Amy Renee Leiker Portfolio Writing Amy Renee Leiker Website: http://amyreneeleiker.com Twitter: @amyreneeleiker E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 316-305-2505 Table of Contents

About Me

Portfolio Journalism Résumé Newspaper Clips: Feature Articles Newspaper Clips: News Articles

Writing Contact Information About Me

Since January 2011, I’ve dedicated a slice of my life each week to reporting, writing and learning the ropes (translation: how to trick the computer system into working) at The Wichita Eagle in Wichita, Kan., where I’m an intern. In that time, I’ve been inspired by a mom whose 5-year-old boy, by all rights, should have died at birth. I’ve watched another mother weep over the sweet, autistic son she lost in a drowning accident in 2010. I flew in a fully restored WWII B-24 bomber, and I’m terrified of heights.

I’ve reported from the scene of a murder-suicide; a stabbing among high school girls (the cops called it an ongoing feud); a rollover accident where a conscious semi driver jackknifed his truck to block traffic -- he saved the lives of two motorcyclists, a state trooper told me, who laid their bike down to avoid being crushed by a car.

Once, a thick-knee bird with an unnatural attraction to humans attacked my jeans at the Sedgwick County Zoo. I’ve sunk knee-deep in mud at a dried- up Butler County Lake. I’ve seen dogs tracking humans, a church service at Cheney Lake and a solider meet his 3-month-old son for the first time. I wrote stories about them all.

I am interested in working as a staff reporter for a news outlet. My passion is crime reporting, but I am versatile; I have experience writing features and general-interest articles. I believe I would be a solid fit for any news organiza- tion after working alongside the editors, staff and other reporters at The Wichita Eagle, Kansas’ largest newspaper. I take each story assignment seriously, regard- less of its subject, and strive to give readers accurate, error-free, concise and stimulating writing every time.

It’s time I work for you.

- Amy Renee Leiker Journalism Résumé

Amy Renee Leiker 335 W. 33rd St. S., Wichita, KS 67217 • 316-305-2505 • [email protected]

Education B.A. in Communication/Journalism. Wichita State University, Wichita, KS. May 2012. B.A. in Anthropology. Wichita State University. Wichita, KS. May 2012.

Work Experience April ‘11 – present Copy editor, Dr. Jens Kreinath, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS. • Review and edit scholarly anthropology papers prior to publication • Copyedited intro and title pages to The Anthropology of Islam Reader Jan. ‘11 – present Reporting intern, The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, KS. • Report on and write feature, hard news and crime articles • Host a reporter “shadow” (student) from Wichita State University Oct. ‘10 – present Writing tutor/copy editor, McNair Scholars Program, Wichita, KS. • Tutor 28 WSU undergraduates preparing for graduate studies • Copyedit annual program report, research journal, monthly newsletters, reports May ‘04 – March ‘05 Office assistant/fundraiser, The ALS Association, Wichita, KS. • Wrote for ALS newsletter called “The Dialog,” copyedited, fundraised Feb. ‘04 – Feb. ‘05 Beat reporter, The Ark Valley News, Valley Center, KS. • Covered Park City and city council beats, some high school sports Aug. ‘03 – May ‘04 Beat reporter, The Sunflower, Wichita, KS. • Covered Wichita State faculty and staff senates Dec. ‘98 – Oct. ‘01 Print journalist, The Times Sentinel Newspapers/West Side Story, Cheney, KS. May ’01 – Oct. ‘01 • Graphic design intern: build advertisements for newspaper May ’00 – Feb. ‘01 • Reporting intern: covered city council, wrote features Dec. ’98 – Oct. ‘01 • Sports/portrait photographer Dec. ’98 – July ‘01 • Darkroom technician: developed black/white 35mm film, printed photos

Other Relevant Work Experience Sept. ‘05 – Aug. ‘10 Typist, U.S. Postal Service Remote Encoding Center, Wichita, KS. • Processed mail with 97.5-percent accuracy and 11,000-plus keystrokes per hour Oct. ‘01 – Aug. ‘03 Office assistant/assistant manager, Lakeview Community, Wichita, KS.

Board/Professional Organization Student Memberships WSU Board of Student Publications Wichita Professional Communicators Kansas Professional Communicators National Federation of Press Women American Association of University Women

Academic Honors/Scholarships Oliver Elliott School of Communication Scholarship: Spring and Fall 2011, Spring 2012 Victor Murdock Scholarship in Journalism: 2000-2004, Fall 2011 American Association of University Women Scholarship: Fall 2011 Wichita Professional Communicators Scholarship: Spring 2011 Sports Daily/KFH Scholarship: Spring 2011 Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship

References Tom Shine, deputy editor/news Les Anderson, professor LaWanda Holt-Fields, director The Wichita Eagle Wichita State University WSU McNair Scholars Program 316-268-6268 316-978-6065 316-978-3139 Feature Articles Newspaper Clips Articles Feature TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS FRIDAY LOCAL&STATE JUNE 24, 2011 AREA NEWS Officials call Old Town fire arson IN BRIEF BY RICK PLUMLEE but the investigation is continuing. business around 2004, said Laurie response by units from two nearby The Wichita Eagle No one was in the building at 246 N. Johnson, president of Branson and stations and a fire wall helped pre- Vote on Six’s Emporia at the time of the fire, shortly Associates, a commercial real estate vent the fire from spreading to a Officials have ruled arson as the after 10 p.m. Wednesday. There were business. neighboring business to the north, nomination cause of Wednesday night’s fire at a no injuries. Damage was listed at She said Branson and Associates Crisp said. A parking lot is south of commercial building on North $30,000, including $20,000 for the leases the building from her mother’s the building. delayed again Emporia in Old Town. structure, according to fire investiga- estate and uses it mostly to store Fire officials are asking anyone “We can certainly say it was arson,” tors. paperwork. with information about the fire to call TOPEKA — The U.S. Senate Wichita Fire Marshal Brad Crisp said Sedgwick County lists the property “They’re saying it’s arson,” Johnson the Wichita Fire Department at 316- Judiciary Committee has delayed Thursday. “We’ll keep the exact cause as owned by Branson Construction said of fire investigators, “or a home- 337-9148 or Crime Stoppers at 316- a vote again on former Kansas of the fire close to the vest because Inc. with an appraised value of less person — up to mischief, I guess. 267-2111. Attorney General Steve Six’s there’s obviously some folks we need $63,400. That’s what they indicated to me.” nomination to a federal appeals to talk to first.” Branson Construction once operated Firefighters brought the fire under Reach Rick Plumlee at 316-268-6660 or court. No suspects have been identified, out of the building but went out of control in about 15 minutes. Quick [email protected]. Six’s nomination to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Denver, was on the committee’s agenda Thursday. But Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., announced it was being held over because some com- mittee members want more dis- cussion. Anti-abortion groups hope to derail the nomination of Six, a 1960s child refugees Democrat, over how criminal cases involving abortion providers were handled while he was attorney general. Kansas’ two senators, Republicans Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, have announced their opposition to his confirma- revisit Wichita home tion. Six was appointed attorney general in January 2008 when his predecessor resigned over a sex scandal. Six lost his race last Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle year to keep the office. This lion is one of nine animals from Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, N.D., that — Associated Press are staying at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Floods forced the animals’ relocation. Motorcycle rally to benefit American Red Cross The American Red Cross will Flooded host its annual Ride for the Red poker run and motorcycle rally on Saturday in Wichita. The fundraiser starts at 8 a.m. zoo sends at the Red Cross, 1900 E. Douglas, followed by a 100-mile scenic road trip. Bikers will have a chance to win a Las Vegas animals to vacation. Proceeds benefit the Red Cross chapter in Wichita. Registration is $20 from 8 a.m. Tanganyika to 4 p.m. today at the Red Cross office or online at www.wichi- BY SARAH RAJEWSKI tarideforthered.org. VIP registra- Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle The Wichita Eagle tion is $40. George Coba from Miami hugs a roommate from his days at If you go Registration is available the Mariana Boys Home. Cuban children arrived in Wichita as As a female lion sat in a pool at Saturday morning for an addi- refugees in the 1960s through the government’s Operation PETER PAN Tanganyika Wildlife Park on Thursday, tional $5 per person. Active mili- Peter Pan program. she splashed and chased her tail in a cir- tary ride for free. APPRECIATION EVENT cle. For more information, call BY AMY RENEE LEIKER ry ago toured their childhood What: The Operation Peter Pan Civic “Pretty girl, what are you doing? 316-219-4095. The Wichita Eagle home Thursday. Act of Appreciation event, where Playing in the water?” asked park owner Their visit to Mariana Boys Cuban refugees who came to Wichita Jim Fouts. — Amy Renee Leiker hough the Mariana Boys Home marks the start of a four- as children in the 1960s will thank the The lion arrived at Tanganyika in the Home now houses attor- day reunion celebrating the city of Wichita and Catholic Charities. first week of June with a group of animals Free shredding event neys and therapists, 50 50th anniversary of Operation More than 14,000 children fled Cuba from the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, planned for Saturday years ago there was a Peter Pan, a government-run between 1960 and 1962 and lived in N.D. The Souris River flows through the dinner bell hanging in program that helped more than U.S. foster homes with the help of the zoo, and officials feared the water would The Regent senior living com- the hallway. 14,000 children flee Cuba in the U.S. government and the Catholic come over the dike. munity, 2050 N. Webb Road, And George Mas found a way early 1960s. Church. Guest speakers will share sto- Three weeks later, Fouts said it doesn’t will host a document shredding toT eat even if it wasn’t ringing. “It’s amazing,” said Mas, 60, look like the animals are going home ries about their journey and lives in day from 9 a.m. to noon “We always could find a way hugging old friends. “I haven’t Wichita to help celebrate the 50th anytime soon. Water flooded over the Saturday. to get into the kitchen,” Mas seen some of these guys since anniversary of Operation Peter Pan. levees Wednesday as thousands of peo- Cintas Document Management said, pointing down the hall- 1961.” The ceremony is open to the public. ple evacuated their homes. will shred documents for free for way of the former orphanage. The Catholic-run orphanage When the animals arrived, Fouts said all who show up. There is no “Father hid the key from us called home by more than Where: Eberly Farm, 13111 W. 21st zoo officials were hoping the visit would limit on the amount people may so we couldn’t break in and 80 boys between 1961 and St. North, Wichita only last four to six weeks in a best-case bring. steal the food.” 1968 is now Carriage House When: 12:30 to 4 p.m. today scenario. Mas’ memory was just one of Office Park, 313 N. Seneca. How much: Free “As it stands now, they’re pretty much — Eagle staff many floating on laughter and Owner John Fitzthum and thinking that their season is gone,” Fouts heartfelt hugs as men and his tenants welcomed the For more information, call Lazaro San said. “You know it’s going to be well into Host families needed women who arrived in Wichita Martin at 316-640-3421 or George the fall before they’re cleaned up.” for foreign students as Cuban refugees a half-centu- Please see REFUGEES, Page 4B Mas at 386-445-0962. When Fouts received the panicked call from zoo officials who thought they had ASSE International Student 12 to 18 hours before the river flooded, Exchange Programs is looking he said the park wanted to do what it for area families to host boys and could to help the animals and the zoo. girls ages 15 to 18 from countries “They needed to find someone who around the world. could get there and especially move the Students have their own giraffes because that’s a difficult thing to spending money for personal do,” Fouts said. expenses in addition to health, The park transported three giraffes accident and liability insurance. from the zoo in a special trailer made to Students are selected for the carry them. The trailer rises to 17 feet as program based on academic per- the giraffes enter but lowers for the trip formance. Host families can so the trailer can pass under bridges. The choose students from a variety giraffes ride leaning slightly over, Fouts of backgrounds, countries and said. interests. Besides the giraffes, Tanganyika is To become a host family or to housing two lions, a Siberian tiger, a find out how to become Bengal tiger and two Amur leopards involved, call the ASSE Midwest from North Dakota. The zoo sent the Regional Office at 1-800-736- big cats to Kansas in boxes in an unspe- 1760. Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle Courtesy photo cialized trailer, Fouts said. The zoo Lazaro San Martin, Manuel Formoso and John Alfonso Segui — pictured in the left photo in 2011, and in the right photo in the 1960s — stand in front of the Mariana Boys Home, which now houses offices. — Eagle staff Please see TANGANYIKA, Page 4B

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Posted on Fri, Jun. 24, 2011 1960s child refugees revisit Wichita home BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

Though the Mariana Boys Home now houses attorneys and therapists, 50 years ago there was a dinner bell hanging in the hallway. And George Mas found a way to eat even if it wasn’t ringing. “We always could find a way to get into the kitchen,” Mas said, pointing down the hall- way of the former orphanage. “Father hid the key from us so we couldn’t break in and steal the food.” Mas’ memory was just one of many floating on laughter and heartfelt hugs as men and women who arrived in Wichita as Cuban refugees a half-century ago toured their childhood home Thursday. Their visit to Mariana Boys Home marks the start of a four-day reunion celebrating the 50th anniversary of Operation Peter Pan, a government-run program that helped more than 14,000 children flee Cuba in the early 1960s. “It’s amazing,” said Mas, 60, hugging old friends. “I haven’t seen some of these guys since 1961.” The Catholic-run orphanage called home by more than 80 boys between 1961 and 1968 is now Carriage House Office Park, 313 N. Seneca. Owner John Fitzthum and his tenants wel- comed the building’s former occupants. “The stories are just amazing,” Fitzthum said as dozens of Cuban-born former refugees now in their 60s stood in their old bedrooms. At the urging of parents who feared their children would be sent to the Soviet Union and China under Fidel Castro’s rule, the CIA and the Catholic Welfare Bureau helped thousands of Cuban children find foster homes in the U.S. between December 1960 and October 1962. The project, dubbed Operacion Pedro Pan in Cuba, is the largest relocation of unac- companied minors to date, said former Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans, also a refugee under the program. “It was very clandestine. A very quiet, quiet thing,” Mas said. Now a certified public accountant living in Ormond Beach, Fla., Mas remembers the journey to Wichita well. On Aug. 2, 1961, Mas arrived in Miami, the entry point in the U.S. for all Peter Pan children. He was 10 and called Jorge — his birth name — back then. His brother, Juan “John” Mas, was 12. For 28 days, Mas and his brother lived at a camp in Miami with hundreds of other chil- dren in an old building. A group of seven children, Mas remembers, eventually relocated to Wichita. Waiting in the Midwest was a Catholic priest named Robert Kocour, a house, and 15 other boys with similar stories. Others came and left, going to foster homes in the Wichita area. “Kids came for a few years, or a few months, or a few days,” Mas said. “It was like having a different set of brothers every once in a while.” He was told to wait for his parents to emigrate to the U.S. In the meantime, Mas “raided the kitchen.” He played basketball on a patch of pavement in the parking lot and football on grass now sandwiched between Carriage House and a Braum’s Ice Cream store. He graduated from Bishop Carroll High School; married Mary Beth Blick, a girl from an Andale farm where he worked one summer; and started accounting classes at Wichita State University. His mother wrote every six months from Cuba, but said she couldn’t leave Mas’ father, a political prisoner who had been jailed and charged with assisting the CIA after the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. It wasn’t until 1971 that Mas and his brother were reunited with their parents and a younger brother who was 2 when Mas left Cuba. “I’m thankful for my parents for doing that for us,” said Mas, who has no plans to return his birth country. “This is... the best thing that could’ve happened to all of these kids.” Wichita, not Cuba, he said, “is my hometown.”

© 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS FRIDAY LOCAL&STATE SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF Man faces charges in 11 crimes BY STAN FINGER and attempted His bond was set at $250,000, before 8 a.m. Public forums The Wichita Eagle aggravated robbery. and his preliminary hearing was set The student immediately went to He also is accused for Oct. 13. the principal’s office and reported coming up on Darrius Shugart was charged of aggravated bur- Shugart, who police say is a docu- what had happened, and school offi- Thursday with 11 crimes in connec- glary, aggravated mented gang member, is accused of cials notified authorities. water rate hike tion with a series of incidents, includ- assault, criminal abducting a Robinson Middle School Shugart is accused of driving to The public can learn more ing, police say, the abduction of a 13- discharge of a student at gunpoint as the boy was west Wichita that morning and about proposed Wichita water year-old boy at gunpoint as he firearm, aggravated walking along Oliver between Elm committing a series of crimes — rate increases during meetings walked to school. robbery, theft, crimi- and Central at about 7:20 a.m. attempting to rob an acquaintance Saturday and Monday. Shugart, 20, was charged in nal damage to prop- Shugart Tuesday. Police said Shugart drove at Mount Carmel Village apartments The city’s Water Utilities Sedgwick County District Count erty and criminal around for about half an hour before Advisory Committee recom- with two counts each of kidnapping possession of a firearm. dropping the boy off at Robinson just Please see CHARGES, Page 3B mends that all customers’ rates be raised 5.9 percent for next year. City staff recommends increasing residential customer rates for water and sewer ser- vice combined by 2.6 to 3.9 per- Abortion cent depending on use, with an 8.2 to 8.3 percent increase for businesses. Residential cus- tomers now subsidize commer- insurance cial water users. Meetings Saturday are: „ District 1 Breakfast, 8 a.m., law to stay All Occasions, 4940 E. 21st St. „ District 2 Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Regent Senior Living Residence, 2050 N. Webb Road. in effect Meetings Monday are: „ District 1 Advisory Board , BY BRAD COOPER 6:30 p.m., Atwater, 2755 E. 19th Kansas City Star St. „ District 4 Advisory Board, A new Kansas law restricting 6:30 p.m., Alford Branch Library, insurance coverage for elective 3447 S. Meridian. abortions will remain in effect „ District 5 Advisory Board, while a court challenge proceeds. 6:30 p.m., Fire Station No. 21, A federal judge on Thursday 135th West and 21st streets denied a request by the American „ District 6 Advisory Board, Civil Liberties Union to temporarily 6:30 p.m., Evergreen, 2700 N. block the law, which was passed Woodland by the Kansas Legislature this year. Ruling in Wichita, U.S. Senior — Eagle staff District Judge Wesley Brown found that the ACLU failed to prove that Fort Riley soldier killed the Legislature’s primary motive in Afghanistan Photos by Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle was to create obstacles for women Chance Armstrong — appearing with members of the Northwest High School dance team Thursday at Ace seeking an abortion. FORT RILEY — A Fort Riley Hardware on East Harry — says signing autographs is hard work. “Oh, yeah, I practiced a lot,” Chance says. The law bans private insurers soldier from California has died from providing elective abortion in southern Afghanistan from coverage in Kansas unless the proce- injuries sustained from an dure is necessary to save the moth- improvised explosive device. er’s life. The bill allows coverage for Spc. Garrett Fant, 21, of abortion, but women have to buy a American Canyon, Calif., was separate rider for additional cost. on patrol in southern “On its face, the act does nothing Afghanistan’s Kandahar AT 5, CHANCE to directly prohibit or restrict a Province on Monday when the woman from obtaining an abor- device exploded. tion,” Brown wrote in his 19-page He was assigned to the 4th opinion. Squadron, 4th Cavalry “Whether the practical effect of Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade the law is to create a substantial Combat Team, 1st Infantry obstacle is another question, but Division. He joined the Army in DEFYING ODDS plaintiff has not attempted in this March 2009. motion to put on evidence to estab- lish such an effect.” — Eagle staff Boy among 50 Miracle The case will continue, although the judge concluded that the State health leaders host Network Champions ACLU failed to show it would prob- Twitter chat on flu today ably prevail on the merits of its case. Brown’s decision was one of two TOPEKA — Kansas health offi- BY AMY RENEE LEIKER developments Thursday in the cials have scheduled a discussion The Wichita Eagle legal battles being waged over new on Twitter today to answer ques- Kansas abortion laws. tions about the flu, vaccinations hance Armstrong is a typical kid: “girl and steps that can be taken to crazy,” his mom says, with a cat named No intervention in prevent getting sick. Bird, a Kool-Aid mustache and a love of suit over clinic rules Residents can participate in the not-so-scary dinosaurs. hourlong discussion by visiting Five years ago, doctors warned his In a lawsuit challenging new www.twitter.com and following mother, Lainie Armstrong, that her son licensing rules for abortion clinics, a @KDHE using the hash tag might never see, talk or walk. But Chance defied the Chance Armstrong arrives for his send-off celebration federal judge in Kansas City, Kan., #KSflu. Codds, proving he’s a fighter and a survivor. said an out-of-state group of physi- C Thursday. As Kansas champion, he will be traveling to “As you can see, the doctors were a little off on every Children’s Miracle Network events next month. cians opposed to abortion couldn’t — Associated Press account,” Lainie Armstrong announced to a small intervene in that case as defendants. crowd, who gathered Thursday to send 5-year-old U.S. District Judge Carlos Teen issues summit set Chance off on his latest adventure: a trip to Disney Murguia said the American for Saturday at church World and Washington, D.C., in mid-October. MORE ONLINE Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians Chance and 50 others across the country who were For more information on the Children’s Miracle Network and Gynecologists had an interest in A series of free workshops named Children’s Miracle Network Champions will tell Hospitals Champions program, go to www. the case that was too remote and empowering area youth to cope childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/About/Champions. speculative. with teen violence, relationships Please see CHANCE, Page 8B and school will be held Saturday Please see ABORTION, Page 3B in Wichita. The African American Coalition all-day Teen Summit starts at 9:30 a.m. at Champion Church, 1152 N. Oliver. It will feature music, sessions led by teenagers, Sister Regan led fundraising for clinic and a talk by Manny Thompson, a Wichita State University student, BY HURST LAVIANA short illness. She was 87 and was “I’m not going to say everybody boxer and model. Events wrap up The Wichita Eagle OBITUARY active at the clinic until the week loved her, but I think just about at 3:30 p.m. before her death. Services were held everybody did. She was a lady before It is open to teens ages 12 to 18 Sister Kathleen Regan was a lifeline Marlene Dreiling, Thursday at Wichita’s Blessed her time.” and their parents. Breakfast and for the Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita. executive director of Sacrament Church. Sister Regan was born in lunch will be provided at no cost. As the director of stewardship and the clinic. “It didn’t Sister Regan was a natural fit for the Independence and served for 25 years For more information, contact development, she led fundraising make any difference clinic, according to her cousin, June as a teacher and principal in Catholic Emile McGill at 316-519-9953 or efforts for the clinic, which offers if you gave a dollar Regan. elementary schools in Wichita, Dodge Melody McCray-Miller at 316- health care for people in need. or $10,000, every- “She just had a way about her,” June City and Kansas City, Kan. 734-1876. “Her most important goal in life was body got a thank Regan Regan said. “She wouldn’t come out In the mid-1970s, Sister Regan to make sure that everybody who gave you.” and ask you for money, but you would — Amy Renee Leiker something got a thank you,” said Sister Regan died Tuesday after a hand it to her. Please see REGAN, Page 3B

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Posted on Fri, Sep. 30, 2011 At 5, Chance Armstrong defying odds BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

Chance Armstrong is a typical kid: “girl crazy,” his mom says, with a cat named Bird, a Kool-Aid mustache and a love of not-so-scary dinosaurs. Five years ago, doctors warned his mother, Lainie Armstrong, that her son might never see, talk or walk. But Chance defied the odds, proving he’s a fighter and a survivor. “As you can see, the doctors were a little off on every account,” Lainie Arm- strong announced to a small crowd, who gathered Thursday to send 5-year-old Chance off on his latest adventure: a trip to Disney World and Washington, D.C., in mid- October. Chance and 50 others across the country who were named Children’s Mir- acle Network Champions will tell sponsors, state legislators and the president how the organization has helped their recoveries. “We’ve encountered a lot of wonderful doctors and therapists... who’ve wanted to help him,” said Armstrong, 41, an Andover resident. “I have the utmost respect for the people who have been on this journey.” The weeklong trip is sponsored in part by Children’s Miracle Network Hos- pitals and Ace Hardware. Ace Hardware has raised $49 million for the Champions program since 1991, said Ron Long, general manager of the East Harry store, where Chance’s send- off was held. Jill Bosley, director of development for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Via Christi, said the local chapter serves 50,000 sick and injured Kansas children each year. Chance — three months premature at birth — weighed 1 ounce shy of 2 pounds. The newborn didn’t breathe for more than nine minutes, Armstrong said. Doctors told her to prepare for the worst: blindness, deafness and mental disability. When her insurance company refused to pay for nontraditional therapy to help Chance learn, Children’s Miracle Network stepped up. To date, the organiza- tion has paid about $14,000 for Chance’s weekly horseback-riding therapy. Chance started the therapy at age 2, before he could sit up unassisted. “It’s been a godsend,” Armstrong said. “It has made big, big, big changes in his life.” Over the past four years, Chance learned to walk, talk and write his name — though he’ll tell you signing autographs is hard work. “Oh, yeah, I practiced a lot,” Chance said, grinning while he wielded a mark- er. He carefully scrawled his name across a few dozen photos at Thursday’s party. In Children’s Miracle Network circles, Chance is a celebrity. To his mom, her son is an inspiration. “I get to hang out with my hero every single day,” Armstrong said. “I tuck my hero into bed every night. Not many people can say that they have breakfast every morning with their hero.”

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kan- sas.com

Read more: http://www.kansas.com/2011/09/30/v-print/2039192/at-5-chance-defy- ing-odds.html#ixzz1ZalnnC7H

Hit No. 5 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on Sept. 30, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] SATURDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE OCTOBER 1, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF State revenue tops Man gets 11 years in deadly fight projections for sixth BY RON SYLVESTER Warren Wilbert followed the plea the gun that killed Barnes, is serving cocaine and called Barnes, who did consecutive month The Wichita Eagle agreement Friday in sentencing a 19-year sentence after pleading not have cocaine and was trying to Trout to 138 months. Trout pleaded guilty to second-degree uninten- get off drugs, his family said. Barnes TOPEKA — Kansas collected more Jeremy Trout received more than guilty a year ago to second-degree tional murder. Mike Reed is facing hung up on Mike Reed. The two taxes than anticipated for the sixth 11 years in prison for his involve- reckless murder. life in prison after a jury convicted brothers became upset and went month in a row in September, taking ment in a fight that ended in a Trout, who testified last month in him of first-degree felony murder. with Trout to confront Barnes at his in $27æmillion more than projected. man’s death following a bachelor the trial of Mike Reed, will probably According to witnesses in the apartment, where he suffered a shot The state Department of Revenue party. receive less prison time than two case: to the abdomen during a scuffle issued preliminary figures Friday Trout, 22, admitted that he’d brothers also convicted in the Robert Reed was supposed to be with the three men. He later died showing that Kansas received been involved in an argument in killing. Witnesses said he also had a married the next day. He, his older from his wounds. $562 million in tax revenue for the May 2009 that ended in one of his less significant role in Barnes’ brother Mike and Trout went out Trout had admitted he was month. The expected amount was friends shooting Vincent Barnes, 33. death. drinking to celebrate. During the involved in the argument and fight $535æmillion, about 5 percent less. Sedgwick County District Judge Robert Reed, who admitted firing night, Mike Reed wanted to buy leading up to the shooting. The department also said tax col- lections since July 1, when the cur- rent fiscal year began, were about $66æmillion ahead of expectations, also about 5 percent. Total collec- tions were about $1.4æbillion. CRASH SURVIVOR TO RUN IN WIFE’S HONOR In September, individual income tax collections, at $275æmillion, were about $15æmillion, or 6 per- cent, higher than anticipated. Corporate income and sales tax col- lections also exceeded expectations.

— Associated Press Wichita State to remember 1970 plane crash Sunday Wichita State University will host the annual remembrance Sunday of the 31 football players, administrators and supporters killed in a Colorado plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970. A wreath will be placed during a ceremony at 9 a.m. at Memorial ’70, located on Alumni Drive near 18th and Hillside. The ceremony is open to the public.

— Eagle staff Police say drug deal led to serious neck injury A 41-year-old man was hospital- ized with a serious neck wound Thursday night after his attempted drug deal didn’t go the way he planned, police said. The man told police he agreed to meet an acquaintance at about 9:40 p.m. to complete a drug deal in a parking lot in the 7300 block of West Newell, southwest of Central and Ridge, Lt. Doug Nolte said. The acquaintance decided he want- Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle ed the man’s money without surren- Jared Estes jogs around Hartman Arena on Thursday. On Oct. 9, Estes will participate in the Paige Estes Memorial Fun Walk and Run, named in dering the drugs, and a fight broke honor of his late wife, killed in a 2005 crash that left him severely burned. Proceeds from the run will aid Via Christi Regional Burn Center. out. Three other men with the acquaintance became involved, and the victim suffered a serious cut on his neck that began to bleed profusely. The four men left, and emergency service personnel took the victim to a local hospital. He is expected to survive.

— Stan Finger Race to help burn victims Wichita offers free taste BY AMY RENEE LEIKER It’s the sort of event Paige — nicknamed Smiles of Zumba classes The Wichita Eagle — would have enjoyed, Estes said. “With Paige being such a positive person and The Wichita Park and Recreation fter more than 50 surgeries, Jared Estes says with this being such a positive event .æ.æ. everything Department offers a free workout he’s in good shape. Now the surgeries are just fit together perfectly.” from 10:30 a.m. to noon today at its optional. Proceeds from the Paige Estes Memorial Fun Zumba Party in the Park at Central The Wichita resident always wears a sleeve Run and Walk will benefit the Via Christi Regional Riverside Park, 720 Nims. and glove to protect the thin skin doctors Burn Center, where Estes spent five months in in- Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance- grafted onto his right arm and hand after a patient care after the accident. fitness program. car crash that killed his wife and burned 50 per- Estes said he fell in love with Paige the night she The department’s fall Zumba class- centA of his body. announced the winner of the Bucklin High School es start Oct. 17. To find a class, pick Estes, 32, hopes that by December, his hair will homecoming king and read the wrong name. up the Fall Activities Guide at Dillons be nearly filled in. Right now, he tucks the shaggy Estes, a senior, actually won the crown. He drove stores or visit www.wichita.gov. brown locks beneath a hat, even when he runs. around Bucklin later that night explaining to Paige, “I’ll be out of hats for the first time in seven a junior, that her flub didn’t matter. — Eagle staff years,” Estes said, laughing. “It’ll be crazy to feel “I always swear that I fell in love with her right the sun on my head.” there,” Estes said. “After that, we were pretty much Newman coach will speak Estes says running was an integral part of the inseparable.” about severe depression years he’s spent recovering — and one of the rea- He hid her engagement ring in a packet of straw- Courtesy photo sons the foundation Estes founded to remember berry Fun Dip candy and proposed to her on Newman University men’s basket- Paige Estes, Jared Estes’ wife, was killed his late wife, Paige Estes, is sponsoring the second Myrtle Beach. And he started training to run his ball coach Mark Potter will speak in 2005 when a drunk driver going 120 annual Fun Run and Walk at the Prairie Fire about his battle with severe depres- mph slammed into their car on Kellogg. Marathon, held Oct. 8 and 9 in Wichita. Please see ESTES, Page 5B sion during a candlelight ceremony Sunday as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week. The free event starts at 6:30 p.m. in Newman’s Dugan Library. The National Alliance on Mental Gas odor originated at Illness-Wichita and other organiza- Woofstock fundraiser today tions hope the event will help reduce stigma and educate people about mental illnesses, including north Wichita business major depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and for dogs and their people BY HURST LAVIANA schizophrenia. The Wichita Eagle Potter suffered a severe depres- BY DIANE McCARTNEY sion episode in 2005, which made The Wichita Eagle A strong gas odor that settled over the area him unable to function in his job. If you go Thursday night has been traced to a north Wichita He overcame his depression Even people who don’t love dogs can have business that recycles used motor oil. through support from family and fun at Woofstock — with live music, shopping, WOOFSTOCK Emergency dispatchers said the smell, which professional help. food, contests and the opportunity to raise What: Fundraiser for the Kansas Humane came from the Universal Lubricants plant at One in four adults experiences a money for a good cause while spending a day Society 2824 N. Ohio, generated dozens of calls from mental health problem in any given at the park. Where: Sedgwick County Park, 6300 W. downtown Wichita to as far south as Derby and year, NAMI said. One in 17 lives But if you’re a “dog person,” Woofstock, the 13th St. Haysville. with serious, chronic brain disease. Kansas Humane Society’s largest annual When: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today Dispatchers said firefighters initially thought the fundraiser, is a must-attend event, whether How much: $5 (free for ages 12 and under); odor was coming from a lubricant company near — Ron Sylvester you bring your pet or just marvel at the thou- $25 VIP registration includes a T-shirt and downtown Wichita. sands of other dogs. prize pack Wichita Fire Department Division Chief Tammy “How many times do you get to see a little For information: Visit www.kshumane.org or Snow said investigators later learned that the odor tiny Chihuahua next to a big Great Dane?” said call 316-524-9196. was released when workers at Universal Lubricants Melissa Houston, communications specialist began a twice-a-year cleaning process. for KHS. “Last night, for some reason, the process wasn’t Woofstock started in 1997 as a “celebration quite as effective as it usually is,” she said Friday. of peace, love and pets” that drew about 600 retrieval, Paws and Play Kids Zone, Canine Snow said the odor, which some said resembled people and their dogs to Riverside Park. Good Citizenship testing, Ruff Races — to find burning rubber, wasn’t hazardous. It has grown larger each year and moved to “the fastest four feet in Wichita” — and the “It’s not an irritant,” she said. “It’s not harmful in RON SYLVESTER Sedgwick County Park in 2003, where it will 1.5-mile Woof, Walk and Wag walk, which any way. It’s just an annoying smell.” KEEPING THE PLAINS take place today from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. About kicks off Woofstock at 9:30 a.m. 17,000 people and 5,000 dogs are expected. Reach Hurst Laviana at 316-268-6499 or . . . will return Popular activities returning include water Please see WOOFSTOCK, Page 2B [email protected]. Feature Articles

Posted on Sat, Oct. 01, 2011 Crash survivor to run in late wife’s honor BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

After more than 50 surgeries, Jared Estes says he’s in good shape. Now the surgeries are optional. The Wichita resident always wears a sleeve and glove to protect the thin skin doctors grafted onto his right arm and hand after a car crash that killed his wife and burned 50 percent of his body. Estes, 32, hopes that by December, his hair will be nearly filled in. Right now, he tucks the shaggy brown locks beneath a hat, even when he runs. “I’ll be out of hats for the first time in seven years,” Estes said, laughing. “It’ll be crazy to feel the sun on my head.” Estes says running was an integral part of the years he’s spent recovering — and one of the reasons the foundation Estes founded to remember his late wife, Paige Estes, is spon- soring the second annual Fun Run and Walk at the Prairie Fire Marathon, held Oct. 8 and 9 in Wichita. It’s the sort of event Paige — nicknamed Smiles — would have enjoyed, Estes said. “With Paige being such a positive person and with this being such a positive event ... everything just fit together perfectly.” Proceeds from the Paige Estes Memorial Fun Run and Walk will benefit the Via Christi Regional Burn Center, where Estes spent five months in in-patient care after the -ac cident. Estes said he fell in love with Paige the night she announced the winner of the Bucklin High School homecoming king and read the wrong name. Estes, a senior, actually won the crown. He drove around Bucklin later that night explaining to Paige, a junior, that her flub didn’t matter. “I always swear that I fell in love with her right there,” Estes said. “After that, we were pretty much inseparable.” He hid her engagement ring in a packet of strawberry Fun Dip candy and proposed to her on Myrtle Beach. And he started training to run his first marathon, to be held in April 2005 in Kanopolis. Six months after their September 2004 wedding, a drunk driver speeding in excess of 120 mph slammed his Porsche into the back of the Esteses’ Toyota on Kellogg near West Street. The Esteses’ car smashed into a retaining wall and burst into flames. Paige, 23, died at the scene. “It was just this feeling like somebody scooped out your insides,” said Estes, who heard the news of his wife’s death after waking from a medically induced coma more than a week after her funeral. “Like this really hollow feeling knowing that the one voice that could make everything OK is the one voice you’ll never hear again.” Estes began a remarkable physical recovery, thanks to nurses and a Via Christi oc- cupational therapist named Mike Reynolds — nicknamed MacGyver for his creativity in rigging devices to help Estes regain use of his atrophied body. When he met Reynolds, Estes said he “couldn’t even pick up a Cheerio.” His legs “just crumbled” the first time nurses made him walk. A little more than a year after the car accident, the pair ran a race at the Kanopolis marathon. “If you know Jared at all, you realize he’s not normal in a lot of ways,” Reynolds said. “Patients have two decisions: recover or lie around in self-pity. ... Jared always set up chal- lenges for himself so he could achieve more and more.” On Oct. 9, Estes will join participants in the Paige Estes Memorial Fun Walk and Run instead of running another marathon. Estes says the sponsorship is his way of hon- oring his late wife, paying back Via Christi staff and ensuring other burn victims have a second chance at life. “It’s neat to get out there and watch people helping people,” Estes said. “In the end, that’s what life is all about.”

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com

Hit No. 2 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on Oct. 1, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected]

WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS FRIDAY LOCAL&STATE SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 Man found dead was bank executive BY STAN FINGER a.m. Wednesday in the front room of Landwehr said. said. Police have no reason to sus- Based in Manhattan, the bank has a The Wichita Eagle his house in the 2500 block of North There was no sign of forced entry, pect McGuigan’s son in the shooting, branch at 1424 S. Maize Road. Woodridge, Lt. Ken Landwehr said. no sign of struggle and no indication Landwehr said. An autopsy was conducted Police have no suspects and no McGuigan was a senior vice presi- any property or valuables had been McGuigan’s last confirmed contact Thursday, Landwehr said. clear motive in the killing of a bank dent at Kansas State Bank, and when taken, he said. was a telephone conversation with This is the 20th homicide of the executive in his northeast Wichita he didn’t show up for work, co-work- “It does not appear to be a random his son at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. year in Wichita. house, authorities said Thursday. ers called his son to check on his wel- act,” Landwehr said. He was divorced, Landwehr said. Timothy McGuigan, 61, was found fare. McGuigan’s son found him Detectives have interviewed family McGuigan had been with Kansas Reach Stan Finger at 316-268-6437 or shot to death shortly before 10:30 when he went to check on him, members and some neighbors, he State Bank for more than three years. [email protected]. VETERAN’S HOUSE A 9/11 MEMORIAL

Mike Hutmacher/File photo The men who entered pleas Thursday to deer poaching-related charges were clients of Camp Lone Star, a hunting service in Comanche County. Twelve men enter pleas on charges of poaching

BY MICHAEL PEARCE The Wichita Eagle

Twelve men from Texas and Louisiana made pleas to deer poaching-related charges in U.S. District Court on Thursday. Five entered guilty pleas and received penalties of up to $15,000 in fines and restitution and three years suspension from hunting in the United States. Seven pleaded not guilty. Photos by Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle Pleading guilty to $5,000 in federal fines, $5,000 in John Arma Jr., above, sits on the porch of his Wichita home, decorated to restitution and three years’ loss of hunting, fishing and commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. His motorcycle, left, trapping privileges were Jerry Deville, 40, of Denham features an image of Christ and two angels huddled around a firefighter. Springs, La.; Michael Hearne, 37, of Monroe, La.; and Harry Wells, 53, of Denham Springs, La. BY AMY RENEE LEIKER Kyle Bush, 41, of Timpson, Texas, was sentenced to The Wichita Eagle three years probation, $5,000 in fines and $10,000 in INSIDE, 4B restitution. hirty-six American flags, A list of area events for the 10th Zach Belrose, 21, of Center, Texas, was sentenced to give or take a few, fly at anniversary of 9/11. $2,500 in fines, $2,500 in restitution and three years John Arma Jr.’s south probation. Wichita home. Entering not-guilty pleas He bleeds red, white and The flags will be on display through were James Donnan, 57, of blue. Always has, he said. next week at his home, 1006 S. Center, Texas; Arthur Game wardens Always will. Emporia. Clemons, 67, of Cushing, TT“There ain’t no flag that stands out “I just respect the work our military have confiscated Texas; James Jacobs, 41, of amongst any better than ours,” Arma is doing, the firemen and what they Shelbyville, Texas; Douglas more than 100 said, his accent thickened by his did at 9/11,” Arma said. “It’s to show Baker, 52, of Palestine, Texas; deer antlers or Brooklyn upbringing. respect for those that risk their lives Charles Sapp, 32, of Center, mounts. Up to “I’m just an American person. That’s every day to protect us.” Texas; Michael Scarber, 31, of all.” On Sept. 11, 2001, Arma was work- Center, Texas; and Bazil 60 clients could For years, Arma has decorated his ing at Wichita carnival-ride maker Moore, 30, also from Texas. eventually face south Wichita home with flags and Chance Industries. Like millions of All 12 faced charges of vio- other patriotic fare in honor of other Americans, Arma watched TV, lating the Lacey Act, a federal charges. Memorial Day and July 4. sick with grief and anger, as smoke crime of transporting illegally But this year the 68-year-old Air poured from the World Trade Center killed animals across state Force veteran scrawled “Never Forget towers and the buildings collapsed. lines. 9/11” across his front porch — in red, “I was sick. I wanted to puke,” Arma All 12 men were clients of Camp Lone Star, a deer white and blue lights as a silent, shin- said, remembering that morning. hunting service in Comanche County. ing tribute to the victims of the Sept. Dubbed Operation Cimarron, the multi-year inves- 11 terrorist attacks. Please see VETERAN, Page 4B tigation involved more than 5,000 man hours for game wardens from Kansas, Texas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. John Brooks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife special agent in charge of the ongoing case, said it’s probably the largest trophy deer poaching case in U.S. history. North High senior may face sex charges Game wardens have confiscated more than 100 deer antlers or mounts. Up to 60 clients could even- BY STAN FINGER room over the lunch hour parents, who called police. medical examination, according tually face charges. The Wichita Eagle on Tuesday, USD 259 spokes- Authorities then began an to a police document. Investigations found Camp Lone Star staff and woman Susan Arensman investigation, Reynolds said, Evidence in the case is expect- clients illegally shot deer out of season, shot them An 18-year-old North High said. and notified district officials that ed to be presented to the with rifles during archery season and shot them after student has been arrested on The suspect, a senior, was they would arrest the student at Sedgwick County District dark with the use of spotlights and night-vision suspicion of sex crimes commit- with a girl and “carried his North on Wednesday. Attorney’s Office today, Reynolds optics. Clients also put illegal permits on deer and ted at the school, police and actions further than the The suspect was booked on said. shot over the state-mandated limit of one buck per school district officials said victim was wanting,” said Lt. suspicion of rape and aggravat- year. Thursday. Randy Reynolds of the sex ed criminal sodomy. Reach Stan Finger at The incident that prompted crimes unit. The victim was taken to Via 316-268-6437 or Please see POACHING, Page 4B the arrest occurred in a class- That night the girl told her Christi Hospital on Harry for a [email protected].

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Posted on Fri, Sep. 09, 2011 Veteran’s house a 9/11 memorial BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

Thirty-six American flags, give or take a few, fly at John Arma Jr.’ s south Wichita home. He bleeds red, white and blue. Always has, he said. Always will. “There ain’t no flag that stands out amongst any better than ours,” Arma said, his accent thickened by his Brooklyn upbringing. “I’m just an American person. That’s all.” For years, Arma has decorated his south Wichita home with flags and other patriotic fare in honor of Memorial Day and July 4. But this year the 68-year-old Air Force veteran scrawled “Never Forget 9/11” across his front porch — in red, white and blue lights as a silent, shining trib- ute to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The flags will be on display through next week at his home, 1006 S. Empo- ria. “I just respect the work our military is doing, the firemen and what they did at 9/11,” Arma said. “It’s to show respect for those that risk their lives every day to protect us.” On Sept. 11, 2001, Arma was working at Wichita carnival-ride maker Chance Industries. Like millions of other Americans, Arma watched TV, sick with grief and anger, as smoke poured from the World Trade Center towers and the buildings collapsed. “I was sick. I wanted to puke,” Arma said, remembering that morning. That weekend, he painstakingly painted his front porch railing with red, white and blue stripes. This Sunday, while many Wichitans remember Sept. 11 at activities around town, Arma plans to watch football. He still can’t visit ground zero. “It’s hard for me,” said Arma, now retired. He looked away. “They put me on medication because every time I heard the national an- them ...” He paused and breathed deeply. “I still get upset. Doctor says it’s because I want to do something.” Perched on his front porch next to his 33-year-old son, John Arma III, the veteran thumbed through a photo album. He prefers to remember when the New York skyline was complete. “There’s the Twins right there,” Arma said, pointing to a photograph he snapped of the World Trade Center in 1990. That year Arma took his wife, Mar- cene, and children to visit his childhood home. In that same photo, his then 12-year-old son is grinning in front of the World Trade Center towers beneath a sculpture shaped like an “A” — for “Arma,” John Arma III joked. He smiled at his dad and the stones painted like Old Glory flanking the front walkway. “He’s made me a very patriotic person, just growing up and being beside him,” John Arma III said. “I hope I’m half the man he is.”

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www. kansas.com TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] FRIDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE OCTOBER 7, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF Algae pose risk to hunting dogs BY MICHAEL PEARCE any kind of bad odor don’t send your freely to watch for infected waters. Langer said algae often stick to a Haysville lake taken The Wichita Eagle dog into it,” said Tom Langer, Kansas Four dogs died in the summer after dog’s feet or coat and get into its diges- off algae warning list Bureau of Environmental Health contact with infected water at tive system when the dog cleans itself. Saturday’s opening of duck season director. Milford Reservoir. He thinks blue-green algae could be State officials have taken over much of central Kansas comes Toxins from blue-green algae can “They were just swimming, playing a problem until water temperatures Haysville’s Riggs Park Lake off the with a warning for those who hunt be fatal to most kinds of animals if and drinking along the shoreline,” drop into the 50- to 60-degree range. warning and advisory lists for high with dogs. Blue-green algae blooms ingested. Langer said dogs seem to be Langer said. Langer described this summer’s levels of toxic blue-green algae. can be dangerous. especially vulnerable. Langer fears dogs retrieving ducks heat, drought and calm weather as “a Recent samplings of the water “Pay special heed to what the water He’s also urging those who take could ingest contaminated water. Even showed the lake’s algae levels no looks like. If it’s green, slimy or has pets for walks or allow them to roam that’s not needed to create a problem. Please see ALGAE, Page 3B longer exceeded unsafe standards, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday. Riggs was placed on the warning list in July. The state maintains warning and advisory lists, with K-9 SEARCH TEAM TRAINING IN AUGUSTA warning being the most severe. Seven lakes in the state are on the most recent warning list: Santa Fe and Augusta lakes, Augusta; Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend; Harvey County West Lake; Milford Lake, Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties; Logan City Lake, Phillips County; and Warnock Lake, Atchison County. KDHE recommends people don’t drink the water, avoid swimming or wading, clean fish well and eat only the fillet portion and keep pets out of the water.

— Rick Plumlee Augusta invites anglers to help empty lake of fish Augusta is inviting anglers from Butler County to drop nets and lines in the city lake and take all the fish they can before it’s drained for con- struction work. There’s one catch — all fishing at Augusta City Lake must be done in boats. That’s because the state has issued a blue-green algae warning, meaning contact with the water can be a health hazard. The Augusta Gazette reports that only Augusta residents are normally allowed to put boats in the lake. But with the lake due to be drained next month for construction work, the City Council decided this week to allow residents of the rest of the county to fish for free as well. Augusta City Lake is regularly stocked with catfish, bass and other fish.

— Associated Press Winds close I-70 lanes Dogs learn to sniff in northwest Kansas COLBY — High winds and blow- ing dirt prompted Kansas officials to close about 55 miles of westbound Interstate 70 from Colby to the Colorado line for about two and a out missing people half hours Thursday afternoon. The westbound lanes were closed BY AMY RENEE LEIKER teaching dogs and around 3:30 p.m. Central time, with The Wichita Eagle KANSAS.COM their handlers the Kansas Department of from around the Transportation citing poor visibility Bones littered a trail leading into woods VIDEO country how to in Colorado. They were reopened along the eastern shore of Santa Fe Lake in Visit Kansas.com find missing peo- around 6 p.m. Augusta. To the untrained eye — or nose — to see a video of the ple during a Officials in Colorado closed a 12- they appeared human. Search K9 Training Search K-9 mile stretch of I-70 in both direc- Under the watchful eye of North Carolinian Seminar. Training Seminar tions from Burlington to the Kansas Edwin Grant, a black Labrador sped past. The held at Wheat line. dog’s keen sense of smell wasn’t tricked. Within State Camp, The National Weather Service minutes, the canine — a cadaver search dog — 11177 SW 87th reported non-thunderstorm wind pounced near a stone shelf and barked. St. in Augusta. gusts of 60 to 70 mph in northwest- Photos by Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle “Treat him a little closer to the scene,” Grant The three-day training event ends Saturday. ern Kansas on Thursday afternoon. TOP PHOTO: Julie Lancaster, center, runs with her yelled when the Labrador’s handler rewarded “The people that are attending the seminars dog Abby during an exercise at the Search K-9 her pet too quickly for his successful find. are all different levels of experience, from — Associated Press Training Seminar in Augusta. Lancaster is a The scene was all part of a series of intensive brand-new to very seasoned,” said Kelly member of the Sedgwick County Emergency training exercises offered to more than 40 Chandler of Wichita, one of five team officers Community health fair Management K9 Search Team. BOTTOM PHOTO: dogs and their handlers Thursday afternoon. set for Saturday Sheri Barret of Texas works with her dog Draco. Grant, one of three veteran instructors, is Please see TRAINING, Page 3B Wichita-area health care agencies and organizations will participate in a free community health fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Tabernacle Bible Church, 1817 N. Volutsia. Fire Department giving out 300 smoke alarms Among the services provided will be screenings for blood pressure, BY ROY WENZL homeowners who don’t have work- Residents are asked to call the cholesterol, diabetes and dental The Wichita Eagle ing alarms. Wichita Fire Prevention Division at issues, as well as HIV tests. MORE ONLINE “We encourage residents to call us 316-268-4441 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will also be able to learn With six Wichita residents killed in Go to Kansas.com to watch a and take advantage of this free ser- to schedule an appointment. more about breast health, nutrition, house fires so far this year, the video of a flashpoint fire demon- vice,” Blackwell said. “A working Firefighters also can test existing 2012 Medicare changes, CPR, fit- Wichita Fire Department has decided stration. smoke alarm significantly increases smoke alarms. ness and men’s health. to send more than fire trucks to head survival rates in a home fire by sur- To underscore how easy it is to get For more information, contact the off more tragedy. veying the air for smoke, 24 hours a killed in a fire, the department con- church office at 316-681-3954. Three fatal house fires this year Blackwell announced Thursday a day, seven days a week.” ducted a fire demonstration on involved dwellings that lacked smoke new program to hand out 300 free Firefighters will install smoke — Eagle staff alarms. As a result, Fire Chief Ronald smoke alarms and 500 batteries to alarms for free starting Oct. 17. Please see ALARMS, Page 3B

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Posted on Fri, Oct. 07, 2011 K-9 search team trains dogs to sniff out missing people BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

Bones littered a trail leading into woods along the eastern shore of Santa Fe Lake in Augusta. To the untrained eye — or nose — they appeared human. Under the watchful eye of North Carolinian Edwin Grant, a black Labrador sped past. The dog’s keen sense of smell wasn’t tricked. Within minutes, the canine — a cadaver search dog — pounced near a stone shelf and barked. “Treat him a little closer to the scene,” Grant yelled when the Labrador’s handler rewarded her pet too quickly for his successful find. The scene was all part of a series of intensive training exercises offered to more than 40 dogs and their handlers Thursday afternoon. Grant, one of three vet- eran instructors, is teaching dogs and their handlers from around the country how to find missing people during a Search K-9 Training Seminar held at Wheat State Camp, 11177 SW 87th St. in Augusta. The three-day training event ends Saturday. “The people that are attending the seminars are all different levels of expe- rience, from brand-new to very seasoned,” said Kelly Chandler of Wichita, one of five team officers heading up the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K-9 Search Team. The group, which is sponsoring the camp, provides search dogs for free to area law enforcement and fire rescue agencies when a person is missing. During the camp, the dogs will undergo rigorous training in three areas: trailing or tracking a person, searching for missing living people, and recovering human remains. “They work just like drug dogs.... These are just trained on humans,” Grant said, while a 10-year-old Labrador named Iva sniffed the cliffs along Santa Fe Lake. It’s Iva’s job to pick out human remains — a tooth, bone or blood-soaked scrap of gauze — hidden by Grant among a scattering of fish bones and debris. Other dogs worked Thursday to track living people hiding along the lake. For the dogs, the lake bed — dried up by this summer’s drought — is similar to searching through rubble for people after a disaster, Grant said. Iva’s owner — Lincoln, Neb., resident John Beck — is an independent han- dler, meaning that he and Iva search alone. He said the camp is “a little bit of prac- tice, a little bit of training to keep her head in the game” in case a call comes in to find a missing person. The 22 members of the Sedgwick County K-9 Search Team and their eigh- teen dogs are all volunteers, on call 365 days a year. The dog handlers and their pets train up to five hours each week, said Andover resident Scott Rolik, chief of the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K-9 Search Team. Breeds with long snouts and what Rolik, 53, calls a “hunt drive” make the best search dogs. “It’s taking their natural instincts and really putting them to work,” he said. His own pet, a 7-year-old basset hound named Shadrach, recently retired from hu- man remains detection. “But the coolest thing is when one of our team members actually... finds that (missing) person.” To learn more about the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K-9 Search Team, including information on how to join, visit www.scemk9.org.

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www. kansas.com

Hit No. 5 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on Oct. 7, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] WEDNESDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE JULY 13, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF BlackTop Nationals adds to show BY SARAH RAJEWSKI bit,’æ” he said. said executive director Melissa through Sunday. The Wichita Eagle People at the second annual Contrestano. Ford Motor Co. will sponsor the Marijuana-growing BlackTop Nationals car and motorcy- The show will stay open until 10 event again. Mike Durkin, Ford busi- When the BlackTop Nationals cle show Aug. 26-28 won’t have the p.m. on Saturday, too. BlackTop ness development specialist, said the operation found kicked off its inaugural show last same problem. The event will start at Nationals also features its Cruise company plans to bring 50 to 65 cars near Beaumont year, event organizers figured 11 noon Friday at Century II and last Night event in Park City from 7-9 p.m. next month. hours of events was enough for the until 10 p.m., creating a street-party that night. Durkin said the company hopes to BEAUMONT — Dozens of law first day. atmosphere as people enjoy Old Besides new hours, BlackTop capitalize on the success of last year’s enforcement officers investigated They started at 8 a.m. and ended at Town and the show, Nuckolls said. Nationals announced several other show. a marijuana-growing operation 7 p.m. But that left 15,000 people The show plans to hire a band and changes Tuesday. “This, by far, is our best fan engage- discovered Tuesday near the outside who wanted to come back in create a temporary district for those This year, people wanting to buy ment that we do where we can really Butler-Greenwood county line. and look at the show, said Rick who want to walk around and drink classic cars can go to the car corral in get down on the ground, talk to cus- Greenwood County Sheriff Nuckolls, president of BlackTop beer. The event had a beer garden last the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview tomers, get them inside cars, get their Rusty Bitler said a tip led authori- Nationals. year, but the new plans allow for peo- parking lot. opinions and their feedback,” he said. ties to the site near Beaumont. “We said, ‘OK, we’ve learned some- ple to walk in an area bordered by The Arizona Precision Motorcycle The Kansas Highway Patrol sent thing. We’ll change it around a little Waco, Main, Douglas and Waterman, Drill Team plans to perform Friday Please see BLACKTOP, Page 4B up a helicopter that helped spot pockets of plants from the air. Bitler said officers found culti- vated marijuana on several prop- erties along U.S. 400. No arrests City OKs were made, and authorities weren’t sure who owns the prop- History takes bike buffer erties. — Associated Press zone, ‘dead Three sought in robbery, flight as WWII shooting on North Harvard red’ law Wichita police were looking for three suspects in a robbery and BY BRENT D. WISTROM shooting early Tuesday. vintage planes The Wichita Eagle A 19-year-old man told police he was confronted by three Chris Neal/The Wichita Eagle Drivers beware: You could strangers just after midnight as he Dean Gallaway, 90, shares tales of flying a B-24 get a ticket if you pass a bicy- returned home in the 1500 block bomber during World War II with visitors at the clist too closely. of North Harvard, near 13th and visit Wichita 22nd annual Wings of Freedom Tour. A new law approved by the Hillside. legislature this year and adopt- The men forced him inside, and ed Tuesday by the Wichita City one held him at gunpoint while Council requires drivers to give the others searched for valuables, bicyclists at least 3 feet of including cash, jewelry and elec- buffer space when passing. tronics. Those who are convicted of At one point, Lt. Doug Nolte not doing so face a fine of up to said, the victim began grappling $500. with his captor for control of the The move is seen as a win by gun. The gun went off and the bicyclists who have had cars bullet hit the victim in the upper zip by them with only a few left thigh. The shooting spooked inches to spare. the intruders and they left, Nolte And it comes as the city has said. The victim told police they been trying to drove away in what appeared to make streets be a gold Chevy Suburban. and parks The move The victim drove himself to a more bicycle- is seen as local hospital, where he told a friendly by police officer what had happened. adding on- a win by street bike bicyclists — Stan Finger lanes and who have designing Fire that killed Utica boy some new had cars zip is ruled accidental streets to by them accommodate with only a UTICA — A house fire that off-street bike killed a 2-year-old boy Saturday paths. few inches night in Utica, about 50 miles The council to spare. southwest of Hays, has been ruled also adopted accidental. another new The State Fire Marshal’s Office state law that allows motorcy- said Tuesday the fire broke out in Chris Neal/The Wichita Eagle clists and bicyclists to ride a utility room of the family’s A flight engineer checks out the B-24J Liberator at Jabara Airport before taking visitors on a flight Tuesday. The through red lights when home. Firefighters found the bomber took 97,000 man-hours to restore and is part of a 110-city tour. they’ve already stopped for a body of Jason Boese in that room. reasonable amount of time and Investigators concluded the fire BY AMY RENEE LEIKER there’s no traffic. was not suspicious, but no other The Wichita Eagle It will be up to police officers details were released. and judges to decide what a Jason’s mother and her 5-year- Dean Gallaway had no time to reasonable amount of time is, old daughter were able to get out think. according to City Attorney of the house. The mother was More than 150 German planes, he Gary Rebenstorf. treated for burns at a Wichita hos- said, tailed his B-24J Liberator as the The new law is intended to pital. craft dropped below 300 feet. A loose keep motorcyclists from being friction latch was to blame. stranded at stoplights that — Associated Press On the ground ahead, two silos won’t change because the bikes approached fast. aren’t heavy enough to set off IRS offers free walk-in “There was sensors in the street that con- tax advice on Saturday planes on both trol the sequence of the signal. MORE ONLINE sides of me,” Cars will still have to wait for Area residents and small busi- Go to Gallaway said. “I the lights to change. nesses can get free face-to-face Kansas.com to was too low down The state laws on passing tax help this weekend in Wichita. view a photo to climb over Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle bicyclists and going through IRS employees will be available gallery and them. “Witchcraft,” a B-24J Liberator bomber, takes off from Jabara Airport for a red lights were effective July 1, to answer questions, discuss lia- video from the “That left me flight around Wichita. The plane will be available to see again today. but the city didn’t adopt the bilities and provide limited help Wings of one choice,” he laws until Tuesday. preparing tax forms to customers Freedom B-24 said. He tilted his flight crews and soldiers of World Collings Foundation, gives visitors the Mirroring state law allows from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at bomber flight. arms sharply, War II. chance to walk-through and fly in the the city to prosecute in munici- the Wichita IRS Taxpayer mimicking the Two planes are on display through fully restored World War II aircraft, pal court instead of District Assistance Center, 271 W. Third bomber’s wings. noon today at Jabara Airport — while hearing combat stories from Court. St. “I went through them.” “Witchcraft,” a B-24J Liberator men who flew the missions. Both new laws will be effec- Appointments are available on Of the “14 hundred and 92” war bomber that took 97,000 man-hours There’s no set roster of history tive this week. a walk-in basis. stories Gallaway said he could tell, to restore, and a red-nosed P-51 lessons, Collings Foundation pilot and Customers should bring a valid that one is his favorite. Mustang fighter plane called “Betty mechanic Jayson Owen said. The photo ID and Social Security card. For a short time Tuesday, Gallaway, Jane.” A B-17 that the group had local veterans on site are the story- MORE ONLINE For more information, call 316- 90, shared his war tales with visitors planned to bring to Wichita will not tellers. Learn the basics of Wichita’s 352-7401 and leave a message. at the 22nd annual Wings of Freedom appear because of engine problems. bicycle laws via a link on Tour, a traveling tribute honoring the The 110-city tour, sponsored by the Please see PLANES, Page 3B Kansas.com. — Amy Renee Leiker Artist reveals showpiece for Autumn & Art BY SARAH RAJEWSKI ing, titled “Persona,” features a the preview party, Wright said. The Wichita Eagle self-portrait of the artist. The food tent will move onto If you go Hillberry will join more than Wilson Estates Parkway so it Colorado artist J.D. Hillberry 90 artists at this year’s festival. does not block the view of the AUTUMN & ART FESTIVAL uses a technique in his art that Last year, the event featured lake from Bradley Fair Parkway. tricks the eyes and the mind into about 60 artists from around the Though many art shows fea- AT BRADLEY FAIR thinking his work is three-dimen- country. ture a certain artist, Autumn & What: Fine-arts show and sale sional. “We’re very excited about the Art couldn’t do so last year Where: Bradley Fair Parkway, the road The technique is called trompe quality of those artists and the because the festival was new and that runs behind Bradley Fair shopping l’oeil, which means “deceive the number of different kinds of art the staff didn’t have an artist to center at 21st and Rock eye” in French. that we will be able to show- select, Wright said. This year, a “That’s the point when it really case,” said Janet Wright, presi- group decided they would like to When: The event starts with a preview tends to intrigue people — the dent and CEO of Wichita showcase an original piece this party from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16. The fes- little fight you have between Festivals. year and chose Hillberry, who tival runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 what you see and what you Between 10,000 and 15,000 won the overall “Best in Show” at and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18. know,” he said. people attended the 2010 event. the 2010 festival. How much: Admission is free Sept. 17 Hillberry unveiled a piece of Patrons at this year’s event will Wright said festivalgoers will and 18. Tickets to the preview party cost Sarah Rajewski/The Wichita Eagle art Tuesday that he created for be allowed to take wine or beer have the chance to purchase $100 a person. J.D. Hillberry explains his work, titled the second annual Autumn & Art around with them as they look at Hillberry’s piece. For more information: Go to “Persona,” which he created for this year’s festival at Bradley Fair, sched- the art and listen to music. Last www.autumnandart.com. Autumn & Art festival. uled for Sept. 16-18. The draw- year, alcohol was only served at Please see AUTUMN, Page 3B Feature Articles

Posted on Tue, Jul. 12, 2011 History takes flight as WWII vintage planes visit Wichita BY Amy Renee Leiker The Wichita Eagle

Dean Gallaway had no time to think. More than 150 German planes, he said, tailed his B-24J Liberator as the craft dropped below 300 feet. A loose friction latch was to blame. On the ground ahead, two silos approached fast. “There was planes on both sides of me,” Gallaway said. “I was too low down to climb over them. “That left me one choice,” he said. He tilted his arms sharply, mimicking the bomber’s wings. “I went through them.” Of the “14 hundred and 92” war stories Gallaway said he could tell, that one is his favorite. For a short time Tuesday, Gallaway, 90, shared his war tales with visitors at the 22nd annual Wings of Freedom Tour, a traveling tribute honoring the flight crews and sol- diers of World War II. Two planes are on display through noon today at Jabara Airport —”Witchcraft,” a B-24J Liberator bomber that took 97,000 man-hours to restore, and a red-nosed P-51 Mustang fighter plane called “Betty Jane.” A B-17 that the group had planned to bring to Wichita will not appear because of engine problems. The 110-city tour, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, gives visitors the chance to walk-through and fly in the fully restored World War II aircraft, while hearing combat stories from men who flew the missions. There’s no set roster of history lessons, Collings Foundation pilot and mechanic Jayson Owen said. The local veterans on site are the storytellers. “This is the set and the props,” said Owen, motioning toward the B-24J Liberator he pilots. “The veterans come out and provide the history. They tell the stories.” Growing up, Larry Belew listened to his uncle’s war stories. He brought Gallaway from Pratt to ride the B-24J Liberator on Tuesday. “It’s pretty amazing to connect with history,” Belew said. “I’ve heard World War II stories growing up, but to actually see the aircraft of that era and to see the men from that era and the wives sitting around swapping pictures and stories made it seem very real.” But there’s a big difference between hearing tales and experiencing flight first-hand, Gallaway said. Since the end of his 18-month tour in the United States Army Air Corps in 1945, Gallaway has flown on old war planes twice. Once with a friend. And once on “Witchcraft.” As the only fully restored B-24J Liberator lifted off Tuesday morning at Jabara Air- port, Gallaway — forever a World War II bomber pilot — sang over the thundering engines and wind: “Into the air Army Air Corps, Into the air pilots true; Into the air Army Air Corps, Keep your nose up in the blue.” With a heavy latch and fabric strap buckled over his waist, the smooth vibration of the plane at liftoff reminded Gallaway of his 35 bombing missions and his 13-member crew. After 66 years, the feeling of flight hasn’t changed much, Gallaway said. The wind still rushed beneath his feet as he gazed at Wichita 2,500 feet below. After Owen gave passengers the OK to unbuckle, Gallaway stood behind the cock- pit, an image of patriotism. The other passengers explored the plane. In “Witchcraft,” Gallaway said he felt less freedom than in his own B-24J named “Wheels Only.” A red lever labeled “bomb pull” was out of reach instead of at his fingertips. The view ahead from his perch was less expansive than during World War II. But it’s still like reliving an old memory, he said, after the plane landed. “It was nice to see it and to feel it,” he said. “Very familiar feelings.”

© 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com News Articles Newspaper Clips Articles News TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] THURSDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE JUNE 30, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF 2nd clinic sues over abortion law BY BRAD COOPER Kansas City, Kan., accuses the state of way you can meet the requirements enforcing a provision in the state Wichita pools to be Kansas City Star demanding nearly overnight compli- in the absurdly short period of time budget cutting off the organization’s open on Fourth July ance with new rules that are costly you are given.” federal family-planning dollars. Calling the process a sham, a sec- and medically unnecessary. A spokeswoman for the state The organization filed suit Monday City swimming pools will be open ond abortion clinic went to court “The regulations are designed to Department of Health and challenging the provision. On Monday. Wednesday to block Kansas from have the providers fail. There’s a clas- Environment declined to comment Wednesday, it asked a federal judge The pools are usually closed on imposing new licensing rules on sic Catch-22,” said attorney Cheryl late Wednesday. in Wichita to issue a preliminary Mondays, but they’ll be open abortion providers. Pilate, who represents the clinic. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood of injunction blocking the provision. because it’s the Fourth of July, the Central Family Medical LLC, which “You can’t get a license if you don’t Kansas and Mid-Missouri has asked a city’s Park and Recreation runs the Aid for Women clinic in meet the requirements, but there’s no federal judge to keep Kansas from Please see CLINICS, Page 3B Department said. The city’s 11 pools will be open from 1:30 to 5 p.m. The College Hill pool will be open until 7 p.m. — Rick Plumlee IRS CHANGE SURPRISES SOME NONPROFITS SW Wichita standoff ends in man’s arrest A standoff with a man at Catherine and Kay, near Harry and Meridian, ended about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday after a SWAT team sent tear gas into his home and the man surrendered. Sedgwick County Sheriff Robert Hinshaw said sheriff’s officers took the man to Via Christi Hospital on Harry for treatment. He was to be taken to a care facility afterward for evaluation. Hinshaw said the standoff started at about 4 p.m. after two deputies tried to serve a civil court order to take the man in for an evaluation because he was thought to be a pos- sible threat to himself or others. The man, thought to be about 62, brandished a large stick and went inside the house, Hinshaw said. Authorities thought he may have had “edged weapons” inside, Hinshaw said.

— Tim Potter Missing McPherson teen found safe Jaymie Stieben, a McPherson teen reported missing since Sunday night, was found safe Tuesday evening in Salina. Stieben, 15, was given a ride to Salina by a male acquaintance, McPherson police Capt. Michael Terry said. “The person that took her should Photos by Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle have known better,” Terry said. Malik Rounds, 11, pushes the sled around as he trains with the Wichita Trojans youth football team this week at Fairmount Park. The “She just asked for a ride, and he organization, along with hundreds of others in Wichita and thousands nationally, lost its tax-exempt status due to a change inlaw. said, ‘Sure.’æ” No charges will be filed against the driver, Terry said. “We’re going to have the county attorney review possible runaway charges against her,” he said of Stieben. Groups lose tax exemptions The driver approached police after authorities announced the girl BY AMY RENEE LEIKER was missing, Terry said. The Wichita Eagle ONLINE RESOURCES — Stan Finger or the Wichita Trojans youth Go to Kansas.com to view the com- football team, fundraising is part plete list of Wichita area nonprofit Man arrested after of the lifeblood of the small, non- organizations stripped of their tax- teen shot in Wichita profit organization. exempt status. Donations buy equipment and A 15-year-old boy from Oklahoma help pay yearly enrollment fees was shot early Wednesday in north for some players. Wichita, police said. FThere’s no money left at the end of Trojans and a former coach. “At the end Lt. Doug Nolte said the boy was each season; no money to carry over to of the year, we’re broke. We’re back at a walking with three other teens the next. zero balance.” about 12:30 a.m. near 21st and So when Gino Pipkins found out that The team is one of more than 250 non- Arkansas when two men in a red his team’s tax-exempt status had been profits in Wichita that automatically lost Honda yelled something gang-relat- revoked by the IRS, making it impossible their tax exemptions this month after ed and flashed a gun at them. The for the team to accept tax-deductible they did not file required paperwork teens ran to the Evergreen Branch donations, he was shocked. with the IRS, making them ineligible to Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, and the Wichita Trojans coach Richard Clark works with some of the “It’s probably going to really hurt us men chased them into the parking youngest participants in the youth football program. financially,” said Pipkins, president of the Please see NONPROFIT, Page 8B lot, crashed the Honda into a curb and ran after the teens. One of the men, age 21, fired shots, striking the 15-year-old in the Jim Martinson, lower left hip, Nolte said. The men manager of the then ran off. Delano The victim was treated at a local community hospital and released. The other Thefts discourage garden, said teens were not hurt. several thefts Police found the 21-year-old hid- have occurred at ing in the 2500 block of North the garden. Arkansas. He was booked into jail Delano gardeners Sarah Rajewski/ on suspicion of aggravated battery, The Wichita Eagle aggravated assault with a firearm BY SARAH RAJEWSKI watering and weeding and putting all and driving under the influence. The Wichita Eagle their hard labor into it,” said KANSAS.COM/KTP The other man had not been found Martinson, the garden’s manager. Wednesday. With sunglasses propped on his That hard work is why it’s discour- Find out more head and a mug of icewater in his aging when people steal from the gar- about community _ Amy Renee Leiker hand, Jim Martinson braved the heat den, he said, which is what happened gardens in Wichita Wednesday to care for his plot in the sometime Sunday night or early through our Microburst leaves Delano community garden. Monday morning. Keeping the Plains family picking up “The gardeners that are here every column online. day or two, and they spend hours Please see GARDEN, Page 8B JETMORE — A southwest Kansas family is facing substantial repairs after their property was smashed by a weather phenomenon called a microburst. Larry Grady said the microburst County calls Valley Center service plan weak hit his property 10 miles west of Jetmore as a strong storm died BY DEB GRUVER which they heard from residents and the services we said we would pro- at all,” Allison said. down and then powered up again The Wichita Eagle city leaders about whether Valley vide.” But he added that “certainly it’s He said that roads were not in the Tuesday night. He and his wife had Center was providing promised ser- our intent to do our best to meet with best condition before the city sought shelter in their basement. Valley Center has provided the ser- vices. the residents or entertain concerns annexed the area five years ago but On Wednesday, Grady found one vices it said it would to an area it The only homeowners who came to that they have about the grading that “drainage problems have gotten of his barns gone, with just the annexed five years ago near 93rd and the hearing complained about the practices we use in that area.” worse.” foundation left. The roof of a calf Osage streets, Sedgwick County com- grading of gravel roads and drainage Homeowners such as Dennis County public works director David pen was blown off, fences and a cor- missioners decided Wednesday. issues. They said the roads were in Allison and Dan Turley, who live on Spears said “washboarding is a typi- ral were damaged or destroyed, and But some commissioners also said better shape when Grant Township the 9110 block of North Osage cal trait of a gravel road.” the National Weather Service said that the city’s service plan was weak maintained them before Valley Street, showed commissioners pic- Commissioner Jim Skelton shook debris was blown a half-mile away. to begin with, and one almost voted Center annexed the area. tures of roads they described as his head at one point and told home- against the finding because of that. Valley Center City Administrator “washboarded” with inadequate owners, “You showed me a dirt road — Associated Press The commissioners’ 3-2 vote came Joel Pile said the city was “pleased drainage and ditches. after a post-annexation hearing at that the county found we provided “They do not grade the cul-de-sacs Please see ANNEXATION, Page 8B News Articles

Posted on Wed, Jun. 29, 2011 Hundreds of Wichita nonprofit groups lose tax exemptions BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

For the Wichita Trojans youth football team, fundraising is part of the lifeblood of the small, nonprofit organization. Donations buy equipment and help pay yearly enrollment fees for some players. There’s no money left at the end of each season; no money to carry over to the next. So when Gino Pipkins found out that his team’s tax-exempt status had been revoked by the IRS, making it impossible for the team to accept tax-deductible donations, he was shocked. “It’s probably going to really hurt us financially,” said Pipkins, president of the Trojans and a former coach. “At the end of the year, we’re broke. We’re back at a zero balance.” The team is one of more than 250 nonprofits in Wichita that automatically lost their tax exemptions this month after they did not file required paperwork with the IRS, making them ineligible to receive tax-deductible contributions and sales tax exemptions on purchas- es. A 2006 change in the laws governing tax exemptions — called the Pension Protection Act — is the reason for the rash of revocations. Before 2006, organizations with yearly earnings less than $25,000 were not required to file annual returns. The change requires all tax-exempt groups to file each year regardless of revenues. Those that did not file for three consecutive years starting in 2007 automatically lost their exemptions in June. Nationwide, the IRS revoked tax exemptions for more than 275,000 organizations, including more than 400 charities, trade associations, sports organizations and labor unions in Wichita. According to a New York Times article, IRS officials said the action helps eliminate tax exemptions for defunct organizations across the United States. That’s a positive move by the IRS, said Perry Schuckman, executive director of the Nonprofit Chamber of Service of Sedgwick County. He said the action helps strengthen legitimate nonprofits. “It’s a constant effort by the IRS to validate organizations that claim to be a nonprofit, so they are constantly looking at ways to validate that through new rules,” Schuckman said. Local certified public accountant Mark Dodds said the IRS rules hurt small nonprof- its, like youth sports teams. Mostly run by parents, the groups didn’t know their tax-exempt status would be re- voked, Dodds said, because the change in was buried in 393 pages of law dealing mostly with pension issues, according to a New York Times report. And now that they’ve lost their status, the fees to reapply for tax-exemptions are too high, Dodds said — up $850 depending a charity’s annual revenues — for small charities already operating on tight margins. “Seasonal-type organizations don’t have the resources to spend a lot of money on compliance,” Dodds said. “ (They) need every dollar they can get a hold of.” Some better-known charities, like the Foundation for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County, also appeared on the list. President and CEO of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sister Dan Soliday said the charity is still dissolving “unused corporate entities and federal ID numbers” of individual agencies that merged into one statewide nonprofit years ago. The loss of the foundation’s tax-exempt status doesn’t affect Big Brothers Big Sisters’ ability to accept tax-deductible contributions, he said. The IRS is offering a re-application process including a reduced filing fee of $100 to small nonprofits with annual revenue of less than $25,000. More information, including eligibility requirements, is available at www.irs.gov.

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com

Hit No. 3 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on June 30, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] THURSDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE JULY 14, 2011 County keeps AirTran deal „ Commissioners vote to continue a revenue guarantee to ensure private businesses “This contract continues that succeed. program,” Chronis told commis- for the airline in exchange for a set number of flights. Chief financial officer Chris sioners. “This contract provides a Chronis explained that the county revenue guarantee” in exchange BY DEB GRUVER Wichita and Atlanta. began providing funding for for three round-trip flights week- The Wichita Eagle County commissioners voted lower airfares in 2005, along with days between Wichita and File photo 3-2 to do so Wednesday. the city. In 2006, the county took Atlanta and two flights a day on AirTran makes three round-trip flights between Sedgwick County will continue Commissioners Karl Peterjohn over contractual responsibility for Saturdays. Wichita and Atlanta on weekdays and two on to provide a revenue guarantee and Richard Ranzau voted no, the program as the city manages Saturdays. to AirTran for flights to and from saying it’s not government’s job Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. Please see AIRTRAN, Page 3B AREA NEWS IN BRIEF FIRE DESTROYS BELLE PLAINE HOME Man dies of his injuries from July 4 motorcycle crash

Adan Lopez, whose motorcycle crash July 4 prompted calls to 911 that received only busy signals, died Wednesday at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis. Lopez, 26, was riding west on 37th Street North when he struck the curb just west of Ridge Road at 9:43 p.m., police have said. Witnesses called 911 but could- n’t get through because there were more calls than dispatchers on duty could handle, police said. Authorities blamed the high call volume in part on complaints about fireworks noise. Neither speed nor alcohol was suspected to be a factor in the crash, police have said.

— Stan Finger Wichita State selects 18 Trio/Gear Up scholars Wichita State University has awarded 18 students Trio/Gear Up scholarships. The program serves first-genera- tion college students, low-income students, students in foster care or students who have disabilities. Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle Tuition, fees, books and on- Belle Plaine Fire Chief Eric Blake examines what’s left of Bob and Tiffany Clark’s home. No one was home when fire destroyed the house campus housing are provided Tuesday. They had spent the morning cutting the red cedar timbers they use to craft custom furniture for Clark’s Log Furniture. through the scholarship for the first year of school. Local scholars include Carson Daniels and Jessica Gonzalez, Wichita East High School; Jodi Nguyen and Thao Pham, Wichita Heights; Aquila Allen, Sandra Cabrera, Sabritizny Another setback for family McWilliams and Natania Watie, BY AMY RENEE LEIKER Polaroids of Tiffany holding her three Wichita Northeast Magnet; The Wichita Eagle babies. Lauren Ayres, Wichita Northwest; “It was 21 years going up in smoke,” Brandon Berry, Jose Esquivel, iffany Clark gingerly lifted a Tiffany said, looking around. “I feel like Amanda Griffith, Jazmin Parra ball of charred fabric from a we’ve been kicked again.” and Daqualyn Tramble, Wichita recliner turned on its side. The fire is just one more setback in a South; Cathy Nong, Wichita “It’s here, Mom,” she said to long list of family tragedies, said Bob Southeast; and Kurt Powell II, Stephanie Davis. Clark, owner of Clark’s Log Furniture. Wichita West. The pair worked carefully to Last June the couple lost a son called unwrap the bundle — a blanket. Inside, Lil’ Bob, 20, to cystic fibrosis. His twin — Meghan Nuckolls anT image of Tiffany’s three smiling chil- sister, Susan, died in 2006 from the dren was mostly untouched by flames. same disease. She was 16. Arizona man sentenced Only the image of Lil’ Bob — her old- Their third child, Logan, 17, was also on marijuana charge est son — was burned. born with cystic fibrosis. Smoke still wafted from the kitchen “I don’t know,” Bob said, looking over An Arizona man who was arrest- Wednesday afternoon as Bob and the charred rubble. ed in Johnson County after author- Tiffany Clark continued sifting through He paused. ities found more than 450 pounds the blackened remains of their Belle “It’s sickening.” of marijuana in his pickup truck Plaine home, which was destroyed by The Clarks weren’t home when fire has been sentenced to more than Amy Renee Leiker/The Wichita Eagle fire Tuesday morning. crews arrived. The family had spent the 5½ years in federal prison. A blanket picturing the Clarks’ three children _ Logan, left, The mementos they salvaged didn’t morning nine miles south of Belle Plaine, Prosecutors said Joseph J. Susan and Lil’ Bob _ was salvaged. Susan died in 2006 and quite fill half of a 6-by-12-foot trailer. Erkert, 60, of Mesa, Ariz., was Lil’ Bob in 2010 from cystic fibrosis, which Logan also has. Among the missing items were the old Please see FIRE, Page 3B convicted of one count of conspir- acy to possess and distribute mar- ijuana and one count of posses- sion with intent to distribute marijua- na. Six gains support in bid for federal appellate post Prosecutors said Erkert was arrested Aug. 14, 2010, in a park- ing lot near I-35. BY ROXANA HEGEMAN More than two professionalism and judgment. Five to back Six, a Democrat, after his Investigators found 84 packages Associated Press dozen state attor- current and former deans at the nomination elicited a hostile of marijuana inside the gas neys general, University of Kansas School of Law response from abortion opponents, tank. Former Kansas Attorney General Democrats and also sent a letter of support. who accuse him of failing to ade- A co-defendant, Julio Terrazas- Steve Six’s bid for a federal appeals Republicans, recent- Six, a former county judge, also quately pursue his predecessors’ Hernandez, 26, of Mexico, was judgeship has gained strong support ly signed a letter earned the highest rating from the investigations of abortion clinics. sentenced to almost five years within legal circles ahead of a vote supporting his nom- American Bar Association’s Standing The Senate committee is expected in prison. today in the U.S. Senate Judiciary ination to the 10th Committee on the Judiciary. to take up his nomination today. Committee and amid opposition from U.S. Circuit Court of But Kansas Republican Sens. Jerry — Hurst Laviana anti-abortion groups. Appeals, touting his Six Moran and Pat Roberts have refused Please see SIX, Page 2B Open house set for Newton events facility Newton’s Meridian Center, a Police look into girl’s 15,000-square-foot conference and events facility, will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 22. brief disappearance A great hall, ballroom, board- room and office space, plus wire- less Internet and catering, are BY STAN FINGER available for events such as wed- The Wichita Eagle dings and business meetings. KANSAS.COM/VIDEO KemperSports manages the cen- A 14-year-old girl whose disappear- View a video of Wednesday’s ter, off the Broadway exit from I- ance sparked a massive search was press briefing after Katelyn Barrett 135 at 1420 E. Broadway Court. found safe and unharmed was found safe in Park City, Wednesday afternoon in Park City, attached to this story online. — Meghan Nuckolls Wichita police said. Katelyn Barrett was found about 1 p.m., Lt. Doug Nolte said. Forestor Drive in Park City, authori- Katelyn, who arrived in Wichita on ties said. Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle Sunday from Minnesota, was found Police talk with volunteers in front of the house where Katelyn Barrett was at a house in the 5800 block of North Please see MISSING, Page 2B reported missing Wednesday. She was found safe later in the day. News Articles

Posted on Thu, Jul. 14, 2011 Another setback for Belle Plaine family BY Amy Renee Leiker The Wichita Eagle

Tiffany Clark gingerly lifted a ball of charred fabric from a recliner turned on its side. “It’s here, mom,” she said to Stephanie Davis. The pair worked carefully to unwrap the bundle — a blanket. Inside, an image of Tiffany’s three smiling children was mostly untouched by flames. Only the image of Lil’ Bob — her oldest son — was burned. Smoke still wafted from the kitchen Wednesday afternoon as Bob and Tiffany Clark continued sifting through the blackened remains of their Belle Plaine home, which was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. The mementos they salvaged didn’t quite fill half of a 6-by-12-foot trailer. Among the missing items were the old Polaroids of Tiffany holding her three babies. “It was 21 years going up in smoke,” Tiffany said, looking around. “I feel like we’ve been kicked again.” The fire is just one more setback in a long list of family tragedies, said Bob Clark, owner of Clark’s Log Furniture. Last June the couple lost a son called Lil’ Bob, 20, to cystic fibrosis. His twin sister, Susan, died in 2006 from the same disease. She was 16. Their third child, Logan, 17, was also born with cystic fibrosis. “I don’t know,” Bob said, looking over the charred rubble. He paused. “It’s sickening.” The Clarks weren’t home when fire crews arrived. The family had spent the morn- ing nine miles south of Belle Plaine, cutting the red cedar timbers they use to craft custom furniture for Clark’s Log Furniture. Bob started the business with Lil’ Bob in 2009. Because of Tuesday’s fire, the showroom at 9530 S. Rock Road, will be closed until Wednesday. Lowell Ester, captain of Mulvane emergency services, said a passerby reported brown smoke rolling out of the Clarks’ roof to Sumner County Fire District 9 at 10:54 a.m. Ten minutes later, Mulvane fire crews were on the scene. Within minutes, the heat and smoke trapped inside exploded, engulfing the north side of the house in flames, Ester said. “When that happens, pretty much everything floor to ceiling in the house ignites,” he said. Fire crews searched for Logan in two bedrooms of the house after neighbors initially reported that he might be inside. Usually a late sleeper, Tiffany said her son would have been alone in the house if not for “tree cutting day.” For more than four hours Tuesday, fire crews from Belle Plaine, Mulvane, Udall and Wellington trucked in water to douse the fire. Derby fire crews also assisted. Belle Plaine fire chief Eric Blake said the fire started near the utility room. No injuries were reported, Ester said. As of Wednesday, the cause of the fire and damage estimates were still unknown. The 3,000-square-foot house was valued at $110,000. The large building the Clarks use to make their furniture, which is near the house, was not damaged. Bob said he will be back in his workshop today, finishing orders. They’re homeless for now, but Bob said he and his wife will start over. “I’m sure we’ll regroup like we always have and figure out a plan,” he said.

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com

Hit No. 1 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on July 14, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] SATURDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE SEPTEMBER 3, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF Crash kills 1, hurts 2 in family Fort Riley soldier killed during standoff BY TIM POTTER AND STAN FINGER visor said. mid-50s, suffered less serious went into the air for about 75 feet, The Wichita Eagle A passenger in his mid-50s was injuries. stayed upright and continued on for ABILENE — A Fort Riley soldier pronounced dead after being trans- Based on preliminary indications, it about 300 feet until it stopped at a who did not show up for the second One person was killed and two ported by air ambulance to Wesley appeared the daughter was driving tree line, Mason said. day of a court-martial accusing him people were hurt in a one-vehicle Medical Center, said sheriff’s Capt. west on 47th Street, Mason said. He said it is possible that the dri- of raping a child died after a stand- crash Friday morning southeast of George Mason. A witness said the vehicle ver’s injuries prevented her from off with law enforcement officers. Wichita. The man’s daughter, in her mid- appeared to be going within the braking. Fort Riley officials say Sgt. Kirk The crash was reported at 10:37 30s, was seriously injured, Mason speed limit, which is 55 mph. Evenson died late Thursday at a a.m. at 47th South and Greenwich, said. For an unknown reason, the vehi- Reach Tim Potter at 316-268-6684 or hotel in Abilene. a Sedgwick County dispatch super- Her mother, a passenger in her cle left the road, hit a driveway, [email protected]. Evenson had been reported absent without leave Tuesday when he did not show up for the court-martial. He was convicted Wednesday and sentenced to life without possibility of parole. KELLOGG, I-235 RAMP TO CLOSE Fort Riley spokeswoman Lt. Col. Sophie Gainey said Evenson’s car was seen outside the Abilene hotel on Thursday. When officers arrived, a lengthy standoff ensued. Evenson was shot when officers decided to enter the room and he “offered resistance,” Gainey said.

— Associated Press KDOT offers updates on road conditions, flooding If your travel plans are taking you anywhere near the Missouri River, the Kansas Department of Transportation is offering informa- tion on flooded areas and detours at www.ksdot.org/flood.asp. The information also can be accessed at www.kandrive.org, which offers information on con- struction, work zones and weather on highways throughout Kansas and four surrounding states. Travelers also may call 511 for updated road conditions or access the department’s mobile site at http://511mm.ksdot.org.

— Eagle staff Engine problems divert Denver flight to Wichita A Denver-bound regional jet was diverted to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport after experiencing oil pres- sure problems. The Embraer 145 landed about 10:30 a.m. Friday at Mid-Continent, said Valerie Wise of the Wichita Airport Authority. The United Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle Express flight had taken off from The exit ramp from southbound I-235 to westbound Kellogg will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning after rush hour Tuesday Kansas City. morning. Repairs will bring its concrete and steel bridge in line with current construction standards. Fifty-three people were aboard the flight, including passengers and crew. Wise said they would be booked on other flights.

— Associated Press Rose Hill woman dies Repairs set for exit ramp hours after car accident A Rose Hill woman died Friday BY AMY RENEE LEIKER extra five minutes roughly,” he said. several hours after she was injured The Wichita Eagle “It’s not a huge detour. Nonetheless, it in a one-car accident in southeast will inconvenience people a little bit.” Sedgwick County. major west Wichita traffic inter- Motorists may see added congestion The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s change used by thousands of on West Street near Kellogg during the Office said Dianna L. Hanna, 50, of motorists will shut down after shutdown due to the detour, Hein said. Rose Hill was injured in an accident Labor Day for two weeks. The $94,266 repair is part of T- that occurred shortly after noon in Repairs to the westbound Works, a 10-year, $8æbillion program the 7000 block of South 127th Kellogg exit ramp off of south- approved by the Kansas Legislature in Street East. bound I-235 will begin around 9 a.m. 2010. She was admitted to Wesley ATuesday, Kansas Department of Repairs to the exit ramp will bring its Medical Center in fair condition, the Transportation officials said. concrete and steel bridge in line with Sheriff’s Office said, but her condi- The ramp will close following morn- current construction standards, KDOT tion began to deteriorate and she ing rush hour. field engineer administrator Chris Byrd died at 4:33 p.m. A detour will direct traffic to exit said. Currently, the bridge rests on its onto eastbound Kellogg from I-235. supporting steel beams, causing it to _ Hurst Laviana Drivers can then turn around at West slide slightly with traffic. Street and merge onto westbound Road crews will stabilize the ramp by Fire destroys Hutchinson Kellogg. tying the bridge to the beams with radio stations’ studios Although a 2009 KDOT traffic count steel. reports more than 24,000 drivers use Until road work starts, Byrd asked A fire early Friday destroyed the the ramp daily, KDOT spokesperson drivers not to worry about using the downtown Hutchinson studios of Tom Hein does not expect major traffic exit. The ramp is sound, he said. radio stations KSKU, KXKU, KNZS Mike Hutmacher/File photo delays. and KWHK and caused smoke dam- The $94,266 repair is part of T-Works, a 10-year, $8æbillion “It’s going to take them (drivers) an Please see RAMP, Page 4B age to Sparks Music and the Wiley program approved by the Kansas Legislature in 2010. Building, on either side of the sta- tions at 106 N. Main. It could be at least two weeks and possibly a month before the four stations get back on the air, owner Cliff Shank said. Cycle crashes after The fire was reported about 2:30 Seized machines may a.m. The last employee of the sta- tions had gone home between 10 police chase, killing 1 and 11 p.m. Thursday, and the sta- tions were playing automated pro- violate gambling laws gramming until the fire knocked BY STAN FINGER and TIM POTTER Street South, authorities said. them off the air. BY STAN FINGER Undercover officers went in a few The Wichita Eagle The rider on the 2000 The fire is under investigation. The Wichita Eagle times to play the machines to see what Yamaha sped off, however, they do. No arrests have been made, A 19-year-old woman was and the deputy lost sight of — Hutchinson News Authorities have seized nine machines Stolz said. Evidence will be presented to killed and a 21-year-old man the motorcycle a few minutes that may violate gambling laws from two the Attorney General’s Office and the was injured late Thursday later. Kansas National Guard unit Valero convenience stores in Wichita. Sedgwick County District Attorney’s night when the motorcycle The motorcycle was spotted deploying to Afghanistan Seven were taken from the Valero at Office. they were on crashed while again on K-42, but speeds McCormick and Meridian and two from If no charges are brought at the state, they were fleeing law enforce- topped 100 miles an hour so SALINA — The fourth Kansas the Valero at Harry and West Street, district court or municipal court level, ment officers in west Wichita, the pursuit was called off. National Guard agribusiness devel- Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said Stolz said, the machines will be returned authorities said. A Kansas Highway Patrol opment team is preparing to leave Friday. More than $5,000 in cash also to Valero. The passenger, Mallory trooper found the motorcycle for Afghanistan. was confiscated during the seizures, “It’s not our intent to hammer Valero,” Scofield, was pronounced crashed at about 11:35 p.m. at About 60 team members were hon- which occurred Thursday. Stolz said. dead at the scene, the Kansas Hayden and 135th Street ored Friday at a deployment ceremo- Customers deposit money into the If charges are filed, he said, businesses Highway Patrol said. West, south of Maple. ny at the Kansas State University- machines and receive a ticket with num- with similar machines will be alerted and The driver, Joshua Wynn, According to a Highway Salina Recreation Center. bers on it, Stolz said. The customer then given the opportunity to remove them. was taken to Via Christi Patrol report, the motorcycle Agribusiness development teams takes the ticket to the front counter to The seized machines were labeled Hospital on St. Francis, where was going north on 135th at a spend a year in Afghanistan work- see whether they have won anything. with one of three names — Gift he was listed in serious condi- high speed and struck a curb ing with residents and U.S. partners The tickets can have a payout of Liquidators, Lucky Shamrock or Phone tion Friday evening. on the west side, ejecting to present new techniques to $1,200 to $1,500, Stolz said. A citizen Card, Stolz said. The incident began at about Wynn and Scofield. improve farming. complaint a couple of months ago 11:24 p.m. Thursday when a launched an investigation into the Reach Stan Finger at 316-268-6437 or sheriff’s deputy attempted a traf- Reach Stan Finger at 316-268-6437 — Associated Press machines, he said. [email protected]. fic stop at Meridian and 27th or [email protected]. News Articles

Posted on Sat, Sep. 03, 2011 Kellogg, I-235 ramp to close for repairs BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

A major west Wichita traffic interchange used by thousands of motor- ists will shut down after Labor Day for two weeks. Repairs to the westbound Kellogg exit ramp off of southbound I-235 will begin around 9 a.m. Tuesday, Kansas Department of Transportation officials said. The ramp will close following morning rush hour. A detour will direct traffic to exit onto eastbound Kellogg from I-235. Drivers can then turn around at West Street and merge onto westbound Kel- logg. Although a 2009 KDOT traffic count reports more than 24,000 driv- ers use the ramp daily, KDOT spokesperson Tom Hein does not expect major traffic delays. “It’s going to take them (drivers) an extra five minutes roughly,” he said. “It’s not a huge detour. Nonetheless, it will inconvenience people a little bit.” Motorists may see added congestion on West Street near Kellogg dur- ing the shutdown due to the detour, Hein said. The $94,266 repair is part of T-Works, a 10-year, $8 billion program ap- proved by the Kansas Legislature in 2010. Repairs to the exit ramp will bring its concrete and steel bridge in line with current construction standards, KDOT field engineer administra- tor Chris Byrd said. Currently, the bridge rests on its supporting steel beams, causing it to slide slightly with traffic. Road crews will stabilize the ramp by tying the bridge to the beams with steel. Until road work starts, Byrd asked drivers not to worry about using the exit. The ramp is sound, he said. “The bridge is still perfectly safe. It’s just something we are doing to bring it up to current standards,” Byrd said. Barring weather delays, the exit will reopen in the third week in Sep- tember. The ramp will close again for three days in late September or early Oc- tober, Hein said, so crews can apply a polymer overlay and lane striping.

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected].

© 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www. kansas.com

Read more: http://www.kansas.com/2011/09/03/v-print/2000326/irs-set-for- exit-ramp.html#ixzz1aGirAAs6 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 3A [email protected] MONDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE FEBRUARY 21, 2011

Volunteers work on the Scammer front windows of the ‘Makeover’ “Extreme Makeover” home on West is posing Hollywood Court. On Sunday, half house goes the siding was as HVAC on and all utilities were up in a flash hooked up. employee BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

A man posing as an employee of well- known heating and air-conditioning compa- nies in Wichita is scamming local businesses. Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC and Electric owner Eric Fahnestock said Friday that the man is not his employee. Calls started com- ing in two weeks ago from Wichita business- es saying that a Fahnestock worker had bor- rowed money for locksmith services and never repaid the loan. As of Friday afternoon, the company had received five phone calls. The man is described by victims as white, in his 40s, 6 feet tall and slender with brown hair. His appearance is neat, victims said. Last Wednesday, he was wearing a work shirt and jeans, or coveralls, and a baseball hat and used the names Earl Fahnestock and Earl Thomson. “I thought maybe he was a relative (of Fahnestock),” said Dean Schlabach, owner of Air Capital Mattress Co., 2305 N. Broadway. Schlabach was a victim of the man shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday. The man said he was working at a nearby church and had locked his keys in his van and couldn’t find his extra set, Schlabach said. The man said he had $5 and needed Photos by Dave Williams/Correspondent $20 to pay a locksmith. He said he would At least 2,800 people showed up Sunday at the site for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to help build a home for Carl Hall. reimburse Schlabach after his van was unlocked, but didn’t want to call Fahnestock BY BECCY TANNER builder Bob Cook of Decorators are expected to begin finishing because he would get into trouble. The Wichita Eagle Derby’s Bob Cook Homes, MORE ONLINE touches on the house tonight. Schlabach gave the man a $50 bill and told who is overseeing the pro- See a photo Not bad for work that began Thursday on him to bring back change. The man never The “Extreme Makeover” house rose ject. gallery on an empty lot. returned. against the sky Sunday afternoon as an army In addition, half of the Kansas.com. The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Three hours later, the man used a similar of volunteers brought the builder’s vision siding for the house was team is creating a dream home for former story to scam $15 from an employee of into reality. on, and all the utilities Shocker baseball star Carl Hall, who was par- Mennonite Housing, 2145 N. Topeka. There, “We’ve got the whole basement were hooked up. alyzed from the neck down after a June car the man wrote down a false name and phone Sheetrocked, the roofing’s done upstairs, and “We’ve got lights and heat inside the number. the last of the windows are going in,” said house,” he said. Please see MAKEOVER, Page 5A Please see SCAM, Page 5A Journalism classes to keep AMERICA’S funding, focus on skill sets BY HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH is very comfortable with,” said $30.6æmillion distributed MISSION. Associated Press Kansas State Department of statewide for vocational pro- Education spokeswoman grams. Student newspapers and Kathy Toelkes. As part of a federal push to yearbooks aren’t going away Under the old system, ensure students are ready for CELEBRATE PRESIDENT’S DAY anytime soon in Kansas schools got money to supple- careers and college, the focus despite earlier fears that voca- ment the cost of teaching stu- has shifted to helping students tional funding changes would dents a specific vocation. High acquire skill sets that will pre- lead to their demise in some school newspaper and year- pare them for a variety of districts. book programs currently are occupations within an industry PURCHASE ONE PIECE OF STICKLEY AT “We were able to work with allowed a share of state and sector. those in the journalism field federal vocation funding. Last Starting in middle school, and post-secondary and devel- school year, that amounted to op something I think everyone about $700,000 of the Please see JOURNALISM, Page 6A % 45OFF MSRP AREA NEWS IN BRIEF FINAL DAY! Convenience No injuries were reported. scrap metal dealers in Kansas st to be licensed. FEBRUARY 21 store robbed — Beccy Tanner Topeka Police Chief Ron Miller and former Chief Ed late Saturday Sixty tires stolen from Klumpp testified before the Wichita police said Sunday West Kellogg store House Corrections and they were examining a video Juvenile Justice Committee on from a robbery Saturday night Sixty tires were reported Friday in support of legislation at the Presto Convenience stolen Saturday from the Tires that would impose licensing Store at 515 N. Seneca. Plus store at 6500 W. Kellogg. requirements and stiffer regu- At 11:20 p.m., a man walked At 6:30 a.m. Saturday, the lations on Kansas scrap metal into the store carrying a gun store manager called police to dealers. The bill is designed to and wearing a camouflage report that tires of various sizes help law enforcement officers jacket and hood and demand- were missing. Police suspect fight increases in the theft of ed all the store’s money, said burglars pried two windows copper and other scrap metal. Sgt. Steve Yarberry. out of the store’s north bay roll- Wichita and Kansas City are The 18-year-old employee up door and took the tires. the only cities in the state that gave him the money, which he require scrap metal dealers to took. The man then walked _ Beccy Tanner be licensed. *IN GRADE 2 LEATHER out of the store, Yarberry said. Miller said the proposed leg- “He took his mask off once Topeka police seek islation would help ensure outside and was seen walking tougher laws on scrap compliance with existing scrap *IN GRADE 2 LEATHER away,” Yarberry said, adding metal statutes and increase that the suspect’s face may Topeka law enforcement consequences for violators. have been captured on the officials have been pushing video. legislation that would require — Associated Press Bow Arm Morris Chair, Tall Case Clock, Stickley Sideboard, Original design c. 1910 Original design c. 1910 Original Design c.1912 *MSRP FROM $3,826, SALE FROM $2,099 MSRP $7,651, SALE $4,209 MSRP $6,134, SALE $3,379 See House, Senate debates online UNIQUELY AMERICAN. UNIQUELY STICKLEY.

Each Monday, The Eagle are discussing an issue that highlights a government you interests you. 3220 East Douglas record that is available to the UGHTA Wichita, KS 67208 public. Open records help know Where you get the record: Mon–Fri 10–5:30, Sat. 10–5 people keep government in Go to www.kslegislature.org www.traditionsathome.com check and help them better and click on “House” or understand how government of debate on the floors of the “Senate” under the “Live Audio 316-684-2177 affects their lives. Kansas House and Senate. Broadcast” menu. For a complete list of You Oughta Know columns, go to Why you’d want them: To How much it will cost: The www.kansas.com/oughta. learn more about how the information is free. SPECIAL HOURS OPEN THIS SUNDAY 1–5 Kansas Legislature operates DISCOUNT IS OFF SUGGESTED RETAIL. LIMIT ONE PER HOUSEHOLD. NOT TO BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR PREVIOUS PURCHASE. The record: Live broadcasts and to tune in when legislators — Deb Gruver News Articles

Posted on Mon, Feb. 21, 2011 Scammer is posing as HVAC employee By Amy Renee Leiker The Wichita Eagle

A man posing as an employee of well-known heating and air-conditioning companies in Wichita is scamming local businesses. Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC and Electric owner Eric Fahnestock said Fri- day that the man is not his employee. Calls started coming in two weeks ago from Wichita businesses saying that a Fahnestock worker had borrowed money for lock- smith services and never repaid the loan. As of Friday afternoon, the company had received five phone calls. The man is described by victims as white, in his 40s, 6 feet tall and slender with brown hair. His appearance is neat, victims said. Last Wednesday, he was wearing a work shirt and jeans, or coveralls, and a baseball hat and used the names Earl Fahnestock and Earl Thomson. “I thought maybe he was a relative (of Fahnestock),” said Dean Schlabach, owner of Air Capital Mattress Co., 2305 N. Broadway. Schlabach was a victim of the man shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday. The man said he was working at a nearby church and had locked his keys in his van and couldn’t find his extra set, Schlabach said. The man said he had $5 and needed $20 to pay a locksmith. He said he would reimburse Schlabach after his van was unlocked, but didn’t want to call Fahnestock because he would get into trouble. Schlabach gave the man a $50 bill and told him to bring back change. The man never returned. Three hours later, the man used a similar story to scam $15 from an employ- ee of Mennonite Housing, 2145 N. Topeka. There, the man wrote down a false name and phone number. Fahnestock said his employees wear hats or shirts with the company logo and carry cell phones. They are instructed to contact their supervisors if they lock their keys in their vans. “We have a reputable business, as do most, and we don’t want this to happen again if we can stop it,” Fahnestock said. In mid-December, Roth Heating & Air of Wichita received a rash of phone calls from local businesses that had loaned between $10 and $31 to the man, who was then posing as a Roth employee. “We would get two or three calls a day,” said Bev Cole, co-owner of Roth. “I just can’t imagine how many people didn’t call us.” “He’s pretty brave to keep doing this,” Cole said when she heard the man was now posing as a Fahnestock employee. Lt. Clark Wiemeyer of the Wichita Police Department’s Financial Crimes Investigation Division said it’s unusual for someone to pose as a business employee in theft-by-deception cases. “This person could call their company and have them come and unlock (the van),” Wiemeyer said. “Even on first view, this is suspicious.” Wiemeyer asked people who encounter similar situations to contact the po- lice.

© 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kan- sas.com

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Hit No. 7 Most-Read on www.kansas.com on Feb. 21, 2011 TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS FRIDAY LOCAL&STATE JULY 15, 2011 AREA NEWS IN BRIEF Man to stand trial in Feb. killing BY RON SYLVESTER following a prelim- Tisdale told Wichita police that he an appointment to see his therapist State hires Wichita The Wichita Eagle inary hearing thought by killing Lott, 69, it would that afternoon. Thursday. Public give him the strength he needed to But Rhonda Tisdale, Marrell law firm to defend it Marrell Tisdale told police he had defender Jason kill himself — something he had Tisdale’s stepmother, said she tried to kill only himself before, never Smartt argued for repeatedly contemplated and received a phone call from Lott the in abortion lawsuit anyone else. a charge of sec- attempted since he was a child. morning of Feb. 3. TOPEKA — The state of Kansas But after police found Gertrude Lott ond-degree mur- “He was embarrassed because he’d Speaking through tears, Rhonda has hired Foulston Siefkin of stabbed to death in February in her der, contending failed in doing that,” Harty said. “He Tisdale said Lott was actually Marrell Wichita to defend state officials in Wichita home, Tisdale — a 22-year- there was no evi- thought that if he killed his grand- Tisdale’s aunt. But she had raised his an abortion-related lawsuit. old with a history of diagnosis and dence of premedi- Tisdale mother, it would give him enough mother and considered herself his The law firm will defend Gov. Sam treatment for paranoid schizophrenia tation. guilt that he could finish the job.” grandmother. Brownback and the state’s top public — now faces trial, charged with first- Tisdale stood silent, his shoulders Lott had notified Comcare of “I said, ‘How are you doing Miss health official in a lawsuit filed by degree murder of the woman he hunched and head hanging as Syrios Sedgwick County, the community Gert?’ “ Rhonda Tisdale remembered Planned Parenthood over a budget knew as his grandmother. entered a plea of not guilty on the mental health provider, that Tisdale saying to Lott. provision that blocks $334,000 from Sedgwick County District Judge Jeff defendant’s behalf. was having troubles that morning, going to the organization. Syrios ordered Tisdale to stand trial Homicide detective Dan Harty said family members testified. Tisdale had Please see TRIAL, Page 3B Republican lawmakers say they sup- ported the provision to prevent tax- payer-funded abortions. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office, which usually defends state officials against lawsuits, has the Family has time together amid Iraq tour, baby’s early birth authority to hire a private firm for some lawsuits.

— Associated Press Six’s nomination to federal appeals court still stalled A soldier meets his son Former Kansas Attorney General BY AMY RENEE LEIKER when his dad held him. Steve Six’s nomination to the federal The Wichita Eagle “I caught him grinning,” appeals court remains in limbo. Lee said, “and I’d never seen The U.S. Senate Judiciary rmy Spc. Kai that before.” Committee did not hold a scheduled Gilbert intended The couple married Oct. vote Thursday to advance Six’s nom- to be home from 10, 2010, a month before ination to the full Senate. Iraq for his Gilbert deployed to Iraq. Six’s nomination has been stalled second son’s Immediately, Lee became in committee since his two birth, scheduled pregnant. Republican home state senators, Pat for Wednesday. Lee said the stress of her Roberts and Jerry Moran, announced AA“I was planning on taking husband’s absence and her they would oppose his confirmation leave at this time thinking impending graduation from to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. the baby would be born,” Wichita State University His nomination has been opposed by Gilbert said, “but he ended likely caused her labor. anti-abortion groups. up coming early.” “It was kind of a hard More than two dozen state attor- Gilbert, 37, reunited with time,” she said. neys general, both Democrats and his Wichita family this week Lee delivered her younger Republicans, recently signed a let- after a nearly yearlong son by emergency Caesarean ter supporting his nomination. deployment to Iraq. He met section on April 20. He was his 12-week-old son, three months early. Gilbert — Associated Press Avichaim Lee, in person kept in touch via Skype dur- for the first time ing his son’s birth. Kansas Aviation Museum Wednesday, his scheduled Avi weighed 2 pounds, to host fiesta on Sunday delivery date. 14 ounces at birth. He spent Gilbert and his wife, six weeks in the hospital. The Kansas Aviation Museum is Chelsea Lee, call their new Lee brought him home hosting its first A Volar: Mexican son Avi. June 2. Fiesta on Sunday. “It’s nice that he’s here, Avi is doing fine, she said, The event will include more than and we can really relax as a and weighs just over six 15 local food vendors, inflatable family,” Lee, 34, said about pounds now. slides and obstacle courses, and a her husband’s homecoming, The family met at Wichita stage with traditional Mexican dance which included a reunion Mid-Continent Airport when and music. It will run from 1 to 6 with their other son, 4-year- Gilbert flew in at 3:30 p.m. old Caleb Lee. Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, the Kansas Air “I’m happy to be here right American flags were painted National Guard will have a display now,” Gilbert added. on Lee’s toenails. of military equipment, and Spanish From Gilbert’s arms, little Gilbert spent Wednesday Horizons and La Familia will high- Avi looked up and fussed. evening relaxing at home, light information about programs The baby smiled for the first they offer. time yesterday, Lee said, Please see SON, Page 8B Admission for the event is $5 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and younger. For more information, call 316- 683-9242 or go to www. kansasaviationmuseum.org.

_ Soli Salgado Ice cream social on Tuesday will aid Clayworks program GreenAcres’ third annual ice cream social will benefit Disability Supports of the Great Plains, an Photos by Chris Neal/The Wichita Eagle organization for people with dis- ABOVE: Kai Gilbert holds his son Avichaim, who was born three months premature abilities. while Gilbert was on a tour of duty in Iraq. RIGHT: Kai Gilbert, left, and Chelsea Lee, The Kansas Grown Farmer’s right, are together with their new baby, Avi, and 4-year-old son, Caleb, background. Market at GreenAcres Market, 8141 E. 21st St., will host the event Tuesday. Organic ice cream, free food sam- ples, live music and locally grown goods will be available from 5 to 7 17-year-old boy p.m. Proceeds will aid Disability Homeless shelter in good Supports’ Clayworks program, which offers pottery equipment, found with staff and materials to clients. Pottery will also be available for purchase during the ice cream social. shape with leftover funds Call 316-634-1088 for more Planeview girl information. BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Warming Souls Winter How to help The Wichita Eagle Overflow Shelter, a privately- — Meghan Nuckolls is arrested funded emergency shelter that HOMELESS SHELTER A local emergency homeless operates during the winter, is First Kansas Book Festival BY STAN FINGER shelter won’t have trouble hous- overseen by local faith-based set for Topeka this fall The Wichita Eagle The Warming Souls Winter ing more than 100 Wichitans this group Advocates to End Chronic Overflow Shelter is seeking winter, even though costs have Homeless. TOPEKA — The wife of Gov. Sam Authorities found 14-year-old Katelyn donations to help pay for operat- gone up by nearly $28,000, Inter-Faith Ministries takes Brownback hopes to promote the Barrett early Wednesday afternoon at the ing its five-month homeless shel- according to shelter officials. care of check-in and shelter oper- importance of literacy and a love of home of a 17-year-old boy she had met online ter this winter. Money is also Thanks to an outpouring of ations. reading with the first Kansas Book a week ago while she was still in Minnesota, needed to develop long-term donations last season, the The program has a projected Festival, scheduled for this fall in Wichita police said Thursday. housing solutions for the more Warming Souls Winter Overflow budget of $87,000, Cox said. Last Topeka. Now he’s in the juvenile detention center fac- than 600 homeless people in Shelter already has $81,000 ear- year the shelter cost $59,308 to Mary Brownback is organizing the ing criminal charges, and she’s in police protec- Wichita. marked to run its five-month run. daylong event, to be Sept. 24 at the tive custody. The shelter is funded by pri- winter shelter, said Janis Cox, co- The shelter operates on a Kansas Historical Society. The boy was booked into jail on suspicion of vate donations and costs about chairwoman of Advocates to End “bare-bones budget,” Cox said, to Brownback says it will showcase indecent liberties and possession of marijuana, $5.75 per person each night for Chronic Homelessness. provide cots and food to as many current authors and books and cele- said Lt. Jeff Weible of the Exploited and food and a bed. The shelter can The group needs to raise just as 100 homeless men and brate the best of Kansas literature. Missing Child Unit. house up to 100 people a night. $6,000 more for the winter shel- women — for $5.75 a person The first lady says the project is in The teens had no idea a manhunt was under Donations may be mailed to: ter and the fundraising season is each night. line with her husband’s goal of way to try to find Katelyn when they were Advocates to End Chronic just starting. It’s a 25-cent increase over last improving the reading skills of found, Weible said. Homelessness, P.O. Box It’s a relief to know the shelter year’s cost, Cox said, because of a Kansas fourth-graders. Activities The 17-year-old picked Katelyn up a block 49014, Wichita, KS 67201- will be open for the fourth year, change in women’s housing. will include panel discussions, book from her house in the 3600 block of East 9014. Cox said. Ti’Wiconi Safe Haven donated signings and a tent with projects for Dunham in Planeview, where she had been liv- Checks should be made out The $15,000 on hand at the resources to house about six children. ing with her mother and younger brother to AECH Winter Overflow start of last year’s fundraising women each night for all five Among the authors expected to since Monday. Shelter. season left Cox wondering months last season. take part is Wichita writer Clare She had left a note at the house at about whether the shelter could stay This year, the advocacy group Vanderpool, whose book “Moon midnight on Tuesday, saying she was going for For more information, visit open throughout the winter. is working with a downtown Over Manifest” won the 2011 a walk, Weible said. She exchanged texts with www.aechwichita.com. The surplus “is amazing,” Cox church to house the women, Cox Newbery Medal for children’s books. her brother for a while, but when she stopped said. “God has provided. said. “It’s incredible that we have — Associated Press Please see MANHUNT, Page 3B this much on hand.” Please see SHELTER, Page 8B News Articles

Posted on Fri, Jul. 15, 2011 Homeless shelter in good shape with leftover funds BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The Wichita Eagle

A local emergency homeless shelter won’t have trouble housing more than 100 Wichitans this winter, even though costs have gone up by nearly $28,000, ac- cording to shelter officials. Thanks to an outpouring of donations last season, the Warming Souls Winter Overflow Shelter already has $81,000 earmarked to run its five-month winter shelter, said Janis Cox, co-chairwoman of Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness. The group needs to raise just $6,000 more for the winter shelter and the fundraising season is just starting. It’s a relief to know the shelter will be open for the fourth year, Cox said. The $15,000 on hand at the start of last year’s fundraising season left Cox wondering whether the shelter could stay open throughout the winter. The surplus “is amazing,” Cox said. “God has provided. “It’s incredible that we have this much on hand.” The Warming Souls Winter Overflow Shelter, a privately-funded emergen- cy shelter that operates during the winter, is overseen by local faith-based group Advocates to End Chronic Homeless. Inter-Faith Ministries takes care of check-in and shelter operations. The program has a projected budget of $87,000, Cox said. Last year the shelter cost $59,308 to run. The shelter operates on a “bare-bones budget,” Cox said, to provide cots and food to as many as 100 homeless men and women — for $5.75 a person each night. It’s a 25-cent increase over last year’s cost, Cox said, because of a change in women’s housing. Ti’Wiconi Safe Haven donated resources to house about six women each night for all five months last season. This year, the advocacy group is working with a downtown church to house the women, Cox said. The men’s shelter rotates among five downtown churches for the five- month period. The shelters are open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven nights a week from No- vember to April. A bed and two meals are provided daily. Free legal services and medical check-ups are available periodically. With the overflow shelter nearly funded for the upcoming winter, Cox said the group is looking to develop long-term solutions for the area’s homeless. Per- manent housing is the key, Cox said. “We really don’t want to focus on maintaining people in their homeless- ness,” she said. “There’s a big need in Wichita and the core area for housing for low-in- come people.” Fundraising is ongoing. “We do believe that God has provided for this year so we can turn our at- tention to the future.”

Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or [email protected]. © 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www. kansas.com TALK TO US: Call Jean Hays, 316-268-6557, or e-mail 1B [email protected] SATURDAY WWW.KANSAS.COM/NEWS LOCAL&STATE JUNE 25, 2011 150 attend abortion-rights discussion BY HURST LAVIANA AND DION LEFLER Roeder. The city has been without abor- „ A clinic-licensing bill that imposes a The Wichita Eagle tion services since then. host of new regulations on abortion Among the 15 to 20 protesters out- providers. Abortion protesters gathered outside side was Mark Gietzen of the Kansas „ A requirement that minors get per- a Wichita church Friday as a doctor who Coalition for Life. mission from both parents for an abor- hopes to return abortion services to the He said he expects a “heartbeat bill,” tion. city took part in a panel discussion which would prohibit aborting a fetus „ A prohibition barring insurance sponsored by the National Organization after the heartbeat begins, to be intro- companies from offering abortion cov- for Women. duced in the Kansas Legislature next erage as part of medical plans. Physician Mila Means told more than year. „ The outlaw of most abortions after 150 people inside the College Hill That would essentially limit legal 21 weeks of pregnancy, based on dis- United Methodist Church at 2930 E. abortions to the first seven to 10 weeks puted research that fetuses can feel pain First St. that without financial help, she of pregnancy, Gietzen said. at that point. would be unable to open a clinic. The panel discussion was held as the Among those on the panel was “We need a safe and secure place to state is starting to see the effects of four Wichita attorney Lee Thompson, who do abortions here,” she said. new abortion laws enacted by the represented Tiller. He said he expected The church was the site of the funeral Republican-dominated Legislature and some of the laws to be challenged in Fernando Salazar/The Wichita Eagle of abortion provider George Tiller, who Gov. Sam Brownback. The laws NOW’s Kari Ann Rinker, physician Mila Means, attorney Lee was fatally shot in May 2009 by Scott include: Please see ABORTION, Page 4B Thompson and author Stephen Singular sat on Friday’s panel. Fireworks: Hard work pays off for law enforcement grads Mind law, safety tips „ Anything bought outside Wichita probably isn’t legal to shoot here, the fire marshal says.

BY STAN FINGER The Wichita Eagle

Shoot them in the area where you buy them. That’s the short and sweet message Wichita Fire Marshal Brad Crisp has about fireworks as Independence Day approaches. Fireworks go on sale in Wichita on Monday and can be purchased through July 5. If residents go to Derby or Goddard or Andover to buy fireworks, “there’s a good chance they’re going to be illegal” to be used in Wichita, Crisp said. Even though Wichita is in Sedgwick County, he said, “Sedgwick County has dif- ferent rules for what you can purchase and what you can shoot.” Fireworks can only be purchased and set off in the county from July 1 to July 4.

Please see FIREWORKS, Page 3B Photos by Jaime Green/The Wichita Eagle The 2011 spring recruit class of the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is sworn into duty Friday at AREA NEWS IN BRIEF Central Community Church. Judge James Fleetwood administered the oath to 26 law enforcement graduates. K-State paying students to give up dorm rooms MANHATTAN — A housing shortage is prompting Kansas State University to pay returning students to give up their dorm Recruits ready to serve rooms and live off campus. BY AMY RENEE LEIKER The university is offering students with The Wichita Eagle “After being in the classroom for approved dormitory contracts $1,000 if they agree to live somewhere else. hen the news of Sedgwick six months, oh man, you are just Pat Bosco, vice president of student life at K- County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian State, says the school is expecting record Etheridge’s 2009 shooting death so ready to go out there and get enrollment and wants to ensure adequate on- reached Joel Sutherland, he told campus housing for incoming freshmen. But himself “to get out and serve my on-the-job experience.” Bosco says no returning student will be forced community.” out of a residence hall. Ten years ago, he had set aside his child- NEW WICHITA POLICE OFFICER DOMINIC ARTIS K-State has been adding housing for seven Whood dream of becoming a sheriff’s deputy years and is opening two more student apart- and accepted a job at Sedgwick County Jail. ment buildings with room for 180 upperclass- But soon he will be out on the streets, where Wichita — was the culmination of 23 weeks men, graduate students and students with he says he belongs. of hard work, said Sutherland, 32. families. Sutherland is among five sheriff’s deputies Newlywed Jill Sutherland smiled as her The school expects to pass last year’s record and 21 Wichita police officers sworn into ser- husband shook hands with fellow graduates enrollment of 25,581. vice Friday by Sedgwick County District Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Joel Friday. Judge James Fleetwood, marking their gradu- Sutherland poses with his wife, Jill, at a “I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He’s want- — Associated Press ation from six months of Wichita-Sedgwick reception for the 2011 spring recruit class. ed this for so long.” County Law Enforcement training. Acceptance into the police academy can Pompeo to speak at town hall Sheriff Robert Hinshaw and Police Chief to speak their oath of office. take more than a year for some applicants, Monday Norman Williams were on hand with hun- “Now it’s a man and a woman who’sæ.æ.æ. said Lt. Dennis Wilson, who oversees the pre- dreds of citizens to welcome the graduates to professional, well-trained, analytical (with) employment sector for the Wichita Police Rep. Mike Pompeo plans to host a town hall the force. an ability to synthesize new knowledge from Department. For others, rejection is immedi- meeting on Monday in Kingman. “There was a time when being a law the facts that are given to them — in every ate. The public meeting starts at 11 a.m. at the enforcement officer meant you were the way a professional. And today, I am Each department started with nearly 600 Kingman Senior Center, 305 Cedar St. toughest son of a gun on the street, and you impressed.” applications, said Wilson and sheriff’s Lt. Pompeo plans to discuss issues related to didn’t have a natural inclination to break the The graduation ceremony — held at Central Congress and the federal government. law,” Fleetwood told recruits as they waited Community Church, 6100 W. Maple in Please see POLICE, Page 2B

— Sarah Rajewski Man indicted on nine robbery charges A 53-year-old Wichita man has been indicted Neighborhood ponds can suffer from neglect on nine counts of robbery by a federal grand jury. olks like having a from all of the little things association to commit to “We call it babying your James L. Simmons Jr. is accused of robbing pond near their hous- we put in our yard.” putting dollars into projects lawn,” Bronleewe said. seven Wichita businesses between November es. There are more Nothing but homes sur- that will help maintain a “Just as you can spoil your and late May, federal authorities said. than 400 neighbor- round the ponds in neigh- pond,” she said. child, you can spoil your The indictment alleges Simmons robbed the hoodF ponds in the Wichita borhoods, and it’s the Still, individual home- lawn and make it weak by QuikTrip at 3216 E. Harry twice during that area. runoff from yards that cre- owners can do their part. using too much fertilizer period, on May 15 and May 28. He is also But those ponds need ates a mess, if it’s not prop- It’s nutrients from plant and watering too much.” accused of robbing the QuikTrip at 1610 E. tending and maintenance erly managed. It’s such a clippings, fertilizer and Then there are the geese. Lincoln twice, on May 14 and May 18. to keep that view intact. RON SYLVESTER developing problem that other sources that create Canada geese that used to Other robberies tied to Simmons include the Sedgwick County Bronleewe can’t point to a algae and other growths stop through during their QuikTrip at 3216 E. Lincoln, on Nov. 10; Harry Extension agents say that KEEPING THE PLAINS single neighborhood in that muck up the water. migration south are finding Street Liquor, 3120 E. Harry, on Nov. 10; Tocs without proper mainte- Sedgwick County that she’d Whatever you put on the ponds we make in Coffeehouse at 1519 George Washington nance, homeowners could highlight as a model of best your lawn, driveway or Kansas great places to stay. Boulevard, on Nov. 16; Dollar General at 2727 find themselves hit with a about algae blooms, and practices. sidewalk will wash into the The numbers of urban E. Boulevard Plaza on May 15; and the Valero bill that could surpass they automatically think “The funny thing about nearest pond, stream, lake geese are increasing every at 731 N. Ridge Road on May 24. $100,000 to nurse a pond that it must be from farms this situation is that there or river — especially if you year, according to state If convicted, Simmons faces a maximum back to health. and businesses,” said Tonya are lots of frustrations, water too much. park officials. There were penalty on each count of 20 years in federal It would be their own Bronleewe, a county exten- opinions, passions about All that watering and fer- more than 71,000 geese in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. fault. sion agent specializing in this issue, but when push tilizing not only makes for the Wichita area in “Everyone sees the water natural resources. “But comes to shove it is very dirty water, it also hurts _ Stan Finger turning colors and hears most of the time it’s coming hard to get a homeowners your lawn. Please see PLAINS, Page 2B News Articles

Posted on Sat, Jun. 25, 2011 Hard work pays off for law enforcement grads By Amy Renee Leiker The Wichita Eagle

When the news of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Etheridge’s 2009 shooting death reached Joel Sutherland, he told himself “to get out and serve my com- munity.” Ten years ago, he had set aside his childhood dream of becoming a sheriff’s deputy and accepted a job at Sedgwick County Jail. But soon he will be out on the streets, where he says he belongs. Sutherland is among five sheriff’s deputies and 21 Wichita police officers sworn into service Friday by Sedgwick County District Judge James Fleetwood, marking their graduation from six months of Wichita-Sedgwick County Law Enforcement training. Sheriff Robert Hinshaw and Police Chief Norman Williams were on hand with hundreds of citizens to welcome the graduates to the force. “There was a time when being a law enforcement officer meant you were the toughest son of a gun on the street, and you didn’t have a natural inclination to break the law,” Fleetwood told recruits as they waited to speak their oath of office. “Now it’s a man and a woman who’s... professional, well-trained, analytical (with) an ability to synthesize new knowledge from the facts that are given to them — in every way a professional. And today, I am impressed.” The graduation ceremony — held at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple in Wichita — was the culmination of 23 weeks of hard work, said Sutherland, 32. Newlywed Jill Sutherland smiled as her husband shook hands with fellow graduates Friday. “I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He’s wanted this for so long.” Acceptance into the police academy can take more than a year for some appli- cants, said Lt. Dennis Wilson, who oversees the pre-employment sector for the Wichita Police Department. For others, rejection is immediate. Each department started with nearly 600 applications, said Wilson and sheriff’s Lt. Mark Pierce, department training commander. Extensive background checks ensued, followed by oral examinations, inter- views, and physical and psychological evaluations. Academy training started in January for the remaining recruits. Wichita police officer recruits Rachel Gaines, Randy Gorges and Marla Lane used words like “paramilitary,” “structured” and “rigid” when they spoke of “long lec- tures” in the classroom and direct hits with Tasers and pepper spray. Sutherland agreed. “It consumes you,” he said. “It’s stressful making sure that you get A’s on your tests and your boots are shined and you have everything squared away every day. “If it’s not, someone else could get hurt.” But the training doesn’t stop at graduation, Sutherland said. Each Wichita police graduate will be paired with a senior officer for 12 weeks of on-the-job field training. Sheriff’s deputies are required to complete eight weeks of field training, Suther- land said. New Wichita police officer Dominic Artis, 25, is ready for the transition. “After being in the classroom for six months, oh man, you are just so ready to go out there and get on-the-job experience,” Artis said. He starts today at 9 p.m.

© 2011 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas. com Amy Renee Leiker Website: http://amyreneeleiker.com Twitter: @amyreneeleiker E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 316-305-2505