Kansas Klips

Wallet lost in the 1970s found and returned to Kansas man

GREAT BEND — Police in Great Bend shared a fun story recently. Someone in the community found a wallet at the Crest Theater in Great Bend and turned it in to police, according to a social media report. The wallet contained several items including a social security card and a driver’s license that expired in 1974. Police tracked down the owner, who now lives in Lawrence. The man lost the wallet in the early 70s. According to police, the owner was tickled and shared that he made the wallet himself. (HaysPost.com)

Smokin’ on the Beaver brings big crowd

ATWOOD — Atwood’s 18th annual Smokin’ on the Beaver barbecue competition returned last weekend with attendance similar to previous years. Event coordinators counted 1,700 wrist bands before running out midway through the day on Saturday. They estimate 2,000 people attended with approximately 800 people fed at the dinner. Forty-eight teams participated in the competition with participants from all over Kansas, plus Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri. The 15-member event committee had 196 volunteers who assisted with set up, helped with some of the activities, and cleaned up afterward. (Rawlins County Square Deal)

Heat lamp for a pet started Kansas house fire

MANHATTAN — Authorities say a heat lamp near an enclosure for a pet turtle is responsible for a house fire in Manattan. Just before 11 a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a home for a report of smoke coming from a house, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes. At the scene, crews found a fire in the basement of the single-story residence. Crews contained the fire within 10 minutes of arrival. A pet turtle died as a result of the fire. Loss is estimated at $15,000 to contents and $15,000 to the structure. The fire cause is accidental due to a heat lamp that was near the turtle enclosure, according to Almes. There were no other injuries reported. (JCPost.com)

Zoo mourns the death of 30-year-old gorilla

WICHITA — The Sedgwick County Zoo announced the sudden passing Oct. 7 of 30-year-old Zuza, a western lowland gorilla. According to a statement from the zoo, Zuza woke up and had breakfast as usual Thursday morning, but was later found unresponsive when keepers returned for a routine training session. Repeated attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Medical staff are performing an animal autopsy to determine the cause of death. Zuza was born Sept. 16, 1991, at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago and came to Sedgwick County Zoo in 2010. Zuza was a Zoo guest favorite, known to his caretakers and fans as “Zuza the Entertainer.” He was a charismatic gorilla with a playful disposition and his presence will be thoroughly missed by everyone at Sedgwick County Zoo. (Kansas.com)

12-year-old driver hospitalized after crash during police chase

SALINA — A 12-year-old boy allegedly took a car and police on a tour of parts of southwest and central Salina, sometimes at speeds up to 60 mph. Just after 2:30 a.m. Oct. 2nd, an officer observed a black Altima traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer attempted to stop the car, but it kept going. The chase continued all over southwest Salina and into the central area when the driver encountered a dead end at a large drainage ditch. At one point, the driver put the Altima in reverse, striking the patrol vehicle and causing minor damage. The chase ended when the driver hit a tree. Police arrested the 12-year-old driver and EMS transported him to Salina Regional Health Center with unspecified injuries. The boy faces an extremely long list of requested charges. (SalinaPost.com)

High school choir director used hidden camera

OLATHE — Prosecutors say a high school choir director in Overland Park has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of breach of privacy. The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office says it charged 45-year-old Joseph Martin Heidesch on Thursday following his arrest Wednesday morning. Investigators say the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School choir director was found with images of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Officials also say he used a hidden camera to secretly record two victims as they were undressing. Investigators say the incidents happened between 2019 through September of this year. The school says Heidesch has been placed on administrative leave. (kctv.com)

Sheriff’s office adds therapy dog to support citizens in time of need

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of a new tool to support citizens in the community affected by trauma, mental health and crime, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. In conjunction with the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL) the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a professional therapy dog program. Cherokee is an Aussie mix with beautiful brown and red fur and a unique feature of one brown eye and one blue eye. Cherokee will assist the Sheriff’s victim advocate, Brittany Richardson with supporting citizens in the community. Cherokee will help regulate a person’s emotional state through her calm presence, regulated breathing, and touch. (kansas.com)