Kansas Klips

Tractor-trailer, gravel truck collide in deadly crash

BUTLER COUNTY — The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said two people were killed in a crash at at an intersection on Monday, April 4. The sheriff’s office said a semi tractor pulling an empty flatbed trailer was eastbound on 150th and ran a stop sign. It collided with a northbound gravel truck, which was carrying a full load. Both drivers died at the scene. (KWCH Staff)

Former Oberlin man buys Atwood business

OBERLIN — Oberlin native Nolan May and a small group of investors have purchased the Carlson’s Choke Tubes company in Atwood. They said the company will remain in Atwood and retain all the current employees. Scott Carlson began the company in 1988, and he built it into a national market leader in the firearms industry, as well as employing around 30 people across all their locations, including Atwood. The company has grown over the years into a major manufacturer and distributor of choke tubes, doing over $3 million of business every year. (The Oberlin Herald)

Third semi toppled by high winds in same area of I-70 in western Kansas

GOODLAND — For the second day in a row on Thursday, high winds made traveling difficult if not downright dangerous in portions of central and western Kansas, especially for those driving high-profile vehicles like semitrailers. A number of semis were reported to have flipped onto their sides again on Thursday as winds of up to 70 mph in some places made the going treacherous for those driving the big rigs. Compounding the difficulties were reports of dust obscuring visibility on southwest Kansas roadways. On Thursday, a semi was reported to have been blown over near mile marker 38 on Interstate 70, about 20 miles east of Goodland. It marked the third big rig in just over 24 hours to have met the same fate at nearly the exact same point on the roadway. (WIBW)

Groundwater levels on decline

DECATUR COUNTY — Average groundwater levels across western and central Kansas fell by about a foot in 2021, with the greatest declines in the southwest part of the state, according to preliminary well-measurement data from the Kansas Geological Survey. The survey, based at the University of Kansas, and the state Division of Water Resources, part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer as well as western and central Kansas and others. Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 1.01 feet last year. Most parts of the region had little rain last year, especially during the summer growing season. The drop in northwest Kansas was only about half the state average, however, despite persistent dry weather here since May. (The Oberlin Herald)

Colorado couple brings life to old grade school

McCRACKEN — Joe and Rebecca Tippmann have moved into the McCracken Grade School, bringing new life to the building that once housed elementary students. The couple, originally from Colorado, have converted the building into a living residence, along with using the classrooms for business and creativity. The couple is semi-retired, with Joe interested in sculpture and forensic reconstruction of missing or incomplete fossils. Their home is filled with examples of their work, which include scale models of dinosaurs. Rebecca is an artist in her own right. She is interested in fiber arts and painting. She also has an internet business selling beads and other jewelry items, and has given classes on creating jewelry. The couple share seven children between them and six grandchildren. They plan on spending their retirement years in McCracken, inspired by their surroundings. (The Rush County News)

SureFire enters joint venture with John Deere

ATWOOD —SureFire Ag Systems and its subsidiary, SureFire Electronics, have entered into a joint venture with Deere & Company. As a result of this transaction, the company names have been rebranded as SurePoint Ag Systems and SurePoint Electronics. John Deere has had a positive working relationship with SurePoint for a number of years. Miles Keaton, Director of Performance Upgrades for John Deere, said, “We know how good they are at what they do and it’s an area where we need to improve. They are an industry-leader in aftermarket fertilizer application systems and sprayer mixing systems.” SureFire Ag Systems was founded in 2007 by Josh and Lisa Wolters, Blaine and Erin Ginther and Matt Wolters, who saw an opportunity to help producers better apply fertilizer, chemicals and other crop inputs. In 2012, SureFire Electronics was created to address the need for electrical components to support precision. Together, the companies have over 80 full-time employees. (Rawlins County Square Deal)

Mobile home abandoned in middle of road

LABETTE COUNTY — The owner of a mobile home that was abandoned in the middle of a Labette County road last Tuesday was finally located. The sheriff thanked all of their social media friends for help in locating the owner. The sheriff’s office did not identify the owner publicly or provide any further information as to what had happened or any possible fines that might come from the incident. The trailer was discovered late in the afternoon at Nations and Trego Road on the south end of Labette County, according to the sheriff’s office. A tractor was also found nearby. It had been pulling the trailer until the tires became damaged and blew out, according to the sheriff’s office. (HaysPost.com)

Good Samaritan robbed, battered

HUTCHINSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking the public for help to locate suspects. Last week, sheriff’s deputies took a report from victim who said she was driving northbound on K-14 Highway approximately 8 miles south of Crupper’s Corner. She came across a passenger car in the northbound lane. A white female flagged the victim down. She said her vehicle was broke down and she only lived about a mile away and asked if the victim could give her a ride home. The female suspect acted like she needed assistance so the victim got out of her vehicle to tend to her. The suspect then began acting like she was sick and needed help walking. As the victim assisted the suspect, another suspect approached the victim from behind, placing a gun to the back of her head. The victim was instructed to get back into her vehicle where she was robbed of her purse and jewelry. The victim was also battered by both suspects while she was in her vehicle. (The Hutchinson News)