Callie Holthaus

5 days ago | kwch.com | Isaac Deer |Callie Holthaus

SENECA, Kan. (WIBW) - The man accused of killing Catholic priest Father Arul Carasala told the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office that he “shot Father Arul,” an affidavit from the Nemaha County District Court stated. According to the affidavit, Nemaha Co. Sheriff Richard Vernon was informed on April 3 at approximately 2:50 p.m. that dispatch took a 911 call that someone was shot near the Catholic church in Seneca, at 411 Pioneer St., about a block east of the Sheriff’s Office.

5 days ago | wibw.com | Isaac Deer |Callie Holthaus

SENECA, Kan. (WIBW) - The man accused of killing Catholic priest Father Arul Carasala told the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office that he “shot Father Arul,” an affidavit from the District Court of Nemaha County stated. According to the affidavit, Nemaha County sheriff Richard Vernon was informed on April 3 at approximately 2:50 p.m. that dispatch took a 911 call that someone was shot near the Catholic church in Seneca, which is a block east of the Sheriff’s Office.

1 week ago | wibw.com | Callie Holthaus

ESKRIDGE, Kan. (WIBW) - People in Eskridge, Kansas, have seen a rash of burglaries hit their small community. Between a rock and a hard place, that’s where residents of Eskridge find themselves. A rash of criminal incidents over the last six months have left residents, business owners, and city leaders alike at a loss for what to do. The small community of roughly 400 people does not have its own police department, instead relying on county resources for its law enforcement needs.

2 weeks ago | wibw.com | Callie Holthaus

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Two teachers are in the running for Kansas Teacher of the Year 2026 after being named Region 2 finalists during a ceremony to recognize outstanding educators Sunday afternoon. Troy St. Clair, Pre-K-5 physical education teacher at Scott Dual Language Magnet School, and Julie Smith, business and digital media teacher at Santa Fe Trail High School, were recognized as finalists Sunday during the Region 2 Awards Banquet.

2 weeks ago | wibw.com | Callie Holthaus

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -The Oklahoma man accused in the April 3 shooting death of Father Arul Carasala has been formally charged with first-degree murder and faces life in prison. At his court appearance Friday afternoon, Gary Hermesch, 66, appeared in a wheelchair and cuffed at the wrists. Judge Scott Anson explained Hermesch his rights and how proceedings would work during the brief hearing. Judge Anson also said Hermesch does not have a criminal record.