By TIM UNRUH

Salina Journal

BELOIT -- Mitchell County Attorney Jess Hoeme on Wednesday and Thursday filed 10 misdemeanor complaints, nine of them against juveniles, in connection with a Jan. 20 party at a rural farmhouse that was damaged and from which items were reported missing.

Those cited are students at Beloit High School, but Hoeme said he is considering filing charges against others.

The students and their charges:

n Jase Sporleder, 18, a senior at Beloit High School, theft and criminal trespass.

n Senior Cole Patrick Kruse, 17, Simpson, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass.

n Junior Austin Lee James, 17, Beloit, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass.

n Junior Colin Loomis, 17, Mankato, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass.

n Sophomore Tanner Matthew Weidenhaft, 16, Beloit, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass.

n Sophomore Paul Stephen Fuller, 16, Beloit, theft, criminal trespass.

n Senior Preston Marshal Fuller, 17, Beloit, theft, criminal trespass.

n Junior Nicholas Brock Reiling, 17, Beloit, possession of stolen property, criminal trespass.

n Junior Jordan Michael File, 16, Beloit, theft, criminal trespass.

n Freshman Janae Lyndell Budke, 14, Beloit, criminal trespass.

First court appearances for all 10 students will be at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

Hoeme said about 27 people were at the party, and the majority were Beloit High School students. One is a student at Lakeside High School, Downs.

"I do intend to consider charges against the other party-goers," Hoeme said. "What I have filed at this point are complaints against those persons who are alleged to have actively participated in the theft and damage to that residence."

A number of personal property items were removed, including a computer and a DVD/VCR player, and the residence was damaged. The name of the occupant was not released. Estimates of dollar loss from theft and damage were not available.

Asked if alcohol was involved in the party, Hoeme said, "I certainly can't prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, at this point."

Damage and property loss was reported to law enforcement, he said, but authorities learned the names of most of the party participants through word of mouth around town.

People are going to talk

The party resulted in 16 Beloit High School athletes being suspended last week for one sporting event.

Since receiving the report of charges from Hoeme this week, Beloit High School Principal Kelly Arnberger said five basketball players and one wrestler have been suspended for the remainder of the season. Six basketball players and four wrestlers have been reinstated.

The suspended players will be eligible for spring activities.

"They have another opportunity to be stellar performers and exemplary role models, and if we can get that out of them, then our young people are going to learn that it is good to have character and that you can be successful and have character," Arnberger said.

Other developments in the case, such as additional charges being filed, might result in more students being disciplined or suspended from other activities, but Arnberger said none of that would be decided before today.

As word of the party has spread, Hoeme said, the community has reacted with "discontent, frustration and disappointment," but it is being dealt with.

"The punishment for those who are proved to be responsible will be swift, certain and severe, and sufficient enough to those proved to have been involved to recognize that their behavior cannot be tolerated," Hoeme said.

n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at tunruh@salina.com.

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