By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

PORTIS -- Relief is sweeping through this small community of just more than 100 today after an arrest was made in connection with the murder of resident Scott Noel.

Kenneth Wilson, 44, whose last known residence was Saline County, was charged with premeditated first degree murder Monday in connection with the March 25 homicide.

"I think people are relieved that there is a breakthrough in the case," said Dave Sarver, pastor at Grace Brethren Church.

Wilson, who has been jailed in the Ellsworth Correctional Facility for a parole violation since July 3, will make his first court appearance in the case at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Osborne. Other charges against him include aggravated burglary, burglary of a residence and felony possession of a firearm.

The state alleges Wilson burglarized Noel's home in rural Osborne County, took Noel's cell phone and $50 and shot him with his gun.

Wilson was convicted of rape and aggravated kidnapping in Sedgwick County in 1985. He was paroled in 2002.

"I asked several people if they had heard of (Wilson) or recognized him, but no one seems to know anything about him," Sarver said.

The Kansas Attorney General's office is handling the case but could not comment on what led to the charges filed against Wilson, citing the ongoing investigation.

They also could not say if they were searching for other suspects in the case.

Sarver said his church will continue with monthly prayer meetings for Noel and his family with a meeting planned for 7 p.m. Monday.

"We had a planning meeting last night for the next community prayer meeting. I think it will be a lot of praise and thanksgiving," Sarver said. "We'll keep doing them until this whole case has been completely processed through the justice system."