Tag Archives: allen county

Homicide investigation in Allen and Neosho counties

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ALLEN COUNTY, Kan – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead Saturday evening, December 3 in Chanute, Kan.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI for investigative assistance just after 5 p.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded and began investigating.

At around 4:50 p.m., Casey M. Dye, 43, of Petrolia, Kan., arrived at the Allen County Sheriff’s Office and provided a statement to sheriff’s deputies.

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Shortly after, law enforcement officers located a deceased man in a vehicle inside an automotive glass shop at 7545 Kansas Highway 39, in Chanute. The man, who was identified as Ryan M. Holcomb, 45, from Chanute, had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dye was arrested for first-degree murder and was booked into the Allen County Jail. Formal charges are pending, and additional charges are expected.

Investigators allege Dye killed Holcomb Saturday morning at a rural property in Allen County, and then moved his body to the business in Chanute where he was discovered.

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All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more. Scroll below and sign up for our news alerts so you don’t miss an article.

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Neosho River region flood warning, ‘turn around don’t drown’

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ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — After heavy thunderstorms overnight and continuing Wednesday the National Weather Service at Wichita, Kan. has issued a Flood Warning until Thursday afternoon.

The Flood Warning continues for the following in Kansas:

  • Neosho River near Chanute affecting Allen and Neosho Counties. Including Iola, Chanute, Erie, Parsons, Oswego.

The Allen County Sheriff’s office released an image of a water rescue dated June 1, 2022. A pickup in floodwaters only visible by the cab roof and a male standing on top.

“Just so we are clear, driving your vehicle into water is not classified as an accident. Having so many low-water bridges clearly marked (over 50), and often hearing ‘I’ve done this many times before,’ our sympathy meter and our pencils don’t even move. Seems like there is a phrase that keeps you, emergency responders, and tow vehicle operators out of the water, ‘turn around don’t drown’.” — ACSO

The National Weather Service reminds, “motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Do not drive around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don’t drown.”

For the latest forecasts keep up to date with Doug Heady our KOAM Chief Meteorologist. Follow on You Tube, click subscribe and then hit to bell so you are notified when they go live in the weather center.

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KBI investigates homicide in rural Allen County

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ALLEN COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a man was found dead in the shop outside of his home in rural La Harpe, Kansas.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the KBI on Wednesday, May 4.

Authorities say on Tuesday morning, May 3, at around 9:55 a.m., the Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had located a deceased family member.

When deputies arrived at 1255 2400th St. in La Harpe, they discovered the body of 68-year-old Richard Diehl, of La Harpe. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy was performed. The preliminary autopsy results indicated that the manner of Diehl’s death was homicide.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities do not believe a threat to the public exists related to this crime.

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3 suspects still wanted in southeast Kansas drug operation

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SOUTHEAST KANSAS – Authorities are still looking for three suspects in a multi-county drug distribution operation.

On Wednesday, April 21, several law enforcement agencies made arrests after an eight-month long join investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs. Authorities in Neosho, Montgomery and Allen Counties are all involved.

They arrested nine people, and according to the KBI, are still looking for the following suspects who have active arrest warrants (photos above),

  • Kevin Pratt, 45, Iola, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Jessica Rogers, 39, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Timothy J. Mishler, 30, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine

(Previous article: At least 9 arrested in SEK drug bust)

During the execution of one of the arrest warrants at 804 N. Garfield, in Chanute, Kan., officers found suspicious explosive devices. The ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit responded to assist with the safe removal of these devices and aid in the investigation.

Joint Investigation

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Chanute Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) all worked together in the joint investigation.

With assistance from the Neosho County Attorney’s Office, the Allen County Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for individuals related to the distribution of methamphetamine. Then, on Wednesday, April 21, in Chanute, Kan., and in the surrounding Neosho, Allen and Montgomery counties, arrest warrants were executed as a part of “Operation Spring Cleaning.”

Authorities booked those arrested into the Neosho and Allen County Jails for drug-related crimes. The Neosho County Attorney, Linus A. Thuston, Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway, and Assistant Allen County Attorney Jacqie Spradling will prosecute the cases.

Arrests

According the the KBI, authorities arrested the following people on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. The KBI says the listed charges include the most serious of several charges.

  • Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school, and Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (6 Counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Anna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Dedra Bright, 36, Cherryville, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Gina Perez, 37, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Michael Naff, 35, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of a school
  • Ellen Fisher, 34, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Quintin Obermiller, 30, Iola, Distribution of methamphetamine
  • Markus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (2 counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 ft. of school property, Criminal use of an explosive

Southeast Kansas county updates as state enters COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 5

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KANSAS – On Monday, March 29, 2021, Kansas entered the state’s final Phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccine plan. Now, all Kansas 16 and older can get the vaccine.

Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for 16- and 17-year-olds, while the vaccines from Moderna and J&J are approved for those 18 and older. So, some counties may not be able to schedule anyone under 18 at this time.

Below is a look at updates and plans laid out by southeast Kansas counties. (Learn more about vaccines in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma here)

Allen County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, there are no clinics currently scheduled for the week of March 29
  • Call the SEK Multi-County Health Department at 620-365-2191 for an appointment or to get on the waiting list.



Bourbon County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled for April 6th, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bourbon County Health Department.
    • Health Department Office is located at 524 South Lowman Street in Fort Scott
  • Residents eligible include those 18 and older. They will require appointments.
    • Call 620-223-4464 to make an appointment



Cherokee County

  • According to Public Information Officer David Groves, the county will continue to move forward with vaccine distribution in the same manner as they have. They will continue to do drive-thru clinics that require appointments
  • They will not be vaccinating residents who are under 18 because they only have the Moderna vaccine, which does not have approval for use in people under 18.
  • Residents can call 620-429-3087 to make an appointment.

Crawford County

  • Crawford County has several clinics scheduled for this week
    • March 31, 2021: Crawford County Fairgrounds Drive thru clinic, Noon to 6:00 pm. No appointment needed.  First come first served.
    • March 31, 2021: Lincoln Center, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. For those who have made appointments already, your vaccine is reserved.  We will also take drop-ins.
    • April 1, 2021: Crawford County Health Department, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This clinic will be for those wanting the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. First come, first served.
  • For faster service at any of the upcoming clinics, download the vaccine consent form from the Crawford County website and have it completed before you arrive – https://www.crawfordcountykansas.org/coronavirus.html

Labette County

  • The Labette County Health Department makes announcements of open slots for COVID-19 vaccine appointments on social media (Facebook).

Neosho County

  • According to the Neosho County Health Department, the hospital still requires appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Health Department has started doing some walk-in clinics which they announce on Facebook.
  • The Health Department is only vaccinating those 18 and older.

Wilson County

  • To sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wilson County, contact the following (all vaccine sites are by appointment only)
    • Wilson County Health Department: 620-378-4455
    • Porter Drug Store: 620-325-2671
    • Fredonia Regional Hospital: 620-378-2121
    • Wilson Medical Center – http://www.wilsonmedical.org

Woodson County

  • According to the SEK Multi-County Health Department, there are no clinics currently scheduled for the week of March 29
  • Call 620-625-2484 for an appointment or to get on the waiting list.



Jordan’s Way holds live fundraiser for Allen County Animal Rescue Facility

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LA HARPE, Kan. – Animal shelter charity Jordan’s Way makes a stop at the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF.) The Clear the Shelters Facebook live fundraiser will last until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. To donate visit the following link: www.facebook.com/donate/270892921157537/.

Facebook pays all the processing fees so 100% of donations will go to the nonprofit.

Jordan’s Way travels across the country to raise for awareness and money animal shelters. It was founded by Kris Rotonda after losing his dog Jordan, who was rescued from a shelter. Kris made a promise to honor her life by helping as many shelters in need as possible.

In January it highlighted the Carthage Humane Society. According to the humane society’s director, he helped the shelter raise $4,200.

(Previous story: Carthage Humane Society to host Jordan’s Way)