Larry L. Johnson, 84, of Jennings, KS, passed away October 23, 2022,&nbsp; at Colby Health and Rehab. He was born December 13, 1937, to Lionel 
“Lonnie” and Frances (Strom) Johnson in McPherson, KS.

Larry grew 
up around Lindsborg, KS. He graduated from Assaria High School and went 
on to attend Bethany College and received his master’s degree from 
Emporia State University. He taught in Roxbury and Mitchell (Sterling 
School District) before moving to Johnson City, KS where he was the 
elementary school principal. Larry married Glenda S. Kamstra on March 
20, 1981, in Johnson City, KS. They moved to Jennings, KS in the ‘90s 
where he was the Superintendent until his retirement. After he retired, 
Larry worked for the Kansas Wildlife and Parks doing surveys at the 
Sebelius Lake in Norton. He really enjoyed getting to learn about the 
different birds and other wildlife in the area. Larry loved supporting 
Glenda and her ministry. He enjoyed woodcarving and was an avid reader 
and fisherman in his spare time. Larry loved growing begonias; he even 
kept them inside during the winter. He and his siblings learned how to 
garden from their father.

Larry was preceded in death by his 
parents and wife, Glenda. He is survived by his children: Brandon 
(Mallory) Johnson of Bremerton, WA, David Johnson of Goodland, KS, and 
Terresa (Roy) Bruning of Atwood, KS; brother, Dennis (Rhonda) Johnson of
 Moundridge, KS; sister, Janice Johnson of Topeka, KS; numerous 
grandchildren and great grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Graveside
 inurnment will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the 
Jennings Cemetery, Jennings, KS. 

Memorial contributions may be made to 
Chickadee Checkoff (contributes to vital non-game wildlife programs) and
 may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., 
Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723418951.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry L. Johnson, 84, of Jennings, KS, passed away October 23, 2022,&nbsp; at Colby Health and Rehab. He was born December 13, 1937, to Lionel 
“Lonnie” and Frances (Strom) Johnson in McPherson, KS.Larry grew 
up around Lindsborg, KS. He graduated from Assaria High School and went 
on to attend Bethany College and received his master’s degree from 
Emporia State University. He taught in Roxbury and Mitchell (Sterling 
School District) before moving to Johnson City, KS where he was the 
elementary school principal. Larry married Glenda S. Kamstra on March 
20, 1981, in Johnson City, KS. They moved to Jennings, KS in the ‘90s 
where he was the Superintendent until his retirement. After he retired, 
Larry worked for the Kansas Wildlife and Parks doing surveys at the 
Sebelius Lake in Norton. He really enjoyed getting to learn about the 
different birds and other wildlife in the area. Larry loved supporting 
Glenda and her ministry. He enjoyed woodcarving and was an avid reader 
and fisherman in his spare time. Larry loved growing begonias; he even 
kept them inside during the winter. He and his siblings learned how to 
garden from their father.Larry was preceded in death by his 
parents and wife, Glenda. He is survived by his children: Brandon 
(Mallory) Johnson of Bremerton, WA, David Johnson of Goodland, KS, and 
Terresa (Roy) Bruning of Atwood, KS; brother, Dennis (Rhonda) Johnson of
 Moundridge, KS; sister, Janice Johnson of Topeka, KS; numerous 
grandchildren and great grandchildren and many other family and friends.Graveside
 inurnment will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the 
Jennings Cemetery, Jennings, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to 
Chickadee Checkoff (contributes to vital non-game wildlife programs) and
 may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., 
Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

Larry L. Johnson

Verna Jean (Morris) Radcliffe, 92, the third child of Robert and 
Helen (Siegrist) Morris, was born June 20, 1930, in Rural Graham County,
 Kansas, and passed away Saturday, October 23, 2022, at Dawson Place in 
Hill City, Kansas.

Verna Jean attended grade school and high 
school in Hill City, was the Homecoming Queen, graduating in the Class 
of 1948.  June 27, 1948, Verna Jean was united in marriage to R. Duane 
Radcliffe at the Hill City Christian Church. To this union four children
 were born:  Ronald Duane, Diana Jean, Larry Eugene, and Brenda Ellen. 
Verna Jean was baptized and remained a faithful member of the Christian 
Church.

Life at the Radcliffe home was never dull. Their four 
children kept them busy with not only school activities, but 
extra-curricular events as well.  Among other things, Verna Jean and 
Duane sponsored ski trips driving their customized van. Of course, many 
of the teenagers wanted to ride in their vehicle!

Verna Jean was a
 fabulous cook. Her children fondly remember her homemade noodles and 
especially the “bathtub” ice cream. Before her ice cream churn was 
electric, each of the children took turns manning the crank, 100 times 
each. She not only fed her growing children, but also cooked at the 
grade school cafeteria. Later Verna Jean worked with Genevieve Brunk in 
the Clerk of the District Court office. Then she became the bookkeeper 
and dispatcher for Graham County Farmers until she retired.

Verna 
Jean had a musical talent that she shared with love from which her 
family, church, and community greatly benefitted. She taught piano to 
many children. For more than 50 years she played the organ and piano, 
not only for church services, but also numerous funerals, weddings, and 
other events.

Once the children were grown, Verna Jean and Duane 
traveled every chance they could. One time even found them taking a 
motorcycle trip alongside Larry and Shelly to Kearney, Nebraska. The 
bank tours, which they especially looked forward to, were rarely missed.
 Racing became a passion for Verna Jean when Larry, Jeff and Shawn 
participated. The couple enjoyed seeing many new places as they followed
 their grandchildren and great grandchildren around the United States 
watching their various athletic competitions.

Verna Jean was 
preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Charles Morris, Lawrence 
Morris, infant brothers, Robert Richard and Harold Eugene; sisters 
Bonnie Miller and Leota Brumbaugh. Those left to mourn are her husband 
of 74 years, Duane Radcliffe of Hill City; children:  Ron and wife Joy 
Radcliffe of Hill City, Diana and husband Larry Crosby of Littleton, 
Colorado, Larry and wife Shelly Radcliffe of Hill City, and Brenda 
Appelhans of Hill City; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 
brother-in-law Dean Miller, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Verna
 Jean had a contagious smile and a kind heart, never showing signs of 
anger or disappointment. May her legacy of love for family and friends, 
her joy of music, fun and laughter, remain in the hearts of those who 
knew and loved her.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Verna-Jean-Radcliffe?obId=26205135#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723048528.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Verna Jean (Morris) Radcliffe, 92, the third child of Robert and 
Helen (Siegrist) Morris, was born June 20, 1930, in Rural Graham County,
 Kansas, and passed away Saturday, October 23, 2022, at Dawson Place in 
Hill City, Kansas.Verna Jean attended grade school and high 
school in Hill City, was the Homecoming Queen, graduating in the Class 
of 1948. June 27, 1948, Verna Jean was united in marriage to R. Duane 
Radcliffe at the Hill City Christian Church. To this union four children
 were born: Ronald Duane, Diana Jean, Larry Eugene, and Brenda Ellen. 
Verna Jean was baptized and remained a faithful member of the Christian 
Church.Life at the Radcliffe home was never dull. Their four 
children kept them busy with not only school activities, but 
extra-curricular events as well. Among other things, Verna Jean and 
Duane sponsored ski trips driving their customized van. Of course, many 
of the teenagers wanted to ride in their vehicle!Verna Jean was a
 fabulous cook. Her children fondly remember her homemade noodles and 
especially the “bathtub” ice cream. Before her ice cream churn was 
electric, each of the children took turns manning the crank, 100 times 
each. She not only fed her growing children, but also cooked at the 
grade school cafeteria. Later Verna Jean worked with Genevieve Brunk in 
the Clerk of the District Court office. Then she became the bookkeeper 
and dispatcher for Graham County Farmers until she retired.Verna 
Jean had a musical talent that she shared with love from which her 
family, church, and community greatly benefitted. She taught piano to 
many children. For more than 50 years she played the organ and piano, 
not only for church services, but also numerous funerals, weddings, and 
other events.Once the children were grown, Verna Jean and Duane 
traveled every chance they could. One time even found them taking a 
motorcycle trip alongside Larry and Shelly to Kearney, Nebraska. The 
bank tours, which they especially looked forward to, were rarely missed.
 Racing became a passion for Verna Jean when Larry, Jeff and Shawn 
participated. The couple enjoyed seeing many new places as they followed
 their grandchildren and great grandchildren around the United States 
watching their various athletic competitions.Verna Jean was 
preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Charles Morris, Lawrence 
Morris, infant brothers, Robert Richard and Harold Eugene; sisters 
Bonnie Miller and Leota Brumbaugh. Those left to mourn are her husband 
of 74 years, Duane Radcliffe of Hill City; children: Ron and wife Joy 
Radcliffe of Hill City, Diana and husband Larry Crosby of Littleton, 
Colorado, Larry and wife Shelly Radcliffe of Hill City, and Brenda 
Appelhans of Hill City; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 
brother-in-law Dean Miller, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.Verna
 Jean had a contagious smile and a kind heart, never showing signs of 
anger or disappointment. May her legacy of love for family and friends, 
her joy of music, fun and laughter, remain in the hearts of those who 
knew and loved her.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Verna-Jean-Radcliffe?obId=26205135#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Verna Jean (Morris) Radcliffe

Ruth G. (Goodwin) Marcotte, age 96, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Kingman Healthcare Center, Kingman, Kansas. &nbsp;

Services are pending at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

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>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666718685916.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ruth G. (Goodwin) Marcotte, age 96, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Kingman Healthcare Center, Kingman, Kansas. &nbsp;Services are pending at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.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>

Ruth G. (Goodwin) Marcotte

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 Megan 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 Pastor’s Dave Hutson and Joel 
Hiesterman officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed live on the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial with Military Honors
 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.

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 Megan 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 Pastor’s Dave Hutson and Joel 
Hiesterman officiating.&nbsp; The services will be streamed live on the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial with Military Honors
 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

Virginia Arlene Campbell Lavery, age 54, of Colby, died October 22, 
2022, at Swedish Medical Center, in Englewood, CO, from a brain 
aneurysm. 
Virginia was born on December 11, 1967, in Abilene, KS, to parents 
Maurice “Red” Deaun and Doris Louise (Miller) Campbell. Her family lived
 in Harrah, OK and McPherson, KS before finally settling in Colby, KS, 
on June 1, 1977. 
Virginia attended the First Baptist Church of Colby and accepted Christ as her Savior in 1981. 
She attended Colby Public Schools, where she participated in Ed 
Flohrschutz’s drama class and performed in Eagle Antics. Virginia 
graduated from Colby High School in 1986 and the next day was employed 
by Paul Hubert, on a harvest crew in Texas for the summer, to earn money
 for college. She attended Cloud County Community College and graduated 
in 1988 with an Associate of Applied Science in Business degree. She 
then moved to Topeka, KS and accepted a position as a receptionist at 
Young’s Inc., then worked at the Topeka Bible Church as the secretary. 
On August 5, 1989, Virginia married Christopher Trundle. To this union 
two children were born: Akaylah and Jacob. The couple divorced in 2014. 
On March 6, 2019, Virginia married Richard Lee Lavery at the First 
Baptist Church in Colby. 
Virginia was a mother, housewife, Avon Representative, Creative Memories
 Consultant, Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and a homeschool teacher to her 
two children. She had also worked as a clerk for Debbie Helus at the 
Colby Dollar General and as a night manager at Village Inn. In 2017, she
 settled in to be the front desk clerk at the Comfort Inn and was 
promoted to General Manager in 2022. Virginia also was a self-employed 
housekeeper from 2008 on. 
She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Roy Campbell, 
Velma (Goebel) Campbell, Emmett Miller, Mabel (Kissell) Miller Woods and
 Hobart Woods; uncles, Bernal Dean Campbell, Rudy Doubrava, Morvel 
Campbell and Pete Peters; aunt Ruby Peters and an infant child. 
She is survived by her husband Richard, of the home; her children, 
Akaylah Trundle and Jacob Trundle, both of Colby; mother Doris Campbell,
 of Colby; sister Marlyce (Will) Campbell Warner, of WaKeeney, KS; 
brother Rodney (Tammy Wild) Campbell, of Seattle, WA and nephews Tyson 
and Austin Plumisto, of Colby. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Colby. Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022,
 also at the mortuary, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby.

Memorials 
may be made to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope or to Gideons 
International and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, 
KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666714095453.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Virginia Arlene Campbell Lavery, age 54, of Colby, died October 22, 
2022, at Swedish Medical Center, in Englewood, CO, from a brain 
aneurysm. 
Virginia was born on December 11, 1967, in Abilene, KS, to parents 
Maurice “Red” Deaun and Doris Louise (Miller) Campbell. Her family lived
 in Harrah, OK and McPherson, KS before finally settling in Colby, KS, 
on June 1, 1977. 
Virginia attended the First Baptist Church of Colby and accepted Christ as her Savior in 1981. 
She attended Colby Public Schools, where she participated in Ed 
Flohrschutz’s drama class and performed in Eagle Antics. Virginia 
graduated from Colby High School in 1986 and the next day was employed 
by Paul Hubert, on a harvest crew in Texas for the summer, to earn money
 for college. She attended Cloud County Community College and graduated 
in 1988 with an Associate of Applied Science in Business degree. She 
then moved to Topeka, KS and accepted a position as a receptionist at 
Young’s Inc., then worked at the Topeka Bible Church as the secretary. 
On August 5, 1989, Virginia married Christopher Trundle. To this union 
two children were born: Akaylah and Jacob. The couple divorced in 2014. 
On March 6, 2019, Virginia married Richard Lee Lavery at the First 
Baptist Church in Colby. 
Virginia was a mother, housewife, Avon Representative, Creative Memories
 Consultant, Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and a homeschool teacher to her 
two children. She had also worked as a clerk for Debbie Helus at the 
Colby Dollar General and as a night manager at Village Inn. In 2017, she
 settled in to be the front desk clerk at the Comfort Inn and was 
promoted to General Manager in 2022. Virginia also was a self-employed 
housekeeper from 2008 on. 
She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Roy Campbell, 
Velma (Goebel) Campbell, Emmett Miller, Mabel (Kissell) Miller Woods and
 Hobart Woods; uncles, Bernal Dean Campbell, Rudy Doubrava, Morvel 
Campbell and Pete Peters; aunt Ruby Peters and an infant child. 
She is survived by her husband Richard, of the home; her children, 
Akaylah Trundle and Jacob Trundle, both of Colby; mother Doris Campbell,
 of Colby; sister Marlyce (Will) Campbell Warner, of WaKeeney, KS; 
brother Rodney (Tammy Wild) Campbell, of Seattle, WA and nephews Tyson 
and Austin Plumisto, of Colby. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Colby. Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022,
 also at the mortuary, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials 
may be made to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope or to Gideons 
International and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, 
KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Virginia Arlene Campbell Lavery

Replay of FHSU's win over Central Missouri from Saturday, October 22, 2022.

Replay of FHSU's win over Central Missouri from Saturday, October 22, 2022.<div><iframe title="Tiger Rewind: FB vs. Central Missouri (Oct 22, 2022)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kbez5-12f8589-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Rewind: FB v UCM (Oct 22, 2022)

Julius John "Curly" Bieker passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 
the Sheridan County Health Long Term Care at the age of 90.  Julius was 
born on November 21, 1931, to Clement and Lena (Mader) Bieker in Sheridan
 County, Kansas.  He was a lifelong resident of Sheridan County.

On
 October 29, 1951, he was united in marriage to Wilma Hyde.  Julius 
worked as a painter for the Union Pacific Railroad, was a welder for 
Arnold Electric and he performed maintenance at The Hoxie Feedlot during
 his life.  Julius enjoyed playing in a band that entertained residents 
at the Long Term Care and Ridgewood Manor in Hoxie.  He had a love for 
his family, gardening and music.

He is survived by his 
wife, Wilma; sons, Larry Bieker and wife Susan, John Bieker and wife 
Tina, Steve Bieker all of Hoxie; daughters, Ladena Jones of Hoxie, Judy 
Powers and husband Jim and Ladonna Krider all of Quinter; 13 
grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Julius was 
preceded in death by his parents Clem and Lena Bieker; brothers, Alvin, 
Frank and Donnie Bieker; sisters, Betty Johnson and Mary Ann Schultz.

A
 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, October 
27, 2022, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie.  
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm 
at the funeral home with a Prayer Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Memorials
 are suggested to Sheridan County Long Term Care or St. Frances Cabrini 
Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, 
PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.  Online condolences may be left for the
 family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666707692009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Julius John "Curly" Bieker passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 
the Sheridan County Health Long Term Care at the age of 90. Julius was 
born on November 21, 1931, to Clement and Lena (Mader) Bieker in Sheridan
 County, Kansas. He was a lifelong resident of Sheridan County.On
 October 29, 1951, he was united in marriage to Wilma Hyde. Julius 
worked as a painter for the Union Pacific Railroad, was a welder for 
Arnold Electric and he performed maintenance at The Hoxie Feedlot during
 his life. Julius enjoyed playing in a band that entertained residents 
at the Long Term Care and Ridgewood Manor in Hoxie. He had a love for 
his family, gardening and music.He is survived by his 
wife, Wilma; sons, Larry Bieker and wife Susan, John Bieker and wife 
Tina, Steve Bieker all of Hoxie; daughters, Ladena Jones of Hoxie, Judy 
Powers and husband Jim and Ladonna Krider all of Quinter; 13 
grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.Julius was 
preceded in death by his parents Clem and Lena Bieker; brothers, Alvin, 
Frank and Donnie Bieker; sisters, Betty Johnson and Mary Ann Schultz.A
 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, October 
27, 2022, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie. 
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm 
at the funeral home with a Prayer Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 pm.Memorials
 are suggested to Sheridan County Long Term Care or St. Frances Cabrini 
Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, 
PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left for the
 family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

Julius John 'Curly' Bieker

Carl D. Steinert, 75, died October 23, 2022, at Wesley Medical 
Center, Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born August 11, 1947, in Hays, Kansas, 
the son of Wilbert O. And Beatrice J. (Venus) Steinert.&nbsp; Carl graduated 
from Gorham High School in 1965, and later from the Wichita Barber 
School.&nbsp;

A resident of the Bushton area for 48 years, he began his barber shop
 experience having shops in both Holyrood and Bushton. Later he worked 
as a pumper in the oil field, and finally retiring from Oneok Gas 
Processing Plant in Bushton, where he also served on the Fire Brigade.

On September 2, 1967, he married Clydell Rafferty in Russell, Kansas. Together they raised four boys.&nbsp;

Carl loved working around his farm, giving haircuts to his family, and especially loved spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clydell Steinert of the home;
 sons, Craig (Tom Mulloy) Steinert of Kansas City, Missouri, Curtis 
(Kim) Steinert of Lehigh; and Cory (Traci) Steinert of Midlothian, 
Texas; daughter-in-law, Tina Steinert of Lyons; siblings, Roger (Kay) 
Steinert of Leawood, Lloyd (Susan) of Merritt Island, Florida, Roy 
(Jeanette) Steinert of Wichita, Judy (Paul) Schmidtberger of Russell, 
Don (Jane) Steinert of Claflin, and Mary Lou Steinert of Lawrence; 
sister-in-law, Cheryl Steinert of Lyons; six grandchildren, Cortney 
(Jeff) Schwarz, Cayla, Casen, Cheyenne, Hadley, and Hudson Steinert; and
 one great grandson, Conner Schwarz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Clinton Steinert, and a brother, Jim Steinert.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with Pastor Debby Rains 
presiding.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Galatia.

Memorials may be donated to the Holyrood Fire Department, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666707579010.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carl D. Steinert, 75, died October 23, 2022, at Wesley Medical 
Center, Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born August 11, 1947, in Hays, Kansas, 
the son of Wilbert O. And Beatrice J. (Venus) Steinert.&nbsp; Carl graduated 
from Gorham High School in 1965, and later from the Wichita Barber 
School.&nbsp;A resident of the Bushton area for 48 years, he began his barber shop
 experience having shops in both Holyrood and Bushton. Later he worked 
as a pumper in the oil field, and finally retiring from Oneok Gas 
Processing Plant in Bushton, where he also served on the Fire Brigade.On September 2, 1967, he married Clydell Rafferty in Russell, Kansas. Together they raised four boys.&nbsp;Carl loved working around his farm, giving haircuts to his family, and especially loved spending time with his grandkids.He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clydell Steinert of the home;
 sons, Craig (Tom Mulloy) Steinert of Kansas City, Missouri, Curtis 
(Kim) Steinert of Lehigh; and Cory (Traci) Steinert of Midlothian, 
Texas; daughter-in-law, Tina Steinert of Lyons; siblings, Roger (Kay) 
Steinert of Leawood, Lloyd (Susan) of Merritt Island, Florida, Roy 
(Jeanette) Steinert of Wichita, Judy (Paul) Schmidtberger of Russell, 
Don (Jane) Steinert of Claflin, and Mary Lou Steinert of Lawrence; 
sister-in-law, Cheryl Steinert of Lyons; six grandchildren, Cortney 
(Jeff) Schwarz, Cayla, Casen, Cheyenne, Hadley, and Hudson Steinert; and
 one great grandson, Conner Schwarz.He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Clinton Steinert, and a brother, Jim Steinert.Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with Pastor Debby Rains 
presiding.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Galatia.Memorials may be donated to the Holyrood Fire Department, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Carl D. Steinert

Gary Wayne Pletcher, 80, passed away on October 23, 2022, at 
University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend. He was born on October
 30, 1941, to William and Ruth (Crosby) Pletcher in Frankfort, Kan. On 
January 24, 1991, he married the love of his life, Sara Medina, in Las 
Vegas, Nev. She was always by his side until the end; she survives.

Coming from Sharon Springs in 1985, Gary was a resident of Great Bend
 since 1985. He was a self-employed farmer, truck driver, aerial 
sprayer, and salon construction manager. Gary was a “jack of all 
trades”, being known for his carpentry, mechanic skills, and piloting 
abilities, especially with his Calm Air Aerial Spraying service. He was a
 member of the Sharon Springs Wesleyan Methodist Church, carrying his 
faith with him throughout his work and life. Gary was also a member of 
the Good Guys Car Club, IHRA, and was a circle track driver, winning 
nationals at Hutchinson in 1975-76.

Survivors include his wife Sara of the home; a son, Tyler Pletcher 
and Jenna with grandson, Abel Pletcher, of Hoisington, Kan.; a daughter,
 Lisa Amerine with grandson, Ethyn Pletcher, of Ellinwood, Kan.; his 
brother, Donnie (Louise) Pletcher of Sharon Springs, Kan.; 
siblings-in-law, Dennis (Rita) Smith of Weskan, Kan., and Jess (Carmen) 
Medina of San Antonio, Tex.; close family friend (P.I.C.), Rhonda Hughes
 of Great Bend, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in
 death by his parents; a daughter, Jodi Lynn; in-laws, Jess and Dolores 
Medina; and a brother-in-law, Norman Medina.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. 

Memorials have 
been designated to Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter or Golden 
Belt Home Health and Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666707511285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Wayne Pletcher, 80, passed away on October 23, 2022, at 
University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend. He was born on October
 30, 1941, to William and Ruth (Crosby) Pletcher in Frankfort, Kan. On 
January 24, 1991, he married the love of his life, Sara Medina, in Las 
Vegas, Nev. She was always by his side until the end; she survives.Coming from Sharon Springs in 1985, Gary was a resident of Great Bend
 since 1985. He was a self-employed farmer, truck driver, aerial 
sprayer, and salon construction manager. Gary was a “jack of all 
trades”, being known for his carpentry, mechanic skills, and piloting 
abilities, especially with his Calm Air Aerial Spraying service. He was a
 member of the Sharon Springs Wesleyan Methodist Church, carrying his 
faith with him throughout his work and life. Gary was also a member of 
the Good Guys Car Club, IHRA, and was a circle track driver, winning 
nationals at Hutchinson in 1975-76.Survivors include his wife Sara of the home; a son, Tyler Pletcher 
and Jenna with grandson, Abel Pletcher, of Hoisington, Kan.; a daughter,
 Lisa Amerine with grandson, Ethyn Pletcher, of Ellinwood, Kan.; his 
brother, Donnie (Louise) Pletcher of Sharon Springs, Kan.; 
siblings-in-law, Dennis (Rita) Smith of Weskan, Kan., and Jess (Carmen) 
Medina of San Antonio, Tex.; close family friend (P.I.C.), Rhonda Hughes
 of Great Bend, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in
 death by his parents; a daughter, Jodi Lynn; in-laws, Jess and Dolores 
Medina; and a brother-in-law, Norman Medina.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials have 
been designated to Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter or Golden 
Belt Home Health and Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Gary Wayne Pletcher

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court Oct. 21, to his role in a $4.1 million drug-trafficking conspiracy, which is linked to two murders, and which distributed 520 kilograms of methamphetamine in the metropolitan area, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

Gerald Lee Ginnings, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays and admitted that between Jan. 1, 2018, and October 1, 2018, he participated with others in conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and launder drug proceeds, and to possessing a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Ginnings was responsible for distributing, or assisting to distribute, at least five kilograms of methamphetamine. Proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy were used to pay living expenses, buy assets, and to purchase additional drugs for distribution. Ginnings and other co-conspirators used cash during the conspiracy to conceal the true nature of the proceeds from drug distribution.

Ginnings was arrested on June 28, 2018, and again on Sept. 27, 2018. During those arrests, law enforcement officers seized over 50 grams of methamphetamine and a Kel-Tec 9 mm handgun, which Ginnings obtained by trading for methamphetamine.

The drug-trafficking organization with which Ginnings was associated was responsible for two murders. In August 2018, James Hampton was beaten, kidnapped, and transported from St. Louis, Mo., to Kansas City in the trunk of a car. Conspirators also kidnapped Brittanie Broyles, a woman who was with Hampton when he was seized and who witnessed his beating and kidnapping. Ginnings was not with co-conspirators in St. Louis or on the trip from St. Louis to Kansas City.

On Aug. 6, 2018, Hampton’s car and body were discovered burning in Bates City, Mo.&nbsp; On Aug. 8, 2018, Broyles’s body was recovered by the Super Flea in the Northeast area of Kansas City. She had been murdered by two gunshots to her head. Investigators learned that Ginnings, in exchange for being forgiven a $5,000 drug debt, was involved in burning Hampton’s car. Ginnings was also involved in transporting Broyles after she was brought to Kansas City, during which time someone shot her twice in the head and she died.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony crime to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ginnings has at least three prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle.

Ginnings is among 22 co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case.

Ginnings must pay a money judgment not to exceed $4,160,000, which represents the proceeds he received from the drug-trafficking conspiracy, as determined by the court at the time of his sentencing. That forfeiture amount is based on the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average price of $8,000 per kilogram.

Under federal statutes, Ginnings is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666560596953.png" alt="Ginnings-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Ginnings-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court Oct. 21, to his role in a $4.1 million drug-trafficking conspiracy, which is linked to two murders, and which distributed 520 kilograms of methamphetamine in the metropolitan area, according to the United State's Attorney's office.Gerald Lee Ginnings, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays and admitted that between Jan. 1, 2018, and October 1, 2018, he participated with others in conspiracies to distribute methamphetamine and launder drug proceeds, and to possessing a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.Ginnings was responsible for distributing, or assisting to distribute, at least five kilograms of methamphetamine. Proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy were used to pay living expenses, buy assets, and to purchase additional drugs for distribution. Ginnings and other co-conspirators used cash during the conspiracy to conceal the true nature of the proceeds from drug distribution.Ginnings was arrested on June 28, 2018, and again on Sept. 27, 2018. During those arrests, law enforcement officers seized over 50 grams of methamphetamine and a Kel-Tec 9 mm handgun, which Ginnings obtained by trading for methamphetamine.The drug-trafficking organization with which Ginnings was associated was responsible for two murders. In August 2018, James Hampton was beaten, kidnapped, and transported from St. Louis, Mo., to Kansas City in the trunk of a car. Conspirators also kidnapped Brittanie Broyles, a woman who was with Hampton when he was seized and who witnessed his beating and kidnapping. Ginnings was not with co-conspirators in St. Louis or on the trip from St. Louis to Kansas City.On Aug. 6, 2018, Hampton’s car and body were discovered burning in Bates City, Mo.&nbsp; On Aug. 8, 2018, Broyles’s body was recovered by the Super Flea in the Northeast area of Kansas City. She had been murdered by two gunshots to her head. Investigators learned that Ginnings, in exchange for being forgiven a $5,000 drug debt, was involved in burning Hampton’s car. Ginnings was also involved in transporting Broyles after she was brought to Kansas City, during which time someone shot her twice in the head and she died.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony crime to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ginnings has at least three prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle.Ginnings is among 22 co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case.Ginnings must pay a money judgment not to exceed $4,160,000, which represents the proceeds he received from the drug-trafficking conspiracy, as determined by the court at the time of his sentencing. That forfeiture amount is based on the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average price of $8,000 per kilogram.Under federal statutes, Ginnings is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KC man pleads guilty to $4M meth conspiracy linked to murders

Michael L. “Mike” Howell, 72, Hays, 
passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022, at home with his family after a 
long and courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born May 29, 1950, to Jerry and 
Erma (Smith) Howell in Kearney, Nebraska. He spent most of his childhood
 in Phillipsburg, Kansas where his father was a teacher. After attending
 his eighth-grade year at Hill City, Kansas, his family moved to Lucas, 
Kansas. &nbsp;He graduated from Lucas High School in 1968 and NCK Vo-tech in 
Beloit. &nbsp;He met his wife Sharon, his high school sweetheart, and the two
 were married for more than 52 years and were blessed with three 
children: Chris, Doug, and Melissa. 

Mike had several jobs working for 
Schult Homes, Allied Oil Field Cementing, King of the Road, Hoovestol, 
and his favorite job was bus driver for Hays USD 489. &nbsp;He loved the kids
 and watching their games and activities. &nbsp;He was a fan of all sports 
and enjoyed supporting the Hays High Indians.&nbsp; He also enjoyed hunting, 
fishing, the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball. &nbsp;He loved 
watching his grandson's football games, going to work, and joking with 
his co-workers.&nbsp;

Survivors include his wife Sharon of 
Hays, three children:&nbsp; Chris (Pam) Howell of Hoisington, Doug (Ginger) 
Howell of Alton, and Melissa (Justin) Nicholls of Blue Springs, MO, a 
brother: Tim Howell of Phillipsburg, two sisters: Linda (Bernie) 
Dougherty of Parsons and Joyce “Red” (Rick) Gregory of Lucas, his 
grandchildren, whom he was so proud of: Kirstin (Jeremy) Hoffman, Kregg 
(Charlotte) Howell, Bryan (Shayna) Howell, Trenton (Payton) Howell, 
Dylan Howell, Hunter Howell, Carson Shellito, and Kaci Nicholls, and 
four great grandchildren.&nbsp;

Graveside services will be at 10:30 am 
on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg 
followed by a luncheon at the United Methodist Church, 593 3rd Street, 
Phillipsburg.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 
on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.&nbsp;


In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of 
Ellis County or to a charity of your choice in Mike’s name.&nbsp; Condolences
 and memories of Mike may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666702409275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael L. “Mike” Howell, 72, Hays, 
passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022, at home with his family after a 
long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 29, 1950, to Jerry and 
Erma (Smith) Howell in Kearney, Nebraska. He spent most of his childhood
 in Phillipsburg, Kansas where his father was a teacher. After attending
 his eighth-grade year at Hill City, Kansas, his family moved to Lucas, 
Kansas. &nbsp;He graduated from Lucas High School in 1968 and NCK Vo-tech in 
Beloit. &nbsp;He met his wife Sharon, his high school sweetheart, and the two
 were married for more than 52 years and were blessed with three 
children: Chris, Doug, and Melissa. Mike had several jobs working for 
Schult Homes, Allied Oil Field Cementing, King of the Road, Hoovestol, 
and his favorite job was bus driver for Hays USD 489. &nbsp;He loved the kids
 and watching their games and activities. &nbsp;He was a fan of all sports 
and enjoyed supporting the Hays High Indians.&nbsp; He also enjoyed hunting, 
fishing, the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball. &nbsp;He loved 
watching his grandson's football games, going to work, and joking with 
his co-workers.&nbsp;Survivors include his wife Sharon of 
Hays, three children:&nbsp; Chris (Pam) Howell of Hoisington, Doug (Ginger) 
Howell of Alton, and Melissa (Justin) Nicholls of Blue Springs, MO, a 
brother: Tim Howell of Phillipsburg, two sisters: Linda (Bernie) 
Dougherty of Parsons and Joyce “Red” (Rick) Gregory of Lucas, his 
grandchildren, whom he was so proud of: Kirstin (Jeremy) Hoffman, Kregg 
(Charlotte) Howell, Bryan (Shayna) Howell, Trenton (Payton) Howell, 
Dylan Howell, Hunter Howell, Carson Shellito, and Kaci Nicholls, and 
four great grandchildren.&nbsp;Graveside services will be at 10:30 am 
on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg 
followed by a luncheon at the United Methodist Church, 593 3rd Street, 
Phillipsburg.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 
on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.&nbsp;
 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of 
Ellis County or to a charity of your choice in Mike’s name.&nbsp; Condolences
 and memories of Mike may be shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

Michael L. 'Mike' Howell

Ann Marie Tournear, 43, passed away on October 15, 2022, at Via 
Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kan. She was born on January 23, 1979, to 
Anthony and Zoella Wohletz in Kingman, Kan. On December 10, 2004, she 
married Greg Tournear at Columbia, Mo. He survives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ann was an active member of H.O.G. (Harley Owner Group) and the NHRA.
 She liked being on her phone and loved spending time riding her Harley.

Survivors include her husband, Greg of the home; her father, Anthony 
Wohletz; a son, Jessie Wohletz; a daughter, Jasmine Wohletz; two 
stepsons, Gregory Tournear and Triton Tournear; and six grandchildren. 
She is preceded in death by her mother Zoella; and a sister, Karyeen.

Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 
28, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be no services at this time. 

Memorials have
 been designated to the Ann Tournear Expense Fund, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666702461729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ann Marie Tournear, 43, passed away on October 15, 2022, at Via 
Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kan. She was born on January 23, 1979, to 
Anthony and Zoella Wohletz in Kingman, Kan. On December 10, 2004, she 
married Greg Tournear at Columbia, Mo. He survives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ann was an active member of H.O.G. (Harley Owner Group) and the NHRA.
 She liked being on her phone and loved spending time riding her Harley.Survivors include her husband, Greg of the home; her father, Anthony 
Wohletz; a son, Jessie Wohletz; a daughter, Jasmine Wohletz; two 
stepsons, Gregory Tournear and Triton Tournear; and six grandchildren. 
She is preceded in death by her mother Zoella; and a sister, Karyeen.Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 
28, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be no services at this time. Memorials have
 been designated to the Ann Tournear Expense Fund, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Ann Marie Tournear

The benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just over $85 a barrel, but by lunchtime Monday prices were down slightly. Midday prices were just over $84 a barrel in New York for the near-month contract. London Brent was just under $93. Kansas crude prices dropped a dollar Friday. Prices are about half a dollar lower on the week, but $5.50 higher than on Oct. 1. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $75.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. Diesel prices in Kansas average $5.14 per gallon Monday, up eleven cents from a week earlier, 46 cents from a month ago, and $1.76 more than last year at this time. Current diesel prices in Kansas are just 23 cents shy of the all-time high. Regular gasoline prices continued to drop.&nbsp; In Kansas, the average price for a gallon of regular was $3.42 according to AAA.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration last week reported an increase in diesel fuel inventories and deliveries. But, current diesel stockpiles remain 20% below the five-year seasonal average. Total gasoline stockpiles dropped by 100,000 barrels from the week before, and are about seven percent below the five-year average. EIA reported a big drop in crude stockpiles, but an increase in U.S. production. Inventories were down 1.7 million barrels to 437.4 million barrels as of October 14th. EIA reports a 76,000 barrel-per-day increase in last week's domestic crude-oil production, which is once again over 12 million barrels per day. Imports were down 200,000 barrels per day to 5.9 million.&nbsp; The Kansas Rig Count held steady at 27 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in the western half of the state. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Russell counties. Kansas operators have spudded 1,261 wells so far this year, a 51% increase over last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 500 wells currently in various stages of drilling or completion. Kansas regulators approved 27 new drilling permits over the last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita. That's 1,333 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 869 by this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly completed wells for the week, 22 east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas. That's 1,293 so far this year compared to 697 a year ago. Crude output from the #3 producing state held steady in August at 1.07 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports operators continue to exceed the state's anti-flaring standards, capturing 94% of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Texas became the first state in the nation to begin plugging abandoned oil and gas wells using federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Plugging work began last week on an abandoned oil and gas well northeast of Corpus Christi in South Texas. The state's energy regulator, the Railroad Commission of Texas, announced they will used the initial grant to plug about 800 abandoned wells statewide. That's in addition to the 1,000 wells they plan to plug in their State Managed Plugging program, which is funded with industry fees and fines. A government report shows the nation's shale producers are slowing down the completion of wells from their inventories of wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC). The Energy Information Administration says its tally of at 4,333 DUCs in the seven largest plays is down ten wells from the month before. The tally dropped in five regions. Increases were posted in the Haynesville Shale in Texas and Louisiana, and the Niobrara play in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Government analysts use the DUC inventory as a barometer of our ability to quickly raise crude production. Exxon Mobil completes its exit from Russia, following what it calls "the expropriation." The company complains the Russians unilaterally terminated the company's interests in the Sakhalin-1 project and transferred them to a Russian operator. The project is a giant, complex operation that produced about 227,000 barrels a day last year. It has multiple records for the longest wells ever drilled, uses ice breakers to maintain exports when the sea freezes, and was regarded as an engineering marvel when it first started pumping in 2005.&nbsp; Exxon announced its intentions to withdraw shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

BY JOHN P. TRETBARThe benchmark Nymex crude futures contract settled Friday just over $85 a barrel, but by lunchtime Monday prices were down slightly. Midday prices were just over $84 a barrel in New York for the near-month contract. London Brent was just under $93. Kansas crude prices dropped a dollar Friday. Prices are about half a dollar lower on the week, but $5.50 higher than on Oct. 1. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $75.25 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. Diesel prices in Kansas average $5.14 per gallon Monday, up eleven cents from a week earlier, 46 cents from a month ago, and $1.76 more than last year at this time. Current diesel prices in Kansas are just 23 cents shy of the all-time high. Regular gasoline prices continued to drop.&nbsp; In Kansas, the average price for a gallon of regular was $3.42 according to AAA.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration last week reported an increase in diesel fuel inventories and deliveries. But, current diesel stockpiles remain 20% below the five-year seasonal average. Total gasoline stockpiles dropped by 100,000 barrels from the week before, and are about seven percent below the five-year average. EIA reported a big drop in crude stockpiles, but an increase in U.S. production. Inventories were down 1.7 million barrels to 437.4 million barrels as of October 14th. EIA reports a 76,000 barrel-per-day increase in last week's domestic crude-oil production, which is once again over 12 million barrels per day. Imports were down 200,000 barrels per day to 5.9 million.&nbsp; The Kansas Rig Count held steady at 27 active rigs east of Wichita and 32 in the western half of the state. Drilling was underway Friday on a well in Stafford County, and operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Russell counties. Kansas operators have spudded 1,261 wells so far this year, a 51% increase over last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 500 wells currently in various stages of drilling or completion. Kansas regulators approved 27 new drilling permits over the last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita. That's 1,333 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 869 by this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 37 newly completed wells for the week, 22 east of Wichita and 15 in Western Kansas. That's 1,293 so far this year compared to 697 a year ago. Crude output from the #3 producing state held steady in August at 1.07 million barrels per day. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports operators continue to exceed the state's anti-flaring standards, capturing 94% of the natural gas produced at oil wells. Texas became the first state in the nation to begin plugging abandoned oil and gas wells using federal grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Plugging work began last week on an abandoned oil and gas well northeast of Corpus Christi in South Texas. The state's energy regulator, the Railroad Commission of Texas, announced they will used the initial grant to plug about 800 abandoned wells statewide. That's in addition to the 1,000 wells they plan to plug in their State Managed Plugging program, which is funded with industry fees and fines. A government report shows the nation's shale producers are slowing down the completion of wells from their inventories of wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC). The Energy Information Administration says its tally of at 4,333 DUCs in the seven largest plays is down ten wells from the month before. The tally dropped in five regions. Increases were posted in the Haynesville Shale in Texas and Louisiana, and the Niobrara play in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. Government analysts use the DUC inventory as a barometer of our ability to quickly raise crude production. Exxon Mobil completes its exit from Russia, following what it calls "the expropriation." The company complains the Russians unilaterally terminated the company's interests in the Sakhalin-1 project and transferred them to a Russian operator. The project is a giant, complex operation that produced about 227,000 barrels a day last year. It has multiple records for the longest wells ever drilled, uses ice breakers to maintain exports when the sea freezes, and was regarded as an engineering marvel when it first started pumping in 2005.&nbsp; Exxon announced its intentions to withdraw shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. diesel prices near all-time high

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence, but domestic&nbsp; violence services advocates question if abusers are being held accountable.

Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence incidents — 70.7 percent in 2020 — compared to the state average of 48.2 percent.

In Ellis County, 167 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2020.

However, during that same time period only 59 individuals were referred to the Batterers Intervention Program in the 18-county northwest Kansas region, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> director of client services.

Options sponsored several events in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including Purple Light Night, Turn the Lights SalON!, In Her Shoes and Paint the Town Purple events.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the reported incidents that are being referred to the court and end up in conviction, only a fraction of those convictions include required participation in Batterers Intervention.

A greater percentage of those convicted are referred to anger management classes, which Zampieri-Lillpopp said have proven to be ineffective at preventing repeat offenses.

"The perpetrators make decisions to perpetrate violence in order to gain the power and control over another person or to get things that they want," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "One of the key features of accountability is not referring them to anger management or anything like that.

"If you refer them to a Batters Intervention Program, there is actually a chance that they could stop doing things. They're self-reflective programs. They have to pay for them. Being supervised is key."

In a Chicago study from 2007, men who participated in Batterer Intervention Programs were half as likely as those who did not to be rearrested for domestic violence. Those who completed the program were also less likely than those who were jailed to re-offend.

Studies in both Massachusetts in 2004 and Maine in 2006 found anger management classes did not reduce  recidivism among batterers. Federal Office of Violence Against Women now prohibits any grant money given to the states to fund anger management programs for domestic violence offenders.

"That is a very bad practice," Zampieri-Lillpopp said of referring batterers to anger management classes. "They know exactly how to manage their anger. They use that anger as a tool, very effectively."

Options has tried to obtain conviction data in its catchment area on both domestic violence and sexual assault cases and has hit road blocks.

Either the data is difficult for prosecutors to produce from their computer systems or court records departments have been uncooperative, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.

The consequences of not addressing domestic violence can be fatal. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, 38 murders in Kansas were the result of domestic violence — 20 percent of murders in the state.

Options saw an increase in domestic violence services offered during the pandemic. Those numbers have continued to stay up, Zampieri-Lillpopp said.

The agency went from 9,500 services offered per year to more than 14,000 services offered in its 18-county service area.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought more requests for services was a result of survivors being more aware of the services that are available but also an increase in incidents of domestic violence in the communities Options serves.

Options is the only domestic violence services agency in the state to have a mobile app, texting service and web chat. These applications can be easily hidden if a victim is in proximity to her abuser and all are available 24/7.

Options also has two advocates who visit mobile locations two days a week.

"We've done more, but we've also seen the fallout from that closeness, where people couldn't get help," Zampieri-Lillpopp said.

"That feature of our safety planning where the app disappears ... that's because you can't necessarily seek help when your abuser is standing there."

Increasing conviction rates and referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs are system-wide means to address domestic violence, but Zampieri-Lillpopp said addressing the issue starts on a more personal level.

"Believe people," she said. "Believe the survivor when they're telling you. 'He just got mad and smashed a plate and it cut me.' He smashed it at you? That's abnormal. That sounds abusive. Not, 'I'm sure it's fine' or 'I bet you're making something out of this that's not there.' 'He was just mad.' It's the kind of thing we hear a lot."

Options tries to educate professionals, including law enforcement, social services, court services and even hair dressers on what signs to look for and how to encourage survivors to seek help.

In the salon project, cosmetologist are learning how to refer domestic violence survivors to help safely.

"Salon professionals get really close to a lot of people, and they can see things that a lot of other people can't see," she said. "To refer people safely is a special skill that can be taught."

Zampieri-Lillpopp said everyone, including families, are affected by the circle of domestic violence.

"Curing it is going to take the entire village," she said.

Ellis County Attorney responds on Batterer Intervention

In Ellis County, if a person is convicted of a domestic violence offense and goes to prison, he is not referred to a batterer intervention program, County Attorney Robert Anderson said. 

If they are convicted of a domestic violence offense and get probation, then almost certainly, they will be ordered to get a Batterer’s Intervention Evaluation and follow through with the course if screened in, he said.

The evaluation determines whether or not they will be screened in and required to complete the Batterer’s Intervention Program. So, there are some people who are convicted of a domestic violence offense who are ordered to do the evaluation, but don’t have to do the program.

Anderson said he did not know what the numbers are, but he would say a high percentage of people who are screened end up in the program. 

This does not include cases in the rest of the 17 counties that are included in Options' service area.

Anderson noted several other factors that may affect statistics on domestic violence.

You can contact Options 24/7 at its toll free helpline at 1-800-794-4624, text HOPE to 847411, download the My Mobile Options app, 24-hour live chat online at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a> or virtually meet with an advocate at optionsdvsa.doxy.me.

All services are free and confidential.

You can support options with monetary donations. You can donate using a credit or debit card at <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666291612092.jpeg" alt="This poster that says "He beat her 150 times. She only got flowers once" was part of the role-playing activity, In Her Shoes, sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on Oct. 11 at the Hays Public Library as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>This poster that says "He beat her 150 times. She only got flowers once" was part of the role-playing activity, In Her Shoes, sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services on Oct. 11 at the Hays Public Library as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence, but domestic&nbsp; violence services advocates question if abusers are being held accountable. Ellis County has a high arrest rate for domestic violence incidents — 70.7 percent in 2020 — compared to the state average of 48.2 percent.In Ellis County, 167 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2020.However, during that same time period only 59 individuals were referred to the Batterers Intervention Program in the 18-county northwest Kansas region, said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, <a href="https://help4abuse.org/">Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services</a> director of client services.Options sponsored several events in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including Purple Light Night, Turn the Lights SalON!, In Her Shoes and Paint the Town Purple events. Zampieri-Lillpopp said of the reported incidents that are being referred to the court and end up in conviction, only a fraction of those convictions include required participation in Batterers Intervention.A greater percentage of those convicted are referred to anger management classes, which Zampieri-Lillpopp said have proven to be ineffective at preventing repeat offenses."The perpetrators make decisions to perpetrate violence in order to gain the power and control over another person or to get things that they want," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "One of the key features of accountability is not referring them to anger management or anything like that."If you refer them to a Batters Intervention Program, there is actually a chance that they could stop doing things. They're self-reflective programs. They have to pay for them. Being supervised is key."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666292022226.jpeg" alt="A woman participates in the "In Her Shoes" role-playing activity sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. The headline on top of the poster says "Hays man arrested in homicide," illustrating that not all domestic violence victims make it out of their abusive relationships. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A woman participates in the "In Her Shoes" role-playing activity sponsored by Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. The headline on top of the poster says "Hays man arrested in homicide," illustrating that not all domestic violence victims make it out of their abusive relationships. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>In a Chicago study from 2007, men who participated in Batterer Intervention Programs were half as likely as those who did not to be rearrested for domestic violence. Those who completed the program were also less likely than those who were jailed to re-offend.Studies in both Massachusetts in 2004 and Maine in 2006 found anger management classes did not reduce recidivism among batterers. Federal Office of Violence Against Women now prohibits any grant money given to the states to fund anger management programs for domestic violence offenders."That is a very bad practice," Zampieri-Lillpopp said of referring batterers to anger management classes. "They know exactly how to manage their anger. They use that anger as a tool, very effectively." Options has tried to obtain conviction data in its catchment area on both domestic violence and sexual assault cases and has hit road blocks.Either the data is difficult for prosecutors to produce from their computer systems or court records departments have been uncooperative, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director. The consequences of not addressing domestic violence can be fatal. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, 38 murders in Kansas were the result of domestic violence — 20 percent of murders in the state.Options saw an increase in domestic violence services offered during the pandemic. Those numbers have continued to stay up, Zampieri-Lillpopp said.The agency went from 9,500 services offered per year to more than 14,000 services offered in its 18-county service area.Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought more requests for services was a result of survivors being more aware of the services that are available but also an increase in incidents of domestic violence in the communities Options serves.Options is the only domestic violence services agency in the state to have a mobile app, texting service and web chat. These applications can be easily hidden if a victim is in proximity to her abuser and all are available 24/7.Options also has two advocates who visit mobile locations two days a week. "We've done more, but we've also seen the fallout from that closeness, where people couldn't get help," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "That feature of our safety planning where the app disappears ... that's because you can't necessarily seek help when your abuser is standing there."Increasing conviction rates and referrals to Batterer Intervention Programs are system-wide means to address domestic violence, but Zampieri-Lillpopp said addressing the issue starts on a more personal level."Believe people," she said. "Believe the survivor when they're telling you. 'He just got mad and smashed a plate and it cut me.' He smashed it at you? That's abnormal. That sounds abusive. Not, 'I'm sure it's fine' or 'I bet you're making something out of this that's not there.' 'He was just mad.' It's the kind of thing we hear a lot."Options tries to educate professionals, including law enforcement, social services, court services and even hair dressers on what signs to look for and how to encourage survivors to seek help.In the salon project, cosmetologist are learning how to refer domestic violence survivors to help safely."Salon professionals get really close to a lot of people, and they can see things that a lot of other people can't see," she said. "To refer people safely is a special skill that can be taught." Zampieri-Lillpopp said everyone, including families, are affected by the circle of domestic violence."Curing it is going to take the entire village," she said.<h2>Ellis County Attorney responds on Batterer Intervention</h2>In Ellis County, if a person is convicted of a domestic violence offense and goes to prison, he is not referred to a batterer intervention program, County Attorney Robert Anderson said. If they are convicted of a domestic violence offense and get probation, then almost certainly, they will be ordered to get a Batterer’s Intervention Evaluation and follow through with the course if screened in, he said.The evaluation determines whether or not they will be screened in and required to complete the Batterer’s Intervention Program. So, there are some people who are convicted of a domestic violence offense who are ordered to do the evaluation, but don’t have to do the program.Anderson said he did not know what the numbers are, but he would say a high percentage of people who are screened end up in the program. This does not include cases in the rest of the 17 counties that are included in Options' service area.Anderson noted several other factors that may affect statistics on domestic violence.<ol>
 <li>Not every person Options provides services to will report to law enforcement.</li><li>When cases are reported and/or arrests are made, a case may or may not get filed by the county attorney's office. There are a lot of factors that come into play, but not every arrest and not every report results in charges being filed.</li><li>When charges are filed, not all of those people are convicted – some cases are dismissed; some case are diverted; some cases are still pending; etc.</li><li>When people are convicted, it may not be the case that they are convicted of a domestic violence offense. There are many instances where a charge of domestic battery” is plead to battery.&nbsp; Although I don’t think this happens very often, a charge of domestic battery may be reduced to disorderly conduct (as an example), Anderson said. </li>
 </ol><h2>How to get help</h2>You can contact Options 24/7 at its toll free helpline at 1-800-794-4624, text HOPE to 847411, download the My Mobile Options app, 24-hour live chat online at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a> or virtually meet with an advocate at optionsdvsa.doxy.me.All services are free and confidential. <h2>Donate</h2>You can support options with monetary donations. You can donate using a credit or debit card at <a href="https://help4abuse.org/donate/">https://help4abuse.org/donate/</a>.

Advocate expresses need for more domestic violence offender accountability

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of violent sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case this we.

Hunter Peach, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 3 counts of rape, 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery, and 2 counts of attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On October 17, a 23-year-old woman reported she was sexually&nbsp; assaulted by Peach, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;

Police located Peach and arrested him in the 400 block of West Central in Wichita and booked him on requested sex crimes.

&nbsp;Peach and the woman know each other, according to police. He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $300,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court hearing is October 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666123400223.png" alt="Peach-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Peach-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of violent sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case this we.Hunter Peach, 23 of Wichita, is charged with 3 counts of rape, 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery, and 2 counts of attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On October 17, a 23-year-old woman reported she was sexually&nbsp; assaulted by Peach, according to Officer Chad Ditch.&nbsp;Police located Peach and arrested him in the 400 block of West Central in Wichita and booked him on requested sex crimes.&nbsp;Peach and the woman know each other, according to police. He is in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $300,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court hearing is October 31.

Kansas man charged for violent sex crimes

ST. LOUIS (AP) — An armed former student broke into a St. Louis high school Monday morning warning, “You are all going to die!” before fatally shooting a teacher and a teenage girl, and wounding six others before police killed him in an exchange of gunfire.

The attack just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building to seek safety. One terrorized girl said she was eye-to-eye with the shooter before his gun apparently jammed and she was able to run out.

Speaking at a news conference, Police Chief Michael Sack said fast actions by a security guard, along with police officers who “ran to the gunfire” helped end the shooting before more people were killed or hurt. Police on Monday evening identified the shooter as 19-year-old Orlando Harris, who graduated from the school last year. Police said they did not have a possible motive. They said earlier in the day that it was not clear if anyone had been targeted.

Sack said Harris had no prior criminal history.

Authorities didn't name the victims, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/health-teacher-killed-in-south-st-louis-school-shooting-loved-her-students/article_b035a1e1-2595-51c2-8d45-0d9a42ea676d.html">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;identified the dead teacher as Jean Kuczka. Her daughter said her mother was killed when the gunman burst into her classroom and she moved between him and her students.

“My mom loved kids,” Abbey Kuczka told the newspaper. “She loved her students. I know her students looked at her like she was their mom.”

St. Louis Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams said seven security guards were in the school at the time of the attack, each stationed at an entrance of the locked building. One of the guards noticed the gunman trying to get in at a locked door, but couldn't. The guard notified school officials, who contacted police, Sack said.

“It was that timely response by that security officer, the fact that the door did cause pause for the suspect, that bought us some time,” Sack said.

He declined to say how the man eventually got inside, armed with what he described as a long gun. Central Visual and Performing Arts shares a building with another magnet school, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. Central has 383 students, Collegiate 336.

Officers worked to get students out of the three-story building, then “ran to that gunfire, located that shooter and engaged that shooter in an exchange of gunfire," killing him, Sack said.

Monday’s school shooting was the fortieth this year resulting in injuries or death, according to a tally by Education Week — the most in any year since it began tracking shootings in 2018. The deadly attacks include the killings at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in May, when 19 children and two teachers died. Monday's St. Louis shooting came on the same day a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">Michigan teenager pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to terrorism and first-degree murder in a school shooting that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">killed four students</a>&nbsp;in December 2021.

Some of the six people hospitalized in Monday's attack suffered gunshot wounds, while others were struck by shrapnel, Sack said. He did not provide any information on their conditions.

Taniya Gholston said she was saved when the shooter's gun jammed as he entered her classroom. “All I heard was two shots and he came in there with a gun,” the 16-year-old told the Post-Dispatch. “I was trying to run and I couldn't run. Me and him made eye contact but I made it out because his gun got jammed.”

Two teachers recounted near-miss confrontations with the shooter.

Ashley Rench told The Associated Press she was teaching advanced algebra to sophomores when she heard a loud bang. Then the school intercom announced, “Miles Davis is in the building.”

“That’s our code for intruder,” Rench said.

Students took refuge beneath her desk and behind her podium as the shooter tried to enter the locked classroom before giving up and going away.

“I don’t know why he chose not to break my windows or shoot through the lock,” she said.

Raymond Parks was about to teach a dance class for juniors when a man dressed in black approached. At first, Parks thought the man was carrying a broom or a stick. Then he realized it was a gun.

“The kids started screaming and running and scrambling. He walked directly into the two doors and pointed the gun over at me because I was in the front,” Parks said.

For some unknown reason, Parks said, the shooter pointed the gun away from him and let Parks and the dozen or so students leave the room. “That’s what I don’t understand. He let me go,” Parks said.

Janay Douglas’ 15-year-old daughter got stuck in a hallway when the school was locked down. Douglas said she received a call from her daughter letting her know she heard shots.

“One of her friends busted through the door, he was shot in the hand, and then her and her friends just took off running. The phone disconnected,” Douglas said. “I was on my way.”

Kuczka, the slain teacher, taught health at Central for 14 years and recently began coaching cross-country at Collegiate, her daughter said. “She was definitely looking forward to retirement though. She was close," Abbey Kuczka said.

Kuczka's biography on the school website said she was the married mother of five and a grandmother of seven. She was an avid bike rider and was part of a 1979 national championship field hockey team at what is now Missouri State University.

“I cannot imagine myself in any other career but teaching,” Kuczka wrote on the website. “In high school, I taught swimming lessons at the YMCA. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”

The shooting left St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones shaken.

“Our children shouldn’t have to experience this,” Jones said at the news conference. “They shouldn’t have to go through active shooter drills in case something happens. And unfortunately that happened today.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said additional action is needed to stop gun violence.

“Every day that the Senate fails to send an assault weapons ban to the president’s desk or waits to take another other common sense actions, is a day too late for families and communities impacted by gun violence," Jean-Pierre said.

The school district placed all of its schools on lockdown for the remainder of the day, and canceled all after-school activities, including sports.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis police say three people are dead after a shooting a high school Monday morning.

Speaking at a news conference, Police Commissioner Michael Sack said the three dead included an adult, a girl and the shooter.

The shooting just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building to seek safety. Within minutes, the school was surrounded by dozens of police vehicles.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — At least two students were injured Monday morning in a shooting inside a St. Louis high school.

The shooting was reported just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, prompting hundreds of students, faculty and staff to leave the building, many of them running. The school was immediately surrounded by dozens of police vehicles.

St. Louis Public Schools said on Twitter that the shooter was “quickly stopped” by police. A tweet from the police department said the shooter was in custody. No further details about the shooter were immediately released.

The FBI said in a statement later Monday morning that there was no longer an “immediate threat” at the school. The district said the injured students were on the way to the hospital, but did not indicate how badly they were injured.

One student, 16-year-old Taniya Gholston, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch she was in a room when the shooter entered.

“All I heard was two shots and he came in there with a gun,” Gholston said. “And I was trying to run and I couldn't run. Me and him made eye contact but I made it out because his gun got jammed. But we saw blood on the floor.”

TV reports said officers entered the area with guns drawn shortly after 9 a.m. Crime tape was placed around the school and some parents arrived to pick up kids and check on their safety. The district, in a tweet, said students could be picked up at another school building or a nearby grocery store.

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School is a magnet school specializing in visual art, musical art and performing art. The district website says the school's “educational program is designed to create a nurturing environment where students receive a quality academic and artistic education that prepares them to compete successfully at the post-secondary level or perform competently in the world of work.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666624155958.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting early Monday-photo courtesy KTVI" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting early Monday-photo courtesy KTVI</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — An armed former student broke into a St. Louis high school Monday morning warning, “You are all going to die!” before fatally shooting a teacher and a teenage girl, and wounding six others before police killed him in an exchange of gunfire.The attack just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building to seek safety. One terrorized girl said she was eye-to-eye with the shooter before his gun apparently jammed and she was able to run out.Speaking at a news conference, Police Chief Michael Sack said fast actions by a security guard, along with police officers who “ran to the gunfire” helped end the shooting before more people were killed or hurt. Police on Monday evening identified the shooter as 19-year-old Orlando Harris, who graduated from the school last year. Police said they did not have a possible motive. They said earlier in the day that it was not clear if anyone had been targeted.Sack said Harris had no prior criminal history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666624221873.png" alt="Students ran from the building -photo courtesy KTVI&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Students ran from the building -photo courtesy KTVI&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities didn't name the victims, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/health-teacher-killed-in-south-st-louis-school-shooting-loved-her-students/article_b035a1e1-2595-51c2-8d45-0d9a42ea676d.html">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;identified the dead teacher as Jean Kuczka. Her daughter said her mother was killed when the gunman burst into her classroom and she moved between him and her students.“My mom loved kids,” Abbey Kuczka told the newspaper. “She loved her students. I know her students looked at her like she was their mom.”St. Louis Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams said seven security guards were in the school at the time of the attack, each stationed at an entrance of the locked building. One of the guards noticed the gunman trying to get in at a locked door, but couldn't. The guard notified school officials, who contacted police, Sack said.“It was that timely response by that security officer, the fact that the door did cause pause for the suspect, that bought us some time,” Sack said.He declined to say how the man eventually got inside, armed with what he described as a long gun. Central Visual and Performing Arts shares a building with another magnet school, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. Central has 383 students, Collegiate 336.Officers worked to get students out of the three-story building, then “ran to that gunfire, located that shooter and engaged that shooter in an exchange of gunfire," killing him, Sack said.Monday’s school shooting was the fortieth this year resulting in injuries or death, according to a tally by Education Week — the most in any year since it began tracking shootings in 2018. The deadly attacks include the killings at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in May, when 19 children and two teachers died. Monday's St. Louis shooting came on the same day a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pontiac-michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-crime-shootings-ff69e26f96bb07af5dcb76bddc650bb4">Michigan teenager pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to terrorism and first-degree murder in a school shooting that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-football-michigan-77eb45f22f5d9dab802e4378608ca307">killed four students</a>&nbsp;in December 2021.Some of the six people hospitalized in Monday's attack suffered gunshot wounds, while others were struck by shrapnel, Sack said. He did not provide any information on their conditions.Taniya Gholston said she was saved when the shooter's gun jammed as he entered her classroom. “All I heard was two shots and he came in there with a gun,” the 16-year-old told the Post-Dispatch. “I was trying to run and I couldn't run. Me and him made eye contact but I made it out because his gun got jammed.”Two teachers recounted near-miss confrontations with the shooter.Ashley Rench told The Associated Press she was teaching advanced algebra to sophomores when she heard a loud bang. Then the school intercom announced, “Miles Davis is in the building.”“That’s our code for intruder,” Rench said.Students took refuge beneath her desk and behind her podium as the shooter tried to enter the locked classroom before giving up and going away.“I don’t know why he chose not to break my windows or shoot through the lock,” she said.Raymond Parks was about to teach a dance class for juniors when a man dressed in black approached. At first, Parks thought the man was carrying a broom or a stick. Then he realized it was a gun.“The kids started screaming and running and scrambling. He walked directly into the two doors and pointed the gun over at me because I was in the front,” Parks said.For some unknown reason, Parks said, the shooter pointed the gun away from him and let Parks and the dozen or so students leave the room. “That’s what I don’t understand. He let me go,” Parks said.Janay Douglas’ 15-year-old daughter got stuck in a hallway when the school was locked down. Douglas said she received a call from her daughter letting her know she heard shots.“One of her friends busted through the door, he was shot in the hand, and then her and her friends just took off running. The phone disconnected,” Douglas said. “I was on my way.”Kuczka, the slain teacher, taught health at Central for 14 years and recently began coaching cross-country at Collegiate, her daughter said. “She was definitely looking forward to retirement though. She was close," Abbey Kuczka said.Kuczka's biography on the school website said she was the married mother of five and a grandmother of seven. She was an avid bike rider and was part of a 1979 national championship field hockey team at what is now Missouri State University.“I cannot imagine myself in any other career but teaching,” Kuczka wrote on the website. “In high school, I taught swimming lessons at the YMCA. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”The shooting left St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones shaken.“Our children shouldn’t have to experience this,” Jones said at the news conference. “They shouldn’t have to go through active shooter drills in case something happens. And unfortunately that happened today.”White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said additional action is needed to stop gun violence.“Every day that the Senate fails to send an assault weapons ban to the president’s desk or waits to take another other common sense actions, is a day too late for families and communities impacted by gun violence," Jean-Pierre said.The school district placed all of its schools on lockdown for the remainder of the day, and canceled all after-school activities, including sports.-----------ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis police say three people are dead after a shooting a high school Monday morning.Speaking at a news conference, Police Commissioner Michael Sack said the three dead included an adult, a girl and the shooter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666624221873.png" alt="Students ran from the building -photo courtesy KTVI&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Students ran from the building -photo courtesy KTVI&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The shooting just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building to seek safety. Within minutes, the school was surrounded by dozens of police vehicles.--------ST. LOUIS (AP) — At least two students were injured Monday morning in a shooting inside a St. Louis high school.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Police are on site at Central Visual and Performing Arts this morning following reports of an active shooter and both CVPA and Collegiate are on lockdown. The shooter was quickly stopped by police inside CVPA. We have reports of 2 students injured and on the way to the hospital.&mdash; Saint Louis Public Schools (@SLPS_INFO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLPS_INFO/status/1584557124281327617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The shooting was reported just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, prompting hundreds of students, faculty and staff to leave the building, many of them running. The school was immediately surrounded by dozens of police vehicles.St. Louis Public Schools said on Twitter that the shooter was “quickly stopped” by police. A tweet from the police department said the shooter was in custody. No further details about the shooter were immediately released.The FBI said in a statement later Monday morning that there was no longer an “immediate threat” at the school. The district said the injured students were on the way to the hospital, but did not indicate how badly they were injured.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Praying for the children, families, teachers, and staff impacted and present during a school shooting today in South St. Louis. My thoughts are with our educators, first responders, my sister Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/tishaura?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tishaura</a> and all in the community working hard to keep our young people safe.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1584561787680493570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>One student, 16-year-old Taniya Gholston, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch she was in a room when the shooter entered.“All I heard was two shots and he came in there with a gun,” Gholston said. “And I was trying to run and I couldn't run. Me and him made eye contact but I made it out because his gun got jammed. But we saw blood on the floor.”TV reports said officers entered the area with guns drawn shortly after 9 a.m. Crime tape was placed around the school and some parents arrived to pick up kids and check on their safety. The district, in a tweet, said students could be picked up at another school building or a nearby grocery store.Central Visual and Performing Arts High School is a magnet school specializing in visual art, musical art and performing art. The district website says the school's “educational program is designed to create a nurturing environment where students receive a quality academic and artistic education that prepares them to compete successfully at the post-secondary level or perform competently in the world of work.”

Update: Police ID shooter who killed 2 at Missouri high school

Janet A. Ferrell, age 83, passed away on 
Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on January 4, 1939, in Bristol, Colorado, the 
daughter of Robert Lee and Janet Marshall Basye.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2002 moving from Lakin, Kansas, she was a retired 
CNA.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lamar, Colorado.

On August 4, 1957, she married Charles Lynn Ferrell in Lamar, Colorado.&nbsp; He passed away on May 25, 2010, in Fort Dodge, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - DeWayne &amp; Julie Ferrell of Scott 
City, Kansas, and One Daughter - Rhonda &amp; Jim Hubers of Sioux Falls,
 South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Archie &amp; Ralph, and Two Sisters - Roberta &amp; Patricia.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, and 10:00 
a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Memorials in Lieu Of Flowers may be written to the Janet Ferrell 
Memorial Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666648786497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janet A. Ferrell, age 83, passed away on 
Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on January 4, 1939, in Bristol, Colorado, the 
daughter of Robert Lee and Janet Marshall Basye.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2002 moving from Lakin, Kansas, she was a retired 
CNA.She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lamar, Colorado.On August 4, 1957, she married Charles Lynn Ferrell in Lamar, Colorado.&nbsp; He passed away on May 25, 2010, in Fort Dodge, Kansas.Survivors include her One Son - DeWayne &amp; Julie Ferrell of Scott 
City, Kansas, and One Daughter - Rhonda &amp; Jim Hubers of Sioux Falls,
 South Dakota.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Archie &amp; Ralph, and Two Sisters - Roberta &amp; Patricia.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, and 10:00 
a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Memorials in Lieu Of Flowers may be written to the Janet Ferrell 
Memorial Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Janet A. Ferrell

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown and player guest Pat Kelly from Monday, October 22, 2022.

Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (94.3-FM/1400-AM) at noon live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown and player guest Pat Kelly from Monday, October 22, 2022.Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (94.3-FM/1400-AM) at noon live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Oct 24, 2022)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cmban-12f73ce-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>