Robbins (Photo courtesy Fort Riley Public Affairs)

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has identified the Fort Riley man killed in a confrontation with police shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday in Junction City, according to a news release from the bureau.

The KBI identified 23-year-old Peter James Robbins as the man who was shot and killed by officers after refusing their commands to drop two handguns he possessed outside the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

On Wednesday afternoon, a press release from Fort Riley addressed the shooting and identified Robbins as a decorated field artillery Firefinder radar operator with the 5th Field Artillery Regiment of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.

“The 1st Bn., 5th FA Regt., team is deeply saddened by the loss of Spc. Robbins,” said Lt. Col. Richard J. Ikena Jr., commander of the 1st Bn., 5th FA Regt. “Our team is prepared to fully support Spc. Robbins’ family, teammates and friends through these challenging times.”

The KBI says Junction City officers were responding to a requested welfare check at a home when another caller reported an armed disturbance blocks away outside a store. Local police and Geary County deputies responded to that later call and found Robbins armed with two handguns on the sidewalk before “the confrontation escalated further,” and four law enforcers fired at Robbins.

No officers were injured.

Robbins joined the Army in February 2013 and arrived at Fort Riley in August 2013. He deployed to Iraq in June 2014 and to South Korea in October 2016.

His home of record is Albuquerque, New Mexico. His awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

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The winners of the 2017 Kansas Association of Broadcasters annual awards were released Monday and Manhattan Broadcasting Company was well represented against other stations across the state in medium-market radio.

KMAN won first place for its website and Sunny 102.5FM was second in that category. KMAN also received first place for its daily morning newscast with Cathy Dawes and Dave Lewis.

“I could’t be more proud of the news staff at KMAN as well as the entire family here at Manhattan Broadcasting,” MBC General Manager Corey Reeves said. “To win 10 individual KAB awards, including the top spots in both Complete Newscast and Station Website for newsradiokman.com, just proves KMAN’s continued commitment to the community.

“Local radio shines when it is focused on the people and newsmakers of the area, and MBC is proud to continue a long legacy of award-winning broadcasting in Manhattan.”

KMAN was also awarded in categories including Public Service Announcement, Complete Sportscast, Sports Play-by-Play, Hard News Feature, Spot News, Editorial/Commentary and Complete Severe Weather Coverage.

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– Pictured is the NORTHEAST DISTRICT District Officer Team: (Left to Right) Eli Ohlde, State FFA President from Clifton Clyde; Michaela Forst, District President from Marysville; Eva Hinrichsen, District Vice President from Rock Creek; Tatum Brunkow, District Secretary from Rock Creek; Curtis Niehues, District Treasurer from Jackson Heights; Brady Trimble, District Reporter from Valley Heights; and Dawn Ledoboer, District Sentinel from Rossvile; and Mrs. Annelle Meals, District Advisor from Marysville.

Eva Hinrichsen and Tatum Brunkow of the Rock Creek FFA Chapter participated in the Kansas FFA District Officer Conference (DOC) held at the Marriott Convention Center in Junction City, KS, August 12-13. Hinrichsen serves as the Northeast District Vice President and Brunkow serves as the Northeast District Secretary.

The strengths-oriented theme of “The Leadership Games” encompassed the key elements of identifying our StrengthsFinder theme, working through conflict, and identifying processes to solve problems throughout their year of service. Throughout the year, they will be serving FFA members across the state and building leadership skills that will make them capable, responsible citizens in life.

Starting with an executive committee meeting, officers were able to discuss current issues facing Kansas FFA and Kansas agricultural education. Students are able to bring perspectives from around the state which will be put into action by the Kansas FFA Association.

The conference continued with an exciting session which allowed students to explore their StrengthsQuest themes. District officers were able to explore the ways they interact with their teammates, and how they can help their district officer team to navigate the upcoming year. In the second session, the district officers discovered the importance of knowing how they individually deal with conflict and what different conflicts might arise throughout their year of service. They were then given tools to help them solve those conflicts and identified an accountability partner for the coming year.

Words from the Associate Dean of Academics Programs for the K-State College of Agriculture, Dr. Don Boggs further encouraged the officers in their endeavors. Later, the officers focused their energy in a training session specifically focusing on key skills that will enable them to produce great workshops. District officers were able to practice these skills and learn how to apply them in their own workshops through a rotational, hands-on experience.

The third session included the officers discovering how they can work through different problems they will encounter by using the adaptive leadership process. In the final session, led by national officer candidate Kyler Langvardt of Chapman, district officer teams brought together the ideas that they had learned, and used them to create a brand that they will use throughout the next year.

As the conference drew to a close, district officers reported on the ideas that they choose to pursue before heading home to implement the skills that they learned.

Eva Hinrichsen

Tatum Brunkow

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Major General Joseph M. Martin, the commanding general of Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, sings “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” with The Charlie Daniels Band Saturday at Fort Riley. (Staff photos by Brady Bauman)

FORT RILEY — Major General Joseph M. Martin is the commanding general of Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, and after Saturday’s Victory Fest concert on post, he can add supporting vocals to his decorated resume.

He sang “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” live on stage with Charlie Daniels, who was electrifying as ever at 80-years-old.

“I’ve been to combat several times,” Martin said after the performance. “That’s one of the more intimidating things I’ve done.”

Martin was the master of ceremonies for Victory Fest, where thousands of military families, supporters and music fans were on post to help the Big Red One celebrate its 100th birthday.

The day began with an opening ceremony with the national anthem, followed by the USO Show Troupe. After that, Lit, best known for its 1999 hit “My Own Worst Enemy”, was next, followed by The Charlie Daniels Band. Next was The All-American Rejects and The Eli Young Band closed before a fireworks show officially ended the night.

Leon Hernandez was in the crowd with his family, including his young son, who was celebrating his birthday. Herandez is a new Big Red One soldier from Chicago. He said he enjoyed the feeling of togetherness at Victory Fest.

“It’s just great to be a part of something that’s bigger than me,” he said. “The Big Red One was here before me, it will be here after me. It’s just great to be a part of it.”

Col. John Lawrence, the garrison commander of Fort Riley, said it was day of thanks.

“We are all about being one team,” he said. “I did the opening. I had the mayors (of local communities) on stage because it’s important that people understand that we are one team. We’re taking care of each other and having a good time while we’re doing it.”

After each band finished its set, Martin presented them with certificates of appreciation from Fort Riley for their attendance. At the end of Charlie Daniels’ set, he seemingly closed with a passionate rendition of “How Great Thou Art”.

There was one problem, though. He had yet to perform his signature song.

But that was the plan. He and Victory Fest organizers wanted to tease the audience. After presenting Daniels and his band with their certificate, Martin suggested that they’d perhaps forgot about something. With the cue, Daniels’ bow struck his fiddle and the story of Johnny and his musical contest with the Devil began.

But then something happened that, according to Martin, wasn’t the plan.

“It was planned that I was going to ask them to play that last song, but then he said, ‘Do you know the words?'” Martin said. “So I couldn’t leave the stage. I had to take him up on his offer.

“That’s probably on many people’s bucket list and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He’s a great American, a great supporter of our soldiers — just a fantastic day.”

Better yet, Daniels handed Martin his bow just before exiting the stage. Martin said it will be housed and displayed in the division’s headquarters.

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Kelly Luthi, 33, of Wamego, Kansas, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on Aug. 18, 2017 at approximately 11:50 AM. Luthi was arrested on a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant for probation violation. Luthi’s was given no bond.

Officers filed a report for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault in the 300 block of S Seth Child Rd. on Aug. 19, 2017 at approximately 1:50 AM. Officers listed Jonathan Ferm, 21, of Manhattan, Classic Wine&Spirits, Samantha Dameron, 22, of Manhattan, Shelby Campton, 21, of Manhattan, and Lauren Herd, 22, of Manhattan as the victims when it was reported an unknown suspect stole alcohol and money and gunpoint. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $852.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 2100 block of Fort Riley Blvd. on Aug. 19, 2017 at approximately 8:40 PM. Officers listed Johua Key, 22, of Ogden, Shyllyn Deffner, 20, of Ogden, Elise Dambrosio, 27, of Fort Riley, and Emerie Childers, 24, of Ogden as the victims when it was reported a known suspect presented a hand gun during a road rage incident. Michel Lee Jr., 37, of Manhattan, was arrested in connection. Lee Jr.’s bond was set at $8,000.

Justin Hunt, 27, of Virginia, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on Aug. 20, 2017 at approximately 11:14 PM. Hunt was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. Hunt’s bond was set at $25,000.

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Communities around Fort Riley may hear loud explosions Aug. 29 to 31 due to training by the 774th Ordnance Company.

Training is scheduled to take place during the day; there are no nighttime
detonations scheduled.

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Tawan Tatro, 25, of Junction City, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on Aug. 25, 2017 at approximately 9:40 AM. Tatro was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for two counts of failure to appear. Tatro’s total bond was set at $10,000.

Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 1200 block of Fremont St on Aug. 26, 2017 at approximately 5:30 PM. Officers listed Kiera Richards, 21, of Manhattan as the victim when she reported an unknown suspect took her 2007 Green Pontiac G6. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,000.

Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 800 block of Northfield Rd. on Aug. 26, 2017 at approximately 7:45 PM. Officers listed James Watkins, 35, of Manhattan, as the vitcim when he reported a known suspect pointed a gun at him when he asked to be repaid for money he loaned him.

Officers filed a report for aggravated assault on Aug. 27, 2017 at approximately 5:14 AM. Officers listed Curtis Coats III, 22, of Junction City,  and Leonel Mora-Hernandez, 23, of Junction City, as the victims when they reported a known suspect pointed a gun at the victims and ordered them to the ground when he suspected they were committing a crime.

Officers filed a report for aggravated burglary in the 2300 block of Hartland Dr. on Aug. 27, 2017 at approximately 11:00 AM. Officers listed Gerald Kuckelman, 56, of Manhattan, as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect took his 2004 Nissan 350Z and 2016 Lincoln MKX. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $71,000.

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Updated: Monday, 3:37 p.m.

An electrical malfunction was to blame for a blaze that engulfed a barn with hundreds feeder pigs inside late Saturday night in eastern Geary County.

A press release from Geary County Emergency Services Monday said that was the likely cause following an investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Pigs in a barn. (Stock photo by the Associated Press)

The number of pigs killed in the fire was determined to be 518 — down from initial estimates of approximately 700. They were owned by F & R Swine of Dwight, Kansas, and were being housed and cared for on 10467 Humboldt Creek Road.

Altogether, the pigs were valued at $30,000 with the building valued at $200,000. According to authorities, the property owner will be working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to dispose of the remains.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 30 minutes after midnight Saturday with crews remaining on scene until 9:30 on Sunday morning monitoring the smoldering remains.

Eight Geary County Fire units along with two support vehicles responded to the scene. Water support from Fort Riley Fire, Riley County Fire and Grandview Plaza Fire was requested and received. There were 20 Geary County firefighters and 12 firefighters from the mutual aid partners working the fire scene.

Firefighters were able to protect an adjoining pig barn that housed an additional 700 pigs and two propane tanks that were in the immediate area.

The building was owned by Phillip Goodyear.

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Junction City Police are announcing a domestic related arrest this past long weekend, with a 21-year-old Junction City man facing a $100,000 bond. A news release Monday indicates late Friday night, Officers with the Junction City Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of West 3rd St in reference to a subject who had shot a weapon in the residence. As the officers were arriving in the area, the subject shot the firearm from the house striking the occupied residence across the street. A family member was able to disarm the subject as the officers made their way up to the residence and he was taken into custody after a brief struggle. No injuries were reported.

Shannon Michael Smelley Jr. was arrested on several charges including Domestic Damage to Property, Domestic Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (3 counts), Criminal Threat, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Shooting at an Occupied Dwelling and Felony Interference of a Law Enforcement Officer. Smelley is being held at the Geary County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

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Steven Meredith, 31, of Ogden, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on September 8, 2017 at approximately 11:30 AM. Meredith was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for two counts of distribution of heroin. Meredith’s total bond was set at $10,000.

Eric Moeder, 38, of Wakeeney, was arrested in the 2900 block of Claflin Rd. on September 9, 2017 at approximately 1:20 AM. Moeder was arrested on charges of distribute heroin, distribute crack cocaine and distribute or possess with intent to distribute paraphernalia for illegal use. Moeder’s total bond was set at $30,000.

Officers filed a report for aggravated burglary and aggravated criminal sodomy in Manhattan on September 9, 2017. Officers listed a 19 year old male as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect sodomized him. Due to the nature of the crimes reported, no additional details will be released.

Andrew Ware, 55, of Wamego, was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on September 9, 2017 at approximately 9:30 PM. Ware was arrested on a Pottawatomie County District Court warrant for theft. Ware’s bond was set at $25,000.

Abiygailrose Romero, 23, of Junction City, was arrested in the 600 block of N. 12th on September 10, 2017 at approximately 1:45 AM. Romero was arrested on a Nemaha County District Court warrant for failure to appear. Romero’s bond was set at $10,000.

Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property and burglary in the 8100 block of N 60th St. on September 10, 2017 at approximately 7:00 PM. Officers listed Gary Kilner, 56, of Manhattan as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect entered his property, causing damage and took several work items. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $16,000.

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Henry Swan, KDOC photo

Robert Johnson, KDOC photo

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A man suspected of involvement with a September 5th altercation at the Rocky Ford Fishing Area was arrested Tuesday by the Geary County Sheriff’s Office.

Joseph Charles Tonge Jr. was arrested for aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and felony theft. His total bond was set for $50,000 through Pottawatomie County District Court.

On September 5, 27-year-old Josh Berden of Georgia was found injured at the Rocky Ford Fishing Area.

Bearden reported to law enforcement that he suffered his injuries during an altercation with two unknown suspects. He alleged being taken against his will from rural Geary County and then left at the Rocky Ford Fishing area.

The suspects fled in a white 1997 Dodge Dakota driven by Bearden. The pickup was found Sept. 7.

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Oliver Smith, KDOC photo

A 55-year-old Kansas Department of Corrections inmate serving time on Geary County murder and rape charges apparently has been passed over for parole this time around. Oliver Smith, who was sentenced in 1989 in connection with 1986 cases, faced public comment sessions in July with a parole hearing held last month.

The latest information from the KDOC indicates Smith’s earliest possible release date is November of next year. Smith is currently being held at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

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KMAN has confirmed the Rock Creek student who died on September 14th was Parker Greening.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. at the University Christian Church Family Life Center in Manhattan, Kansas, with Pastor Barry Park officiating.  A private family internment will be held at a later date at the Farmington Cemetery near Abilene, Kansas.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  The No Stone Unturned Foundation (donated in the name of: Katie’s Way/Parker Greening Memorial).  Contributions will used to help support local kids who are unable to afford counseling services.  Donations are to be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.  

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Mark Snider (file photo)

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Luis Caicedo-Mosquera

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Drexel Woody

A Geary County man was sentenced Monday to 16 years in federal prison for taking part in the kidnapping of a Junction City woman who was killed during the abduction, according to a press release from Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

Drexel A. Woody, 27, who lived on Fort Riley at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death. The body of Amanda Clemons, 24, of Junction City, was found in February 2014 in Geary County.

In Woody’s plea, he admitted that on Feb. 7, 2014, he and some of the co-defendants met the victim, who was a prostitute, at a hotel in Junction City and kidnapped her. The defendants beat the victim in retribution for comments she had made on social media. During the beating, the defendants demanded the victim pay $300. They took the victim to another hotel room in an unsuccessful attempt to get the money, after which they transported her to the Woody residence on Fort Riley.

While at the Woody residence, the defendants allowed the victim to call her young son and her mother. The victim’s mother realized the victim was in danger and called Junction City Police. When police called the victim’s number to check on her, and the defendants listened to the call on speakerphone. Fearing arrest, the defendant along with Anderson and Middleton took victim to a bridge in a remote part of Geary County, where Anderson and Middleton resumed the beating and attacked her with a knife. The victim broke free and jumped off the bridge, falling 15 feet and breaking her ankle. Anderson and Middleton found the victim in the snow and resumed the assault during which they cut her throat and killed her.

Co-defendants include Larry L. Anderson of Manhattan, who was sentenced to 336 months; Marryssa M. Middleton of Fort Riley, who was sentenced to 336 months; Shantrell D. Woody of Fort Riley, who is set for sentencing on Nov. 20; and Christopher Pugh of Junction City, who is set for sentencing Oct. 10.

Beall commended the Junction City Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag and Geary County Attorney Steven Opat for their work on the case.

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A Junction City man who took part in a woman’s kidnapping that led to her murder was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said in a press release from his office.

Christopher Pugh, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. In his plea, he admitted participating in the kidnapping of Amanda Clemons, a 24-year-old woman whose body was found in February 2014 in Geary County.

In his plea, Pugh admitted that on Feb. 7, 2014, he was one of the defendants who met the victim, who was a prostitute, at a hotel in Junction City and kidnapped her. The defendants beat the victim in retribution for comments she had made on social media. During the beating, the defendants demanded the victim pay $300. They took the victim to another hotel room in an unsuccessful attempt to get the money, after which they transported her to a residence on Fort Riley where two of the defendants lived.

While at the residence, the defendants allowed the victim to call her young son and her mother. The victim’s mother realized the victim was in danger and called Junction City Police. When police called the victim’s number to check on her, the defendants listened to the call on speakerphone. At that time, Pugh left the house alone and did not take part in the murder.

Fearing that police were coming to arrest them, defendants Drexel Woody, Larry L. Andersonand Marryssa Middleton took the victim to a bridge in a remote part of Geary County. Once there, Anderson and Middleton resumed the beating and attacked the victim with a knife. The victim broke free and jumped off the bridge, falling 15 feet and breaking her ankle. Anderson and Middleton found the victim in the snow beneath the bridge and resumed the assault during which they cut her throat and killed her.

Co-defendants include Larry L. Anderson of Manhattan, who was sentenced to 28 years; Marryssa M. Middleton of Fort Riley, who was sentenced to 28 years; Drexel A. Woody, 27, of Fort Riley, who was sentenced to 16 years; and Shantrell D. Woody of Fort Riley, who is set for sentencing Nov. 20.

Beall commended the Junction City Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag and Geary County Attorney Steven Opat for their work on the case.

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