Henry “Hank” F. Pierce went home to meet his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2023. He was born on October 27, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Henry Fletcher Pierce, III and Edith Lorraine (Campbell).

Hank graduated from Hays High School in 1954 and received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University in 1961. He was a proud Beta Theta Phi and cherished lifelong relationships with his fraternity brothers. He enjoyed planning and attending their reunions including trips to Branson, Wichita, Colorado Springs, and the Hill Country of Texas. 

He served as a private first class in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1958, and was stationed in Okinawa.

Hank’s successful career started as project manager for Hunter Construction Company from 1961-1966. In 1967, he started Pierce - Schippers Construction Company with his partner, John Schippers. Together they built many of Hays’ iconic buildings including St. Anthony’s Hospital, Hadley Hospital, Gross Memorial Coliseum, Midwest Energy, Rarick Hall, McMindes Hall, Wiest Hall, Hays High School, Midwest Energy, Epworth Towers, Epworth Village, Centennial Towers and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.

Hank enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, tournament bridge, and poker. He also enjoyed playing recreational basketball, which he did into his later years.

On June 2, 1962, he married Patricia Isbell and they had three daughters: Jane, Carrie and Lisa. Their fondest memories of their dad are golfing and swimming at Smoky Hill Country Club, the houseboat and fishing at Wilson Lake, track meets, bowling, playing Putt Putt, watching sports, eating at Taco Grande, and enjoying his barbecued hamburgers.

On July 15, 1979, he married Mary Lynn Crow and they had two children: Hank and Michelle.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lynn Pierce of Cleveland, OH; his sister Mary Beth (Larry) Sayre of Colleyville, TX; his five children: Jane (Sonny) Lewis of Hays, KS, Carrie Stremel of Hays, KS, Lisa Pierce of Hays, KS, Henry Pierce of Colorado Springs, CO, and Michelle (Sam) Cario of Cleveland, OH; his nine grandchildren: Cody Baker of Hays, Audrea (Salv) Marciano of San Antonio, TX, Amy Stewart of Wichita, KS, Brittany Baker of Hays, Ashley (Aaron) Durbin of Upland, CA, Heather (Jeremy) Dixon of Hays, Jordan (Crysta) Stremel of Denver, CO, Holly Donaldson of Hays, Hannah Donaldson of San Antonio, TX, Alec Cario and Sebastian Cario of Cleveland, OH. Hank also has nine great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia Anne Pierce.

In his memory, his daughter, Jane and granddaughter, Audrea, will travel to Scotland in the Spring to visit St. Andrews Links and the highlands of the Campbell clan. It was always their dream to visit their ancestral home and play golf together.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”- Matthew 25:23 Amazing love!&nbsp; How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me! Charles Wesley

<h2>Henry 'Hank' F. Pierce</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690212010323.png" alt="Henry 'Hank' F. Pierce" />
 <figcaption>Henry 'Hank' F. Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>October 27, 1936 - June 2, 2023Henry “Hank” F. Pierce went home to meet his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2023. He was born on October 27, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Henry Fletcher Pierce, III and Edith Lorraine (Campbell). Hank graduated from Hays High School in 1954 and received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University in 1961. He was a proud Beta Theta Phi and cherished lifelong relationships with his fraternity brothers. He enjoyed planning and attending their reunions including trips to Branson, Wichita, Colorado Springs, and the Hill Country of Texas. He served as a private first class in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1958, and was stationed in Okinawa.Hank’s successful career started as project manager for Hunter Construction Company from 1961-1966. In 1967, he started Pierce - Schippers Construction Company with his partner, John Schippers. Together they built many of Hays’ iconic buildings including St. Anthony’s Hospital, Hadley Hospital, Gross Memorial Coliseum, Midwest Energy, Rarick Hall, McMindes Hall, Wiest Hall, Hays High School, Midwest Energy, Epworth Towers, Epworth Village, Centennial Towers and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. Hank enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, tournament bridge, and poker. He also enjoyed playing recreational basketball, which he did into his later years.On June 2, 1962, he married Patricia Isbell and they had three daughters: Jane, Carrie and Lisa. Their fondest memories of their dad are golfing and swimming at Smoky Hill Country Club, the houseboat and fishing at Wilson Lake, track meets, bowling, playing Putt Putt, watching sports, eating at Taco Grande, and enjoying his barbecued hamburgers. On July 15, 1979, he married Mary Lynn Crow and they had two children: Hank and Michelle.Survivors include his wife, Mary Lynn Pierce of Cleveland, OH; his sister Mary Beth (Larry) Sayre of Colleyville, TX; his five children: Jane (Sonny) Lewis of Hays, KS, Carrie Stremel of Hays, KS, Lisa Pierce of Hays, KS, Henry Pierce of Colorado Springs, CO, and Michelle (Sam) Cario of Cleveland, OH; his nine grandchildren: Cody Baker of Hays, Audrea (Salv) Marciano of San Antonio, TX, Amy Stewart of Wichita, KS, Brittany Baker of Hays, Ashley (Aaron) Durbin of Upland, CA, Heather (Jeremy) Dixon of Hays, Jordan (Crysta) Stremel of Denver, CO, Holly Donaldson of Hays, Hannah Donaldson of San Antonio, TX, Alec Cario and Sebastian Cario of Cleveland, OH. Hank also has nine great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia Anne Pierce. In his memory, his daughter, Jane and granddaughter, Audrea, will travel to Scotland in the Spring to visit St. Andrews Links and the highlands of the Campbell clan. It was always their dream to visit their ancestral home and play golf together."Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”- Matthew 25:23 Amazing love!&nbsp; How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me! Charles Wesley

Henry 'Hank' F. Pierce

DENVER (AP) — An 18-year-old from suburban Denver who allegedly planned to go to Iraq to fight for the Islamic State group was arrested last week as he tried to board a flight to Turkey.

Davin Daniel Meyer of Castle Rock, who was arrested Friday, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Colorado announced late Monday.

Meyer's lawyer did not immediately return a telephone message or email seeking comment.

According to his arrest affidavit, law enforcement began investigating him in June 2022 when someone who knew him contacted the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The person said they were concerned because, after following white supremacist ideology, Meyer, then 17, had turned to Islam and was frequently watching and listening to “radical Islamic sermons online." The FBI was notified by the sheriff's office, it said.

The person, who was not identified in the document, said Meyer said “he wanted to die in his early twenties for Allah."

“In October 2022, the individual informed the FBI that Meyer had stated that if he could not go to the Middle East, he planned to get fertilizer and build a bomb in the United States,” the arrest affidavit said.

The document noted that Meyer had previously undergone mental health treatment and has been diagnosed with conditions including autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder.

Soon after he turned 18 in November, Meyer began communicating online with someone he thought was an Islamic State facilitator but was actually a paid FBI informant, the document said. The following month, that person introduced Meyer to another informant who claimed to be an Islamic State travel facilitator, who met with Meyer three times to talk about his plan to pay and prepare for traveling to join the Islamic State.

Meyer talked about problems finding a job that would allow him to follow his religious practices, such as not having to interact with women or listen to music, it said. After his mother offered to pay for an apartment for him and cover some living expenses for him, he decided to use that money to pay for his trip and buy gear that he needed to become a fighter, the document said.

Concerned that his mother would worry about him, he talked about leaving a note on the counter saying he had left by his own choice.

Meyer bought a ticket for July 14 to travel to Ankara, Turkey, where he believed he would meet with Islamic State members and travel on to Iraq to become a fighter, the arrest affidavit said.

That day, he “repeatedly expressed anxiety and hesitation” to one of the informants, but he also “repeatedly expressed determination to go through with his plans,” it said.

Meyer was arrested after showing his boarding pass to the gate agent and walking down the jet bridge to the plane, the arrest affidavit said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690157195054.png" alt="Davin Daniel Meyer -photo courtesy FBI" />
 <figcaption>Davin Daniel Meyer -photo courtesy FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — An 18-year-old from suburban Denver who allegedly planned to go to Iraq to fight for the Islamic State group was arrested last week as he tried to board a flight to Turkey.Davin Daniel Meyer of Castle Rock, who was arrested Friday, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Colorado announced late Monday.Meyer's lawyer did not immediately return a telephone message or email seeking comment.According to his arrest affidavit, law enforcement began investigating him in June 2022 when someone who knew him contacted the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The person said they were concerned because, after following white supremacist ideology, Meyer, then 17, had turned to Islam and was frequently watching and listening to “radical Islamic sermons online." The FBI was notified by the sheriff's office, it said.The person, who was not identified in the document, said Meyer said “he wanted to die in his early twenties for Allah."“In October 2022, the individual informed the FBI that Meyer had stated that if he could not go to the Middle East, he planned to get fertilizer and build a bomb in the United States,” the arrest affidavit said.The document noted that Meyer had previously undergone mental health treatment and has been diagnosed with conditions including autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder.Soon after he turned 18 in November, Meyer began communicating online with someone he thought was an Islamic State facilitator but was actually a paid FBI informant, the document said. The following month, that person introduced Meyer to another informant who claimed to be an Islamic State travel facilitator, who met with Meyer three times to talk about his plan to pay and prepare for traveling to join the Islamic State.Meyer talked about problems finding a job that would allow him to follow his religious practices, such as not having to interact with women or listen to music, it said. After his mother offered to pay for an apartment for him and cover some living expenses for him, he decided to use that money to pay for his trip and buy gear that he needed to become a fighter, the document said.Concerned that his mother would worry about him, he talked about leaving a note on the counter saying he had left by his own choice.Meyer bought a ticket for July 14 to travel to Ankara, Turkey, where he believed he would meet with Islamic State members and travel on to Iraq to become a fighter, the arrest affidavit said.That day, he “repeatedly expressed anxiety and hesitation” to one of the informants, but he also “repeatedly expressed determination to go through with his plans,” it said.Meyer was arrested after showing his boarding pass to the gate agent and walking down the jet bridge to the plane, the arrest affidavit said.

Colorado teen accused of ties to foreign terrorist organization

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory</a>

<a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/90669" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>

Barbara Janelle Gregory, 86, passed away July 20, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kan. She was born on June 23, 1937, at Ellinwood, to Gottfried and Marie (Winter) Miller. 

She married Frank W. Gregory on October 31, 1954, at Ellinwood. He died December 4, 1990.&nbsp;

A recent resident of Lawrence, Barbara was formerly of Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Hoxie and Garden City. 

She worked in housekeeping at CKMC for many years and a former member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, and word search puzzles.

Survivors include two sons, Wayne Gregory and wife Joyce of Hillsdale, Kan., and David Gregory and wife Brenda of Burlington, Colo.; a daughter, Brenda Sekavec and husband Dale of Lawrence; a brother, Richard “Dick” Miller and wife Dorothy of Great Bend; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; an infant son, Danny J. Gregory; two brothers, Gottfied Miller and Robert Miller; and three sisters, Alvera Miller, Lydia Ailshie and Emma Beardslee.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tom Thierfelder presiding. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. 

Memorials have been designated to the American Lung Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Barbara Janelle Gregory, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Barbara Janelle Gregory</h2><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory</a><a href="https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/90669" target="_blank">View Funeral Webcast</a>Barbara Janelle Gregory, 86, passed away July 20, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kan. She was born on June 23, 1937, at Ellinwood, to Gottfried and Marie (Winter) Miller. She married Frank W. Gregory on October 31, 1954, at Ellinwood. He died December 4, 1990.&nbsp;A recent resident of Lawrence, Barbara was formerly of Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Hoxie and Garden City. She worked in housekeeping at CKMC for many years and a former member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, and word search puzzles.Survivors include two sons, Wayne Gregory and wife Joyce of Hillsdale, Kan., and David Gregory and wife Brenda of Burlington, Colo.; a daughter, Brenda Sekavec and husband Dale of Lawrence; a brother, Richard “Dick” Miller and wife Dorothy of Great Bend; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; an infant son, Danny J. Gregory; two brothers, Gottfied Miller and Robert Miller; and three sisters, Alvera Miller, Lydia Ailshie and Emma Beardslee.Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tom Thierfelder presiding. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Memorials have been designated to the American Lung Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Barbara Janelle Gregory, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/barbara-gregory/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Barbara Janelle Gregory

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a federal relief program designed to help United States business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the United State's Attorney.

Timothy Dale Warren, 59, of Haysville served as owner of<a href="https://titanmedcenter.com/about/"> Titan Medical</a> <a href="https://titanmedcenter.com/about/">Center </a>which offered chiropractic care, school sports physicals, and other services in Wichita,&nbsp;According to court documents.

In May 2020 and April 2021, Warren submitted false documents to banks in order to fraudulently obtain two loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the CARES Act.

In August 2020, the defendant converted $35,500.00 in criminally obtained funds into a cashier’s check then deposited money into a business bank account at another financial institution. 

Warren acknowledges his actions caused the SBA a total loss of $145,877.70.

“The federal government created programs to provide economic relief to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 related shutdowns,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Unfortunately, Timothy Warren manipulated a well-intentioned program into a mechanism of personal financial gain and must now be held accountable.”

Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689709800592.png" alt="Dr. Tim Warren-photo courtesy Titan Medical" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tim Warren-photo courtesy Titan Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a federal relief program designed to help United States business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the United State's Attorney.Timothy Dale Warren, 59, of Haysville served as owner of<a href="https://titanmedcenter.com/about/"> Titan Medical</a> <a href="https://titanmedcenter.com/about/">Center </a>which offered chiropractic care, school sports physicals, and other services in Wichita,&nbsp;According to court documents.In May 2020 and April 2021, Warren submitted false documents to banks in order to fraudulently obtain two loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the CARES Act.In August 2020, the defendant converted $35,500.00 in criminally obtained funds into a cashier’s check then deposited money into a business bank account at another financial institution. Warren acknowledges his actions caused the SBA a total loss of $145,877.70.“The federal government created programs to provide economic relief to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 related shutdowns,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Unfortunately, Timothy Warren manipulated a well-intentioned program into a mechanism of personal financial gain and must now be held accountable.”Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Another Kan. businessman admits cheating COVID relief program

Pilot program Nov. 7-9 open to Kansas resident applicants for undergraduate school

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Tuesday to create a three-day window during November in which public colleges and universities in the state would waive undergraduate application fees for Kansas residents regardless of a person’s income or age.

The pilot project scheduled for Nov. 7-9, 2023, would attempt to address the 11.5 percentage point decline between 2014 and 2021 in the rate of Kansas high school graduates who enrolled within one year at any of more than 30 public institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.

The free application initiative, modeled after a similar effort in Colorado, would be open to Kansas residents interested in enrolling as undergraduate students. Eligible persons would include first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and those seeking a second bachelor’s degree. Application fees in Kansas ranged from $25 to $40.

The Board of Regents’ pilot project wouldn’t be available to nonresident applicants nor to individuals applying to graduate school.

The project would cost state universities about $1 million annually in application fee revenue typically spent on admissions staff and enrollment management operations. University of Kansas, Wichita State University and Kansas State University would surrender more than two-thirds of that revenue total. Pittsburg State University doesn’t have an undergraduate application fee. Community colleges in Kansas don’t have a general application fee, but technical colleges do.

The pilot would likely produce more “soft” applications from people who don’t actually enroll at a public institution in Kansas, but advocates believe it could draw more students into a higher education system struggling to sustain enrollment numbers.

“What are some of the things we can do right now to remove barriers and kind of better position ourselves to have a more robust high school-to-college pipeline?” said Daniel Archer, vice president for academic affairs with the Board of Regents.

Archer said evidence of the state’s challenge could be found in statistics comparing Kansas public college enrollment in 2014 and 2021, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said 58.9 percent of Kansas high school graduates enrolled within one year at a Kansas public college or university in 2014. That percentage fell to 43.7 percent in 2021.

Comparable statistics along racial and ethnic lines in Kansas indicated Hispanic enrollment in that period plummeted from 50 percent to 31.9 percent, he said. Black enrollment crashed over those seven years from 51.5 percent to 32.7 percent, while white enrollment slid from 56.8 percent to 48.1 percent.

“Really critical, I think, to emphasize that we’re going to look at the total number of applicants as well as the total number of applicants by race and ethnicity,” Archer said.

Cynthia Lane, a member of the Board of Regents and a retired Kansas public school administrator, said the higher education board should measure the pilot project in terms of how application fees influenced prospective students. She said the experiment should be useful in the development of recruiting strategies for the state’s public universities.

The precise window established by the Board of Regents would be 12 a.m. Nov. 7 to 11:59 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications could be filled out in advance, but would need to be submitted during the three-day window.

Five years ago, Colorado started an Apply Free day for the state’s residents. It began with a one-day fee holiday in October. Marketing was conducted in English and Spanish. Residents of that state were given the opportunity to apply without charge to undergraduate programs at all state public and some private Colorado colleges and universities.

In 2020, the third year of the Colorado program, 56,800 applications were filed in a single day. That amounted to a 28 percent increase in interest compared to the program’s first year. In Colorado, 44 percent of the third-year applications were submitted by students of color and 28 percent by first-generation students. Colorado moved to a three-day window in 2021 to better deal with the avalanche of applications.

<h2>Pilot program Nov. 7-9 open to Kansas resident applicants for undergraduate school</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689711918729.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas Board of Regents member Cindy Lane endorsed creation of a three-day window in November for public colleges and universities in Kansas to waive application fees for Kansas residents seeking to enroll as undergraduate students. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas Board of Regents member Cindy Lane endorsed creation of a three-day window in November for public colleges and universities in Kansas to waive application fees for Kansas residents seeking to enroll as undergraduate students. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Tuesday to create a three-day window during November in which public colleges and universities in the state would waive undergraduate application fees for Kansas residents regardless of a person’s income or age.The pilot project scheduled for Nov. 7-9, 2023, would attempt to address the 11.5 percentage point decline between 2014 and 2021 in the rate of Kansas high school graduates who enrolled within one year at any of more than 30 public institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.The free application initiative, modeled after a similar effort in Colorado, would be open to Kansas residents interested in enrolling as undergraduate students. Eligible persons would include first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and those seeking a second bachelor’s degree. Application fees in Kansas ranged from $25 to $40.The Board of Regents’ pilot project wouldn’t be available to nonresident applicants nor to individuals applying to graduate school.The project would cost state universities about $1 million annually in application fee revenue typically spent on admissions staff and enrollment management operations. University of Kansas, Wichita State University and Kansas State University would surrender more than two-thirds of that revenue total. Pittsburg State University doesn’t have an undergraduate application fee. Community colleges in Kansas don’t have a general application fee, but technical colleges do.The pilot would likely produce more “soft” applications from people who don’t actually enroll at a public institution in Kansas, but advocates believe it could draw more students into a higher education system struggling to sustain enrollment numbers.“What are some of the things we can do right now to remove barriers and kind of better position ourselves to have a more robust high school-to-college pipeline?” said Daniel Archer, vice president for academic affairs with the Board of Regents.Archer said evidence of the state’s challenge could be found in statistics comparing Kansas public college enrollment in 2014 and 2021, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic.He said 58.9 percent of Kansas high school graduates enrolled within one year at a Kansas public college or university in 2014. That percentage fell to 43.7 percent in 2021.Comparable statistics along racial and ethnic lines in Kansas indicated Hispanic enrollment in that period plummeted from 50 percent to 31.9 percent, he said. Black enrollment crashed over those seven years from 51.5 percent to 32.7 percent, while white enrollment slid from 56.8 percent to 48.1 percent.“Really critical, I think, to emphasize that we’re going to look at the total number of applicants as well as the total number of applicants by race and ethnicity,” Archer said.Cynthia Lane, a member of the Board of Regents and a retired Kansas public school administrator, said the higher education board should measure the pilot project in terms of how application fees influenced prospective students. She said the experiment should be useful in the development of recruiting strategies for the state’s public universities.The precise window established by the Board of Regents would be 12 a.m. Nov. 7 to 11:59 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications could be filled out in advance, but would need to be submitted during the three-day window.Five years ago, Colorado started an Apply Free day for the state’s residents. It began with a one-day fee holiday in October. Marketing was conducted in English and Spanish. Residents of that state were given the opportunity to apply without charge to undergraduate programs at all state public and some private Colorado colleges and universities.In 2020, the third year of the Colorado program, 56,800 applications were filed in a single day. That amounted to a 28 percent increase in interest compared to the program’s first year. In Colorado, 44 percent of the third-year applications were submitted by students of color and 28 percent by first-generation students. Colorado moved to a three-day window in 2021 to better deal with the avalanche of applications.

Kansas Board of Regents creates 3-day free application option at public universities, colleges

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for the death of her infant daughter.

On Friday, 29-year-old Neriah Dilley was sentenced to just over 14-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In February, Dilley entered a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder and one count of abuse of a child.

In October of 2021, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.

Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633901481923.png" alt="Dilley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dilley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for the death of her infant daughter.On Friday, 29-year-old Neriah Dilley was sentenced to just over 14-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In February, Dilley entered a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder and one count of abuse of a child.In October of 2021, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.

Kan. mother sentenced for abuse death of infant daughter

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A national civil rights organization focused on LGBTQ issues waded into a federal-court campaign by Attorney General Kris Kobach to unravel a 2019 consent order guaranteeing transgender individuals could change gender markers on their Kansas birth certificates.

Attorneys with the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund responded to Kobach by requesting the U.S. District Court uphold a four-year-old order as it related to revision of birth certificates. The settlement under scrutiny applied to a lawsuit filed by transgender plaintiffs challenging Gov. Sam Brownback’s ban on gender refinements to certificates of birth.

“Permitting transgender Kansans to obtain accurate birth certificates consistent with their&nbsp;gender identity remains the main thrust of the consent judgment,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a Lambda Legal lawyer on the brief.&nbsp;“Simply put, the zealous desire of some state actors to perpetuate the very discriminatory&nbsp;policies this court has already found to be unconstitutional is not and cannot be a sufficient&nbsp;significant change in circumstances to warrant relief.”

Days before the anti-trans Senate Bill 180 took effect in Kansas, the attorney general urged U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree to set aside key provisions of the June 21, 2019, order accepted by the administration of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the four transgender plaintiffs.

The federal decree was based on the court’s perspective that policies forbidding correction of birth certificates violated due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Kobach argued the new state law required Kansas officials to document on birth certificates and driver’s licenses the biological sex of infants at birth. He said Crabtree’s order should be recalculated&nbsp;because the new statute mandated state officials operate in a way contrary to the federal judgment.

In fact, the Republican attorney general said the new state law made compliance with the federal order “legally impermissible.”

Attorneys with Lambda Legal countered that Kobach mistakenly believed federal court confirmation of unconstitutional practices could be superseded by enactment of a state law declaring those practices to be legal.

The 2019 federal order did state obligations of the consent judgment were binding upon state of Kansas defendants and&nbsp;any successor charged with enforcing laws regarding birth certificates.

“Such language was presciently necessary because, as is the case now, those intent on&nbsp;using the state’s powers to perpetuate discrimination against vulnerable and discrete minorities&nbsp;like transgender people do not give up easily,” the Lambda Legal attorneys said.

Lambda Legal asked in the brief whether Kobach’s theory meant a new&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;statute, law, policy or practice could prohibit issuance within the state of marriage licenses to same-sex couples&nbsp;in violation of U.S. Supreme Court precedent. The same question was framed by Lambda Legal in context of the landmark segregation decision of the U.S. Supreme Court declaring separate-but-equal schools were unconstitutional.

“Is it Attorney General Kobach’s&nbsp;position that the judgment in&nbsp;Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka&nbsp;may be vacated simply because the Kansas Legislature has enacted a law instituting separate&nbsp;educational facilities based on race? The answer is clearly no,” the Lambda Legal lawyers said.

For the state attorney general to prevail, Lambda Legal said, a judge would have to enable unconstitutional intrusion into privacy, autonomy and free speech rights of transgender Kansans. Lambda Legal’s attorneys said Kobach was relying on two non-binding decisions from district courts outside Kansas and a handful of other state court decisions to defeat the consent order, but Lambda Legal contended the picture presented by Kobach was incomplete.

Lambda Legal said Kobach ignored evidence modification of the consent order would materially harm transgender Kansans, reinforce the political persecution of LGBTQ people and run counter to the public interest in shielding constitutional rights.

In October 2018, plaintiffs Nyla Foster, Luc Bensimon, Jessica Hicklin and C.K. as well as the&nbsp;Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project filed suit contesting the Brownback policy&nbsp;barring transgender people from obtaining birth certificates that reflected their gender identity.

The plaintiffs’ argument was based on U.S. constitutional guarantees to&nbsp;equal protection under the law as well as the right to&nbsp;liberty, privacy and freedom of expression. After prolonged negotiations, the federal judge signed the consent judgment.

Senate Bill 180, enacted over Kelly’s veto, went into effect July 1. In advance of that date, Kobach&nbsp;issued an advisory opinion asserting the new state law required Kansas Department of Health and Environment to register applicants for birth certificates as either female or male at birth.

Kobach claimed the state law required the federal court to rescind the previous order on gender modification of birth certificates.

Kelly said her legal counsel didn’t interpret Senate Bill 180 to forbid changes to gender markers on birth certificates issued by KDHE or driver’s licenses produced by the Kansas Department of Revenue. A Shawnee County District Court judge issued a temporary order requested by Kobach that halted gender modifications to driver’s licenses pending further review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689677402002.png" alt=" LGBTQ flags were positioned on Capitol desks of Kansas House members during the 2023 debate on legislation targeting rights of transgender Kansans. Attorney General Kris Kobach, in wake of Senate Bill 180's passage, is challenging a federal court order allowing gender changes to birth certificates. His views clash with civil rights organizations, including Lambda Legal. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> LGBTQ flags were positioned on Capitol desks of Kansas House members during the 2023 debate on legislation targeting rights of transgender Kansans. Attorney General Kris Kobach, in wake of Senate Bill 180's passage, is challenging a federal court order allowing gender changes to birth certificates. His views clash with civil rights organizations, including Lambda Legal. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A national civil rights organization focused on LGBTQ issues waded into a federal-court campaign by Attorney General Kris Kobach to unravel a 2019 consent order guaranteeing transgender individuals could change gender markers on their Kansas birth certificates.Attorneys with the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund responded to Kobach by requesting the U.S. District Court uphold a four-year-old order as it related to revision of birth certificates. The settlement under scrutiny applied to a lawsuit filed by transgender plaintiffs challenging Gov. Sam Brownback’s ban on gender refinements to certificates of birth.“Permitting transgender Kansans to obtain accurate birth certificates consistent with their&nbsp;gender identity remains the main thrust of the consent judgment,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a Lambda Legal lawyer on the brief.&nbsp;“Simply put, the zealous desire of some state actors to perpetuate the very discriminatory&nbsp;policies this court has already found to be unconstitutional is not and cannot be a sufficient&nbsp;significant change in circumstances to warrant relief.”Days before the anti-trans Senate Bill 180 took effect in Kansas, the attorney general urged U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree to set aside key provisions of the June 21, 2019, order accepted by the administration of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the four transgender plaintiffs.The federal decree was based on the court’s perspective that policies forbidding correction of birth certificates violated due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.Kobach argued the new state law required Kansas officials to document on birth certificates and driver’s licenses the biological sex of infants at birth. He said Crabtree’s order should be recalculated&nbsp;because the new statute mandated state officials operate in a way contrary to the federal judgment.In fact, the Republican attorney general said the new state law made compliance with the federal order “legally impermissible.”<h2>‘Answer is clearly no’</h2>Attorneys with Lambda Legal countered that Kobach mistakenly believed federal court confirmation of unconstitutional practices could be superseded by enactment of a state law declaring those practices to be legal.The 2019 federal order did state obligations of the consent judgment were binding upon state of Kansas defendants and&nbsp;any successor charged with enforcing laws regarding birth certificates.“Such language was presciently necessary because, as is the case now, those intent on&nbsp;using the state’s powers to perpetuate discrimination against vulnerable and discrete minorities&nbsp;like transgender people do not give up easily,” the Lambda Legal attorneys said.Lambda Legal asked in the brief whether Kobach’s theory meant a new&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;statute, law, policy or practice could prohibit issuance within the state of marriage licenses to same-sex couples&nbsp;in violation of U.S. Supreme Court precedent. The same question was framed by Lambda Legal in context of the landmark segregation decision of the U.S. Supreme Court declaring separate-but-equal schools were unconstitutional.“Is it Attorney General Kobach’s&nbsp;position that the judgment in&nbsp;Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka&nbsp;may be vacated simply because the Kansas Legislature has enacted a law instituting separate&nbsp;educational facilities based on race? The answer is clearly no,” the Lambda Legal lawyers said.For the state attorney general to prevail, Lambda Legal said, a judge would have to enable unconstitutional intrusion into privacy, autonomy and free speech rights of transgender Kansans. Lambda Legal’s attorneys said Kobach was relying on two non-binding decisions from district courts outside Kansas and a handful of other state court decisions to defeat the consent order, but Lambda Legal contended the picture presented by Kobach was incomplete.Lambda Legal said Kobach ignored evidence modification of the consent order would materially harm transgender Kansans, reinforce the political persecution of LGBTQ people and run counter to the public interest in shielding constitutional rights.<h2>Foundation in 2018 suit</h2>In October 2018, plaintiffs Nyla Foster, Luc Bensimon, Jessica Hicklin and C.K. as well as the&nbsp;Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project filed suit contesting the Brownback policy&nbsp;barring transgender people from obtaining birth certificates that reflected their gender identity.The plaintiffs’ argument was based on U.S. constitutional guarantees to&nbsp;equal protection under the law as well as the right to&nbsp;liberty, privacy and freedom of expression. After prolonged negotiations, the federal judge signed the consent judgment.Senate Bill 180, enacted over Kelly’s veto, went into effect July 1. In advance of that date, Kobach&nbsp;issued an advisory opinion asserting the new state law required Kansas Department of Health and Environment to register applicants for birth certificates as either female or male at birth.Kobach claimed the state law required the federal court to rescind the previous order on gender modification of birth certificates.Kelly said her legal counsel didn’t interpret Senate Bill 180 to forbid changes to gender markers on birth certificates issued by KDHE or driver’s licenses produced by the Kansas Department of Revenue. A Shawnee County District Court judge issued a temporary order requested by Kobach that halted gender modifications to driver’s licenses pending further review.

LGBTQ legal group fights effort to halt changes on Kan. birth certificates

Richard Dean Pospichal was born in David City, Nebraska on April 2, 1944. He was the second child of August and Martha (Kobza) Pospichal. His early years were spent on the farm near Dwight, Nebraska. At age five, his family moved to the sandhills of Holt County, where he thrived and developed his lifelong love for horses. He attended country school, graduated from St. Joseph’s in Atkinson, and then studied agriculture at the University of Lincoln. He married Patty Dvorak in October 1965, and this union brought five children. Richard worked in the agriculture field in various places and retiring from the Dodge City COOP in 2009. He lived by the cowboy ethics of honesty, dependability, and respect. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren, and he especially enjoyed following their activities, and participating in equine events with his son and grandchildren. He also eagerly anticipated his mountain rides with his friend Doc Smith. Richard and Pat enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to the Faroe Islands. He is survived by his wife Pat of Ingalls, Kansas; son Rick (Gale) Pospichal of Scott City, Kansas; daughters Lisa (Vince) Koons of Meade, Kansas, Sara Pospichal of North Platte, Nebraska, Carrie (Doug) Althouse of Cimarron, Kansas, and Janel (Jeff) Foust of North Platte, Nebraska; seven grandsons, five granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his brother Mike (Mary) Pospichal of Atkinson, Nebraska, and several nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Milo. A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Ingalls, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, also at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Hickey as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Ingalls Cemetery in Ingalls, Kansas. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to St. Catherine Hospice Comfort Zone, both in care of the funeral home. 

Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Richard Dean Pospichal</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689686789606.jpeg" alt="Richard Dean Pospichal" />
 <figcaption>Richard Dean Pospichal</figcaption>
 </figure>April 2nd, 1944 - July 15th, 2023Richard Dean Pospichal was born in David City, Nebraska on April 2, 1944. He was the second child of August and Martha (Kobza) Pospichal. His early years were spent on the farm near Dwight, Nebraska. At age five, his family moved to the sandhills of Holt County, where he thrived and developed his lifelong love for horses. He attended country school, graduated from St. Joseph’s in Atkinson, and then studied agriculture at the University of Lincoln. He married Patty Dvorak in October 1965, and this union brought five children. Richard worked in the agriculture field in various places and retiring from the Dodge City COOP in 2009. He lived by the cowboy ethics of honesty, dependability, and respect. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren, and he especially enjoyed following their activities, and participating in equine events with his son and grandchildren. He also eagerly anticipated his mountain rides with his friend Doc Smith. Richard and Pat enjoyed traveling, especially their trips to the Faroe Islands. He is survived by his wife Pat of Ingalls, Kansas; son Rick (Gale) Pospichal of Scott City, Kansas; daughters Lisa (Vince) Koons of Meade, Kansas, Sara Pospichal of North Platte, Nebraska, Carrie (Doug) Althouse of Cimarron, Kansas, and Janel (Jeff) Foust of North Platte, Nebraska; seven grandsons, five granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his brother Mike (Mary) Pospichal of Atkinson, Nebraska, and several nieces and nephews. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Milo. A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Ingalls, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, also at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Hickey as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Ingalls Cemetery in Ingalls, Kansas. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas. The family suggests memorials given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to St. Catherine Hospice Comfort Zone, both in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard Dean Pospichal

LONDON (AP) — Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-food-security-ba7f9146b745337a1948a964cb30331c">has suspended a wartime deal</a>&nbsp;designed to move grain from Ukraine to parts of the world where millions are going hungry.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, has allowed 32.9 million metric tons (36.2 million tons) of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-grain-farmers-food-a9df0827d8009c3fef347378061f9dd7">food to be exported from Ukraine</a>&nbsp;since August, more than half to developing countries, according to the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul.

Kansas junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used social media to call for immediate action in response, "Putin ending the Ukraine Grain Deal will cause starvation across the world. It is time we finally get tough on Russia and quit dragging this war out. We must fully implement bank sanctions on Russia."

Some analysts don't foresee a lasting rise in the cost of commodities like wheat because there’s enough grain in the world to go around. But many countries are already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-prices-inflation-ukraine-war-economy-8daa7e3d92666d290d87932dc8f25a94">struggling with high local food prices</a>, which are helping fuel hunger.

Here's a look at the crucial accord and what it means for the world:

Ukraine and Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-middle-east-global-trade-a2c89d94a0f8473b40a1fcde5710bda8">signed separate agreements</a>&nbsp;in July 2022, one that reopened three of Ukraine's Black Sea ports that were blocked for months following Moscow's invasion. The other facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertilizer amid Western sanctions.

Both countries are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-africa-lifestyle-middle-east-1b41faaa7ac0984d0673023b68d39a70">major suppliers of wheat</a>, barley,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-business-health-africa-688a358195a4723fc862cfe3f9e60474">sunflower oil</a>&nbsp;and other affordable food products that Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia rely on. Ukraine is also a huge exporter of corn, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-health-europe-c6a2d11380d3cb0c48d4c22703d1954e">Russia of fertilizer</a>&nbsp;— other critical parts of the food chain.

Interrupted shipments from Ukraine, dubbed the “breadbasket of the world,” exacerbated a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-politics-health-middle-east-58bb99da6bf9fc6af5a5a645022bc4d7">global food crisis</a>&nbsp;and sent prices for grain soaring worldwide.

The deal provided assurances that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-grain-shipping-risks-6adc97731965377e2f1db5f91adefa92">ships won't be attacked</a>&nbsp;entering and leaving Ukrainian ports. Vessels were checked by Russian, Ukrainian, U.N. and Turkish officials to ensure they carry only food.

Meant to be extended every four months, the deal was hailed as a beacon of hope and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-food-security-67e9fd1b5ee8b46fdd9c28955dbcb465">renewed three times</a>&nbsp;— the last two for only two months as Russia insisted its exports were being held up. That's despite Moscow shipping record amounts of wheat.

No new ships have joined the initiative since June 27, and Ukraine blames Moscow. The last vessel left Ukraine on Sunday.

The deal helped bring down global prices of food commodities like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-business-climate-and-environment-00539505ec5db37de5877137b9febeb8">wheat that hit record highs</a>&nbsp;after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Once the grain deal was struck, the World Food Program got back a top supplier, allowing 725,000 metric tons of humanitarian food aid to leave Ukraine and reach countries on the precipice of famine, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-humanitarian-food-aid-theft-us-un-c129b6942663cbfc44c6605fed97928b">Ethiopia</a>, Afghanistan and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-yemen-middle-east-civil-wars-famine-081076dd0f56f3c3cf19e3d5fce71a7b">Yemen</a>.

“It is a pretty unique phenomenon to have two warring parties and two intermediaries agree to establish this sort of corridor to get humanitarian products — which is ostensibly what this is — out to markets that need it most,” said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80% of the world’s commercial fleet.

After Russia exited the deal, wheat prices in Chicago trading rose about 3% on Monday, to $6.81 a bushel, still about half what they were during last year's peaks. Prices fell later in the day.

Russia has said it wants an end to sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-deal-exports-cde16aa076f5285a7ca72dcb822e673b">restrictions on shipping and insurance</a>&nbsp;that Moscow insists have hampered its agricultural exports.

Some companies have been wary of doing business with Russia because of sanctions, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-macky-sall-european-union-9a323f94f1dfc8c9b955a08973248dac">Western allies have made assurances</a>&nbsp;that food and fertilizer are exempt.

“It’s not uncommon in situations like this for countries to use whatever levers they have to try and get sanctions regimes changed," said Simon Evenett, professor of international trade and economic development at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Russia also has complained that a commitment to pipe its ammonia, a key component of fertilizer, to a Ukrainian port to be exported has never started under the deal. That’s true, but the U.N. says the pipeline has been damaged in the fighting.

“Regrettably, the part of the Black Sea agreements related to Russia hasn’t been fulfilled,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-russia-ukraine-food-exports-7027edafa7e5b5ff90740df6e559e98b">proposing to ease transactions</a>&nbsp;through the agricultural bank, a spokesperson said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Monday that the last-minute offer was not feasible and couldn’t be implemented.

Russian “claims that its agriculture sector is suffering are countered by the reality" that production and exports are up since before the war, said Caitlin Welsh, director of the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Russia exported a record 45.5 million metric tons of wheat in the 2022-2023 trade year, with another all-time high of 47.5 million metric tons expected in 2023-2024, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

The International Rescue Committee calls the grain deal a “lifeline for the 79 countries and 349 million people on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-drought-climate-food-security-ramadan-c04b48a83d6bba88fc05bdb69dbf438f">frontlines of food insecurity</a>."

Losing millions of tons of food from Ukraine at a time when many countries are increasingly reliant on imported food because of conflict and drought, "will result in inaccessibility and unavailability of food but also will increase prices and impact affordability for households,” Shashwat Saraf, the group’s regional emergency director for East Africa, said in an interview Monday.

While global prices for grain may stabilize, countries that depend on imported food, from Lebanon to Egypt, may see their costs rise for a while if they need to find suppliers that are farther away, analysts say.

That will compound costs for countries that also have seen their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-middle-east-africa-business-global-trade-bee68344b1812dd48ca9c0735395b868">currencies weaken</a>&nbsp;and debt levels grow because they pay for food shipments in dollars.

For low-income countries and people, food “will be less affordable," World Food Program chief economist Arif Husain told reporters last week.

Ukraine's economy depends on agriculture, and before the war, 75% of its grain exports went through the Black Sea.

It can send its food by land or river through Europe, but those routes can handle lower amounts compared to sea shipments and their use has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poland-ukraine-grain-imports-war-eu-hungary-43ebb8cd01ccf679d190e5690b8d4c23">stirred anger in neighboring countries</a>.

Nonetheless, the Ukrainian Grain Association wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-grain-exports-us-danube-romania-1d506df3c6e30df86f8ed4e6d7e04df0">send more grain through the Danube River</a>&nbsp;to neighboring Romania's Black Sea ports, saying it's possible to double monthly exports along that route to 4 million metric tons.

Ukraine’s wheat shipments have fallen by more than 40% from its pre-war average, with the USDA expecting 10.5 million metric tons exported in the coming year.

Ukraine accused Russia of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-russia-government-united-nations-business-b2f6bb9e50b7440ea6c18f66e016e145">slowing down inspections of ships</a>. Combined with no new ships joining the effort, that has led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-business-02978d1ab61d70939ff1581b1129d18a">drop in exports</a>&nbsp;from a high under the deal of 4.2 million metric tons in October to 2 million in June.

Fallout from the pandemic, conflict, economic crises, drought and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment">climate factors</a>&nbsp;affect the ability of people to get enough to eat.

There are 45 countries that need food assistance, the Food and Agriculture Organization said in a July report. High domestic food prices are driving hunger in most of those countries, including Haiti, Ukraine, Venezuela and several in Africa and Asia.

While drought can also be a problem for major grain suppliers, analysts see other countries producing enough grain to counterbalance losses from Ukraine.

Besides Russia's huge exports, Europe and Argentina are increasing wheat shipments, while Brazil saw a banner year for corn.

“These markets adapt and producers adapt — and boy, the wheat and corn markets have adapted very, very quickly,” said Peter Meyer, head of grain analytics at S&amp;P Global Commodity Insights.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Photo (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-food-security-ba7f9146b745337a1948a964cb30331c">has suspended a wartime deal</a>&nbsp;designed to move grain from Ukraine to parts of the world where millions are going hungry.The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, has allowed 32.9 million metric tons (36.2 million tons) of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-grain-farmers-food-a9df0827d8009c3fef347378061f9dd7">food to be exported from Ukraine</a>&nbsp;since August, more than half to developing countries, according to the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul.Kansas junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used social media to call for immediate action in response, "Putin ending the Ukraine Grain Deal will cause starvation across the world. It is time we finally get tough on Russia and quit dragging this war out. We must fully implement bank sanctions on Russia."Some analysts don't foresee a lasting rise in the cost of commodities like wheat because there’s enough grain in the world to go around. But many countries are already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-prices-inflation-ukraine-war-economy-8daa7e3d92666d290d87932dc8f25a94">struggling with high local food prices</a>, which are helping fuel hunger.Here's a look at the crucial accord and what it means for the world:WHAT IS THE GRAIN DEAL? Ukraine and Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-middle-east-global-trade-a2c89d94a0f8473b40a1fcde5710bda8">signed separate agreements</a>&nbsp;in July 2022, one that reopened three of Ukraine's Black Sea ports that were blocked for months following Moscow's invasion. The other facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertilizer amid Western sanctions.Both countries are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-africa-lifestyle-middle-east-1b41faaa7ac0984d0673023b68d39a70">major suppliers of wheat</a>, barley,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-business-health-africa-688a358195a4723fc862cfe3f9e60474">sunflower oil</a>&nbsp;and other affordable food products that Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia rely on. Ukraine is also a huge exporter of corn, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-business-health-europe-c6a2d11380d3cb0c48d4c22703d1954e">Russia of fertilizer</a>&nbsp;— other critical parts of the food chain.Interrupted shipments from Ukraine, dubbed the “breadbasket of the world,” exacerbated a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-politics-health-middle-east-58bb99da6bf9fc6af5a5a645022bc4d7">global food crisis</a>&nbsp;and sent prices for grain soaring worldwide.The deal provided assurances that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-grain-shipping-risks-6adc97731965377e2f1db5f91adefa92">ships won't be attacked</a>&nbsp;entering and leaving Ukrainian ports. Vessels were checked by Russian, Ukrainian, U.N. and Turkish officials to ensure they carry only food.Meant to be extended every four months, the deal was hailed as a beacon of hope and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-food-security-67e9fd1b5ee8b46fdd9c28955dbcb465">renewed three times</a>&nbsp;— the last two for only two months as Russia insisted its exports were being held up. That's despite Moscow shipping record amounts of wheat.No new ships have joined the initiative since June 27, and Ukraine blames Moscow. The last vessel left Ukraine on Sunday.WHAT HAS IT ACCOMPLISHED? The deal helped bring down global prices of food commodities like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-business-climate-and-environment-00539505ec5db37de5877137b9febeb8">wheat that hit record highs</a>&nbsp;after Russia invaded Ukraine.Once the grain deal was struck, the World Food Program got back a top supplier, allowing 725,000 metric tons of humanitarian food aid to leave Ukraine and reach countries on the precipice of famine, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-humanitarian-food-aid-theft-us-un-c129b6942663cbfc44c6605fed97928b">Ethiopia</a>, Afghanistan and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-yemen-middle-east-civil-wars-famine-081076dd0f56f3c3cf19e3d5fce71a7b">Yemen</a>.“It is a pretty unique phenomenon to have two warring parties and two intermediaries agree to establish this sort of corridor to get humanitarian products — which is ostensibly what this is — out to markets that need it most,” said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80% of the world’s commercial fleet.After Russia exited the deal, wheat prices in Chicago trading rose about 3% on Monday, to $6.81 a bushel, still about half what they were during last year's peaks. Prices fell later in the day.WHY DID RUSSIA END THE DEAL? Russia has said it wants an end to sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-grain-deal-exports-cde16aa076f5285a7ca72dcb822e673b">restrictions on shipping and insurance</a>&nbsp;that Moscow insists have hampered its agricultural exports.Some companies have been wary of doing business with Russia because of sanctions, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-macky-sall-european-union-9a323f94f1dfc8c9b955a08973248dac">Western allies have made assurances</a>&nbsp;that food and fertilizer are exempt.“It’s not uncommon in situations like this for countries to use whatever levers they have to try and get sanctions regimes changed," said Simon Evenett, professor of international trade and economic development at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.Russia also has complained that a commitment to pipe its ammonia, a key component of fertilizer, to a Ukrainian port to be exported has never started under the deal. That’s true, but the U.N. says the pipeline has been damaged in the fighting.“Regrettably, the part of the Black Sea agreements related to Russia hasn’t been fulfilled,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-russia-ukraine-food-exports-7027edafa7e5b5ff90740df6e559e98b">proposing to ease transactions</a>&nbsp;through the agricultural bank, a spokesperson said.The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Monday that the last-minute offer was not feasible and couldn’t be implemented.Russian “claims that its agriculture sector is suffering are countered by the reality" that production and exports are up since before the war, said Caitlin Welsh, director of the Global Food and Water Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Russia exported a record 45.5 million metric tons of wheat in the 2022-2023 trade year, with another all-time high of 47.5 million metric tons expected in 2023-2024, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.WHO IS AFFECTED? The International Rescue Committee calls the grain deal a “lifeline for the 79 countries and 349 million people on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-drought-climate-food-security-ramadan-c04b48a83d6bba88fc05bdb69dbf438f">frontlines of food insecurity</a>."Losing millions of tons of food from Ukraine at a time when many countries are increasingly reliant on imported food because of conflict and drought, "will result in inaccessibility and unavailability of food but also will increase prices and impact affordability for households,” Shashwat Saraf, the group’s regional emergency director for East Africa, said in an interview Monday.While global prices for grain may stabilize, countries that depend on imported food, from Lebanon to Egypt, may see their costs rise for a while if they need to find suppliers that are farther away, analysts say.That will compound costs for countries that also have seen their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-middle-east-africa-business-global-trade-bee68344b1812dd48ca9c0735395b868">currencies weaken</a>&nbsp;and debt levels grow because they pay for food shipments in dollars.For low-income countries and people, food “will be less affordable," World Food Program chief economist Arif Husain told reporters last week.WHAT ABOUT UKRAINE? Ukraine's economy depends on agriculture, and before the war, 75% of its grain exports went through the Black Sea.It can send its food by land or river through Europe, but those routes can handle lower amounts compared to sea shipments and their use has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poland-ukraine-grain-imports-war-eu-hungary-43ebb8cd01ccf679d190e5690b8d4c23">stirred anger in neighboring countries</a>.Nonetheless, the Ukrainian Grain Association wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-war-grain-exports-us-danube-romania-1d506df3c6e30df86f8ed4e6d7e04df0">send more grain through the Danube River</a>&nbsp;to neighboring Romania's Black Sea ports, saying it's possible to double monthly exports along that route to 4 million metric tons.Ukraine’s wheat shipments have fallen by more than 40% from its pre-war average, with the USDA expecting 10.5 million metric tons exported in the coming year.Ukraine accused Russia of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-russia-government-united-nations-business-b2f6bb9e50b7440ea6c18f66e016e145">slowing down inspections of ships</a>. Combined with no new ships joining the effort, that has led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-business-02978d1ab61d70939ff1581b1129d18a">drop in exports</a>&nbsp;from a high under the deal of 4.2 million metric tons in October to 2 million in June.WHAT ELSE AFFECTS FOOD SUPPLY? Fallout from the pandemic, conflict, economic crises, drought and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment">climate factors</a>&nbsp;affect the ability of people to get enough to eat.There are 45 countries that need food assistance, the Food and Agriculture Organization said in a July report. High domestic food prices are driving hunger in most of those countries, including Haiti, Ukraine, Venezuela and several in Africa and Asia.While drought can also be a problem for major grain suppliers, analysts see other countries producing enough grain to counterbalance losses from Ukraine.Besides Russia's huge exports, Europe and Argentina are increasing wheat shipments, while Brazil saw a banner year for corn.“These markets adapt and producers adapt — and boy, the wheat and corn markets have adapted very, very quickly,” said Peter Meyer, head of grain analytics at S&amp;P Global Commodity Insights.

Kan. Senator: Putin ending grain deal will cause starvation across the world

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/stephen-ball?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/ste</a>phen-ball?fh_id=10931

Stephen Craig “Steve” Ball, 70, passed away July 16, 2023, at his home in Bison, Kansas. He was born on October 6, 1952, in Great Bend, Kansas, to John and Coralee Ann (Lewis) Ball. 

On October 10, 1987, he married Linda Koci in Bison, Kansas. She survives.

Steve served his country in the United States Marine Corps and after being discharged, spent his working years as an onsite geologist in the oil field. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Walnut City Lodge of Rush Center. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, dog training and farming.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three brothers, Richard Ball of Junction City, Kansas, Michael (Coleen) Ball of Hillsboro, Kansas, and David Ball of Manhattan, Kansas; two sisters, Candace (John) Cobb of Lawrence, Kansas and Crystal (David) Miller of Winfield, Kansas; stepbrother, Iver Tokoi of Abilene, Kansas; and stepsister, Amanda (Tim) Hilfiger of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Ball; and sister-in-law, Patricia Ball.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, 20203, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps, as well as Masonic Funeral Rites presented.

Memorials may be made to Barnard Library in La Crosse, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Stephen Craig "Steve" Ball, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/stephen-ball/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689602643971.png" alt="Stephen Craig Ball" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Craig Ball</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Stephen Craig Ball, Bison</h2>October 6, 1952 - July 16, 2023<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/stephen-ball?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/ste</a>phen-ball?fh_id=10931Stephen Craig “Steve” Ball, 70, passed away July 16, 2023, at his home in Bison, Kansas. He was born on October 6, 1952, in Great Bend, Kansas, to John and Coralee Ann (Lewis) Ball. On October 10, 1987, he married Linda Koci in Bison, Kansas. She survives.Steve served his country in the United States Marine Corps and after being discharged, spent his working years as an onsite geologist in the oil field. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Walnut City Lodge of Rush Center. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, dog training and farming.Survivors include his wife of the home; three brothers, Richard Ball of Junction City, Kansas, Michael (Coleen) Ball of Hillsboro, Kansas, and David Ball of Manhattan, Kansas; two sisters, Candace (John) Cobb of Lawrence, Kansas and Crystal (David) Miller of Winfield, Kansas; stepbrother, Iver Tokoi of Abilene, Kansas; and stepsister, Amanda (Tim) Hilfiger of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Ball; and sister-in-law, Patricia Ball.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, 20203, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps, as well as Masonic Funeral Rites presented.Memorials may be made to Barnard Library in La Crosse, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Stephen Craig "Steve" Ball, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/stephen-ball/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Stephen Craig Ball

<a href="https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown?fh_id=12584">https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown?fh_id=12584</a>

Barbara Brown, age 87, of Grinnell, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023 in Wichita.

Barbara Anne (Neifert) Brown, 87, of Grinnell, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2023 at the Brookdale East Senior Care in Wichita, Kansas. &nbsp;Barbara was born October 6th, 1935 to Herbert and Vera (Barnett) Neifert on the family farm west of Glen Elder, Kansas.&nbsp; 

Barbara attended Granite Creek Country School and graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1953. &nbsp;

On April 10, 1955, Barbara married William (Bill) Brown at the Christian Church in Glen Elder. &nbsp;Bill and Barb shared most of their 61 years of marriage together in Grinnell, Kansas.&nbsp; Together they had five sons, Bill, Dave, Dana, Bradley, and Jerry. Barbara adored all children, especially babies, and was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and loving caregiver to all. &nbsp;

The Grinnell community was extremely important to her and felt like family.&nbsp; She enjoyed talking with her family and friends, keeping up with their growing families and sharing stories, and was known to spark up a conversation with just about anyone.&nbsp; 

Barbara’s hobbies included painting, sewing, embroidery, gardening, cooking, listening to music (especially piano) bird watching, and most importantly, playing bridge! &nbsp;She thoroughly enjoyed school and summer sporting events that her sons participated in.&nbsp; 

Bill and Barb were faithful members of the Grinnell United Methodist Church.&nbsp; She was also a member of Wheatland V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #2864, Grinnell, and the KSU Catbackers. Once Bill retired, the two actively became very loyal Kansas State University Wildcat Football fans, or “Catbackers.” &nbsp;Bill and Barb held season tickets and rarely missed a K-State football game in Manhattan. &nbsp;They also enjoyed traveling to bowl games including the Cotton Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.&nbsp; Their love for Memorial Stadium, Coach Bill Snyder, and “the boys” as Barb referred to them, were unwavering as Proud Wildcat Fans. Barbara is survived by her four sons and their spouses:&nbsp; William “Bill” Jr. (Diane) of Hays, KS, David (Kim) of Rose Hill, KS, Dana of Hurst, TX, Brad (B.J.) of Farmers Branch, TX; four grandchildren:&nbsp; Staci (Rick) of Derby, KS, Eric of Columbus, IN, Cody (Allana) of Laramie, WY, Sierra (Dylan) of Oakley, KS; three great-grandchildren:&nbsp; Skyler of Rose Hill, KS, Paxton &amp; Pheonyx of Derby, KS; her sister, Judy Rodell of Cawker City, KS; in-laws:&nbsp; Loren (Jean) Brown of Bonner Springs, KS, Dorothy Brown of Topeka, KS, Kenny Osborne, as well as many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of their fun-loving Aunt Barb. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Brown (2016); her beloved son, Sgt. Jerry Dean Brown (1998); her parents, Herbert and Vera Neifert; brother Lowell Neifert and wife Joan; sisters,&nbsp; Sally File and June Osborne; brothers-in-law,&nbsp; Kendall Studer, Gary Albert, and Maynard Rodell; and in-laws, Richard Brown, Robert Brown, and Earlene Brown Dirickson. Cremation has been chosen.&nbsp; A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Grinnell with Pastor Missy Byerly officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment services to follow at the Grinnell Township Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside Bill and Jerry.&nbsp; An informal gathering will follow at the Grinnell Senior Center. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14th at the church.&nbsp; Family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m. Memorials to the Shriner's Hospital for Children and the Grinnell United Methodist Church may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Barbara Anne Brown, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown/flowers?campaign=obituaryInline-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Barbara Anne Brown, Grinnell</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689433976322.jpeg" alt="Barbara Anne Brown" />
 <figcaption>Barbara Anne Brown</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown?fh_id=12584">https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown?fh_id=12584</a>October 6, 1935 - July 9, 2023Barbara Brown, age 87, of Grinnell, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023 in Wichita.Barbara Anne (Neifert) Brown, 87, of Grinnell, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2023 at the Brookdale East Senior Care in Wichita, Kansas. &nbsp;Barbara was born October 6th, 1935 to Herbert and Vera (Barnett) Neifert on the family farm west of Glen Elder, Kansas.&nbsp; Barbara attended Granite Creek Country School and graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1953. &nbsp;On April 10, 1955, Barbara married William (Bill) Brown at the Christian Church in Glen Elder. &nbsp;Bill and Barb shared most of their 61 years of marriage together in Grinnell, Kansas.&nbsp; Together they had five sons, Bill, Dave, Dana, Bradley, and Jerry. Barbara adored all children, especially babies, and was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and loving caregiver to all. &nbsp;The Grinnell community was extremely important to her and felt like family.&nbsp; She enjoyed talking with her family and friends, keeping up with their growing families and sharing stories, and was known to spark up a conversation with just about anyone.&nbsp; Barbara’s hobbies included painting, sewing, embroidery, gardening, cooking, listening to music (especially piano) bird watching, and most importantly, playing bridge! &nbsp;She thoroughly enjoyed school and summer sporting events that her sons participated in.&nbsp; Bill and Barb were faithful members of the Grinnell United Methodist Church.&nbsp; She was also a member of Wheatland V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #2864, Grinnell, and the KSU Catbackers. Once Bill retired, the two actively became very loyal Kansas State University Wildcat Football fans, or “Catbackers.” &nbsp;Bill and Barb held season tickets and rarely missed a K-State football game in Manhattan. &nbsp;They also enjoyed traveling to bowl games including the Cotton Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.&nbsp; Their love for Memorial Stadium, Coach Bill Snyder, and “the boys” as Barb referred to them, were unwavering as Proud Wildcat Fans. Barbara is survived by her four sons and their spouses:&nbsp; William “Bill” Jr. (Diane) of Hays, KS, David (Kim) of Rose Hill, KS, Dana of Hurst, TX, Brad (B.J.) of Farmers Branch, TX; four grandchildren:&nbsp; Staci (Rick) of Derby, KS, Eric of Columbus, IN, Cody (Allana) of Laramie, WY, Sierra (Dylan) of Oakley, KS; three great-grandchildren:&nbsp; Skyler of Rose Hill, KS, Paxton &amp; Pheonyx of Derby, KS; her sister, Judy Rodell of Cawker City, KS; in-laws:&nbsp; Loren (Jean) Brown of Bonner Springs, KS, Dorothy Brown of Topeka, KS, Kenny Osborne, as well as many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of their fun-loving Aunt Barb. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Brown (2016); her beloved son, Sgt. Jerry Dean Brown (1998); her parents, Herbert and Vera Neifert; brother Lowell Neifert and wife Joan; sisters,&nbsp; Sally File and June Osborne; brothers-in-law,&nbsp; Kendall Studer, Gary Albert, and Maynard Rodell; and in-laws, Richard Brown, Robert Brown, and Earlene Brown Dirickson. Cremation has been chosen.&nbsp; A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Grinnell with Pastor Missy Byerly officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment services to follow at the Grinnell Township Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside Bill and Jerry.&nbsp; An informal gathering will follow at the Grinnell Senior Center. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14th at the church.&nbsp; Family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m. Memorials to the Shriner's Hospital for Children and the Grinnell United Methodist Church may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748. Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.comTo send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Barbara Anne Brown, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kennedykosterfh.com/obituary/barbara-brown/flowers?campaign=obituaryInline-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Barbara Anne Brown 

<a href="http://www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com/lifestory/doves/home.html?Year=2023&amp;Month=7&amp;Day=7&amp;FirstName=Patricia&amp;LastName=Davie">http://www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com/lifestory/doves/home.html?Year=2023&amp;Month=7&amp;Day=7&amp;FirstName=Patricia&amp;LastName=Davie</a>

Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman), October 20, 1946 - July 7, 2023, passed away at home after a long battle with health issues. Pat was born in Denver, Colorado, the only child of Robert (Bob) and Cleo Bauman (Whisler). 

Pat grew up in North Denver, attending Holy Family High School, graduating with a secretarial certificate. Pat went to work for a food distribution warehouse, NGC located in Denver working as a secretary alongside her mother. 

In the early 1970s Pat was introduced to Dwight Davie by a co-worker and in 1972 they were married. The co-worker became her sister-in-law, Cora (Corky) Davie. In 1974 Pat and Dwight had a daughter (Denise). Along with being a stay-at-home mom, Pat was the business manager for the family antique business of Hoss’s Antiques.&nbsp; In the early years of the business Pat and Dwight ran an auction house in Colorado where Pat would clerk and maintain office work, they then participated in an in-person co-op antique shop located in an old Colorado bread factory. Pat had many stories and experiences on the weekends at that shop, including meeting and doing business with celebrities. Many of the other dealers became like family. Eventually the antique business went to a booth only co-op antique mall where Pat prepared items to be sold in their booth. This left weekends open, and Pat and Dwight participated in local and out of area antique shows and Flea Markets. For many years Pat, Denise (daughter) and Cleo (Mother) took a girls' working weekend to Cheyenne, WY to do an antique show at the hotel Little America. The entire family did another show in downtown Denver for over 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pat had a myriad of interests and among them was traveling for fun and antiquing. Many "business" trips were taken including flights to flea markets where the luggage was packed, bulging and overweight with antique and junk goodies on the return trip home. When traveling on the road, several trailers were purchased along the way to bring back the found treasures.

On one of the just-for-fun trips, Pat and Denise took a trip to the eastern United States including a stay in the Lizzie Borden house. Pat tried to make the most of everything including her many doctor visits out of town, if able those visits became mini-shopping trips as well.&nbsp; In 1998 Pat and Dwight moved to Lebanon, KS; while “retired” they continued their antique business. Pat loved the ocean, having visited the coasts many times in life, she always joked about the fact she was retiring “in the middle” of the U.S in Kansas. Waconda Lake was a close second and a great fossil hunting location. Pat was a member and participated in several hobbies and clubs including rock and fossil hunting, collecting antiques for personal collection, bowling leagues, member of the beer items collectors club, and business women's club. Her hobby of eating Mexican food was a great joy both locally and traveling if there was a choice of a Mexican restaurant that was where we ate.&nbsp; In 2007 her grandson Cody was born, and she took on a new role she was fabulous at, grammy.&nbsp; Pat was preceded in death by her mother and father, mother-in-law, father-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Those that remain to cherish her memory husband, Dwight A. Davie, Daughter Denise, son-in-law Kevin Marcum and grandson Cody Marcum and many extended family members and friends. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery, Athol, KS.

Memorials may be given to NW KareS Hospice, 424 8th Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. wwwhospicenwks.net.&nbsp; 

Blooms in Smith Center will be donating a percentage of flower purchases to hospice as well in Pat’s name.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman)</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689434755952.png" alt="Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman)" />
 <figcaption>Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com/lifestory/doves/home.html?Year=2023&amp;Month=7&amp;Day=7&amp;FirstName=Patricia&amp;LastName=Davie">http://www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com/lifestory/doves/home.html?Year=2023&amp;Month=7&amp;Day=7&amp;FirstName=Patricia&amp;LastName=Davie</a>October 20, 1946 - July 7, 2023Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman), October 20, 1946 - July 7, 2023, passed away at home after a long battle with health issues. Pat was born in Denver, Colorado, the only child of Robert (Bob) and Cleo Bauman (Whisler). Pat grew up in North Denver, attending Holy Family High School, graduating with a secretarial certificate. Pat went to work for a food distribution warehouse, NGC located in Denver working as a secretary alongside her mother. In the early 1970s Pat was introduced to Dwight Davie by a co-worker and in 1972 they were married. The co-worker became her sister-in-law, Cora (Corky) Davie. In 1974 Pat and Dwight had a daughter (Denise). Along with being a stay-at-home mom, Pat was the business manager for the family antique business of Hoss’s Antiques.&nbsp; In the early years of the business Pat and Dwight ran an auction house in Colorado where Pat would clerk and maintain office work, they then participated in an in-person co-op antique shop located in an old Colorado bread factory. Pat had many stories and experiences on the weekends at that shop, including meeting and doing business with celebrities. Many of the other dealers became like family. Eventually the antique business went to a booth only co-op antique mall where Pat prepared items to be sold in their booth. This left weekends open, and Pat and Dwight participated in local and out of area antique shows and Flea Markets. For many years Pat, Denise (daughter) and Cleo (Mother) took a girls' working weekend to Cheyenne, WY to do an antique show at the hotel Little America. The entire family did another show in downtown Denver for over 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pat had a myriad of interests and among them was traveling for fun and antiquing. Many "business" trips were taken including flights to flea markets where the luggage was packed, bulging and overweight with antique and junk goodies on the return trip home. When traveling on the road, several trailers were purchased along the way to bring back the found treasures. On one of the just-for-fun trips, Pat and Denise took a trip to the eastern United States including a stay in the Lizzie Borden house. Pat tried to make the most of everything including her many doctor visits out of town, if able those visits became mini-shopping trips as well.&nbsp; In 1998 Pat and Dwight moved to Lebanon, KS; while “retired” they continued their antique business. Pat loved the ocean, having visited the coasts many times in life, she always joked about the fact she was retiring “in the middle” of the U.S in Kansas. Waconda Lake was a close second and a great fossil hunting location. Pat was a member and participated in several hobbies and clubs including rock and fossil hunting, collecting antiques for personal collection, bowling leagues, member of the beer items collectors club, and business women's club. Her hobby of eating Mexican food was a great joy both locally and traveling if there was a choice of a Mexican restaurant that was where we ate.&nbsp; In 2007 her grandson Cody was born, and she took on a new role she was fabulous at, grammy.&nbsp; Pat was preceded in death by her mother and father, mother-in-law, father-in-law and two sisters-in-law. Those that remain to cherish her memory husband, Dwight A. Davie, Daughter Denise, son-in-law Kevin Marcum and grandson Cody Marcum and many extended family members and friends. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery, Athol, KS. Memorials may be given to NW KareS Hospice, 424 8th Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. wwwhospicenwks.net.&nbsp; Blooms in Smith Center will be donating a percentage of flower purchases to hospice as well in Pat’s name.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Patricia (Pat) Ann Davie (Bauman)

KANSAS CITY —A jury in Jackson County convicted 43-year-old Michael Hendricks and 33-year-old Maggie Ybarra in the murder of 32-year-old Kensie Aubry, whose body was found in garbage bags on a Grain Valley, Missouri, property, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Hendricks waived sentencing Thursday night, after the jury's verdict. He will be sentenced at a formal sentencing later. But his Murder in the 1st Degree conviction has a mandatory sentence of life without parole. Ybarra was to be sentenced Friday. The jury convicted her of Murder in the 2nd Degree and other felonies.

In Aug. 2021, a Jackson County grand jury indicted both on charges of Murder 1st Degree, Harassment 1st Degree and Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree. 

The indictment also charged Hendricks with the additional charges of Enticement of a Child and Child Molestation 3rd Degree.&nbsp;

 Ybarra was additionally charged with Enticement of a Child, Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, a misdemeanor count of Tampering With Physical Evidence and three counts of Tampering With A Victim.

Aubry went missing in October 2020. A teenage girl who said Hendricks sexually assaulted her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-michael-brown-8bbb5388d4a5f00b1ea2bc5acf269cda">helped police find Aubry's body</a>.

At the time of the indictment, Prosecutor Baker &nbsp;praised the child victim in the case who came forward as a witness. On Thursday evening, following the jury's verdict, Baker stated: "I am grateful for a brave child who came forward to tell law enforcement what occurred, who endured, who testified, and who can only be described as an unmitigated hero."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689361413675.png" alt="Hendricks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hendricks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury in Jackson County convicted 43-year-old Michael Hendricks and 33-year-old Maggie Ybarra in the murder of 32-year-old Kensie Aubry, whose body was found in garbage bags on a Grain Valley, Missouri, property, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689361802956.png" alt="Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley property-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police found Aubry's body buried on Hendricks' Grain Valley property-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Hendricks waived sentencing Thursday night, after the jury's verdict. He will be sentenced at a formal sentencing later. But his Murder in the 1st Degree conviction has a mandatory sentence of life without parole. Ybarra was to be sentenced Friday. The jury convicted her of Murder in the 2nd Degree and other felonies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689361482049.png" alt="Ybarra-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ybarra-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In Aug. 2021, a Jackson County grand jury indicted both on charges of Murder 1st Degree, Harassment 1st Degree and Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree. The indictment also charged Hendricks with the additional charges of Enticement of a Child and Child Molestation 3rd Degree.&nbsp; Ybarra was additionally charged with Enticement of a Child, Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, a misdemeanor count of Tampering With Physical Evidence and three counts of Tampering With A Victim.Aubry went missing in October 2020. A teenage girl who said Hendricks sexually assaulted her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-michael-brown-8bbb5388d4a5f00b1ea2bc5acf269cda">helped police find Aubry's body</a>.At the time of the indictment, Prosecutor Baker &nbsp;praised the child victim in the case who came forward as a witness. On Thursday evening, following the jury's verdict, Baker stated: "I am grateful for a brave child who came forward to tell law enforcement what occurred, who endured, who testified, and who can only be described as an unmitigated hero."

Jury: KC-area couple guilty of killing, dismembering woman

<a href="https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28422952">https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28422952</a>

Estella Louise Harold of Norton passed away July 11, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born August 28, 1931 in Oberlin, KS to Raymond Lawrence and Katheryn Amelia (Coley) Carper.

Estella grew up in Oberlin and was a 1950 graduate of Decatur Community High School. She went on to attend Colby Community College and then received her master’s in education at Fort Hays State University. 

Estella married Marlin B. Harold on October 27, 1949. 

After graduation she began her teaching career in Jennings, then she taught in Marquette before transferring back to Jennings where she continued to teach until retirement. Her teaching career didn’t end there as she was a substitute teacher in Jennings for over 15 years. When she wasn’t teaching, she helped Marlin as a custom cutter, driving trucks for harvest from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska. 

Estella enjoyed reading, working on the computer, cooking, knitting, and sewing (she made her daughters' and daughter-in-law’s wedding dresses). She also loved shopping; if she liked an item, she would buy every variation of the product available, and she loved her dogs, especially Gabe. Estella took up making ceramic items; she even had her own kiln.&nbsp;

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Phillipsburg Ward, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Estella is survived by her children Sandy Fox of Belfair, WA, Don (Pat) Harold of Grand Junction, CO, and Patty (Perry) Brooks of Kismet, KS; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren with one on the way, and many extended family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marlin; brother, JD Carper; two infant brothers, and sister, Doreen Tweedy.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Dresden Cemetery. A visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 

Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

To&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Estella, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Estella Louise Harold, Norton</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689342878913.png" alt="Estella Louise Harold" />
 <figcaption>Estella Louise Harold</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28422952">https://www.plumergobber.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28422952</a>August 28, 1931 - July 11, 2023Estella Louise Harold of Norton passed away July 11, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born August 28, 1931 in Oberlin, KS to Raymond Lawrence and Katheryn Amelia (Coley) Carper.Estella grew up in Oberlin and was a 1950 graduate of Decatur Community High School. She went on to attend Colby Community College and then received her master’s in education at Fort Hays State University. Estella married Marlin B. Harold on October 27, 1949. After graduation she began her teaching career in Jennings, then she taught in Marquette before transferring back to Jennings where she continued to teach until retirement. Her teaching career didn’t end there as she was a substitute teacher in Jennings for over 15 years. When she wasn’t teaching, she helped Marlin as a custom cutter, driving trucks for harvest from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska. Estella enjoyed reading, working on the computer, cooking, knitting, and sewing (she made her daughters' and daughter-in-law’s wedding dresses). She also loved shopping; if she liked an item, she would buy every variation of the product available, and she loved her dogs, especially Gabe. Estella took up making ceramic items; she even had her own kiln.&nbsp;She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Phillipsburg Ward, and the Order of the Eastern Star.Estella is survived by her children Sandy Fox of Belfair, WA, Don (Pat) Harold of Grand Junction, CO, and Patty (Perry) Brooks of Kismet, KS; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren with one on the way, and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marlin; brother, JD Carper; two infant brothers, and sister, Doreen Tweedy.Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Dresden Cemetery. A visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.comTo&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Estella, please&nbsp;<a href="http://plumergobber-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=28422952&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.531510556.1682958644:GS1.1.1689175771.39.1.1689176046.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1">visit our floral store.</a>