Traveler breaking news

Further Winter Storm News

2009-03-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

UNDELIVERED PAPERS

Due to severe weather, some Traveler customers have not received their weekend papers. Power at the Traveler building is out and messages cannot be left, as of Saturday afternoon. We regret this disruption in service and look forward to resuming normal service when conditions improve. Thank you for your patience.

COWLEY DISASTER DECLARATION, SHELTER AVAILABLE

Emergency officials have declared Cowley County a disaster area. This opens the door to state resources, if needed, and allows utility companies to work continuously to fix power problems, said Brian Stone, emergency management coordinator for Cowley County.

Cowley is one of 62 counties declared disaster areas in Kansas by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to provide state resources to local governments, if needed. Stone said such help has not been needed at this time.

There have been reports of several accidents, but none with injuries, he said. Travel advisories remain in affect and Stone says people should stay off the roads.

Power is completely out in the towns of Atlanta and Cambridge, he said. Both fire departments can provide shelter for citizens there. In Atlanta, call (620) 229-4179 or (620) 394-2415. In Cambridge, call (620) 467-4111.

Winter storm smacks Ark City

2009-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Thousands without power; SA offers shelter

Thousands of Arkansas City area residents were without power this morning as snow and sleet continued to fall. The storm knocked out power to about 2,600 customers, a city official said.

The Traveler office is currently without power, so we are currently unable to post the Saturday online edition or post updates to our main page. Please use this page to check for updates until further notice.

Westar Energy crews had asked crews from other areas to help restore power here, said City Manager Steve Archer.

Archer said a count was being taken of people who called the Police Department at 441-4444 seeking shelter, and a shelter would be opened up.

The Salvation Army late this morning was offering a place for people to stay warm in a back room of its store at 318 N. Summit St. Videos were being shown and food was being offered, a woman at the SA said.

Bob Frazee, emergency management coordinator for the city, said the snow was to end by late this afternoon or early this evening, according to a National Weather Service forecast. Tonight’s forecast: Cold, low of 21 degrees. Sunday: Sunny, high of 40.

Frazee also said that as many as 3,500 customers were without power last night, meaning around 900 have since had power restored.

Additional Cancellations:

SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE SOCCER CLINIC SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT, BOTH SESSIONS, HAS BEEN CANCELED. MULTICULTURAL DAY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 28, HAS BEEN CANCELED. COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL MASTER CLASS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 28, HAS BEEN CANCELED.

fire in Winfield

2009-03-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

ONLINE UPDATE - Fire officials: Historic home 'a total loss' after fire
Fire marshal estimates loss at $350-400,000.

By TYLER GASKILL
Reporter

UPDATE-5 p.m. 3/15/09: Fire officials are calling the home at 1306 Loomis "a total loss" after an early morning fire ripped through the historic house Sunday.

Fire investigators remained on scene late Sunday afternoon, digging through the remains of the home, hoping to find clues to what started the blaze. The source of the fire has yet to be determined, Winfield Fire Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Alan Stoll said.

According to Stoll, the value of the home and contents is estimated at $350-400,000.

"The home is an antique in itself," Stoll said of the Victorian style home built in 1885.

"They also had several antiques inside the home that were destroyed by the fire."

The homeowners, Richard and Anne Rising, are returning to Winfield from Florida, where they have been vacationing since December, according to their relatives.

The Risings were delayed in their return home when they had a flat tire early on in their trip back to Winfield, according to a neighbor. They have since made it back on the road, he said.

A nearby garage fire was reported around 9 a.m. as firefighters continued to investigate the house fire. That fire, Stoll said, was determined to be set intentionally, and a suspect has been identified.

Stoll does not believe the two fires are related in any way, he said.

Body found near Winfield

2009-02-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

ONLINE EXTRA - Name released of woman found dead

A woman's body was discovered early Saturday morning under the railroad overpass on U.S. 77 approximately one mile south of Winfield. The woman was identified as Beatriz "Betty" Halverstadt, 42, Winfield.

Halverstadt's body was found by a BNSF train crew. According to Sheriff Don Read, a call came in to the Cowley County Sheriff's Department from the train crew at 7:55.

Undersheriff Bill Mueller says investigators have narrowed down the time of Halverstadt's death to sometime between 2 a.m. and when the train crew found her.

Halverstadt's car was found along side of the road further south on U.S. 77. Halverstadt's body was removed from the scene by 11:30 a.m., but police trackers continued to look for clues as to how Halverstadt's body ended up under the bridge. They remained on the scene after 1 p.m.

When questioned about the circumstances of the death, Read said he could not speculate if it was a suicide, an accident or something else.

"We treat every death (such as this) as 'suspicious'", said Read. "What we're trying to do now is create a timeline of her last movements."

"She appeared to have gone over the edge of the bridge," Mueller said, "how, we don't yet know."

Read anticipates an autopsy will be performed on Monday.

If anyone saw a woman walking north along U.S. 77 last night or early this morning, they are urged to call the Cowley County Sheriff's Department at 221-5444 or Crimestoppers at 221-7777.

Traffic fatality

2009-01-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

By TYLER GASKILL
Winfield Daily Courier

A Winfield man was killed and two other men were injured early Saturday morning when the vehicle they were in left the roadway and flipped northeast of Arkansas City, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Bill Mueller.
Around 3 a.m. Saturday, a Dodge van driven by Curtis L. Rowe, 49, Winfield, was traveling northbound on 85th Road, 1 and 1/10 south of 242nd, when the van left the roadway.
"The van made a slight curve to start up a hill and went off the west side of the road, striking a rock, causing (the van) to flip," Mueller said.
Rowe was partially ejected during the accident, according to Mueller, and he became trapped under the van.
"The vehicle came down on (Rowe)," Mueller said, "and he was pronounced dead on the scene."
Two passengers in the van, Ricky Lee Robinson, 25, Winfield, and Timothy L. Patton, 21, Derby, were injured in the accident. They were both transport to South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, Mueller said.
"Alcohol and excessive speed were probably factors in the accident," Mueller said, "but we won't know for sure on the alcohol until we see the results of a toxicology examination."
The accident scene was investigated by the Cowley County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from the Arkansas City Fire Department.

Sexual abuse charges

2009-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

Lorenzo M. Price, 26, of Arkansas City, has been taken into custody on charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child and is being held on a $15,000 bond in the Cowley County Jail.

Authorities accuse Price of sexually abusing his girlfriend’s daughter, age 13, after the daughter told police he had done so over the last month and after further investigation of the matter, police said.

Winfield man killed in OKC shooting

2009-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

Winfield man killed in OKC hotel shooting
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Winfield man was shot and killed and another man is in custody after a shooting at an Oklahoma City hotel.

Police Lt. Chris Gayhart says police received a report of shots fired about 2:10 a.m. Sunday at the Wingate by Wyndam Hotel on south Meridian Avenue.

Burgett says officers discovered Kiyon Koroma, Winfield, dead in one of the rooms and another man injured.

Police say the injured man, George Anderson III, 22, was arrested on a first-degree murder complaint and is being held in the Oklahoma County jail.

Undisclosed hearing held in Thurber case

2009-01-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

According to Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith, a motion hearing was held before Judge Jim Pringle in the case against Justin Thurber, Friday, in the Cowley County Courthouse.
Both the prosecution and defense have agreed not to discuss the motions that were brought forward. The hearing was closed to the public.
"Another closed hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 9," said Smith. "The trial is still on track to begin as scheduled."
Closed hearings are held so as to diffuse any slip-ups or surprises this close to trial, said Smith.
"We want to do everything correctly and for everything to go as expected."
Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to get underway by the end of this month.
Thurber, 25, is charged with capital murder in the death of 19-year-old Cowley College student Jodi Sanderholm, of Arkansas City.

Belle Plain fire

2009-01-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Scanner reports indicated a mobile home in Belle Plaine was fully engulfed in flames around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Fire fighters from around the area, including Udall, were responding to help.

Grain Truck Overturns

2008-12-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

A grain truck overturned north or Arkansas City at the U.S. 77 bypass, holding up traffic, Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported, according to Bob Frazee, the city's emergency management coordinator. Frazee said the material was apparently feed corn.

Janet English, former mayor and commissioner, passed away Saturday

2008-12-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

Former city commissioner, mayor, Janet English has died.
Janet Lynn (Ross) English, 62, of Arkansas City, died Saturday, December 27, 2008, at her residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Parker Cemetery. The Reverend Danny Daniel and the Reverend Joyce Daniel will officiate.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Janet was born August 23, 1946, in Arkansas City to Kenneth and Gail (Fesler) Ross. Janet graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1964 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas in 1968. Janet married Stephen A. English on June 20, 1970, at the First Presbyterian Church. The couple lived in Minneapolis, Minn.; and Milwaukee, Wis.; before returning to Arkansas City in 1976.

Janet was a well-loved teacher in USD 470 schools for 19 years. As a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, she graciously served as deacon, elder, Christian education chair, Presbyterian Women's Association member and Sunday school teacher for youth and adults and various Presbytery committees. Throughout her life, Janet also proudly served her community while on the Beautification Advisory Board, Arkansas City Beautification Foundation, Arkansas City Public Schools Enhancement Fund (ACE), Arkansas City Outstanding Student Committee and the Chapter GH of P.E.O. Sisterhood. In addition, she served as Arkansas City Commissioner and as Mayor of Arkansas City for one year. Janet has been honored as a recipient of the Presbyterian Women's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Cornerstone Award.

Suspicious death

2008-12-14T12:46:00.001-08:00

A man was found dead outside by a camper at a residence on N. Eight St. Sunday afternoon. The case is being investigated as a suspicious death and police are not ruling out homicide. The 40-year-old man was spotted by two people walking by 326 N. Eight. They called police about 12:48 p.m. The man's identity was not made available. Check back for more details as they become available.

Playground suspects charged

2008-11-22T17:49:00.001-08:00

The three teenagers arrested in the fire of the Island Park Playground have been formally charged and will be prosecuted in the juvenile system. Theymade their first appearances in court earlier this month, County Attorney Chris Smith said.
Zachary Buhkle, 17, is charged with felony arson. Brett (cq) Martinez, 17, is charged with felony obstruction of the legal process. A 15-year-old girl is also charged with felony obstruction.
All are Winfield residents. The arson charge carries a penalty of 11 to 34 months of incarceration for adults, the obstruction charge carries a five to 17 month sentence. Their arraignments are coming up soon, he said.
The playground was totally destroyed by fire Oct. 27.

No bank sale

2008-11-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

CornerBank President Bruce Schwyart told the Courier Friday that the bank will not merge as planed with Emprise Bank. See story here

Red Zone cited

2008-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Tyler Hibbs 18 of Ark City was cited for minor in consumption of alcohol, and Red Zone bartender Heather Shugart 23 of Ark City was arrested for furnishing alcohol to a minor, after an incident last weekend at the local bar.

On Nov. 8 at about 1 a.m., Arkansas City Police officers conducted a routine club check at the Red Zone on N. Eighth St. in Ark City. When officers entered the bar they noticed two individuals that officers recognized as minors drinking beer. Officers walked up to the two minors and started to escort them out of the bar. That was when one of the minors took off running and was never located.

Fire District grant

2008-11-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Cowley County Fire District 3 will receive a $206,226 grant, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt. This grant will be used to improve the fire department’s response capabilities including, but was not limited to: pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

Tie race

2008-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

From Cowley County Clerk Karen Brooks:

There is a tie for Harvey Township Treasurer write-in race. The Commissioners will reconvene this evening the Board of Canvassers after the regular board meeting to determine by lot who wins the race.

Explosion victims identified

2008-11-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Randy W. Porter, 54, Derby, was found dead in the burning remains of a house that exploded near the Winfield City Lake, according to Cowley County Sheriff's Capt. Bill Mueller. Toni A. Brothers, 45, Winfield, was injured in the explosion and remains in critical condition at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus in Wichita, a hospital spokesperson said.

Residential explosion

2008-11-11T10:36:00.001-08:00

According to the scanner, there was a residential explosion near Atlanta, near the intersection of 77th and 131st roads just before 12:30 today.
Apparently related to work on a propane tank. As of 12:30 the house was in flames and propane was still burning.
The female was laying in the yard with an apparent broken leg. A helicopter was being dispatched.
The status of the male in the house was not known.

County vote result

2008-11-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

After a canvassing of the vote, County Commissioner Gary Wilson was declared the winner by a vote of 1,906 – 1,894, Monday. The vote was so close election night, it was too close to call. Since commissioners are the ones who do the canvassing, Wilson excused himself and appointed Sheriff Bob Odel.
We will have an update on the regular web site later today.
Election night they were separated by 20 votes. By the next day, after counting provisionals, the margin went down to one.
No word on whether his opponent, Bob Voegele, will request a recount. He has to put up $1,000 bond to do that, and I think he forfeits the money if he loses.

FIre alarm at Frances Willard

2008-11-07T06:31:00.001-08:00

Firemen answered a call early this morning at Frances Willard Elementary School.
The fire turned out to be very small, coming from the teacher's lounge area. We heard someone say it was a problem with the microwave.
The school was evacuated, but children returned to their classes after being outside only a few minutes.
The fire was reported about 8:10 and firemen were headed back to headquarters by 8:25.

Winfield smoking ban

2008-11-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Winfield City Commission voted unanimously to ban smoking in all public accessible places in the Winfield city limits at their regular meeting on Monday night.

The move did not come without turbulence as several citizens opposed to the ban finally made their voices heard after months of revisions to the ban proposal, which was first brought in front of the commission on Feb. 28 by the Cowley County Clean Air Coalition group.

Officer battery

2008-11-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

An Ark City man has been accused of battery on a law enforcement officer after an altercation Friday in a police car. Conrad Gomez is accused of kicking an officer in the chest after he, Gomez, was physically forced into a police car.

Gomez had been the passenger in a car that was pulled over and the driver, Amanda Banja, arrested on charges of DUI. Gomez was also charged with illegal possession of an intoxicant, and obstruction, police said.

Rape and assault arrest

2008-11-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

An Ark City man has been arrested on charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to a statement from ACPD Sean Wallace released Saturday night.

The alleged victim is a 6 year old female. The suspect is her step-father. Jorge Recinos-Rivas, 42, of Arkansas City was taken to jail with a bond set at $12,500.

Check the Traveler Monday for more details.