Home of El Cuartelejo
34 Pages • Four Sections Look Inside
Volume 24 • Number 10
Thursday, October 13, 2016
$1 single copy
Heberlee sentenced to 38 months
Sports A winning combination qualifies for state tourney Page 19 State Brownback warns of tax hike if court orders more funding Page 2
Published in Scott City, Ks.
Rick Heberlee answers questions during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing at Scott County District Court. (Record Photo)
During a sentencing hearing on Wednesday afternoon, Rick Heberlee told the court that he is a “changed man” following the drug overdose death of Sherree Smith. Heberlee said that he no longer uses drugs and has left that lifestyle behind. An employer and family member testified to the difference they have seen in the Scott City resident over the past 16 months. But, District Judge Wendel Wurst wasn’t convinced and sentenced Heberlee to 38 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections. That was only slightly less than the 41 month maximum sentence sought by Assistant Attorney General Lyndzie Carter. Heberlee was sentenced to 30
months for distribution of methamphetamine. The maximum penalty was 32 months. He was sentenced to eight months for interference with a law enforcement officer. The maximum was nine months. Heberlee will be credited for 116 days already served in the Scott County jail. A five-day jury trial that concluded on Sept. 22 had found Heberlee innocent in the distribution of a controlled substance (meth) that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Sherree Smith on Jan. 17, 2014. Acquittal Denied During the initial proceedings, defense attorney J. Scott Koksal, (See HEBERLEE on page 10)
Sports Youth day at Lake Scott introduces 225 to the outdoors Page 27
Index Opinions...................4-7 Calendar...................... 7 Youth/Education........ 11 Public notices.......12-13 LEC report................. 12 Church services......... 15 Health care...........18-19 Sports...................19-26 Farm section.........28-29 Classified ads.......31-33 Pigskin Payoff............ 34
Deaths
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
Agriculture The math behind today’s beef packing industry Page 28
The chalk formations long-known as Little Jerusalem have been an iconic part of the landscape in southern Logan County. The rugged spires, separated by finger-like canyons, are the largest Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas. They served as a landmark for travelers along the Smoky Hill Trail, which later became the Butterfield Overland Dispatch Trail, located just north of the Smoky Hill River. However, except to those in the area who are familiar with Little Jerusalem by name if not actual location - the unique geological feature is largely unknown. That is about to change with the acquisition of the 332-acre site by The Nature Conservancy. It is now part of the Smoky Valley Ranch which includes more than 17,000 acres within the Smoky Valley River basin. “This is an opportunity to see that (Little Jerusalem) stays this way for-
ever,” says Matt Bain, project coordinator with Smoky Valley Ranch. “We want future generations to enjoy this place and its unique resources.” When the Conservancy originally purchased the Smoky Valley Ranch in 1999, it had hopes of eventually acquiring the site known as Little Jerusalem. “It was felt that this could add a lot to the overall scope of what we’re doing here,” explains Bain, who noted that the sale was finalized on Oct. 5. “I believe the seller also felt that the Conservancy was best suited to help them achieve a long-range vision, which means having public access to this place and, at the same time, protecting it.
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
Community Additional pediatric care now available at Scott City Clinic Page 16
Iconic Little Jerusalem site is acquired by Nature Conservancy
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
Health Kansas hospitals reducing the rate of acquired infections Page 16
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
Edith M. Criswell William ‘Bill’ Huddleston David E. Lauber Peggy Jo Pfannenstiel Virgil D. Stratton
a new beginning 406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com
Deaths..................14-15
(Photo above) Matt Bain, project coordinator with Smoky Valley Ranch, talks about the diverse biological and geological features at Little Jerusalem. (Record Photo)
“It is our hope that, on a broader scale, this will increase tourism to the area.” Of the 332.5 acres sold to the Conservancy, only about 75-100 acres are grassland. The chalk formations account for the remainder. A Hidden Treasure “I’m amazed at the number of locals who have explored the canyons and stood on the chalk tops and gazed in wonder at these formations for years and years. It’s an awe-inspiring place,” says Bain. His goal, and that of the Conservancy, is for more people to share in that wonder by making a “hidden treasure a little less hidden.” “This is the type of enhancement to the Western Vistas Byway that can attract people to Scott City, Oakley and the surrounding area,” he says. “The Conservancy’s goal, as with their sites (See CONSERVANCY on page eight)