Kansas Klips
Kansas wrestling coach/teacher sentenced for sex with students
COFFEY COUNTY—A 32-year-old former Burlington High School teacher and wrestling coach was sentenced on Thursday, January 9th, in Coffey County District Court related to the sexual abuse of two teens. At the sentencing hearing, a judge sentenced Michael Vander Linden of Burlington to 36 months in prison and lifetime registration as a registered offender for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Coffey County Attorney Wade Bowie prosecuted the case. On October 31st, 2024, Michael Vander Linden pleaded no contest to the three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The remaining charges were dismissed. On February 13th, 2024, Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents obtained an arrest warrant. They took Vander Linden into custody after two former students reported he had engaged in sexual intercourse with them between 2021 and 2013 when both were 15 years old. Following the hearing, Vander Linden was remanded to the custody of the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office, where he will be transferred to the Kansas Department of Corrections to fulfill his sentence. (Hays Post)
Suspects accused in series of rural Kansas burglaries
OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a rural Kansas burglary have made two arrests. Between January 3rd and January 5th, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to several burglary and theft reports near Osage City and one near Overbrook, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. These incidents prompted an immediate response from deputies and investigators, who began working diligently to gather information and follow leads. Deputies and investigators developed key information regarding potential suspects involved in these crimes through their efforts. A search warrant was executed, and most of the stolen property was recovered. Deputies took two suspects into custody as a result of the ongoing investigation: Colton R. Hill, 23, of Osage City, is being held on requested charges of Felony Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Felony Theft, Misdemeanor Theft, Driving while License Suspended, and Illegal Registration, and Brian R. Stevenson, 52, of Pomona, was jailed on requested charges of Felony Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Felony Theft, and Misdemeanor Theft. (Hays Post)
Kansas man dies in pickup/SUV crash
MITCHELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13th, in Mitchell County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Tundra driven by Christopher J. Herz, 39, Burr Oak was northbound on Kansas 14 just north of C Road, The pickup crossed the centerline and struck a southbound 2008 Ford Escape driven by Cady G. Travis, 44, Jewel. Travis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberts Funeral Home. EMS transported Hertz to the Mitchell County Hospital. Herz was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. (Hays Post)
