Kansas Klips

Tornado rakes Selden

SELDEN — A storm described by one spotter as a multi-vortex tornado, with several funnels setting down and lifting up at times, swept through Selden just after 6 p.m. Monday, May 24th, destroying grain bins and overturning rail cars, ripping roofs off stores and homes, flattening metal sheds and flipping a semi-trailer grain truck. Power was out, gas lines were reported leaking and streets were littered with debris in the aftermath of the storm, but only one minor injury was reported—to a fireman who was driving the streets of the town of 212, warning residents to take cover. He was reportedly injured when a power pole crashed into his vehicle but was back on duty shortly after a quick checkup. The town had plenty of warning. Storm spotters, firefighters and law enforcement officers had been watching the storm for at least an hour. (The Oberlin Herald)

Ness City rancher injured when bull attacks

NESS CITY — May 3 began as any other day for Dave and his son, Bret Reinert. As they have done for a number of years, the father and son were moving their bull herd out to pasture for the Spring. Unfortunately, the last bull didn’t want to get loaded into the trailer. Bret got into the corral to shut the gate, and the bull spun around and attacked him, tossing him into the air, twice, before pinning Bret up against the barn. Dave managed to get the bull to move and Bret was able, with the help of his dad, to get into the pickup and was rushed to the Ness County Hospital. Once there, he was stabilized and airlifted to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Bret spent five days there as he underwent neck surgery on his C6/C7 vertebra. He was also fitted for a C-collar neck brace that he will need to wear for at least three months. In addition to his neck injury, he also received a large cut on his head, a cracked sternum, and lots of bruises, along with torn ligaments in his wrist which will require surgery to repair. Despite the serious injuries, Bret and his family feel he is a very lucky guy! (Ness County News)

Best small town arts scene

LUCAS — National polling sponsored by USA Today Readers’ Choice 2021 has named Lucas the fourth best small town arts scene in the nation. Voting took place in April, and top winners were revealed early in May. Lucas, population 400, is the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas and showcases the ingenuity of self-taught artists. Among the opportunities to see and learn about art made by hundred of Kansans and nationally-based individuals are the Grassroots Art Center, Bowl Plaza (voted the second best public restroom in the U.S. in 2014), the Garden of Eden, established in 1907 by S.P. Dinsmoor, Miller’s Park Sculptures, the World’s Largest Souvenir Traveling Plate and Fork Art Park. (Osborne County Farmer)

Lawmaker pleads not guilty to battery charges

TOPEKA — A Kansas House member pled not guilty last Wednesday to three counts of misdemeanor battery over his behavior toward students while working as a substitute teacher at Wellsville Unified School District. Further bond conditions imposed on Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, which stipulate Samsel cannot violate the law, cannot have contact with any alleged victims, cannot have firearms, and cannot consume any alcohol and drugs. Samsel was charged May 17 after an April 28 incident in the classroom. He was arrested the next day and released on $1,000 bond. The charges, according to the complaint, are due to physical altercations against two students specifically. A video, shot by students, showed the lawmaker grabbing a boy, pushing him against a wall while issuing verbal threaths before the boy breaks free and runs away, yelling. (Salina Journal)

Norton man sentenced for 2nd degree murder, kidnapping

NORTON — A Norton man was sentenced last week to more than 43 years in prison for convictions of second-degree murder and kidnapping, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Damien Shields, 44, was sentenced in Norton County District Court by District Judge Preston Pratt to 460 months for second-degree murder and 60 months for kidnapping, with sentences to be served consecutively in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Shields had pleaded guilty to the charges in February. The crimes took place in April 2019 at a residence in Norton County. (Attorney General Press Release)

Doorbell camera helps police ID burglary suspect

GREAT BEND — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of vehicles being burglarized in the city of Great Bend. In addition, just before 11 a.m. Monday, officers took a report of a stolen 2012 Dodge Journey. Utilizing doorbell surveillance cameras in the area of one of the vehicle burglaries, officers were able to determine a suspect vehicle thatmatched the description of the stolen vehicle. Officers then received information that the stolen vehicle was located at the Great Bend Public Library. Officers contacted 22-year-old Hunter Ward in the area. During the investigation, officers located some of the property reported stolen from vehicles on the suspect. In addition, Ward had the key to the stolen vehicle in his possession and was also in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Officers arrested him on requested charges of burglary of a motor vehicle plus numerous drug charges. (HaysPost.com)

Couple arrested after 17 dogs removed from home

LYON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple for alleged animal cruelty. Authorities say the couple face possible animal cruelty charges after 17 dogs were removed from their home. Lyon County Sheriff’s deputies and animal control officers went to the home last Wednesday to serve a court order to remove all but five animals from the home. The Hartford Municipal Court order said the animals were a nuisance and part of an unauthorized kennel. Deputies found poor living conditions in the home and removed 17 dogs, 14 of which were a dog-wolf breed. The homeowners, Thomas and Rhonda Staggs, are jailed in Lyon County on unrelated warrants and a requested charge of animal cruelty. Formal charges are pending through the Lyon County Attorney’s Office. Guardian of the Wolves animal rescue is caring for the animals. (HaysPost.com)

16-year-old among 4 jailed for another drug deal killing

WICHITA — Late last Monday night, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens. The officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area. Police stopped the vehicle and arrested three men, ages 22, 20, and 18, and a 16-year-old boy. Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle. Investigators learned that the four suspects were at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun, killing a man in the apartment. Police have not released information of which suspect is the shooter. (HaysPost.com)