Kansas Klips
Mural in works at Golden Q in Hays; more planned for this summer
HAYS — Popping out of the otherwise urban scene of railroad tracks and parking is a vibrant plains scene, which is the latest Brush the Bricks downtown mural. The mural, on the north side of the Golden Q, 809 Ash, is by Dennis Schiel. With giant bees, butterflies and a frog on a swing, Schiel said the artwork is more whimsical than some of the other murals he has painted in Hays. He has also painted murals on the side of the Fox Theatre, VFW, S&W Supply and the Arc of the Central Plains buildings. The latter two murals were part of the Brush the Bricks project. Schiel’s newest mural, which is 16 by 55 feet, includes the word, “Hays,” in letters about 8 to 9 feet tall. It also features sunflowers, a bison and corn. The word “Hays” will contain the mascots of all the schools in the Hays, including a Fort Hays State University tiger, Hays High School Indian, NCK Tech bull and the TMP bison. The mural was started in June and should be completed by the end of July, Schiel said. (HaysPost.com)
SW Kan. lifeguard hailed as a hero after saving young boy
SYRACUSE — It was a dramatic few weeks and one of the bigger moments got missed. Dakira Limon is a lifeguard at the Hamilton County pool and a hero. The Syracuse High School graduate is headed to Colby Community college for the animal science program. It is her fourth year as a lifeguard at the Hamilton County Swimming Pool, and on Monday, June 13, all her training kicked in. As she was keeping watch in the deep end, she saw a young boy go off the diving board. But something was off. He began sinking toward the bottom. Dakira followed her training. She blew her whistle, jumped in and saved the young boy. Afterward she was emotional, worn out from the high temperatures and the adrenaline rush. Dakira said, “After the adrenaline wore off, I was worried and scared, hoping he would be OK.” EMS was on the scene. This didn’t slow Dakira down. She took a short break to gather herself and got back on the stand. “I love being with the community. And the people I work with!” (HaysPost.com)
Intoxicated pilot arrested after landing plane on I-70 near KC
KANSAS CITY — An intoxicated pilot was arrested after landing a small aircraft early last Friday on Interstate 70 southeast of Kansas City after radioing that he had run out of fuel, authorities said. The landing, at about 2:30 a.m. east of Grain Valley, roughly 20 miles southeast of Kansas City, closed westbound lanes of the highway for more than 2 1/2 hours, KCTV reported. The plane had a “minor collision” with a guardrail but otherwise didn’t hit anything, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The pilot was the only person on board. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment after his arrest. Online arrest records identify the pilot as 35-year-old John T. Seesing of Prairie Village. Seesing was arrested on requested charges of DWI, felony possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. (JCPost.com)
Man dies after construction zone accident
COWLEY COUNTY — A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, in Cowley County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1973 Ford Ranchero driven by Billy D. Watson, Jr., age 72, of Baxter Springs, was westbound on U.S. 166 in the construction zone. The Ford sideswiped a street sweeper, lost control and then struck a road mill. Watson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. (HaysPost.com)
Testimony gives details of fatal DUI accident involving Nickerson family
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Testimony in Jefferson County Court in Louisville, Ky., last Thursday afternoon told of the horrific accident that involved Nickerson, Ks. residents Trey Jones, his wife, Amy, and their two children, Ava and Creek. According to television station WDRB in Louisville, the court heard testimony Thursday from Louisville Metro Police Department officer Rondall Carpenter, who provided new information about the extent of the victims’ injuries. Ava Jones suffered a broken back and has undergone several surgeries to relieve a brain bleed. Her mother sustained severe traumatic brain injuries and has undergone several surgeries on her leg. Both women remain in critical condition, however they both have regained consciousness and are no longer on ventilators. Thirty-three-year-old Michael Hurley is now charged with murder in the death of Trey Jones, two counts of first-degree aggravated assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault. Video evidence shows Hurley drifting across traffic lanes, crossing an intersection, jumping the curb and hitting the family. He then drove on the sidewalk for about 30 yards before he came to a stop, according to the video. Investigators said Thursday there was no alcohol in Hurley’s system, but his pupils were pinpoints that would not react to light — an indicator of being under the influence of a narcotic. Hurley remains jailed on a bond of $500,000. His next court appearance is tentatively set for Aug. 8. (HaysPost.com)
