Michele Howell Makes First Appearance on Arson Charges

Michele Howell appeared in Wallace County District Court on Wednesday, April 7th in person via zoom meeting.  Her court appointed attorney Justin Barrett, Colby opted not to appear with his client for her first appearance.
Wallace County Attorney Charles Moser appeared on behalf of the State of Kansas and alleged the following complaint against Howell:
Count 1: Aggravated Arson, a level 3, Person Felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 247 months in prison and maximum fine of $300,000.  The complaint alleges that on or about the 27th day of March, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and knowingly by means of a fire, damage property in which Allan and Mary Lou Hurlburt have an interest, without consent of Allan or Mary Lou Hurlburt, which resulted in substantial risk of bodily harm, in violation of KSA 21-5812(b)(1).
Count 2: Aggravated Arson, a level 3, Person Felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 247 months in prison and maximum fine of $300,000.  The complaint alleges that on or about the 1st day of April, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and knowingly by means of a fire, damage property in which Allan and Mary Lou Hurlburt have an interest, without consent of Allan or Mary Lou Hurlburt, which resulted in substantial risk of bodily harm, in violation of KSA 21-5812(b)(1).
Count 3: Arson, a level 7, Non-Person Felony, which carries a maximum of 34 months in prison and maximum fine of $100,000. The complaint alleges that on or about the 30th day of March, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and knowlingly damage property belonging to another person, Allan & Mary Lou Hurlburt, without their consent, in violation of KSA 21-5812(a)(1)(C).
Count 4: Attempted Arson, a level 9, Non-Person Felony which carries a maximum sentence of 17 months in prison and maximum fine of $100,000.  The complaint alleges that sometime between March 26th, 2021 and March 30th, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and willingly attempt to start a fire, toward the perpetration of Arson as defined by KSA 21-5812(a)(1)(C).
Count 5: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, a class B, Non-Person Misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in county jail and maximum fine of $1000.  The complaint alleges that on or about April 1st, 2021, the defendant unlawfully, willfully, and intentionally, fail or refuse to bring her vehicle to a stop for a pursuing police vehicle when given visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop or attempt to flee or refuse to bring her vehicle to a stop, in violation of KSA 81568(a).
Count 6: Criminal Trespass, a class B, Non-Person Misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in county jail and maximum fine of $1000.  The complaint alleges that on or about the 27th day of March, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and willingly, and without authority of the owner, enter upon land she knew she was not authorized to do so, in violation of KSA 21-5808(a)(1)(A).
Count 7: Criminal Trespass, a class B, Non-Person Misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in county jail and maximum fine of $1000.  The complaint alleges that on or about the 1st day of April, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and willingly, and without authority of the owner, enter upon land she knew she was not authorized to do so, in violation of KSA 21-5808(a)(1)(A).
Count 8: Criminal Damage to Property, a class B, Non-Person Misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in county jail and maximum fine of $1000.  The complaint alleges that on or about the 27th day of March, 2021, the defendant unlawfully and intentionally, by means other than fire or explosive, damage property (garden hoses) in which another has an interest (Allan and Mary Lou Hurlburt) without consent of such other person, the damage being less than $1000.
Howell was taken into custody by the Wallace County Sheriff Office, on April 1st, 2021 after allegedly attempting to flee. 
As of April 7th, Howell is being held on a $350,000 bond. A status hearing has been scheduled in May. No plea was entered at the time of the first appearance. 
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, in a court of law.

COURT

Margheim and Schippers Sentenced in Wallace County District Court

Jake Wilson Margheim appeared in Wallace County District Court on November 12th, 2020 for sentencing in case number 17 CR 33.  Margheim had been charged with 1 count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana, a level 4 drug felony, on January 28, 2017.  Margheim... [More]

Traffic Court July-December 2020

Elmer Nelson of Lamar, CO was fined $93 plus court costs on 9/3/2020 - cited driving 73 mph in a 55 mph zone on 1/18/1994 by WACOSO. Kathleen Brammer of Grain Valley, MO was fined $69 plus court costs on 9/10/20250 – cited driving 79 mph in a 65 mph zone on 10/05/2018 by... [More]

Small Claims Court Proceedings

Case number 2020-SC-2 D Walker Concrete, LLC vs Jory Parks. On June 15th, 2020 (plaintiff) D Walker Concrete LLC filed claim against (defendant) Jory Parks, DBA Heartcross Ranch Designs LLC in the amount of $1150.25 for concrete delivered, plus $15 for sheriff service and $67.50... [More]

District Court Sentencings

Rolando Gonzales appeared in Wallace County District Court on January 12, 2020 for sentencing in case number 2019-CR-10 with court appointed attorney Christopher Rohr of Colby, Kans. On February 13, 2019, Gonzales had been found guilty of count 1 Possession of a Controlled Substance,... [More]

Traffic Court March - June

Skyler Jacob Adams Urban, Goodland Kans, transporting an open container, purchase/possession/comume by minor. Deferred adjudication, 12 months. Court Costs $108. William M Dysart, Jr., Weatherford, Okla, driving 82 mph in a 65 mph zone, Fined $87, court cost $108.  Shane... [More]

Wallace County District Court Proceedings

Rene Trevino appeared in Wallace County District Court on October 2, 2019 for sentencing in case number 2019 CR 12.  Trevino had been charged with 1 Count Domestic Battery, a Class B, Person Misdemeanor on September 7, 2019.  He appeared in court with court-appointed... [More]

Traffic Court for January and February

Catherine Elizabeth Capra, Pleasant Hill, Mo, driving 78 mph in a 65 mph zone, deferred, court costs $108. Justin Blake Meyer, St. Francis, Kans, liquor purchased by minor, nolo contendre, fined $200, court costs $239. Transporting an open container, guilty plea, fined $200.... [More]

Traffic Court September-December

Forman, David Scott, Miami Fla, driving 78 mph in a 50 mph zone. Fines $177 Court Cost $108. Hagan, Audrey Ann, Columbia Mo, driving 78 mph in a 65 mph zone. Deferred. Court Cost $108. Pfeffer, Samuel Tyler, Sharon Springs, Reckless Driving.  Bench Trial – Not... [More]

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TIMES

Times Gone Past 3/8/23

15 Years Ago (2008) The Strand Theater was showing “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson Morgan Freeman, and Sean Hayes. The following movie was “Juno” starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera. The Coyote Column senior spotlight was on Alicia Smith,... [More]

Times Gone Past 3/1/23

20 Years Ago (2003) The Strand Theater was showing “Kangaroo Jack” starring Anthony Anderson and Jerry O’Connell. The following movie was “Just Married” starring Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy. A bridal shower was held for Julie Befort,... [More]

Pastor’s Message - 2/23/23

Monday was President’s Day. We celebrate the birthdays of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Without either one of these presidents, we would not have our Nation today.  Many of you have seen the picture of George Washington kneeling in prayer. He ... [More]

Times Gone Past 2/23/23

25 Years Ago (1998) The Strand Theater was showing “Blues Brothers 2000” starring Dan Akroyd, John Goodman, and many musical guest acts. The following movie was “The Wedding Singer” starring Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and Matthew Glave. A card... [More]

Times Gone Past 02/16/23

30 Years Ago (1993) The Strand Theater was showing “The Bodyguard” starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. The following movie was “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The WCHS Winter Homecoming... [More]

Times Gone Past 2/9/23

15 Years Ago (2008) The Strand Theater was showing “Alvin & the Chipmunks” featuring the voices of Jason Lee, Justin Long, and Jane Lynch. The following movie was “27 Dresses” starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden.  Kassie Weinland and... [More]

Times Gone Past 2/2/23

20 Years Ago (2003) The Strand Theater was showing “Two Weeks Notice” starring Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, and Alicia Witt. The following movie was “National Security” starring Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn. Mt. Sunflower Univ. sponsored a visit... [More]

Times Gone Past 1/26/23

25 Years Ago (1998) The Strand Theater was showing “Home Alone 3” starring Alex D. Linz. The following movie was “Disney’s Mr. Magoo” starring Leslie Nielsen, Kelly Lynch, and Stephen Tobolowsky. Bernice Jones would be honored with a card shower... [More]

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NEWS

Sheriff’s Log - February 2023

  13 Vins / 13 Civil Process / 13 Court Cases / 17 911 Hang-ups – Friendly Reminder - if you give your child an older phone just for them to “play” on, 911 is still active. Traffic Stops:  53 Citations & 34 Warnings from the Wallace County... [More]

Program Explores Social Media

The Prairie Museum of Art & History in Colby will host “The Promise and Pitfalls of Social Media,” a presentation and discussion by Stephen Wolgast on Thursday, March 16 at 12:00 PM.  Members of the community are invited to attend the free program; please... [More]

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Wallace County 7th Grade Quiz Bowl Regional 2023

The Wallace County 7th Grade Quiz Bowl team placed 2nd at the recent Regional Meet hosted by Wallace County Schools.  Pictured above (front) Charlotte Gardner, Andrea Ramirez, Sophie Welsh, Payton Hoisington, and Zuri Spresser (back) Kyron Hackley, Erikson David, Lyla Pearce,... [More]

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WCHS Forensics Ellis Invitational

WCHS Forensics Team takes 3rd Place on Saturday, March 4th, at the Ellis Invitational!  Jaren Rains and Evan Pearce placed 2nd in IDA, Claire Helsel placed 3rd in Extemp and 6th in Poetry, Lydia Fox and Zoey Gardner placed 5th and 6th in Serious Solo, Evan Pearce placed... [More]

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Lady Wildcats Headed to State

On March 4th, the Wallace County High School Lady Wildcats won their playoff game against Golden Plains (Rexford, KS) by a score of 50-46.  Their season record of 16-7 earned them a 7th seed to compete against Hanover in the first round of State game play. Their game starts... [More]

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Western Plains Arts Association Presents the US Navy Band

The United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C.Q is coming to the Colby Event Center, Colby, KS on Tuesday, March 7th, 7:30 p.m. The Navy Band is the Navy’s premier musical organization, performs frequently at White House and Pentagon ceremonies, and tours annually throughout... [More]

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Cherry & Chocolate event held at Masonic Lodge

Top: Allan Hurlburt gives a presentation on George Washington during the 4th annual Cherry & Chocolate event. Bottom: Michael Johnson, Grand Master of Kansas Masons, presenting a 70-year pin to Ross Kutler of Greeley County.

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Sees Honored by Kansas Bankers

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BUGLE NOTES

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Bugle Notes - 3/8/23

Our 2023 Symposium and Fundraising Banquet is close at hand and it is shaping up to be an exciting day at the Fort Wallace Museum! Our full slate of activities begins on Saturday, March 18th at 9:00 am MT with our history presentations on this year’s theme “Native... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 02/09/23

Our official artwork for 2023 is "The Contrary Warrior’ by 20-year-old Mah'Hivists Deer (Good Warrior Deer) of Kingfisher, Oklahoma. His ancestors include Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Sauk and Fox and Iowa Tribes. This dynamic picture is being featured... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 2/2/23

We will be holding a watch party for the season-opening episode of “Cottonwood Connections” on Smoky Hills Public TV this Sunday, Feb. 5 at 5 pm MST. This thirty-minute film features the history of Fort Wallace, as well as the efforts of the Fort Wallace Museum to... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 1/26/23

Cottonwood Connections is a new video series on Smoky Hills Public Television being produced through the Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch with film director Ed Lowry. An initial season included host/historian Don Rowlison who explored such subjects as Legacy of the Cottonwood... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 12/1/22

You are invited to join us at the Fort Wallace Museum this coming Sunday, December 4 at 5 pm for our annual “Candlelight Christmas!” The 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church is the location for a traditional Swedish Lutheran Carol service, with special music. Afterward, attendees... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 10/27/22

The Fort Wallace Museum is pleased to announce another venture, this time into the publication of a children’s book “A Dragon’s Tale” by Marla Matkin. This whimsical piece of historical fiction features a little boy named Elliot who loves to imagine himself... [More]

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Bugle Notes...

The Fort Wallace Museum recently gained another marvelous piece of history by way of our good friend Lt. Col (ret) Dennis “DK” Clark of Lansing, KS. This esteemed military strategist and historian is the namesake of our historic lecture series as well as sponsor of... [More]

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Bugle Notes - 9/29/22

During the recent History Exposition, our guest historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva was intrigued by the musical instrument displayed in the Enlisted Barracks area. This strange brass instrument has been in the Fort Wallace Museum collection for many years and is inventoried... [More]

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