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Month: February 2018

Kansas couple jailed after chase, crash in stolen SUV

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SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects stolen property and weapons charges.

North photo Shawnee Co.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to a residence in the Oakland neighborhood of Topeka, in reference a report of a stolen car that had just occurred.

The victim stated a known subject had just taken his Chevrolet SUV and his firearm, according to Lieutenant Andrew Beightel.

While checking the area an officer spotted the stolen car in a nearby convenience store parking lot. Officers attempted to stop and recover the vehicle but, the driver refused to stop and initiated a short pursuit. The driver lost control of the SUV at SE Seward and SE Lake, shattering a telephone pole and knocking down power lines. The driver and passenger then attempted to flee on foot but, were both quickly apprehended. Officers were also able to locate the firearm that was taken during this theft. There were no injuries during this incident.

Officers booked Austin North (26) and Briana Fitzpatrick (28), both of Topeka, into the Shawnee Co jail for several criminal charges including, possession of stolen property, firearm violations, drug paraphernalia possession and traffic charges.

Fitzpatrick-photo Shawnee Co.

Anyone with information relating to this crime, please call the Topeka Police Department at 785-368-9400 or Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

Barton County Health Director says this flu season is seeing more significant numbers

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At least two children have died from the flu in the Wichita area during the 2017-2018 flu season.

Barton County Health Director Shelly Schneider says no extreme cases of influenza have been reported by physicians in the area, but she has heard concerns and stories about odd reactions to the antiviral flu medications, such as Tamiflu.

Shelly Schneider Audio

Schneider was informed that some residents in the area have experienced rashes, upset stomach, and a lousy feeling from taking the Tamiflu. Physicians are still recommending Tamiflu, knowing the possible side effects, because many influenza effects are horrible too such as kidney disorder and pneumonia.

Schneider says what is different about this flu season is that the area is seeing significant numbers. Instead of trickling through a community, the area is getting hit full blast. Schneider says that is why so many people are missing work and students are missing school right now.

Shelly Schneider Audio

USD 407 in Russell cancelled school twice last week because of sickness and USD 428 in Great Bend reported a 13 percent absence rate throughout their school district because of illness.

Great Bend Lady Panthers 6th at State Wrestling Championship

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The Great Bend Lady Panthers finished 6th out of 54 teams who sent wrestlers to the 2nd annual Girls State Wrestling Tournament in McPherson. The host Bullpups won the event with 133 points.

Savannah Kennon finished 3rd in her weight class while Natalie Garza and Ali Pierce both picked up 4th place finishes to lead Great Bend.

Team Scores
1 McPherson 133.0
2 Fort Scott 74.0
3 Kansas City-Turner 58.0
4 Burlingame 55.0
4 Spring Hill 55.0
6 Great Bend 50.0

Great Bend Results

106: Natalie Garza (Great Bend) – 4th
Round 1 – Maurin Coltrane (Independence) over Natalie Garza (Great Bend) (MD 24-10)
Round 3 – Natalie Garza (Great Bend) over Hannah Moore (McPherson) (Fall 3:52)
Round 4 – Alessia Cokeley (Douglass) over Natalie Garza (Great Bend) (TF 17-0 4:11)
Round 5 – Natalie Garza (Great Bend) over Madyson Haidusek (Riley County) (Dec 6-4)
3rd Place Match – Chloe Sullivan (Garden City) over Natalie Garza (Great Bend) (Fall 2:34)

113: Mady Bittner (Great Bend) – 6th
Round 1 – Alexis Allen (Independence) over Mady Bittner (Great Bend) (Fall 1:03)
Round 3 – Mady Bittner (Great Bend) over Annathea Finch (Spring Hill) (Fall 1:33)
Round 4 – Anayka Besco (Rose Hill) over Mady Bittner (Great Bend) (Fall 3:00)
5th Place Match – Payton Warkentin (Buhler) over Mady Bittner (Great Bend) (Fall 0:20)

120: Linzie Miller (Great Bend) – DNP
Round 1 – Gracie Mann (Spring Hill) over Linzie Miller (Great Bend) (Dec 8-7)
Round 2 – Linzie Miller (Great Bend) over Sunny O`Leary (Riley County) (Fall 2:00)
Round 3 – Anja Tschohl (Andover Central) over Linzie Miller (Great Bend) (Fall 3:17)

126: Marissa Hanrahan (Great Bend) – DNP
Round 1 – Justine Kennington (Ottawa) over Marissa Hanrahan (Great Bend) (Fall 0:00)
Round 2 – Breya Brown (Fort Scott) over Marissa Hanrahan (Great Bend) (Fall 1:17)
Round 3 – Marissa Hanrahan (Great Bend) over Zahirah Tanaka (Junction City) (Fall 0:45)

126: Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) – 3rd
Round 1 – Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) over Lauren Lemon (Goddard-Eisenhower) (Fall 0:41)
Round 2 – Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) over Kate Landis (Spring Hill) (Fall 1:39)
Round 3 – Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) over Caitlyn Allington (McPherson) (Fall 2:31)
Round 4 – Justine Kennington (Ottawa) over Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) (Fall 1:38)
Round 5 – Olivia McNeil (Wichita-Haysville Campus) over Savannah Kennon (Great Bend) (Dec 27-20)

106 B: Ali Pierce (Great Bend) – 4th
Round 1 – M. Pantoah (Topeka West) over Ali Pierce (Great Bend) (Fall 4:51)
Round 2 – Ali Pierce (Great Bend) over Faith Long (Osage City) (Fall 2:39)
Round 3 – Daisy Raburn (Nickerson) over Ali Pierce (Great Bend) (TF 18-3 4:44)
Round 4 – Ezrah Garcia (Shawnee Mission West) over Ali Pierce (Great Bend) (Fall 4:10)
Round 5 – Aubree Martins (McPherson) over Ali Pierce (Great Bend) (Fall 5:27)

120 A: Maleny Carrasco (Great Bend) – DNP
Round 1 – Katelyn Noel (Wichita-North) over Maleny Carrasco (Great Bend) (Fall 5:19)
Round 2 – Giselle Gutierrez (Garden City) over Maleny Carrasco (Great Bend) (Fall 3:27)
Round 3 – Lauren Meier (Topeka) over Maleny Carrasco (Great Bend) (TF 17-0 4:30)

Monday USD 428 Board of Education Agenda

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BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
February 12, 2018 5:00 p.m.
AI: Action Item DI: Discussion Item IO: Information Only
USD 428 Board of Education Goals

1. CALL TO ORDER …………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres
1.1 Roll Call
1.2 Adoption of Agenda
1.3 Recognition of Visitors
1.4 Request to Speak Reminder
1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS ……………………………………… Mr. Umphres
Volunteers in USD 428 Learning Centers
USD 428 appreciates the many persons who generously volunteer to assist in various capacities in the schools. The summary indicates that volunteers provide an estimated 107.05 hours each week across the district, with many additional hours relating to special events. Thanks to all who volunteer their time for the benefit of students.

3. COMMUNICATIONS ……………………………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
 Board Members’ Comments
 USD 428 Education Foundation
 Written Communications / Correspondence

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Second Reading of School Calendars ……………………………….. Mr. Umphres
Development of the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school calendars were presented for BOE review in January. Review and approval of two upcoming school years will allow administration, staff and students to plan accordingly.

B. Approval of Bid of Pickup Truck …………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
Three bids were received for a 2017 ¾ Ton pickup truck for the Maintenance Department. A custom tool box from B S Trailer Sales Inc. in Dodge City will need to be installed on the truck. Administration recommends approval to purchase a truck and have a tool box installed.
Dealership Model 2WD 4WD
Dove Chevrolet 2018 Chevy Silverado $25,787.47 $28,117.47
Marmie Dodge 2018 Dodge Ram $21,594.00 $23,758.00
Marmie Ford 2018 Ford F-250 $23,790.00 $26,524.00

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. Summer Dual wrestling tournament …………………………………. Mr. Umphres
GB High Head Wrestling Coach Nathan Broeckelman will provide details, and request permission to host a 2018 Summer Dual wrestling tournament.

B. Approval to Request 2018-2019 E-Rate Funding ……………….. Mr. Umphres
Administration requests BOE approval for 2018-2019 E-rate funding requests, as itemized below.
Vendor Total Less E-Rate Year Cost
COX-WAN $48,000 $38,400 $9,600
Nex-Tech Internet $8,700 $6,960 $1,740
TOTAL $56,700 $45,360 $11,340
Cellular, local and long distance phone charges are no longer paid for by E-Rate funds.The Cox – WAN contract is the same as last year with this being the final year of the five-year contract.

C. Concrete Projects …………………………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
 Park Elementary
 HS Field House

6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT……………… Mr. Umphres / Mr. Popp

A. Science Graduation Requirements
The GB High School Science department would like to change the GBHS science requirements for graduation. The Science department has tried to shuffle classes to provide more flexibility for students. This change in requirements would allow students to have flexibility, but still ensure they are taking a wide array of science credits.
Current BOE Policy on Graduation Requirements for Science:
 Three (3) units of science
Proposed BOE Policy on Graduation Requirements for Science:
 Three (3) units science – One (1) life science and One (1) physical science

B. Adoptions Updates:
Elementary Science and High School Science will be bringing their recommendation to the Board in March. Middle School Science is a little behind because the curriculum they wanted to pilot was not available until last week. 7-12 English Language Arts (ELA) adoption is just beginning. They will bring a pilot request to the board by April or May.

C. Educlimber Update:
The Board approved to purchase Educlimber for the aggregation of data. A demonstration on how the tool supports the district staff to learn about a total child will be presented.

D. The addition of Nurse Aides

E. Curriculum Meeting Minutes (Attachments 6.E)
 Curriculum Steering Committee: 2/6/18
 Professional Development Council (PDC) minutes: 1/8/18 and 2/5/18

7. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT ………………………… Mr. Umphres / Mr. Thexton
A. Governmental Relations Seminar in Topeka – January 11-12, 2018
B. Legislative Update:
C. Architect Update
D. Parent Teacher Conference Dates: USD 428’s Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled on February 12, 13, and 15, 2018.
E. Approval of Contributions (Attachments 7.E)
 Great Bend Recreation Commission wishes to donate commercial level cardio exercise equipment no longer in use. The equipment will be utilized at the GB High School for athletic training and fitness academics.
 3 – Life Fitness Treadmills
 2 – Life Fitness Elliptical Trainers
 2 – Life Fitness Recumbent Exercise bikes
 GBHS FFA. Contributions totaling $200 have been received designated to the GBHS Future Farmers of America group.
 Aaron’s Repair & Supply $100
 Cecelia Nicolet $50
 Sandra Walters $50
 Bauer, Pike, Bauer & Wary, LLC wishes to donate $200 to the Riley Elementary Neon Sign fund.

8. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION …………………………… Mr. Umphres / Mr. Thexton
A. Bills and Financial Reports

9. CONSENT AGENDA …………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (January 8, and January 25, 2018) (Attachments 9.A)
B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report
Licensed Teacher Appointment
 Mrs. Amber Wolking, Teacher of Family Consumer Science at GB High School
Licensed Teacher Resignation
 Mrs. Haley Divilbiss, Teacher of Grade 5 at Jefferson Elementary

10. UPCOMING MEETING DATES …………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
•Building Bridges: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at GB High School. A cooperative effort of Barton County businesses and Employees to bring Business/Industry, Economic Development, Workforce Development and Education together. A proven program to help identify what schools should be teaching the students in effort to prepare them to be a viable part of our workforce. (Attachment 10.0)
•GBHS Hall of Fame: Friday, February 23, 2018. Luncheon Banquet at 11:45 a.m. at Stone Ridge Country Club, Induction Ceremony at approximately 7:10 p.m. between Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Games at GBHS. Inductees: Larry Becker and James Calcara
•No School: February 15 – Early Release, February 16 – NO SCHOOL
February 26 – NO SCHOOL
•BOE Luncheon Meeting: Noon on Tuesday February 28, 2018, at GB Middle School
•IBB Meeting: 8:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the District Education Center

11. ADJOURNMENT ……………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres

Sunday Sports Headlines

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WACO, Texas (AP) – Manu Lecomte had 18 points, helping Baylor to an 80-64 victory over No. 10 Kansas. After the Jayhawks had pulled within a basket, Lecomte scored eight straight points. The Jayhawks trailed 30-20 at halftime after having nine turnovers and only seven made field goals before the break. Devonte Graham led Kansas with 23 points.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – Keenan Evans scored 19 points and No. 7 Texas Tech beat Kansas State 66-47 to take sole possession of the Big 12 lead. Dean Wade led the Wildcats with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Landry Shamet scored 16 points in just 23 minutes as No. 22 Wichita State cruised to a 95-74 win over UConn. The Shockers (19-5, 9-3 American Athletic Conference) had 17 assists and just two turnovers while building a 55-33 halftime lead and were never threatened after that.

AMES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa State freshman Lindell Wigginton upstaged Trae Young by scoring 26 points and the Cyclones upset No. 17 Oklahoma 88-80, handing the Sooners their sixth consecutive road loss. Fellow rookie Cam Lard had 19 points with 17 rebounds for the Cyclones (13-11, 4-8 Big 12), who beat a ranked team at home for the third time in a span of three weeks.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Kassius Robertson hit five 3-pointers and finished with 22 points and Kevin Puryear scored five of his 13 points after regulation to help Missouri beat Mississippi State 89-85 in overtime. Jordan Geist had 17 points, Jordan Barnett scored 15 and Jontay Porter 10 for Missouri, which has won four in a row.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) – Kendall Smith and Cameron McGriff each scored 20 points and Oklahoma State beat another ranked team on the road, topping No. 19 West Virginia 88-85. The Cowboys won at then-No. 7 Kansas last weekend. Jevon Carter had a career-high 33 points for West Virginia, which led by six with three minutes left. The Mountaineers have lost six of nine.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – Vladimir Brodziansky scored 25 points, Kouat Noi had his second straight career high with 18 and TCU won an important matchup between teams battling for the NCAA Tournament, beating Texas 87-71. The Horned Frogs shot 60 percent with one turnover before halftime and never trailed in answering a double-overtime loss at Texas a day after the Longhorns learned that sophomore guard Andrew Jones had been diagnosed with leukemia.

National Headlines

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) – Colorado teenager Red Gerard has earned the first U.S. gold medal of the Pyeongchang Games by winning the men’s slopestyle snowboarding, edging Canadians Max Parrot and Mark McMorris. Gerard drilled his third and final run for a score of 87.16 to become second straight American to win the event, which made its Olympic debut four years ago.

UNDATED (AP) – The No. 2 and No. 3 men’s basketball teams were beaten on Saturday. Virginia Tech’s Kerry Blackshear Jr. ruined Virginia’s day by scoring on a putback with 5.8 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Hokies a stunning 61-60 triumph over second-ranked Virginia. Michigan State won a 3 versus 4 matchup as Miles Bridges nailed a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to give the fourth-ranked Spartans a 68-65 victory over No. 3 Purdue.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Golden State’s Steve Kerr has become the fastest coach in NBA history to 250 victories, doing it in his 302nd game. Klay Thompson scored 10 of his 25 points in the third quarter as the Warriors thumped the Spurs, 122-105. Stephen Curry added 17 points and eight assists, while Draymond Green had 17 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.

CHICAGO (AP) – A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Chicago Cubs and pitcher Yu Darvish have worked out a six-year, $126 million contract. The 31-year-old Darvish was a combined 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA for the Rangers and Dodgers last year. He went a combined 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA for the Dodgers in the division and championship series, but he lost both of his World Series starts while compiling a 21.60 ERA in just 3 1/3 innings.

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (1) Villanova 86 Butler 75
Final OT Virginia Tech 61 (2) Virginia 60
Final (4) Michigan St. 68 (3) Purdue 65
Final (5) Xavier 72 Creighton 71
Final (7) Texas Tech 66 Kansas St. 47
Final (8) Auburn 78 Georgia 61
Final Baylor 80 (10) Kansas 64
Final (12) Gonzaga 78 (11) Saint Mary’s (Cal) 65
Final (13) Arizona 81 Southern Cal 67
Final (14) Ohio St. 82 Iowa 64
Final Alabama 78 (15) Tennessee 50
Final Iowa St. 88 (17) Oklahoma 80
Final Oklahoma St. 88 (19) West Virginia 85
Final (21) North Carolina 96 NC State 89
Final (22) Wichita St. 95 UConn 74
Final (23) Nevada 83 San Diego St. 58
Final Texas A&M 85 (24) Kentucky 74
Final Boston College 72 (25) Miami 70

No. 7 Texas Tech beats Kansas State to take sole Big 12 lead

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – Keenan Evans scored 19 points and No. 7 Texas Tech beat Kansas State 66-47 on Saturday night to take sole possession of the Big 12 lead.

Texas Tech (21-4, 9-3) relied on strong second-half defense. After a 27-27 deadlock in the first half, the Red Raiders turned up the pressure.

In the second half, Kansas State (17-8, 6-6) had more turnovers (11) than made baskets (5) and ended up shooting just 29 percent on the night.

Dean Wade led the Wildcats with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

BIG PICTURE

Kansas State: Kansas State’s loss keeps the Wildcats on the NCAA Tournament Bubble for now.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders have now won six in a row.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Texas Tech has a good chance of moving into the top five after an upset-filled week.

THEY SAID IT

“When they get that eight-point lead, it’s like playing a team that runs the Wishbone in football. They do a good job protecting their lead, they tough, they’re physical. They’re one of the best defensive teams in the nation.” – Bruce Weber on the Texas Tech defense.

STATS AND STREAKS

During the current six-game winning streak, Texas Tech has held opponents to 63.3 points per game.

UP NEXT

Texas Tech: Hosts Oklahoma on Tuesday night.

Kansas State: At Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

No. 22 Wichita State routs UConn 95-74

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Landry Shamet scored 16 points in just 23 minutes as No. 22 Wichita State cruised to a 95-74 win over UConn on Saturday night.

The Shockers (19-5, 9-3 American Athletic Conference) had 17 assists and just two turnovers while building a 55-33 halftime lead and were never threatened after that.

Conner Frankamp scored 14 points for Wichita State, Shaquille Morris had 12 and Darral Willis added 10 as the Shockers shot 52.4 percent from the floor.

Jalen Adams and Christian Vital each had 22 points for UConn (12-13, 5-7 American). Adams and Vital each played 35 minutes. No Shocker played more than 23.

The Huskies had allowed just 67.9 points per game in their first 11 conference contests. Wichita State outrebounded UConn 40-24 and was 14 of 28 from the 3-point line.

UConn’s Terry Larrier, who scored 18 points against Wichita State in the season’s first meeting, was 0 of 4 from the floor and did not score.

BIG PICTURE:

UConn: With games at Cincinnati and Houston still on the schedule, the Huskies have a legitimate chance to finish below .500.

Wichita State: The Shockers looked like a team with high preseason expectations and likely avoided falling out the Top 25.

UP NEXT

UConn: The Huskies host Tulsa on Thursday.

Wichita State: The Shockers host Temple on Thursday.

Kansas bill to teach gun safety to students requires NRA program

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By STEPHEN KORANDA

Kansas schools that want to offer gun training in the earliest grades would be required to use a program designed by the National Rifle Association, under a bill lawmakers studied this past week.

Schools wouldn’t be required to teach students about guns under a bill in the Kansas Legislature. But if they did, they’d need to start with an NRA program.
SCREENSHOT OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION’S EDDIE EAGLE WEBSITE

That legislation would switch programs beyond the eighth grade to hunter education training designed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

The bill doesn’t insist on gun training for schoolchildren. Rather, it would dictate which programs public schools could use — first the NRA’s, later the state’s — if they decide to put gun training into their curriculum.

Students eighth grade or younger would receive Eddie Eagle GunSafe training provided by the NRA.

NRA training uses an animated video and worksheets to drive home the message that kids should not touch a gun if they see one and should tell an adult when they stumble on a firearm. (“STOP! … Don’t touch … Run away … Tell a grown-up.”)

Republican Rep. John Whitmer told the Federal and State Affairs Committee on Tuesday that the state should require the NRA curriculum for gun safety because it’s the largest and most common program.

“Guns aren’t going away,” Whitmer said. “Let’s arm kids with the knowledge of what to do if they encounter a firearm. This is such a simple program.”

The Eddie Eagle program has been both lauded and criticized over the years. The NRA, the most powerful gun rights lobby in the country, and other Second Amendment advocates say it’s played an important role in teaching children how to behave safely around firearms. They credit it partly for a dropping number of accidental gun deaths among children.

Critics contend the reduction in those deaths could just as easily be credited to improved emergency medical care techniques and a smaller number of homes with guns. (While the number of guns in the United States has increased in recent years, those firearms tend to be owned by fewer people with larger collections.)

Gun control groups such as the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, argue the NRA-sponsored program provides a false sense of security and has been “found to have no effect on participating children’s behavior around guns.”

One study found that children who went through the Eddie Eagle program learned the basics of gun safety more clearly than kids who didn’t go through the training. But it found that learning often didn’t translate to simulations where they encountered a gun. It also found that other behavioral skills training — being told how to act around guns, watching a trainer model that behavior, and then practicing — was more effective than the NRA program.

No guns are used in the NRA training, but they are shown in the animated video.

Republican Rep. Stephanie Clayton said she was torn over the bill. On one hand, she likes the message of the curriculum. Yet Clayton said she has concerns about mandating that gun training in schools must use these programs.

“Is it my place,” she said, “to tell local of boards of education what they can and cannot teach?”

Rob Gilligan, with the Kansas Association of School Boards, said the group opposes the bill for the same reason.

“It is taking away that right of the districts to set what their curriculum could be,” Gilligan said.

Schools can currently teach gun safety training if they choose, said Gilligan. He said the NRA and state hunting programs are already used in some Kansas schools.

Whitmer said he is opposed to mandating training.

“I want to leave the discretion up to the districts,” Whitmer said. “I felt that leaving it as an optional program was probably the best way to go.”

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for KPR a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda.

Kansas man dies after pickup hits semi, guardrail

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MCPHERSON COUNTY- A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Tyler Loyd Loomis, 25, McPherson, was northbound on Interstate 135 three miles northeast of Moundridge.

The pickup left the roadway, traveled through the median crossing into the path of a southbound 2015 Peterbilt semi, then struck a guardrail.

Loomis was pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver Alan Henry Feicht, 57, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was possibly injured. The KHP did not report where he was treated. Loomis was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. middle school teacher charged with sex exploitation of a child

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DERBY, Kan. (AP) — A Derby Middle School teacher and coach who was arrested last month following a child pornography investigation has been charged with 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Chitwood- photo courtesy Derby Middle School

Cody Chitwood, 37, made his first appearance in court Thursday morning. A preliminary hearing is set for later this month.

Chitwood was a special education teacher, football, track and girls’ basketball coach at the school. He’s been suspended without pay.

District spokeswoman Katie Carlson said the school is cooperating with police and that the charges against Chitwood do not involve any of the school’s students.

Derby was arrested Jan. 23 after a search warrant was served on his home.

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