KANSAS CITY— Kansas City Police Department detectives and the KCPD Crime Lab have determined who was responsible for the double homicide that occurred on or about October 1, in an apartment fire near 41st and Oak in Kansas City, according to Jackson Co. Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

A Kansas City Police Department investigation established that on Oct. 1, 42-year-old Kevin Ray Moore, now deceased, caused the deaths of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stowers.org/gradschool/predocs">Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile</a>&nbsp;and intentionally set their apartment on fire. &nbsp;

Due to the efforts of KCPD and, in particular, the Crime Lab, KCPD used phone and computer data, surveillance videos, ballistic testing as well as DNA tests to determine the cause of the deaths of Behrensen and Guzman-Palma and to determine that Moore was the suspect. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Police also determined that Moore died as part of a murder-suicide in Clay County on Oct. 16. Moore and 40-year-old Misty Brockman, a mother of five, were found dead in a car near Worlds of Fun. Police continue to investigate their deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664964531005.png" alt="Pablo Guzmán Palma" />
 <figcaption>Pablo Guzmán Palma</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Kansas City Police Department detectives and the KCPD Crime Lab have determined who was responsible for the double homicide that occurred on or about October 1, in an apartment fire near 41st and Oak in Kansas City, according to Jackson Co. Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664964486674.png" alt="Camila Behrensen" />
 <figcaption>Camila Behrensen</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas City Police Department investigation established that on Oct. 1, 42-year-old Kevin Ray Moore, now deceased, caused the deaths of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stowers.org/gradschool/predocs">Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile</a>&nbsp;and intentionally set their apartment on fire. &nbsp;Due to the efforts of KCPD and, in particular, the Crime Lab, KCPD used phone and computer data, surveillance videos, ballistic testing as well as DNA tests to determine the cause of the deaths of Behrensen and Guzman-Palma and to determine that Moore was the suspect. &nbsp;&nbsp;Police also determined that Moore died as part of a murder-suicide in Clay County on Oct. 16. Moore and 40-year-old Misty Brockman, a mother of five, were found dead in a car near Worlds of Fun. Police continue to investigate their deaths.

Police learn how 2 South American researchers died in KC fire

George&nbsp;V.&nbsp;Dinkel, age 73, formerly of Brownell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022, at his home in Victoria, Kansas.

He was born September 7, 1949, in Hays, Kansas to Victor J. and Juliana M. (Rajewski). &nbsp;He married Velma&nbsp;(Unrein) on January 8, 1972, in Hays, Kansas.

He was a truck driver for National Carriers for over 20 years, and&nbsp;also was a farmer. &nbsp;He was a 1967 graduate of Ellis High School and was&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of Christ The King Catholic Church&nbsp;of WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was a veteran of the US Army and&nbsp;moved to Victoria in the spring of this year&nbsp;from Brownell, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife Velma Dinkel, of the home; his children, John Dinkel and Chris Dixon, St. John’s, FL; Erin Rupp and&nbsp;husband Eugene, Victoria, KS; James Dinkel and wife, Annetta, Brownell, KS;&nbsp;his sisters, Judy Augustine and husband, Jeff, Hays, KS; Denice Fuller and husband, Mike, Concordia, KS; his grandchildren, Jacob Dinkel; Tyler Dinkel; Ethan Rupp; Emma Rae Rupp; his step grandchildren, Morgan Dixon; Bailee Dixon; Jacob Dixon; Andrew Rupp; Hillary Rupp; Amanda (Rex) Rhorer; Rondi Dysinger; Richie (Ashley) Dysinger; his step great grandchildren, Adalynn Rhorer; Jase Rhorer; and Mia Dysinger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap. officiating. &nbsp;Inurnment will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas with Military Honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post&nbsp;No.&nbsp;1751.

A vigil service and rosary will be&nbsp;at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main &nbsp;Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria.

The family suggests memorials payable to the organization: Boys Town or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the mortuary.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666916605949.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>George&nbsp;V.&nbsp;Dinkel, age 73, formerly of Brownell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022, at his home in Victoria, Kansas.He was born September 7, 1949, in Hays, Kansas to Victor J. and Juliana M. (Rajewski). &nbsp;He married Velma&nbsp;(Unrein) on January 8, 1972, in Hays, Kansas.He was a truck driver for National Carriers for over 20 years, and&nbsp;also was a farmer. &nbsp;He was a 1967 graduate of Ellis High School and was&nbsp;a&nbsp;member of Christ The King Catholic Church&nbsp;of WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was a veteran of the US Army and&nbsp;moved to Victoria in the spring of this year&nbsp;from Brownell, Kansas.Survivors include his wife Velma Dinkel, of the home; his children, John Dinkel and Chris Dixon, St. John’s, FL; Erin Rupp and&nbsp;husband Eugene, Victoria, KS; James Dinkel and wife, Annetta, Brownell, KS;&nbsp;his sisters, Judy Augustine and husband, Jeff, Hays, KS; Denice Fuller and husband, Mike, Concordia, KS; his grandchildren, Jacob Dinkel; Tyler Dinkel; Ethan Rupp; Emma Rae Rupp; his step grandchildren, Morgan Dixon; Bailee Dixon; Jacob Dixon; Andrew Rupp; Hillary Rupp; Amanda (Rex) Rhorer; Rondi Dysinger; Richie (Ashley) Dysinger; his step great grandchildren, Adalynn Rhorer; Jase Rhorer; and Mia Dysinger.He was preceded in death by his parents.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Father James Moster O.F.M. Cap. officiating. &nbsp;Inurnment will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas with Military Honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post&nbsp;No.&nbsp;1751.A vigil service and rosary will be&nbsp;at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main &nbsp;Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria.The family suggests memorials payable to the organization: Boys Town or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the mortuary.Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

George V. Dinkel

James Wayne Richardson, 84, passed away on October 26, 2022, at his 
home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Stafford, 
Kan., to Everett and Irene (Bates) Richardson. On October 09, 1960, he 
married Carolyn Allison in Stafford, Kan. She survives.

Coming from Colorado Springs, Colo., James was a Great Bend resident 
for the past 7 years. He was a man of great faith – being a member of 
many churches during his time in Colorado, including Security Christian 
and United Methodist Church – and spread that faith through his work in 
different church leadership roles through the years as well as doing 
outreach and prison ministry through Kairos for over 20 years. James was
 also a life-long racer, having been part of the start of the SRCA 
dragstrip and its maintenance, enjoying circle track racing, and racing 
at Pikes Peak Hill Climb. He was also a dedicated Boy Scout in his 
childhood, later serving as a Boy Scout leader for some of his sons.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, J.D. Richardson 
of Great Bend, Kan., Bradley (Sandra) Richardson of Peyton, Colo., and 
Marc Richardson of Great Bend, Kan.; five grandchildren, Heather Werner,
 Savannah Richardson, Devian McDowell, Dorian McDowell, and Darisha 
McDowell; and four great-grandchildren, Brittany and Gage Werner, and 
Mia and Dominic McDowell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a 
sister, Bonnie Gittins.

Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 
November 1, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving guests 
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 
a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Encounter Church, with Pastor 
Jake Newman presiding. Interment will follow at Stafford Cemetery. 


Memorials have been designated to the Stafford County Museum, SRCA 
Dragstrip, or Kairos Prison Ministry, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666916051077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Wayne Richardson, 84, passed away on October 26, 2022, at his 
home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Stafford, 
Kan., to Everett and Irene (Bates) Richardson. On October 09, 1960, he 
married Carolyn Allison in Stafford, Kan. She survives.Coming from Colorado Springs, Colo., James was a Great Bend resident 
for the past 7 years. He was a man of great faith – being a member of 
many churches during his time in Colorado, including Security Christian 
and United Methodist Church – and spread that faith through his work in 
different church leadership roles through the years as well as doing 
outreach and prison ministry through Kairos for over 20 years. James was
 also a life-long racer, having been part of the start of the SRCA 
dragstrip and its maintenance, enjoying circle track racing, and racing 
at Pikes Peak Hill Climb. He was also a dedicated Boy Scout in his 
childhood, later serving as a Boy Scout leader for some of his sons.Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, J.D. Richardson 
of Great Bend, Kan., Bradley (Sandra) Richardson of Peyton, Colo., and 
Marc Richardson of Great Bend, Kan.; five grandchildren, Heather Werner,
 Savannah Richardson, Devian McDowell, Dorian McDowell, and Darisha 
McDowell; and four great-grandchildren, Brittany and Gage Werner, and 
Mia and Dominic McDowell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a 
sister, Bonnie Gittins.Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 
November 1, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving guests 
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 
a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Encounter Church, with Pastor 
Jake Newman presiding. Interment will follow at Stafford Cemetery. 
Memorials have been designated to the Stafford County Museum, SRCA 
Dragstrip, or Kairos Prison Ministry, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

James Wayne Richardson

David Betzen, 78, retired computer programmer and co-owner of Ann's Fashions, died Tuesday, October 25, 2022. 

Rosary will be at 6:30 pm, Sunday, October 30, 2022. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Monday, October 31, 2022, both at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church. 

Preceded in death by his parents, Leo Betzen and Rosina Staab; brother, Alan Staab. 

Survived by his wife, Glenda Betzen; daughter, Lisa Reiter; sons, Curtis (Amely) Betzen, John (Shelley) Betzen; 7 grandchildren; brother, Wayne Staab; sister, Sheryl (Jon) Markwell. 

A memorial has been established with Alzheimer's Association, Central &amp; Western Kansas, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214. Services in care of Downing &amp; Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666915268062.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David Betzen, 78, retired computer programmer and co-owner of Ann's Fashions, died Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Rosary will be at 6:30 pm, Sunday, October 30, 2022. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Monday, October 31, 2022, both at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Leo Betzen and Rosina Staab; brother, Alan Staab. Survived by his wife, Glenda Betzen; daughter, Lisa Reiter; sons, Curtis (Amely) Betzen, John (Shelley) Betzen; 7 grandchildren; brother, Wayne Staab; sister, Sheryl (Jon) Markwell. A memorial has been established with Alzheimer's Association, Central &amp; Western Kansas, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214. Services in care of Downing &amp; Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.&nbsp;

David Betzen

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack at a McDonald's in Garden City and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the McDonald's 1106 N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City for a fight in progress, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman and two men standing outside of the business and learned one of the men had been stabbed.

The investigation revealed that the three individuals were shopping in Garden City when they were confronted by a man known to them, identified as 33-year-old Adam Barnett of Scott City.

 The three individuals fled the confrontation in their vehicle with Barnett attempting to follow them. The three&nbsp; believed they had lost Barnett and stopped to eat at McDonald’s West. 

Barnett arrived at McDonald’s a short time later, exited his vehicle with a knife in his hand and began walking towards the restaurant.

 The two men met Barnett in the parking lot, and a physical altercation ensued. The fight continued inside the business near the restroom where the woman was hiding. 

One of the men attempted to stop Barnett from entering the restroom when Barnett stabbed him. 

The fight was broken up, and Barnett then fled the area in his vehicle. EMS transported the 32-year-old male stabbing victim to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was treated and released for his injury. 

Police later located Barnett and took into custody on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Stalking and Criminal Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported from the incident, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666884605811.png" alt="Barnett-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Barnett-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent knife attack at a McDonald's in Garden City and have a suspect in custody.Just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to the McDonald's 1106 N. Taylor Avenue in Garden City for a fight in progress, according to a media release.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">POLICE ADVISORY (4:22 P.M.): There is a large law enforcement presence at McDonald&#39;s West / 5-Points Intersection as Officers are working an active scene. Please avoid the area! We will provide updates when available.&mdash; Garden City, KS P.D. (@GCPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCPD/status/1585381971345252352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Upon arrival, officers located a woman and two men standing outside of the business and learned one of the men had been stabbed.The investigation revealed that the three individuals were shopping in Garden City when they were confronted by a man known to them, identified as 33-year-old Adam Barnett of Scott City. The three individuals fled the confrontation in their vehicle with Barnett attempting to follow them. The three&nbsp; believed they had lost Barnett and stopped to eat at McDonald’s West. Barnett arrived at McDonald’s a short time later, exited his vehicle with a knife in his hand and began walking towards the restaurant. The two men met Barnett in the parking lot, and a physical altercation ensued. The fight continued inside the business near the restroom where the woman was hiding. One of the men attempted to stop Barnett from entering the restroom when Barnett stabbed him. The fight was broken up, and Barnett then fled the area in his vehicle. EMS transported the 32-year-old male stabbing victim to St. Catherine Hospital, where he was treated and released for his injury. Police later located Barnett and took into custody on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Stalking and Criminal Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported from the incident, according to police.

SW Kansas man jailed for restaurant knife attack

Billie Jo Breit, age 79, of Pfeifer, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at the Russell Regional Hospital - Russell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 31, 2022, at 10 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church - Pfeifer, Kansas - Inurnment will follow the services in the parish cemetery.

Memorial Visitation will be Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 6 PM to 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 9 AM to service time at the church on Monday.

A complete obituary is pending and will be published by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666915175511.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Billie Jo Breit, age 79, of Pfeifer, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at the Russell Regional Hospital - Russell.Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 31, 2022, at 10 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church - Pfeifer, Kansas - Inurnment will follow the services in the parish cemetery.Memorial Visitation will be Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 6 PM to 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 9 AM to service time at the church on Monday.A complete obituary is pending and will be published by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory.Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Billie Jo Breit

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Kelly administration sees a bright future for Salina and its partnership with the community.

That's the word from Lieutenant Governor David Toland during an exclusive interview with Salina Post earlier this week.

Toland said the Kelly administration is proud of its partnership with the people of Salina. Toland noted not only the growth and vibrance of downtown Salina, but also the growth in local manufacturing and housing starts.

"We've been really proud, Governor Kelly and I, to have been partners with the Salina community in all of this growth, and we think that the future's very bright, and we're going to continue with the same approach and policy to economic development and to community development that we've had from the start," Toland said. "We think that that is going to continue to bring rich dividends for the Salina community."

Toland also talked about some of the accomplishments of the administration's first term.

"Since I work for the Education Governor, I would be remiss if I didn't start with fully funding our K-12 system for the last four years in a row and getting the state out of the cycle of litigation about underfunding that had really bedeviled us for over 20 years," Toland said.

"We're proud of the investments we've made in our K-12 system, but also in higher education, and that includes K-State Salina and the amazing programs that are happening there," he said.

Toland also noted new investments in the state's community colleges and technical colleges.

At the state level, there has been more than $14 billion of new investment that has occurred since Kelly took office in January of 2019, including 52,000 new and retained jobs, Toland said.

"You look at Salina specifically, there have been over 1,300 new jobs created under the Kelly administration. That's 1,323 to be specific. And we've had $687.4 million of private business investment that has happened in Saline County since 2019," he said.

"When you look at the variety of things that have happened in Salina specifically, you know, from Schwans, where the largest frozen pizza plant in the world is going to open next week to Great Plains Manufacturing, which has taken over the Phillips Lighting facility, is just such a great opportunity to really grow the Kubota footprint in Kansas," Toland continued. "There's so much room for growth in that massive facility."

Toland also talked about 1 Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport as an example of growth in Salina, noting how 1 Vision Aviation was able to utilize the assets of the airport in creating new jobs and new investment.

"It's so healthy to have this kind of diversity, from food processing to advanced manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aviation. It's really a good sign about the health of the Salina economy that you've had this kind of diversity of growth," he said.

Getting legislation passed to eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries is also listed among the Kelly administration's accomplishments.

"We're really proud that we were able to ax the food tax. And this is both an accomplishment and a to-do for January because axing the food tax got through, but it's on a schedule that takes it a couple of years out before it's actually eliminated, and that's because Derek Schmidt's allies in the legislature didn't want to give Governor Kelly a win in an election year, and so they were playing politics with people's grocery bills," Toland said.

"And so, Priority One along with Medicaid expansion in our second term is going to be immediately axing the food tax so that it takes effect hopefully in January, so that we can give some relief to families that are really struggling and seniors in particular who are on fixed incomes," he said.

According to Toland, there are more than 1,000 highway construction projects that currently are underway across the state.

"You know, coming to Salina on I-70, there are an awful lot of orange barrels, and that's a good thing. It means that we've stopped the raid of the 'Bank of KDOT' that happened under the Brownback administration, all these transfers of money that Derek Schmidt supported, and we've been able to fully fund the infrastructure we need," Toland said.

Additionally, as part of the IKE Transportation Plan through the Kansas Department of Transportation, funding is available to increase broadband internet offerings in the state.

"We're really proud that there are 55,000 new households and businesses that have been connected to high-speed internet in the last 18 months," he said.

"When you think about those kinds of investements, and then you think about how Derek Schmidt says he wants to get in and start slashing and cutting, you know, he's going to be cutting broadband. He's going to be cutting economic development. He's going to be cutting the highway program. And these are things that the voters have made clear are important to them and they don't want to see us go down that road again," Toland said.

As campaigning for the upcoming election has progressed, a number of well-known Republicans have come out in support of the Kelly-Toland ticket. Those Republicans include former Kansas governors Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, former U.S. senators from Kansas Nancy Kassebaum and Sheila Frahm, former U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, former Republican National Committee Committeewoman Alicia Salisbury, and former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan.

"I think it reflects who the governor and I are as people. We are centrist, concensus builders who work to find common ground and who don't worry so much about party labels. We worry about getting the public policy right and doing things that not only help people in the here and now, but really set up the next generation for success," Toland said.

He continued, "Ultimately, I think the reason we've got such strong Republican support across the state is that folks see that Governor Kelly is a middle-of-the-road governor who works to craft sound public policy and isn't worried about party labels. She's worried about getting it right."

Recently, the British tabloid The Daily Mail falsely claimed that the Kansas Department of Commerce and its Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), provided funding for drag shows in Wichita. A poster for one of the shows included the Department of Commerce/KCAIC logo.

Members of the GOP, including Kelly's gubernatorial opponent Derek Schmidt, expressed outrage over the alleged funding, which the Kelly administration quickly debunked as false.

READ:&nbsp;Kan. GOP seize on false report about drag show to attack Governor

When asked about the issue, Toland said, "It's just flat out not true. It didn't happen," calling the incident a "classic, late October political dirty trick."

OpenStudios, the sponsor of one of the Wichita events, also noted that no state funds were to be used for the event. In a post on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT">its Facebook page</a>, Open Studios wrote, "You may have noticed we had to erase a few posts about the event because of some (frustrating) marketing miscommunications. After a few inquiries, we’d like to clarify that the KCAIC is not sponsoring this event. Their logo was placed on former posters because of their relationship with Fisch Bowl Inc., who hosts the OpenStudios spaces at Towne West. No state funds were used in support of this event."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666922239896.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Kelly administration sees a bright future for Salina and its partnership with the community.That's the word from Lieutenant Governor David Toland during an exclusive interview with Salina Post earlier this week.Toland said the Kelly administration is proud of its partnership with the people of Salina. Toland noted not only the growth and vibrance of downtown Salina, but also the growth in local manufacturing and housing starts."We've been really proud, Governor Kelly and I, to have been partners with the Salina community in all of this growth, and we think that the future's very bright, and we're going to continue with the same approach and policy to economic development and to community development that we've had from the start," Toland said. "We think that that is going to continue to bring rich dividends for the Salina community."School fundingToland also talked about some of the accomplishments of the administration's first term."Since I work for the Education Governor, I would be remiss if I didn't start with fully funding our K-12 system for the last four years in a row and getting the state out of the cycle of litigation about underfunding that had really bedeviled us for over 20 years," Toland said."We're proud of the investments we've made in our K-12 system, but also in higher education, and that includes K-State Salina and the amazing programs that are happening there," he said.Toland also noted new investments in the state's community colleges and technical colleges.Economic developmentAt the state level, there has been more than $14 billion of new investment that has occurred since Kelly took office in January of 2019, including 52,000 new and retained jobs, Toland said."You look at Salina specifically, there have been over 1,300 new jobs created under the Kelly administration. That's 1,323 to be specific. And we've had $687.4 million of private business investment that has happened in Saline County since 2019," he said."When you look at the variety of things that have happened in Salina specifically, you know, from Schwans, where the largest frozen pizza plant in the world is going to open next week to Great Plains Manufacturing, which has taken over the Phillips Lighting facility, is just such a great opportunity to really grow the Kubota footprint in Kansas," Toland continued. "There's so much room for growth in that massive facility."Toland also talked about 1 Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport as an example of growth in Salina, noting how 1 Vision Aviation was able to utilize the assets of the airport in creating new jobs and new investment."It's so healthy to have this kind of diversity, from food processing to advanced manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aviation. It's really a good sign about the health of the Salina economy that you've had this kind of diversity of growth," he said.Axing the food taxGetting legislation passed to eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries is also listed among the Kelly administration's accomplishments."We're really proud that we were able to ax the food tax. And this is both an accomplishment and a to-do for January because axing the food tax got through, but it's on a schedule that takes it a couple of years out before it's actually eliminated, and that's because Derek Schmidt's allies in the legislature didn't want to give Governor Kelly a win in an election year, and so they were playing politics with people's grocery bills," Toland said."And so, Priority One along with Medicaid expansion in our second term is going to be immediately axing the food tax so that it takes effect hopefully in January, so that we can give some relief to families that are really struggling and seniors in particular who are on fixed incomes," he said.InfrastructureAccording to Toland, there are more than 1,000 highway construction projects that currently are underway across the state."You know, coming to Salina on I-70, there are an awful lot of orange barrels, and that's a good thing. It means that we've stopped the raid of the 'Bank of KDOT' that happened under the Brownback administration, all these transfers of money that Derek Schmidt supported, and we've been able to fully fund the infrastructure we need," Toland said.Additionally, as part of the IKE Transportation Plan through the Kansas Department of Transportation, funding is available to increase broadband internet offerings in the state."We're really proud that there are 55,000 new households and businesses that have been connected to high-speed internet in the last 18 months," he said."When you think about those kinds of investements, and then you think about how Derek Schmidt says he wants to get in and start slashing and cutting, you know, he's going to be cutting broadband. He's going to be cutting economic development. He's going to be cutting the highway program. And these are things that the voters have made clear are important to them and they don't want to see us go down that road again," Toland said.Republican supportAs campaigning for the upcoming election has progressed, a number of well-known Republicans have come out in support of the Kelly-Toland ticket. Those Republicans include former Kansas governors Bill Graves and Mike Hayden, former U.S. senators from Kansas Nancy Kassebaum and Sheila Frahm, former U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, former Republican National Committee Committeewoman Alicia Salisbury, and former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan."I think it reflects who the governor and I are as people. We are centrist, concensus builders who work to find common ground and who don't worry so much about party labels. We worry about getting the public policy right and doing things that not only help people in the here and now, but really set up the next generation for success," Toland said.He continued, "Ultimately, I think the reason we've got such strong Republican support across the state is that folks see that Governor Kelly is a middle-of-the-road governor who works to craft sound public policy and isn't worried about party labels. She's worried about getting it right."No drag party fundingRecently, the British tabloid The Daily Mail falsely claimed that the Kansas Department of Commerce and its Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), provided funding for drag shows in Wichita. A poster for one of the shows included the Department of Commerce/KCAIC logo.Members of the GOP, including Kelly's gubernatorial opponent Derek Schmidt, expressed outrage over the alleged funding, which the Kelly administration quickly debunked as false.READ:&nbsp;Kan. GOP seize on false report about drag show to attack GovernorWhen asked about the issue, Toland said, "It's just flat out not true. It didn't happen," calling the incident a "classic, late October political dirty trick."OpenStudios, the sponsor of one of the Wichita events, also noted that no state funds were to be used for the event. In a post on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT">its Facebook page</a>, Open Studios wrote, "You may have noticed we had to erase a few posts about the event because of some (frustrating) marketing miscommunications. After a few inquiries, we’d like to clarify that the KCAIC is not sponsoring this event. Their logo was placed on former posters because of their relationship with Fisch Bowl Inc., who hosts the OpenStudios spaces at Towne West. No state funds were used in support of this event."

Lieutenant Governor David Toland makes campaign stop in Salina

Alfred Heustis, 77, died October 25, 2022, at his home in rural 
Russell, Kansas. He was born June 22, 1945, in Tampa, Florida, the son 
of Alfred W. Heustis Sr. and Clyde (Ward) Heustis.&nbsp; Al graduated from 
Plant High School in Tampa, Florida and then served in the United States
 Army during the Vietnam War.

On December 23, 1965, he married Rose Harrell at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Together they raised five children.

Al worked for 23 years for the Hensel Phelps Construction Company in 
Greeley, Colorado. In 2009 he retired and moved to Kansas. He was a 
member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Heustis of the home; 
five children, Irene Moore of Omaha, Nebraska, Tonya Schneck of Lebanon,
 Pennsylvania, Alfred Heustis III of Russell, Phillip Heustis of 
Winchester, Virginia, and Christopher Heustis of Warrenton, Virginia; 14
 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Services will be Monday, October 31, 2022, at St. Ann’s Catholic 
Church, Olmitz, Kansas, with family to greet friends at the church at 
1:00 p.m., and Rosary to follow at 1:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial 
will begin at 2 p.m., celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP. Burial will 
follow in St. Ann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Ann’s Altar Society, 
in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 
67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666891812939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alfred Heustis, 77, died October 25, 2022, at his home in rural 
Russell, Kansas. He was born June 22, 1945, in Tampa, Florida, the son 
of Alfred W. Heustis Sr. and Clyde (Ward) Heustis.&nbsp; Al graduated from 
Plant High School in Tampa, Florida and then served in the United States
 Army during the Vietnam War.On December 23, 1965, he married Rose Harrell at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Together they raised five children.Al worked for 23 years for the Hensel Phelps Construction Company in 
Greeley, Colorado. In 2009 he retired and moved to Kansas. He was a 
member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz, Kansas.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Heustis of the home; 
five children, Irene Moore of Omaha, Nebraska, Tonya Schneck of Lebanon,
 Pennsylvania, Alfred Heustis III of Russell, Phillip Heustis of 
Winchester, Virginia, and Christopher Heustis of Warrenton, Virginia; 14
 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.Services will be Monday, October 31, 2022, at St. Ann’s Catholic 
Church, Olmitz, Kansas, with family to greet friends at the church at 
1:00 p.m., and Rosary to follow at 1:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial 
will begin at 2 p.m., celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP. Burial will 
follow in St. Ann Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Ann’s Altar Society, 
in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 
67544.

Alfred Heustis

Logan resident Robert Becker passed away Oct. 25 at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS at the age of 86.

He was born on November 14, 1935, near Logan, the son of Rodney and Mary (Jaenicke) Becker.&nbsp;

Survivors include his son Gary Becker and wife Sandy of Logan, 
daughters Becky Torres and husband Scott of Minneapolis, Laquita Becker 
of Hays, and sister-in-law Darlene Becker of Logan; 7 grandchildren; and
 14 great grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents Rodney and Lucille, brothers, Jerome, Paul, Ronald, and Cliff Becker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 
10:00 a.m. in the St. John Catholic Church, Logan, with Father John 
Schmeidler and Father Daryl Olmstead officiating.&nbsp; The services will be 
streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook page.&nbsp; 
Following the service, Robert will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View 
Cemetery, Logan, with military honors.

Robert will lie in-state 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, and 12:00 
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Logan
 Funeral Home, Logan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hays Dialysis Center or the Logan Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666891679548.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Logan resident Robert Becker passed away Oct. 25 at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS at the age of 86.He was born on November 14, 1935, near Logan, the son of Rodney and Mary (Jaenicke) Becker.&nbsp;Survivors include his son Gary Becker and wife Sandy of Logan, 
daughters Becky Torres and husband Scott of Minneapolis, Laquita Becker 
of Hays, and sister-in-law Darlene Becker of Logan; 7 grandchildren; and
 14 great grandchildren.Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents Rodney and Lucille, brothers, Jerome, Paul, Ronald, and Cliff Becker.Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 
10:00 a.m. in the St. John Catholic Church, Logan, with Father John 
Schmeidler and Father Daryl Olmstead officiating.&nbsp; The services will be 
streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel FaceBook page.&nbsp; 
Following the service, Robert will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View 
Cemetery, Logan, with military honors.Robert will lie in-state 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, and 12:00 
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Logan
 Funeral Home, Logan.Memorial contributions may be made to the Hays Dialysis Center or the Logan Fire Department.

Robert Valentine Becker

Jimmy Lee Smith (known to most as Smitty) departed this life on October 
12th. 2022. The last few months of his life he had been living at The 
Soldier's Home at Fort Dodge. 
Jimmy was born May 8th, 1947, in Oakley, Logan County, Kansas. His parents
 were John Author Smith and Mary Marvel Nancy Bloom. Jimmy had no 
siblings and he never married. 
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, serving 14 months in Korea with the 122nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. 
In 1974, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Kansas 
state University (a dual major in painting and printmaking). Most of 
his life was involved with the production of Commercial and Graphic Art.
 In 1971, he started his own business in Oakley, painting signs and 
lettering truck doors, decorating race cars, silk screen painting 
T-shirts, hats, decals, real estate signs, designing logos for 
businesses; and spray painting custom automobiles and motorcycles. 
His lifelong hobby was music and at one time he had a dance band. There 
will be a graveside service held on Friday, Nov. 4th, 2022, at 10:30 am in
 the Oakley City Cemetery with Pastor Kyle Bloom, a second cousin of 
Jimmy's, officiating. His ashes will be buried beside his parents. If 
any wish to give a memorial the family suggests a gift to the VFW in 
Oakley, KS. It can be mailed to, VFW , P.O.Box 128, Oakley, KS. 67748 
There will be an opportunity in the services to share a favorite memory of Jimmy for those that wish to.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jimmy Lee Smith (known to most as Smitty) departed this life on October 
12th. 2022. The last few months of his life he had been living at The 
Soldier's Home at Fort Dodge. 
Jimmy was born May 8th, 1947, in Oakley, Logan County, Kansas. His parents
 were John Author Smith and Mary Marvel Nancy Bloom. Jimmy had no 
siblings and he never married. 
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, serving 14 months in Korea with the 122nd Signal Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. 
In 1974, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Kansas 
state University (a dual major in painting and printmaking). Most of 
his life was involved with the production of Commercial and Graphic Art.
 In 1971, he started his own business in Oakley, painting signs and 
lettering truck doors, decorating race cars, silk screen painting 
T-shirts, hats, decals, real estate signs, designing logos for 
businesses; and spray painting custom automobiles and motorcycles. 
His lifelong hobby was music and at one time he had a dance band. There 
will be a graveside service held on Friday, Nov. 4th, 2022, at 10:30 am in
 the Oakley City Cemetery with Pastor Kyle Bloom, a second cousin of 
Jimmy's, officiating. His ashes will be buried beside his parents. If 
any wish to give a memorial the family suggests a gift to the VFW in 
Oakley, KS. It can be mailed to, VFW , P.O.Box 128, Oakley, KS. 67748 
There will be an opportunity in the services to share a favorite memory of Jimmy for those that wish to.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jimmy Lee 'Smitty' Smith

Hays - Volleytech Sports Club will be hosting tryouts this Sunday, October 30th at Hays Middle School. There will be two times for players to tryout and split by age group. This will be for winter teams in 2023.

11's, 12's and 13's will begin at 1:00 and go until 2:30.

Beginning at 2:30 will be the tryouts for 14's, 15's, 16's and 17's.&nbsp;

Players are asked to register with USA Volleyball prior to attending tryouts. Tryout memberships are $10 and are available at hoavb.org.&nbsp;

Please bring proof of tryout membership Sunday.

Contact Donna and Dave Ward at ddward303@gmail.com with questions.

Hays - Volleytech Sports Club will be hosting tryouts this Sunday, October 30th at Hays Middle School. There will be two times for players to tryout and split by age group. This will be for winter teams in 2023.11's, 12's and 13's will begin at 1:00 and go until 2:30.Beginning at 2:30 will be the tryouts for 14's, 15's, 16's and 17's.&nbsp;Tryout cost is $10.Players are asked to register with USA Volleyball prior to attending tryouts. Tryout memberships are $10 and are available at hoavb.org.&nbsp;Please bring proof of tryout membership Sunday.Contact Donna and Dave Ward at ddward303@gmail.com with questions.

🏐 Volleytech Tryouts Sunday

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is recovering from injuries after an attack by an inmate.

On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County jail reported the assault that occurred just after 10:30a.m. October 22 in the detention facility, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Robin Busch.

The deputy was attempting to check on a toilet inside of a cell. The inmate identified as 53-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70063">Phuoc Tan Le </a>is currently housed in a single occupancy cell due to repeated disciplinary issues within the Detention Facility.

When the deputy entered the cell, Le became aggressive and attacked the deputy. After an approximately two-minute physical altercation, the deputy was able to push his panic pager. A response team came to the pod and was able to secure the inmate and get the deputy the medical assistance needed.

The inmate was seen by clinic staff and was reported to have no apparent injuries. 

The deputy involved received a fractured nasal bone and a fractured right hand that will require surgery. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the deputy was released to return home.

&nbsp;Phuoc Tan Le has been in custody since August 29, 2022. He is currently being held on two counts of public nudity, lewd and lascivious behavior, criminal trespass and interference with an LEO. New charges include aggravated battery, aggravated battery on an LEO and criminal damage to property, according to Busch.

Le has been booked into Sedgwick County Jail 14 times between 2005 and 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666821952931.png" alt="Le-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Le-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is recovering from injuries after an attack by an inmate.On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County jail reported the assault that occurred just after 10:30a.m. October 22 in the detention facility, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Robin Busch.The deputy was attempting to check on a toilet inside of a cell. The inmate identified as 53-year-old&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=70063">Phuoc Tan Le </a>is currently housed in a single occupancy cell due to repeated disciplinary issues within the Detention Facility.When the deputy entered the cell, Le became aggressive and attacked the deputy. After an approximately two-minute physical altercation, the deputy was able to push his panic pager. A response team came to the pod and was able to secure the inmate and get the deputy the medical assistance needed.The inmate was seen by clinic staff and was reported to have no apparent injuries. The deputy involved received a fractured nasal bone and a fractured right hand that will require surgery. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the deputy was released to return home.&nbsp;Phuoc Tan Le has been in custody since August 29, 2022. He is currently being held on two counts of public nudity, lewd and lascivious behavior, criminal trespass and interference with an LEO. New charges include aggravated battery, aggravated battery on an LEO and criminal damage to property, according to Busch.Le has been booked into Sedgwick County Jail 14 times between 2005 and 2022.

Kan. jail deputy suffers broken nose, hand after inmate attack

Ruth Ann Hickok, 95, of Ulysses, Ks went to be with her Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ on Monday, October 24th, 2022, at Western Prairie Senior 
Living in Ulysses. 
She was born on October 9th, 1927, in Logan, Kansas, to Thomas Lloyd and 
Wilma Frances (Clark) Reese. Ruth Ann spent her first years in Logan, Ks
 where she attended Logan Grade School and graduated from Logan High 
School. After graduation, she attended Colorado Women’s College and 
Colorado University. While in college she met the love of her life, Don.
 She married Donald Ulysses Hickok on June 14th, 1948 at the First 
Christian Church in Logan, Ks. They moved to Ulysses right after getting
 married. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Ulysses Grade School from 1951
 to 1958. She and Don owned and operated the local Gamble’s store later 
called Hickok Home Center where she met and helped many people in 
Ulysses and the surrounding communities for 34 years until they closed 
in 1992. During their time running the store, they had many opportunities
 to travel the world, through the companies they worked with. She 
collected many treasures from their trips. 
Ruth Ann was a loving wife, mom, grammy, aunt, and friend to many. She 
enjoyed growing and caring for her roses and sharing beautiful 
arrangements she made with others. She loved her family dearly, enjoying
 their company, and loved taking lots of pictures, putting them in 
albums to document the many wonderful moments. She also enjoyed 
knitting, cross stitch, puzzles, and playing games with family and 
friends. She and Don spent many summers at their cabin in Cuchara, Co, 
where she enjoyed taking walks and watching the hummingbirds. Ruth Ann 
was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist 
Women, United Methodist Choir and Bells, Eastern Star, American Legion 
Auxiliary, PEO, Jr. Civic, Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Book 
&amp; Music Club, various bridge clubs, and her special UNO club. 
Ruth Ann is survived by her loving Husband of 74 years, Don; Daughter, 
Susan Goulding and husband John of Prairie Village, Ks; Son, Bill Hickok
 and wife Bobbi Jo of Ulysses, Ks. Grandchildren, Alisha Hickok of 
Wichita Ks; Nolan Hickok and wife Jamie of Wichita, Ks; Lauren Carolan 
of Prairie Village, Ks; Spencer Goulding of Murphy, Or; Joshua Hickok of
 Ulysses, Ks, Kyle Hickok and fiancée Cassidy of Ulysses, Ks; Reese 
Goulding of Oklahoma City, Ok; Brooke Perez and husband Tanner of 
Ulysses, Ks. Great-Grandchildren Emma Carolan and Brecklyn Perez; and 
numerous special nieces and nephews. 
Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her Parents; Sister, Norma Bush; and Grandson, Johnny Goulding. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday October 29th, 2022, at the
 First United Methodist Church in Ulysses with Reverend Todd Guinn 
officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. 
Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 pm with the family present 6:00-8:00 
pm on Friday October 28th, 2022, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.


Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church
 or Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in care of Garnand Funeral 
Home, 405 W. Grant Ave. Ulysses, Ks 67880. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnardfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666875020079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruth Ann Hickok, 95, of Ulysses, Ks went to be with her Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ on Monday, October 24th, 2022, at Western Prairie Senior 
Living in Ulysses. 
She was born on October 9th, 1927, in Logan, Kansas, to Thomas Lloyd and 
Wilma Frances (Clark) Reese. Ruth Ann spent her first years in Logan, Ks
 where she attended Logan Grade School and graduated from Logan High 
School. After graduation, she attended Colorado Women’s College and 
Colorado University. While in college she met the love of her life, Don.
 She married Donald Ulysses Hickok on June 14th, 1948 at the First 
Christian Church in Logan, Ks. They moved to Ulysses right after getting
 married. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Ulysses Grade School from 1951
 to 1958. She and Don owned and operated the local Gamble’s store later 
called Hickok Home Center where she met and helped many people in 
Ulysses and the surrounding communities for 34 years until they closed 
in 1992. During their time running the store, they had many opportunities
 to travel the world, through the companies they worked with. She 
collected many treasures from their trips. 
Ruth Ann was a loving wife, mom, grammy, aunt, and friend to many. She 
enjoyed growing and caring for her roses and sharing beautiful 
arrangements she made with others. She loved her family dearly, enjoying
 their company, and loved taking lots of pictures, putting them in 
albums to document the many wonderful moments. She also enjoyed 
knitting, cross stitch, puzzles, and playing games with family and 
friends. She and Don spent many summers at their cabin in Cuchara, Co, 
where she enjoyed taking walks and watching the hummingbirds. Ruth Ann 
was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist 
Women, United Methodist Choir and Bells, Eastern Star, American Legion 
Auxiliary, PEO, Jr. Civic, Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Book 
&amp; Music Club, various bridge clubs, and her special UNO club. 
Ruth Ann is survived by her loving Husband of 74 years, Don; Daughter, 
Susan Goulding and husband John of Prairie Village, Ks; Son, Bill Hickok
 and wife Bobbi Jo of Ulysses, Ks. Grandchildren, Alisha Hickok of 
Wichita Ks; Nolan Hickok and wife Jamie of Wichita, Ks; Lauren Carolan 
of Prairie Village, Ks; Spencer Goulding of Murphy, Or; Joshua Hickok of
 Ulysses, Ks, Kyle Hickok and fiancée Cassidy of Ulysses, Ks; Reese 
Goulding of Oklahoma City, Ok; Brooke Perez and husband Tanner of 
Ulysses, Ks. Great-Grandchildren Emma Carolan and Brecklyn Perez; and 
numerous special nieces and nephews. 
Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her Parents; Sister, Norma Bush; and Grandson, Johnny Goulding. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday October 29th, 2022, at the
 First United Methodist Church in Ulysses with Reverend Todd Guinn 
officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. 
Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 pm with the family present 6:00-8:00 
pm on Friday October 28th, 2022, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. 
Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church
 or Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in care of Garnand Funeral 
Home, 405 W. Grant Ave. Ulysses, Ks 67880. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnardfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ruth Ann Hickok

Longtime resident Dolores (Peter) Elliott, 94 passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Topside Manor in Goodland.

Dolores was born September 19, 1928, in Rural Sherman County, Kansas 
to Jacob and Anna (Zimbelman) Peter.&nbsp; She was one of 13 children. She 
grew up around the Goodland area and graduated from Sherman County High 
School in 1946.&nbsp;

On June 23, 1951, she married Henry “Hank” Elliott in Clarksville, TN. They had one daughter, Susan.

Hank and Dolores made their home in Goodland. Dolores worked as a bookkeeper for 35 years, retiring in 1991.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Hank, her 
brothers Phillip, Edwin, Harold “Pete”, Armen and Larry, and sisters 
Ida, Vera, Clara, Elizabeth (Betty), Esther, Thelma and Loretta.

She is survived by her daughter Susan (Alan) Stasser of Kingfisher, 
OK, 4 sisters-in-law Bernice Peter, Finger, TN, Betty Wright of 
Goodland, Esther Elliott and Eleanor Elliott of Edson, KS. She is 
survived by 4 granddaughters; Talia Stasser of Curtis, NE, Autumn and 
Lisha Stasser of Kingfisher, OK, and Lindsey (Norman) Imes of 
Kingfisher, OK, and 5 great grandsons; Kolin and Tyce Pate of Curtis, 
NE, Jaxxyn Stasser, Liam and Cole Henry Imes all of Kingfisher, OK.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Dolores-Elliott">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723336226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Longtime resident Dolores (Peter) Elliott, 94 passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Topside Manor in Goodland.Dolores was born September 19, 1928, in Rural Sherman County, Kansas 
to Jacob and Anna (Zimbelman) Peter.&nbsp; She was one of 13 children. She 
grew up around the Goodland area and graduated from Sherman County High 
School in 1946.&nbsp;On June 23, 1951, she married Henry “Hank” Elliott in Clarksville, TN. They had one daughter, Susan.Hank and Dolores made their home in Goodland. Dolores worked as a bookkeeper for 35 years, retiring in 1991.Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Hank, her 
brothers Phillip, Edwin, Harold “Pete”, Armen and Larry, and sisters 
Ida, Vera, Clara, Elizabeth (Betty), Esther, Thelma and Loretta.She is survived by her daughter Susan (Alan) Stasser of Kingfisher, 
OK, 4 sisters-in-law Bernice Peter, Finger, TN, Betty Wright of 
Goodland, Esther Elliott and Eleanor Elliott of Edson, KS. She is 
survived by 4 granddaughters; Talia Stasser of Curtis, NE, Autumn and 
Lisha Stasser of Kingfisher, OK, and Lindsey (Norman) Imes of 
Kingfisher, OK, and 5 great grandsons; Kolin and Tyce Pate of Curtis, 
NE, Jaxxyn Stasser, Liam and Cole Henry Imes all of Kingfisher, OK.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Dolores-Elliott">HERE</a> for service details.

Dolores Jean (Peter) Elliott

Phillipsburg resident David O. Baumgartner was born on January 17, 
1950, in Russell, KS and passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the 
Kansas Soldiers’ Home at Fort Dodge, KS.&nbsp; He was 72.

Survivors include his wife Jackie of Phillipsburg; son James 
Baumgartner and wife Amber of Las Vegas, NV; daughters Mandra Imm of 
Phillipsburg and Meg Rau and husband Jeff of Long Beach, CA; brothers 
Tony Clements and Wes Clements of Denver, CO; 10 grandchildren; and 1 
great grandchild.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022, in the 
First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastors Dave Hutson and Joel 
Hiesterman officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055272974764">The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;
 Burial with Military Honors by the United States Navy will take place 
following the service at 2:00 p.m. in the Plainville Cemetery, 
Plainville, KS.

Mr. Baumgartner will lie in state from Noon until 9:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving
 friends Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for visitation at the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or First Lutheran Church.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661 is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666874823422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillipsburg resident David O. Baumgartner was born on January 17, 
1950, in Russell, KS and passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the 
Kansas Soldiers’ Home at Fort Dodge, KS.&nbsp; He was 72.Survivors include his wife Jackie of Phillipsburg; son James 
Baumgartner and wife Amber of Las Vegas, NV; daughters Mandra Imm of 
Phillipsburg and Meg Rau and husband Jeff of Long Beach, CA; brothers 
Tony Clements and Wes Clements of Denver, CO; 10 grandchildren; and 1 
great grandchild.Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022, in the 
First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastors Dave Hutson and Joel 
Hiesterman officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055272974764">The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;
 Burial with Military Honors by the United States Navy will take place 
following the service at 2:00 p.m. in the Plainville Cemetery, 
Plainville, KS.Mr. Baumgartner will lie in state from Noon until 9:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving
 friends Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for visitation at the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or First Lutheran Church.Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661 is in charge of arrangements.

David O. Baumgartner

August 11, 1935
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 October 24, 2022

An obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Gloria-Ann--Heikes?obId=26237569#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666874729886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>August 11, 1935
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 October 24, 2022An obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Gloria-Ann--Heikes?obId=26237569#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Gloria Ann Heikes

INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA released its second edition of region rankings on Wednesday (Oct. 26). Fort Hays State is ranked No. 5 in the Central Region heading into the MIAA Tournament, which begins this Sunday. This week rankings were placed on the top ten teams in the region being considered for the NCAA Tournament instead of the alphabetical listing of ten teams in the first release of rankings. The rankings can change week to week as more results affect the formulas for consideration. Fort Hays State remains in good shape after ending the regular season at 10-1-7 overall. According to the report for the Central Region located at the bottom of the region rankings page on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-women/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA.com</a>, Fort Hays State has the fifth-best In-Region RPI and fourth-best Division II Performance Indicator value in the Central Region, just as it did the first week of rankings. Central Missouri owns the highest in-region RPI and performance indicator, while Bemidji State is second and Minnesota State is third in both categories. Eight teams from the Central Region will be selected to compete in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament following the conclusion of conference tournaments. The region consists of teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and Great American Conference. Champions from each of the three conference tournaments within the region will receive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Fort Hays State is seeking its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the 2016 season, when it made a run all the way to the Central Region Final (Round of 16). The MIAA has six teams among the 10 listed in the region rankings, and the other four are from the NSIC. Though the GAC does not have a school in the top ten right now, one of its members will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by virtue of winning the conference tournament. Fort Hays State is 2-1-6 against the teams currently listed in the Central Region rankings. Region rankings released by United Soccer Coaches on a weekly basis up to this point have no bearing on NCAA Region Rankings. The NCAA Region Rankings are the only set of rankings used for national tournament consideration. The NCAA Central Region rankings for October 26, 2022 are listed below. RankTeamsDivision II RecordIn-Region Record1Central Missouri15-1-215-1-22Bemidji State (Minn.)10-1-510-1-53Minnesota State12-1-412-1-44Emporia State (Kan.)9-5-49-3-45Fort Hays State (Kan.)10-1-710-1-76Central Oklahoma11-3-411-3-47Northwest Missouri State12-4-212-4-28Washburn (Kan.)11-5-211-5-29Minot State (N.D.)8-2-78-2-710Augustana (S.D.)9-6-29-6-2&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666865303436.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Ariella Mesa attempts a shot earlier this season. The Tigers host Central Oklahoma in the first round of the MIAA Touranment Sunday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Ariella Mesa attempts a shot earlier this season. The Tigers host Central Oklahoma in the first round of the MIAA Touranment Sunday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA released its second edition of region rankings on Wednesday (Oct. 26). Fort Hays State is ranked No. 5 in the Central Region heading into the MIAA Tournament, which begins this Sunday. This week rankings were placed on the top ten teams in the region being considered for the NCAA Tournament instead of the alphabetical listing of ten teams in the first release of rankings. The rankings can change week to week as more results affect the formulas for consideration. Fort Hays State remains in good shape after ending the regular season at 10-1-7 overall. According to the report for the Central Region located at the bottom of the region rankings page on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-women/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA.com</a>, Fort Hays State has the fifth-best In-Region RPI and fourth-best Division II Performance Indicator value in the Central Region, just as it did the first week of rankings. Central Missouri owns the highest in-region RPI and performance indicator, while Bemidji State is second and Minnesota State is third in both categories. Eight teams from the Central Region will be selected to compete in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament following the conclusion of conference tournaments. The region consists of teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and Great American Conference. Champions from each of the three conference tournaments within the region will receive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Fort Hays State is seeking its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the 2016 season, when it made a run all the way to the Central Region Final (Round of 16). The MIAA has six teams among the 10 listed in the region rankings, and the other four are from the NSIC. Though the GAC does not have a school in the top ten right now, one of its members will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by virtue of winning the conference tournament. Fort Hays State is 2-1-6 against the teams currently listed in the Central Region rankings. Region rankings released by United Soccer Coaches on a weekly basis up to this point have no bearing on NCAA Region Rankings. The NCAA Region Rankings are the only set of rankings used for national tournament consideration. The NCAA Central Region rankings for October 26, 2022 are listed below. RankTeamsDivision II RecordIn-Region Record1Central Missouri15-1-215-1-22Bemidji State (Minn.)10-1-510-1-53Minnesota State12-1-412-1-44Emporia State (Kan.)9-5-49-3-45Fort Hays State (Kan.)10-1-710-1-76Central Oklahoma11-3-411-3-47Northwest Missouri State12-4-212-4-28Washburn (Kan.)11-5-211-5-29Minot State (N.D.)8-2-78-2-710Augustana (S.D.)9-6-29-6-2&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women hold at No. 5 in second NCAA Region Ranking

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A second railroad union rejected its deal with the major U.S. freight railroads on Wednesday, reflecting workers’ increasing frustration with the lack of paid sick time and adding to concerns about the possibility of a strike next month that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen said nearly 61% of the workers who voted opposed the five-year contract, even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. It is the second rail union to reject a deal this month.

Union President Michael Baldwin cited the “lack of good-faith bargaining” by the railroads, and said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of a board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer denied workers the “basic right of paid time off for illness.”

The unions say the railroads, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/csx-corp-florida-business-earnings-99976c3154d2939f544c2bdfecc77330">a couple</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-omaha-economy-business-483f55c699a94c29f579883e6b87fa85">reported more</a>&nbsp;than $1 billion profit in the third quarter, can easily afford to offer paid sick time. The negotiations included CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern railroads.

The railroads maintain that the unions have agreed during decades of negotiations to forego paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and more generous short-term disability benefits that kick in after four days of absences and continue up to a year. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">rejected all demands</a>&nbsp;for paid sick time although they did offer the unions that represent engineers and conductors three days of unpaid leave to tend to medical appointments as long as workers give 30 days notice.

The railroads have refused to offer workers much more than what the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. They say that board rejected unions' requests for paid sick time in favor of recommending the largest wage increases in more than four decades.

Workers have been fighting in the negotiations to improve their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life</a>&nbsp;and are demanding railroads ease the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that keep some of them on call 24-7.

Six smaller unions have approved their deals with the railroads, but earlier this month the large Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that represents track maintenance workers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;its proposed contract because workers were concerned about the lack of paid sick time. And the two biggest unions that represent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">conductors and engineers</a>, who are most affected by the railroads' demanding schedules, won't announce their votes until mid-November.

All 12 rail unions that together represent 115,000 workers nationwide have to approve contracts with the railroads to prevent a strike. But there is no immediate threat of a walkout because the unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table and continue talks at least through Nov. 19.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Wednesday that despite the opposition to the tentative agreements, the economy is “under no immediate threat.”

The administration is prepared to take the appropriate steps to ensure the rail system remains functioning, she said. But she declined to say whether Biden would personally get involved in the negotiations between the rail companies and unions like he did last month ahead of the initial strike deadline.

If both sides can't agree on new contracts, Congress may step in to block a strike and impose terms on workers.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLdQgCJbvVo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A second railroad union rejected its deal with the major U.S. freight railroads on Wednesday, reflecting workers’ increasing frustration with the lack of paid sick time and adding to concerns about the possibility of a strike next month that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple the economy</a>.The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen said nearly 61% of the workers who voted opposed the five-year contract, even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. It is the second rail union to reject a deal this month.Union President Michael Baldwin cited the “lack of good-faith bargaining” by the railroads, and said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of a board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer denied workers the “basic right of paid time off for illness.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666474833581.png" alt="Oil train rolls across Kansas in mid October" />
 <figcaption>Oil train rolls across Kansas in mid October</figcaption>
 </figure>The unions say the railroads, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/csx-corp-florida-business-earnings-99976c3154d2939f544c2bdfecc77330">a couple</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-omaha-economy-business-483f55c699a94c29f579883e6b87fa85">reported more</a>&nbsp;than $1 billion profit in the third quarter, can easily afford to offer paid sick time. The negotiations included CSX, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF and Kansas City Southern railroads.The railroads maintain that the unions have agreed during decades of negotiations to forego paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and more generous short-term disability benefits that kick in after four days of absences and continue up to a year. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">rejected all demands</a>&nbsp;for paid sick time although they did offer the unions that represent engineers and conductors three days of unpaid leave to tend to medical appointments as long as workers give 30 days notice.The railroads have refused to offer workers much more than what the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. They say that board rejected unions' requests for paid sick time in favor of recommending the largest wage increases in more than four decades.Workers have been fighting in the negotiations to improve their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life</a>&nbsp;and are demanding railroads ease the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">strict attendance policies</a>&nbsp;that keep some of them on call 24-7.Six smaller unions have approved their deals with the railroads, but earlier this month the large Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that represents track maintenance workers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;its proposed contract because workers were concerned about the lack of paid sick time. And the two biggest unions that represent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">conductors and engineers</a>, who are most affected by the railroads' demanding schedules, won't announce their votes until mid-November.All 12 rail unions that together represent 115,000 workers nationwide have to approve contracts with the railroads to prevent a strike. But there is no immediate threat of a walkout because the unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table and continue talks at least through Nov. 19.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized Wednesday that despite the opposition to the tentative agreements, the economy is “under no immediate threat.”The administration is prepared to take the appropriate steps to ensure the rail system remains functioning, she said. But she declined to say whether Biden would personally get involved in the negotiations between the rail companies and unions like he did last month ahead of the initial strike deadline.If both sides can't agree on new contracts, Congress may step in to block a strike and impose terms on workers.___

Second railroad union rejects deal, adding to strike worries

INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer jumped into the top 10 of the NCAA Super Region 3 rankings on Wednesday (Oct. 26). This is the second of three weekly editions of the regional rankings to be released by the NCAA. The Tigers were not among the 12 listed in the first edition, but sit at No. 10 in the rankings this week. Fort Hays State (8-4-5 overall) is the only team from the Great American Conference (GAC) in the Super Region rankings this week. Conference tournament champions from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) and the GAC will receive automatic bids into the NCAA Tournament in Super Region 3. A total of ten teams (6 at-large, 4 conference tournament champions) will be selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament. According to the report for Super Region 3 located at the bottom of the region rankings page on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-men/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA.com</a>, Fort Hays State has the third-best record in the super region against teams with a win percentage above .500. The Tigers have a mark of 5-2-3 (.650) in those matchups and have a chance to bolster that mark even more in their only contest this week against Rogers State to close out the regular season. The Tigers have the 12th-highest Region RPI and DII Performance Indicator among the group. Also helping boost the Tigers' resume this season are their three matches in the non-conference season against teams within the Super Region 4 rankings. The Tigers defeated CSU-Pueblo (No. 4), and their only two losses against above .500 teams were on the road to Midwestern State (No. 7) and UC-Colorado Springs (No. 12). The Tigers are still unbeaten against above .500 teams in Super Region 3. Region rankings released by United Soccer Coaches on a weekly basis up to this point have no bearing on NCAA Region Rankings. The NCAA Region Rankings are the only set of rankings used for national tournament consideration. The NCAA Super Region 3 rankings for October 26, 2022 are listed below. RankTeamIn-Region RecordD2 Overall Record1Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)12-0-412-0-42Tiffin (Ohio)9-3-39-3-33Ashland (Ohio)10-5-110-5-14Maryville (Mo.)9-4-39-4-35Indianapolis9-3-39-3-36Drury (Mo.)7-2-77-2-77Lewis (Ill.)9-4-29-4-28Illinois-Springfield6-3-66-3-69Wisconsin-Parkside9-2-49-2-410Fort Hays State (Kan.)8-3-48-4-511Lake Erie (Ohio)8-6-38-6-312Northwood (Mich.)8-5-48-5-4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666815541394.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer jumped into the top 10 of the NCAA Super Region 3 rankings on Wednesday (Oct. 26). This is the second of three weekly editions of the regional rankings to be released by the NCAA. The Tigers were not among the 12 listed in the first edition, but sit at No. 10 in the rankings this week. Fort Hays State (8-4-5 overall) is the only team from the Great American Conference (GAC) in the Super Region rankings this week. Conference tournament champions from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) and the GAC will receive automatic bids into the NCAA Tournament in Super Region 3. A total of ten teams (6 at-large, 4 conference tournament champions) will be selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament. According to the report for Super Region 3 located at the bottom of the region rankings page on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-men/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA.com</a>, Fort Hays State has the third-best record in the super region against teams with a win percentage above .500. The Tigers have a mark of 5-2-3 (.650) in those matchups and have a chance to bolster that mark even more in their only contest this week against Rogers State to close out the regular season. The Tigers have the 12th-highest Region RPI and DII Performance Indicator among the group. Also helping boost the Tigers' resume this season are their three matches in the non-conference season against teams within the Super Region 4 rankings. The Tigers defeated CSU-Pueblo (No. 4), and their only two losses against above .500 teams were on the road to Midwestern State (No. 7) and UC-Colorado Springs (No. 12). The Tigers are still unbeaten against above .500 teams in Super Region 3. Region rankings released by United Soccer Coaches on a weekly basis up to this point have no bearing on NCAA Region Rankings. The NCAA Region Rankings are the only set of rankings used for national tournament consideration. The NCAA Super Region 3 rankings for October 26, 2022 are listed below. RankTeamIn-Region RecordD2 Overall Record1Saginaw Valley State (Mich.)12-0-412-0-42Tiffin (Ohio)9-3-39-3-33Ashland (Ohio)10-5-110-5-14Maryville (Mo.)9-4-39-4-35Indianapolis9-3-39-3-36Drury (Mo.)7-2-77-2-77Lewis (Ill.)9-4-29-4-28Illinois-Springfield6-3-66-3-69Wisconsin-Parkside9-2-49-2-410Fort Hays State (Kan.)8-3-48-4-511Lake Erie (Ohio)8-6-38-6-312Northwood (Mich.)8-5-48-5-4

⚽ Tiger men leap into NCAA II Central Region rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Mayor Charles Wheeler, who oversaw a period of rapid expansion in the 1970s and whose name adorns the city's downtown airport, has died at age 96.

Current Mayor Quinton Lucas praised Wheeler in a statement as a “statesman that all Kansas Citians, Missourians, and Americans could be proud of." Wheeler died Tuesday night, said Lucas' chief-of-staff, Morgan Said, who spoke to his daughter and grandson. She said they have asked Lucas to speak at the funeral.

Said had no details about how or where he died, but KCUR reported that he died at a nursing home in Overland Park, Kansas.

Wheeler was the Kansas City mayor for two terms, from 1971 to 1979, helping spearhead development of Kemper Arena, the Bartle Hall convention center and the University of Missouri-Kansas City medical school at Hospital Hill.

In a July 2019 interview with KCUR, Wheeler said the highlight of his mayoral career was bringing the 1976 Republican National Convention to Kansas City. The convention ended with Gerald Ford beating out Ronald Reagan.

“The Republican National Convention was definitely the moment that Kansas City was launched like it hadn’t been for years — well since Truman, that is the comparison,” Wheeler said, referencing former President Harry S. Truman, who is from the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri. "The media loved it. We were the media center of America.”

Wheeler, a physician, spent much of his early career as a forensic pathologist, founded Wheeler Medical Laboratories in 1963 and was elected Jackson County coroner two years later. He then served as a judge before becoming mayor.

After leaving the mayor’s office, Wheeler devoted his time to running his pathology laboratory but remained active in politics. He was elected to the state Senate in 2002 to a four-year term.

Jolie Justus, who succeeded Wheeler when he didn't seek re-election, recalled that Wheeler was adamant that it was crucial to be the smartest person in the room. “And he, I think, always was the smartest person in the room," she said.

In Wheeler's later years, he mounted several unsuccessful bids for public office, most recently seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2016 at the age of 89.

“Anybody who dabbles in politics walks away most of the time because it’s such hard work,” Wheeler told KCUR. “I personally thrive on that and I loved it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666807936276.png" alt="Former Mayor Charles B. Wheeler with current Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas-photo courtesy Mayor's office" />
 <figcaption>Former Mayor Charles B. Wheeler with current Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas-photo courtesy Mayor's office</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former Kansas City Mayor Charles Wheeler, who oversaw a period of rapid expansion in the 1970s and whose name adorns the city's downtown airport, has died at age 96.Current Mayor Quinton Lucas praised Wheeler in a statement as a “statesman that all Kansas Citians, Missourians, and Americans could be proud of." Wheeler died Tuesday night, said Lucas' chief-of-staff, Morgan Said, who spoke to his daughter and grandson. She said they have asked Lucas to speak at the funeral.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on the life of Mayor Wheeler (1926-2022) below. It was a blessing getting to know him and to receive his advice over these last several years on the bright days and challenging ones. My condolences to all those who knew and loved him. <a href="https://t.co/8gq9eV0NDo">https://t.co/8gq9eV0NDo</a> <a href="https://t.co/vW9MGBMn1e">pic.twitter.com/vW9MGBMn1e</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1585301954682449920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Said had no details about how or where he died, but KCUR reported that he died at a nursing home in Overland Park, Kansas.Wheeler was the Kansas City mayor for two terms, from 1971 to 1979, helping spearhead development of Kemper Arena, the Bartle Hall convention center and the University of Missouri-Kansas City medical school at Hospital Hill.In a July 2019 interview with KCUR, Wheeler said the highlight of his mayoral career was bringing the 1976 Republican National Convention to Kansas City. The convention ended with Gerald Ford beating out Ronald Reagan.“The Republican National Convention was definitely the moment that Kansas City was launched like it hadn’t been for years — well since Truman, that is the comparison,” Wheeler said, referencing former President Harry S. Truman, who is from the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri. "The media loved it. We were the media center of America.”Wheeler, a physician, spent much of his early career as a forensic pathologist, founded Wheeler Medical Laboratories in 1963 and was elected Jackson County coroner two years later. He then served as a judge before becoming mayor.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rest In Peace, Mayor Wheeler. <a href="https://t.co/j7ZroW72Vy">pic.twitter.com/j7ZroW72Vy</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1585293591110295552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After leaving the mayor’s office, Wheeler devoted his time to running his pathology laboratory but remained active in politics. He was elected to the state Senate in 2002 to a four-year term.Jolie Justus, who succeeded Wheeler when he didn't seek re-election, recalled that Wheeler was adamant that it was crucial to be the smartest person in the room. “And he, I think, always was the smartest person in the room," she said.In Wheeler's later years, he mounted several unsuccessful bids for public office, most recently seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2016 at the age of 89.“Anybody who dabbles in politics walks away most of the time because it’s such hard work,” Wheeler told KCUR. “I personally thrive on that and I loved it.”

Former Kansas City Mayor Charles Wheeler dies at 96

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,107&nbsp; new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday October 19, to Wednesday October 26, for a total of 887,076 cases.&nbsp; The state reported less than 2000 new cases last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;5 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on October 19 for a total of 9,606.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;2,107&nbsp; new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Wednesday October 19, to Wednesday October 26, for a total of 887,076 cases.&nbsp; The state reported less than 2000 new cases last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;5 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on October 19 for a total of 9,606.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666805078694.png" alt="Wednesday October 26- KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday October 26- KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE reports increase in COVID cases; 5 more deaths

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team is receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers were not listed in the poll last week after falling from No. 16 two weeks ago.

Fort Hays State is 8-4-5 overall on the season and 6-2-3 in the GAC/MIAA. The Tigers defeated then No. 19-ranked Southern Nazarene 1-0 and played to a scoreless draw with Northeastern State last week. With one match left to play in the regular season, the Tigers are tied for first place in the conference with 21 points. FHSU will face the other top-ranked team in the conference for its regular season finale, 19th-ranked Rogers State. The Tigers played to a 2-2 draw with the Hillcats earlier this season in Claremore.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 25, 2022.

1. Franklin Pierce 1 17-0-1 2. Mercyhurst 2 15-0-1 3. California State-Dominguez Hills 3 12-0-5 4. Saginaw Valley State 4 12-0-4 5. Barry 5 9-1-3 6. St. Mary's (Texas) 8 10-0-5 7. California State-Los Angeles 7 12-1-3 8. University of Charleston 9 15-1-0 9. Florida Tech 10 7-0-5 10. Colorado State-Pueblo 11 14-3-1 11. West Florida 15 10-2-3 12. Davis &amp; Elkins College 6 13-2-0 13. Cal Poly Pomona 13 11-1-5 14. Mercy College 18 10-2-3 15. Colorado School of Mines 16 12-4-2 16. Wisconsin-Parkside 14 9-2-4 17. Lander 12 9-3-5 18. Wingate RV 10-3-4 19. Rogers State 25 8-3-5 20. Maryville of St. Louis 24 9-4-3 21. Notre Dame College 23 12-3-1 22. West Texas A&amp;M&nbsp; NR 5-2-8 23. Adelphi 21 8-3-4 24. Rollins College RV 8-3-2 25. Southern Nazarene 19 8-5-3

Records shown are through games of Oct. 23, 2022

Also receiving votes:&nbsp;Coker, Western Washington, Midwestern State, Tiffin,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Post, Simon Fraser, Auburn Montgomery, West Chester, Carson-Newman

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666780620766.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Callum Frogson (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Callum Frogson (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team is receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers were not listed in the poll last week after falling from No. 16 two weeks ago.Fort Hays State is 8-4-5 overall on the season and 6-2-3 in the GAC/MIAA. The Tigers defeated then No. 19-ranked Southern Nazarene 1-0 and played to a scoreless draw with Northeastern State last week. With one match left to play in the regular season, the Tigers are tied for first place in the conference with 21 points. FHSU will face the other top-ranked team in the conference for its regular season finale, 19th-ranked Rogers State. The Tigers played to a 2-2 draw with the Hillcats earlier this season in Claremore.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for October 25, 2022.1. Franklin Pierce 1 17-0-1 2. Mercyhurst 2 15-0-1 3. California State-Dominguez Hills 3 12-0-5 4. Saginaw Valley State 4 12-0-4 5. Barry 5 9-1-3 6. St. Mary's (Texas) 8 10-0-5 7. California State-Los Angeles 7 12-1-3 8. University of Charleston 9 15-1-0 9. Florida Tech 10 7-0-5 10. Colorado State-Pueblo 11 14-3-1 11. West Florida 15 10-2-3 12. Davis &amp; Elkins College 6 13-2-0 13. Cal Poly Pomona 13 11-1-5 14. Mercy College 18 10-2-3 15. Colorado School of Mines 16 12-4-2 16. Wisconsin-Parkside 14 9-2-4 17. Lander 12 9-3-5 18. Wingate RV 10-3-4 19. Rogers State 25 8-3-5 20. Maryville of St. Louis 24 9-4-3 21. Notre Dame College 23 12-3-1 22. West Texas A&amp;M&nbsp; NR 5-2-8 23. Adelphi 21 8-3-4 24. Rollins College RV 8-3-2 25. Southern Nazarene 19 8-5-3Records shown are through games of Oct. 23, 2022Also receiving votes:&nbsp;Coker, Western Washington, Midwestern State, Tiffin,&nbsp;Fort Hays State, Post, Simon Fraser, Auburn Montgomery, West Chester, Carson-Newman

⚽ Tiger men receiving votes in latest top 25 poll

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the Sept. 2021 drive-by shooting made his first court appearance last week.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074026">Kayden Wilson,</a> 18 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, 5 counts of aggravated assault, and criminal use of weapons, a misdemeanor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2021 police responded to a disturbance with weapons shots fired at 15th and Kenmar near the Wichita State University State campus, according to Officer Charley Davidson. 

While officers were traveling to the location, 16-year-old <a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/azuri-jones-willis">Azuri Jones</a> who had been shot arrived at a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The investigation revealed the three boys were in a red Kia along with another 16-year-old girl.&nbsp; The girl got into a disturbance with a boy inside of the vehicle in a parking lot in the 1400 block of North Terrace. During the disturbance, four of her girl friends pulled up in a white Honda. Azuri Jones was in the Honda. The 16-year-old got out of the Kia and got into the Honda.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666383544575.png" alt="Wilson-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the Sept. 2021 drive-by shooting made his first court appearance last week.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074026">Kayden Wilson,</a> 18 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, 5 counts of aggravated assault, and criminal use of weapons, a misdemeanor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2021 police responded to a disturbance with weapons shots fired at 15th and Kenmar near the Wichita State University State campus, according to Officer Charley Davidson. While officers were traveling to the location, 16-year-old <a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/azuri-jones-willis">Azuri Jones</a> who had been shot arrived at a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.The investigation revealed the three boys were in a red Kia along with another 16-year-old girl.&nbsp; The girl got into a disturbance with a boy inside of the vehicle in a parking lot in the 1400 block of North Terrace. During the disturbance, four of her girl friends pulled up in a white Honda. Azuri Jones was in the Honda. The 16-year-old got out of the Kia and got into the Honda.The disturbance continued so the driver of the Honda left with Jones and three other girls in the car.The three boys got back into the red Kia and began chasing the girls in the Honda. In the area of 15th and Kenmar, one of the boys fired multiple shots at the Honda striking Jones who was sitting in the back seat. The driver of the Honda drove directly to the hospital.The red Kia was located unoccupied in the area of Vesta and Fountain in Wichita and was later found to have been reported stolen, according to Davidson.A short time later, officers observed the three suspects in the area of 17th and Harvard in Wichita. They were all arrested after a short foot pursuit. Investigators also recovered a handgun during the investigation.Kayden Wilson's next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 31.