United Way of Central Kansas will be hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Luncheon on December 12 at the Best Western Courtyard from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

This event is designed to take just a bit of the stress off your shoulders, and let UWCK do all the planning. If you have a small business, organization, or group that wants to celebrate the Holidays together, but no one wants to plan the gathering, UWCK has you covered.

For just $25 per person, you can join UWCK at the Best Western Courtyard for a delicious lunch, holiday beverages, festive music, and holiday décor. We will do all the planning, all you have to do is show up. Lunch will be catered by Sue’s BBQ and will include a thick cut pork chop, homemade scalloped potatoes, fancy green beans, salad, and a dessert. The Great Bend High School Madrigals will fill the Courtyard with all your favorite holiday tunes, and each table will be set specifically for your group.

Tickets are limited to 120, with seating available for groups up to 12 guests per table. To reserve your spot, and take the hassle of planning your holiday party off your mind, contact UWCK by phone at 620-792-2403 or by email at unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com. Reservations are available through December 3.

Not guilty. Those were the words from the six-member jury Friday morning at the Barton County Courthouse. A three-day trial covering the misdemeanor charge against Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir ended in the not guilty verdict.

Closing arguments ended at about 9:30 a.m. Friday morning. The jury took less than 15 minutes to decide on their “not guilty” verdict.

Bellendir was relieved following the conclusion of this trial and charge that came to surface in the fall of 2017. The Sheriff since 2013, also noted there is more to come with this story.

Brian Bellendir Audio

The trial reopened Friday morning at about 8:25 a.m. Senior Judge Edward Bouker told the jury that there is four criteria to making a decision.

This includes: Was the defendant a law enforcement officer? Did the defendant knowingly ill-treat Nathan Manley? Was Nathan Manley detained? Did the event occur Aug. 10, 2017?

Prosecuting Attorney William Halvorsen told the jury it was not a complicated case and that the facts are pretty simple. The only question unanswered is what “is the definition of ill-treatment?” he asked. Halvorsen told the jury to consider the case in a vacuum without concern of other outside sources and stuff, and only to consider the evidence. He reshowed the video taken by the body cam of Great Bend Police Department Officer Chris Rowland.

Rowland came on the scene as Manley was exiting the home of Bellendir’s daughter in Great Bend. Bellendir used profane language and struck Manley on the side of the head.

Defense Attorney Jess Hoeme opened by saying that there is an extraordinary amount of scrutiny on law enforcement these days. He said it is not appropriate to take someone into a jail and beat them up and this isn’t what happened.

“There is a reason we are not telling you what criminal ill-treatment is,” he said. “This is not a simple case. “What do you want today in Barton County?”

Hoeme said the only reason Bellendir responded was because the Great Bend Police Department was busy and that it is perfectly acceptable for the sheriff to respond to any community in Barton County.

In a press conference held outside the Courthouse following the verdict, Bellendir stated a “failed County Attorney’s Office needs to be changed soon” and promised that the citizens of Barton County will hear the whole story soon.

Brian Bellendir Audio

—

Great Bend Police Department Officer Chris Rowland was the first to testify Thursday. He recorded the event with his body cam, as is department procedure.

That morning, Bellendir’s daughter called him to say that Manley was stealing a propane tank from her grill on the front porch. Bellendir told her to call the Great Bend Police Department to tell them that a burglary was in progress. Bellendir and his detectives arrived at her home in Great Bend prior to the first GBPD officer arriving.

The video was played in the courtroom, but the audience could not see it. Rowland said he did see the sheriff smack Manley on the side of the head after the handcuffs were on and after Manley made an a-okay face. Rowland took Manley to the jail and said that Manley made no complaint of injuries nor did he show signs of injuries.

The KBI did an interview with Bellendir in Great Bend Sept. 9, 2017. The audio of a portion of the interview was played. The KBI also attempted to call Manley for an interview, but Manley hung up.

—

Defense Attorney Jess Hoeme, in his opening statement Thursday afternoon, said, “We don’t have anything to hide. He did thump Manley on the back of the head.”

Senior Special KBI Agent Jeff Newsome testified that Bellendir seemed agitated during the KBI interview Sept. 9, 2017 about the event, saying the sheriff was an emotional guy who needed to be talked down. Newsome said his own style was different and calm.

The sheriff had demonstrated the type of cuffing he gave Manley on KBI Agent Jason Diaz during the interview, which Newsome said was unnecessary.

Bellendir’s daughter, Audrey Bellendir, testified as well, describing Aug. 10, 2017. Her father had arrived at her house before the Great Bend Police Department. Bellendir had driven in from several miles north
of Great Bend.

In his testimony Thursday afternoon, Bellendir admitted he had thumped Manley on the head similar to something parents do when their child misbehaves. Bellendir said he had a long history with Manley,
which includes 55 arrest records since 1993.

“I made a mistake,” Bellendir said. “I wish it hadn’t happened. I had a momentary lapse in judgment.”

During cross-examination by prosecuting Attorney William Halvorsen, Bellendir was asked about prior acts of dishonesty, which Bellendir replied he didn’t recall any. Halvorsen brought up a specific act, and Hoeme objected and asked for a mistrial. The jurors were removed from the courtroom until the judge ruled that prior bad acts were not admissible.

The sheriff said he was frustrated with Manley being on his daughter’s porch because Nathan is a dangerous criminal.

The prosecutor also asked if Bellendir would be entitled to press charges against Manley if he had done the same thing.

“Probably,” Bellendir said.

The Prairie Godmother Funds of the Golden Belt Community Foundation recently received more than $10,000 in charitable donations when they were voted the winner of the November 6th giving meeting for 100+ People Who Care of Barton County.

The endowment funds exist to provide one-time emergency grants to women in Barton County whose needs cannot be met by another charitable organization.

“Prairie Godmothers was founded five years ago by a group of women who wanted to create a sustainable source of grant making to help women now and forever,” says Melanie Calcara, one of the founding advisory board members.

“In our first year, we raised over $100,000 and this year we had set a goal to increase that total endowment to over $250,000. With the help of a generous donor for matching funds, this gift will now be doubled and we should be able to reach that goal by the end of the year! We are so grateful for their support.”

When a woman in Barton County has a critical, unmet need, she can reach out to any Barton County non-profit agency, school, church, or government agency and ask if they are willing to complete an application on her behalf. Applying organizations simply need to create an account using the GBCF grant portal to apply. The Prairie Godmother advisory committee reviews the applications and if approved, funds are paid directly to the vendor or service provider.

As the local endowment celebrates their fifth anniversary, they are also celebrating their impact with more than 140 emergency needs being met during that time. The donations from members of 100+ People Who
Care Barton County will be added to the endowed funds, with a match coming from The Nichols Charitable Foundation for a total of more than $20,000 in increased assets. Those assets will earn interest and the
grants are given out of those interest earnings so that the principal is never depleted. This creates a permanent, sustainable source of grant making that will impact women in our community for years to come.

To learn more about The Prairie Godmother Funds, please visit their website at https://goldenbeltcf.org/prairie-godmothers , and be sure to like the organization’s Facebook page.

The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from The Prairie Godmother Funds will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

Because of the “amazing community support” last year, ElderCare Inc. is sponsoring its second annual Be a Santa to a Senior project, Executive Director Brandi Gruber said.

“We collected gifts for more than 60 of our home-services clients in eight area counties last Christmas,” Gruber recalled. “We hope even more area residents will benefit from the community’s generosity this year.”

Be a Santa to a Senior provides much-needed items to senior citizens who are short on finances and have limited mobility. A Christmas tree has been trimmed with decorative tags that represent clients and their particular needs. Actual names are not used because of privacy concerns. Anyone is welcome to choose a tag and return a gift at the ElderCare office, 5611 10th in Great Bend, or call 620-792-5942. There is still a little time for additions to the tree.

“Many seniors, especially at Christmastime, need to know their neighbors are thinking about them,” Gruber said. “They need some basic items and we encourage businesses and individuals to take on the role of Santa Claus.”

Items could include blankets, warm clothing, food and toiletry items, crossword and word-search books, and gift cards for a few staples at the grocery store.

“In addition, we want to ensure that each gift includes something fun,” Gruber commented. “This could be a favorite candy or food item specific to each gift recipient.”

The counties involved are Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Stafford, Kiowa, Edwards, Pratt and Ford. ElderCare has about 350 home-services clients in this area.

“Anyone who receives our home services in these counties is eligible to have a place on our Christmas tree,” Gruber said. “Our caregivers are offering suggestions because they are our eyes and ears as they visit our clients’ homes.

“However, anyone who knows a senior citizen who could benefit from this program is encouraged to contact us soon,” she added, noting ElderCare personnel will deliver the gifts.

ElderCare’s home services include personal care, household tasks and respite for caregivers. Registered nurses offer medication management, wellness checks and companionship.

“Last year, gifts came from individuals of all ages, businesses, churches and civic groups,” Gruber said. “We were overwhelmed by that amazing response and are excited to see what this year brings.”

For more information, call 620-792-5942.

90 years and four generations. That is what will be celebrated in Hoisington Saturday as Manweiler Chevrolet observes their 90^th anniversary at their location on Main Street.

The origins of Manweiler Chevrolet date to 1928 when Slade Chevrolet was founded. F.B. Slade, great-grandfather of current owner Gene Manweiler, established the family business at 167 West 1st Street in downtown Hoisington.

The business not only survived The Great Depression but outgrew its original location and relocated to 204 North Main Street in 1932. Slade sold the business to his two son-in-laws, August Manweiler and Wayne Maupin in 1937 and the name of the business was changed to Manweiler-Maupin Chevrolet Co. It was during WWII that the two partners decided to build a new facility, with the approval of Chevrolet Motor Division. The existing dealership site at 271 S. Main was selected as the site for the new building. Constructed in 1944, the Chevrolet dealership is a rare WWII example of a Streamlined Art Moderne building pre-dating the more common modern dealerships of the post-war era.

August Manweiler purchased Wayne Maupin’s interest in the business in 1953 and renamed the business Manweiler Chevrolet. It has operated under this name since that time and will celebrate sixty years in 2013. August’s son, Larry joined the staff in 1953. Larry became the dealer operator in 1965 and his father August slowly retired from the business. Gene Manweiler, Larry’s son joined the business in 1976. The great-grandson of J.B. Slade who founded the company in 1928, Gene took over the family-owned business in 1998 and continues to own and operate the dealership today.

Saturday’s anniversary celebration will include coffee and doughnuts at 8 am, a Golden Belt Humane Society “Adopt a Pet” event from 10-2pm that includes lunch, then a remote on 100.7 Eagle Country from 11am-1pm.

RUSSELL COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Russell Police Department, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, have made an arrest for first-degree murder.

According to a media release, an arrest warrant was issued for Jody S. Fox, 27, of Russell connected to the murder of a 14-month-old child. The child died in April 2017. Fox was in a relationship with the child’s mother.

Just after 1p.m. Thursday, Fox was arrested at 115 West 17th St. in Russell. He was booked into the Russell County Jail for first-degree murder, and abuse of a child. 

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case

The prosecution has rested its case shortly before noon in the State v Bellendir trial with Kansas Senior Judge Edward Bouker.

Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is being tried on one count of a misdemeanor charge of one mistreatment of a prisoner, Nathan B. Manley.

Jury selection began yesterday morning and continued all day with eight jurors being seated.

Prior to court beginning this morning, Defense Attorney Jess Hoeme requested that Nathan B. Manley be transported to Barton County. On Oct. 31, 2018, there was a request that the Department of Corrections transport Manley to Rice County so that he would readily be available for the trial. He is currently being housed at Larned State Hospital Correctional Facility. Prosecuting Attorney William Halvorsen said he didn’t need Manley here. Hoeme said he did not subpoena Manley because Halvorsen had. The judge ruled that Manley had to be available for testimony and arrangements were made transporting him to Great Bend.

The judge brought the jurors into the courtroom and admonished them that the trial was based on four issues. This includes whether the defendant was a law enforcement officer, that he knowingly ill-treated a prisoner, Manley was confined, and that the event occurred Aug. 10, 2017.

In his opening statement, Halvorsen said it was a simple case.

Great Bend Police Department Officer Chris Rowland was the first to testify. He recorded the event with his body cam, as is department procedure.

That morning, Bellendir’s daughter called him to say that Manley was stealing a propane tank from her grill on the front porch. Bellendir told her to call the Great Bend Police Department to tell them that a burglary was in progress. Bellendir and his detectives arrived at her home in Great Bend prior to the first GBPD officer arriving. At the time, former GBPD Chief Cliff Couch had recently been suspended, and there was a community outcry against that, causing turmoil in the department.

The video was played in the courtroom, but the audience could not see it. Rowland said he did see the sheriff smack Manley on the side of the head after the handcuffs were on and after Manley made an a-okay face. Rowland took Manley to the jail and said that Manley made no complaint of injuries nor did he show signs of injuries.

The KBI did an interview with Bellendir in Great Bend Sept. 9, 2017. The audio of a portion of the interview was played. The KBI also attempted to call Manley for an interview, but Manley hung up.

—

The jury will begin deliberations Friday morning in the trial of Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The defense rested its case Thursday afternoon, and the prosecution, Thursday morning.

Bellendir is being tried on one count of a misdemeanor charge of mistreatment of a prisoner, Nathan B. Manley.

Defense Attorney Jess Hoeme, in his opening statement Thursday afternoon, said, “We don’t have anything to hide. He did thump Manley on the back of the head.”

Senior Special KBI Agent Jeff Newsome testified that Bellendir seemed agitated during the KBI interview Sept. 9, 2017 about the event, saying the sheriff was an emotional guy who needed to be talked down. Newsome said his own style was different and calm.

The sheriff had demonstrated the type of cuffing he gave Manley on KBI Agent Jason Diaz during the interview, which Newsome said was unnecessary.

Bellendir’s daughter, Audrey Bellendir, testified as well, describing Aug. 10, 2017. Her father had arrived at her house before the Great Bend Police Department. Bellendir had driven in from several miles north
of Great Bend.

In his testimony Thursday afternoon, Bellendir admitted he had thumped Manley on the head similar to something parents do when their child misbehaves. Bellendir said he had a long history with Manley,
which includes 55 arrest records since 1993.

“I made a mistake,” Bellendir said. “I wish it hadn’t happened. I had a momentary lapse in judgment.”

During cross-examination by prosecuting Attorney William Halvorsen, Bellendir was asked about prior acts of dishonesty, which Bellendir replied he didn’t recall any. Halvorsen brought up a specific act, and Hoeme objected and asked for a mistrial. The jurors were removed from the courtroom until the judge ruled that prior bad acts were not admissible.

The sheriff said he was frustrated with Manley being on his daughter’s porch because Nathan is a dangerous criminal.

The prosecutor also asked if Bellendir would be entitled to press charges against Manley if he had done the same thing.

“Probably,” Bellendir said.

Hoeme rested the defense’s case at about 3 p.m.

The jury was dismissed for the day. The trial will resume at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Jurors will receive additional instruction in the morning.

BUSINESS NEWS

Even though the packages have been collected and sent to their first destination, the Christmas spirit lives on at Spectrum CPA Partners LLC. Actually, it never ends. Spectrum is part of a year-long effort to provide gifts for children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease around the globe.

The local accounting firm, 1400 Polk, is in its second year of supporting Operation Christmas Child.

“For some of these children, this gift may be the only one they receive,” said Sheri Yager, Spectrum staff accountant. “This project helps spread the word of the Gospel and discipleship in their native countries.

“Although the gifts we collected here throughout the year are on their way to a shipping hub in Denver, we are already thinking about Christmas of 2019,” she added.

“This is just one of Spectrum’s community-service projects; we encourage businesses, churches and other entities to become involved.”

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization.

“Anyone who wants to participate may stop by our office anytime with gifts that will fit into a shoebox,” Yager noted. “We will package everything up and distribute the presents in November next year.”

In Spectrum’s first year of participation, it collected six shoe boxes. This year that number went to 32.

“We hope we can keep growing over the years,” Yager said. “We want to give back and this is one small way we can do that.”

Examples of gifts include school supplies; personal hygiene items; toys; flashlights and batteries; shoes and socks; crayons; and small blankets.

Operation Christmas Child also has a list of items that are discouraged. These include: candy; toothpaste; gum; food; breakable items; aerosol cans; and anything that is used or damaged.

The Spectrum gifts were sent to Grace Community Church, Great Bend, before being shipped to Denver. The ultimate destinations are churches throughout the world.

Items in the shoeboxes are sorted into age and gender categories; when they reach the Denver hub, they are opened for inspection.

For more information, contact Spectrum by calling 620-792-5378.