Kansas Klips
Man admits stealing Wizard of Oz ruby slippers from museum
MINNEAPOLIS—A man charged in the museum heist of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” pleaded guilty on Friday, October 13th, in a deal that could keep him out of prison due to his failing health, but only cleared up some of the mystery that dates back 18 years. Terry Jon Martin, 76, pleaded guilty to a single count of theft of a significant artwork. The shoes were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and recovered by the FBI in 2018. No one was arrested until Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, was charged this year. During his change-of-lea hearing in federal court in Duluth, Martin said he used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. He said he thought the slippers had genuine rubies and hoped to sell the gems. But when a fence told him the rubies were glass, Martin said he got rid of the slippers. Martin did not say how he got rid of them or to whom he gave them, leaving the slipper’s whereabouts during the ensuing years a mystery. He did say that the theft had nothing to do with trying to get insurance money, as some have speculated. Under the plea agreement, DeKrey and federal prosecutor Matt Greenley recommended that Martin not face any time behind bars because of his age and poor health. Martin, who appeared in court in a wheelchair with supplemental oxygen, has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and struggles to breathe. The proposed sentence would let Martin die at home. Martin, who has a 1988 conviction for receiving stolen goods, remained free on his recognizance after the hearing. U. S. District Judge Patrick Schlitz, the chief federal judge for Minnesota, ordered a presentence investigation and said he’d likely schedule the sentencing for about two and a half months from now. Schlitz told Martin that the sentencing recommendation by the defense and prosecution doesn’t legally bind him. According to DeKrey, the nonbinding federal sentencing guidelines recommended eight to ten years in similar cases.
Garland wore several ruby slippers while filming the classic 1939 musical, but only four authentic pairs remain. The stolen slippers were insured for $1 million, but federal prosecutors put the current market value at about $3.5 million. The slippers were on loan to the museum from Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw when Martin stole them. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and a private collector hold three other pairs that Garland wore in the movie. Over the years, several rewards were offered in hopes of figuring out who stole the slippers. Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922 and lived in Grand Rapids until her family moved to Los Angeles when she was four. The Judy Garland Museum, which is in the house where she lived, says it has the world’s most extensive collection of Garland and Wizard of Oz memorabilia. (Hays Post)
Kansas officer faces charges in death of K9
LABETTE COUNTY—The City of Parsons Police Department, in conjunction with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, reported the completion and review of the final necropsy report on the death of K9 Karim on October 11th, according to a media release from the sheriff’s office. The report determined the extreme temperature that day stands as the sole factor contributing to the dog’s death. After careful consideration, the sheriff’s office has initiated legal proceedings against officer Devin Wisdom. The sheriff’s office has submitted the case to the county attorney’s office.
Sheriff Darrin Eichinger states, “Our comprehensive review of the entire case leads us to make the most informed decision possible. Our duty extends to ensuring the victim's best interest, a sworn police dog, Karim. The Parsons Police Department is organizing a memorial service for K9 Karim. (Hays Post)
Suspect in custody after alleged threat at NW Kansas high school
SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and USD 352 officials are investigating a suspect concerning an alleged school threat. On Monday morning, October 16th, Sherman County Law Enforcement required the Goodland Junior/Senior High School to go into a lockdown situation, according to Superintendent Bill Bierman. According to the sheriff’s office, all schools were put on high alert for a threat against staff and the high school. Deputies located the suspect and placed him into custody. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or details on possible charges. (Hays Post)
Burrito recall impacts Kansas retail stores
TOPEKA—Federal health officials report a line of frozen burrito products sold in Kansas were recalled over a food-borne disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said Don Miguel Foods of Texas recalled more than 10,000 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat carne asada burrito products. The burritos may contain listeria monocytogenes. The FSIS said in a report the burritos were made on September 27th, 2023. They come in a seven-ounce individual wax paper package with the date code D23270. The burritos also have establishment number EST. 20049 inside the USDA mark of inspection. These were shipped to retail store locations across the country. (KSNT)
Mountain lion spotted in Parsons
PARSONS—A mountain lion was recently spotted in Parsons along the northeast edge of town near Labette Creek. The Parsons Police Department was aware of this sighting and contacted the Kansas Department of Wildlife. The KDWP says while this mountain lion is likely no longer in the city, residents should be alert. If the mountain lion is spotted in town, residents should contact PPD at 620-421-7060 so that local KDWP officials may be dispatched. The KDWP is also investigating the area. Mountain lion attacks on people are extremely rare, but residents should be aware of basic precautions. In the vent of an encounter, do not approach the animal and do not run away.
If children or pets are present, gather or pick them up and slowly back away. If a mountain lion still approaches, look as big as possible and speak loudly and firmly. Since 2007, mountain lions have been sighted more than 60 times in Kansas, most recently in Allen County. So far, all have been moving across the state. This one will naturally move on to other areas like most mountain lions. (KGGF New Radio)
