Kanopolis Drive-In receives $65,000.00 grant to preserve historic outdoor theatre

KANOPOLIS—Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded a $65,000.00 grant to the historic Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre to support the purchase of a new state-of-the-art digital projection system. This funding will ensure that the beloved outdoor theatre continues to operate for years to come. The Kanopolis Drive-In Theatre, which opened in 1952, is a single-screen drive-in on the city's northwestern side. The theatre features a massive 60-foot outdoor screen and can accommodate up to 160 vehicles, offering a classic 1950s-era moviegoing experience. But last fall, new owners Jessica Eagle Moyer and Tyson Moyer learned that the digital projector was beyond repair, with replacement costs exceeding $100,000.00. Over the past five months, community fundraising efforts, combined with grant funding from the Department of Commerce, have enabled the purchase of a new, cutting-edge 4K laser projector. Additionally, the Moyers upgraded the movie screen and projection room. According to industry estimates, approximately 275 drive-in theatres remain in operation across the United States, making the preservation of Kansas venues such as Kanopolis Drive-in incredibly significant. (Hays Post)

Community helps Gabel family recover after house fire in Ellis

ELLIS—The Gabel family in Ellis is beginning the process of rebuilding after a devastating house fire that was allegedly intentionally set. Jordan Gabel, director of nursing at Trego Long Term Care in WaKeeney, said she, her husband Branden, and their three sons were asleep early on the night of June 18th, when frantic pounding on the front door woke them. The neighbor who had noticed the fire immediately rushed to alert the family and call 911. The couple quickly rushed to get their children out safely. Their youngest sons, Lucas, 7, and Ryker, 6, slept in bedrooms near their parents, while their oldest son, Gunner, 12, was asleep in the basement. While Gabel hurried outside with the two younger boys, her husband attempted to reach Gunner in the basement. However, before anyone could get to him, the family's dog, Diesel, had already helped save the boy's life. Diesel, a border collie and Australian shepherd mix, had been outside in the back yard with the family's other surviving dog, Oreo. Gabel said the family believes the person who allegedly broke into the home left the back door open (not on purpose), allowing Diesel to get inside. Diesel made his way downstairs and began barking in Gunner's room until the 12-year-old woke up and escaped the home safely. Neighbors throughout the area quickly rallied around the family, and within days of the fire, community members raised more than $7,000.00 through Venmo donations. Additional money has also been collected through a bank account established for the family. While some pets survived, some did not. The family lost their dog, Jax, along with cats Luna and Alpha. Another cat, Powder, was still missing at the time of this report. (Hays Post)

F-14 Restoration Highlights WaKeeney's July 4th Celebration

WAKEENEY—As Independence Day approaches, one of WaKeeney's most recognizable landmarks is receiving renewed attention thanks to the efforts of the Dakota Pride Group. Members of the organization have been spending time in WaKeeney restoring the historic F-14 Tomcat displayed at Eisenhower Park. Their work is helping preserve an important piece of military and aviation history while ensuring the aircraft remains a source of community pride for years to come. The F-14 Tomcat served the United States Navy from 1980 to 1998 and has been displayed in WaKeeney since 2006. Over the years, exposure to the Kansas weather created a need for restoration. The Dakota Pride Group's efforts are helping return the aircraft to a condition worthy of its legacy and the service members it represents. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the aircraft and learn about its history in the Tomcat Ready Room, located at Rosie’s Bar & Grill. The Ready Room features aviation memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits dedicated to the legendary aircraft and the men and women who flew and maintained it. (Hays Post)

$5,000.00 puppies stolen from Kansas home

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement is investigating the home invasion burglary of expensive puppies. On Wednesday, June 24th, residents of a west Salina home reported that an unknown assailant entered their residence through an unsecured door and stole two English Bulldog puppies, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler. The puppies were reported to be only two weeks old. The dogs were in the kitchen of the residence with three other puppies and their mother at the time of the burglary. The puppies were last seen at midnight. At 6:00 a.m., the homeowner checked on them and found two were missing. Three individuals were home at the time, and no one heard anything throughout the night. One puppy is a male with black fur and white markings on its head, and the other is a black-and-gray female with a white face and white-and-pink ears. The owner estimated the value of each puppy to be $5,000.00. (Hays Post)

Garden City man dies after drowning in Western Kansas reservoir

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Around 3:10 p.m., Dispatch received a 911 call about a possible drowning from Horse Thief Reservoir, west of Jetmore. Units were dispatched to the swimming area, and “additional units were dispatched as the scene turned into a recovery status,” Sheriff Walker wrote. Shortly after 5:00 p.m., the Kansas Wildlife and Parks sonar unit located the individual, who was removed from the water. The Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim later as Jose Arturo Orrantia of Garden City. He was 39. (KAKE)

Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash with a pickup

NORTON COUNTY—On Monday, June 29th, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford F150 driven by Ronald B. Zwickle, 77, of Norton, was westbound on U.S. 36 in Norton. The driver attempted to turn south of Timber Ridge Lane in front of an eastbound 1997 Harley-Davidson, driven by Frank J. Daniels, 73, of Boise, Idaho. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the pickup. EMS transported Daniels to Swedish Medical Center in Denver for treatment of serious injuries. Zwickle was not injured. Daniels was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. (Hays Post)

Kansas woman stabbed man with a kitchen knife

BARTON COUNTY—Just before 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th, police were dispatched to a report of a stabbing in the 3900 block of Cedar Park Place in Great Bend, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers contacted a man and woman inside one of the apartments. The investigation determined that 34-year-old Mercedes Mater had stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife. Mater was taken into custody and transported to the Barton County Jail. She was booked on requested charges of attempted murder, battery of a law enforcement officer, and interference with a law enforcement officer. Great Bend EMS transported the victim to the hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. (Hays Post)