Kansas Klips

Colorado man caught with stolen gun, drugs in Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop. Just after 5:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13th, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop, the deputy observed illegal drug contraband, the driver, Brandon Dean Vleck, 40, of Greeley, Colorado was arrested on requested charges of possession of a stolen firearm, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, criminal use of weapons, possession of anabolic steroids, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. (Little Apple Post)

LaCrosse High School student graduates high school, college simultaneously

LACROSSE—Tristen Wilhelm, a remarkable student from LaCrosse achieved a groundbreaking milestone when he became the first student in the history of LaCrosse High School to graduate from high school and college (NCK Tech’s Pharmacy Technician program) simultaneously. Guided by the advice of his counselor and his own aspirations,Tristen chose to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician and began taking classes during his senior year. Unlike many of his peers Tristen opted for a shorter-term program rather than the traditional four-year college route. (Hays Post)

Red Lobster in Salina closes doors for good

SALINA—On Monday, May 13th, staff at the Red Lobster seafood restaurant at 2925 South Ninth Street posted a flyer on the front doors announcing the closure. Red Lobster’s corporate website lists the Salina location as “closed.” The seafood chain also closed restaurants in Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas. In April, Red Lobster reported that the company was experiencing financial difficulties. (Salina Post)

EnerSys announces layoffs at Hays plant

ELLIS COUNTY—EnerSys laid off an undisclosed number of employees at its Hays plant as of the end of April corporate communications confirmed Thursday, May 16th. Lisa Hartman, EnerSys vice president of corporate communications, said the layoff affected employees in various roles and levels, but she did not release the number of affected employees. “This decision was related to a slowdown in our telecommunications and broadband business, which the industry has been experiencing for several quarters,” Hartman said in an email. EnerSys manufactures batteries for industrial applications. It makes motive power, reserve power, aerospace/defense, and specialty batteries and offers a range of integrated services and systems. The company has sales and service locations throughout the world. Hartman said the actions were taken as part of a companywide review. “We believe we have taken the right steps to structure the company and this plant for the current market conditions as well as for when spending in these end markets returns,” she said. EnerSys has connected affected employees in Hays with local resources that specialize in helping people through job transitions, such as job training, resume building, and job applications, Hartman said. Employees also have access to the company’s Employee Assistance Program, which provides various resources to help them consider and plan for the next steps. (Hays Post)

Bodies found in Sumner County identified

WICHITA—The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office says law enforcement has identified the two bodies found in Sumner County. A news release from the SCSO says one of the bodies was found on May 10th, and the other on May 13th. Both of the bodies were discovered near the vicinity of the 300 block of River Road “Both individuals had been reported missing in early January 2024. Monica R. Williams (29) had been reported missing through the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, and Kevin M. Ledesma (24) was reported through the Wichita Police Department,” the news release said. There have been several suspects identified in the case by the SCSO, which is calling this a double homicide. There is no immediate threat to the public. The circumstances of the deaths are still under investigation by the SCSO. (KSNT News)