Post Staff – Page 525 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Man accused of running from officers

Posted on February 17, 2016February 17, 2016

court, law, — Awaiting mugshot from the Buchanan County Jail

A St. Joseph man has been charged with a misdemeanor for resisting arrest in Buchanan County.

Christian J. Banks, 23 was charged Wednesday in connection with an incident that took place Tuesday afternoon in the 2100 block of Pacific.

According to court documents around 12:30 p.m. police said Banks ran from officers on foot after officers in marked police cars advised him to stop.

“Officer T. Smith advised him to stop and announced ‘Police’ but the suspect fled on foot to try and get away,” said Det. Greg Ogdahl with SJPD. “While the suspect was being chased he was told again to stop but continued to run. The suspect had two active warrants at that time a city warrant and a parole violation warrant.”

Banks is set for an arraignment Friday. Bond is set in the amount of $5,000.

Chillicothe S.P.I.D.E.R. team lends assistance

Posted on February 17, 2016

Chillicothe Police Department's Special Police Investigative Division and Emergency Response (S.P.I.D.E.R.) Unit. Photo via Chillicothe PD — Chillicothe Police Department’s Special Police Investigative Division and Emergency Response (S.P.I.D.E.R.) Unit. Photo via Chillicothe PD

The Chillicothe Police Department is lending assistance to area police agencies through its S.P.I.D.E.R. team.

The Department said its Special Police Investigative Division and Emergency Response (S.P.I.D.E.R.) unit is lending its assistance to many area police agencies. Recently, it said the Brookfield Police Department requested assistance in serving a search warrant in the Brookfield area where there was a possible use of narcotics, stolen property, illegal weapons, and dangerous person(s). It said as a result of the search warrants, multiple suspects were arrested, narcotics were seized, stolen property was recovered, and a relationship between Brookfield PD and Chillicothe PD was built.

According to the department’s information online, the S.P.I.D.E.R. Unit was developed in 1990 because the City of Chillicothe was so isolated from other communities with tactical units. For that reason, it was felt that the Chillicothe Police Department needed to start its own tactical team for the safety of citizens and area residents.

In a post on Facebook Wednesday the Chillicothe Police Department said its S.P.I.D.E.R. Team can, and has been utilized by many area Police Agencies for assistance in any type of investigations and/or situations including critical and life-threatening incidents.

Amber Alert canceled, police search for children’s father

Posted on February 17, 2016February 17, 2016

(UPDATE) – Police in Wichita have cancelled the Amber Alert for 2 Wichita girls. They have been found safe.

Police continue to look for the suspect, 24-year old David Hatcher.

He is a black male, 5’9″ tall, 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black hoodie, and black shoes.

Wichita Police say Hatcher took the girls after a disturbance at the Days Inn Hotel at 7321 E. Kellogg in Wichita shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Hatcher allegedly drove his vehicle through a wall after an argument with the girls’ mother and forcibly took the girls. They were found just before noon at a Wichita home. The car he was driving was found in East Wichita.

In a post on their Facebook page, Wichita Police North Patrol said, “Because of awesome citizens, we have located the car and the kids before I could even get this posted on this page. The kids are safe. Thank you for the help.”

Hatcher is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Wichita Police Department at 316-383-4661.

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AMBER ALERT: Two Girls Taken from Wichita Motel
FEBRUARY 17, 2016 BY TERRY TEBRUGGE 0 COMMENTS

An Amber Alert has been issued for two girls that were forcibly taken from a Wichita motel early Wednesday morning.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 5-year-old Layla Hatcher and 2-year-old Lilly Hatcher were taken from the Days Inn Motel at 7321 E. Kellogg in Wichita at approximately 1 a.m by their father, 24-year-old David Hatcher.

They are believed to be in a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis with an Arkansas temporary tag. The vehicle front end and passenger side damage and tinted windows.

Layla Hatcher is a black female, 4’3″ tall, 50 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, she was wearing only floral print underwear.

Lilly Hatcher is also a black female, 2’5″ tall, 30 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, she was wearing only a diaper.

David Hatcher is a black male, 5’9″ tall, 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black hoodie, and black shoes.

It is believed that Layla and Lilly are in imminent danger, and the public is being asked to assist in finding them. Call 911 immediately if you have seen the missing children, suspect, or suspect’s vehicle. If you have other information on the missing children, call 911 or the Wichita Police Department at 316-383-4661.

Doniphan County issues Burn Ban

Posted on February 17, 2016

Doniphan County has issued a Burn Ban as high winds increase in the forecast.

The ban is in effect until Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.

The Doniphan County Emergency Management Director said the ban is due to high winds and dry conditions.

The National Weather Service has a fire weather watch in effect from Thursday morning until Thursday evening with winds anticipated to gust up to around 40 mph. It said any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

Sheriff’s Office raising funds to purchase K-9

Posted on February 17, 2016

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for donations to purchase and train a K-9 for use in drug investigations.

The office said it’s trying to raise $16,500 for a well-trained drug/patrol dog, deputy training, and needed equipment.

“We all see the negative impacts with the distribution and use of illegal drugs in our area,” said Sheriff Steve Cox. “There have been multiple times which our office and other area law enforcement has needed a K-9 to assist with drug investigations, building searches, or tracking needs which went without due to no availability or a timely K-9 response. We are confident several of these incidents would have resulted in seizures of drugs and/or arrests if we had the K-9 use available.”

He said regionally law enforcement is lacking in Police K-9 services. Locally Troop H of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cameron Police, and the Carrollton Police Department each have a drug/patrol dog program that he is aware of. The Missouri Department of Corrections in Cameron has K-9 tracking dog(s) available for use in certain situations.

“For liability reasons we must obtain any K-9 and deputy training/certification from a trainer/company approved by the counties liability insurance provider. There are many trainers around the United States with several having great programs which come highly recommended,” Cox said. “Once we are within reach of our financial goal we will contract for a well-trained and motivated dog from a trainer who provides several weeks of training for the deputy. Lesser expensive places only offer a few days of training but it is recommended the officer receive multiple weeks of training and certification. This will only strengthen our desire and commitment to provide the best services to citizens of Livingston County and surrounding areas.”

He said a K-9 police dog should be in service for 8 to 10 years and the K-9 dog would have only one handler at a time.

“The LCSO’s goal for a K-9 is not just a drug dog,” Cox said. “We desire and need a “dual purpose” K-9 with the dog also being trained as a police patrol dog. Some of the “patrol training” includes protection for the deputy, building searches, take down on command, guarding the deputy and/or suspects, and tracking. Livingston County is more than 500 square miles. A lot can happen when backup is needed immediately. A dual purpose K-9 can mean the world of difference in numerous situations. Use of our K-9 and deputy would be made available for all local and nearby law enforcement and fire organizations in addition to use for emergencies in all of north Missouri.”

The Office of Sheriff will soon be working with businesses, civic groups, and citizens in our community by providing self-defense type classes with our trained instructors and staff. There may be a small fee or free-will donation for attendance and this will also be applied to the K-9 fund raising program.

Sheriff Cox said he and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, with the endorsement of the Livingston County Commission, are seeking donations dedicated for the purchase of a quality K-9, deputy training, and equipment.

He said anyone interested in teaming with the LCSO and K-9 program may send a check or money order to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 901 Webster Street or the Livingston County Clerk, 700 Webster Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Call Sheriff Steve Cox at 660-646-0515 with further questions.

Fire Weather Watch issued for Thursday

Posted on February 17, 2016

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL HAS
ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY
MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING.

* AFFECTED AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONES 025...057...060...102...
  103...104 AND 105. FIRE WEATHER ZONES 020...021...028...029...
  030...037...038...043...044...045...053 AND 054.

* WIND...SOUTHWEST WINDS GUSTING TO 40 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP WILL LIKELY SPREAD RAPIDLY.
  OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE
RED FLAG WARNINGS.

Dry weather and above normal temperatures are in store today with highs in the 40s and 50s. Even warmer weather will build in on Thursday when many areas will reach the lower to middle 70s. This warm weather combined with very gusty winds will lead to a high fire danger in the afternoon.

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southeast wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 66.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Obituaries for Feb. 15

Posted on February 16, 2016

John Thomas Nurski Jr.
1926-2016

John Thomas Nurski Jr.89, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Mosaic life care hospital. He was born July 14, 1926 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Balbina and John Nurski Sr. He attended Christian Brothers High School, then served in the United States Army and is a veteran of World War II serving in Germany. He retired from the St. Joseph News-Press after 44 years of service as line type operator. He enjoyed all sports, coaching his sons baseball teams, he also loved to fish and go to the boat. John was an active member of several organizations including the American Legion Post #359, V.F.W. post #6760, and the Knights of Columbus council # 571. He was a former member of St. Stanislaus Catholic church and a member of St. James Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Dorothy Nurski. Survivors include three sons; Martin (Mary) Nurski, Kenneth O. Nurski, and Jerome (Tracy) Nurski all of St. Joseph, MO, two daughters, Sherry Nurski of St. Joseph, MO, and Diane Gillette of Newnan, GA, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 11:00 am at the St. James Catholic Church, Father Evan Harkins Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends until 8:00 PM . The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Cheyenne D. Mathews
(August 29, 1950 – February 9, 2016)

Cheyenne D. Mathews departed this world February 9, 2016 while sleeping peacefully and with her husband at her side.

The body has been cremated and no services are scheduled at this time. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

Cheyenne was born August 29, 1950 in Childress, Texas, the daughter of Jotham and Sally (Ashbrook) Taylor. She married Michael G. Mathews on September 15, 1966 in Martinez, California.

She was a devoted wife, best friend and mother for forty-nine years; and a very proud grandmother.

Cheyenne especially enjoyed helping raise her grandson and exploring the countryside with her husband while riding their Harleys. She will be dearly missed by family and those that were extremely lucky to be considered her friends.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Mathews, of the couple’s home, a daughter, Michelle Krock, and a grandson, Michael Krock.

Harold D. Sommers
Born: April 21, 1930
Died: February 14, 2016

Hiawatha, KS Harold Sommers, 85, of Hiawatha died Sunday morning, February 14, 2016 at The Pines Care Center in Hiawatha.

He was born in Hiawatha, Kansas on April 21, 1930 to Harry and Florence Buckley Sommers. After graduating from Highland High School in 1948, he received an Associates degree from Highland Community College. He attended numerous military schools including Vietnamese Language School in Ft Bliss, Texas, and Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth.

Harold married Marilyn Keebler on March 6, 1955. Their first year of marriage was enjoyed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii where he was stationed at Scofield Barracks. Harold and Marilyn moved from Hawaii to Robinson in April of 1956 and bought a farm, which marked the start of a 40 year farming career until their retirement in 1996 to Hiawatha. Last March, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Maxine. Survivors include his wife Marilyn, and their three children: Brad (Jane) Sommers of Robinson, Brian (Melody) Sommers of Denver, Co; and Susan Sommers (Larry Roeder) of Hiawatha. Six grandchildren – Matt, Laura, Kyla, Kari, Keith and Kaleb held a special place in his heart, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harold was active in the Highland and Hiawatha communities. He was a lifelong member of the Highland Christian Church where he served as elder and Chairman of the Board. Affiliations include Smithton Masonic Lodge #1, AF&AM, of Highland and past master, Robinson Farmer’s Coop Board, and Hiawatha Hospital Board. Harold obtained private, commercial, and instrument pilot ratings; and held an aerial photography contract for 22 counties with USDA for eight years. Other hobbies included being an accomplished photographer, building ham radio equipment, woodworking, hunting and trap shooting, water and snow skiing, and the pursuit of technical knowledge. Over the course of his life, Harold traveled to all 50 states and three continents. His positive attitude, sense of humor, and readiness to help others endured throughout his life.

Brigadier General Sommers enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard in 1951, receiving a direct commission to Second Lieutenant in 1952 in Headquarters Battery, 154th Field Artillery. He was ordered to active duty during the Korean War in 1953. After his return, he served as battery commander of 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery before being mobilized in 1968 for the Vietnam War. After attending a Vietnamese language school, he served as a US Military Advisor; assigned to train, advise, and mentor a South Vietnamese artillery battalion during 1969.

In 1974, he was promoted to battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery and then commander of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade. Later appointments included Deputy Commander, State Area Command, and being promoted to General in 1984. He retired in 1986, and was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame in 2003.

Friends mall call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Thursday. The Masonic Rights Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., followed by the family visiting with friends.

Celebration of life service will be Friday, February 19, at 2 pm at the Highland Christian Church, with Reverend Brian Sommers officiating, assisted by Pastor Tom Carter. Burial and military honor services will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Highland Christian Church, National Guard Museum, American Breast Cancer Society, or Masonic Lodge Scholarship fund. Memorials may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland, KS 66035.

SERVICES
Celebration of Life Service
Friday, February 19, 2016
2:00 PM

Highland Christian Church
102 E Main Stree
Highland, Kansas 66035

Thelma V. Wolfe
Born: December 24, 1911
Died: February 14, 2016

Thelma V. Wolfe, 104, of Hiawatha, went to be with her God, Sunday, February 14, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, where she had resided since 2008.

Thelma was born December 24, 1911, north of Everest, Kansas, at the farm home of her parents, one of six children of Clemens and Emma Bengston Geiger. She attended Evergreen District 69 Grade School and later graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1930.

Mrs. Wolfe was a life time member of Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, south of Robinson. Thelma also taught Sunday school there, and was active with ELCW (Evangelical Lutheran Christian Women) of the Church. She was also a life member of the Hiawatha Hospital Guild, and Brown County Historical Society.

Thelma married Harmon “Pete” Wolfe, February 25, 1940, at the Lutheran Church. They farmed until he retired and they moved to Hiawatha January 1985. He died October 27, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and two brothers: Enola Oltjen, Milton Geiger, Ruby Wakeman, Virgil Geiger, and Elma Beckley.

Survivors include a number of nieces, nephews, and many friends.

The family would like to thank Maple Heights for their continuous care and concern for Thelma.

A Celebration of Thelma’s Life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interim Pastor Steve Evans, of Zion/Upper Wolf Lutheran Churches, will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Brown County Historical Society or a favorite charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

SERVICES
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, February 20, 2016
11:00 AM

Chapel Oaks Funeral Home – Hiawatha
124 S. 7th St.
Hiawatha, Kansas 66434

Theodore “Ted” P. Beien
(January 30, 1930 – February 13, 2016)

Theodore P. “Ted” Beien, 86, Atchison, Kansas died Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Atchison Hospital.

Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, February 18, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church. The body will be cremated following the services with inurnment in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Atchison Catholic Charities and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted.

Ted was born January 30, 1930 in Orleans, Nebraska the son of Peter and Elizabeth Conradi Beien. He attended schools in Effingham, Kansas graduating from Atchison County Community High School.

He and Nancy J. Schooler were united in marriage on May 4, 1957 in Atchison, Kansas.

Ted served with the United States Air Force from December 26, 1950 until his honorable discharge at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on December 6, 1954.

He worked in the maintenance department of Rockwell International Corporation for 37 years until his retirement.

Ted was a member of St. Benedict Parish, participating at Sacred Heart Church, a member of Sacred Heart Council #723 of the Knights of Columbus, William T. Jochems General Assembly #1716 Fourth Degree, the Fleming-Jackson-Seever Post #6 of the American Legion and a former member of the Forty and Eight.

In his spare time he was an avid gardener, tending especially to his roses and his vegetable garden. He enjoyed reading, camping, dancing and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was also known as a fixer upper with projects around the house.

Survivors include his wife of fifty eight years, Nancy, of the home, a son, Richard Beien, San Tan Valley, AZ, two daughters, Michelle (Kevin) Swords, Atchison, KS, Sissy (Rocky) Weber, Lawrence, KS, four grandchildren, Thad Kasper, Celia Kasper, Jacob Weber, Vance Weber, and a sister-in-law, Jean Beien, Cummings, KS.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Sylvester, Beien, Matt Beien, five sisters, Marquerite Sanders, Anna Peak, Delphine Schockley, Josephine Ladwig and Verna Linscott.

St. Joseph man arrested after allegedly running from police through creek

Posted on February 16, 2016February 16, 2016

A St. Joseph man has been charged in Andrew County after police said they chased him through a creek.

Devon Hostler, 26 is charged with misdemeanors for resisting arrest, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving while revoked, and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner.

According to court documents, on Thursday dispatch received a call of a woman being held against her will in a vehicle shortly before 5 p.m. Country Club Village Police Officer Kris Cornell said he was advised that Hostler was driving a blue dodge intrepid with a female inside the vehicle and that he had a warrant out for his arrest and would likely run from officers

“Dispatch said the caller stated the female was her daughter that she was too afraid to exit the vehicle,” Cornell said.

Cornell said he saw the vehicle turn from DD Highway and onto 59 Highway and then attempt to turn onto Elaine Drive next to his patrol vehicle.

“I was blocking the entrance as Elaine is a narrow roadway,” Cornell said. “I activated my patrol vehicle lights and began to exit my vehicle.”

He said that’s when the suspect illegally backed from Elaine Drive onto US 59 Highway and took off southbound on US 59 Highway.

“I radioed I had a vehicle refusing to stop and followed the vehicle with lights and siren now activated,” Cornell said. “The suspect vehicle turn right onto Glendale Avenue and I followed. The suspect vehicle came to an abrupt stop on the (wrong) left side of the roadway.”

That’s when Cornell said the man ran from the vehicle across the yard.

“Believing that Chief Scott was at a residence nearby, I radioed that the suspect was headed toward him,” Cornell said. “Chief Scott radioed that he had the suspect behind a house.”

Cornell said Hostler was wet and muddy when he was arrested from being in the creek from where he ran between the houses.

Gas prices rise for the first time in almost three weeks

Posted on February 16, 2016February 16, 2016

The national average price of gas increased Tuesday for the first time in 20 days, but average prices are still at levels not seen since January 2009.

AAA said the national average has fallen for 42 out of 47 days this year for a total savings of 30 cents per gallon. Tuesday’s average price of $1.70 represents a savings of three cents per gallon on the week, 20 cents per gallon on the month and 55 cents per gallon compared to this same date last year.

AAA said typical for this time of year, refinery production is beginning to drop as many refineries prepare for seasonal maintenance in advance of the summer driving season. In addition, some refineries reportedly have cut production because of abundant supplies and low prices. This decline in production has led to higher prices throughout the Midwest and slowed recent declines in the national average price of gas. Industry analysts expect this year’s spring maintenance season to peak in April, and pump prices are likely to rise in the coming months due to fluctuations in supply and demand associated with this process. However, unlike previous years, gasoline inventories are reportedly at higher-than-normal levels and the price of crude oil remains low. The combination of these two factors should help keep gas prices relatively low compared to recent years, though prices are likely to be a good deal higher by Memorial Day than they are today.

Missouri’s average came in at $1.41 a gallon, up two cents from Monday and the same as this time last week. St. Joseph’s average rose four cents in a day to an average of $1.35 a gallon. That price is still down four cents from this time last week.

St. Joseph man earns Sailor of the Year award

Posted on February 16, 2016February 16, 2016

Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy M Harris, of Saint Joseph. Photo courtesy Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy M. Harris of St. Joseph has earned the Pacific Sea Sailor of the Year award by the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

Harris was named one the NECC’s Sea, Shore, and Reserve Sailors of the Year and one of the top Sailors to advance to the next level during a luncheon on Feb. 10 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, Commander, NECC addressed the Sailors during the luncheon and congratulated them on their successes in reaching this point in the competition.

“When you become the number one Sailor in a Command, let alone one of our Groups, that’s an enormous compliment to your hard work, dedication to the mission, and commitment to your fellow Sailors. As military professionals it is up to us to do everything in our power to enable success,” said Morneau.

Harris was among several Sailors of the Year who said they were shocked when their names were called.

“I had to repeat it to myself a few times that they actually said the PACFLT SEA SOY was me,” said Harris. “I think my Master Chief nudged me to get up to move. Walking up to the podium and even thinking about what I was going to say was jargon in my head, but I just had to regain focus and enjoy the moment. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

The Navy said Harris has served in the Navy for 12 years as a construction mechanic. He is a Stewartsville C-II High School graduate and is currently serving with U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3.

All five of the winners will now go on to the next level of competition at their respective geographical locations.