Kansas Klips
New owner plans to bring 140-year-old mansion back to life
ABILENE — The Lebold Mansion in Abilene has a new owner, a modern Renaissance man of sorts who has a number of ideas to bring the historic mansion and the public together once again. Joseph Tatner became the owner of the nearly 150-year-old property on June 28. The mansion, which bears a striking resemblance to the Addams Family home, has had a long list of owners which include more than its share of colorful characters, and Tatner acknowledges that he is no exception. He plans to open the mansion for tours after doing some remodeling and updating, generally remaining faithful to the historic nature of the property but with fully modern technology. He also plans to promote the town of Abilene itself, as well as the people and businesses who help to support the mansion. “This town and this home have an amazing history. Not to mention more than a few ghost stories. I thank God I was able to get this place, and I’m going to have a lot of fun in it. I hope everyone else does, too,” Tatner said. (HaysPost.com)
Children read to animals at Humane Society
HAYS — Dogs wagged their tails, kittens purred, and children held paws at the Humane Society of the High Plains last Thursday afternoon in a special event that paired kids with animals seeking forever homes. “Read with the Animals” was sponsored by the Hays Public Library. Fifty children visited the shelter as part of the event. Amie Tabora, library youth programming coordinator, said not only does this bring attention to the animals, it also gives a comfortable, fun place for kids to read and helps some to overcome fear or shyness. “When we had this program last year, I had multiple parents come to me afterwards, and said their child had such a great time reading to the animals because the animals can’t judge you.” Georgia Rose Olson, 8, of Hays, said she really enjoyed it. “My favorite part was when I got to pet the kittens and hold them,” she said. “One of them stayed still enough to let me read to her.” (HaysPost.com)
Bogue man dies in 2-vehicle accident July 4
HILL CITY — Sunday afternoon, Hill City Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 and 275th Avenue in Graham County, to the scene of an injury accident. Geralda Keith, 67, driving a 2014 Ford Edge, was traveling north on 275th Avenue, stopped at the stop sign, and then entered the intersection of U.S. 24. Terry Adams, 70, of Bogue, was traveling east on U.S. 24, driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. According to the investigation, the Keith vehicle struck the side of the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to partially slide under the Keith vehicle. Adams was first transported to the Graham County Hospital and was later transferred by aircraft to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., where he died of his injuries. Keith was treated for minor injuries at Graham County Hospital. (The Hill City Times)
Man survives rattlesnake bites after trying to drive to hospital
OBERLIN — Larry Dick will probably look twice from now on when he walks out his front door. Late the night of June 16, Dick stepped onto his front porch and was immediately struck by a rattlesnake—not once, but twice. He was alone at his farm, a few miles outside of Norcatur, and he debated whether or not to go for his gun. He thought better of it, however, thinking what he needed most was to get help or he might die. It was a little after 11 p.m. when he called the hospital in Oberlin and started to drive himself there. That’s when things got a little fuzzy, and he doesn’t even remember stopping his vehicle. Undersheriff Damon Andrews found Dick unconscious behind the wheel on U.S. Highway 36, about 7 1/2 miles west of Norcatur. He was taken by ambulance to the helipad at Decatur Health Hospital where a helicopter flew him to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. As if suffering the bite was not enough, Dick had a severe reaction to the anti-venom shot he received, and his throat almost shut down. He was in the hospital in Kearney for two weeks before being transferred back to the hospital in Oberlin. (The Oberlin Herald)
Man died, walking on I-70
DICKINSON COUNTY — A Colorado man died after he was struck twice while on Interstate 70 just east of Solomon, last week Thursday. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office said it reponded to reports of a pedestrian on I-70 near mile marker 267. The office said before deputies arrived on the scene, a man, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two different vehicles that were traveling east on the interstate. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. His vehicle was parked off the roadway. Eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed for the investigation, with traffic diverted. Two occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton, a 32-year-old Lenexa woman and a 34-year-old St. Joseph, Missouri woman were both injured and taken to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition. No one was injured in the first vehicle. (Salina Journal)
Chase speeds through Jennings at 80 mph before car crashes
DECATUR COUNTY — A state trooper started a chase Wednesday, June 30, about a half mile east of Jennings on K-383 before the driver lost control and crashed the car. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Phil Henrickson attempted to stop a 2004 Chevy Impala for having no license plate. The driver wouldn’t stop and continued west on K-383 through Jennings at 80 mph. The driver, later identified as Skyler Wetherbee, 22, Lancaster, Mich., attempted a turn but lost control, and the car ran into the ditch. Wetherbee recovered and continued south on the gravel road at speeds in excess of 100 mph for about three miles before he lost control and wrecked. He then exited the car and attempted to flee on foot. Trooper Henrickson kept up with him in his patrol car until other officers arrived. Weatherbee was arrested and was being held in the county jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, driving while suspended, fleeing and speeding. The car had been reported stolen out of Montpelier, Iowa. (The Oberlin Herald)
