Kansas Klips

Driver hospitalized in Hays after car lands in a creek

ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18th, in Ellis County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by Austin J. Smith, 26, Bennlevel, North Carolina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Victoria exit. The driver became distracted. The car traveled into the south ditch, through a KDOT fence, struck several trees, and came to rest at the bottom of a creek. EMS transported Smith to Hays Medical Center. The KHP did not have information on seat belt usage. (Hays Post)

Kansas paramedic dies during emergency call

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas paramedic died Friday, May 16th, in the line of duty. Paramedic Justin Lauppe experienced cardiac arrest and lost his life during an emergency call; according to a statement from Butler Count EMS, “Lauppe, a 14-year veteran of emergency services, was a pillar of our team, known for his unwavering commitment to saving lives and compassionate care. His loss is deeply felt by colleagues, friends, and the countless individuals he served in Butler County. We are heartbroken by the loss of Justin, whose dedication to our community was truly extraordinary. His sacrifice reminds us of the risks our first responders face every day. We honor his legacy by continuing to serve with the same passion and bravery he embodied. Butler County EMS is providing support to Justin’s family and colleagues during this difficult time. The circumstances of his passing were medical in nature, and further details will be shared as appropriate. Emergency Service agencies are encouraged to help us honor Paramedic Justin Lauppe’s memory. (Hays Post)

NWS confirms the strength of tornado that struck Grinnell

GOVE COUNTY—The preliminary damage survey on the tornado in Grinnell confirms that at least an EF2 moved through the community on Sunday night, May 19th, according to the National Weather Service in Goodland. The storm damaged homes and caused significant damage to the community’s electric and gas systems. There were no injuries reported. (Hays Post)

Woman killed in terrorist shooting in D. C. was from Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP)—Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, yelled “Free, free Palestine,” after he was arrested, policed said. The stunning attack on Wednesday evening, May 21st, prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tension across the Middle East and Internationally, and as antisemitic acts are on the rise. The two people killed, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American (Overland Park community), were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U. S. The couple was leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire. (Hays Post)

Tiger rodeo hand headed to College National Finals Rodeo

HAYS—Standout Tiger Rodeo Cowgirl Hailey Witte has qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo to be held in Casper, Wyo., from June 15th through June 21st. This is the first national qualification for Fort Hays State in many years, so the excitement for the program is at a high level. Witte, a freshman from Crookston, Nebraska, was the year-end regional reserve champion at the barrel racing event. (Hays Post)

Former WaKeeney police chief faces criminal charges

WAKEENEY—The former WaKeeney police chief was charged Monday, May 19th, with crimes of mistreatment of suspects after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Michael Allen Romero was put on administrative leave in March and ultimately removed as police chief. Romero is charged with one count of mistreatment of a confined person and two counts of battery. (Hays Post)