Police warn college students of serial rapist

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Police in the college towns of Lawrence and Manhattan are warning students to be cautious as they continue to search for a serial rapist known to attack over holidays.

KMBC-TV reports that police say they have connected 13 incidents in the two towns over more than a decade to a single suspect but have yet to identify or catch him.

The incidents spanned from October 2000 to December 2008. All of the victims were students of either Kansas State University or the University of Kansas.

Police say each incident involved a masked intruder entering the victim’s off-campus residence, mostly between the hours of 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. as the victim slept.

Police say the suspect is a white man, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old at the time of the assaults.

Prairie Rose goes caroling

The Prairie Rose 4H club enjoyed a late afternoon of caroling at Moran Manor prior to their monthly meeting. The club also donated a box of FFA fruit to the workers at the Manor. 

Seventeen members and one Cloverbud were present at December’s meeting.

President Zoi Yoho led the business meeting. Reports from officers were approved as read. Kendall Scharff, secretary, read the minutes from last month’s meeting. 

Jenni Armstrong gave a report on her experience at KYLF. 

Committee reports were given by Kelci Botts, leader of the reading project, and Brenda Armstrong, leader of the clothing and buymanship project. 

There was no business to take care of.

Community Leader Kim Schomaker reminded members about Wreaths Across America, which was held Saturday, and 4-H Day scheduled for Feb. 1. She also reminded members about ringing bells at Iola Walmart, which they did Sunday, and the Southwind skating party in Chanute from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 30. Kelci Botts reminded project leaders to make sure they complete their VIP training. 

There were no talks this month. The club held its Achievement Award Night. This year, 100% of all Prairie Rose 4-H members turned in an MIG (Member in Good Standing) record book! They were rewarded with a box of candy. The community leaders also recognized all new members and Cloverbuds. The club also had four members who completed two or more KAPS — Zoi Yoho, Jenni Armstrong, Kason Botts and Gracie Yoho. They were rewarded with a gift card to Walmart. 

Following the meeting the club enjoyed a potluck dinner provided by the parents.

The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Jan. 11, with “Bring a Friend Night.” Following the meeting the club will enjoy treats and games.

— Gracie Yoho, 

reporter

Donald Trump Ordered to Pay $2 Million for Charity Fraud

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump is paying up after conceding that he used his charitable foundation at times as a personal piggy bank.

Trump has wired $2 million to pay a court-ordered fine for misusing the Trump Foundation in part to further his business interests and 2016 presidential run, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday. The money will be distributed to eight charities.

About $1.8 million left in the Trump Foundation’s bank account was also split among the nonprofits getting fine money, along with $11,525 that Trump paid back for spending foundation money on sports memorabilia and champagne at a charity gala.

New York state Judge Saliann Scarpulla imposed the penalty last month after Trump admitted to a series of abuses outlined in a lawsuit brought against him last year by James’ office.

“Charities are not a means to an end, which is why these damages speak to the president’s abuse of power and represent a victory for not-for-profits that follow the law,” James, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Funds have finally gone where they deserve — to eight credible charities.”

Trump sent the money in the past few weeks, but that development didn’t become public until the sides formally agreed Tuesday to close the case.

James’ office had sought to block Trump from writing off the fine payment as a charitable donation on his taxes, but Scarpulla hasn’t ruled on that request.

Trump Foundation lawyer Alan Futerfas declined to answer questions about Trump’s tax plans.

In a statement, he suggested James was making a big deal about Trump’s payment to distract from bad news in another case: a judge’s ruling that there was no proof Exxon Mobil misled investors over the costs of climate change.

“The Foundation case settled weeks ago with all issues resolved and all funds going to charity,” Futerfas said. “We are very pleased with the result.”

After Scarpulla’s ruling last month, Trump assailed a series of Democratic attorneys general of New York who were involved with the suit, calling it “4 years of politically motivated harassment” and saying they should have spent their time investigating the Clinton Foundation.

Trump acknowledged in a legal filing that he allowed his presidential campaign staff to coordinate with the Trump Foundation in holding a fundraiser for veterans during the run-up to the 2016 Iowa caucuses. Scarpulla said the event was designed “to further Mr. Trump’s political campaign.”

The president admitted, among other things, to arranging for the charity to pay $10,000 for a 6-foot portrait of him. He has also accepted restrictions on his involvement in other charitable organizations.

The settlement was an about-face for Trump. He had tweeted, “I won’t settle this case!” when it was filed in June 2018.

Trump’s fine and the charity’s funds will be split evenly among eight organizations, including Citymeals on Wheels, the United Negro College Fund and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Each charity is getting about $476,000.

Charities are barred from getting involved in political campaigns, but in weighing the Iowa fundraiser, Scarpulla gave Trump credit for making good on his pledge to give $2.8 million that his charity raised to veterans’ organizations.

Instead of fining him that amount, as the attorney general’s office wanted, the judge trimmed it to $2 million and rejected a demand for punitive damages and interest.

At the time of the Iowa fundraiser, Trump was feuding with then-Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and refusing to participate in the network’s final Republican presidential primary debate before the Iowa caucuses.

Instead, he held a rally at the same time as the debate at which he called on people to donate to veterans’ charities. The foundation acted as a pass-through for those contributions.

A look back in time

60 Years Ago

December 1959

The Lehigh Portland Cement plant will be down for about five weeks while workmen reline the smokestack with firebrick and other repairs and replacements are done throughout the plant, manager H.W. Guth said. 

*****

Ernie Fultz, veteran Iola taxi owner, said he will start a private ambulance service. He has purchased a station wagon which is to be equipped with a cot and everything needed for the transportation of the ill. 

*****

Frank W. Thompson, Jr., Iola High School senior, has been awarded a Summerfield scholarship to the University of Kansas. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thompson, rural Iola.

*****

The purchase of the Ramsay Dry Goods Store here by Bob Ramsay of Pittsburg according to E.W. Harriman, local manager. The transfer of ownership will be consummated early in February. Bob Ramsay is vice president of the Ramsay Co. which owns stores in Carthage, Joplin, Miami, Okmulgee and Pittsburg. The Iola store is owned by Ronald Ramsay, Atchison, who will continue to operate his store there. Robert C. and Ronald Ramsay are descendants of the original founder of the Ramsay dry goods stores.

*****

John Page, who has surprised his share of miscreants during the 16 years as a peace officer in Allen County, was feted with a surprise steak dinner attended by 16 of Page’s fellow officers and a gold Hamilton wrist watch last evening. Page, 65, will retire Jan. 11. He has been an Iola police officer since 1951.

and served as a deputy sheriff before that.

 

 

Sally Gulick

Sally Gulick, age 75, of Moran, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe. Sally was born Feb. 5, 1944, to Virgil and Doris (Little) Stever in Eureka.

She married Greg Gulick on Aug. 27, 1960, in McPherson. This union was blessed with two children. For most of Sally’s career she worked in the food service industry starting in the Garnett school system. Most recently, Sally was manager of the Greenery Restaurant in Iola for 17 years.

Sally was a fantastic homemaker and took great care of her family. She had many friends and couldn’t go anywhere without bumping into someone she knew. Sally was a longtime member of Hope Chapel Assembly of God Church. Spending time with family and family reunions over Labor Day weekend in Emporia were always a favorite of Sally’s.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Shirley Nicholson, Connie Hayes, Judy Jenkins-Cates, Kathy Higbee; and one brother, Jerry Stever.

Sally is survived by her husband, Greg; son, Kirk Gulick and wife Ruby of Iola; daughter, Kristi Picht of Altoona; two brothers, James Stever of Emporia, Rick Stever and wife Becky of Eureka; two sisters, Jeanne Burtin and husband Martin of Eureka, Nancy Brecheisen and husband Ron of Hartford; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Larry Hayes; one sister-in-law, Diane Broddle and husband Larry and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services for Sally will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Hope Chapel Assembly of God in Moran. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Chapel Assembly of God and can be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.

Report: Prison crowding costs state millions

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prisons have exceeded their operating capacity and it will cost the state millions of dollars to send hundreds of prisoners to a privately owned and operated prison in Arizona.

The Kansas Department of Corrections this month announced a contract with CoreCivic to move inmates to Saguaro Correctional Center, KCUR-FM reported. Plans call for 360 male prisoners to be moved starting this summer, and up to 600 inmates could be moved.

CoreCivic plans to fly the first group of 120 inmates to the prison in Eloy, Arizona, and others will be driven to the facility. The prison is roughly a 12-hour drive from the southwestern corner of Kansas.

“Sending Kansas inmates to another state is an option we wish we could avoid,” acting Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda said in the news release. “Entering into this contract to accommodate growth in the prison population is the best option available at this time for the safety of our staff and inmates.”

State Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, said the rise in prison population is due to decades of policies in which more people are being sent to jail and for longer periods of time.

The one-year contract with CoreCivic will cost the state $74.76 per inmate per day, totaling between $6 and $7 million. The cost of transporting inmates is included in that rate, along with free video visits for Kansas inmates to see their loved ones, attend hearings and access services that could assist them upon their release.

Police report

Arrests reported

Allen County sheriff’s deputies arrested Jowel W. Curry, 34, Iola, Saturday for suspicion of driving under the influence, transporting an open container of alcohol, interfering with law enforcement and attempting to flee or elude law enforcement.

Kendra N. Michael, 31, LaHarpe, was arrested Friday for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and transporting an open container of alcohol,. Deputies said they also would request a charge of child endangerment be filed by the Allen County attorney’s office.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers arrested Randall A.P. Melton, 21, Humboldt, for suspicion of driving under the influence Friday.

Deputies arrested Erin L. Johnson, 30, LaHarpe, Friday for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, failure to stop and report an accident and possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Deputies said they also would request Johnson be charged with child endangerment.

Iola police officers arrested Christopher W. Hibbs, 33, Iola, for suspicion of theft Friday.

Tigra P. Wills, 24, Chanute, was arrested by deputies Friday for suspicion of driving while suspended.

Deputies arrested Virgil E. Battles, 18, Cleveland, Mo., for a probation revocation warrant Thursday.

Jodi L. Owens, 32, Girard, was arrested by deputies Thursday on a warrant stemming from drug distribution charges.

Deputies arrested Randy R. Doak, 43, Wagner, Okla., Thursday for suspicion of illegally possessing prescription drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Devin L. Doak, 18, Wagner, Okla., was arrested Thursday by deputies for suspicion of allowing an unauthorized person to drive.

Deputies arrested Randy L. Taylor, 21, Muskogee, Okla., Thursday for suspicion of driving without a license and no liability insurance.

Iola officers arrested McClaine W. Clark, 24, Chanute, Wednesday for suspicion of violating a protection from abuse order and trespassing.

Robin Evans, 41, Iola, was arrested by Iola officers Wednesday for suspicion of child endangerment.

Deputies arrested Amber Finney, 32, Wichita, for suspicion of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia Wednesday.

Steve A. Holtz, 36, Iola, was arrested by deputies Wednesday for suspicion of child endangerment.

Deputies arrested Garrett L. True, 44, Booneville, Mo., Tuesday for suspicion of driving while revoked.

Michael F.  Naff, 34, Humboldt, was arrested by deputies Tuesday for eight warrants.

Deputies arrested Daniel Esparza-Salinas, 26, Chanute, for suspicion of driving without a license Dec. 6.

John E. Pollett, 63, LaHarpe, was arrested by deputies Dec. 6 for suspicion of driving while suspended.,

Anthony E. Wickey, 48, Iola, was arrested by deputies Dec. 6 on a drug court warrant.

Deputies arrested Joshua D. Cottrell-Eaton, 26, Chanute, Dec. 6 for suspicion of driving while suspended and a warrant out of Lyon County.

Isaiah R. Arnett, 20, vagrant, was arrested by deputies Dec. 6 on a drug court warrant related to an aggravated battery charge.

Larry D. Flowers, 36, Webb City, Mo., was arrested Dec. 5 on a warrant stemming from two counts of theft, two counts of criminal damage to property and two counts of trespassing.

Deputies arrested Rashion L. Walker, 22, Iola, on a warrant related to two traffic charges Dec. 4.

Riley Ridout, 58, Iola, was arrested by Humboldt officers Dec. 3 for suspicion of driving while suspended and driving without a required ignition interlock device.

Misty L. Silkwood, 30, Independence, was arrested by KHP troopers Dec. 2 for suspicion of driving while suspended (second or greater offense.)

Jennifer E. McSwane, 20, Garnett, was arrested Dec. 2 for warrants related to driving while suspended, theft by deception and two counts of worthless checks.

Garry E. Bradley was arrested by KHP Dec. 1 for suspicion of driving without a license and no liability insurance.

Jayson E. Ports, 22, Chanute, was arrested by Humboldt officers Dec. 1 for suspicion of violating a protection order, trespassing, disorderly conduct and assault.

 

 

Terry Tush

Terry Tush, age 59, of Spokane Valley, Wash., died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019.

He was born Aug. 5, 1960, to George and Jacquelyn (Sutton) Tush at Garnett.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Tush Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta of the home; stepson, Jon Cael; stepdaughter, Laura Cael; mother, Jacquelyn Hill; and other relatives.

Memorial services for Terry will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak, Garnett. The family will greet friends following the service. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date.

Winter storm closes schools, causes crashes

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A winter storm has closed schools, snarled traffic and caused a fatality crash in Kansas.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory today for northeast and southern Kansas. Accumulations of 1 to 4 inches were predicted.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says multiple roads are partially or completely snow covered.

Several crashes were reported. The Kansas Highway Patrol says 21-year-old Jimmy Romero was killed Sunday when a pickup truck in which he was riding overturned on an icy Wichita road.

The patrol also worked a five-vehicle wreck Sunday in Riley County involving three tractor-trailers.

Multiple school districts called off classes Monday, including several in the Wichita and Kansas City area. Emporia State University also is closed and Wichita State was starting classes late.

Woman shot, killed

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Independence.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 19-year-old Kimberly Meeks, of Coffeyville, was shot Saturday evening while walking along Main Street around 6 p.m.

Witnesses told police that Meeks and a man were walking when an unknown person fired gunshots from a car and fled. The man who was with Meeks also ran after the shooting.

Meeks died at the scene of the shooting.