Kansas Klips
Ellis County reports the highest poverty rate in region
ELLIS COUNTY—Recent economic data from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs showed that Ellis County had the highest poverty rate in the region at 18%. Another 23% were classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford their county’s basic cost of living. They do not qualify for public assistance. Combined, that equals 41% or more than four of ten Ellis County residents are struggling financially. (Hays Post)
Squirrel causes power outage in downtown Hays, leaving hundreds without power
HAYS—A squirrel caused a power outage in downtown Hays on Thursday, November 14th, after coming into contact with an electrical post. Midwest Energy Field Operations Assistant Kaleigh Soneson reported the squirrel climbed one of the utility’s electrical posts. Soneson said the incident caused a fuse to blow, leaving about 400 people without power from Sixth Street to Oak and Fort Streets. Soneson said Midwest Energy first received reports of the power outage at 1:52 p.m., and the issue was resolved by 2:37 p.m. (Hays Post)
Driver jailed for 118 mph in 75 mph zone
ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Kansas law enforcement continues to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding. On Sunday, November 10th, Master Trooper Van Buren stopped a driver traveling 118 mph in a 75 mph zone in Ellsworth County, according to a social media report from the KHP. the The trooper arrested the driver. On Saturday, November 9th, Trooper Mai made a traffic stop in Cloud County where a driver was cited for speeding at 103 mph in a 70 mph zone, improper lane use, and child restraint violations. “It’s a crucial reminder that every safety measure counts on the road. Child safety seats are designed to protect our littlest passengers, and at these speeds, every precaution matters.” The KHP released no additional details. (Hays Post)
Northwest Kansas man sentenced for child sex crimes
SMITH COUNTY—According to a media release from the agency, a man was convicted and sentenced in Smith County following a Kansas Bureau of Investigation case. Smith County Attorney Tabitha Owen accounted that a Smith County man, 29-year-old Colter J. Ducote, has been sentenced to seven presumptive life sentences after being convicted by a jury on seven counties of Jessica’s Law child sexual abuse charges. On August 12th, 2024, a Smith County jury trial convened and concluded on August 14th, 2024, with a guilty verdict. The KBI investigated the case after a request for assistance from the City County Sheriff’s Office on July 24th, 2023. A Special Agent assigned to the KBI West Child Victims Unit led the investigation regarding allegations that Ducote had committed the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Ducote was convicted of seven counts of child sexual abuse, including rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The victim was 11 years old when she reported the sexual abuse by Ducote beginning at the age of six. On October 31st, Ducote was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life on each of the seven counts of conviction: two counts will be served consecutively for a mandatory term of 50 years to life. (Hays Post)
$5,000.00 Reward: Search continues for killer of friendly heifer in Kansas
ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement continues working with the owners of Lucille, a friendly British White bred heifer that was killed during the full moon (super moon) cycle in October, to identify possible suspects. The crime occurred approximately six miles southeast of La Harpe in Allen County, and the death was not due to another animal or from natural causes. The owners are offering a $5,000.00 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those involved. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the authorities. Allen County Kansas Crime Stoppers has offered to take tips so that persons can remain anonymous if they so desire. Anyone with any information regarding this case, whether they want to be eligible for a cash reward or not, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a mobile tip using the Crime Stoppers P3 app. (Hays Post)
