buy-outs. The cuts will affect the operations of the Oklahoma History Center, the Will Rogers Memorial Museums and 21 museums scattered from Bartlesville and Durant to Frederick and Goodwell.
“We will be turning to our partners around the state to sustain programs and keep our research facilities and historic sites open and accessible to the public,” said Blackburn. “Education, heritage tourism and historic preservation are too important to do less.”
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.
Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
(KLZA)-- The Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School Board has scheduled the sale of the Table Rock school building for Saturday, September 24th.
The school building will no longer be used by the school district for students and in May the Board approved selling the property. In addition to the school building and grounds, Superintendent Sherri Edmundson says there will be lots of other stuff on the auction including file cabinets, desks and folding chairs.
With the moving of items from the Table Rock building to the Humboldt site for use, and cleaning out at Humboldt and coming up with sale items, Edmundson says they have discovered quite a bit of school memorabilia. The Table Rock trophies, track record boards and similar items will go to the Table Rock Historical Society. The Humboldt only items will go to the Humboldt City museum.
Among the items discovered were about 20 Southeast Consolidated band uniforms and a number of banners from the school when it was just the Humboldt School District.
(KLZA)-- Cheaper fuel and gas prices were a big boost to the Falls City Public Schools transportation Department this past school year.
Transportation Director Rob Baker presented his annual report to the Board Monday night, highlighted by a nearly $20,000 savings in fuel prices for the year. Baker noted that approximately 290 District 56 students are transported daily on regular rural routes.
Further discussion was held concerning the transportation replacement schedule. District 56 will seek bids for two, 11-passenger vans to go into service during the 2016-17 school year.
Superintendent Tim Heckinlively recommended the consideration of a motor coach bus be researched further before a decision is made on the future purchase of an activity bus.
(KLZA)-- Downtown Auburn is going to be a busy place. 27 projects have been approved for funds through the Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Program.
The types of work to be completed include tuck pointing, roof and window projects, H-Vac and wiring which will improve the downtown area and historic buildings in Auburn.
A total of $321,000 in Downtown Revitalization Program monies have been awarded. Property owners are required to put up a 25-percent match, which will totals nearly $200,000, meaning total improvements in excess of a half-million dollars.
Of the grant monies, $197,227 will be granted funds with $123,072 being interest free loans.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A string of contentious exchanges and recent outbursts has caused the leader of the Oklahoma City school board to consider eliminating public comment at meetings.
Board Chairwoman Lynne Hardin tells The Oklahoman that she is also considering whether to get rid of comments by board members. She plans to meet with the board next month to discuss these options.
Hardin says that it's not an effective use of the board's time to be arguing over issues that don't add to the meeting.
The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for June 27. Hardin says she is considering whether to suspend both comment periods for the meeting, which is usually the longest one of the year.
Board members say it's Hardin's choice to remove public comment and board comment.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's governor is criticizing the state's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust governing board for hiring a new chief executive officer at $250,000 a year.
Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday said she has instructed Health and Human Services Secretary Terry Cline to reject the salary.
Fallin's office claims the hire violates the spirit of an executive order she issued last year requiring approval from a top statewide elected official or cabinet secretary before making new hires or offering raises or bonuses.
The trust's governing board had announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.
Fallin's office says the most recent state study on the matter recommended a maximum salary of $143,714 for that position.
ARDMORE, Okla. (AP) - A multicounty grand jury is recommending the Carter County sheriff be removed from office following his arrest for allegedly soliciting sexual favors from an employee in exchange for hiring the woman's husband.
The multicounty grand jury on Thursday returned an accusation of removal for Sheriff Milton Anthony based on corruption in office. The accusation requests that a district judge order Anthony's suspension from duties pending a trial. A jury would have to determine if Anthony should be removed from office.
Anthony was arrested earlier this month on a bribery complaint, and released after posting a $20,000 bond. Formal charges have not been filed.
A call to Anthony's office Thursday seeking comment was referred to his attorney, Ron Wallace, who did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
The Ponca City Art Center has named Lance Garrett as its new Executive Director.
He joins the organization from Oklahoma City, where he has served as the Artistic Director of Ghostlight Theatre and previously was an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City Community College, along with several years working in various capacities within the Oklahoma City arts community.
“Lance brings an unusual intersection of professional skills including non-profit management, fundraising, education and the arts,” said Luke Garrison, Art Center President. “His ability to swing a hammer and also network with business and community leaders is not an easy combination to find.”
A native of Altus, Oklahoma, Garrett understands and is comfortable in a smaller community.
“Ponca City is such a vibrant community with a proven history of support for the arts,” he said. “I’m excited to relocate and get started.”
He has a BA in Speech and Theatre from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Garrett takes over for Kelsey Wagner, who left the Art Center last month for a new position at Eastman National Bank.
Located in the historic Soldani Mansion, the Ponca City Art Center is a non-profit organization providing art classes and workshops for children and adults; as well as hosting the annual Fine Arts Festival in September, one of the longest-running art festivals in the region. The center also hosts art exhibits, including an annual membership show and other special events.
The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to switch traffic on K-23 to the shoofly around a bridge replacement project on the north side of Meade by Monday, June 20, or Tuesday, June 21, weather permitting. Traffic around the bridge will be restricted to one lane, controlled by traffic signals.
Klaver Construction Company of Kingman is the primary contractor on this $935,000 bridge replacement project. KDOT expects work on this project to be completed by the end of September, depending on weather.
If you have questions on this project, you can call Joyce Muhlenbruch, Construction Engineer, at 620-640-0400 or Kirk Hutchinson, KDOT Southwest Public Affairs Manager, at 1-877-550-5368 (toll free).
PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) - Platte County commissioners are demanding that the county's treasurer personally repay more than $20,000 lost after he fell victim to an email scam.
The three commissioners signed a letter Tuesday also demanding Treasurer Rob Willard pay more than $1,900 in attorney fees and gave him a week to come up with the money.
The Kansas City Star reports Willard received an email last month that he thought was from presiding commissioner Ron Schieber instructing him to send $48,000 to a Florida bank to pay for a tax consultant.
But Schieber didn't make the request. Instead, Willard was spoofed as part of an internet scam that has victimized several other counties in Missouri and Kansas.
Wells Fargo has returned about $28,000 to the county's general fund.
(KAIR)--Motorists take note: resurfacing work is underway on a major Atchison County travel route.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, nearly 14-miles of U.S. Highway 59, from the Jefferson County line to the Atchison city limits, is receiving a 2-inch surface mill and a 2-inch asphalt overlay on mainline lanes. That will be followed by new pavement markings on the stretch of highway.
Work is being conducted during daylight hours on weekdays, and is expected to last through September.
Both northbound and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane for both directions, in several mile intervals, during work hours. Occasional closings of adjacent crossroads are also expected.
Traffic will be directed through the work zone by a pilot car and flaggers, with delays up to 15 minutes possible. Alternate routes should be used, if possible.
Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, Kansas, is the primary contractor on the more than $1 million project.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Omaha Public Power District has voted to shutter the nation's smallest nuclear power plant in Fort Calhoun.
The power utility said in a written statement Thursday that the board decided it was in the best financial interest of the utility and its customers to close the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station by the end of this year.
The utility says the closure is expected to keep the general rate from increasing through 2021.
Once closed, a nuclear plant must undergo a decommissioning process to remove or decontaminate materials and equipment that have been exposed to radioactivity. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires decommissioning to be completed within 60 years of a plant's closure.
Cleaning up the site after its closure is estimated to cost more than $1 billion.
Three judges in Southwest Kansas have filed a Writ of Mandamus with the Kansas Supreme Court with the Respondent being Gov. Sam Brownback. Bradley Ambrosier, Chief Judge, Kansas 26th Judicial District, Linda P. Gilmore, District Judge, and Clinton B. Peterson, filed this petition with the Supreme Court to get Gov. Brownback to appoint a District Magistrate Judge to fill the vacancy in Haskell County. The position has been vacant since February 19, 2016 with the Governor acknowledging receipt of official notice of the vacancy on February 5, 2016. The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Tommy Webb retired on February 19, 2016.
Judge Webb gave notice to Chief Judge Ambrosier, the Supreme Court, and the office of Judicial Administration on February 1st of 2016. The Governor was notified of the upcoming vacancy in Haskell County by letter on February 5, 2016. Chief Counsel Brant M. Laue acknowledged the vacancy and the Governors Statutory obligation to appoint a replacement within 90 days. Judge Ambrosier as Chief Judge, made arrangements for continued case coverage in Haskell County through the appointment deadline. These arrangemnet have had to be extended as no Interim Magistrate Judge has been appointed by Gov. Brownback, and no appointment is expected any time soon.
The three Judges, Ambrosier, Gilmore, and Peterson , have covered the Duties of the Haskell County Judge incurring over 3400 miles in travel to ensure the citizens of the Haskell County jurisdiction had adequate coverage. Four persons have filed to run in the August 2nd Primary election for the position with at least 2 of them seeking temporary appointment to the position until the elections are held. They applicants were told no appointment would be made prior to the Primary and may not be made thereafter.
The Petitioners are hoping the Supreme Court will direct the Governor to immediately appoint an interim District Magistrate Judge for Haskell County, and award reasonable attorney fees for the filing and prosecution of this action.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
911 RP ADV'D 2 VEH ACCIDENT, TRUCK TURNED OVER ON ITS SIDE W/ JUVS INSIDE. #42, #38, & #32 RESPONDED. #38 REQ OP WARNER FOR I92311. NP ACTION FOR 798HPT. #42 ADV'D STATE ACCIDENT RPT TKN.
911 ADV MAN SHAKING HIS HEAD, SHAKING HIS BODY, POSS DANCING IN PLACE, NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. #37 ASND, LOCATED IN ALLEY, HE WAS OKAY AND JUST ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
06/15/16 23:57 23:58 00:01 01:50 FIRE RUN PD 16008589 9785
S 6TH
#41/#44 REQ FIRE DPET FOR STRUCTURE FIRE ON S 5TH. #08, #37, & #59 ASST. POC\CFD ADV'D. RPT TKN BY #41/#44.
(KAIR)--An Atchison man, accused of drug and firearm-related crimes, will learn his fate next month.
That follows an appearance in Atchison County District Court this week by 45-year-old Steven Bowen, who entered a guilty plea to his infractions.
Bowen, charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony fleeing and eluding, will be sentenced July 11th.
Bowen was arrested April 17th after he refused to stop for an Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy who attempted to pull him over for an alleged traffic infraction.
Managing to elude the law, Bowen's vehicle was later found abandoned in the area of 318th and Pratt Roads.
Investigators at the time said a small suitcase, filled with numerous drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm, was found in a nearby ditch.
(KAIR)--Local leaders are preparing for a first hand look at the Guantanamo Bay detention center.
Among those planning the tour Friday are City of Leavenworth Mayor Larry Dedeke, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mark Preisinger, and Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.
The three will join United States Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins for the visit, which will also include three Kansas leaders, Senator Steve Fitzgerald, and Representatives Tony Barton and Willie Dove.
The trip, which is the second for Jenkins, comes as the leaders continue to oppose the possible relocation of Gitmo detainees to Fort Leavenworth.
In a press release announcing the visit, Jenkins says she has been “working to stop President Obama’s proposed plan to close the detention center...and possibly transfer dangerous terrorists to the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth.”
Jenkins says the first-hand look is intended to provide the local and state officials “ with the resources they need to better understand why Gitmo is the best and only place for these dangerous terrorists.”
President Obama made closing the facility a goal of his Presidency.
Proponents of the closure, including the ACLU, cite the fact that many of the detainees remain without charge or trial.
Opponents say moving them to the mainland will increase the threat of terrorist attacks on the United States.
(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman facing charges in two separate cases has waived her preliminary hearing.
21-year-old Jaimie Wardrup was bound over to Brown County District Court Wednesday on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal sodomy involving a child in one case.
In the other case, she was bound over on charges of aggravated interference with parental custody, felony theft and contributing to a child’s misconduct.
Arraignment was scheduled for July 11th.
Wardrup was arrested April 26th in Arkansas with three teenage runaways from the Hiawatha area who disappeared the day before. Authorities say she was driving a pickup truck that had allegedly been stolen from Hiawatha.
The child sex charges, involving a child born in 2000, were filed following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department after her extradition back to Kansas.
She remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a total bond of $75,000 in both cases.
(KLZA)-- A wish list for new facilities in Auburn.
Compiled from ideas presented by residents during a March 12th town hall meeting, a report has been completed by JEO Consulting group.
Auburn Mayor Scott Kudrna said the top choices of patrons included a performing arts center, a gymnasium / sports facility, a convention center, a rec-center / YMCA type facility and an indoor aquatic facility.
The next steps in the process will be to form a committee of City and School Board members to sit down and look at what funding sources each entity would have available to help foot the bill for the proposed facilities.
The performing arts center, the top priority of those attending the March meeting, would carry a price tag of 6.7 – 7.2-million dollars, while an indoor pool facility would have a price tag ranging from 3.25 – 3.64-million.
If approved by voters, Auburn has the ability to increase the city sales tax by half a point to 7-percent.
Blackwell residents and others in North Central Oklahoma are getting a treat today as thousands of cars pass through as part of the Hot Rod Power Tour 2016.
The tour left Oklahoma City this morning and the route is U.S. Highway 77 to Tonkawa, and then east on Business 60 East.
From there they will turn north on U.S. Highway 177 through Braman, eventually ending the day in the Wichita metro area.
This event began on June 11 in Gonzales, Louisiana, and will end June 17 in Kansas City.
These photos in Blackwell are courtesy Team Radio employee Wendy Spence. See our Facebook pages for KLOR, KPNC and PoncaCityNow.com for a photo album.
(KLZA)-- Falls City Public Schools have recently received funding that will help in several areas.
The State Board of Education approved Falls City High school for a 2015 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant totaling $15,685. A new mixer will be purchased for the high school kitchen with the funds.
Falls City Public Schools recently was awarded a 2016 Keys + Kids Piano Grant made available by the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Kindergarten – 12th grade schools with a full-time music teacher were eligible to apply.
The grant consists of $10,000 worth of musical instruments; a Casio Cleviano Grand Hybrid GP 500 Piano and three Casio Music Workstations. Falls City was one of just 18 school districts receiving the grants and was the only one in the Midwest region.
The ShopKo Foundation recently donated $2,000 to the Falls City Public Schools through the local support of the “Help Us Give Back” campaign. Donated funds were earmarked to help support the purchase and installation of a sound system in the Middle School gymnasium.
The Sixpence Program also received a $500 donation from the Falls City Elks Lodge.
An anonymous letter has been circulating in Kay County alleging wrongdoing by the Kay County Sheriff's office in connection with security provided for a pipeline construction project in Grant County.
Sheriff Everette VanHoesen said Thursday that Kay County responded to a request from Grant County Sheriff Scott Sterling for mutual aid to provide security for the pipeline project, and he followed policies and procedures regarding such agreements.
There was not a private agreement between the pipeline company and the Kay County Sheriff's Office, VanHoesen said.
“If it had not been a request for mutual aid, we would have had no authority to be there," VanHoesen said. “He requested that we be there.”
That agreement was made in August 2015.
VanHoesen said the oil company building the pipeline was paying Kay County Sheriff's Office employees, but the employees would not have been working in Grant County if there had not been a request for mutual aid.
The Kay County Sheriff also said the total pipeline project lasted eight months, but that time was divided between Grant County and Kay County in about equal amounts.
“We had about the same amount of area and mileage involved in Kay County,” he said.
“Grant County is less than 5,000 population county-wide,” Van Hoesen said. “The biggest community is Medford. We have several agencies in Kay County and they all helped us help Grant County. We used our county and some city officers and state officers. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol does not allow its employees to use their vehicles off duty. We also had some tribal officers. We did not do all the work.”
VanHoesen said he provided copies of the department's policies and procedures, as well as a copy of the policy with previous county commissioners, to the Kay County Board of Commissioners.
The sheriff said County Commissioner Vance Johnson has put the policy on the agenda for Monday's meeting for review.
“There is no problem there,” VanHoesen said. “Vance is doing the proper thing. If they want to change that, they can.”
None of the current county commissioners were on the board when the policy was written in September 2008, the sheriff said.
Johnson has stated that he was disappointed the sheriff's staff was not compensated for gasoline as part of the agreement.
VanHoesen said his staff did not patrol while watching the pipeline work.
“We watched a piece of equipment. We did not patrol the county or back and forth,” he said. “They were very big welders that welded the pipeline together and they were very carefully calibrated. We watched to make sure no one tampered with the equipment since they were so precise.”
VanHoesen said that of his staff of 12 employees, only he and the department's K-9 officer did not work on the project.
The sheriff said this is one of several complaints that have been lodged against the department's staff before the upcoming election to select VanHoesen's successor as he retires. The election is June 28.
“We have done nothing improper or illegal,” he said.
Trey Davis of the Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector's office said last Friday morning that the office had received a copy of a letter outlining the complaints and would make inquiries on the allegations. He said the office would have to be invited to conduct an investigation and those requests usually come from law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or the State Attorney General's office.
Kay County District Attorney Brian Hermanson said last week there was no criminal issue. He referred to the Sept. 8, 2008, agreement on the use of the Sheriff's Department vehicles, as well as the minutes of the Sept. 8, 2008, County Commissioners' meeting where the matter was discussed.
The agreement is signed by the sheriff and the three county commissioners who were in office at that time -- Laile Wilson, Steve Austin and Dee Schieber.
(KLZA)-- Frustrating. Being punished for being efficient. That is how Auburn Superintendent Kevin Reiman described the needed increase in lunch prices for the 20216-17 school year.
Reiman said despite a healthy lunch fund account, the Board members voted Monday night to increase lunch prices by 10-cents for elementary students and 15-cents for the middle school and high school students and for adults. The lunch prices next year will be $2.60 for elementary students, $2.90 for middle and high school students and $3.40 for adults.
Breakfast prices will remain $1.85.
Superintendent Reiman said due to federal regulations the school district has to charge a minimum amount for meals. Auburn was below that amount. Without raising prices the School District risks losing federal funding for the lunch program
The Police Department needs the assistance of the public to identify the woman shown in these surveillance pictures from the Ponca City Wal-Mart. These pictures were taken just after 3:30 a.m. Sunday, June 5.
Surveillance pictures show that she was driving the white vehicle when it collided with the police car while parked at Wal-Mart, and then drove away.
It appears that the vehicle she was driving was a white Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online regarding the location of the identity of the woman shown in these photographs, or any other crime, can access the link at www.poncacityok.gov. Click on the Crime stoppers link on the home page, fill out the tip sheet, and send the information or you can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.
(KLZA)-- A Falls City woman suffered minor injuries in a Wednesday afternoon wreck in Andrew County, Missouri.
According to the Missouri Highway Patrol report, 61-year old Rebecca Willis was a passenger in a Ford Fusion driven by 56-year old Bobby Willis that was involved in a crash with a semi-truck pulling a lowboy trailer.
Both vehicles were northbound on U.S. 169 Highway approximately three miles south of Union Star, Missouri, The semi attempted to turn right onto a county road and traveled into the southbound lane. The Willis car continued north and attempted to pass the truck in the northbound lane. Willis attempted to avoid the collision by traveling off the right side of the roadway.
The two vehicles collided on westbound County Road 246. Both vehicles came to rest on their wheels.
Rebecca Willis was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph by Grand River Ambulance. Bobby Willis was not injured and the truck driver, 33-year old Andrew Marconi of Holmen, Wisconsin was not injured.
All those involved in the wreck were wearing safety devices.
(KNZA)-- Two Doniphan County school districts will share a superintendent for the 2016-17 school year.
During a joint special meeting last week, the Doniphan West Board of Education unanimously approved an agreement with the Riverside school district for the sharing of current Riverside USD 114 Superintendent Mike Newman. The Riverside Board also unanimously approved the agreement.
Under the agreement, Riverside will pay for 60 percent and Doniphan West 40 percent of Newman’s salary, insurance, phone and transportation costs, with Riverside providing his vehicle. The two districts will split 50/50 the superintendent’s professional development costs.
His duties will be set out in an agreement provided by both school attorney’s.
The action comes following the resignation of Doniphan West Superintendent Rex Bollinger earlier this month. Bollinger has accepted the position of interim superintendent at Prairie View USD 362 in La Cyngne.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma City Police Department and union officials are responding the day after an arbitrator ordered the department to immediately suspend its use of body cameras, a program both sides say they support.
Police Chief Bill Citty said Wednesday that the department disagrees with an arbitrator's ruling that it violated the collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police by implementing a policy for officer use of body cameras without completing negotiations with the FOP. Citty said the department will to continue negotiations and arrive at a compromise that will put officer body cameras back on the streets.
FOP Lodge 123 president John George said Wednesday that the program was suspended because the department implemented the policy before resolving a disagreement over supervisor access to body camera footage.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bipartisan group of legislators and advocacy groups are asking Gov. Mary Fallin to order a stop to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's use of mobile scanners capable of seizing money loaded onto prepaid debit cards by alleged criminals.
Republican Sen. Kyle Loveless of Oklahoma City and Democratic Rep. Cory Williams of Stillwater are among those who sent a letter to Fallin on Wednesday asking the governor to issue an executive order suspending use of the devices until the Legislature can address the issue.
Law enforcement officials say it's an important tool as drug traffickers and other criminals have started loading large sums of cash on gift or prepaid debit cards for transport.
Deployment of the scanners comes at a time when civil asset forfeiture has come under criticism in Oklahoma.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Authorities have captured the second of two Nebraska inmates who escaped from a maximum-security prison last week.
Timothy Clausen was arrested in Omaha shortly after 6:00 Wednesday evening following an extensive search of the area. The Nebraska State Patrol said in a statement that the 52-year-old had cut his hair, shaved his beard, changed his clothing and had a handgun nearby. He was taken into custody without incident.
Clausen and 37-year-old Armon Dixon escaped Friday from the Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincoln. Authorities say the convicted sex offenders climbed into a laundry truck that was headed to another prison and punched a hole in the truck's roof.
Authorities have also charged an Omaha woman, Wanda T. Minor, with accessory to a felony. She's accused of helping Clausen get from Lincoln to Omaha.
(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has voted to provide additional funding to the Rural Development Association of Northeast Kansas for 2016.
RDA board members meet with the Commission Monday to request additional funds in order to make it through the remainder of this year.
The board members told the Commission they face a shortfall of $8,200 in this year’s budget and would run out of funds in October.
Following discussion, the Commission voted unanimously to appropriate $10,000 out of the general fund to the RDA to help cover their remaining costs for 2016.
The organization also submitted their 2017 budget request to the county. The RDA is requesting $60,000, which is a $30,000 increase over this year’s allocation.
The Commission will consider the request when working on the 2017 budget.
In other business, representatives of Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice meet with the Board to request nearly $13,000 from the Broxterman estate funds to replace six laptop computers with smaller devices for use while employees are visiting clients in their homes.
The Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding.
The computers were last replaced four years ago and are nearly five years old.
(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has announced his appointment of Judge Jeffrey J. Funke to the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District of Nebraska. Currently, Judge Funke serves as a District Court Judge for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe Counties.
Before his time on the District Court, Judge Funke served as a County Judge for the Second Judicial District from 2007-2013. Before his first appointment as a judge, Funke worked in private practice, served as a county attorney, and also as a deputy public defender.
While serving on the District and County Courts, Judge Funke has handled over 10,000 cases covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters among others.
The vacancy is due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William M. Connolly on August 1, 2016. This is Governor Ricketts’ third appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
The Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court consists of portions of Hall, Adams, Webster, Nance, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Colfax, Butler, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Gage, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.
(KLZA)-- An appointment is made to the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District of Nebraska.
Governor Pete Ricketts has appointed Judge Jeffrey J. Funke to the court. Currently, Funke serves as a District Court Judge for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe Counties.
The vacancy is created by the upcoming retirement of Judge William M. Connolly on August 1, 2016.
The Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court consists of portions of Hall, Adams, Webster, Nance, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Colfax, Butler, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Gage, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.
In a press release announcing the approintment, Ricketts says "Judge Funke brings a diverse legal background to the Supreme Court."
Before his time on the District Court, Judge Funke served as a County Judge for the Second Judicial District from 2007-2013. Before his first appointment as a judge, Funke worked in private practice, served as a county attorney, and also as a deputy public defender.
While serving on the District and County Courts, Judge Funke has handled over 10,000 cases covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters among others.
(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has announced his appointment of Judge Jeffrey J. Funke to the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District of Nebraska. Currently, Judge Funke serves as a District Court Judge for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe Counties.
Before his time on the District Court, Judge Funke served as a County Judge for the Second Judicial District from 2007-2013. Before his first appointment as a judge, Funke worked in private practice, served as a county attorney, and also as a deputy public defender.
While serving on the District and County Courts, Judge Funke has handled over 10,000 cases covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters among others.
The vacancy is due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William M. Connolly on August 1, 2016. This is Governor Ricketts’ third appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
The Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court consists of portions of Hall, Adams, Webster, Nance, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Colfax, Butler, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Gage, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.
(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has announced his appointment of Judge Jeffrey J. Funke to the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District of Nebraska. Currently, Judge Funke serves as a District Court Judge for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe Counties.
Before his time on the District Court, Judge Funke served as a County Judge for the Second Judicial District from 2007-2013. Before his first appointment as a judge, Funke worked in private practice, served as a county attorney, and also as a deputy public defender.
While serving on the District and County Courts, Judge Funke has handled over 10,000 cases covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters among others.
The vacancy is due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William M. Connolly on August 1, 2016. This is Governor Ricketts’ third appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
The Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court consists of portions of Hall, Adams, Webster, Nance, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Colfax, Butler, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Gage, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.
(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has announced his appointment of Judge Jeffrey J. Funke to the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District of Nebraska. Currently, Judge Funke serves as a District Court Judge for Cass, Sarpy, and Otoe Counties.
Before his time on the District Court, Judge Funke served as a County Judge for the Second Judicial District from 2007-2013. Before his first appointment as a judge, Funke worked in private practice, served as a county attorney, and also as a deputy public defender.
While serving on the District and County Courts, Judge Funke has handled over 10,000 cases covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters among others.
The vacancy is due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William M. Connolly on August 1, 2016. This is Governor Ricketts’ third appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
The Fifth Judicial District for the Supreme Court consists of portions of Hall, Adams, Webster, Nance, Hamilton, Clay, Nuckolls, Polk, York, Fillmore, Thayer, Colfax, Butler, Saline, Jefferson, Saunders, Gage, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
06/14/16 18:19 18:20 18:30 18:48 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16008524 9785
CLARK
RP REQ OFFICER REF A HIT N RUN. #59 ASND, NO RPT. RP'S WANTED LOGGED THAT THEIR VEH THAT IS PARKED IN YARD MAJORITY OF THE TIME WAS POSSIBLY HIT BY A BICYCLE.
MOTORIST RPT'D A BIKE SITTING IN MIDDLE OF STREET ON S 5TH. NOBODY AROUND IT. #30 RESPONDED, MOVED IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, NOTE LEFT FOR A/C TO PICK IT UP.
ANON RP WOULD LIKE AN OFFICER TO CONTACT NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE BEEN UP AT 0500 TO 0600 HOURS PLAYING THEIR MUSIC LOUD AND RIDING SKATEBOARDS OUTSIDE. THE RP REQ NO CONTACT, BUT WOULD LIKE AN OFFICER TO CONACT THESE RESIDENTS AND ADVISE THEM OF THE COMPLAINT. #38 ASND. #38 ADV'D HE SPOKE TO THE RESIDENCE AND EXPLAINED THE CITY ORDINANCE; THEY ARE GOING TO KEEP IT DOWN IN THE MORNINGS.
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Emergency Management is hoping to test the siren atop the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City on Thursday.
A technician is scheduled to perform maintenance on the siren between 10 a-m and 2 p-m so the test could be done anytime during that time frame.
In a related note, during Tuesday’s Richardson County Board meeting, Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall told the Board the siren on Old Highway 73 located west of the aquatic park and south of Community Medical Center is the top priority to get replaced.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the $23,293 expenditure to replace the current siren at that location which is no longer in working order.
Two Nebraska ethanol companies have made offers for four of Abengoa Bioenergy’s seven ethanol plants, including two plants in Nebraska, one in Illinois and one in Indiana, according to a court motion filed Sunday.
The U.S. holding company of Abengoa will auction off the company’s ethanol plants this summer and has chosen stalking-horse bidders to make the first bid on the plants in Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana and New Mexico.
A stalking horse bidder is an initial bid on a company’s assets chosen by the bankrupt company from a pool of bidders, and essentially sets a baseline price for the assets. Parent company Spain-based Abengoa SA has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while it reorganizes its company for life after ethanol production.
According to a court motion filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis, the company has entered into asset purchase agreements with two Nebraska ethanol companies and an acquisition company based in Texas.
Although stalking horse bidders have been selected, the company’s motion is to hold an auction later this summer to entertain other bids on the plants.
Omaha-based Green Plains Inc. made a $200 million stalking horse bid offer for the plants in Madison, Illinois, and Mount Vernon, Indiana, according to the court motion.
Minden, Nebraska-based KAAPA Ethanol Holdings LLC made a $115 million offer for the Ravenna, Nebraska, plant. In addition, BioUrja Trading, LLC, in Houston was selected as the stalking horse bidder for the plant in York, Nebraska, for at least $45 million.
Abengoa’s shuttered cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kansas, first-generation ethanol plants in Colwich, Kansas, and Portales, New Mexico, are not included in any of the purchase agreements, according to court documents.
The Nebraska plants have restarted production in the past couple of months and have reached near-full capacity. Those plants are expected to generate about $26.2 million in revenue in May, according to court documents, and are the only Abengoa plants in operation in the U.S.
According to the court motion, bids for the plants would be due by Aug. 18 with the auction set for Aug. 22. A sale hearing would be scheduled for Aug. 25. The closing on the sales would be no later than Sept. 30.
Green Plains owns and operates 14 plants, four grain companies and a feedlot. KAAPA owns and operates a 60-million-gallon corn ethanol plant in Minden, Nebraska. BioUrja Trading, LLC, is a Houston-based energy commodities trading company.
(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education has agreed to consider a possible change to the PLC late start.
The Board decided Monday evening to put the issue on their July meeting agenda.
That came after district parent Marcy Gruber presented a petition containing 140 signatures to the Board asking that they consider a change. Gruber told the Board the one-hour Wednesday late starts are an inconvenience for parents. She had also appealed to the Board in May to make a change.
The late starts, currently on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, allows teachers a time to meet together in what's known as professional learning communities to collaborate on ways to improve student learning.
Superintendent Penny Hargrove says input with be sought from teachers and administrators.
(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Brown County wreck early Tuesday morning sent two to the hospital.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says it happened shortly after 6:00 at the intersection of 240th and Prairie Roads.
Merchant says a Chevy pickup driven by 41-year-old Hiawatha resident Curtis Windmeyer was southbound on Prairie Road and a Dodge Ram pickup driven by 31-year-old Highland resident Matthew Cluck was westbound on 240th Road when the two vehicles collided.
Both drivers were transported by ambulance to the Hiawatha Community Hospital. Windmeyer was later transported by helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.
The wreck remains under investigation.
Assisting at the scene were the Robinson Fire Department, Squad 48 and Town and Country EMS.
(KAIR)--Planning the best they can in the face of the unexpected.
That's what Kansas school districts, including Atchison County's USD 377, are doing, as the battle of over education funding in the state rages on.
Included is the threat made by the Kansas Supreme Court that schools will be shut down as of June 30th if the Kansas Legislature does not authorize what the court deems to be adequate funding.
USD 377 Superintendent Steve Wiseman says there's simply not much that can be done at this point, except wait and see. “We're hopeful that the Legislature can come up with a solution that satisfies the courts, otherwise it could get quite interesting here in the next couple weeks,” Wiseman tells MSC News. “We've never been in this position before where we've been threatened with a shutdown. There's so many unknowns we just don't know what's going to happen. We don't believe it's going to happen, but anything is possible these days.”
Wiseman says the district has taken what steps they can for preparing for the worst. “We just have to go off what the experts tell us from the state department, and how they do things in the federal government when they have had to go through shutdowns before.”
The possibility of the school shutdown was addressed by the USD 377 Board of Education when they met Monday.
The Kansas Legislature will focus on education funding during a special session set to start June 23rd, as ordered by Governor Sam Brownback.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An attorney and former Republican office holder from Edmond has been hired as the new chief executive officer of Oklahoma's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust at an annual salary of $250,000 per year.
The trust's governing board announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.
Tracy Strader, the trust's current executive director, who earns $120,000 a year, will stay with the agency.
Several elected officials have been critical of the trust's seven-member board for creating a new $250,000 state position at a time when agency budgets are being slashed. State Rep. Steve Kouplen of Beggs called the board's decision "outrageous."
Oklahoma voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2000 setting up the trust to oversee earnings from a settlement with major tobacco companies.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An attorney and former Republican office holder from Edmond has been hired as the new chief executive officer of Oklahoma's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust at an annual salary of $250,000 per year.
The trust's governing board announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.
Tracy Strader, the trust's current executive director, who earns $120,000 a year, will stay with the agency.
Several elected officials have been critical of the trust's seven-member board for creating a new $250,000 state position at a time when agency budgets are being slashed. State Rep. Steve Kouplen of Beggs called the board's decision "outrageous."
Oklahoma voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2000 setting up the trust to oversee earnings from a settlement with major tobacco companies.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An attorney and former Republican office holder from Edmond has been hired as the new chief executive officer of Oklahoma's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust at an annual salary of $250,000 per year.
The trust's governing board announced Tuesday the hiring of former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and two-term Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas to the post.
Tracy Strader, the trust's current executive director, who earns $120,000 a year, will stay with the agency.
Several elected officials have been critical of the trust's seven-member board for creating a new $250,000 state position at a time when agency budgets are being slashed. State Rep. Steve Kouplen of Beggs called the board's decision "outrageous."
Oklahoma voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2000 setting up the trust to oversee earnings from a settlement with major tobacco companies.
(KLZA)-- A local child will again benefit through the efforts of an annual event.
That will happen when the 8th annual “Chasin Dreams” Benefit Ride is held Saturday, with the kick-off happening at Wild Bill's in Rulo.
The beneficiary this year is Tenley Babb, a 2-year-old who suffers from Angelman's Syndrome.
Registration begins at 11:00, with the ride beginning at noon, as the travel route takes the riders to the Would Eye in Falls City, Reds in Hiawatha, Swingin Doors in Rulo, then back to Wild Bills.
For more information contact Pam Holle or Mandy Morehead or Wild Bill’s Bar and Grill.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma County jury has chosen a punishment for the first guilty count for the two men convicted in killings of a prostitute featured on the HBO series "Cathouse" and three other people.
The Oklahoma County jury decided Tuesday on a 35-year prison sentence for 38-year-olds Denny Edward Phillips and Russell Lee Hogshooter's one count each of conspiracy.
The jury still must decide punishment on six guilty counts of first-degree murder related to the 2009 deaths of 32-year-old Casey Mark Barrientos, 22-year-old Brooke Phillips, 22-year-old Milagros Barrera and 25-year-old Jennifer Lynn Ermey. Two of the victims were pregnant.
The jury will be asked to choose between life in prison, life in prison without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
Owners of about 40 antique cars are touring in Ponca City today.
They are from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. One car owner is from Paris, France.
They represent the 2016 Okla-Chroma Glidden Tour based in Stillwater. The Chrome Glidden Tour is an annual national tour of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), sponsored this year by the TexOma Region Club of Texas.
The cars are vintages from 1935 to 1990, and are originally preserved or restored.
While in Ponca City, the group is touring the Poncan Theatre, the Marland Grand Home and the Marland Mansion, where they will also enjoy lunch.
“Visitors are welcome to view the cars at the Marland Mansion in the early afternoon,” said Gayle and Randy Dekker, Tour Directors.
(KLZA)-- (Omaha, Neb.)- A $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Lincoln Correctional Center escapee Timothy Clausen is being offered by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
The U.S. Marshal’s Service is also staffing two 800 numbers for citizens to call with sightings, tips or information.
In addition to calling 911, citizens are now being urged to call 1-877-WANTED2 or 1-800-336-0102 to report any suspicious persons, activity or sightings of anyone matching the physical description of the escapee. Callers will speak directly with a representative from the U.S. Marshal’s.
The 52-year-old Clausen is described as an African American male, 5’8”, 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He does not have any distinguishing marks or tattoos and could be wearing his hair pulled back or in cornrows.
Based on investigative leads, law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions continue to focus their search for Clausen in and around the Omaha metro area, with an emphasis on the northeast portion of the city.
Clausen is considered dangerous and citizens are urged to remain vigilant, and to be aware of their surroundings.
The $5,000 reward from the U.S. Marshals Service is in addition to a $2,500 reward being offered by Omaha Crime Stoppers.
Clausen is one of two inmates who escaped Friday, June 10, from the Lincoln Correctional Center.
That was the sentence for 33-year old Eddy Falkner of Humboldt on a charge of domestic assault.
As part of a plea agreement, Falkner entered a plea of guilty to the misdemeanor charge in exchange for a felony count of strangulation being dismissed.
The charges stem from an incident in May of 2015 at a home in Humboldt.
(KLZA)-- Falls City Clerk and Administrator Gary Jorn discussed a lack of communication between the City and Richardson County with the County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
From the beginning of the new Richardson County law enforcement / jail project, there has been discussion regarding 911 dispatching. Recently, the discussion has grown to include the sleuth records management system. Sheriff Don Pounds has asked the Commissioners to terminate the agreement under which the City does 911 dispatching for Richardson County. Pounds also said when he discussed the County getting access to the City Sleuth records keeping system, he was told they could not share.
Jorn said he was surprised to hear about these conversations in the news, noting that he had called County Clerk Mary Eickhoff about the June 7th agenda and did not know 911 and Sleuth were going to be discussed or City officials would have attended.
Jorn had a different take on the discussion with the Sheriff concerning the Sleuth system. Jorn said that he doesn’t think the Sheriff was ever told the City would not share the Sleuth system, they wanted to make sure all the bases are covered. Jorn said he told Sheriff Pounds there is more to it than just asking to share, research needs to be done.
Sheriff Pounds was out of town Tuesday and was unable to attend the meeting. With the new jail project progressing, decisions are going to have to be made sooner rather than later on 911 dispatching and other possible ways to share. Jorn said there needs to be better communications, and personal feelings checked at the door.
Commission Chairman David Sickel noted that an earlier 911 meeting between the City and County involved more people than what he was expecting. He agrees the City and County need to work together. Commissioners said they would visit with Pounds about the topics covered and expect to have more discussions with the City.
Ponca City Police responded to a two-vehicle roll-over accident at Fifth Street and Prospect Avenue Wednesday morning.
A dark blue Buick Century and a white Ford 4x4 truck collided in the intersection. A child who was a passenger in the car was taken to be checked out for injuries. Officers credited air bags in both vehicles for preventing any injuries to the adults involved.
Police said the car was westbound on Prospect and the truck was northbound on Fifth Street. An officer said the car hit the truck, causing it to go up and over the car. It flipped and landed on its side. The car spun twice before coming to rest.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Omaha Public Power District is set to vote on whether to close the nation's smallest nuclear power plant in Fort Calhoun.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that the district board will vote on the fate of Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station on Thursday.
Once closed, a nuclear plant must undergo a decommissioning process to remove or decontaminate materials and equipment that have been exposed to radioactivity. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires decommissioning to be completed within 60 years of a plant's closing.
Cleaning up the site after its closure is estimated to cost about $1 billion.
Power district President and Chief Executive Director Tim Burke has recommended using a decommissioning method that would give the utility the full 60 years to let radioactivity at the plant decay naturally and to fully dismantle the plant.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities in Orlando, Florida, are still searching for a 2-year-old boy who was dragged into the water by an alligator near Disney's upscale Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and are hoping for the best.
Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jeff Williamson said at a Wednesday morning news conference that it's still being considered a search and rescue operation and additional deputies will be joining the search.
The boy was with his family on vacation from Nebraska. The family of five was wading in the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon on Tuesday night when the alligator came out of the water and attacked.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings says the boy's father tried to rescue him but was not able to.
The Liberal City Commission met Tuesday evening for their regularly scheduled meeting. Among the items on the agenda, the Commission adopted Ordinance 4467 which prohibits smoking in Cooper Clark Park and the surrounding area. Cooper Clark Park is the green space surrounding Liberal Memorial Library.
Commissioners, after a Public Hearing, passed Resolution 2238 which authorizes the completion of the KDHE Revolving Loan Application for Improvments to Liberals Water System. This only begins the application process for the loan. Currently interest rates are at an all time low of 2%.
The Commission set July 26th at 5:30pm as the datte and time for a Public Hearing for a Rural Housing District. The developer plans on building 8 duplexes.
The Commission authorized the Mid America Air Museum Foundation to utilizes space inside the Air Museum for the display, use, and flying of Drones with the possibility of instruction and flying competitions in the future.
City Commissioners also voted to approve the use of a piece of City property at the north end of the old abandoned Kansas Avenue for a drainage pond for the development project scheduled for the area. A hotel and possibly a restaurant are planned for the development.
Commissioners appointed Chuck Lamberson and Rosa Castenada to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.
The next Liberal City Commission meeting is scheduled for June 28.
A conservation group has finalized the purchase of about 30,000 acres of lesser prairie chicken habitat in southwest Kansas.
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies said Monday in a news release that its acquisition of the Sunview Ranch in Hamilton County is a significant conservation development.
The ranch is located in a sand sagebrush area which covers portions of Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma that once contained the highest density of lesser prairie chickens in the country.
The group says the property is one of the largest remaining contiguous tracks of sand sagebrush prairie in the region.
Its spokesman, Bill Van Pelt, declined to disclose the purchase price.
Funding comes from voluntary contributions from "industry partners" enrolled in the lesser prairie chicken conservation plan.
(KNZA)--A single-vehicle Buchanan County wreck early Wednesday morning sent a St. Joseph man to the hospital.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after midnight on Route A about one mile south of St. Joseph.
The Patrol says 23-year-old Sutton Mattucks was southbound when he swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway and lost control of his pickup. The vehicle left the roadway, struck an embankment, went airborne and rolled.
Mattucks, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.
Editor's Note: The following statement was released Tuesday evening by Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat, and was current as of 10:30 Tuesday night.
All phone systems are down at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office we are unable to receive 911 or administrative calls. For the time being please call the Wamego Police Department at 785-456-9553.
The Poncan Theatre presents Wade Tower at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.
Going door-to-door in his neighborhood and performing from atop his dad's suitcase at the age of 4 seemed perfectly normal to Wade Tower.
It all came so easy to him -- making people laugh and impressing them with his voice. From these first childhood performances to headlining at national corporate events, Tower's focus has always been clear: entertain people with songs and stories about life, laughter and love.
From the light-hearted jokes, to the songs of beloved crooners, Tower has the audience in the palm of his hand. Gifted with a silky-smooth voice, his repertoire ranges from Sinatra to Strait, Bublé to Brooks and Dunn; modern hits to classic hymns.
Tower says he likes to look at every event as though he is the host of one big dinner party, and his goal is to make sure everyone has a good time. After all, if there's no dessert (or great entertainment), it's just another meeting!
Tower has performed nationwide for corporate audiences, church events, fundraisers, concerts and celebrations for groups from 10 to 10,000. Whatever venue it may be, his genuine love of people shines through with each performance. Tower has the ability to connect with each audience through great music and humor.
(KAIR)--The woman who died while in the custody of local Missouri law enforcement has been identified.
According to a statement released by the Platte County Sheriff's Office, the victim is Emma Lewis, a resident of the Platte City area.
The 50-year-old Lewis was found to be in what authorities call “medical distress” following a five minute ride in the back of a transport van on June 9th.
Authorities at that time said lifesaving measures were performed, but she could not be revived.
The investigation into the death of Lewis is continuing, as conducted by the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office.
Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at The Poncan Theatre.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and 6 and under are free.
Get ready for a high energy, uplifting musical experience that blends captivating virtuosity and heartfelt sincerity.
With an eclectic musical style ranging from Blues to Bluegrass, Gypsy Jazz to Western Swing, Country, Rock and Gospel, Horseshoe Road blends them into an earthy genre of music they call Heartland Acoustic.
Full of surprises, the group's passion for music can be seen in their performance.
Horseshoe Road is the 2011 International Acoustic Music Award winner in the Bluegrass/Country category.
In 2008, Horseshoe Road completed a U.S. Embassy sponsored tour of Thailand, which commemorated the 175th anniversary of relations between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand. It was the first time an American band had ever performed in four of the five cities they toured.
They celebrated Oklahoma’s centennial internationally through their performances with a tour of Japan and Thailand. They also filmed a documentary of this tour as an official OK Centennial Project, and performed 32 shows at the 2000 Oklahoma State Fair Centennial Expo at the Oklahoman Stage.
Opening for the Oak Ridge Boys was one of the many highlights of 2012, as well as the Charlie Daniels Band in 2013. Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road were selected by the U.S. State Department for a month-long world tour through Taiwan, South Korea, Burma and Russia as part of their American Music Abroad program. Out of 300 bands nationwide, Horseshoe Road was one of 12 chosen for the 2012-13 season. In 2014, they were selected again for a 16-day tour of Liberia, which included a performance for the President of Liberia celebrating U.S. And Liberian relations.
World-renowned fiddle sensation and Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador Kyle Dillingham heads the band. He has performed his magic in more than 30 countries, which has electrified and energized audiences around the world.
The Enid native picked up the violin when he was 9, and eight years later, he gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Though he had an attractive offer to continue in Nashville, Dillingham always believed that his musical talents could serve Oklahoma best by staying in Oklahoma.
He was a featured performer for the King of Malaysia, the Princess of Thailand, Singapore’s National Day Celebration, and he was televised throughout all of China. A frequent visitor to Washington, D.C., he has performed for the Japanese, Thai, Romanian, and Saudi Arabian Ambassadors, to name a few. He has also performed with Roy Clark and Hank Thompson.
Dillingham has played for more than 100 charity events in Oklahoma and performed for the launching of the University of Central Oklahoma’s Centre for Global Competency, where he took the stage with National Geographic Journalist Lisa Ling.
Dillingham also was featured as part of the Memorial Thank You Concert in Oklahoma City along with Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb and Toby Keith. He received a standing ovation.
Honored by Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, Dillingham is the 2009 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award, acknowledging his life's work as a violinist, vocalist and musical ambassador for the state of Oklahoma and for his gift to connect with people throughout the world.
Dillingham is one of the Journal Record’s Achievers under 40; an elite list of selected young Oklahomans making a difference in the state.
He also is one of OKC Biz and Oklahoma Magazine’s top 40 under 40 class. As a Creativity Ambassador, he performed as a part of the Creativity World Forum in 2010 and received a medal of honor, along with other Oklahoma greats such as Jimmy Webb, Leona Mitchell and Hanson.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club students are pictured after competing in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University on Saturday, June 4th. Pictured from left are Kyle King, Cason Wilson, Joel Ulahannan, Catheryne Martin, William Vaughan, Timothy Crank, Colter Wilson, and Wesley Vaughan.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club had many students place in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University earlier this month.
Catheryne Martin, East Middle School student, secured first place in the Under 900 section with 3.5 out of 4.0 possible points. West Middle School student Cason Wilson narrowly missed third place with 3.0 points after tie-breaks were considered.
First Lutheran School fifth grade student Joel Ulahannan and Roosevelt third grade student Colter Wilson medaled with 2.0 points.
Wesley Vaughan and Kyle King, 2nd and 5th grade students at First Lutheran School, both finished with 1.0 point.
In the Under 600 section, Timothy Crank, fifth grader at First Lutheran School, brought home second place and First Lutheran School kindergarten student William Vaughan brought home third.
"I am so happy to be a part of the chess growth in Ponca City." said Zachary Walling, Chess Club Coach. "Chess is a powerful learning tool for all ages and it is very exiting to see so many young students interested in the game. I encourage everyone to come visit a club meeting at First Lutheran School or visit the Kay County Chess Club at the Ponca City Library."
The FLS Chess Club is open to all students in Ponca City, grades 1-12, and currently has 30 students from nine different schools. During the summer, the club is meeting each Monday and Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church fellowship hall.
All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced.
The mission of the club is to develop and improve chess skills in a supportive environment, to encourage each student to their full potential, and to nurture specific chess-related skills including strategic thinking, problem solving and self-confidence, and to promote the value of chess throughout the community.
The Kay County Chess Club meets each second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8:45 p.m. in the basement of the Ponca City Library.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club students are pictured after competing in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University on Saturday, June 4th. Pictured from left are Kyle King, Cason Wilson, Joel Ulahannan, Catheryne Martin, William Vaughan, Timothy Crank, Colter Wilson, and Wesley Vaughan.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club had many students place in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University earlier this month.
Catheryne Martin, East Middle School student, secured first place in the Under 900 section with 3.5 out of 4.0 possible points. West Middle School student Cason Wilson narrowly missed third place with 3.0 points after tie-breaks were considered.
First Lutheran School fifth grade student Joel Ulahannan and Roosevelt third grade student Colter Wilson medaled with 2.0 points.
Wesley Vaughan and Kyle King, 2nd and 5th grade students at First Lutheran School, both finished with 1.0 point.
In the Under 600 section, Timothy Crank, fifth grader at First Lutheran School, brought home second place and First Lutheran School kindergarten student William Vaughan brought home third.
"I am so happy to be a part of the chess growth in Ponca City." said Zachary Walling, Chess Club Coach. "Chess is a powerful learning tool for all ages and it is very exiting to see so many young students interested in the game. I encourage everyone to come visit a club meeting at First Lutheran School or visit the Kay County Chess Club at the Ponca City Library."
The FLS Chess Club is open to all students in Ponca City, grades 1-12, and currently has 30 students from nine different schools. During the summer, the club is meeting each Monday and Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church fellowship hall.
All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced.
The mission of the club is to develop and improve chess skills in a supportive environment, to encourage each student to their full potential, and to nurture specific chess-related skills including strategic thinking, problem solving and self-confidence, and to promote the value of chess throughout the community.
The Kay County Chess Club meets each second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8:45 p.m. in the basement of the Ponca City Library.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club students are pictured after competing in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University on Saturday, June 4th. Pictured from left are Kyle King, Cason Wilson, Joel Ulahannan, Catheryne Martin, William Vaughan, Timothy Crank, Colter Wilson, and Wesley Vaughan.
The First Lutheran School Chess Club had many students place in The Challengers' tournament at Oklahoma University earlier this month.
Catheryne Martin, East Middle School student, secured first place in the Under 900 section with 3.5 out of 4.0 possible points. West Middle School student Cason Wilson narrowly missed third place with 3.0 points after tie-breaks were considered.
First Lutheran School fifth grade student Joel Ulahannan and Roosevelt third grade student Colter Wilson medaled with 2.0 points.
Wesley Vaughan and Kyle King, 2nd and 5th grade students at First Lutheran School, both finished with 1.0 point.
In the Under 600 section, Timothy Crank, fifth grader at First Lutheran School, brought home second place and First Lutheran School kindergarten student William Vaughan brought home third.
"I am so happy to be a part of the chess growth in Ponca City." said Zachary Walling, Chess Club Coach. "Chess is a powerful learning tool for all ages and it is very exiting to see so many young students interested in the game. I encourage everyone to come visit a club meeting at First Lutheran School or visit the Kay County Chess Club at the Ponca City Library."
The FLS Chess Club is open to all students in Ponca City, grades 1-12, and currently has 30 students from nine different schools. During the summer, the club is meeting each Monday and Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church fellowship hall.
All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced.
The mission of the club is to develop and improve chess skills in a supportive environment, to encourage each student to their full potential, and to nurture specific chess-related skills including strategic thinking, problem solving and self-confidence, and to promote the value of chess throughout the community.
The Kay County Chess Club meets each second and fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 8:45 p.m. in the basement of the Ponca City Library.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)--The Kansas Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to ignore a federal directive that all public schools allow transgender students to use restrooms that match their gender identity, instead deferring to the regulations of school districts.
What remains unclear is whether or not the 10-0 vote will endanger over $479 million in federal aid, or about 10 percent of the state's education budget.
Scott Gordon, general counsel for the state's education department, said that the threat of loss of federal funding is not sweeping. The entire state would not lose federal education funding if one school is found out of compliance with the anti-discrimination law.
Gordon noted that only one transgender student filed a complaint for alleged discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights in 2015. Board members cited the low rate of incidents as proof that districts already have adequate regulations in place.
(KAIR)--An arrest is made in an attempted Atchison business burglary, while suspects continue to be sought in a separate successful break in.
The first occurred at Nell Hills over the weekend.
“An undisclosed amount of cash was taken,” said Police Chief Mike Wilson. “A forced entry was made by breaking some glass on a door.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Police are also looking into an attempted burglary.
“At 1:20 a.m. officers responded to 401 N. 4th to investigate suspicious activity near the Van Dyke Grocery Store,” Wilson said.
Officers took 18-year-old Atchison resident Marcus Jones into custody as he attempted to flee the store. He was arrested for attempted burglary, criminal damage to property and possession for alcohol by an underage person.
Wilson said police are seeking a second suspect in that case.
When the bell rings, take your seat as Mrs. Fagan begins class! Saturday's theme for Pioneer Family Fun Days at the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum is Pioneer School!
Lessons will include writing on slate boards, practicing cursive writing and learning what it was like to be a student in the 1890s.
The Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum is holding weekly Pioneer Family Fun Days during June and July. Activities are held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $5 for up to six family members.
The schedule for the rest of the summer includes:
June 25—Pioneer Arts and Crafts
Stations with a variety of crafts for kids and adults. Candle making, weaving, tie dye and more!
July 9—Nature Day
Mr. Keith will lead a Nature Walk in the museum’s backyard. Owners of 24/7 Reptiles will have a hands-on petting and looking zoo. Ms. Luann will have animal skulls and hides to touch and feel. Plus we’ll have a craft with natural materials.
July 16—Not So Bored Games
Dominoes, checkers, jacks, marbles, pick-up-sticks, Go Fish, Old Maid. So many games! There’s no time to be bored with all of these games!
July 23—Movies & Cartoons
Dress up in your favorite cartoon character and join us for vintage cartoons, popcorn and Kool-Aid.
July 30—Happy Trails
Pack your wagon and race for your claim as we say so long and Happy Trails to the summer. Cowboys, chuck wagons, Dutch oven cooking. Cowboy attire and picnics encouraged!
The Pioneer Woman Museum is located at 701 Monument Road, Ponca City. Phone (580) 765-6108.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Heat indices are expected to rise into the 105 to 110 degree range Wednesday afternoon.
A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Affected areas include Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Jefferson, Johnson, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Noble, Oklahoma, Payne, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Stephens counties.
People are advised to take extra precautions if they work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. Drink plenty of water.
To reduce the risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Several readers and callers have reported power outages in Ponca City Tuesday afternoon.
Ponca City Energy is reporting high volumes of calls and are unable to respond to callers. Crews are aware and are working to restore power as soon as possible.
At this time we are unable to confirm how large an area is involved or the cause for the outage. We will update this as soon as possible.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
PATIO FURNITURE STOLEN OVER THE WEEKEND. #38 ADV'D ITEMS ARE AT A/C FOR SAFE-KEEPING. (CONNECT #16008383: RECOVERED PROP 6-11-16 18:42 BY #40.) RPT DECLINED.
06/13/16 13:37 13:39 13:45 14:21 MISSING PERSON PD 16008458 9999
S 6TH
RP REQ AN OFFICER REF A MISSING PERSON. #40 DISPATCHED AND ADV'D THE RP THINKS SHE IS BEING HELD AGAINST HER WILL. #40 REQ KSO TO ASSIST TO CHECK WELFARE OF FEM SUBJ AT ADDR ON TOSQUE DR. #40 ADV'D THE ADDR IS ACTUALLY CLOSE TO TONKAWA SO KSO IS GOING CHECK AND CALL HER BACK. #40 REC'D A CALL FROM KSO WHO WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. #40 REQ ATL ON FEM DOB 1994, 22 YOA, L/S WRG WHI SHORTS AND TAN TANK TOP, 5'6", 120LBS, SHORT BROWN HAIR, GREEN EYES W/ GLASSES. LARGE TATTOOS ON BOTH LEGS, TATTOO CHESIRE CAT ON LEFT HIP, RIGHT CALF TATTOOS OF SWIRLS. 1090 ONLY, HAVE HER CALL HER MOM. **********ALL UNITS ADV'D**************
RP RPT'ING THEFT OF CASH FROM THE RESI SOMETIME WITHIN THE LAST FEW DAYS. #24 ASND. RPT TKN.
06/13/16 22:29 22:32 22:33 23:30 MAN WITH WEAPON PD 16008481 9551
5TH & MAPLE
RP ADV'D OF AN I/M IN YARDS W/ KNIVES THREATENING PEOPLE. MID TO EARLY 30'S. NO OTHER DESC. #27 ASND. #31, #14, & #20 ASST. PROBLEM SUBJ RES UNDER BIA. #27 REQ RESPONSE.
Approximately 40 antique cars will be visiting Ponca City on Wednesday, June 15, coming from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
One car owner is even coming from Paris, France.
The cars represent the 2016 Okla-Chroma Glidden Tour based in Stillwater during the week of June 12-17. The Chrome Glidden Tour is an annual national tour of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), sponsored this year by the TexOma Region Club of Texas.
Of 1935-1990 vintage, the cars are originally preserved or restored.
While in Ponca City, the group will be touring the Poncan Theatre, the Marland Grand Home and the Marland Mansion, where they will also enjoy lunch.
“Visitors are welcome to view the cars at the Marland Mansion in the early afternoon,” said Gayle and Randy Dekker, Tour Directors.
Police need to identify the man shown in this picture. Two recent reports from young women being followed inside of the Ponca City Wal-Mart have prompted this, Ponca City Police report.
If you know this man, please call the Ponca City Police Department at (580) 767-0370 or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online regarding the identity of the man pictured here, or any other crime, can access the link at www.poncacityok.gov. Click on the Crime stoppers link on the home page, fill out the tip sheet, and send the information or you can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.
Police need to identify the man shown in this picture. Two recent reports from young women being followed inside of the Ponca City Wal-Mart have prompted this, Ponca City Police report.
If you know this man, please call the Ponca City Police Department at (580) 767-0370 or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online regarding the identity of the man pictured here, or any other crime, can access the link at www.poncacityok.gov. Click on the Crime stoppers link on the home page, fill out the tip sheet, and send the information or you can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.
(KNZA)--The Hiawatha-based 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery of the Kansas National Guard will conduct a change of command ceremony Wednesday evening.
The ceremony will take place at 5:00 in King Field House at Fort Riley.
During the ceremony, leadership of the historic battalion will pass from Lt. Colonel Paul Schneider to Lt. Colonel Thomas Powers.
Colonel John Rueger, commander of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade, will symbolically pass the responsibility for the welfare and training of the 233 soldiers of the battalion to the new commander.
Schneider leaves after serving as commander the past 31 months.
Powers says he’s honored for the opportunity to serve his country and the state of Kansas by leading the battalion.
Powers began his military career in 1987 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. In his civilian career, Powers is employed by the Department of the Army as a military analyst at the Center for Army Leadership, Combined Arms Center, at Fort Leavenworth.
The battalion, headquartered in Hiawatha, has units in Holton, Lenexa, Marysville and Paola.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Jurors have convicted the two remaining men accused in the killings of a prostitute featured on the HBO series "Cathouse" and three other people.
After deliberating for three hours Monday, the jury convicted 38-year-olds Denny Edward Phillips and Russell Lee Hogshooter of six counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy each in the deaths of Brooke Phillips, Milagros Barrera, Jennifer Lynn Ermey and Casey Mark Barrientos. The other two murder charges are because Brooke Phillips and Barrerra were pregnant.
Assistant District Attorney Gayland Gieger said during his closing argument that Denny Phillips planned the robbing and murder of Barrientos and that he recruited Hogshooter to participate. Defense attorney Bill Smith argued that Denny Phillips wasn't at the crime scene.
The jury is expected to begin deliberating punishment Tuesday.
That word comes in the form of a press release from Netawaka Rural Fire District #6, following confirmation that the department's public protection classification has been lowered.
According to the announcement, the rating is used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums, with a lower score generally meaning lower premiums for property owners.
The lowered rating follows the department's addition of new equipment along with what the release calls “improving various other aspects of operating a fire department the past few years.”
The news release commends the Wisconsin-based Reiman Foundation, which provided the fire department with a grant in 2014, for making the improvements possible.
The grant funds were used to obtain a newer, and larger, fire engine and related equipment.
The news release says that addition, along with “long hours and effort from members withing the fire department” is what led to the new insurance designation.
The release says the change in status means most property owners withing district 6 “can expect a noticeable savings on property insurance premiums.” Those residents are advised to consult their insurance agents to re-evaluate polices as a result of the new ranking.
The release says more savings are likely in the future, with the ongoing Netawaka waterline replacement project expected to help lower the classification rating further.
(KNZA)--The preliminary hearing for a Dawson, Nebraska man charged in connection with a shooting at the Old Sabetha Lake over the Memorial Day weekend has been pushed back.
The Nemaha County Attorney’s office says the hearing for 58-year-old Anthony Leftwich was continued Monday to July 13th.
Leftwich is charged with one count of aggravated battery.
He’s accused of shooting 40-year-old Thad Lambrecht , of rural Bern, multiple times early May 29th following an argument at the lake. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Lambrecht was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and then transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.
Leftwich remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.
(KLZA)-- A jury trial is set for a Falls City man accused of burglarizing the same house twice.
19-year-old Brett Winters entered a plea of not guilty to felony counts of burglary during his recent arraignment in Richardson County District Court.
A jury trial was scheduled for September 14th.
Winters is accused of burglarizing a home at 719 1/2 Pacific Street two times during the month of March.
Winters also has other cases pending in Richardson County, including being charged with tampering with evidence at the scene of the shooting death of Joseph Debella Jr. in August of last year.
Winters remains in the Richardson County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
Teams of high school students driving their own solar car projects will visit Ponca City in July as part of the Solar Car Challenge.
The Solar Car Challenge is an education program designed to help motivate students in Science, Engineering and Alternative Energy.
"We teach high school students how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. Students demonstrate that green technology can create a better world," said Dr. Lehman Marks with the Solar Car Challenge Foundation.
Science & Technology Magazine named the Solar Car Challenge as one of the top Science & Engineering programs in the country. The Challenge has 161 high school solar car projects in various stages of development in anticipation of an upcoming solar racing event. Teams are located in 31 states, Mexico, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.
Thirty-two teams have announced that they plan to take part in this summer’s cross-country drive from Fort Worth to Minneapolis.
High School teams begin preparation for their year-long project during education workshops in September 2015. Additional workshops, on-site visits, and mentor opportunities, and camps help propel the projects to success.
After qualifying, teams get the opportunity to drive their solar cars cross-country from Fort Worth to Minneapolis in July.
The 2016 Race will feature a new racing division: the Electric-Solar Powered Car. This Division features a two-passenger electric car powered by permanent charging stations.
The schedule for the teams:
Qualifying: Saturday/Sunday July 15-16 at the Texas Motor Speedway
Event Begins: Sunday, July 17 (Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth)
Teams in Ponca City: Monday, July 18 in the University Center Parking Lot, 2800 N. 14 Street, from 4 to 9 p.m.
Event Ends: Saturday, July 23 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(KLZA--)-Pawnee City is accepting applications for a vacant city council seat after a shuffling of council positions.
The domino effect began with Deb Kline resigning as Pawnee City mayor.
City Clerk Tammy Stephens said the council approved Kline’s resignation at Monday’s meeting due to ongoing health issues.
Stephens said City Council President Charlie Hatfield stepped up to fill Kline’s position.
The council voted to fill Hatfield’s presidency position with Sandy Corbitt-Sears.
Stephens said interested candidates can pick up applications for the vacant seat at City Hall for a term lasting from the next meeting, June 27 until December 2018.
(KLZA)-- Pawnee City residents are reminded of a Town Hall meeting Thursday evening, June 16th, beginning at 7:00 in the basement of the Union Bank and Trust Building.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how to pay for repairing the streets in the community.
Sources close to the production of the Starz television program being partly filmed in Ponca City have confirmed the program is "American Gods," a series expected to air during 2017.
The Internet Movie Database (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1898069/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1A) says a recently released ex-convict named Shadow meets a mysterious man who calls himself "Wednesday" and who knows more than he first seems to about Shadow's life and past.
Austin Unruh with the Ponca City Tourism office has been working with Tulsa's Mad Sweeny Productions for the past few weeks, helping scout locations for the episode. Most of the filming is being done in Toronto, he said, and scenes are being shot in about four other Oklahoma locations.
The TV series is based on "American Gods," a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel by Neil Gaiman, published in 2001.
The Hot Rod Power Tour 2016 will be traveling close to Ponca City on Thursday.
The tour will leave Oklahoma City in the morning and the drivers' proposed route is to take U.S. Highway 77 to Tonkawa, and then turn on to Business 60 East.
From there they will turn north on U.S. Highway 177 through Braman, eventually ending the day in the Wichita metro area Thursday night.
This event began on June 11 in Gonzales, Louisiana, and will end June 17 in Kansas City. There may be some vehicles that decide to come to Ponca City as there is plenty of time for them to sight-see, City Manager Craig Stephenson said.
(KLZA)-- Pawnee City residents are reminded of a Town Hall meeting Thursday evening, June 16th, beginning at 7 p-m in the basement of the Union Bank and Trust Building.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how to pay for repairing the streets in Pawnee City.
The Juneteenth Celebration will be this Friday and Saturday at Attucks Community Center and Park.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, there will be movies with hot dogs and fixin's. Then at 8:30 p.m., MUSIC in the Park will present a tribute to the greats until 11 p.m.
On Saturday, the fun begins at 10 a.m. with inflatables for the kids and a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Through the aftrenoon there will be games for kids. At 1:30 p.m., kids 13 years and under can play Bingo; then at 3 p.m. there will be Bingo for all. There also will be JunteenthTrivia.
People can relax from 5 to 7 p.m. to get ready for the Band in the Park, from 7 to 11 p.m.
(KLZA)-- A White Cloud Kansas man is scheduled for a September 14th jury trial in Richardson County District Court on a felony charge of terroristic threats.
23-year old Zachary Bokelman is charged with a felony count of terroristic threat for allegedly taking a teenage boy on what was described as a terrorizing pickup ride through Falls City neighborhoods on May 10th.
Bokelman is also facing June 20th arraignment on a charge of false imprisonment stemming from the same incident.
Bokelman is currently in the Richardson County Jail, being held on a $5,000 bond.
(KLZA)-- A White Cloud Kansas man is scheduled for a September 14th jury trial in Richardson County District Court on a felony charge of terroristic threats.
23-year old Zachary Bokelman is charged with a felony count of terroristic threat for allegedly taking a teenage boy on what was described as a terrorizing pickup ride through Falls City neighborhoods on May 10th.
Bokelman is also facing June 20th arraignment on a charge of false imprisonment stemming from the same incident.
Bokelman is currently in the Richardson County Jail, being held on a $5,000 bond.
A production crew working on a television program for the Starz Network is hoping the weather stays clear in Ponca City today as they film downtown.
For the past week, a crew from Toronto has been in town finding props and locations to use in a segment being shot here. The Toronto operation is working with Mad Sweeny Productions of Tulsa.
The Ponca City location is one of several Oklahoma sites being filmed for the program. The name of the production has not yet been released.
Among the props being used in the shooting are three Yellow Cabs which have been brought to Ponca City for generic traffic background. Local companies have been used to provide some additional props, including My Favorite Things and Cherokee Strip Company.
Ponca City Police officers are handling traffic control and pedestrian traffic today to give the crew a window of time for filming without interruption.
Today's filming is on Grand Avenue between Second and Third Streets. City residents are asked to avoid the area today.
The latest government snapshot of Kansas crops shows a slower than usual start to the state's wheat harvest.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 5 percent of the winter wheat in Kansas had now been harvested. That is slightly more progress compared to this time a year ago, but it is still behind the 15 percent average.
It noted that wheat harvest has gained momentum in the southern parts of Kansas.
The agency also rated the condition of wheat still out in the field as 10 percent excellent and 51 percent good. About 31 percent is in fair condition, with 8 percent in poor to very poor shape.
Condition updates for the state's corn, soybean and sorghum crops are listed as mostly good to excellent.
WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 250
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AMARILLO TX
418 PM CDT MON JUN 13 2016
OKC025-139-TXC111-205-421-140300-
/O.CON.KAMA.TO.A.0250.000000T0000Z-160614T0300Z/
TORNADO WATCH 250 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR
THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN OKLAHOMA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 2 COUNTIES
IN THE PANHANDLE OF OKLAHOMA
CIMARRON TEXAS
IN TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES
IN THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS
DALLAM HARTLEY SHERMAN
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...BOISE CITY...CHANNING...DALHART...
GUYMON...HARTLEY...KEYES AND STRATFORD.
$$
TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 250
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
125 PM MDT MON JUN 13 2016
TORNADO WATCH 250 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM MDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
COC001-005-009-011-017-025-039-041-055-061-063-071-073-075-087-
089-095-099-101-115-121-123-125-140300-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0250.160613T1925Z-160614T0300Z/
CO
. COLORADO COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ADAMS ARAPAHOE BACA
BENT CHEYENNE CROWLEY
ELBERT EL PASO HUERFANO
KIOWA KIT CARSON LAS ANIMAS
LINCOLN LOGAN MORGAN
OTERO PHILLIPS PROWERS
PUEBLO SEDGWICK WASHINGTON
WELD YUMA
$$
TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 250
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
125 PM MDT MON JUN 13 2016
TORNADO WATCH 250 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM MDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
KSC023-071-075-129-181-187-199-140300-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0250.160613T1925Z-160614T0300Z/
KS
. KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
CHEYENNE GREELEY HAMILTON
MORTON SHERMAN STANTON
WALLACE
$$
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
CLERK AT BUSINESS REQ 1090 OF W/M 20'S ASLEEP IN BURGANDY TRK PARKED ACROSS THE STREET. MALE WAS ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AT TRAF SIGNAL AND TOLD A NURSE WHO STOPPED HE WAS EXTREMELY TIRED. RP HAS KEYS TO HIS VEH FOR SAFE-KEEPING. #27 OUT W/ 430FDE. NP TRM TOWED THE VEH.
(KLZA)-- The northbound passing lane of Interstate 29 will be closed just south of the south Oregon exit beginning Tuesday, June 14.
Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be close the passing lane of northbound I-29 at the Nodaway River Bridge near mile marker 66.6 for routine maintenance at approximately 7 a.m. The road will be narrowed to one lane around the clock through the end of the day Wednesday, June 15.
All work and schedules are weather permitting and subject to change.
MoDOT encourages all motorists to slow down, buckle up, eliminate distractions and drive safely to ensure everyone is able to Arrive Alive.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
West Middle School recently received a community grant from Wal-Mart for $1,500. Wal-Mart serves as the West’s PIE Partner. The grant will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the gymnasium at West. Pictured are Luke Flaspohler, a student at West, with Wal-Mart manager Rissa Pittman.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - A former St. Joseph school district superintendent who was overpaid more than $660,000 in pension payments has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
The U.S. attorney's office says 70-year-old Dan Colgan, of St. Joseph, faces one year and one day in prison under the plea he entered Monday in federal court in Kansas City.
Through the plea, Colgan admitted that his salary was improperly inflated to increase his retirement benefits.
He must pay nearly $663,000 in restitution before his sentencing hearing. Colgan is free on bond, and the hearing hasn't been scheduled.
He served as superintendent from 1992 to 2005, and then on the school board from 2010 until March 2015. His tenure on the board ended about one month after the district received a highly critical state audit.
(KAIR)--Three thefts, reported Friday in Atchison, are under investigation.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News that includes on that occurred at the Iron Horse Barbecue, located in the 300 block of Commercial Street.
“It was a small safe,” Wilson said. “One that you can carry in your hand. Nothing of value was reported within the safe, but just the safe itself was taken.”
Wilson said it was taken sometime Thursday night or Friday morning with no forced entry into the building.
Another theft occurred at an unoccupied residence, with the value of the stolen items adding up to around $900.
“Cory Ostertag reported the theft of a refrigerator and a window air conditioner from property he owns in the 1100 block of Maple,” Wilson added. “That would have occurred sometime between May 10 and June 10.”
Wilson says the third theft was reported in the 1100 block of Kansas Avenue.
“Tracy Cash reported the theft of a window air conditioner from a residence,” Wilson said. “That value was about $300.”
Wilson says the investigations into the three cases continued through the weekend, but so far no suspects have developed.
Anyone with information related to the thefts is urged to contact police.
The Newkirk Range Riders' 48th Annual Rodeo is this Friday and Saturday, June 17-18.
Call in for Rough Stock only today, Monday June 13, from 4 to 10 p.m. at (580) 618-2068.
Mutton bustin' begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly with a $20 entry fee.
Pee Wee/Junior barrels havea $40 entry fee.
Double Muggin is $75 a team.
All other entry fees are $50..
Advance tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12. At the gate, adult tickets are $10 and kids are $6. Tickets are available from pageant contestants or at Eastman National Bank in Newkirk, Heartland Western Outfitters in Ponca City and Genesis Hair Salon in Ponca City.
For more information, check out the Newkirk Rang Riders' Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/newkirk.saddleclub or call (580) 763-7479 and ask for Shara Sargent.
MAYSVILLE, Okla. (AP) - Heavy rains produced flooding in southern Oklahoma that required several people be rescued from homes in Maysville and some evacuations in Lawton.
Garvin County Emergency Management Director Bud Ramming said an undetermined number of residents were rescued from flooded homes Sunday morning in Maysville while an east Lawton neighborhood was evacuated Sunday afternoon.
Ramming said there have been no injuries, but Highway 19 from Lindsay to Pauls Valley, which passes through Maysville, was closed.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Interstate 44 was shut down in Lawton for about an hour before reopening and a portion of Highway 7 between Lawton and Duncan was closed.
The National Weather Service reports up to nine inches of rain in the area and issued a flash flood warning in parts of southern Oklahoma through mid-afternoon.
Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward in a Boise City cold case, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported Friday.
On June 12, 2013, Charles Neiman, 77, and his wife stopped at Loaf-'n-Jug convenience store, 323 Main St. in Boise City, to get gas. While Nieman was outside his vehicle, a Hispanic man walked up to him and demanded for his wallet, OSBI reported.
Nieman, who was hard of hearing, turned to his wife to ask what the man said, and the man shot Nieman in the head. The shooter ran away. Neiman was taken to a local hospital where he died, OSBI reported.
Nieman would have celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary this month. He is survived by three children and six grandchildren. The shooter has not been identified, OSBI reported.
OSBI is offering the $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who killed Nieman.
Anyone with information is asked to call OSBI at (800) 522-8017.
(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council took no action last week on a request from Dagmar Jansen to allow the use of All Terrain vehicles and golf carts and other similar vehicle on City streets.
Additional research will be done on the topic before any action is taken.
Terry White agreed to tear down and fence built out of pallets. Since his home is in a commercially zoned area, he must get Council approval before building a fence. White will be permitted to erect anther type of fence.
Ordinances concerning the keeping of exotic animals and fences were tabled since the City Attorney was not in attendance at the meeting.
A building permit was approved for a storage she for the Faith Lutheran Church.
(KLZA)-- A one-day exercise is planned for Tuesday, June 14th for those entities involved in protecting the health and safety of the public living and working in the vicinity of the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville.
FEMA has announced the states of Nebraska and Missouri, along with Atchison County in Missouri, Nemaha and Richardson counties in Nebraska will participate with the Nebraska Public Power District. The routine exercise is a biennial requirement to test the abilities of the state, the utility and participating counties to protect those living and working in the area.
The exercise will require the activation of emergency facilities by the participating state and local officials. During the exercise, the activities of state, county and local units of government will be observed and evaluated by the FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program. The Cooper Nuclear Station-site performance will be observed and evaluated by officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
A public meeting will be held Thursday, June 16th at the NPPD Emergency Operations Facility at 902 Central Avenue in Auburn, beginning at 10 a-m. The public is invited to attend the meeting during which the exercise process will be explained along with the activities conducted on-site at the power plant during the exercise.
(KLZA)-- In accordance with a proclamation from President Barack Obama, all U.S. and state flags are to be flown at half-staff, in honor of the victims of the act of terror in Orlando, Florida.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on June 16th.
(KLZA)-- A Falls City man has been sentenced to prison for violating terms of his probation.
32-year-old Keith Ferris was sentenced last week in Richardson County District Court to 6-8 years in prison on a felony count of attempted distribution or delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.
On two separate charges of attempted burglary, Ferris was sentenced to 20-60 months in prison.
In addition, he was sentenced to 20-60 months in prison on a charge of theft by unlawful taking.
All the sentences are to be served at the same time. Ferris is allowed credit for 330 days previously served in jail.
In addition to the prison sentence, Ferris was assessed court costs of more than $600.
(KNZA)--Two Sioux City, Iowa residents were arrested over the weekend in Brown County following the discovery of a stolen van.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says at about 8:00 Friday evening a deputy on routine patrol in the vicinity of U.S. 75 Highway and 210th Road was notifying a local resident that their dog had gotten loose and wandered onto the highway. While assisting the resident, Merchant say the deputy became suspicious of a van in the area and after checking the tag discovered it was stolen from Woodward County, Iowa.
The male driver, 33-year-old Allen Wright, took off on foot. He was located about an hour later and taken into custody on charges of possession of stolen property and felony obstruction. Wright was also arrested on a Woodward County, Iowa warrant.
A female passenger, 35-year-old Nelitta Taylor, was arrested for felony obstruction.
Both remain in the Brown County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The Kansas Highway Patrol, Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department, Sabetha Police Department, Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assisted in the search for Wright.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma has seen a sharp drop in the number of law enforcement officers who have fatally shot people after a year in which there were 34 such incidents.
The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/1S1NIyi ) reports that there have been seven fatal shooting cases this year, as well as three deaths either while in custody or after the use of a stun gun.
The newspaper's database shows that four others in the state died last year either after being shocked by a stun gun or by being struck by a police cruiser, in addition to the 34 fatal shootings.
At this same point in 2015, there were 19 fatal shootings.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A recent economic survey shows that Oklahomans aren't encouraged heading into the next year.
The Oklahoman reported (http://bit.ly/1YnaIPY ) an Arvest Bank survey found that only 39 percent of Oklahomans believe their economic situation will be better a year from now - down from 42 percent last September. In the survey, 14 percent expect their finances to worsen in the next year, down from 11 percent.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said Oklahoma is doing better than most other energy states, except Texas. It said that while North Dakota and Wyoming have seen job losses, Oklahoma's employment has been flat, along with Alaska, Louisiana and New Mexico. An executive at the bank's Oklahoma City branch, Chad Wilkerson, said Texas' diverse economy helped it outperform Oklahoma in many areas.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A recent economic survey shows that Oklahomans aren't encouraged heading into the next year.
The Oklahoman reported (http://bit.ly/1YnaIPY ) an Arvest Bank survey found that only 39 percent of Oklahomans believe their economic situation will be better a year from now - down from 42 percent last September. In the survey, 14 percent expect their finances to worsen in the next year, down from 11 percent.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said Oklahoma is doing better than most other energy states, except Texas. It said that while North Dakota and Wyoming have seen job losses, Oklahoma's employment has been flat, along with Alaska, Louisiana and New Mexico. An executive at the bank's Oklahoma City branch, Chad Wilkerson, said Texas' diverse economy helped it outperform Oklahoma in many areas.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A recent economic survey shows that Oklahomans aren't encouraged heading into the next year.
The Oklahoman reported (http://bit.ly/1YnaIPY ) an Arvest Bank survey found that only 39 percent of Oklahomans believe their economic situation will be better a year from now - down from 42 percent last September. In the survey, 14 percent expect their finances to worsen in the next year, down from 11 percent.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said Oklahoma is doing better than most other energy states, except Texas. It said that while North Dakota and Wyoming have seen job losses, Oklahoma's employment has been flat, along with Alaska, Louisiana and New Mexico. An executive at the bank's Oklahoma City branch, Chad Wilkerson, said Texas' diverse economy helped it outperform Oklahoma in many areas.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Continued service on the Heartland Flyer passenger train between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, is in danger because costs are rising and state funding is shrinking.
Oklahoma gives the Department of Transportation $2.85 million a year to help pay for the service, but Amtrak says Oklahoma's share is $3.3 million. ODOT has used money from a revolving fund to make up the difference previously, but legislators this year tapped it to help cover a $1.3 billion shortfall in Oklahoma's overall budget.
The director of capital programs for ODOT, Dawn Sullivan, told The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1UNIMPb ) that rising costs are a concern, and that it will be a challenge to keep the train running. Nearly 78,000 people took the train in 2014, the last year for which complete statistics are available.
(KAIR)--This week's closure of a long standing Atchison business will leave a void, but it won't be economically devastating.
Wednesday, June 15th will be the final day for Nell Hill's, located on Atchison's downtown mall.
Although concerns have been raised regarding the impact on the local economy, Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking says it's not expected to be drastic. “Talking to [the store owners], the store doesn't do what they used to do, here in Atchison,” Cocking tells MSC News. “This year they were going to do about $1 million in sales, which, if you look, we have about $163 million in taxable sales in the city of Atchison each year. I'm not going to paint it as a positive thing, but I'm going to paint it as something we can definitely weather.”
Cocking says he's excited for the opportunity that comes with the selling of the Atchison Nell Hill's location, which he feels is an ideal site for a new business.
Store owner Mary Carol Garrity says she's excited to combine the Atchison location with the store's Kansas City location.
In a statement posted on the Nell Hill's website, the staff from the Atchison store will join the team at the Briarcliff location, at 4101 North Mulberry Drive, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(KNZA)--A local community memorializes the victims of the nation's worst mass shooting. It happened Sunday night in the Brown County community of Hiawatha, where a candlelight vigil was held, sponsored by the non-profit Double the Love, Divide the Hate Foundation. Stacy Babb serves as President. “I felt like we needed to do something, however small,” Babb tells MSC News. “We had a pretty good turnout, and I was very proud of Hiawatha.” More than 30 people attended the vigil, held near the fountain at the Hiawatha Police Department. A prayer for the victim's of the shooting at the Orlando, Florida nightclub was given, comments were offered by local pastors, and memorial songs were sung. Information was also provided to those in attendance on how assistance can be offered to those affected by the shooting. Matt Wisdom, a member of Double the Love, Divide the Hate, voiced his gratitude to the support shown during the vigil. “It's just so powerful that it's such a small community, that we have so many people be able to gather, come together, just send all of our vibes, thoughts, prayers, everything.” According to the Associated Press, 50 people were killed, and another 53 were wounded, when a gunman opened fire at the crowded nightclub early Sunday morning. He was killed in a firefight with authorities. The shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
(KMZA)-- The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a bid for a resurfacing project in Marshall County.
Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, was awarded the contract for the resurfacing of a nearly 20 mile stretch of K-9 and U.S. 77 highways at a cost of $2.6 million.
The work will take place on K-9 from the Marshall/Washington County line east to the junction with U.S. 77, and on U.S. 77 from the K-9 junction to the Marysville city limits.
A date hasn’t been announced yet for the project to begin.
(KMZA)--The city of Seneca will hold a public meeting and public hearing Wednesday evening on proposed improvements to the city’s sewer collection system.
City Administrator Matt Rehder says the public meeting will begin at 7:35 at City Hall, with the public hearing beginning at 7:45.
Rehder says Wilson and Company, the engineers for the project, will attend to discuss the proposed project, estimated cost and potential impact on user rates.
The city plans to seek about a loan through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to finance the proposed improvements.
Rehder says the record of the hearing and a report on the meeting will be included with the city’s loan application.
(KMZA)-- The National Pony Express Association will relay mail by horse and rider over the famed Pony Express Trail beginning Wednesday, June 15th through June 25th.
Since 1980, the group has conducted a re-ride of the mail route each June.
Personal mail and commemorative letters will be carried by horseback nearly 2,000 miles from the Sacramento River to the Missouri River.
The first rider is to leave Old Sacramento, California Wednesday morning and the last rider will gallop into St. Joseph, Missouri the afternoon of June 25th. The re-ride will cross 8 states.
The riders travel 24 hours a day, riding in relays of 1 to 5 miles.
The re-ride honors the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, founded by Russell, Majors and Waddell, a Missouri freighting firm.
It carried letters and telegrams from April 1860 to November 1861, to prove the Central Route passable year-round to win a federal mail contract.
(KNZA)--A local organization is planning a public remembrance for the victims of the mass shooting at an Orlando, Florida nightclub.
The Hiawatha-based Double the Love, Divide the Hate Foundation will host the candlelight vigil Sunday evening at 9:30. It will take place at the fountain at the Hiawatha Police Department.
According to a post on the foundation's Facebook page, the memorial ceremony will include a few moments of quiet reflection and prayers for the victims of the shooting.
Candles will be provided, along with information on how the public can offer assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
According to the Associated Press, 50 people were killed, and another 53 were wounded, when a gunman opened fire at the crowded nightclub early Sunday morning.
The shooting, being investigated as an act of terrorism, is the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States.
The accused gunman was killed in a firefight with authorities.
(KNZA)--A single-vehicle wreck in northwest Missouri Saturday afternoon claimed the live of a Craig, Missouri man.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck on U.S. 59 Highway in Mound City was 57-year-old Dayton Lawson.
The Patrol says Lawson was southbound when his pickup truck crossed the center line and went off the east side of the highway. The vehicle went up an embankment and Lawson, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected through the front passenger window.
Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene by the Holt County coroner.
The wreck was reported shortly before 4:00.
Assisting at the scene were the Holt County Sheriff's Department and Mound City Police Department.
(KNZA)--Two motorcyclists were injured Saturday afternoon in a Jefferson County wreck.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on Ferguson Road about 8 miles north of Perry about 3:50.
The Patrol says northbound motorcycles driven 44-year-old Edwardsville resident David Collins and 28-year-old Bonner Springs resident Devin Belknap were passing a car with another motorcycle when a southbound vehicle came into view. Collins attempted to avoid a collision and struck Belknap’s motorcycle, causing both riders to be ejected and both motorcycles to skid to a stop.
Collins was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Belknap to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Regional Healthcare for treatment of injuries.
The Patrol says neither were wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck but were wearing safety glasses.
(AP)--Authorities say one of two inmates who escaped from a maximum security prison in Lincoln was captured Saturday after emerging from a Lincoln storm drain.
The Nebraska State Patrol said 37-year-old Armon Dixon was captured just after 2:00 without incident. 52-year-old Timothy Clausen remained at large Saturday. Both men are convicted rapists and are considered a great danger to the public.
Authorities conducting a search for the men honed in on the east side of the city after a report just after 11:00 Saturday morning of an attack on two women at an apartment complex there. Based on the women's descriptions, police believed Dixon was the attacker. The women — one in her 60s and the other in her 20s — were taken to a hospital, where they were treated for injuries from the assault and released.
A man matching Dixon's description was seen entering a storm drain in the area, and a police dog was used to track him. Authorities then sent a robot into the drainage system, which showed Dixon hiding in the storm drain before he emerged and was arrested.
Dixon and Clausen were discovered missing Friday afternoon following a head count at the Lincoln Correctional Center. Prison officials say they're conducting an investigation to determine how the two escaped.
Dixon is serving up to 278 years for the violent, armed rapes of two women in separate attacks in 2009.
Clausen is serving 50 to 55 years for first-degree sexual assault of a child and tampering with a juror.
The Ponca City Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, to hold a public hearing on the school district's budget for the 2016-17 school year.
The meeting will be held in the Administration Building at 613 East Grand Avenue.
At 6 p.m., the board will convene its regular June meeting. One of the agenda items is formal approval of the school district's budget.
The board also will consider and vote on a motion to approve or not approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Washington Elementary School classroom and rest room project. Rick Scott Construction Co. has submitted a GMP of $270,702 to complete the project.
The school building will become a preschool center for most Ponca City School District preschoolers. Union School will have a program for certain special needs students.
Board members also will consider and vote on a motion to authorize a change in the school district's representation in the litigation against the Oklahoma Tax Commission to correct distribution of motor vehicle license revenues.
Gary Watts has been the General Counsel for the Sand Springs Public Schools. He is retiring at the end of June. The motion would transfer the case to Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orison and Lewis Law Firm.
A companion motion would increase the amount paid to Watts for his work on the lawsuit. Previously he was "General Counsel;” he will become the “Coordinating Liaison” to communicate directly with the participating districts in order to control the costs. The school board previously committed $9,000 for this lawsuit. However, the cost in Watts' new agreement will be $10,177, an additional $1,177.
We will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday for Quench at the Chamber Office. Please join us and welcome Marciano Villarruel and Taylor Page as new members of the Chamber with Quench.
We have several meetings this week including our Leadership Chairs Mary Beth Moore, Erin Liberton and Don Bohon, who will review last year and have discussion on the 31st Ponca City Leadership Class. Our leadership program is the third oldest continuous leadership program in Oklahoma behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa. I truly believe this Chamber project has had an amazing impact on Ponca City these past 30 years.
I have the opportunity to show the new director for the Ponca City Art Center Lance Garrett around Ponca City this week. I enjoy showing people our incredible city. We have so much to offer. Ponca City is beautiful and has a wide variety of events that appeal to all kinds of people. Plus our outdoor recreation continues to get better and better.
I was in Oklahoma City with family this past week. Several talked about their commute time to and from work. My brother-in-law drives 40 minutes each day one way and it is in the Oklahoma City metro area. Life in Ponca City is awesome for many reasons!
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution approving the operating budgets of various city funds at its meeting Monday night.
The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Commission Chamber at City Hall, 516 East Grand Avenue.
Commissioners also will vote on an ordinance amending the city code on electric rates to correct scrivener's errors in the May 23, 2016, ordinance on the rates.
Another ordinance on the agenda would create a civilian Volunteer Disabled Parking Violation Unit to assist in the enforcement of disabled parking and other parking ordinances.
Commissioners also will receive public comments on an application by the Police Department for grant funds from the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Part of this item will include an interlocal agreement by the Police Department for grant funds in the amount of $13,164.
Another grant will be considered by the board. The 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, for $109,364, would include a local cost match of $10,936 and would authorize the Development Services Department to execute all necessary documents.
Following the commissioners' meeting, members will meet as the trustees of the Ponca City Utility Authority. In that capacity they will consider and vote on a resolution approving the operating budgets for the Water, Ponca City Energy, Solid Waste, Landfill Closure, Solid Waste Depreciation Reserve, Utility Billing, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Technology Services Funds.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma authorities are using a new device during traffic stops to seize money loaded onto prepaid debit cards by alleged drug traffickers.
At up to $8,000 per portable scanner, the program has only been in the field for about six weeks, but supporters of the technology say the equipment is an important tool for law enforcement agencies to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into Oklahoma.
Deployment of the scanners comes as a time when civil asset forfeiture laws are facing intense scrutiny at federal and state levels.
Supporters of such laws say they're critical for undermining criminal operations and funding local agencies' drug-law enforcement efforts. National advocacy groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Charles Koch Institute are calling to reform the practice.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Mary Fallin has named Special Judge Dawson Engle to a vacant associate district judgeship in Pottawatomie County.
Fallin said Friday that Engle will replace Associate District Judge John Gardner, who recently retired.
Engle, of Shawnee, has served as special judge for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties since August 2005. Engle was a prosecutor in Pottawatomie and Oklahoma counties from 2000 to 2003 and worked in private practice for two years before his initial appointment to the bench. He earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 and has also worked in the district attorney's office in McClain County.
In 2011, Engle earned the Lincoln County Domestic Violence Advocate of the Year award from Project Safe.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Dozens of construction workers and state employees were ordered from the state Capitol after building officials say an alarm was triggered while air filters were being changed.
Office of Management and Enterprise Services spokesman John Estus said Friday that changing the filters stirred up dust that triggered the alarm. He says it was not related to ongoing construction of House offices on the first floor.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers who provide security at the building went from office to office, ordering workers out of the building. Most gathered in the shade for about 30 minutes before they were allowed to re-enter the building.
The Capitol has been evacuated several times in recent months after construction workers triggered the building's alarm.
SEMINOLE, Okla. (AP) - A search for the body of a 9-year-old boy who went missing 10 years ago continues after authorities did not find the boy's remains on his foster parent's property.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office investigator David Hanson said Friday that authorities completed a search last month of the property of Colton Clark's foster parents, Rex and Rebecca Clark, who are in custody facing a series of charges including first-degree murder.
Hanson says investigators are following up on leads at other possible locations as they search for Colton's remains.
An affidavit filed in the case alleges Rex and Rebecca Clark beat Colton to death and coerced his brother to repeat a rehearsed story to authorities.
A preliminary hearing for the couple is scheduled in district court on June 29.
On Monday, June 6, 2016 at about 1:28 a.m., emergency responders were called to 188 West Pancake for a reported shooting. Responding officers found two persons had been shot, a 27 year old male and a 40 year old female. The female victim later died. An arrest warrant was issued for Christopher Dewayne Hoskins in regard to the shooting.
On Friday, June 10, 2016 at about 4:00 p.m., Christopher Dewayne Hoskins was arrested at a residence in Wichita. The arrest occurred without incident. No injuries were reported.
Hoskins was taken into custody with the assistance of the Wichita Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.Hoskins is being held at the Sedgwick County Jail under a $500,000.00 bond.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
BLACKWELL PD ADV'D THAT OFFICE IN BLACKWELL REC'D A CALL, SUBJ THREATENING TO HURT HIMSELF. #32 & #40 MADE CONTACT W/ MALE. 10-12 TO HOSPITAL FOR EVAL. #58 TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL. RPT TKN.
RP REQ OFFICER REF MALE SUBJ WHO IS AT THE RESI AT THIS TIME AND MAY HAVE WARRANTS FROM KAY, AND PAYNE AS WELL AS A P.O. THROUGH KSO. #32 ASND. #40 ASST.
#32 WENT 10-15 W/ 26 YO WM FOR POSS CDS, POSS PARA, ATR BURG, FTP BURG.
RP RPTS THREE VEH ACCIDENT, UNK IF INJURIES. TWO SILV SUV'S AND A SILV CAR. OFFICER DISPATCHED. #56 ASST. RPT TKN. OP WARNER 193BUV. OP WARNER 550THD. NP TRM FOR 396AUG.
06/10/16 15:16 15:30 15:30 15:56 AMBULANCE RUN PD 16008308 8216
N OAK
RP REQ AMB FOR 3 YO ATTACKED BY DOG, FACE & NECK INJURY. #11 ASND. A112 TRANSPORTED CHILD CODE RED. A/C ADV'D. RPT TKN.
W/M WITH BEARD, GREEN SHIRT, BLUE JEANS, THROWING ROCKS AT PEOPLE IN AREA. #39 IN AREA. #37 TOOK OVER AND MET KSO WITH SUBJ. ONGOING FROM DOMESTIC IN KAY CO. KSO RESPONDED.
KSO K14 SPOKE TO MALE. SUBJ IS MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. ISSUE RESOLVED. NO RPT FOR PCPD. AMB CALLED FOR FACIAL INJURIES RELATED TO THE DOMESTIC, NO HAUL.
RP ADV'D HE WOKE UP TO AN I/M AT THE FOOT OF HIS BED AND NOW HE IS OUT IN HIS DRIVEWAY. INTOX. INFO PASSED ON TO KSO. #44 & #41 STANDING BY UNTIL DEPUTY GOES 10-97. #33 ASST.
(Lincoln)- A deadly two day period on Nebraska roadways has the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Roads, and their safety partners urging motorists and pedestrians to do their part to reduce serious injury and fatality crashes through voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.
Ten people were killed in six separate crashes from Wednesday, June 8, through Thursday June 9. Of the 10 motor vehicle occupants killed two were wearing seat belts. Six were not wearing seat belts and restraint use is unknown for two of the fatalities.
Wearing a seat belt correctly increases your odds of surviving a crash by up to 50%. The Nebraska Department of Roads encourages all motorists to put the odds in their favor and wear their seat belt every trip, every time.
To-date in 2016, 85 people have died on Nebraska roadways compared with 105 people on this date a year ago. Of the 85 fatalities in 2016, 67 have been passenger vehicle occupants, with 49 (73%) unbelted.
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have cleared the way for a bridge on the Nebraska / Kansas State line to be replaced.
The Board voted unanimously during their June 7th Board meeting to enter into an agreement with Brown County, Kansas to cost share the replacement of the bridge located about a mile-and-a-half west of Highway 73.
(KLZA)-- Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) attended a breakfast Wednesday morning in Washington D.C. honoring the 10 recipients of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, including Grant Moles of Cook.
Moles, a recent graduate of Johnson County Central High School, is receiving $20,000 for undergraduate studies.
Following the breakfast, Moles accompanied Smith to the House Gallery as his guest for the address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to a Joint Meeting of Congress.
The Ponca City Police report that at 3:16 p.m. Friday, a 911 call was received reporting a child injured by a dog.
Emergency personnel responded to the 700 block of North Oak. A 2-year-old boy was transported by ambulance in critical condition and then flown to Wichita, police said.
The boy suffered multiple bites. The dog is an Italian mastiff which weighed more than 100 pounds.
The dog was surrendered to Animal Control. The investigation is continuing.
(KAIR)--Although the temperatures say “summer,” the Atchison County Commission this week was thinking of winter, making preparations for the storage of ice-melting salt for the cold weather season.
That came as Road and Bridge Superintendent Seth Howard presented the Commission with two bids, both for the purchase of a new salt shed for the storage of the winter weather necessity.
The low bid of nearly $21,000 was provided by Outdoor Concepts and Design, while the higher bid, from Anchor Industries, came in at nearly $30,000.
Along with the lower price tag, Howard told the Commission the low bid was the best because the company is based in Atchison.
Unknown to Howard at the time of the presentation was whether or not Kansas engineer stamped plans would be required, meaning an additional cost of $2,000.
Due to the uncertainty, Howard requested the Commissioners to approve an expenditure of up to $25,000 to cover the cost of the shed and the possible added fee.
The approval was granted with a unanimous 2-0 vote of the Commission, with Commission Chair Bill Pohl absent during the session.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska prison officials say two inmates convicted of sexual assault have escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center. After a head count Friday afternoon, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed that 37-year-old Armon Dixon and 52-year-old Timothy Clausen were missing. The Lincoln Journal Star reports Dixon is in prison for charges including first-degree sexual assault, robbery and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony. Department records also show Clausen is serving time for first-degree sexual assault of a child and tampering with a juror.
ARKANSAS City, Kansas -- A Burden woman was arrested Tuesday by the Arkansas City Police Department in connection with the mistreatment of elders and the theft of nine firearms.
Mary Elizabeth English, 38, was arrested on suspicion of felony theft, possession of drug-use paraphernalia and six counts of criminal use of a financial card. Additional charges of both felony and misdemeanor mistreatment of a dependent adult since have been added to her booking.
English was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $18,000 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. She remains in custody at this time.
English was providing care for two elderly people in the Arkansas City area. A police investigation found that while providing this care, she allegedly stole nine firearms from one of those people.
The theft initially was reported April 12 in the 600 block of North Third Street. Police were able to recover three of the nine firearms that had been taken.
They also determined that English allegedly stole a financial card from the other individual she cared for and used it to make purchases on several occasions.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska prison officials say two inmates convicted of sexual assault have escaped from the Lincoln Correctional Center.
After a head count Friday afternoon, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed that 37-year-old Armon Dixon and 52-year-old Timothy Clausen were missing.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports Dixon is in prison for charges including first-degree sexual assault, robbery and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.
Department records also show Clausen is serving time for first-degree sexual assault of a child and tampering with a juror.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
NOBLE COUNTY ISSUED AN ATL IN REF TO A BURG LAST NIGHT. BASED ON THE ITEMS TAKEN, SUSPT IS LIKELY A VAGRANT MALE, POSSIBLY TALL AND AVERAGE BUILD, DUE TO LARGE WELL WORN TENNIS SHOES LEFT AT THE SCENE. SUSPT IS LIKELY WRG THE RUBBER GALOSHES THAT WERE TAKEN AND MAY BE TRAVELLING WITH A DOG DUE TO TRACKS FOUND. DIR OF TRAVEL IS UNK. IF YOU MAKE CONTACT W/ A SUBJ NEAR TO THIS DESC AND CARRYING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS PLEASE CONTACT THIS AGENCY. ITEMS TAKEN INCLUDE: TOILET PAPR, BLACK HANDLED CLAW HAMMER, QUILTED BLANKET, THROW PILLOW, PINK CAMO FLASH LIGHT, CANS OF TUNA, MENS GALSOHES, AND ORANGE MEDICAL BACK PACK. CONTACT NOBLE COUNTY IF CONTACT IS MADE.
RP ADV'D 3 PEOPLE, 1 FEM AND 2 MALES ARE THERE DESTROYING THE HOUSE. SECOND HAND INFO. #56 DISPATCHED AND FOUND OPEN DOOR. CK'D RESI AND SECURED THE DOOR. TRIED TO CALL THE OWNER BUT NO ANSWER. LEFT A NOTE ON THE DOOR.
RPT THAT 57 YO I/F KEEPS COMING IN PARKING LOT OF BUSINESS PANHANDLING. #56 & #59 RESPONDED, REQ AMB FOR 55 YO I/M HAVING [REDACTED.] FEM WAS MOVED ON AND MALE WAS TAKEN TO THE ER BY AMB.
911 ADV A BEAT UP GOLD CHEV TRUCK PULLED UP AND ARE THROWING BEER BOTTLES AROUND AND DRIVING RECKLESSLY. #44 & #33 RESPONDED, THIS IS A DISPUTE BTWN NEIGHBORS.
911 ADV A B/M CAME INTO THE RESI, DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS, ADV HE IS POSS ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE NOW. #49 & #44 RESPONDED, MALE GOA, LEFT IN DRK BLU MED SIZE P/U. ATL FOR SUBJ/ VEH UTL.
The Pioneer Woman Museum's application to the Oklahoma Humanities Council to host another Let's Talk About It, Oklahoma book discussion series has been awarded! The Museum will begin the series in August and this year's theme is The Cowboy.
The book discussions begin Aug. 27 with “Cowboy Life: Reconstructing an American Myth.”
Other books will presented, one a month. For Sept. 10, it will be "The Virginian;" Oct. 8, "The Log of a Cowboy;" Oct. 29, "Monte Walsh" and Nov. 19, "Lonesome Dove."
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. -- WJHG/WECP has received confirmation from the Bay County Sheriff's Office that Travor Brown died at 11:42 a.m. today Florida time.
His family will be returning to Oklahoma for funeral services.
"The Bay County Sheriff's Office expresses condolences to the family of Travor Brown," spokesperson Ruth Corley wrote in a press release.
Brown's mother had made the decision earlier Friday to take him off life support.
He was trapped in a sand tunnel collapse at St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Beach on Wednesday.
The News Herald (http://bit.ly/1ZDDfPA ) reports Brown was visiting the area with friends. On Wednesday, beachgoers told Bay County Sheriff's deputies they'd seen a couple of teens digging in a sand bank. Later they noticed a teen's feet sticking out of the sand and started digging him out.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. -- WJHG/WECP has received confirmation from the Bay County Sheriff's Office that Travor Brown died at 11:42 a.m. today Florida time.
His family will be returning to Oklahoma for funeral services.
"The Bay County Sheriff's Office expresses condolences to the family of Travor Brown," spokesperson Ruth Corley wrote in a press release.
Brown's mother had made the decision earlier Friday to take him off life support.
He was trapped in a sand tunnel collapse at St. Andrew State Park in Panama City Beach on Wednesday.
The News Herald (http://bit.ly/1ZDDfPA ) reports Brown was visiting the area with friends. On Wednesday, beachgoers told Bay County Sheriff's deputies they'd seen a couple of teens digging in a sand bank. Later they noticed a teen's feet sticking out of the sand and started digging him out.
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners this week authorized Sheriff Don Pounds to enter into a contract with Catering By Marlin’s Inc. to provide the food service and inmate commissary goods and services at the new county jail and law enforcement center.
The new facility is scheduled to open in August.
The Sheriff also presented for review a contract for the inmate phone card services.
Pounds reported on his continued research on the Nebraska Statewide Radio system. He will continue his research on the possibility of using the system at a later date.
It was also noted that Richardson County has been placed on the listing to receive the used radios from the Nebraska State Patrol later this fall.
Computer programming at the Jail and the continuance of the Sleuth records management system is still being reviewed and research is being conducted to consider other options to comply with the programming needs of the Jail.
Pounds also requested the agreement with the Lincoln / Lancaster Child Advocacy Center, which includes the City of Falls City Police Department, be amended so the City would pay half of the agreement costs of $2,100. Commissioners requested the Sheriff contact the Center to request that separate agreements be made with the County of Richardson County and the City of Falls City so that the total cost is divided up equally.
(MSC News)---An Elwood man has been charged in connection with a shooting last month outside a club in downtown St. Joseph.
KQ2-TV reports Buchanan County Prosecutor Dwight Scoggins charged 37-year-old Angel Maisonet-Laboy Thursday with a felony count of second-degree assault.
According to court documents, Maisonet-Laboy and the victim were engaged in a fight outside Club Flatline in the 600 block of Felix Street early the morning of May 8th when he went to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun. Maisonet-Laboy then returned to the area of the fight and allegedly fired two shots, one which struck the victim in the upper leg.
He remains in the Buchanan County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
HOUSTON (AP) - A National Transportation Safety Board investigator says a small plane that crashed into a car in a parking lot near a Houston airport, killing three people aboard the aircraft, likely stalled before plummeting to the ground.
Tom Latson with the NTSB says officials are still investigating what caused Thursday's crash.
NTSB officials say the plane took off from Norman, Oklahoma, and was trying to land at Houston's Hobby Airport when a traffic controller told the pilot the plane was too high and asked it to go around.
During the second attempt to land, the traffic controller determined the plane was still too high and asked it to again go around. NTSB officials say the plane made a turn to the left and then took a nose dive into the parking lot.
(KLZA)-- The first big hot spell for the summer arrives this week and those working or playing outdoors will have to take extra precautions to avoid health problems.
Steve Woita is the director of Campus Recreation at Creighton University recommends wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing and ease in to a routine if you are not used to exercising in the heat. He says one of the biggest concerns is not drinking enough water or other fluids.
You also need to watch out for the heat illness warning signs. Those include muscle cramps, fatigue and confusion, and can be as severe as fainting, skin becoming pale and if you stop sweating, that is also a danger sign.
Woita says it is also a good idea to take advantage of shade and try to restrict activity to early morning or late evening. One of the best things you can do is stay hydrated.
(KNZA)--Hiawatha Muncipal Court costs will be going up.
On the recommendation of Municipal Judge Mike Riley, the City Commission this week approved increasing the court costs from $75 a case to a $100 a case, effective July 1st.
Riley says the last increase was about three years ago.
He says the increase is needed because the state is raising its remittance fee for local courts and due to other court needs. Beginning July 1st, Riley says $22.50 a case will have to passed on to the state.
An ordinance will be drafted for the Commission’s approval at their next meeting implementing the Municipal Court cost increase.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - State officials say an invasive insect that kills ash trees has been confirmed for the first time in Nebraska.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says Wednesday the beetle was found in a Pulaski Park tree in Omaha. With Nebraska added to the list, there are now 27 states where the pest has been confirmed since 2002.
Department Director Greg Ibach says the beetle's presence in the state is not a surprise considering nearby states that already have infestations, including Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.
The insects are native to Asia and were first spotted in the U.S. in 2002, when they showed up in the Detroit area. Once infected, trees typically die within five years, though healthy trees can be treated to resist the bug.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Twenty-one states are suing Delaware to give back more than $150 million in uncashed money orders.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Thursday the states are suing Delaware at the U.S. Supreme Court over an escalating dispute involving uncashed money orders from Dallas-based MoneyGram.
MoneyGram has been submitting unclaimed money to Delaware, where the company is incorporated. The other states argue that the money should go back to the state where purchased.
Abandoned property is the third-largest source of general fund revenue for Delaware and is expected to total more than half a billion dollars in the current fiscal year. The huge amount stems from Delaware's status as the legal home to more than 1 million businesses.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A new Oklahoma law that will go into effect this summer will allow craft breweries to sell full-strength beer.
The Oklahoman reports that Gov. Mary Fallin approved the law this week, allowing craft breweries to sell glasses of full-strength beer to visitors, as well as cans, bottles and growlers for customers to take home. The law will go into effect Aug. 25.
State law thus far has limited craft brewers to selling 3.2 beer and providing up to 12-ounce samples of full-strength beer on premises. To sell full-strength beer, Oklahoma brewers have had to go through a wholesaler that distributes the product to liquor stores.
Republican state Sen. Brian Crain of Tulsa says he decided to sponsor the bill because he believes Oklahoma's alcohol laws were outdated.
(MSC News)--A woman arrested Thursday by the Platte County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office for an undisclosed crime died shortly after arriving at the sheriff’s office.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, the 50-year-old woman was in the back of a transport van and was discovered “ in medical distress” after a five minute ride.
The sheriff’s office says lifesaving measures were performed, but the woman couldn’t be revived.
The release says the Clay County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the death at the request of Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen.
(KNZA)--A public health warning for the Hiawatha City Lake has been lifted.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment last week had placed the lake on warning status due to the presence of high levels of toxic blue-green algae.
A news release from the agency Thursday indicated the lake is no longer under warning status.
KDHE says lakes under warning aren’t closed, but that contact with the water can cause serious illness and should be avoided.
Two lakes in south-central Kansas, Cheney Lake and Marion Reservoir, are currently under a warning status due to the presence of high levels of toxic blue-green algae.
(KAIR)--Additional charges are filed against three former leaders of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.
The additional charges of criminal misconduct were filed Thursday by Kickapoo Tribal Special Prosecutor Thomas G. Lemon.
The former council leaders were previously charged with fraudulent handling of recordable instruments, tampering with records, and misuse of tribal funds.
The new charges against the three include alleged additional counts of tampering with records, inducement of improper payments of tribal burial funds, misuse of public money, and fraudulent handling of recordable instruments.
Six additional criminal complaints were filed against former Tribal Chairman Steve Cadue and former Tribal Council Secretary Adolph Cadue, Jr., while three additional criminal complaints were filed against former Tribal Council Treasurer Bobbi Darnell.
Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, in a press release, states that the additional charges come as a result of “an extensive review of past actions by these leaders” that “uncovered a number of questionable actions.”
The original complaints were filed in March, and alleged the former tribal officials took action to draw down money from the Tribe's federal burial fund, and then falsified resolutions showing the council's action was for a much greater amount. According to press release, those monetary amounts were then transferred to the Tribe's burial fund, held by the federal government on behalf of the Tribe, to the Tribe's bank account. It's alleged the funds were then used to subsidize payroll and other tribal expenses.
Each of the charges are punishable by six months imprisonment and banishment from the Kickapoo Reservation.
(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved a pair of cost cutting measures for the 2016-17 school year that could save the district nearly $78,000.
Following a lengthy discussion, Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board voted this week to go from 4 sections of kindergarten at the Sabetha Elementary School to 3 sections. In addition, he says the Board voted to combine the fourth and fifth grades at Wetmore as long as enrollment doesn’t exceed 18 students.
Evans recommended the cost-cutting measures.
With the plan in place, he says a teacher will be moved from the Wetmore Attendance Center to the Sabetha Elementary School.
Evans says the district should know what the enrollment numbers are August 5th. If the enrollment exceeds 18 students, then a teacher will be hired for the Wetmore school and the grades will not be combined.
Evans told the board that from his research 18 is the maximum number of students recommended in one combined classroom. In addition, he said projected enrollment at the Sabetha Elementary School for 2016-17 shows it would be possible to go to three sections of kindergarten and not have any of the sections above 18 students.
SALINA – For the fifth year in a row, Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), a Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Advisory Council member, is partnering with CCAI’s Angels in Adoption Program to help recognize an individual, couple, or organization residing in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District who has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of loving homes. As a proud parent of four adopted children, Representative Huelskamp is a big supporter of this program. The Congressman is asking for nominations from the District to be honored as one of CCAI’s 2016 Angels in Adoption.
The Congressman requests that residents of the First District nominate any outstanding persons or organizations who have helped a child or children find a family by submitting the name, contact information, and reason why you believe this individual, couple or organization is deserving of being selected to receive this honor to Ashley Howard by email at ashley.howard@mail.house.gov or by postal mail at 200 S. Santa Fe, Suite 6, Salina, Kansas 67401. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15th, 2016.
Once an “Angel” is selected, CCAI will then assist the “Angel” in coordinating their trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in three days of advocacy training, networking events and a gala held in their honor in September.
CCAI is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.
Since the Angels in Adoption program’s inception in 1999, almost 2,000 Angels have received the honor nationwide. In addition to giving Members of Congress a firsthand look at the foster care and adoption related work taking place throughout the country, the Angels in Adoption program seeks to draw media attention to raise public awareness about the positive difference adoption makes in the life of a child.
SALINA – For the fifth year in a row, Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), a Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Advisory Council member, is partnering with CCAI’s Angels in Adoption Program to help recognize an individual, couple, or organization residing in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District who has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of loving homes. As a proud parent of four adopted children, Representative Huelskamp is a big supporter of this program. The Congressman is asking for nominations from the District to be honored as one of CCAI’s 2016 Angels in Adoption.
The Congressman requests that residents of the First District nominate any outstanding persons or organizations who have helped a child or children find a family by submitting the name, contact information, and reason why you believe this individual, couple or organization is deserving of being selected to receive this honor to Ashley Howard by email at ashley.howard@mail.house.gov or by postal mail at 200 S. Santa Fe, Suite 6, Salina, Kansas 67401. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15th, 2016.
Once an “Angel” is selected, CCAI will then assist the “Angel” in coordinating their trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in three days of advocacy training, networking events and a gala held in their honor in September.
CCAI is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.
Since the Angels in Adoption program’s inception in 1999, almost 2,000 Angels have received the honor nationwide. In addition to giving Members of Congress a firsthand look at the foster care and adoption related work taking place throughout the country, the Angels in Adoption program seeks to draw media attention to raise public awareness about the positive difference adoption makes in the life of a child.
SALINA – For the fifth year in a row, Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), a Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Advisory Council member, is partnering with CCAI’s Angels in Adoption Program to help recognize an individual, couple, or organization residing in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District who has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of loving homes. As a proud parent of four adopted children, Representative Huelskamp is a big supporter of this program. The Congressman is asking for nominations from the District to be honored as one of CCAI’s 2016 Angels in Adoption.
The Congressman requests that residents of the First District nominate any outstanding persons or organizations who have helped a child or children find a family by submitting the name, contact information, and reason why you believe this individual, couple or organization is deserving of being selected to receive this honor to Ashley Howard by email at ashley.howard@mail.house.gov or by postal mail at 200 S. Santa Fe, Suite 6, Salina, Kansas 67401. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15th, 2016.
Once an “Angel” is selected, CCAI will then assist the “Angel” in coordinating their trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in three days of advocacy training, networking events and a gala held in their honor in September.
CCAI is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.
Since the Angels in Adoption program’s inception in 1999, almost 2,000 Angels have received the honor nationwide. In addition to giving Members of Congress a firsthand look at the foster care and adoption related work taking place throughout the country, the Angels in Adoption program seeks to draw media attention to raise public awareness about the positive difference adoption makes in the life of a child.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
CONTACT MALE SUBJ AT ER, HE IS ADVISING HE HAS SOMEBODY IN HIS TRUNK AND THERE ARE 4-5 PEOPLE AT HIS RESI HOLDING HIS 1/2 HOSTAGE. #08 & #44 RESPONDED.
#44 WENT 10-15 W/ 54 YO W/M FOR PI.
#33 MADE CONTACT W/ FEM 1/2, SHE WAS NOT BEING HELD HOSTAGE; ALSO TRUNED CAR KEYS OVER TO HER FROM ER. #08 CK'D TRUNK OF VEH AND NO BODY WAS FOUND.
(KAIR)--The upcoming closure of a long standing Atchison business will leave a void, but it won’t be economically devastating.
June 15 will be Nell Hill’s final day in Atchison.
Store owner Mary Carol Garrity says she excited to combine the Atchison location with the Kansas City location.
“I’m kind of really a one store girl I found out,” Garrity said. “I love seeing everybody that walks through the door, and you can’t see everyone at the same time.”
All Atchison employees will be relocated to the Kansas City store.
Some concern has been raised as to the effect on Atchison’s economy due to Nell Hill’s closing. However,
“Talking to Dan, the store doesn’t do what they used to do here in Atchison,” said City Manager Trey Cocking. “He told us they we’re going to do about one million dollars in sales.”
Cocking said last year Atchison had $163 million total in taxable sales.
“I’m not going to paint it as a positive thing, but I’m going to paint is as something we can definitely weather,” he added.
Cocking said he’s excited for the opportunity that comes with the selling of that location as he feels it’s in an ideal location for a new business.
“I think there’s been interest in the building already,” Cocking said. “So hopefully something happens in the next 90 days as far as that building is concerned and quickly get it turned around.”
You can still find Nell Hill’s products at 4101 N. Mulberry Drive, Kansas City, Missouri.
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds has requested the County Commission consider terminating the agreement with the City of Falls City for 911 dispatching services. Pounds says the county is capable of doing the 911 dispatching for the County.
In recent years, Richardson County has paid the City of Falls City half of the costs for dispatching services since the City handles 911 for the County. Richardson County was billed $32,913 for dispatching for January through March of this year. Annually, the cost is more than $130,000.
The City of Falls City is in the midst of upgrading the 911 system to Next Generation 911. Falls City is partnering with a number of area communities and counties for Public Service Answering Points to move to Next Generation 911. Included in the agreement is the cities of Lincoln, Beatrice, and Crete, along with the counties of Cass, Clay, Fillmore, Jefferson, Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Seward, Thayer and York.
Due to the very expensive equipment costs, the partnership was created.
With manpower requirements at the new Richardson County Jail and Law Enforcement Center, Pounds says the money currently spent with Falls City for dispatching, could be used by the County to offset the added personnel costs.
Three people will be on duty around the clock in the jail and Sheriffs office.
(KNZA)--A former guard at the federal prison in Leavenworth is accused of accepting bribes for smuggling tobacco into the prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall says 46-year-old Marc Buckner, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted Wednesday on one count of accepting bribes.
Beall says the indictment alleges that from 2005 to 2014 while Buckner worked at the prison he accepted more than $200,000 in bribes. He allegedly received about $750 from inmates each time he smuggled tobacco into the prison.
If convicted, Buckner faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to three times the value of the contraband. The FBI investigated.
(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted Monday night to approve amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Airlanco concerning credit for jobs created over a three-year period.
Under the agreement, Airlanco was to create at least 15 new full-time equivalent jobs in Falls City. For each job created, up to 15, Airlanco was to receive $423 credit off the purchase price of the Products Unlimited Building in the Industrial Park, which Airlanco purchased for $215,000.
EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer noted the company has consistently been above the employment target during the contract.
The change, approved, will allow Airlanco credit for each month they had additional workers above the 15 outlined in the agreement. That will mean an additional amount of credit in the neighborhood of $45,000.
The company utilizes the former Products Unlimited building for their engineering and design area.
(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted Monday night to approve amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Airlanco concerning credit for jobs created over a three-year period.
Under the agreement, Airlanco was to create at least 15 new full-time equivalent jobs in Falls City. For each job created, up to 15, Airlanco was to receive $423 credit off the purchase price of the Products Unlimited Building in the Industrial Park, which Airlanco purchased for $215,000.
EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer noted the company has consistently been above the employment target during the contract.
The change, approved, will allow Airlanco credit for each month they had additional workers above the 15 outlined in the agreement. That will mean an additional amount of credit in the neighborhood of $45,000.
The company utilizes the former Products Unlimited building for their engineering and design area.
The Communication Center at the Ponca City Police Department has recently seen an increase in citizens reporting possible scams.
The most common one involves a caller identifying themselves with Publisher’s Clearing House. The caller asks the resident to make a bank withdraw of $1,000, purchase a cashier’s check and mail it to a post office box in Nevada.
“First of all, if you didn’t enter a contest, you aren’t going to win” says Patrol Division Lieutenant Jason Filtz. Secondly he says “If you win a legitimate contest, you won’t be asked to pre-pay.”
An important rule to follow, Filtz says, is “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Communication Center at the Ponca City Police Department has recently seen an increase in citizens reporting possible scams.
The most common one involves a caller identifying themselves with Publisher’s Clearing House. The caller asks the resident to make a bank withdraw of $1,000, purchase a cashier’s check and mail it to a post office box in Nevada.
“First of all, if you didn’t enter a contest, you aren’t going to win” says Patrol Division Lieutenant Jason Filtz. Secondly he says “If you win a legitimate contest, you won’t be asked to pre-pay.”
An important rule to follow, Filtz says, is “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds has requested the County Commission consider terminating the agreement with the City of Falls City for 911 dispatching services.
Pounds says the County is capable of doing the 911 dispatching for the County.
In recent years, Richardson County has paid the City of Falls City half of the costs for dispatching services since the City handles 911 for the County. Richardson County was billed nearly $33,000 for dispatching for January through March of this year. Annually, the cost is more than $130,000.
The City of Falls City is in the midst of upgrading the 911 system to Next Generation 911. Falls City is partnering with a number of area communities and counties for Public Service Answering Points to move to Next Generation 911.
Due to the very expensive equipment costs, the partnership was created.
With manpower requirements at the new Richardson County Jail and Law Enforcement Center, Pounds says the money currently spent with Falls City for dispatching, could be used by the County to offset the added personnel costs.
Three people will be on duty around the clock in the jail and Sheriffs office.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma State Department of Education says it's recommending that schools not buy any new textbooks this year because of a lack of state funding.
The department said Wednesday that lawmakers did not appropriate any money for new textbooks for the fiscal year that begins July 1. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister says students will be forced to use "outdated and tattered school books held together by duct tape."
Last fiscal year, the department received $33 million for textbooks.
Hofmeister says the department is recommending a one-year delay of textbook selection. The 13-member State Textbook Committee is expected to consider the recommendation at a special meeting later this month.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoman has announced plans to close its printing and packaging operations in Oklahoma City and lay off a total of 130 employees.
The state's largest newspaper announced the decision Wednesday .
Chris Reen, the publisher of The Oklahoman and the president of The Oklahoma Media Group, said printing and packaging operations will be outsourced to the Tulsa World starting in September.
Copy editing and design work will be outsourced to a company in Austin, Texas.
The newspaper said, with other manufacturing changes, the layoffs will include 65 full-time and 65 part-time jobs.
Those losing their jobs will be offered severance pay, subsidized health insurance and outplacement services.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma volunteer sheriff's deputy who was sentenced to four years in prison in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man is appealing his conviction.
Attorneys for Robert Bates filed notice this week with the state's Court of Criminal Appeals, although reasons for the appeal weren't specified.
Bates was sentenced last week to four years in prison after the wealthy insurance executive was convicted of second-degree manslaughter.
Bates fatally shot Eric Harris on April 2, 2015, while working with Tulsa County sheriff's deputies during an illegal gun sales sting.
Weeks after Harris was killed, an internal sheriff's office memo from 2009 was released that alleged superiors knew Bates didn't have enough training but pressured others to look the other way.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Public works officials say an Oklahoma City expressway bridge that partially collapsed last month could reopen to normal traffic as soon as mid-July.
The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1U8i0nt ) reports that repair plans include converting Northwest Expressway to two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes during the three to four weeks of construction. May Avenue will remain open to two-way traffic in the southbound lanes during construction except for two brief periods.
A majority of the 52-foot-long section of the bridge's northbound lanes fell May 19 after it was hit by a truck hauling a boom lift. No one was injured.
Assistant city engineer Debbie Miller says officials are optimistic repairs could begin June 20.
Cimarron Construction Co. won the bid for the project, which will cost nearly $412,500. They'll also demolish the damage for nearly $58,000.
The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to conduct pavement strength tests in Morton and Stevens Counties beginning Monday, June 13. All testing should be completed by the end of the week.
The test sections in Morton County include K-27 from Elkhart to the Morton/Stanton county line and K-51from the Kansas/Colorado state line to the U.S. 56 junction near Rolla. In Stevens County, the test section is on U.S. 56 from the K-25 junction to the Stevens/Seward county line.
The testing crew will be using a pilot car operation to control traffic through the pavement test sections. The Kansas DOT urges drivers to be alert, pay attention to all work zone warning signs, slow down when approaching a work zone and be prepared to stop.
KDOT conducts these pavement tests annually on different highway segments, using a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), a device equipped with a series of weights that checks the strength of asphalt pavement.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Platte County, Missouri has gotten back more than half of the $48,200 it lost after one of its officials fell for an email scam.
The Kansas City Star reports Platte County Treasurer Rob Willard was duped last week into sending a wire transfer to a bank in Florida at what he thought was the request of Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber.
But Schieber didn't make the request and Willard was caught up in an internet scam that has victimized several other counties in Missouri and Kansas.
Willard says Wells Fargo transferred just over $28,000 on Monday afternoon into the county's general fund.
Other financial institutions and law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort to recover the remaining funds.
(KNZA)-- A Holton man accused of killing his wife will stand trial on a charge of second-degree murder.
Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller tells MSC News that George Fleshman, Jr. was bound over on the charge following his preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of July 15th.
Fleshman is charged in the death of his 62-year-old wife, Elizabeth, at the couple’s residence last October.
Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says an autopsy shows she died due to trauma to the spleen.
Fleshman was arrested in March following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
He remains free on a $75,000 bond after a judge granted a bond reduction last month over the objection of Miller.
(KNZA)--A single-vehicle roll-over wreck in Doniphan County late Wednesday morning sent one person to the hospital.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-7 Highway, just south of 140th Road, shortly after 11:00.
The Patrol says a semi-truck driven by 57-year-old Kansas City, Missouri resident Brenda Sprague was southbound when the rig left the right side of the roadway. Sprague corrected to the left, causing the semi to overturn onto its passenger side and strike a power pole.
Sprague, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck, was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of unspecified injuries.
The wreck led to the closure K-7 Highway for a period of time.
(KMZA)--A manhunt launched in Nemaha County, Kansas, has been called off.
That word is delivered in a text message alert sent by the County Sheriff's Office and follows the search for the 33-year-old man Wednesday.
According to the alert, the suspect was last spotted in Nebraska, heading west.
It's not immediately made clear whether or not he, and a female traveling with him, are on foot or in a vehicle.
The update, which says caution is urged for anyone who spots the suspects, was sent around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.
The manhunt was launched late Wednesday morning after the man, wanted for a parole violation in Nebraska, wrecked his vehicle after attempting to elude authorities and fled on foot.
Authorities were searching in the area of L-4 Road and Highway 71 near the Nebraska state line.
The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department describes the suspect as a 33-year-old white male, standing 5 foot, 10 inches tall, with blond hair.
The female, who was in the vehicle that wrecked, is described as white, in her mid-20’s, with blond hair with pink streaks.
Anyone who spots the pair should make no contact, but call law enforcement immediately.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ OFFICER BY PUBLIC SERVICE IN REF TO A VEH HE BROUGHT TO PONCA FOR BODY WORK. NOW HE CAN'T FIND THE CAR, OR THE PERSON WHO DID THE WORK. HE IS IN KAW CITY AND CAN NO LONGER DRIVER TO COME TO PONCA. #26 HANDLED P.S. OPTIONS GIVEN.
RP ADV'D THAT FEM SUBJ LEFT EB ON SUMMIT, W/F, BROWN HAIR, SLENDER, WRG BLK SHIRT AND JEAN SHORTS. RP ADV HE HAS A P.O. ON THIS SUB, #30 RESPONDED, RPT TKN.
RP REQ OFFICER REF THREATS AND POSSIBLE VANDALISM. #16 ASND. MADE CONTACT, ADV'D DISPUTE BTWN NEIGHBORS. RP ADV'D NEIGHBOR HAS BEEN TRYING TO FIGHT HIM AND BELIEVES HE POISONED HIS GRASS. NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT CLAIM, LOGGED FOR INFO. NO RPT.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Gov. Sam Brownback is having the Kansas Legislature's special session on education funding start June 23.
The Republican governor signed a proclamation Wednesday formally summoning the GOP-dominated Legislature back to the Statehouse.
He wants lawmakers to respond to a state Supreme Court order last month declaring that public schools won't be able to open after June 30 if legislators don't rewrite school finance laws.
The court rejected some changes made earlier this year in how Kansas distributes more than $4 billion a year in aid to its 286 local school districts.
The justices said education funding remains unfair to poor districts. Many Republicans have strongly criticized the ruling, and some have wanted to defy the court.
The man accused of holding a Finney County judge hostage has been charged with terrorism.
Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Jason Nichols, 33, forced his way into the Garden City home of Finney County Chief Judge Wendel Wurst on May 31. Schmidt said Nichols held the judge hostage at gunpoint, for several hours, while making demands of the state.
Other charges against Nichols include kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal threat and criminal restraint.
Nichols is being held in the Finney County jail on a $1.3 million bond.
Police in western Kansas say a gunman who held Finney County’s chief judge hostage over a child custody matter eventually surrendered and released the victim without harm.
Authorities say the standoff began about 7 a.m. Tuesday, when the suspect forced his way into 61-year-old Wendel Wurst’s home in Garden City and confronted the man and his wife at gunpoint.
The gunman released the woman a short time later, and she called police from a neighbor’s home.
The standoff ended peacefully several hours later.
Police say the suspect was upset over a custody case Wurst handled.
There was no immediate word about any charges resulting from the captivity.
Wurst was appointed a district judge in 2004 by then-Gov. Mark Parkinson.
(KLZA)-- At approximately 11:30 a-m Tuesday a Nemaha County, Nebraska Deputy Sheriff engaged in a pursuit that eventually was ended in Otoe County.
The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop in Auburn but the driver of the car did not stop.
Nemaha County officials were assisted by the Otoe County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol but the pursuit, which included both highway and county roads was halted.
(MSC News)--Five individuals are now charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a St. Joseph teenager last month in what authorities say was a drug deal gone bad.
KQ2-TV reports the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s office charged two additional individuals Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Skylar Powell.
Powell’s cousin, 19-year-old Ashten Surritte, was charged with felony first degree attempted robbery. 25-year-old Kyle Smith was charged with felony counts of tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.
Both appeared in a Buchanan County courtroom Tuesday morning for arraignment where bond for both was set at $20,000 and a preliminary hearing for June 20th.
On Monday, two others were charged in the case. 20-year-old Justin Smith was charged with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. 19-year-old Dayne Matthews was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance. A preliminary hearing for each is set for June 27th.
Last week, a 16-year-old boy was charged with second-degree murder in the case. He’s scheduled to make his next appearance in court June 22nd.
Powell was found dead in a parking lot in the 22-hundred block of Frederick Avenue the morning of May 18th.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The second trial has begun in the lawsuit filed against Gage County by people wrongfully convicted in a 1985 rape and slaying.
In his opening statement Tuesday in a federal courtroom in Lincoln, defense attorney Jeff Patterson told jurors that "we're here to right the wrong of the worst miscarriage of justice in Nebraska history."
The six people - James Dean, Kathleen Gonzalez, Debra Shelden, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Thomas Winslow and Joseph White - were wrongly convicted in the killing of Helen Wilson in Beatrice and served a combined 77 years in prison before DNA testing cleared them in 2008.
The first trial last year ended in a mistrial.
Known as the Beatrice Six, they've argued that Gage County investigators labored to close the case despite contradictory evidence.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Local governments in Nebraska will have more flexibility to complete road and bridge repairs under new regulations approved by Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Ricketts said Tuesday that the changes are intended to modernize the state's road and bridge standards and stretch tax dollars by encouraging local governments and the state to work together. The requirements apply to state highways, county roads and municipal streets.
One change will allow communities to replace bridge pilings on some rural roads with pilings of the same design, instead of having to pay for a new bridge built under current construction design standards.
Nebraska Department of Roads Director Kyle Schneweis says his agency is still looking for opportunities to reduce barriers for infrastructure projects.
(KLZA)-- A new 18-hole disc golf course is going to be constructed at Stanton Lake Park in Falls City.
Logan Merz and his father Marc Merz presented the idea to the Falls City Council Monday evening. The Tanner Shelby Merz Foundation will put up the money to construct the course and will be allowed to host tournaments on the course several times per year.
Logan Merz explained disc golf is just like regular golf but uses discs and baskets instead of golf balls and clubs. It is free to play.
The course designed for Stanton Lake Park would be one of the few current 18-hole courses in the area. It will require cement pads for the “launch areas” which are about 4-foot by 10-foot and the chain baskets on posts that are about 18-inches around.
Marc Merz pointed out there would be no maintenance for the City. The mowing is already being done and no weed eating required. All the costs will be paid by the Foundation and any money made during tournaments will go back to the community.
With the course designed to include much of the park area, council member Mike Dougherty asked about the effect on the large number of
walkers that utilize the walking path around the lake. Marc Merz said that most of the players are young adults and most pretty courteous. He said if everyone cooperates just a little it should be no problem.
Logan Merz, an avid disc golf player said he wants to create something that stands out.
The hope is to have the park completed yet this summer.
The Tanner Shelby Merz Foundation is paying for the concrete, the sign posts and the baskets. It is estimated the cost is about $570 per hole to create. Sponsorships for holes will be sold to those interested.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak says earthquake insurance in the state is not competitive.
An order issued Tuesday by Doak changes the way insurers file rate increases with the Insurance Department.
Instead of an insurance company charging a rate that it determines, then files the rate with the Insurance Department - the companies now must submit proposed rate increases to the department before being allowed to charge it to the consumer.
Doak spokeswoman Carrie Burkhart said consumers will see little or no immediate change in rates and that the goal is to keep future earthquake insurance rates competitive and affordable.
The number of earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma in recent years and has been linked to an increase in the underground disposal of wastewater from oil-and-gas production.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City police say they found no evidence that the death of businessman Aubrey McClendon in a vehicle crash a day after he was indicted by a federal grand jury was anything other than an accident.
Capt. Paco Balderrama said in a statement: "Our investigators found no information or evidence which would compel us to believe this was anything other than a vehicular accident."
Police previously said the former Chesapeake CEO was driving 78 mph when his sport utility vehicle hit a bridge support and burst into flames and that there was no evidence suggesting he tried to avoid the crash.
His death came a day after his indictment on a bid-rigging charge. He had vowed to fight the charge.
(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department will be getting new tasers.
On the recommendation of Police Chief John Defore, the City Commission Monday evening approved an agreement with Taser International Inc. for the purchase of eleven Tasers at a cost of just over $13,000.
The Tasers are to be paid for over a five-year period.
Defore says they currently have only three functioning Tasers. He said the three are each over ten years old which is well over the life expectancy for that type of equipment.
Defore said having eleven Tasers will allow the department to assign each officer their own and have one extra in case they have an issue with one and have to send it in for repairs or replacement.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma City-based oil-field services company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it aims to eliminate more than $1 billion in debt.
Seventy Seven Energy Inc. announced Tuesday that it filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court in Delaware. The company, which was spun off in 2014 from Chesapeake Energy Corp., says it expects to complete the reorganization within 60 days.
Seventy Seven Energy is the latest Oklahoma energy company to file for bankruptcy protection because of the downturn in oil and natural gas prices. Last month, both SandRidge Energy and Chaparral Energy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Combines are rolling across wheat fields in south-central Kansas.
Elevators in in the Kiowa area as well as those in Cowley and Sumner counties are now receiving grain.
Justin Gilpin, the executive director of the industry group Kansas Wheat, said Tuesday early reports show good test weights. He says people are anxious to get into the field because the sense is that there is a pretty good wheat crop out there - both in quality and bushels.
If the hot, dry weather holds Gilpin expects cutting extending from central Kansas to northern Texas by this weekend.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday 60 percent of the Kansas wheat is in good to excellent condition. About 32 percent is rated as fair and 8 percent as poor to very poor.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court has struck down a group's initiative petition to allow wine and strong beer to be sold in grocery stores.
Court documents say the court ruled 7-1 to invalidate the Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom initiative petition on Monday. It has yet to release a written opinion that may offer more insight into the decision.
The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1tgccjo) reports that Oklahomans for Consumer Freedom's initiative petition is nearly identical in wording to a measure passed by the Legislature in May for a statewide vote on the same issue in November.
The group, which has the support of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Chambers, as well as several larger retail chains such as Wal-Mart, says it was already planning to shift its support to the legislative measure and only launched the initiative petition as a backup plan.
(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved funding for a youth mentoring program.
Representatives of Nemaha County United 4 Youth met with the Commission Monday to request funding to begin a youth mentoring program in the county’s schools similar to what was previously being operated by the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program.
Sarah Renyer with the organization said the cost for the program would be just over $3,300 for the first year, which would run from October of this year to May of next year.
Following discussion, the Commission voted to provide the funding for the program which will come from alcohol control fund.
In addition, the Commission voted to provide an additional $1,250 each quarter to the organization out of the alcohol control fund.
The organization works to provide prevention tools to reduce substance abuse by teens in Nemaha County.
In other business, Senior Services/Public Transit Director Diane Younghans met with the Commission to request permission to purchase a used van with a wheelchair lift from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Younghans said the transit service is having to turn down riders because they are so busy.
The Commission approved the purchase of the 2015 Dodge Caravan with 6,000 miles for just over $5,900. The van will be used primarily in Sabetha.
(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills Board of Education Monday evening approved the hiring of two new principals and filled the new position of director of student learning.
Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board accepted the resignation of Axtell Principal Duane Ford, a position he's held for one year.
Larry Geist, who currently serves as a middle school principal at Parsons, was hired to replace Ford.
Evans says the Board extended a contract to current Sabetha Elementary School Principal Jennifer Gatz to fill the position of director of student learning.
Sara Toedman was hired to replace Gatz as Sabetha Elementary School principal. Toedman has served as a counselor at the Sabetha High School and Wetmore Attendance Center the past 16 years.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
Governor Sam Brownback today issued the following statement calling for a special legislative session to address threats by the Kansas Supreme Court to close Kansas schools.
“After discussion with Legislative Leadership, I have decided to call a special session to keep Kansas schools open, despite the Court’s threat to close them. It is distressing that the Kansas Supreme Court has put the schools and legislature of Kansas in this position over less than 1 percent of school funding.
“I will do everything I can to keep this session focused on education. I am working to arrange the particular dates of the session, which will occur later this month.”
(KNZA)--Plans for the construction of a new Hiawatha water treatment continue to move forward.
The City Commission Monday evening accepted a bid for the water treatment plant equipment and a proposal to provide geo-technical engineering services for the project.
On the recommendation of the project engineer and city staff, the Commission voted to accept a bid from Layne Christensen Company to supply the plant equipment at a cost of $548,480. The bid was among three received and was under the engineer’s estimate.
The Commission also voted to award the contract for geo-technical engineering services to GSI Engineering, of Lenexa, for a cost of $8,300. Proposals were received from four firms. The company will explore the subsurface conditions at the project site by drilling a total of 13 borings and submit a report with their recommendations.
The city plans to build a new water treatment plant on property about two miles north of Hiawatha to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in its water supply.
(KNZA)--The annual Brown County Relay for Life will take place Friday evening at the Hiawatha High School track to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The theme for this year’s event, which will run from 6:00 to midnight, is “ Paint Your World Purple.”
The event will kick off at 6:00 with a concession stand, silent auction, and children’s games.
All cancer survivors are invited to walk the survivor’s victory lap as part of the 7:00 opening ceremony.
Other event highlights include music, dance performances and inspiration.
The luminaria ceremony will be held at 9:30 in honor of survivors and in memory of loved ones.
To order a luminary in advance, you can call Carol Vonderschmidt at 785-742-3119.
Many thanks to Rich Cantillon at the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce for compiling this list of reasons to celebrate Ponca City and our future!
Ponca City is the fifth largest manufacturing center in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City is number one followed by Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Lawton and then Ponca City.
We have free city-wide Wi-Fi.
We have the most tourist attractions of any rural city in Oklahoma. In fact we have many things unique to Ponca City. For example a 55-room castle, the largest collection of 101 Ranch memorabilia, the tallest bronze statue in the state, a Native American museum celebrating the history of our 6 local tribes, a large collection of western and oriental art, hand-painted lobby art of the 1930s in the historic Poncan Theatre, 10 acres of botanical gardens, the most unique swimming pool in Oklahoma, 8 casinos, and great outdoor recreation.
Alliance Health Ponca City Hospital is rated as one of the top best small hospitals in the nation according to the Thompson Reuters Report.
The most unique City Hall in Oklahoma.
Our new Ponca City Aquatic Center - YMCA.
The new Carolyn Renfro Event Center.
We just passed a $38,225,000 bond issue to improve our athletic facilities and build a new concert hall for the high school. With these continued renovations, the Ponca City schools will be one of the finest in Oklahoma.
Right now every person in a leadership position in Ponca City including the Mayor, City Manager, School Superintendent, Economic Development Director and Chamber of Commerce Director has been named the best in their field by their peers in Oklahoma.
We have made major improvements to Lake Ponca. We now have a swim beach, new restrooms and playground equipment.
Many of our 28 parks have new playground equipment and several have splash pads.
We have made major improvements to our downtown with new landscaping, a Veteran's Park, sidewalks and lighting.
The Ponca City Country Club has a brand new look and offers all kinds of activities for all ages and families.
Every school building in Ponca City has been remodeled, enhanced and improved with the latest technology. Every 8th grade student is issued a laptop computer that they can use until they graduate from Po-Hi.
We continue to have amazing events including live concerts, plays, festivals, pow wows and rodeos.
We have created walking trails, mountain bike trails and disc golf courses. We will have a walking/riding trail from the Marland Mansion out and around Lake Ponca.
The Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum will hold weekly Pioneeer Family Fun Days during June and July.
The Pioneer Family Fun Days begin this Saturday, June 11. The first outing is Backyard Games and A Picnic. Come play badminton, graces, horse shoes, tug-o-war and gunny sack races.
Families are invited to bring a sack lunch or a picnic and join everyone on the back lawn for a day of fun. Activities kick off at 10 a.m. and go until 1 p.m. The games are come-and-go and the cost is $5 for a family up to six people. All ages are invited to play. Activities are designed for children ages 6 and up.
The themes change weekly.
June 11—Backyard Games and A Picnic
Bring your picnics and sack lunches and join us as we have gunny sack races, play tug-o-war, graces, horse shoes, and badminton.
June 18—Pioneer School
When the bell rings, take your seat as Mrs. Fagan begins class. Lessons will include writing on our slate boards, practicing cursive writing and learning what it was like to be a student in the 1890s.
June 25—Pioneer Arts and Crafts
Stations with a variety of crafts for kids and adults. Candle making, weaving, tie dye and more!
July 9—Nature Day
Mr. Keith will lead a Nature Walk in the museum’s backyard. Owners of 24/7 Reptiles will have a hands-on petting and looking zoo. Ms. Luann will have animal skulls and hides to touch and feel. Plus we’ll have a craft with natural materials.
July 16—Not So Bored Games
Dominoes, checkers, jacks, marbles, pick-up-sticks, Go Fish, Old Maid. So many games! There’s no time to be bored with all of these games!
July 23—Movies & Cartoons
Dress up in your favorite cartoon character and join us for vintage cartoons, popcorn and Kool-Aid.
July 30—Happy Trails
Pack your wagon and race for your claim as we say so long and Happy Trails to the summer. Cowboys, chuck wagons, Dutch oven cooking. Cowboy attire and picnics encouraged!
The Pioneer Woman Museum is located at 701 Monument Road, Ponca City. Phone (580) 765-6108.
(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the recommendation of the Board of Public Works to purchase a mini-excavator from Merz Farm Equipment in Falls City at a bid price of $71,372 when they met Monday evening.
That was the low bid of four received. City Administrator Gary Jorn said the purchase was in the Utility Department budget for this year. He also noted that the city backhoe is showing wear and tear and rather than purchase another backhoe, the mini-excavator would be purchased. The new machine should allow access to area’s the backhoe can’t get.
Utility Superintendent Alan Romine said the bids were all higher than the $50,000 that had been budgeted for the piece of equipment. In addition, a trailer to haul the machine will also be purchased at a cost of $5,000. The Board of Public Works approved the trailer purchase.
The Council also approved a bid of $188,540 for an asphalt milling and overlay from Herzog Contracting Group. Jorn said that no bids were received for the project when it was advertised. That allows the City to go out and negotiate a contract. This years street improvements will be made on Lane Street from 26th to 20th Street. On Chase Street from 14th Street to 8th Street, and on 8th Street from Stone to Harlan Street and from Harlan east to Lane Street. In addition the intersections and 13th and 14th and Chase Streets will be milled and overlayed.
A number of requests from the Falls City Chamber of Commerce for use of streets and parks for the Cobblestone Festival August 25th – 28th and Lemonade Days, July 28th – 30th were also approved.
(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the recommendation of the Board of Public Works to purchase a mini-excavator from Merz Farm Equipment in Falls City at a bid price of $71,372 when they met Monday evening.
That was the low bid of four received. City Administrator Gary Jorn said the purchase was in the Utility Department budget for this year. He also noted that the city backhoe is showing wear and tear and rather than purchase another backhoe, the mini-excavator would be purchased. The new machine should allow access to area’s the backhoe can’t get.
Utility Superintendent Alan Romine said the bids were all higher than the $50,000 that had been budgeted for the piece of equipment. In addition, a trailer to haul the machine will also be purchased at a cost of $5,000. The Board of Public Works approved the trailer purchase.
The Council also approved a bid of $188,540 for an asphalt milling and overlay from Herzog Contracting Group. Jorn said that no bids were received for the project when it was advertised. That allows the City to go out and negotiate a contract. This years street improvements will be made on Lane Street from 26th to 20th Street. On Chase Street from 14th Street to 8th Street, and on 8th Street from Stone to Harlan Street and from Harlan east to Lane Street. In addition the intersections and 13th and 14th and Chase Streets will be milled and overlayed.
A number of requests from the Falls City Chamber of Commerce for use of streets and parks for the Cobblestone Festival August 25th – 28th and Lemonade Days, July 28th – 30th were also approved.
The Kansas Department of Transportation expects a chip seal project on K-27, from Syracuse to the K-27/U.S. 160 junction in Stanton County, to begin by Tuesday, June 14. A chip seal is a resurfacing action that protects the pavement from moisture and prolongs the life of the roadway.
During construction, traffic will be limited to one lane through the work zone, guided by a pilot car. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The Kansas DOT urges drivers to be alert, pay attention to all work zone warning signs, slow down when approaching a work zone and be prepared to stop.
Mid America Road Builders, Inc., of Platte, Missouri is the contractor on this 730-thousand dollar project. KDOT expects work on this project to be completed by the end of June, depending on weather.
If you have questions on this project, you can call Larry Meyer, Construction Manager, at 620-384-7821 or Kirk Hutchinson, KDOT Southwest Public Affairs Manager, at 1-877-550-5368 (toll free).
You can stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas at www.kandrive.org or by calling 5-1-1. To learn more about this and other T-WORKS projects, visit www.ksdot.org/tworks.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Attorneys for one of two Oklahoma teenage brothers charged in the stabbing deaths of their parents and three siblings have asked for the charges to be dismissed.
The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/1ObP6nn ) reports that attorneys for 19-year-old Robert Bever filed several motions Friday, including one for dismissal of charges.
Robert Bever and his 17-year-old brother, Michael Bever, have been charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the July stabbing of their parents, David and April Bever, their 12- and 7-year-old brothers Daniel and Christopher, and 5-year-old sister Victoria.
The brothers have also been charged with one count of assault and battery with intent to kill in the stabbing of their 13-year-old sister.
The District Attorney's Office hasn't said whether it will pursue the death sentence for Robert Bever.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bill to fix a loophole in Oklahoma's forcible sodomy law has been signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
The measure was among 49 bills signed into law on Monday by Fallin.
Other bills she signed include a new $5 fee for a new license plate issue for Oklahoma motorists and an overhaul of the state's alcohol laws that will go into effect if voters approve a ballot question in November to allow for the sale of strong beer and wine in grocery stores.
The bill to change Oklahoma's sodomy law was introduced after the state's highest criminal court upheld the dismissal of criminal charges against a 17-year-old boy, ruling state law did not address unconscious or intoxicated victims.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's top public education official says a measure that Gov. Mary Fallin has signed into law that axes end-of-instruction exams will help end an "over-testing culture."
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister has commended the Oklahoma Legislature for approving the law, which she says in a statement will allow schools to develop more personalized student-assessment tools. Fallin signed the bill into law on Monday.
Hofmeister says the Legislature further helped schools by adopting "strong academic standards" in English and math, targeting waste in administration and addressing the state's teacher shortage.
The Legislature has largely spared the state's K-12 education system from appropriations cuts in next year's budget, but Hofmeister says districts should be aware that future state revenues could fall short of projections as happened twice this year.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Legislation that authorizes a $125 million bond issue to pay for a second phase of repairs and renovations to the Oklahoma Capitol has been signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
The bill is among 49 pieces of legislation Fallin signed into law Monday that were approved by the Legislature before it adjourned last month.
State lawmakers approved a $120 million bond issue to repair the state's nearly 100-year-old Capitol two years ago. But project engineers said more funds were needed to fully repair and renovate the structure. A total of $245 million has now been approved for the project.
Work is scheduled to get underway this summer. Improvements will include a new basement-level public entrance, new electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems and exterior repairs.
BULL SHOALS, Ark. (AP) - Authorities in northern Arkansas say an 18-year-old Oklahoma man has drowned in Bull Shoals Lake.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office says William Carver of Miami, Oklahoma, drowned Friday after jumping off a cliff near the Brown's Beach area, about 150 miles north of Little Rock.
The sheriff's office says Carver was visiting the area and had been boating with friends. Divers recovered his body less than an hour after the incident was reported.
Carver was among three people who died in the Bull Shoals Lake area over the weekend. Two Harrison teens were killed Sunday when the bluff on which they were standing collapsed.
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - The woman charged with crashing her car into a crowd at the Oklahoma State homecoming parade and killing four people is seeking an insanity defense.
An attorney for Adacia Chambers filed a notice last week in Payne County District Court that he would raise the "question of (Chambers') mental illness or insanity at the time of the offense."
Chambers has pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and 42 counts of assault and battery in the Oct. 24 crash.
Prosecutors say Chambers intentionally drove around a police barricade and into the spectators. Defense attorney Tony Coleman has said Chambers is mentally ill, although she was found competent to stand trial in December.
The USD 480 school district will see insurance on the rise next school year. The USD 480 school board met Monday night and approved property, liability, and worker's comp insurance coverage. Employers Mutual won the bid with a premium of $673,532 which will be a 3.9% increase from the past school year.
The district has made an adjustment to lunch prices. The school lunches will be $2.70 for K-8 and $2.80 for high school. K-6 and 7-12 had been the price cut off.
The district will purchase seven new copiers from Southern Office Supply. It is standard for the district to replace a copy machine after 2 million copies. The copiers cost $89,258.
The board head a report from J.E. Dunn regarding the construction of new schools. Everything is on schedule for Prairie View Elementary in south Liberal and Eisenhower Middle School in north to open in the fall.
(KAIR)--A program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Service can alleviate some food costs for local residents.
Seniors in Atchison County can apply for $30 in checks for use at the Atchison County Farmers Market.
However, supplies are limited and going fast says County Coordinator of the Atchison Red Shield Service Center.
The checks come in $5 increments and can only be used for the purchase of local and fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from approved vendors.
Qualifying seniors must be 60 years or older and earn an annual gross income at or below $21,978 or a monthly gross income at or below $1,832.
Qualifying seniors can sign up for the project in person at the Salvation Army in Atchison located at 929 Commercial Street during business hours, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For questions concerning the program, call (913)367-1207.
(KAIR)--Municipal court fees will be a little higher following Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.
Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Becky Anderson explained the need for the spike in court costs follows the state increasing its remittance fee for local courts.
An extra $2.50 will be added to court fees bringing the total to $80.50. Of that, $22.50 will have to be passed on to the state effective July 1st.
(KAIR)--Names are made public following a fatal crash in Platte County Friday afternoon.
The Platte County Sheriff's Office identifies the dead as Mary Manthe, of Leavenworth.
The 70-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle driven Leavenworth resident David Folks-Manthe. He suffered serious injuries in the crash, requiring transport to an area hospital.
The Sheriff's Office says the wreck happened around 12:30, when the vehicle was westbound on Jones-Meyer Road, near Baker Ridge Circle
The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle left the roadway, went airborne, and struck a large tree.
The cause of the deadly wreck remains under investigation.
A Johnson City woman has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred early Monday morning.
Keeva Ann Delaney was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and four counts of felony reckless endangerment.
Officers responded to a shooting at an apartment complex on Edna Court where they found the victim who had been shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, there was an altercation between the victim and Delaney leading up to the shooting.
Delaney was taken to the Washington County Detention Center where she is being held on $140,000 bond. Arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Washington County General Sessions Court.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
MALE IN WHI MONTE CARLO IS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. #26 & #19 RESPONDED. OUT W/ MALE SUBJ IN KS 524KTZ, MALE MOVED ALONG, RESIDENT DECLINED WANTING CONTACT WITH PD.
On Monday, June 6, 2016 at about 1:28 a.m., emergency responders were called to 188 West Pancake for a reported shooting. Responding officers found two persons had been shot, a 27 year old male and a 40 year old female.
Investigators learned that the female victim has died at Wesley Medical Center. Her name is being withheld until the family has been notified. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The male victim is listed in critical condition.
Investigators have located the Hispanic male subject and red Tahoe previously being sought. Investigators have identified the shooting suspect as Christopher Dewayne Hoskins. Hoskins is a black male, 34 years of age. Hoskins is about 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. He has multiple tattoos including a skull on his upper right arm and the phrase, CREEK $IDE POSSE, on his left forearm.
Hoskins may be driving a white and black 2008 Dodge Charger with Kansas license plate 791EGC. Hoskins should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Liberal Police Department at 626-0150 or the Crime Hotline at 624-4000. Persons providing information leading to the arrest of those responsible are eligible for a reward.
On Monday, June 6, 2016 at about 1:28 a.m., emergency responders were called to 188 West Pancake for a reported shooting. Responding officers found two persons had been shot, a 27 year old male and a 40 year old female.
Investigators learned that a dispute between several people occurred in the parking lot when the shooting occurred. Investigators are still attempting to identify the suspects.
Witnesses described the suspects as a Hispanic male and a black male. The Hispanic male was described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium build and very short hair. The black male was described as about 6 feet tall with a large build and short “dread lock” style hair. It is believed the suspects fled the scene in a red or maroon Chevy Tahoe.
Both victims were transported to Southwest Medical Center by Seward County EMS in serious condition. They were subsequently flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment. There have been no updates on their condition at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Liberal Police Department at 626-0150 or the Crime Hotline at 624-4000. Persons providing information leading to the arrest of those responsible are eligible for a reward.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP REQ OFFICER REF DOMESTIC. #37 ASND. #59 ASST. INFO TKN FOR WARRANT REQ.
06/04/16 17:16 17:31 17:45 18:05 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16007954 9498
S 9TH
RP REQ OFFICER, UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND MUCH, HE SAID HE WAS AT ADDR ON S 10TH, BUT TRACKED TO ADDR ON S 9TH. POSSIBLY RPT'ING STOLEN LAWN MOWER. #39 ASND. RPT TKN.
06/04/16 17:42 18:05 18:07 18:08 EXTRA PATROL PD 16007955 9498
[UNDISCLOSED]
RP REQ XPTL REF POSSIBLE P.O. VIOLATION, SUBJ MAY BE DRIVING IN THE AREA, CIRCLING THE BLOCK IN A 2007 BLK FORD ESCAPE, IT MAY SHOW KS LIC PLATES THAT ARE STOLEN. SUBJ DRIVING IS 30 YO C/F. **********ALL SHIFTS**********
06/04/16 19:35 19:40 19:54 20:06 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16007963 9004
N 4TH
RP REQ OFFICER REF A VIOLATION OF P.O. DEFENDANT IS MALE SUBJ DOB 9-29-76. RP ADV'D THAT THE VIOLATION OCCURRED THROUGH SNAPCHAT. P.O. HAS BEEN VERIFIED THROUGH KSO. #56 ASND. #56, RPT TKN FOR WARRANT REQ.
06/04/16 20:41 20:42 20:47 21:09 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16007967 9785
CHECKSTAND
LAKE PATROL REQ OFFICER TO AREA, ONE FEM ON GROUND IS INJURED, OTHER FEM LEFT AREA. #59 ASND. #13, #56, & #37 ASST. FEM NOW REQ NON EMERG AMB [REDACTED.] A114 RESPONDED. #220 HANDLED THE RPT. AMB DID NOT TRANSPORT.
CALLER IS BEING ATTACKED, CAN HEAR YELLING DURING CALL, RP SAID SEND AN OFFICER THAT SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FIGHT. #27 ASND. #33 ASST. #27, QOA, 1/2 IS GOA. #33, THE VIC IS COMPLETELY UNCOOPERATIVE, DID TAKE A RPT FOR A STOLEN BICYCLE.
RP ADV'D A MAN IS LAYING IN THE RAOD W/ A BIKE ACROSS THE STREET. NOT ABLE TO GIVE DESC. SUBJ POSS INTOX. #31 ASND. #39 & #20 HANDLED. #20 TRANSPORTED THE BIKE,
RP HEARD ABOUT 4 GUNSHOTS IN AREA, MAYBE COMING FROM PEACHTREE. #49 ASND. #33 ASST. #49, UTL ANY PROBLEMS. SPOKE TO SUBJS AT THE ARMORY WHO HEARD THE REPORTS. SAW A LIGHT COLORED CAR LEAVING THE AREA. UTL.
(MSC News)--Two additional individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a St. Joseph teenager last month in what authorities are now calling a drug deal gone bad.
The St. Joseph News Press reports Buchanan County Attorney Dwight Scroggins Monday charged 20-year-old Justin Smith, of Agency, and 19-year-old St. Joseph resident Dayne Matthews in connection with the death of 18-year-old Skylar Powell.
Smith was charged with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Matthews was charged with possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.
The two men appeared in a Buchanan County courtroom Monday morning on the felony charges. Bond for Smith was set at $50,000 and at $25,000 for Matthew’s.
A preliminary hearing for each was set for June 27th.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with second-degree murder last week in the case, and is to make his next appearance in juvenile court June 22nd.
Powell was found dead in a parking lot in the 22-hundred block of Frederick Avenue the morning of May 18th.
(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Sheriff Don Pounds last Tuesday. Sheriff Pounds reported he had discussed the Sleuth records management system programming with Falls City, City Administrator Gary Jorn.
Jorn informed the Sheriff that for now, the County could not have access to share the Sleuth programming with the City.
Without the cooperation of the City to cost share the program, the County will need to expend approximately, an additional $12,000 to purchase the updated version of the sleuth programming as required by Jail Standards.
Sheriff Pounds went on to discuss with the Board possible consolidation of services he has been discussing with Nemaha County, Nebraska. Those services would include Nemaha County providing dispatching services for Richardson County, and Richardson County providing jail services for Nemaha County.
Nemaha County is currently developing plans to expand the Sheriff’s office. When that is going on, Richardson County would provide dispatching for Nemaha County and serve as the backup for the dispatching in the future.
The Board did approve change orders for the new Jail and Law Enforcement Center. $1,318 for bunks and an additional $9,379 for additional electrical security fence and gas heaters.
(KNZA)--The old Brown County Jail will be sold at a public auction.
The County Commission voted unanimously Monday put the building built in 1924 up for public auction. A date for the auction hasn't been set yet.
The Commission had been considering the possible demolition of the building, but agreed this was the best way to proceed.
County Attorney Kevin Hill told Commissioners that state statute requires that any county-owned building valued at $50,000 or more be sold at public auction to the highest and best bid. The building is valued at around $64,000.
Hill said the Commission has the right to reject any and all bids.
He said a notice of the public auction must be published for three weeks. Hill agreed to draft a publication notice for the Commission to look over next week.
Downtown Hiawatha business owner Nancy Parks Wright said Sheriff John Merchant took her on a tour of the old jail last week. She told the Commission she believes the building is in good condition and has possibilities if you can think outside the big box.
Brown County voters in November 2008 approved a one-half cent countywide retailers sales tax to fund the construction of a new 41-bed jail, which was completed in the fall of 2010.
The Locust Grove Police Department requested investigative assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation with an officer-Involved shooting.
About 10 p.m. Saturday, a Locust Grove officer attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding near 224 E. Main Street. A female passenger jumped out of the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. The suspect drove down a dead end street, and then onto residential yards.
The officer exited his patrol car in an attempt to make contact with the driver when the suspect drove toward the officer. The officer fired his weapon several times hitting the vehicle multiple times.
The pursuit continued into Mayes County where other agencies joined in. The suspect stopped the vehicle and fled on foot about five miles north of Locust Grove.
The OSBI says the driver of the vehicle was arrested Sunday at a home in Salina on a complaint of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. The passenger in his car was not arrested.
(KLZA)-- Hy-Vee Inc. is recalling a salad topping and additional trail mix products, due to possible contamination with Listeria Moncytogenes.
The products include Hy-Vee Garden Style Salad Topping in 6.75 ounce containers. Hy-Vee Trail Mix Bars, Hy-VeePeanut Almond Dark Chocolate Protein Bars, Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Raisin and Nut Trail Mix and Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix.
The potential for contamination was discovered following the recall of SunOpta sunflower kernels.
Consumers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives at toll free, 1-800-772-4098.
Ponca City Business Council will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Chamber Office. Stephanie Austin with Rick Scott Construction is the Chair for this active committee.
This week we have several chamber activities taking place. First our Cash Mob will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at The Attic Boutique, 322 East Grand Avenue. Please join us.
Also at 2 p.m. Tuesday, we will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Trinity Medical Women’s Health Center located at 1717 North Fourth Street, Suite 101. Then from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, we will have the Chamber’s Business after Hours hosted by 7 Clans Casino at Red Rock for all Chamber Members.
Wednesday our Leadership Alumni will get to experience our Arts and Culture day. This is a new program added to our leadership year and we want our leadership alumni to get to participate in this fun day.
A Ponca City man died Sunday after his motorcycle struck a vulture on Enterprise Road.
Clarence L. Hoyer, 70, of Ponca City was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple injuries. His wife, Janet L. Hoyer, 60, was transported by Air Evac to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was admitted in critical condition with trunk, arm and leg injuries.
The two were riding on a 2006 Honda Goldwing motorcycle at 12:54 p.m. Sunday when it struck the vulture and departed the roadway to the left and struck a utility pole. They were on Enterprise Road 265 north of Tower Road, 5 miles east and two miles south of Kildare.
(KNZA)--Participates in the 24th annual Biking Across Kansas tour will make a stop in Hiawatha Friday morning.
Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce Administrator Deidra Leander says the city has been designated as a meal stop for the ride.
Leander says the about 850 bicyclists and support staff will be coming through Hiawatha between 7:00 and 11:00 that morning.
She requested and received approval from the Brown County Commission last week for use of the courthouse square as a location for the participants to gather.
Leander says she plans to set up a welcome booth, with information about local meal options, shopping and community attractions.
The bicyclists will be traveling from Sabetha to Troy that day.
Marysville, Sabetha and Troy have been designated as overnight stops on the ride.
The nearly 500-mile ride begin Saturday at the Kansas-Colorado line west of St. Francis and is to end this Saturday at the banks of the Missouri River in Elwood.
(KNZA)--A motorcyclist was seriously injured Sunday afternoon after crashing his motorcycle on a Leavenworth County highway.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says 65-year-old Shawnee resident Stanly Monger was westbound on K-32, about two miles west of 142nd Road, when for an unknown reason he laid his Harley Davidson motorcycle over and was ejected.
Monger, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was taken to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with disabling injuries.
(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in Sabetha Sunday afternoon to correct a more than 70-year omission.
The Republican Senator presented a Prisoner of War medal to 90-year-old World War II veteran Harry “ Kit” Beatty during a ceremony at Apostolic Christian Retirement Village. "There is no group of people that we ought to work harder to care for, and to respect, than those who served our country. Today we pay respect to one of those who, in addition to serving our country, also was a POW during World War II, 70-years ago, all before he turned the age of 20”, Moran said.
Beatty’s wife, Mary, pinned the POW medal on her husband. Moran also presented him with an American flag.
Beatty served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and entered active duty soon after turning 18.
(KAIR)--A rural Atchison County man goes to the hospital after being shot in the chest.
Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News 30-year-old Bradley Schlicker suffered the injury at a residence, located at 3997 206th Road, near Valley Falls.
Deputies responded to the scene around 2:30 Sunday morning, and were informed that Schlicker had left the property in a vehicle.
The vehicle was located by Deputies at Highway 116 and Cheyenne Road, with Schlicker found to be suffering from the gunshot wound.
Lifenet Helicopter was called, and Schlicker was flown from the scene to Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.
Laurie says the alleged shooter, 35-year-old Nicole Fox, was also in the vehicle.
Cooperative with the Deputies, she was later taken into custody for criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
She was booked into the Atchison County Jail.
As of Sunday afternoon, Schlicker remained hospitalized, listed in serious condition.
According to Laurie, the two lived together at the rural Atchison County residence.
The investigation into the shooting is continuing.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Tulsa police say a 64-year-old man who died after an officer used pepper spray and a stun gun on him while attempting to serve a misdemeanor warrant for jaywalking had a medical issue that may have contributed to his death. Police say Ollie Lee Brooks died at a hospital last Saturday. An attorney for Brooks' family suggested Friday that police may have been overzealous in serving the warrant.
ERICK, Okla. (AP) - Authorities in the western Oklahoma town of Erick say an explosion in a shed near the center of the town has left one man dead. Police Chief Patrick Strange said the man's body was sent to the state medical examiner's office for an autopsy and positive identification.
LAWTON, Okla. (AP) - A jury has been seated for the first-degree murder trial of a Lawton man charged with killing his father and 14-year-old brother. The jury was seated Friday and opening statements in the trial of 20-year-old Thorsten Rushing are to begin Monday. Rushing has pleaded not guilty to killing 50-year-old Uwe Rushing and 14-year-old Stefan Rushing.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Knowing this year's legislative session would be tumultuous with a giant hole in the budget, Gov. Mary Fallin challenged lawmakers at the start of session to make structural improvements to the budget and put new, stable sources of revenue on the table. She pushed for bold proposals like a teacher pay raise, a tax on cigarettes, school district consolidation, and modernizing the sales tax code. But when the gavel fell on the 2016 session last week, Fallin got very little of what she requested.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
KSO REQ PCPD OFFICER TO 7TH & HWY 60 FOR TRAFFIC STOP WITH SUBJ WHO HAS PC WARRANT.
#43 RESPONDED, 10-15 W/ 18 YO I/M FOR: FTP-IND CONTEMPT OF COURT, IMP LEFT TURN, CARELESS DRIVING, WARRANT-PL, TRESPASS OF REAL PROPERTY, IND CONTEMPT OF COURT.
DOMESTIC, W/F, BLU T-SHIRT & JEANS W/A BABY YELLED TO CALL 9-1-1, MALE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE AND RIPPED THE PHONE FROM HER HAND. #03 & #11 RESPONDED. #06 TRANSPORTED ADULT MALE 10-15 FOR #11. MALE WILL HAVE PENDING CHARGES: DOM A&B PRES MINOR, INTERRUPTING 911 CALL AFTER EDWIN FAIR COMPLETES EVAL IN MORNING. (IF EOD WILL BE WARRANT REQ.)
ACCIDENT ON N 14TH IN FRONT OF RESTAURANT, DEER HIT AND STILL ALIVE. #56 RESPONDED, DEER 10-7 ON ARRIVAL, MOVED OFF ROAD IN FRONT OF ANOTHER BUSINESS, NOTE LEFT FOR A/C, STATE ACCIDENT RPT WAS TKN.
#33 ADV'D OUT W/ SUBJS AT HARTFORD & UNION IN ALLEY. THEY RAN FROM #33 & #49, LOCATED NEAR A TRUCK IN ALLEY, THEY WERE JUST YELLING AT OFFICER, ALL OKAY.
OPEN C911, MALE GIVING EVASIVE ANSWERES. COULD HEAR FEM IN BACKGROUND WHEN CALL 1ST CAME IN. #49 ASND, #33 ASST. #33 ADV'D HE CONTACT THE RESIDENT, HE ADV'D THAT NOTHING IS WRONG, IT WAS AN ACCIDENTAL CALL.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Three Oklahoma energy companies want a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit demanding they reduce injection volumes at wastewater disposal wells that could be triggering earthquakes.
The lawsuit was filed in February by members of the Oklahoma Sierra Club. The lawsuit, filed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, asks that Devon Energy Corp., Chesapeake Energy Corp. and New Dominion LLC reduce production waste at wells that could cause earthquakes.
The Oklahoma reports the three companies say in legal filings that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is already taking action to reduce volumes of wastewater in disposal wells.
The commission has issued a series of voluntary directives covering more than 600 Arbuckle disposal wells. In addition, the Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity brings together regulators, researchers and energy industry representatives.
A personal injury collision occurred Friday evening around 10:30 pm on State Highway 11 and Edgar Hill. A 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David Chapman from Keyes, Oklahoma, was negotiating a curve at excessive speed and departed the roadway to the right. The driver was separated from the motorcycle by 22 feet.
Chapman was transported by AirEvac to Wesley Medical in Wichita, Kansas, and admitted in critical condition with head, trunk internal and external, arm, and leg injuries.
(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners approved the sale of a 2009 Sterling Truck by sealed bid to Bill Meyer of Avoca, in an amount of $11,750 when they met Wednesday.
Meyer submitted the high bid of three received.
Jack Kelly with American Recycling met with Commissioners regarding the cost of providing an appliance recycling dumpster for the recycling site. Currently Rose Recycling from Lincoln provides a dumpster at no cost to the County, but have not exchanged the dumpster on a regular basis.
Kelly told the Board it would cost $150 per month for a dumpster to be sued for the metal and appliance recycling. The Board will contact Rose Recycling about picking up the dumpster for appliances.
Interviews were conducted for a vacant District 2 Road Department position. Following the interviews of five candidates, the position was offered to Alan Daugherty.
County Assessor Mallory Lempka was authorized to enter into a one-year contract with SimpleMinds PC Solutions for I-T services for the Assessors Office with an annual fee of $2,541.
(KNZA)--A two-vehicle collision Friday night in Buchanan County, Missouri sent three to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 9:30 on Missouri Highway 371 about one mile north of Faucett.
The Patrol says 42-year-old Brian Hunt, of Amity, Missouri, was northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and his car struck a southbound SUV driven by 55-year-old Dobie Smith, of Gower, head-on.
The two drivers and a passenger in the Smith vehicle, 32-year-old St. Joseph resident Jessee Miller, were transported to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph.
The Patrol says Smith was the only one wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck.
(KAIR)--One of “50 Kansans You Should Know.” That's the honor bestowed on the President and CEO of Atchison based MGP Ingredients.
According to a news release from the company, Gus Griffin was selected for the honor by the prominent Kansas City business magazine, Ingrams.
The recognition was included in the May edition of the publication, which included a feature highlighting Griffin's professional background and accomplishments. The feature placed most of the focus on Griffin's role of leadership at MGP.
The recognition comes as MGP Ingredients commemorates its 75th anniversary year.
(KAIR)--One of “50 Kansans You Should Know.” That's the honor bestowed on the President and CEO of Atchison based MGP Ingredients.
According to a news release from the company, Gus Griffin was selected for the honor by the prominent Kansas City business magazine, Ingrams.
The recognition was included in the May edition of the publication, which included a feature highlighting Griffin's professional background and accomplishments. The feature placed most of the focus on Griffin's role of leadership at MGP.
The recognition comes as MGP Ingredients commemorates its 75th anniversary year.
(KAIR)--A Friday afternoon single-vehicle crash claims one life.
The Platte County, Missouri Sheriff's Office identifies the victim only as a 70-year-old Leavenworth woman.
According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, she was a passenger in a vehicle that was westbound on Jones-Meyer Road, near Baker Ridge Circle, around 12:30 Friday afternoon. The preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle left the roadway, went airborne, and struck a large tree.
The driver, identified only as a 27-year-old Leavenworth man, was transported to an area hospital for the treatment of serious injuries.
(KAIR)--A Friday evening Atchison shooting injures one and lands another in custody.
Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News it happened around 7:40, in the 700 block of Washington Street, when a confrontation apparently led to gunfire that left the resident of that location shot in the leg. “A 25-year-old man who lives at the residence was outside when a 42-year-old man, who had been next door, walked over to the residence and a confrontation began,” Wilson says. “A person inside the residence opened the front door about that time, and the two men continued the confrontation into the house, where a dog became involved. The dog was shot and the 25-year-old man was shot in the leg.”
Taken into custody for the alleged shooting was 42-year-old Atchison resident Bryan Boldridge, who now faces a charge of aggravated battery.
The victim is identified as Duane Seymore. He was transported from the scene for hospitalized treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The victim's name is not immediately made public as the investigation continues.
The dog survived, and was taken to a veterinarian for treatment following the shooting.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
VEH BROKEN INTO DURING THE NIGHT. #40 ASND. RP DECLINED RPT. 2 NEIGHBORS VEHS ALSO BROKEN INTO. #40 SPOKE TO THE VEH OWNERS. ALL DECLINED RPTS. INFO LOGGED.
TTY FROM STILLWATER PD REQ OFFICER TO BOLO FOR A WHITE 2008 FORD F250 4X4 QUAD CAB P/U BEARING OK 857BKQ. P/U HAS FULL 4 DOORS WITH RETRACTABLE BED COVER AND A BILLET GRILL. STOLEN FROM A RESI IN STILLWATER OVERNIGHT. KEY NOT IN THE VEH. HAS BEEN ENTERED NCIC. ALL UNITS ADV'D OF ATL INFO.
#19 T/S W/ 741LUX. WENT 10-15 W/ 20 YO W/F FOR (LOCAL 44'S: FTA-DRIVER NO SEATBELT, FTA-FAIL COMP INS LAW, FTA-FAIL COMP INS LAW 1,) DUS, NO INS, NO SEATBELT.
PHYSICAL DOMESTIC RPT'D, RP'S NEPHEW HIT HER AND STOLE HER DOG. SUBJ IS 44 YO W/M, UNK CLOTHING, HAS A DOG WITH HIM, LEFT ON FOOT UNK DIR. #49 & #30 ASND. #30, UTL THE SUBJ. #49, RPT TKN FOR DOM A&B WARRANT REQ.
RP RPT'ING A W/M ABOUT 56 YOA WITH FACIAL HAIR, TSHIRT, JEANS IS VERY INTOX AND CAUSING A DISTURBANCE. SUBJ IS ONE OF RP'S NEIGHBORS. #16 & #0 ASND.
#16 WENT 10-15 W/ 54 YO W/M FOR PI.
06/03/16 00:08 00:11 00:12 00:29 SICK/INJURED PERSON PD 16007843 9527
N 9TH
THREE SUBJS JUST ASSAULTED THE RP'S ADULT GRANDSON. LEFT WB IN A BLK P/U W/ PRIMER ON THE BED, POSSIBLY ENRT TO ADDR ON N 1ST. #30 ASND. #16 & #43 ASST. #30, UTL SUBJS, INFO FOR WARRANT REQ TKN.
RP ADV'D HER DAUGHTER FELL ASLEEP AND RAN OFF THE ROAD NORTH OF HARTFORD AND KYGAR. ET ER VIA PRIVATE VEH. #30 TOOK RPT. #16 & #08 AT THE SCENE. OWNER REQ BUDGET TWOED 61LEQ/OK.
MGR ADV'D CREQ FOUND SUBJS STEALING FLAGS. #30, #16, & #08 RESPONDED. CREW AT SCENE ADV'D THIS OCCURRED 2 HRS AGO. 2 MALES RAN WB AFTER DROPPING FLAGS. #30 TOOK RPT.
Aaron Brown, Kelly VanZant, Keith Kuhn and Greg Bunnell show members of Cub Scout Pack 3517 how to properly wear life jackets during the recent Kaw Lake Kids Focus on Fishing. This Saturday, the Corps will partner with the Kaw Lake Association to accept donations of life jackets at the Kaw Lake Association office from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
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“Save a Life” is the theme of a special promotion of the Kaw Lake Association and Kaw Lake Educational Foundation. This Saturday, June 4, these two organizations will team up with the Corps of Engineers to ask people to donate life jackets at the Kaw Lake Association office, 3517 Lake Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“For the past three years the Kaw Lake Educational Foundation and the Corps of Engineers have conducted water safety radio campaigns around Memorial Weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day,” said Brook Lindsay, foundation vice president. “This year we’re expanding this promotion with the Kaw Lake Association to ‘Save a Life.”
Life jackets donated at the KLA office will be available to the public to borrow on their way to the lake. Although the emphasis is on youth sizes, all size jackets are appreciated, said Natascha Holloway, association president. Each person donating a life jacket that day will be given a free soft drink or bottled water.
In addition, if you find yourself on the way to the lake without enough life jackets, the association invites you to stop by their office any time and pick one up.
“Life jackets are also available to borrow from the Sandy Beach gate house,” said Peat Robinson, Kaw Lake Corps project manager.
Sixty percent of boaters who drowned in 2007 did so in waters below 50 degrees in temperature, according to the United States Coast Guard. The majority drowned after experiencing shock from cold-water immersion rather than succumbing to hypothermia.
"If you think that you can swim to shore, you may be surprised as to how far you cannot swim," said Capt. Jon Maggio, commander of the Norwalk Fire Department (NFD) Marine Unit. "Below 50-degree water, statistics pretty much double. Forty-three percent of people died less than six feet from safety."
“It’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket, especially on nice days,” said Rachel Johnson, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization of Wear It!
“A life jacket not worn can’t save your life. Always Wear It,” she said.
Water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, white water rafting, and riding a jet ski are the most common water sports. It’s just as important to wear a life jacket when canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or taking the boat out on the lake.
To have a life jacket in the boat but not wear it is like not wearing your seatbelt in your car or not wearing a helmet on a bike or motorcycle. The life jacket may not be comfortable or fashionable, but any situation can take a turn for the worse unexpectedly. Just like in driving a car or riding a bike, accidents happen so quickly you may not have time to put on your seatbelt, helmet or life jacket for it to do its job.
According to a blog from Bass Pro Shop titled “The Importance of Wearing a Life Jacket,” there are several opportunities while out on the water a person could encounter a situation where a life jacket could save their life.
The weather could change causing the water to become so rough that a person could be thrown from their boat. Also, a person could slip, fall and hit their head, becoming unconscious; or run their boat onto unseen obstacles causing the boat to sink, or swerving to avoid an obstacle and throwing someone from the boat. In all of these situations wearing a properly fitted life jacket highly increases your chances of survival.
A benefit dinner will be served from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Moose Lodge.
The dinner is being held by Osage Hills ABATE of Oklahoma to benefit Bill Gazaway and family. Bill was seriously injured in an accident in Ponca in April as he was riding his motorcycle and a truck pulled in front of him.
Plates are $5 for choice of spaghetti or chili, vegetable, bread, dessert and drink. There will be a silent auction and games for the kids! Carry out orders are available.
A total of 18 students from the Southwest District FFA were awarded their State FFA Degree at the 88th Kansas FFA State Convention, June 1-3, 2016, on the Kansas State University campus.
The State Degree is the highest honor the Kansas FFA Association can bestow upon its members. In order to achieve this award, members must meet the following requirements: have received their Chapter FFA Degree, been an FFA member and agricultural education student for at least two years, earned at least $2,000 or worked 600 hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, given a six minute speech about agriculture or FFA, participated in eight different leadership activities, received a “C” average or better in high school and shown a record of outstanding leadership and community involvement.
The members who met these qualifications and their respective FFA Chapters from the Southwest District are: from Bucklin: Madison Loschke, Campbell Martin; Hodgeman County: Skyler Burns, Karlee Eckhoff, Adriallen Woods; Holcomb: Gracen Becker, Aaron Elliott, Jordan Jarnagin, Tanner Mongeau; Hugoton: Landon Brecheisen, Jessica Harper, Alyson Kiley, Austin Nordyke, Mariah Reynolds; South Central: Garrett Girk, Kayla Olson, Gracie Paul, Alonso Rivero.
( KLZA)-- A car and bike show are among the activities the Big Lake Improvement Association is planning for their Saturday, June 4th, Lakefest event.
The car and bike show will be at the main entrance of Big Lake State Park. Other events include a craft fair from 11 a-m until 4 p-m with a lunch served from noon until 3 p-m. A free will donation will be accepted for the meal.
A dunk tank and other activities are also planned.
All area residents are invited to spend the day at Big Lake. A shuttle service will be offered between the car show and other events taking place.
(KLZA)-- The 2016 summer driving season is officially underway. Although the national average of $2.32 a gallon is the lowest gas price for this time of year in more than a decade, higher-than-normal gasoline demand coupled with regional refinery issues have put upward pressure on retail pump prices, reports AAA.
The Midwest region is posting the nation’s largest decline in gasoline inventories, which fell for the 15th straight week, to the lowest level of the year. During the past week, crude oil climbed to $50 a barrel in the U.S. trading market due to tight supplies coupled with high demand.
Wildfires in the Canadian Oil Sands helped to boost the price of crude to its highest level of the year while creating supply issues for U.S. oil refineries it serves in the Great Lakes region.
For more information on fuel prices, visit www.fuelgaugereport.com.
(KLZA)-- During a swing through Southeast Nebraska earlier this week U.S. Senator Deb Fischer who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed some of her concerns about the U.S. Military.
She noted that currently there are the fewest members ever in the U.S. Air Force and that the Army numbers are also cutting back. The Department of Defense budget continues to grow, but at a slower amount than project due to mandated sequestration.
Senator Fischer said that the military budget restraints are causing issues with advanced military equipment needs, including an Ohio class submarine, B-21 and F-35 planes. She also noted her interest in maintaining the nuclear deterent capabilities and being able to maintain it.
With so much attention on the campaign for President, MSCNEWS asked the Republican Senator what she thought of Donald Trump when she met him. Fischer said she liked Trump, noting that during the meeting with about nine other leaders, he listened, was soft spoken and a charming individual.
Trump recently met with Republican leaders in Washington D.C.
John Max Zimmerman 84, died, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in Georgetown, Texas.
He was born Dec. 9, 1931 in Liberal, the son of Donald Kent and Rayta Sarah Zimmerman.
He married Kathleen Rearden on May 4, 1953 in Fort Worth, TX. She preceded him in death on March 15, 1993.
He married Jacqueline Ann Usry Holcomb on Aug 5, 1995 in Colorado Springs, Colo. She survives.
He graduated from Liberal High School in 1950. After graduation from high school, he furthered his education at the University of Kansas and graduated in 1954. In 1950, while attending the University of Kansas he joined the ROTC and remained in military service until 1957. He was a Captain in the United States Air Force and was a navigator on a B-36 Bomber during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of the Liberal Noon Lions Club, Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge AF & AM and the Southwest Shriners Club.
He was instrumental in the development of some of Liberal’s leading tourist attractions, including Dorothy’s House, the Land of Oz exhibit and the Mid-America Air Museum. He also spurred the effort to save and revitalize the Rock Island Depot and Grier House buildings. Zimmerman also started a coalition of communities along Highway 54 in an effort to coordinate efforts for four-lane expansion from Wichita to El Paso, an effort that continues.
He was the owner and agent for Zimmerman Insurance Agency in Liberal.
Survivors also include son, Timothy Zimmerman and wife, Susan; stepsons, Murray Holcomb and Keith Holcomb; daughter, Jane O’Neill and husband, Steve; four grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Joan Collison.
• Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church.
A private graveside service will take place at Liberal Cemetery.
Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brenneman Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Coronado Museum or the Mid America Air Museum in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901. The family has requested donations be made to the Coronado Museum building project.
Condolences may be left at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com.
(KNZA)--A rural Netawaka man will have to wait until July to find out whether his motion to withdraw his no-contest plea to a charge of rape is granted.
37-year-old Scott Buchheit filed the motion just two days after entering the plea in February as part of a plea deal. He had been scheduled to go on trial on 11 counts.
In his motion to withdraw his plea, Buchheit cited ineffective counsel and stated that he was “ under psychological pressure” to make the deal.
A hearing on the motion had been set for last week in Jackson County District Court but was continued to July 15th. At that time, County Attorney Shawna Miller says a judge will either grant the motion or proceed with Buchheit’s sentencing if the motion is denied.
A new attorney was appointed to represent Buchheit in March, his third in the case.
He was arrested in February 2015 following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department into alleged sex offenses involving an underage girl occurring between March 2008 and January 2015.
On Thursday, June 2, 2016 at about 2:16 p.m., a non-injury accident was reported at the unit block of South Kansas Avenue. It was reported a pickup struck a parked vehicle.
The investigating officer responded and found that a white 2016 Ford F-150 had struck a parked 1998 Ford Expedition. The driver of the pickup, a 37 year old male, was uninjured. The officer learned that the driver of the pickup became distracted while eating. The driver veered toward the curb and struck the legally parked vehicle.
The pickup was towed from the scene because of extensive front end damage. The driver was cited for inattentive driving.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma County sheriff says the jail was locked down two days last week because of concerns about violence from a local gang.
Sheriff John Whetsel says the jail was on lock down after the Irish Mob threatened to harm jail staff across the state.
He says the threat was spurred by an ongoing Oklahoma County trial involving the "Cathouse" slayings. The nickname was given to the case because one of the victims worked at a Nevada brothel that was featured on an HBO reality show.
The Oklahoman reports that the trial for the last two defendants in the case began May 16.
Denny Phillips and Russell Lee Hogshooter are charged with six counts of first-degree murder in the 2009 deaths of Brooke Phillips, Milagros Barrera, Jennifer Lynn Ermey and Casey Mark Barrientos. Phillips and Barrera were pregnant.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Authorities are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 36-year-old Oklahoma woman.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Thursday that a vehicle traveling west on U.S. Highway 70 in Cotton County struck and killed pedestrian Sylvia Bilyeu around 3:45 p.m. Troopers say the Randlett resident was standing in the middle of U.S. Highways 70 and 277 when she was hit.
The patrol says the unknown driver's vehicle struck Bilyeu, left the road and then drove away.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma group says it has collected more than 220,000 signatures to send two criminal justice reform measures to voters in November.
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform on Thursday delivered the petitions to the Oklahoma Secretary of State's office, which will verify the number of signatures.
The first proposal would reclassify some drug and property crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The second would require the state to estimate the resulting cost savings and direct that money toward crime prevention efforts, such as rehabilitation programs, education and job training.
The group needs 65,000 signatures for each measure to be placed on the ballot. Former Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele says the group has collected more than 110,000 signatures on each measure.
ST. LOUIS (AP) - A group representing Missouri municipal utilities has signed up for space on a transmission line that would carry wind power from western Kansas across Missouri and further east.
The Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission said Thursday it signed an agreement for up to 200 megawatts of transmission space on the Grain Belt Express. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the commission represents municipal utilities that pool their resources to buy power.
The Missouri Public Service Commission blocked the transmission line last summer after strong opposition from landowners along the line's proposed route.
Texas-based Clean Line Energy, which is proposing the transmission line, says the agreement proves that there are customers for the line in Missouri.
Grain Belt Express has already won approval from Kansas, Indiana and Illinois regulators.
The line is to pass through several local northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri counties
(KMZA)--A June 13th preliminary hearing has been set for a Dawson, Nebraska man charged in connection with a shooting at the Old Sabetha Lake over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert has charged 58-year-old Anthony Leftwich with one count of aggravated battery.
Leftwich is accused of shooting 40-year-old Thad Lambrecht, of Bern, early Sunday morning following an argument.
Lambrecht was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and then transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.
Leftwich remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.
(KNZA)--A new voice recording system has been installed at the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s dispatch center.
Sheriff John Merchant and dispatcher Ron Segrest discussed the recent purchase with the County Commission Tuesday.
The new recording system was purchased for just over $27,000, with funding coming from the 911 fee collected on phone lines. The system records all E-911 and administrative calls that come into the dispatch center.
Merchant said the old system was outdated and parts for the system were no longer available.
In other business, Hiawatha resident Dean Tollefson presented Commissioners with a letter urging them not to demolish the old county jail.
The Commission has been discussing the possible demolition of the facility built in 1924, but have taken no action.
Tollefson urged the Commission to explore all possible uses for the building.
(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a funding request for next month’s fireworks display at the Spring Creek Golf Course. Heidi Wolfgang reports
At the request of the Nemaha Valley High School class of 1976, the Council voted Wednesday evening to donate $2,000 for the July 2nd event, with a stipulation that the display be advertised as open for the public to enjoy.
The total cost for the display is $5,000, with the difference to be made up from a fundraising dinner that will be held that night and donations from member of the class of 76.
In other business, the Council voted to authorize Mayor Joe Mitchell to sign a contract for the sale of tract of land in the Fairway Addition along west U.S. 36 Highway to Chris Roberts of Marysville.
The Council at their previous meeting approved the sale of Lot 8, consisting of 1.3 acres, to Roberts who plans to build a Sonic Restaurant at the site.
Roberts has 30 days to get the financing and approval from Sonic to move forward with the project. After that, he has one year to build the restaurant.
Roberts currently owns the Sonic restaurant in Marysville.
(KNZA)--With Wednesday’s filing deadline come and gone, there will be several contested races in Doniphan County during the August 2nd Republican primary election.
Tad Geiger is challenging incumbent 2nd District County Commissioner Terry Horner in his bid for re-election.
Incumbent 3rd District Commissioner Jerry McKernan is being challenged by George Mitchell, of Elwood.
Lindsay Etherton and Melissa Mott are vying for the position county treasurer currently held by Jacqueline Linck who didn’t seek re-election.
Sheriff Chad Clary, County Attorney Charles Baskins, County Clerk Peggy Franken and Register of Deeds Susan Schuster will face no opposition in their bids for re-election.
(KNZA)--A public health warning has been issued for the Hiawatha City Lake due to the presence of high levels of toxic blue-green alage.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday that the lake is among three in the state that have been placed under " warning" status.
The agency says lakes under warning aren't closed, but that contact with the water can cause serious illness and should be avoided.
Fish can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water. However, you should consume only the fillet portion and discard all other parts.
KDHE will continue to monitor the lake and will provide updates as conditions warrant.
(KLZA)-- Details have been released on a pickup-train collision last week in southeast Nebraska.
The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office report on the May 27th wreck at the U.S. Highway 136 railroad crossing at Auburn indicates both the driver and the passenger of the pickup were transported to a local hospital following the wreck.
The sheriff's office says 78-year-old Robert McAdams,of Peru, was eastbound when his pickup truck was struck by the northbound train.
McAdams said he did not see the eastbound cross arm come down, but did notice the westbound arm come down. He stopped the pickup on the tracks, then tried to back off of the tracks.
Robert McAdams suffered possible, but non-visible injuries. A passenger in the pickup, 60-year-old Sally McAdams, suffered a non-disabling head injury.
Highway 136 was shut down for several hours while the wreckage was cleared.
Both occupants of the pickup were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck. No citations were issued
(KNZA)--The Brown County Humane Society is requesting to be the official shelter and holding facility for animals picked up by the city of Hiawatha.
Humane Society President Phyllis Shafer made the request at this week’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting, and also requested financial support from the city.
Currently, dogs and cats picked up by the city are taken to the Brown County Animal Clinic and held for three days.
Animals that are not claimed would ordinarily be put to sleep, but Shafer says the Humane Society takes them to prevent that from happening and try’s to find new homes for them.
By doing so, she says the organization is saving the city a significant amount of money. Of the 37 animals they took in last year, Shafer said the cost of euthanizing and disposal fees would have cost the city more than $2,000.
Shafer says they would like to be the place where the animals come initially, so they would at least get the boarding fees to offset some of their costs.
It was consensus of the Commission that bids should be sought to provide the service.
Mayor Steffen Shamburg also asked that Shafer submit a formal request for financial support from the city, including a speciic dollar amount, so it can be considered when the Commission work's on the 2017 budget.
(KNZA)--A power outage is planned in the Brown County community of Morrill Friday morning.
The city says power will be out in a portion of the community from about 8:00 to 10:30 due to the replacement of an electric pole.
Effected will be customers north of Roxanne Street for one block, from Fanning Street to the west city limits and from the west side of Walnut Street to the water tower.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
911 RP ADV'D THAT HER FRONT DOOR WAS KICKED IN BY SEVERAL SUBJS. #59 ASND. #11 & #43 ASST. UTL ANY TROUBLE. FAMILY AT THIS RESI ADV'D THEY DID NOT CALL. UNABLE TO CONTACT RP. NO RPT UNTIL FURTHER.
922 ADV 2 W/F'S ARE BREAKING INTO CARS, L/S RUNNING NB. NO OTHER DESC. #30, #08, #33, #43, #11, & #50 RESPONDED, CK'D AREAS, MADE CONTACT W/ 2 VICS WHO DECLINED RPTS, NO DAMAGE AND NOTHING MISSING. OFFICERS WILL GIVE XPTL.
RP ADV'D OF AN INTOX MALE PASSED OUT IN FRONT OF BLDG IN HIS CAR. VEH IS A SILV 4DR ACCORD. ONGOING ISSUE. PAST TENNANT WHO WON'T STAY AWAY. #33 RESPONDED, #50 ASST. OK 544MXT.
ALARM CO RPTS A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY ALARM SHOWING DEN DOOR. #30 ASND. #50 ASST. #30 ADV'D THEY FOUND A DOOR UNLOCKED, THEY MADE ENTRY AND CLEARED THE HOUSE. IT APPEARS THE RESIDENTS JUST LEFT. NOTHING APPEARED TO BE DISTURBED. THEY SECURED THE RESI.
Ten students recently received certificates and awards before reciting the nurse’s pledge in the candle lighting ceremony at Pioneer Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Graduation.
Pictured front row from left are Krista Dorscher, Blackwell; Kaylee Bovard, Ponca City; Shasta Jones, Newkirk; and Shelby Lunn from Ponca City. Back row, Ashlyn Campos and Edgar Quiroz both of Ponca City; James Tucker Jr., Kaw City, Sabine Goeke, Winfield, Kansas, and Katelyn Mantz from Newkirk. Not pictured is Dondi Anderson from Ponca City.
For more information about the Nursing Program call at 580-718-4301 or visit www.pioneertech.edu
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - A judge has set a trial date for a woman charged with crashing into a crowd at the Oklahoma State homecoming parade and killing four people.
The judge on Wednesday ruled that Adacia Chambers will tentatively go to trial Jan 10. Prosecutors have estimated that it could take a month to try the case.
Chambers has pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and 42 counts of assault and battery in the Oct. 24 crash.
Prosecutors say Chambers intentionally drove around a police barricade and into the spectators. Defense attorney Tony Coleman has said Chambers is mentally ill.
Chambers was found competent to stand trial in December.
The Ponca City Police Department will be finalizing this years “Click it or Ticket” campaign with a checkpoint.
The national campaign, targeting drivers that do not comply with proper safety belt and child restraint usage, runs through June 5.
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office receives funding from the National Highway Safety Office and then through a competitive grant process awards police departments through the state.
These funds are used for equipment and overtime salaries for officers to emphasize safe and sober driving in the awarded communities. The Ponca City Police Department has received this grant funding for several consecutive years.
(KAIR)--A Memorial Day weekend Atchison County crash sent a Nebraska child to the hospital.
According to a report released by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 12-year-old Cameron Williams, of Nebraska City, was driving a Yamaha Viking UTV westbound on 262nd Road, a half mile east of U.S. Highway 73.
Williams lost control of the vehicle, and that caused it to tip over, pinning the child's leg underneath the vehicle.
Williams was transported to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Two young passengers, including a 12-year-old from Atchison and a 10-year-old from Illinois, were not hurt.
Opening day 2016 for the Liberal Bee Jays Summer Collegiate Baseball Club will be a tough one. In their final week of competition last summer, the Bee Jays lost their beloved bat boy Kaiser Carlile to a tragic accident at the NBC World Series. On June 3rd, the Bee Jays will forever memorialize Kaiser at Brent Gould Field, the Bee Jays home for the summer, as they unveil a life sized statue of the nine year old prior to their 7:00 game with the Kansas Cannons. The statue will sit to the third base side of the press box at Brent Gould Field so all of the faithful Bee Jay fans that come to the park each summer evening can see the big smile on Kaiser's face and remember a key piece to Liberal's 2015 squad. Staff members at Seward County Community College are also working on a sign that will permanently hang on the Brent Gould Field wall to remember Kaiser.
Opening day 2016 for the Liberal Bee Jays Summer Collegiate Baseball Club will be a tough one. In their final week of competition last summer, the Bee Jays lost their beloved bat boy Kaiser Carlile to a tragic accident at the NBC World Series. On June 3rd, the Bee Jays will forever memorialize Kaiser at Brent Gould Field, the Bee Jays home for the summer, as they unveil a life sized statue of the nine year old prior to their 7:00 game with the Kansas Cannons.
The statue will sit to the third base side of the press box at Brent Gould Field so all of the faithful Bee Jay fans that come to the park each summer evening can see the big smile on Kaiser's face and remember a key piece to Liberal's 2015 squad. Staff members at Seward County Community College are also working on a sign that will permanently hang on the Brent Gould Field wall to remember Kaiser.
Left: Outgoing Atchison Fire Chief Mike McDermed Right: Incoming Interim Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf
(KAIR)--An Interim Fire Chief has been selected for the City of Atchison.
That comes as long time Fire Chief Mike McDermed prepares to step down, retiring on July 17th.
According to a press release from City Manager Trey Cocking, Ted Graf will fill the role beginning June 18th. He was selected as Interim Fire Chief following an interview process with the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Fire Chief and the Police Chief. Graf also filled that role earlier this year during a lengthy leave of absence by McDermed.
Graf, in the release, says “there is no way to fill Chief McDermed's shoes,” but says he is looking forward to assuming the role of leadership.
Graf will serve in the interim position until a permanent Chief is selected. City staff, this fall, will conduct a search for a full-time replacement, with both internal and external candidates, eligible to apply.
Following a planned interview conference in October, the City hopes to announce the new Chief in early November.
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) − A judge has ordered a Garden City physician assistant to stop doing business pending the outcome of a lawsuit that accuses him of failing to tell customers he used Botox purchased from overseas suppliers that was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.
Schmidt filed a consumer protection lawsuit in Finney County District Court against Joel Erskin who is part owner and operator of Renovo Medical LLC, and University Medical LLC.
A judge has entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting the defendant from operating in Kansas pending the outcome of the case. The attorney general is seeking civil penalties and investigative fees.
The lawsuit resulted from a lengthy investigation of the defendants’ business practices conducted by federal authorities and the attorney general’s office. It also accuses Erskin of misrepresenting that he was a medical doctor and of operating without the appropriate physician supervision required by Kansas law.
ARDMORE, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says its agents have arrested Carter County's sheriff on a bribery complaint.
The OSBI says Sheriff Milton Anthony was arrested at the sheriff's office about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on the felony bribery complaint. The 65-year-old Anthony was booked into the county jail and bond was set at $20,000.
Details of the bribery allegation were not immediately released. If convicted, Anthony faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and would be required to forfeit his office.
The sheriff's office website says Anthony has been sheriff of the county in southern Oklahoma since January 2014 and has 33 years of law enforcement experience.
Groundbreaking for Kaw Lake was 50 years ago, and the lake opened in 1976, 40 years ago, storing water from the Arkansas River.
Like many reservoirs built in Oklahoma, Kaw Lake has several functions. First and foremost, the dam and lake were built as a means of flood control downstream.
It also was intended to serve as a water supply, and several communities have water rights to use the lake, though only Stillwater currently uses the lake as its municipal water supply.
Fish and wildlife, along with recreation, are other major functions of the lake, as is hydropower generation.
The Kaw Hydroelectric Plant is located near Ponca City, Oklahoma. It was declared commercial on Sept. 26, 1989. The 29-megawatt plant is owned and operated by the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. Ponca City is one of 41 member cities which buys electric power from OMPA. In a typical year almost 14 percent of OMPA’s energy resources are supplied by water.
Kaw Lake and Dam are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which must always be aware of the multiple functions of the lake. This balancing act requires that the lake will always be maintained at a level to support both fish and wildlife, as well as recreation.
So what are the physical characteristics of Kaw Lake?
The streambed elevation is 931.50 feet.
The top of the dam elevation is 1056.50 feet.
All storages are based on a contributing drainage area of 38,771 square miles.
The total drainage area for the lake is 46,345 square miles (including upstream projects).
The Longitude: 96° 55' 18" Latitude: 36° 41' 58"
The lake itself has different layers. The very top section is the top of the flood control section. It is at 1,044.5 feet above sea level. The next layer is the conservation pool, which is between 978 feet and 1,010 feet.
Right now there is one 48-inch shutoff valve in the dam which is co-owned by Stillwater and Ponca City. Stillwater uses the valve which sends water through a 48-inch line to a tee, then on to the Stillwater raw water pump station. From there it moves through a 36-inch line to Stillwater for its municipal water supply.
As of Wednesday, June 1, the lake was at 1018.9 feet and water was being discharged through the dam at a rate of 11,285 cubic feet per second.
Kay County citizens who want to vote in the June 28 primary must register to vote by June 3, which is Friday.
Voters registered as Independents can obtain a Democratic ballot. The Democratic Party decided earlier this year to allow Independents to vote in their primaries in 2016 and 2017. The Republicans declined to open their primaries to Independent voters.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the election is June 22. Early voting will be held June 23-25.
There are six local ballots in Kay County. We'll have all the information on Ponca City Now.com.
Ponca City Main Street invites you to the Battle of the Burgers. This event will take place during the Crusin Grand event on Friday, on Sixth Street from Grand Avenue to Cleveland Avenue and in the Library parking lot.
Grand Avenue will be lined with classics, hotrods, Kustomz, special interest and motorcycles. Vehicles must be 25 years (1991) or older or a special interest vehicle. Cost to cruz will be $10 and drivers must have proof of insurance and a valid drivers liscense. Reliable cars only, please.
Head over to the Poncan Theatre during the downtown festivities to catch the great American classic "Grease." Admission is free and you are encouraged to dress up as your favorite Grease character!
Herb growers, gardeners, and folks who just want to have the “thyme” of their lives should make plans to attend the annual Red Bud Award winning Ponca City Herb Festival. L.A. Cann Gardens at Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street.
Event is at the Lake Ponca Events Area. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and cost is $20. There will be drawings for door prizes throughout the day, a 50/50 drawing and lots of other prizes! Awards for Top 20 cars, best paint, best interior, best engine and best motorcycle. Awards will be given at 2:30 p.m.
Event is at the Lake Ponca Events Area. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and cost is $20. There will be drawings for door prizes throughout the day, a 50/50 drawing and lots of other prizes! Awards for Top 20 cars, best paint, best interior, best engine and best motorcycle. Awards will be given at 2:30 p.m.
It's at the Cherokee Strip Company, between Fourth and Fifth Streets in Downtown Ponca City with an indoor-outdoor sidewalk flea market, free food samples from local farmers and vendors, featured artists and performers.
Join the Healthy Living Celebration at the Ponca City Library. List of events include: 9 a.m. to noon, OBI Blood drive; 9:30 a.m., a 1-mile free family fun walk through downtown Ponca City; 10 a.m. to noon, Health Fair; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Kids Olympics; Noon, Sugar Free Allstars concert. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call 767-0345 or visit www.poncacitylibrary.com.
Join the Marland Grand Home for a free presentation in conjunction with the Ponca City Herb Festival on E.W. Marland's Japanese gardener, Henry Hatishita and the famous 1920 Marland Gardens. Special programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 1000 E. Grand Ave. For more information, contact: 580-763-4580
Relay for Life Kay County 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer Technical Center, 2101 North Ash Street. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy bands, a bounce house, food and fun. This is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Legends From the Sky playing at the historic Poncan Theatre.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. A Native American Veteran, burdened by survivor's guilt after a disastrous military tour, is forced to search for his missing grandfather after his ancestral land is mysteriously taken over by an unknown federal organization.
Travis Hamilton the writer and director of "Legends from the Sky" will attend and will have a period of questions and answers after the show. DVDs of the movie will also be available for purchase.
(KNZA)--A new Doniphan County Appraiser has been appointed.
Following an executive session Tuesday, the County Commission voted 2-1 to appoint deputy appraiser Danielle Kiefer to the position for a 4-year term beginning June 1st. Commissioner Tim Collins cast the lone no vote.
Kiefer will be paid an annual salary $46,447.
She has worked in the county appraiser’s office since August 2009 and became a certified appraiser in April of this year.
Marion Johnson has been serving as interim county appraiser since the resignation of longtime appraiser Dean Butrick in July 2013.
The Commission also voted Tuesday to hire Brian Maupin as the deputy county appraiser. He will paid $9.50 an hour plus benefits and an additional $100 a month deputy pay effective June 13th.
(KLZA)-- U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska spent part of Tuesday in Southeast Nebraska with visits to Falls City, Auburn and Nebraska City.
During her stop in Falls City, Senator Fischer said that despite what you hear from the national media, things are getting done in Washington D.C.
Fischer noted the passage of a long-term highway bill, which is very important to Nebraska. The education bill, bringing more control to local districts and a bill to help reimburse local medical providers.
The Senator said that the topics that are brought up by constituents vary from stop to stop. The one item that does come up nearly every time is the state of the economy and concerns if families will be able to make it.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A study of Nebraska's corrections department has identified worker pay, safety and communication from leaders as major problems within the agency.
The "culture study" released Wednesday is part of a larger effort to reduce employee turnover and avoid dangerous situations in Nebraska's prison system. Staffing shortages, mandatory overtime and inexperienced workers have been cited as factors contributing to a poor job environment.
Corrections Director Scott Frakes says the study confirms many of the concerns he has heard since he took the job in 2015, and will help him focus on areas needing improvement.
The study included responses from 471 of roughly 2,200 department employees. Sharon Rues Pettid, the governor's chief human resources officer, says the response rate was higher than expected.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Judges from Hall and Otoe counties and an attorney from Gage County are finalists for an expected opening on the Nebraska Supreme Court.
State officials announced Wednesday that Otoe County District Judge Jeffrey Funke, Hall County District Judge Mark Young and private attorney David Bargen, of Adams, were advanced as candidates to be considered by Gov. Pete Ricketts. Seven people had applied for review by the state's Judicial nominating Commission.
The opening will be created by the retirement of Justice William Connolly, who is stepping down effective Aug. 1.
PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Platte County treasurer's office says it was the victim of an email scam that resulted in the loss of more than $48,000.
County Treasurer Rob Willard says his office received an email Friday that appeared to be from Presiding Commissioner Ron Schieber, instructing him to wire transfer $48,220 to a bank in Florida to pay a state tax consultant.
Willard said Wednesday that several emails were exchanged and he fulfilled the request because of the transaction's urgent nature.
Willard says he then received a phone call from Schieber, who was out of town, and informed Schieber that the transaction was complete. Schieber told the treasurer that he hadn't requested a wire transfer, which prompted Willard to alert the sheriff's office and file a complaint with the FBI.
County commissioners met Wednesday to discuss the incident.
(MSC News)--Charges have been filed in the fatal shooting of a St. Joseph teen last month.
KQ2-TV reports the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office charged a 16-year-old boy Wednesday with second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Skylar Powell.
Powell was found dead in a parking lot in the 22-hundred block of Frederick Avenue on the morning of May 18th.
The 16-year-old boy, whose name isn't being released because he's charged as a juvenile, is scheduled to make his next appearance in court on June 22nd.
Ponca City's Board of Commissioners spent a special work session on Tuesday talking about the city's future water needs, specifically in regards to the city's water rights to Kaw Lake.
Commissioners heard a presentation Tuesday on three options for claiming water from Kaw Lake in the future.
"The most recent drought has brought this conversation to the forefront, as we have watched the nationwide drought march eastward," City Manager Craig Stephenson said.
The City of Enid, some 60 miles to the west, has secured water rights in Kaw Lake and is in the process of engineering a project to move 20 million gallons of raw water a day from Kaw Lake to Enid for its municipal purposes, Stephenson said. That project will cost Enid $451 million.
Enid had relinquished its rights to the lake's water in 2000 when city planners believed an expansion of Enid's well field would be sufficient to meet that city's water needs. More recent engineering studies showed that aquifers in the Enid area were declining because of increasing demands for water.
Ponca City, on the other hand, has seen its well field recharged after the most recent drought.City officials have never had to order water rationing because supplies have always exceeded demand here.
Ponca City's water supply currently comes from local well fields. Lake Ponca serves as a backup source if needed, but the city also has had water rights to Kaw Lake for decades. Those rights have not been exercised because the current water supply has been sufficient for the city.
Ponca City was issued a permit in 1994 authorizing the city the right to use 14,031 acre feet per year from Kaw Lake. That original permit contained a schedule of use which would allow the city to take incremental amounts from the lake starting in 2004.
The permit was amended in 2004, postponing the initial use of Kaw Lake water to 2014. Ponca City requested another revision in the schedule in 2013, which would postpone the initial use of Kaw Lake water to 2024, but there has been no response from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on that request.
"It is the need and responsibility of this commission to be looking 10, 20, 30 years down the road," Mayor Homer Nicholson said. "We need to do our due diligence while we are here and not be oblivious to the water supply or lack thereof."
"There are three wellfields Ponca City utilizes," Stephenson said. "They are the East Wellfield, which lies closest to the Arkansas River, the Mid Wellfield and the West Wellfield, which lies just east of Ponca City's water plant."
He said the East Wellfield dropped between 4 and 6 feet from July 2009 to July 2012, and by July 2015 most of the wells were only 1.5 to 2 feet below the 2009 levels.
"We are seeing a recovery to these wellfields as they are recharged mainly by the Arkansas River as well as rainfall," Stephenson said. "Our current water supply has served the community well over Ponca City's history. We have not had a need to ration water over our history and we didn't need to during the most recent drought."
City staff hired an engineering firm to provide cost estimates on three possible scenarios on accessing Kaw Lake water for Ponca City's water supply, he said.
Hong Fu, the Director of Environmental Services, said Ponca City currently has three permits for water use from the OWRB. They include:
A stream water permit to Lake Ponca, allowing 2,529 acre feet of water per year, or 2.26 million gallons per day. Lake Ponca is a supplemental raw water supply.
A groundwater permit to the three wellfields east of Ponca City, allowing 14,048.6 acre feet per year, or 12.54 million gallons per day. This is Ponca City's main raw water supply.
A stream water permit to Kaw Lake which would allow 14,031 acre feet per year, or 12.53 million gallons per day. This option has never been exercised.
Fu outlined the infrastructure needs for each of the three scenarios to move water from Kaw Lake to Ponca City's water treatment plant. The three plans each have a different capacity of water that could be moved from the lake.
Currently, Ponca City and Stillwater are partners which co-own a valve controlling water flow from the lake. Stillwater relies on Kaw Lake as its municipal water supply.
In two of the scenarios, Ponca City would use that valve and build a 36-inch pipeline approximately 8.2 miles long. The capacity of each of these two scenarios is different and the costs would be $61 million or $54 million.
The third scenario involves partnering with the City of Enid on its pipeline project to a delivery point south of Ponca City. The infrastructure would include a modern intake structure instead of the 40-year-old intake structure in the other two plans. This would require about 15.2 miles of pipeline and would cost at least $67 million, plus the purchase of easements and new pressure reduction infrastructure at the water treatment plant.
But, city officials said, the cost of building the infrastructure to move the water to Ponca City is not the only expense in accessing the water. Not by a long shot.
Ponca City also owes $7,618,000 to the Army Corps of Engineers as a storage fee for the water the city has a right to. City Attorney Michael Vanderburg explained that storage fee is a proportional share of the cost of construction and maintenance of Kaw Lake since it was built 50 years ago. Any community that accesses water from Kaw Lake must have an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers.
"We can't own surface water, but we can own the bowl it's in," Vanderburg said. "That fee pays the Corps for the bowl, and that cost will continue every year."
City Finance Director Marc LaBossiere also spoke about the detailed costs involved on paying for any of the possible scenarios outlined at the meeting. After he explained the kind of debt allowed for a municipality and the restrictions, he gave a "for instance" explanation of what one of the scenarios would cost.
If Scenario 2 was chosen, with a cost of about $55 million, and the life of a loan was 25 years at an interest rate of 3.5 percent, the annual debt service requirement would be $3.32 million per year, he said.
"This would mean an across-the-board rate increase of 43 percent at the onset to cover this project," he said.
Mayor Nicholson responded to that in his closing remarks.
"A 43 percent increase is not very palatable, but like Blackwell, if you're down to your last few drops, you'd be happy to pay 50 percent," he said. "We've had many conversations about a regional water system for the entire county. We're aware of our neighbors and their concerns, as well as looking forward for Ponca City."
Stephenson said staff wanted to use the occasion to provide valid, correct factual data so there could be conversations about Ponca City's water supply over the next 20 to 30 years.
(KAIR)--Although Kansas collected $69.2 million more than the previous fiscal year to date, total tax receipts through May were $5.1 billion or $73.8 million less than estimates.
That word Wednesday in a press release issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue.
The agency reports that individual income tax receipts for May were $58 million less than expected, while corporate income tax receipts were $15 million below estimates.
Sales tax receipts beat estimates by $3.9 million but use tax fell $1.4 million short for the month.
Anyone wishing to send an anonymous tip online to any crime in Ponca City can do so at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=496 fill out the tip sheet, and send the information. You can text PCPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone. If you want to contact us by email here is our address: crimestoppers@poncacityok.gov , if you want to phone in a tip, the number is still (580)762-5100. As always, you will remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward of up to $1,000
RP ADV'D THAT SOMEONE WENT THROUGH SOME OF THE PROPERTY LAST NIGHT. #26 ASND, ADV'D RPT TKN.
05/31/16 12:18 12:22 12:26 13:22 STAND BY/CONTACT PD 16007711 9245
E WOODLANDS
RP ADV'D OF A MALE SUBJ AROUND THE AREA. DOES HAVE CONFIRMED KSO 44'S. FTP-DUI FOR 2500 AND AP TO A. 1500. L/S WRG BROWN BALL CAP, WHITE CUT OFF SHIRT, AND TAN SLACKS. BOTH CHARGES MISD.
#52 ASND, WENT 10-15 FROM BLACKARD & NE WOODLANDS W/ SUBJ. (KSO: ATR-DUI,) POSS MARIJ, POSS PARA.
05/31/16 12:44 12:45 13:06 13:08 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT PD 16007712 9751
REQ OFFICER REF A DOMESTIC THAT HAPPENED AN HOUR AGO. #57 ASND, RPT TKN. P.C. FOR 26 YO C/M, WHITE T-SHIRT, BLUE JEANS, SHAVED HEAD. POSS HAS 2 EDGED WEAPONS, CONFIRMED KSO FELS X2 FOR $1500.
05/31/16 20:59 21:01 21:05 21:41 MAN WITH WEAPON PD 16007732 8216
W CLEVELAND
RP AT ADDR ON W CLEVELAND, ADV'D A MALE WAS JUST AT RESI CAUSING A DISTURBANCE AND WAVING A GUN AROUND, TOOK OFF WB IN WHITE HHR CHEV. #11 RESPONDED, RPT TKN.
EXTREMELY AGITATED AND CRUSING RP KEEPS CALLING 911 SAYING HIS MONEY WAS STOLEN AT BUSINESS BY TWO 20 YO C/M SUBJS. RP IS STANDING IN FRONT OF RESI NOW.
#24 ASND, RP GAVE A 21 YEAR OLD MONEY TO BUY BEER, AND HE TOOK OFF WITH IT. NO RPT.
(KAIR)--Just prior to Wednesday's high noon deadline, another candidate enters the race to seek election to the Atchison County Commission.
According to Atchison County Clerk Pauline Lee, Tom Mangimelli has decided to run for the 3rd District County Commission seat.
Mangimelli, a resident of Atchison, filed by petition as a Democrat.
Dr. Allen Reavis, of Atchison, is also seeking the seat, currently held by fellow Republican, Henry W. “Bill” Pohl, who previously filed for re-election.
The Primary Election, pitting Reavis against Pohl, will be held August 2nd.
The winner of that race will then face Mangimelli in the General Election on November 8th.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma volunteer sheriff's deputy who said he mistook his handgun for his stun gun when he fatally shot an unarmed suspect last year has been sentenced to four years in prison.
A judge on Tuesday gave 74-year-old Robert Bates the maximum penalty recommended by jurors. The wealthy insurance executive was convicted of second-degree manslaughter last month.
Bates fatally shot Eric Harris while working with Tulsa County sheriff's deputies last year during an illegal gun sales sting. Harris was restrained and unarmed at the time.
After the shooting, an internal 2009 sheriff's office memo surfaced that questioned Bates' qualifications. Bates also was a close friend of then-Sheriff Stanley Glanz and had donated thousands of dollars in cash, vehicles and equipment to the sheriff's office.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court says the signatures are sufficient for a state question on whether to impose a 1 percent sales tax hike to fund $5,000 pay raises for teachers and other education spending.
The state's highest court issued the ruling Wednesday on the initiative petition being led by University of Oklahoma President David Boren, a former Democratic Oklahoma governor and U.S. senator.
Boren, who has led the state's flagship university for more than two decades, has been a vocal critic of the Legislature's poor state funding for education.
The court recognized the group gathered more than 300,000 signatures, which is more than twice the amount needed to place the proposal on the ballot in November.
If approved, the one-cent sales tax is expected to generate about $615 million annually.
(KNZA)--Two additional candidates filed for positions on the Hiawatha City Commission before Wednesday’s filing deadline.
Kedrin Pyle filed for the position of Commissioner of Utilities. The position is currently held by Toni Hull who previously filed for re-election.
Becky Shamburg filed for the position of Commissioner of Streets and Parks. Shamburg joins Malachi Oswald in seeking the position currently held by Irv Schwalm who didn’t seek re-election.
Three positions will be up for election this fall.
Dustin Williams has filed for the position of Commissioner of Police. The position is currently held by John Sheeran who didn’t seek re-election.
(KAIR)--Atchison County goes tobacco free; and, in alignment with the federal government, includes electronic cigarettes in the resolution.
It was early last month that the Food and Drug Administration finalized a rule that extended it's authority to include all tobacco products. At that time, e-cigarettes became listed as a tobacco product, despite not all electronic cigarettes containing any tobacco-related substances.
According to Atchison County Commissioner Jeff Schuele, the County must comply with the federal regulations, which become effective in July, leading to the inclusion of the electronic devices.
The ban, approved Tuesday on a 3-0 vote, will include tobacco use at all county recreational facilities, including the Sports Complex, Memorial Hall, and the Atchison County Lake.
In effect immediately, the resolution carries no monetary penalty, but those who don't comply will be removed from the affected premises.
Schuele tells MSC News, “I did vote for this resolution. not to discourage tobacco users from using our facilities, but as a message to our youth, parents, and community that we as a county should have facilities that have clean air to breathe and grounds free of tobacco products.”
Falls City Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker wants to alert area residents that recent scam attempts have resurfaced. Phone calls and the mail are being utilized by the scammers.
If you receive a check in the mail, accompanied by a letter telling you to cash it for tax purposes on a prize you have won, this is a scam. The letter advises you to send a personal check, in the amount you received, to pay taxes on the prize you have won.
Assistant Chief Baker says, if you cash the check and then send the money to the directed address, you will be out the money you sent. The check you were sent will not be good.
The scammers are also calling area residents and attempting them to send in cash to pay the taxes on a prize they have won.
If you receive a check in the mail, you can call the Falls City Police Department seeking information or bring the check to the Police Department to have it checked out.
Legitimate prizes will not ask you to send in the money for taxes prior to the prize being awarded.
(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a recent residential burglary.
Sheriff Greg Riat says the sheriff’s office responded to a report of residential burglary in the 46-hundred block of Nature Avenue in rural Manhattan on May 23rd.
Riat says the suspect or suspects made entry into the home and removed several construction tools and pieces of equipment.
He says it’s believed the burglary happened sometime between Saturday, May 21st and Monday, May 23rd.
The loss was placed at more than $1,000.
Anyone with information on the crime is urged to contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353. Callers can remain anonymous.
(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, The Nebraska Department of Roads says work is scheduled to begin the week of June 13 on the Big Nemaha River bridge located on Highway 105 on the south edge of Humboldt.
A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, has the more than $999,277 contract. Work includes removing the existing deck and approach slabs and pouring a new concrete deck, bridge rail and approach slabs.
Beginning on June 13, Highway 105 will be closed and traffic will follow a marked detour.
The project is anticipated to be completed in the fall.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously through construction zones and watch for signs and detour routes.
(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, work is scheduled to begin the week of June 13 on the Big Nemaha River bridge on N-105 located on the south edge of Humboldt, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.
A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, has the $999,277 contract. Work includes removing the existing deck and approach slabs and pouring a new concrete deck, bridge rail and approach slabs.
Beginning on June 13, N-105 will be closed and traffic will follow a marked detour utilizing N-4 north and east of Humboldt, N-8 south and east of Humboldt, US-75 from the Jct. with N-8 to the Jct. with N-4, and N-105 north and south of the Big Nemaha River bridge. The project is anticipated to be completed in the fall.
The Nebraska Department of Roads manager for this project is Bill Jasa of Tecumseh.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously through construction zones and watch for signs and detour routes.
(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, work is scheduled to begin the week of June 13 on the Big Nemaha River bridge on N-105 located on the south edge of Humboldt, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.
A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, has the $999,277 contract. Work includes removing the existing deck and approach slabs and pouring a new concrete deck, bridge rail and approach slabs.
Beginning on June 13, N-105 will be closed and traffic will follow a marked detour utilizing N-4 north and east of Humboldt, N-8 south and east of Humboldt, US-75 from the Jct. with N-8 to the Jct. with N-4, and N-105 north and south of the Big Nemaha River bridge. The project is anticipated to be completed in the fall.
The Nebraska Department of Roads manager for this project is Bill Jasa of Tecumseh.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously through construction zones and watch for signs and detour routes.
(KLZA)-- Falls City Utilities will be flushing fire hydrants throughout the city over the next few weeks to flow test and remove any sediment built up in the water mains. This is scheduled to start on June 6, 2016.
Customers may experience a temporary brownish-red discoloration of their water during this flushing process. However, the Utility Department notes that this water discoloration does not pose any health threat and is safe to use.
Persons, who notice flushing in progress in their area, are advised not to use water for a short period of time until the flushing is complete, so as to not pull discolored water into their service piping. For those who do experience discoloration of water, the Water Department reminds then not to wash white clothes during this time since the brownish-red minerals will stain white cloth.
The Water Department apologizes for any inconvenience that this flushing process might cause for consumers. The process of flushing the system at the fire hydrants removes as much of the build-up as possible. If we no not flush the system, excessive iron and manganese build up over time and could lead to long-term problems such as clogging of lines and water fixtures. Your patience is appreciated.
The two men pictured here are suspects in the theft at Vance car dealership in Perry on May 26. The suspects stole tires and rims from vehicles on the lot overnight. The Perry Police Department is asking for assistance to identify these subjects.
The number for the Perry Police Department is (580) 366-4422, or you can call the Ponca City Police Department at (580) 767-0370 and officers will pass the information on to them.
(KNZA)--After several months of discussion, the Hiawatha City Commission has approved a new noise ordinance.
The ordinance, drafted by Police Chief John Defore, was approved by the Commission Tuesday evening.
Defore says it goes to a decibel-based system. The ordinance sets maximum decibel levels for certain time periods and areas.
He says his department has purchased a decibel meter at a cost of just over $500 to enforce the new ordinance.
The ordinance includes graduated fixed penalties, which range from $50 to $250.
It includes exemptions for such things as power tools, lawnmowers, and similar equipment.
The new ordinance was drafted after a local bar owner and a local resident voiced concerns.
City officials say the existing noise ordinance, which was based on a plainly audible standard, was too vague and hard to enforce.
Mayor Steffen Shamburg says he thinks the new ordinance is a good step forward in giving law enforcement a tool to be objective. He said it was created to be fair to as many people as possible and doesn’t cater to any one person or business.
The ordinance will take effect after its publication in the local newspaper.
(KNZA)--After several months of discussion, the Hiawatha City Commission has approved a new noise ordinance.
The ordinance, drafted by Police Chief John Defore, was approved by the Commission Tuesday evening.
Defore says it goes to a decibel-based system. The ordinance sets maximum decibel levels for specific time periods and areas.
The ordinance includes graduated fixed penalties, which range from $50 to $250.
It includes exemptions for such things as power tools, lawnmowers, and similar equipment.
Defore says his department has purchased a decibel meter at a cost of just over $500 to enforce the new ordinance.
The new ordinance was drafted after a local bar owner and a local resident voiced concerns.
City officials say the existing noise ordinance was too vague and hard to enforce.
Mayor Steffen Shamburg says he thinks it's a good step forward in giving law enforcement a tool to be objective. He said it was created to be fair to as many people as possible and doesn’t cater to any one person or business.
The ordinance will take effect after its publication in the local newspaper.
Pioneer Technology Center’s SHARE program recently recognized 29 graduates for the 2015-2016 school year.
SHARE stands for Sharing Hope and Redefining Education. The SHARE program opens doors to new futures for participating students. This unique program combines the academic with specific career and technology training.
Graduates pictured from left, third row, are Tyler Killman, Peyton Fowler, Dillon Newlin, Austin Evans, Landen Dyer, Trenton Newlin, Blake Day, George White Plume and Emily Batschelett, all of Ponca City
Second row, Savvanah King, Ponca City; Danielle Cloud, Jessalyn Politte and Brittney Summers all from Blackwell; Sierra Hanger, Mayra Navarro, Kailea Keelin, Brady Martin, Alexa Gurrola, Andrea Pitzer, Angie Howe and Beth Reeves, all from Ponca City.
First row, MiKala Moran, Blackwell; Halie Hutson, Kailey Feathers, Danielle Custer and Rick Burt all from Ponca City; Mykal Bowan of Blackwell and Kayla Jackson from Ponca City.
Not pictured is Collin Rinehart from Ponca City.
For more information on Pioneer Technology Center’s SHARE program, call (580) 718-4281.
Summer is here and many children are now home alone with Internet-capable devices.
The Oklahoma Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force wants parents to exercise caution when allowing children to use those devices. In 2015, nearly 1,000 instances of child sexual exploitation were reported to the OSBI through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cybertipline, with each case involving the use of computers, apps, chats, or social media. Parents are urged to consider the following tips:
Monitor your child’s usage of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, readers, web cams, and laptops, as well as their usage of apps, games, and social media accounts. Do not allow this usage to be private. Instead, children should use these in open areas of the home, such as the living room or kitchen.
Although strangers are a threat, oftentimes children are exploited by people they know. A large number of child pornography images are taken by the children themselves and sent to others they know or think they know.
Utilize device and software parental controls, as well as safety features available for your children’s devices and apps.
Parents are also encouraged to communicate openly about online activity with their children. Young people should be able to identify risky behavior and know what to do if something bad happens. It is important parents and guardians remain approachable about this topic – kids should never fear a parent’s reaction more than they fear the misbehavior and/or consequences of people online.
Ask your child:
Where do you spend most of your time online?
What is your favorite app or video game right now?
Who do you game or communicate with the most?
How do you decide who gets to follow or friend you?
What do you share, post, download, upload, and view?
Can I review your profile with you?
What would you do if you encounter behavior or communication that makes you uncomfortable?
If your child is the victim of sexual misconduct online or you observe this type of behavior, immediately report the incident to www.cybertipline.com, the OSBI, or local law enforcement.
On Tuesday, May 31 at 2:07 pm, officers were dispatched to 1601 N. Kansas at Ace Hardware for an injury accident. A 93 year old female was walking into Ace Hardware when a 72 year old male began to back out of his parking stall in a Toyota Tacoma pickup. The Toyota Tacoma struck the female as the male was backing up. Seward County EMS and Liberal Fire Department responded as well and observed the female had minor injuries from the accident. The female refused medical treatment at the scene.
