<a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28026940">https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28026940</a>

Betty Jo (Taylor) Sells passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, in the Lyons Regional Hospital in Lyons, Kansas at the age 94. She was born on October 1, 1928, to George V. and Ora Grace (Engelbert) Taylor in Chase, Kansas.

Betty worked for Farmland Industry at the Lyons Cooperative starting as a bookkeeper and finally becoming the manager. She was very proud to be the first woman manager for Farmland Industry. 

After retiring, Denver and Betty enjoyed camping and fishing at Wilson Lake. They also enjoyed taking care of their honeybee hive and selling Watkins products. She was an avid gambler and was always at a casino whenever she could be.

She was preceded in death by her husband Denver C. Sells; and daughter Sylvia Ann Whitis.

She is survived by her sons Dennis R. Sells (Maryann) of Moore, Oklahoma and E. David Sells (Becky) of Wilson; sister Maxine Sappenfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church - Wilson and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, Kansas 67490.

Betty’s celebration will be announced, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Betty, please visit our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28026940">Tree Store</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://tree-tc.tributestore.com/?oId=28026940&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1685455954.37.0.1685456497.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>.

<h2>Betty Jo Sells</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685537901763.jpeg" alt="Betty Jo Sells" />
 <figcaption>Betty Jo Sells</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28026940">https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28026940</a>October 1, 1928 - May 26, 2023Betty Jo (Taylor) Sells passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, in the Lyons Regional Hospital in Lyons, Kansas at the age 94. She was born on October 1, 1928, to George V. and Ora Grace (Engelbert) Taylor in Chase, Kansas.Betty worked for Farmland Industry at the Lyons Cooperative starting as a bookkeeper and finally becoming the manager. She was very proud to be the first woman manager for Farmland Industry. After retiring, Denver and Betty enjoyed camping and fishing at Wilson Lake. They also enjoyed taking care of their honeybee hive and selling Watkins products. She was an avid gambler and was always at a casino whenever she could be.She was preceded in death by her husband Denver C. Sells; and daughter Sylvia Ann Whitis.She is survived by her sons Dennis R. Sells (Maryann) of Moore, Oklahoma and E. David Sells (Becky) of Wilson; sister Maxine Sappenfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686577707997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church - Wilson and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, Kansas 67490.Betty’s celebration will be announced, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Betty, please visit our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28026940">Tree Store</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://tree-tc.tributestore.com/?oId=28026940&amp;tag=&amp;tn=FreeTreeTestFC&amp;otv=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1115152002.1681661103:GS1.1.1685455954.37.0.1685456497.60.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>.

Betty Jo Sells

KANSAS CITY– An employee of the Jackson County Detention Center, along with three associates of an inmate detained at the center, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle papers laced with K2 to jail inmates, according to the United State's Attorney.

Aaron D. Copes, 42, of Grandview, Mo., Deanna K. Clark, also known as “Nina,” 32, and Stephanie McDaniel, 31, both of Kansas City, Mo., and James A. Booker, Jr., 37, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a single-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 31, 2023. That indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests of Copes, Clark, and Booker this week.

Copes was employed as a case manager at the Jackson County Detention Center. His duties included interviewing inmates daily, providing counseling and mediation for inmates, and providing training to correctional officers. Clark and Booker were close associates of an inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center, who is identified in court documents as unindicted co-conspirator CC1. McDaniel was the girlfriend of CC1. The indictment also refers to another inmate, identified as unindicted co-conspirator CC2.

Copes, Clark, Booker, and McDaniel are charged with participating in a conspiracy from March 2020 to October 2021 to smuggle contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center.

Copes allegedly took bribe money and sexual favors in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center and delivering it to inmates, including CC1 and CC2. Conspirators allegedly smuggled in K2, a controlled substance, which was soaked onto sheets of paper that were smoked by inmates.

KANSAS CITY– An employee of the Jackson County Detention Center, along with three associates of an inmate detained at the center, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to smuggle papers laced with K2 to jail inmates, according to the United State's Attorney.Aaron D. Copes, 42, of Grandview, Mo., Deanna K. Clark, also known as “Nina,” 32, and Stephanie McDaniel, 31, both of Kansas City, Mo., and James A. Booker, Jr., 37, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a single-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 31, 2023. That indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests of Copes, Clark, and Booker this week.Copes was employed as a case manager at the Jackson County Detention Center. His duties included interviewing inmates daily, providing counseling and mediation for inmates, and providing training to correctional officers. Clark and Booker were close associates of an inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center, who is identified in court documents as unindicted co-conspirator CC1. McDaniel was the girlfriend of CC1. The indictment also refers to another inmate, identified as unindicted co-conspirator CC2.Copes, Clark, Booker, and McDaniel are charged with participating in a conspiracy from March 2020 to October 2021 to smuggle contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center.Copes allegedly took bribe money and sexual favors in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Jackson County Detention Center and delivering it to inmates, including CC1 and CC2. Conspirators allegedly smuggled in K2, a controlled substance, which was soaked onto sheets of paper that were smoked by inmates.

KC jail employee accused of smuggling K2-laced papers to inmates

<a href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg?fh_id=12067">https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg?fh_id=12067</a>

Roy F. Thornburg, 86, of Utica, KS passed away June 7, 2023, at his farm north of Utica. &nbsp;Roy was born April 7, 1937, in the old rock house at the family farm north of Utica. &nbsp;He was the son of Francis and Bertha (Daniels) Thornburg. &nbsp;Except for the five years he was off at college, Roy lived on the family homestead all his life. &nbsp;

Roy attended Smoky Vale School, was a 1955 graduate of Utica High School, and a 1960 graduate of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) majoring in agriculture. &nbsp;During college Roy worked at the college farm and delivered fresh milk to the FHSU residence halls in the early morning hours after milking cows. &nbsp;

On June 7th, 1959, Roy married Ailene O’Toole at the Arnold United Methodist Church, making their home on the family homestead in rural Ness County. &nbsp;From this union, three sons were born, Lance, Marlon, and Rodd. &nbsp;Following Ailene’s passing in 1994, Roy married Roxie (McNinch) Fore at the Arnold United Methodist Church on October 26, 2002.

In 1960 Roy started a dirt construction business, Thornburg Construction, building terraces, pits, dams, waterways, and lease roads in addition to operating his dozer in the oil field. &nbsp;He continued to operate the business for more than 60 years in Ness, Gove, Lane and Trego counties.

Roy is survived by his wife, Roxie (McNinch) Thornburg, of the home, his sons Lance (Susan), Great Bend, Marlon (Darla), Coffeyville, and Rodd (Tara), Quinter; grandchildren Payden (Kaitlyn), MacKenzie, Tieraney, Tate, Taya (Broc), and Jesse (Casey); great-grandson Branch; brother Wallie (Coralee); and sister-in-law Janice O’Toole, Utica; nieces Darla (Roger) Windholz, Shelly (Bill) Popplereiter; nephews Allen (Julia), and Darcy (Michelle). &nbsp;He is also survived by Roxie’s children Rachelle, Randall, and Ryan (Crystal); grandchildren Aric, Audrey, Jace, Brittany, Hannah, Ethan, and Jillian; and two great-grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ailene; brother-in-law Patrick O’Toole; Roxie’s son Russell Fore, and daughter-in-law Debbie Fore. &nbsp;

Funeral service will be held at the Arnold United Methodist Church in Arnold, KS on Monday, June 12th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow in the Utica Cemetery, Utica, KS. &nbsp;Viewing will be Sunday, June 11th from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City, KS. &nbsp;

Memorials are suggested for the Arnold Methodist Church in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Roy Francis Thornburg, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Roy Francis Thornburg, Utica</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686433405523.jpeg" alt="Roy Francis Thornburg." />
 <figcaption>Roy Francis Thornburg.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg?fh_id=12067">https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg?fh_id=12067</a>April 7, 1937 - June 7, 2023Roy F. Thornburg, 86, of Utica, KS passed away June 7, 2023, at his farm north of Utica. &nbsp;Roy was born April 7, 1937, in the old rock house at the family farm north of Utica. &nbsp;He was the son of Francis and Bertha (Daniels) Thornburg. &nbsp;Except for the five years he was off at college, Roy lived on the family homestead all his life. &nbsp;Roy attended Smoky Vale School, was a 1955 graduate of Utica High School, and a 1960 graduate of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) majoring in agriculture. &nbsp;During college Roy worked at the college farm and delivered fresh milk to the FHSU residence halls in the early morning hours after milking cows. &nbsp;On June 7th, 1959, Roy married Ailene O’Toole at the Arnold United Methodist Church, making their home on the family homestead in rural Ness County. &nbsp;From this union, three sons were born, Lance, Marlon, and Rodd. &nbsp;Following Ailene’s passing in 1994, Roy married Roxie (McNinch) Fore at the Arnold United Methodist Church on October 26, 2002.In 1960 Roy started a dirt construction business, Thornburg Construction, building terraces, pits, dams, waterways, and lease roads in addition to operating his dozer in the oil field. &nbsp;He continued to operate the business for more than 60 years in Ness, Gove, Lane and Trego counties.Roy is survived by his wife, Roxie (McNinch) Thornburg, of the home, his sons Lance (Susan), Great Bend, Marlon (Darla), Coffeyville, and Rodd (Tara), Quinter; grandchildren Payden (Kaitlyn), MacKenzie, Tieraney, Tate, Taya (Broc), and Jesse (Casey); great-grandson Branch; brother Wallie (Coralee); and sister-in-law Janice O’Toole, Utica; nieces Darla (Roger) Windholz, Shelly (Bill) Popplereiter; nephews Allen (Julia), and Darcy (Michelle). &nbsp;He is also survived by Roxie’s children Rachelle, Randall, and Ryan (Crystal); grandchildren Aric, Audrey, Jace, Brittany, Hannah, Ethan, and Jillian; and two great-grandchildren.Roy was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ailene; brother-in-law Patrick O’Toole; Roxie’s son Russell Fore, and daughter-in-law Debbie Fore. &nbsp;Funeral service will be held at the Arnold United Methodist Church in Arnold, KS on Monday, June 12th, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow in the Utica Cemetery, Utica, KS. &nbsp;Viewing will be Sunday, June 11th from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City, KS. &nbsp;Memorials are suggested for the Arnold Methodist Church in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Roy Francis Thornburg, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com/obituary/roy-thornburg/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Roy Francis Thornburg

By SAM BAILEY <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 — Emporia State University has asked a district court judge to review and reverse the reinstatement of five professors fired last year as part of a university-wide restructuring.

The Office of Administrative Hearings ordered the reversal of the terminations of Amanda Miracle, Robert Catlett, Michael Behrens, Lynette Sievert and Dan Colson because the university failed to provide a specific reason for firing them.&nbsp;ESU responded with petitions in Lyon County District Court seeking to reverse the OAH orders and rule in favor of the university.

“It was kind of a short-lived victory, I guess, in that we then have to go to district court,” said Sievert, a professor of biological sciences. “They’re appealing the fact that we won.”

In October 2022, ESU and the OAH signed an interagency agreement outlining the appeals assignments and service agreements. Kansas Reflector obtained a copy of the contract, which shows ESU agreed to pay a service bill of $115 per hour for OAH services.

Gwen Larson, spokeswoman for ESU, said the university has not yet received any billing statements from the OAH so she does not know the cost of the hearings. OAH didn’t immediately respond to a Kansas Open Records Act request for related documents.

Four additional professors who appealed their terminations are still waiting for decisions on their cases, and two other professors’ terminations were affirmed by OAH.

The university informed some of the professors they were being placed on administrative leave and told them to clear out their offices at the end of the school year.

ESU president Ken Hush went before the Kansas Board of Regents in September 2022 to adopt the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/esubulletin.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/52/75242d50-2f8e-11ed-940c-dbfa9ec4e384/631a1046d2625.pdf.pdf">Framework for Workforce Management</a>, a document allowing the termination of professors on campus regardless of their tenure status. The next day, the university fired 33 faculty members, effective May 16.

“Honestly, I did not think what they did could be done,” Sievert said. “It was such a shock, because I thought tenure actually meant something, not that people could come along and just say, well, we’re going to ignore it for a little while.”

A spokesman for KBOR did not respond to a request for an interview.

As outlined in the framework, the fired faculty members had 30 days to file an appeal to OAH. Once the administrative officer assigned to a professor’s case decided on the appeal, the ruling would be final and neither KBOR nor the university could appeal the case. However, state law allows the university or employee to seek judicial review of the administrative officer’s legal reasoning.

“An appeal under this policy will not stay the effective date of the suspension, dismissal, or termination,” read the last section of the framework. “An employee who wins their appeal will be entitled to reinstatement, back pay and restoration of other lost benefits.”

Larson objected to Kansas Reflector’s use of the word “reinstated” to describe faculty members who won their appeal. Larson said the final decision regarding the status of the professors has not been made, despite the terminations being “reversed” through the appeals decisions.

“We’re not really using the term reinstatement,” Larson said. “I know that that is the easiest description for what it looks like happened with some of those wage decisions, but essentially, what some of those decisions said is that the administrative judge ruled that we did not follow our procedure to terminate these appointments. That does not necessarily give a person their position back.”

If a Lyon County District Court judge upholds the decision made by OAH, the university may file additional legal action. If the judge disagrees with the decision to reverse the termination, the case may be sent back to OAH for reconsideration.

Jess Mack, legal assistant for OAH, said the university filing the petition is standard and all decisions made by the office are subject to appeal.

Four professors who appealed their terminations are still waiting for rulings from OAH, months after the appeals began.

Three of the appealing professors decided to drop their appeals and retire. Factors that may have contributed to their decisions include unused sick leave that is not available after being fired, the possibility of teaching as an adjunct professor, eligibility for emeritus status, and financial strain through the continual appeals process.

The OAH officers affirmed the decisions to terminate two professors, Christopher Lovett and Sheryl Lidzy, because the university provided explanations for their dismissals, as required by the framework policy adopted by KBOR. Lovett and Lidzy have been removed from the university directory.

The American Association of University Professors found KBOR members and ESU administrators “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">unfit to lead</a>” following a monthslong investigation into the university’s restructuring and firing of tenured professors.

ESU is the only Kansas institution to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aaup.org/our-programs/academic-freedom/censure-list">censured by the AAUP</a>&nbsp;and is one of three U.S. institutions censured in 2023.

The investigative report was released May 1, just days after ESU announced its plan to restructure the university into large schools, eliminating departments and department chairs.

Michael Smith, a political science professor and former chairman of the department of social sciences, sociology and criminology, said he was notified via email at 1 p.m. the day grades were due for the spring semester that his duties as chairman of the department would conclude at 5 p.m. that afternoon.

When asked if Smith was the only department chair asked to step down before the end of the fiscal year, Larson said ESU does not comment on personnel-related matters.

Smith said that while he is grateful he is still getting paid as a department chairman through the end of the fiscal year, he doesn’t understand the university’s rush. One of his duties as chairman was to file the assessment report on the previous year that reviews the learning outcomes of the program and uses assessment data in order to determine how well those outcomes were achieved. Based on the findings, recommendations for the following year are offered.

Larson said the reports will still be completed through the restructuring.

The assessment report is critical for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation, Smith said.

Accreditation “validates the quality” of an institution’s academic programs and instruction at all degree levels, according to the HLC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hlcommission.org/Accreditation/accreditation-overview.html">website</a>. A degree from an unaccredited institution is not transferable to other institutions.

ESU is scheduled for its 10-year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hlcommission.org/Accreditation/comprehensive-evaluation.html">comprehensive evaluation</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm accreditation by HLC in 2024-25, said Laura Janota, HLC spokeswoman. The university will host a visit from reviewers in fall 2024.

The AAUP finding ESU administration unfit to lead will be a consideration in the HLC evaluation, said Ron Barrett-Gonzalez, a Kansas AAUP committee officer.

“If the institution loses accreditation, then essentially the degree from ESU would become worthless,” Barrett-Gonzalez said. “So right now, in many ways, the AAUP censure is the canary in the coal mine, and the canary has basically died.”

What has happened at ESU was “brutal to teachers,” Barrett-Gonzalez said.

ESU was listed as one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/news/10-worst-colleges-free-speech-2023?utm_source=FIRE_Update&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Update&amp;fb_subscribed=true">10 worst colleges for free speech</a>&nbsp;in February by The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Smith said he has entered the job market and is hoping to find an institution that is not censured by AAUP and values free speech where he can continue working in academia.

“I love being chair and would have been happy to continue doing that, or I’d like to be maybe a different kind of administrator,” Smith said. “The glitch there is since I’m strongly opposed to ESU’s new direction, I don’t see any role for me there, and so it becomes a question of looking to do that role at another school.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686254914902.png" alt=" Emporia State University is asking a Lyon County District Court judge to review and reverse decisions by state appeals officers to reinstate professors who were fired last fall. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Emporia State University is asking a Lyon County District Court judge to review and reverse decisions by state appeals officers to reinstate professors who were fired last fall. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SAM BAILEY <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 — Emporia State University has asked a district court judge to review and reverse the reinstatement of five professors fired last year as part of a university-wide restructuring.The Office of Administrative Hearings ordered the reversal of the terminations of Amanda Miracle, Robert Catlett, Michael Behrens, Lynette Sievert and Dan Colson because the university failed to provide a specific reason for firing them.&nbsp;ESU responded with petitions in Lyon County District Court seeking to reverse the OAH orders and rule in favor of the university.“It was kind of a short-lived victory, I guess, in that we then have to go to district court,” said Sievert, a professor of biological sciences. “They’re appealing the fact that we won.”In October 2022, ESU and the OAH signed an interagency agreement outlining the appeals assignments and service agreements. Kansas Reflector obtained a copy of the contract, which shows ESU agreed to pay a service bill of $115 per hour for OAH services.Gwen Larson, spokeswoman for ESU, said the university has not yet received any billing statements from the OAH so she does not know the cost of the hearings. OAH didn’t immediately respond to a Kansas Open Records Act request for related documents.Four additional professors who appealed their terminations are still waiting for decisions on their cases, and two other professors’ terminations were affirmed by OAH.The university informed some of the professors they were being placed on administrative leave and told them to clear out their offices at the end of the school year.<h2>Appealing termination</h2>ESU president Ken Hush went before the Kansas Board of Regents in September 2022 to adopt the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/esubulletin.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/52/75242d50-2f8e-11ed-940c-dbfa9ec4e384/631a1046d2625.pdf.pdf">Framework for Workforce Management</a>, a document allowing the termination of professors on campus regardless of their tenure status. The next day, the university fired 33 faculty members, effective May 16.“Honestly, I did not think what they did could be done,” Sievert said. “It was such a shock, because I thought tenure actually meant something, not that people could come along and just say, well, we’re going to ignore it for a little while.”A spokesman for KBOR did not respond to a request for an interview.As outlined in the framework, the fired faculty members had 30 days to file an appeal to OAH. Once the administrative officer assigned to a professor’s case decided on the appeal, the ruling would be final and neither KBOR nor the university could appeal the case. However, state law allows the university or employee to seek judicial review of the administrative officer’s legal reasoning.“An appeal under this policy will not stay the effective date of the suspension, dismissal, or termination,” read the last section of the framework. “An employee who wins their appeal will be entitled to reinstatement, back pay and restoration of other lost benefits.”Larson objected to Kansas Reflector’s use of the word “reinstated” to describe faculty members who won their appeal. Larson said the final decision regarding the status of the professors has not been made, despite the terminations being “reversed” through the appeals decisions.“We’re not really using the term reinstatement,” Larson said. “I know that that is the easiest description for what it looks like happened with some of those wage decisions, but essentially, what some of those decisions said is that the administrative judge ruled that we did not follow our procedure to terminate these appointments. That does not necessarily give a person their position back.”If a Lyon County District Court judge upholds the decision made by OAH, the university may file additional legal action. If the judge disagrees with the decision to reverse the termination, the case may be sent back to OAH for reconsideration.Jess Mack, legal assistant for OAH, said the university filing the petition is standard and all decisions made by the office are subject to appeal.Four professors who appealed their terminations are still waiting for rulings from OAH, months after the appeals began.Three of the appealing professors decided to drop their appeals and retire. Factors that may have contributed to their decisions include unused sick leave that is not available after being fired, the possibility of teaching as an adjunct professor, eligibility for emeritus status, and financial strain through the continual appeals process.The OAH officers affirmed the decisions to terminate two professors, Christopher Lovett and Sheryl Lidzy, because the university provided explanations for their dismissals, as required by the framework policy adopted by KBOR. Lovett and Lidzy have been removed from the university directory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686254820369.png" alt="Fired history professor Chris Lovett appears at an April 18, 2023, meeting of the faculty senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Fired history professor Chris Lovett appears at an April 18, 2023, meeting of the faculty senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Unfit to lead’</h2>The American Association of University Professors found KBOR members and ESU administrators “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">unfit to lead</a>” following a monthslong investigation into the university’s restructuring and firing of tenured professors.ESU is the only Kansas institution to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aaup.org/our-programs/academic-freedom/censure-list">censured by the AAUP</a>&nbsp;and is one of three U.S. institutions censured in 2023.The investigative report was released May 1, just days after ESU announced its plan to restructure the university into large schools, eliminating departments and department chairs.Michael Smith, a political science professor and former chairman of the department of social sciences, sociology and criminology, said he was notified via email at 1 p.m. the day grades were due for the spring semester that his duties as chairman of the department would conclude at 5 p.m. that afternoon.When asked if Smith was the only department chair asked to step down before the end of the fiscal year, Larson said ESU does not comment on personnel-related matters.Smith said that while he is grateful he is still getting paid as a department chairman through the end of the fiscal year, he doesn’t understand the university’s rush. One of his duties as chairman was to file the assessment report on the previous year that reviews the learning outcomes of the program and uses assessment data in order to determine how well those outcomes were achieved. Based on the findings, recommendations for the following year are offered.Larson said the reports will still be completed through the restructuring.The assessment report is critical for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation, Smith said.Accreditation “validates the quality” of an institution’s academic programs and instruction at all degree levels, according to the HLC&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hlcommission.org/Accreditation/accreditation-overview.html">website</a>. A degree from an unaccredited institution is not transferable to other institutions.ESU is scheduled for its 10-year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hlcommission.org/Accreditation/comprehensive-evaluation.html">comprehensive evaluation</a>&nbsp;to reaffirm accreditation by HLC in 2024-25, said Laura Janota, HLC spokeswoman. The university will host a visit from reviewers in fall 2024.The AAUP finding ESU administration unfit to lead will be a consideration in the HLC evaluation, said Ron Barrett-Gonzalez, a Kansas AAUP committee officer.“If the institution loses accreditation, then essentially the degree from ESU would become worthless,” Barrett-Gonzalez said. “So right now, in many ways, the AAUP censure is the canary in the coal mine, and the canary has basically died.”What has happened at ESU was “brutal to teachers,” Barrett-Gonzalez said.ESU was listed as one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thefire.org/news/10-worst-colleges-free-speech-2023?utm_source=FIRE_Update&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Update&amp;fb_subscribed=true">10 worst colleges for free speech</a>&nbsp;in February by The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.Smith said he has entered the job market and is hoping to find an institution that is not censured by AAUP and values free speech where he can continue working in academia.“I love being chair and would have been happy to continue doing that, or I’d like to be maybe a different kind of administrator,” Smith said. “The glitch there is since I’m strongly opposed to ESU’s new direction, I don’t see any role for me there, and so it becomes a question of looking to do that role at another school.”

‘Short-lived victory:’ Emporia State takes reinstated professors to court

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Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore, age 88, of Grainfield, KS, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter, KS. She was born on September 19, 1934 to Albert and Barbara Weigel in Quinter, KS.&nbsp;

She attended Gove Grade School. She graduated from Gove High School in 1952 with high honors and as the class valedictorian. She then attended the Parks School of Business in Denver, CO. 

On October 6, 1953, she was united in marriage to Pius Zerr in Grainfield, KS. To this union were born two children, Pam and Janice. Pius proceeded her in death on September 12, 1983. On September 19, 1986, she married Carl A. Moore of Goodland, KS.

Marcella worked as deputy Register of Deeds in the early 1950s and was later employed by Beougher’s Law office in Grinnell, KS until 1961. &nbsp;From 1961 to 1975 she worked for Charles Stewart, attorney. In 1975, she took the Kansas Abstractor’s exam and went into her own business for many years. &nbsp;She was very active in the Grainfield community as she served on the meal site council, recreation committee, city council, Christian Mothers, St. Agnes Parish Council and as a member of the Grinnell VFW Auxiliary.&nbsp;

She also helped numerous times serving funeral dinners and made many salads and desserts for grieving family members. &nbsp;She was always happy when she could help someone else out and give her time and kindness to others. &nbsp;

When Marcella wasn’t serving on a committee, you could either find her watching a KU basketball game or being one of the grandkids' biggest fans as they participated in basketball, cross country, volleyball, concerts, or any 4-H activity. You could say that anywhere her grandchildren were, you would see Marcella supporting them.

She leaves behind her husband, Carl Moore of Grainfield, daughters Pam Morel (Larry), Oakley, KS, and Janice Braun (Rick), Victoria, KS; six grandchildren, Lindy Morel, Landon Morel, Logan Morel, Lori Martin, Jenna Dempewolf (Andrew) and Lane Braun (Arrica). Her blessings grew as she had three great-grandchildren, Bellami Martin, Gentry and Braxton Dempewolf and baby Braun girl to be born in July! &nbsp;She has one brother, Pat Weigel, Hays, KS, along with his daughters Patty Goolsby and Staci Lucero. It was always a joy for Marcella to hear how Patty and Staci would call to ask if they could come “home” to stay with her as they were a very important part of her family.

The family has chosen cremation with a private service to be held at a later date. Family will welcome visitors on Friday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at S. Agnes Parish Hall, Grainfield, KS.&nbsp;

Condolences or cards can be sent to Pam Morel, 109 Maple, Oakley, KS 67748 or Janice Braun, 576 350th Ave., Victoria, KS, 67671.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Marcella Katherine Moore, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/marcella-moore/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore, Grainfield</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686237701038.jpeg" alt="Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore" />
 <figcaption>Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/marcella-moore">https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/marcella-moore</a>September 19, 1934 - June 4, 2023Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore, age 88, of Grainfield, KS, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter, KS. She was born on September 19, 1934 to Albert and Barbara Weigel in Quinter, KS.&nbsp;She attended Gove Grade School. She graduated from Gove High School in 1952 with high honors and as the class valedictorian. She then attended the Parks School of Business in Denver, CO. On October 6, 1953, she was united in marriage to Pius Zerr in Grainfield, KS. To this union were born two children, Pam and Janice. Pius proceeded her in death on September 12, 1983. On September 19, 1986, she married Carl A. Moore of Goodland, KS.Marcella worked as deputy Register of Deeds in the early 1950s and was later employed by Beougher’s Law office in Grinnell, KS until 1961. &nbsp;From 1961 to 1975 she worked for Charles Stewart, attorney. In 1975, she took the Kansas Abstractor’s exam and went into her own business for many years. &nbsp;She was very active in the Grainfield community as she served on the meal site council, recreation committee, city council, Christian Mothers, St. Agnes Parish Council and as a member of the Grinnell VFW Auxiliary.&nbsp;She also helped numerous times serving funeral dinners and made many salads and desserts for grieving family members. &nbsp;She was always happy when she could help someone else out and give her time and kindness to others. &nbsp;When Marcella wasn’t serving on a committee, you could either find her watching a KU basketball game or being one of the grandkids' biggest fans as they participated in basketball, cross country, volleyball, concerts, or any 4-H activity. You could say that anywhere her grandchildren were, you would see Marcella supporting them.She leaves behind her husband, Carl Moore of Grainfield, daughters Pam Morel (Larry), Oakley, KS, and Janice Braun (Rick), Victoria, KS; six grandchildren, Lindy Morel, Landon Morel, Logan Morel, Lori Martin, Jenna Dempewolf (Andrew) and Lane Braun (Arrica). Her blessings grew as she had three great-grandchildren, Bellami Martin, Gentry and Braxton Dempewolf and baby Braun girl to be born in July! &nbsp;She has one brother, Pat Weigel, Hays, KS, along with his daughters Patty Goolsby and Staci Lucero. It was always a joy for Marcella to hear how Patty and Staci would call to ask if they could come “home” to stay with her as they were a very important part of her family.The family has chosen cremation with a private service to be held at a later date. Family will welcome visitors on Friday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at S. Agnes Parish Hall, Grainfield, KS.&nbsp;Condolences or cards can be sent to Pam Morel, 109 Maple, Oakley, KS 67748 or Janice Braun, 576 350th Ave., Victoria, KS, 67671.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Marcella Katherine Moore, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.schmittfuneral.com/obituary/marcella-moore/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Marcella Weigel Zerr Moore

<a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28077726">https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28077726</a>

Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey, surrounded by her loved ones, passed on June 3rd, 2023, at Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, KS. Micheale was born on January 3, 1961, in San Jose, California to James and Ruby Johnson. 

Micheale lived most of her childhood with her parents, loving the seaside life. She told stories of playing near the ocean and skateboarding around town. Her dad unfortunately passed at an early age; Micheale was only twelve. When she was fourteen, she moved to Mankato, KS to live with family where she attended high school at Mankato Jr./Sr. High. While attending she held multiple school records for track and field running events. She held those in her name until the events were transferred over from yards to meters.

She was united to Robert Walker in 1977 until 1988. They had their son John Walker, in 1979. She became a mom and received her GED all in the same year. Micheale enjoyed every minute of being a mom. She and her son Johnnie, as she called him, had a very special relationship, he being her only child.

Micheale and Robert lived in Nevada and Texas before settling back in Mankato in the 1980s. Micheale was a business owner of The R Bar M and later The Video Store, which she sold to local grocery store, Kier’s of Mankato.

She married new husband Troy Dewey on October 6th, 1988. Micheale and Troy enjoyed many times together with family and friends. Together they enjoyed gardening, fishing, and camping, classic cars and listening to music outside on cool evenings. Many summers were spent at Lovewell Lake with their close friends.

In 1989, she started as a temporary employee, working in Jewell County at the Farm Service Agency office, entering the COT Program in 1995 to become CED of Sheridan County in February of 1997. She retired from this role at an early age in January of 2021.

Micheale’s life was full of love and laughter, spending time with family, special holidays with her sisters-in-law, son John, and family. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her two grandchildren, Owen and Olivia. Her hobbies included movies, shopping, gardening, and animals of any kind. Micheale especially treasured her toy poodles Pepe, Fifi, and Coco.

Left to cherish Micheale’s life is husband Troy Dewey; son John Walker (Hoxie) and wife Kristal (Kindler); grandchildren Owen and Olivia; mother-in-law Linda Dewey and significant other Rich Reinert (Downs, KS); sisters-in-law Tracy (Dewey) Walker (Mankato, KS) and Toni Dewey-Lippold, husband Jeremy, children Drew and Jordan (Overland Park, KS); nephews Steven Walker, wife Jennifer, sons Jace, West and Rustin (Mankato, KS) and Dakota Walker, wife Emma and children Ruby and Van (Mankato, KS); as well as many other family members and friends.

Micheale was preceded in death by father and mother James and Ruby Johnson, stepfather John Shaughnessy; and her beloved pups Pepe and Fifi.

Micheale showed incredible courage and strength through her life on earth, inspiring the ones around her to always take pride in who you are and what you have accomplished. She will be dearly missed by many!

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Friday, June 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Community Church in Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials to be donated to the Micheale Dewy Memorial Fund.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Micheale, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28077726&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1686236805.30.1.1686236853.12.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686236894208.jpeg" alt="Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey" />
 <figcaption>Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28077726">https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28077726</a>January 3, 1961 - June 3, 2023Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey, surrounded by her loved ones, passed on June 3rd, 2023, at Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, KS. Micheale was born on January 3, 1961, in San Jose, California to James and Ruby Johnson. Micheale lived most of her childhood with her parents, loving the seaside life. She told stories of playing near the ocean and skateboarding around town. Her dad unfortunately passed at an early age; Micheale was only twelve. When she was fourteen, she moved to Mankato, KS to live with family where she attended high school at Mankato Jr./Sr. High. While attending she held multiple school records for track and field running events. She held those in her name until the events were transferred over from yards to meters.She was united to Robert Walker in 1977 until 1988. They had their son John Walker, in 1979. She became a mom and received her GED all in the same year. Micheale enjoyed every minute of being a mom. She and her son Johnnie, as she called him, had a very special relationship, he being her only child.Micheale and Robert lived in Nevada and Texas before settling back in Mankato in the 1980s. Micheale was a business owner of The R Bar M and later The Video Store, which she sold to local grocery store, Kier’s of Mankato.She married new husband Troy Dewey on October 6th, 1988. Micheale and Troy enjoyed many times together with family and friends. Together they enjoyed gardening, fishing, and camping, classic cars and listening to music outside on cool evenings. Many summers were spent at Lovewell Lake with their close friends.In 1989, she started as a temporary employee, working in Jewell County at the Farm Service Agency office, entering the COT Program in 1995 to become CED of Sheridan County in February of 1997. She retired from this role at an early age in January of 2021.Micheale’s life was full of love and laughter, spending time with family, special holidays with her sisters-in-law, son John, and family. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her two grandchildren, Owen and Olivia. Her hobbies included movies, shopping, gardening, and animals of any kind. Micheale especially treasured her toy poodles Pepe, Fifi, and Coco.Left to cherish Micheale’s life is husband Troy Dewey; son John Walker (Hoxie) and wife Kristal (Kindler); grandchildren Owen and Olivia; mother-in-law Linda Dewey and significant other Rich Reinert (Downs, KS); sisters-in-law Tracy (Dewey) Walker (Mankato, KS) and Toni Dewey-Lippold, husband Jeremy, children Drew and Jordan (Overland Park, KS); nephews Steven Walker, wife Jennifer, sons Jace, West and Rustin (Mankato, KS) and Dakota Walker, wife Emma and children Ruby and Van (Mankato, KS); as well as many other family members and friends.Micheale was preceded in death by father and mother James and Ruby Johnson, stepfather John Shaughnessy; and her beloved pups Pepe and Fifi.Micheale showed incredible courage and strength through her life on earth, inspiring the ones around her to always take pride in who you are and what you have accomplished. She will be dearly missed by many!A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Friday, June 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Christ Community Church in Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials to be donated to the Micheale Dewy Memorial Fund. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Micheale, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=28077726&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.1.1841863308.1682958493:GS1.1.1686236805.30.1.1686236853.12.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tree Store.</a>

Micheale Yvonne (Johnson) Dewey

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Clair Louis Legere, 3 months from 100 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, at Graham County Hospital. Clair arrived the second of ten children on September 10, 1923, in Macomb, Illinois, to Louis and Leta (Beghtol) Legere. With the encouragement of Great-Uncle John Legere, the family moved to Kansas when Clair was 13. The family settled on a farm south of Hill City.

 He attended elementary school at Millbrook School. After a long walk home from school, the Legere kids were treated to homemade bread, butter, and jam. Clair then attended Hill City High School and graduated in 1942.

Clair enlisted in the army in January 1943 and was slotted for duty as a tank crew member. One day upon leaving the mess hall, Clair noticed a bulletin board post requesting volunteers for a tank recovery unit. Clair joined the 458th Ordnance Evacuation Unit. He served as a driver/mechanic on an M25 Tank Transporter, commonly nicknamed the Dragon Wagon. His unit went into European theater battle fields where he assessed and recovered combat damaged tanks, armed personnel carriers, and the machines of war. He felt fortunate to serve with the men of the 458th. Among the honors he received but seldom discussed were a battlefield promotion to sergeant, Bronze (BSS) and Silver (SS) Stars, and the French Legion of Honor. He received an honorable discharge in November 1945. He especially appreciated receiving a Quilt of Valor and being selected for an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He loved his country all his life.

After WWII, Clair returned to Hill City and worked as a mechanic. On Thanksgiving Day in 1946 he went on a date with Eleanor Nickelson. They married on Thanksgiving Day 1947. Clair and Eleanor settled in Penokee and lived there for the rest of their lives, celebrating 65 years together. They purchased the Penokee grocery store in 1948, and it became a local landmark. Daughter Madella arrived in 1953 and a second daughter, Donella, followed in 1957. Running the store became a family endeavor. Clair and Eleanor also started a photography business. Many area people had their wedding and family photos taken by Legere’s Photography. In 1970, they closed the store and began Legere’s Refrigeration. When the Legere Refrigeration white van arrived with the big white dog, you knew about anything could and would be fixed.

His quiet faith manifested through service. He served as a Deacon in the Penokee Methodist Church. After the closing of the Penokee church, he became an active member of the Hill City Presbyterian Church. Clair served in leadership roles while always making himself available for maintenance, repair, and building upkeep.

His service continued with various school boards for 55 years. These included school boards in Penokee, Morland and at the Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. Memberships with the Masons, Eastern Star, Shriners, American Legion, and the VFW counted for another 50 years. Clair helped establish the fire station in Penokee and served as a firefighter from 1968 until his last fire run on October 24, 2013. At the age of 90, he still considered fire-fighting a privilege. Clair promoted Penokee and served 55 years on the Millbrook Township board.

Clair and Eleanor welcomed family and friends into their home through the years, leading to many cherished memories. Eleanor preceded Clair in death as did his parents, Louis and Leta Legere. Also preceding were brothers George, Major, Don, Bob, Jon Larry, and Scotty, as well as sisters, Jane Jansen, and Mary Ann Littlejohn.

Survivors left to cherish Clair’s memory include his sister, Joyce Gibson, Atlanta, GA, and sister-in-law Libby Legere, Hays. Clair’s daughters are Madella (Doug Williams) Garden City, and Donella Belleau, Hill City, (Don Dinkel, Hays). Clair had five grandchildren, Jeremy (Kellie) Belleau, Norton, KS; Michele (Greg) Albrecht, Lawrence, KS; Tara (Shane) Harper, Ingalls, KS; Sabra (John) Leomo, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Christi (Cody) Keiswetter, Lenora, KS. Continuing the legacy are 10 great-grandchildren, Emma and Grace Belleau; Katherine, Isaac, Granten and Solomon Harper; Kainoa and Zealand Leomo; Kaylen and Jaxen Keiswetter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Clair loved, took pride in, and supported his family and friends. Also included in his circle were pets, birds, and plants. Clair’s friends often speak of him as, “One of the good ones.” He lived a full and wonderful life.

To&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Clair, please&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Clair Louis Legere</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686082273912.jpeg" alt="Clair Louis Legere" />
 <figcaption>Clair Louis Legere</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28021921">https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=28021921</a>September 10, 1923 - May 29, 2023Clair Louis Legere, 3 months from 100 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, at Graham County Hospital. Clair arrived the second of ten children on September 10, 1923, in Macomb, Illinois, to Louis and Leta (Beghtol) Legere. With the encouragement of Great-Uncle John Legere, the family moved to Kansas when Clair was 13. The family settled on a farm south of Hill City. He attended elementary school at Millbrook School. After a long walk home from school, the Legere kids were treated to homemade bread, butter, and jam. Clair then attended Hill City High School and graduated in 1942.Clair enlisted in the army in January 1943 and was slotted for duty as a tank crew member. One day upon leaving the mess hall, Clair noticed a bulletin board post requesting volunteers for a tank recovery unit. Clair joined the 458th Ordnance Evacuation Unit. He served as a driver/mechanic on an M25 Tank Transporter, commonly nicknamed the Dragon Wagon. His unit went into European theater battle fields where he assessed and recovered combat damaged tanks, armed personnel carriers, and the machines of war. He felt fortunate to serve with the men of the 458th. Among the honors he received but seldom discussed were a battlefield promotion to sergeant, Bronze (BSS) and Silver (SS) Stars, and the French Legion of Honor. He received an honorable discharge in November 1945. He especially appreciated receiving a Quilt of Valor and being selected for an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He loved his country all his life.After WWII, Clair returned to Hill City and worked as a mechanic. On Thanksgiving Day in 1946 he went on a date with Eleanor Nickelson. They married on Thanksgiving Day 1947. Clair and Eleanor settled in Penokee and lived there for the rest of their lives, celebrating 65 years together. They purchased the Penokee grocery store in 1948, and it became a local landmark. Daughter Madella arrived in 1953 and a second daughter, Donella, followed in 1957. Running the store became a family endeavor. Clair and Eleanor also started a photography business. Many area people had their wedding and family photos taken by Legere’s Photography. In 1970, they closed the store and began Legere’s Refrigeration. When the Legere Refrigeration white van arrived with the big white dog, you knew about anything could and would be fixed.His quiet faith manifested through service. He served as a Deacon in the Penokee Methodist Church. After the closing of the Penokee church, he became an active member of the Hill City Presbyterian Church. Clair served in leadership roles while always making himself available for maintenance, repair, and building upkeep.His service continued with various school boards for 55 years. These included school boards in Penokee, Morland and at the Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. Memberships with the Masons, Eastern Star, Shriners, American Legion, and the VFW counted for another 50 years. Clair helped establish the fire station in Penokee and served as a firefighter from 1968 until his last fire run on October 24, 2013. At the age of 90, he still considered fire-fighting a privilege. Clair promoted Penokee and served 55 years on the Millbrook Township board.Clair and Eleanor welcomed family and friends into their home through the years, leading to many cherished memories. Eleanor preceded Clair in death as did his parents, Louis and Leta Legere. Also preceding were brothers George, Major, Don, Bob, Jon Larry, and Scotty, as well as sisters, Jane Jansen, and Mary Ann Littlejohn.Survivors left to cherish Clair’s memory include his sister, Joyce Gibson, Atlanta, GA, and sister-in-law Libby Legere, Hays. Clair’s daughters are Madella (Doug Williams) Garden City, and Donella Belleau, Hill City, (Don Dinkel, Hays). Clair had five grandchildren, Jeremy (Kellie) Belleau, Norton, KS; Michele (Greg) Albrecht, Lawrence, KS; Tara (Shane) Harper, Ingalls, KS; Sabra (John) Leomo, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Christi (Cody) Keiswetter, Lenora, KS. Continuing the legacy are 10 great-grandchildren, Emma and Grace Belleau; Katherine, Isaac, Granten and Solomon Harper; Kainoa and Zealand Leomo; Kaylen and Jaxen Keiswetter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.Clair loved, took pride in, and supported his family and friends. Also included in his circle were pets, birds, and plants. Clair’s friends often speak of him as, “One of the good ones.” He lived a full and wonderful life.To&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Clair, please&nbsp;<a href="http://stinemetz-funeral-home-inc.tributestore.com/?oId=28021921&amp;tag=&amp;otv=Frazer_MS2_Cont&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.653740999.1682956485:GS1.1.1686082029.40.0.1686082036.53.0.0&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">visit our floral store.</a>

Clair Louis Legere

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The wall of a major dam in southern Ukraine collapsed Tuesday, triggering floods, endangering Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and threatening drinking water supplies as both sides in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the war</a>&nbsp;scrambled to evacuate residents and blamed each other for the destruction.

Ukraine accused Russian forces of blowing up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kakhovka-dam-ukraine-russia-war-whats-at-stake-a417dafefa79462bef5e4e63c0a94c8c">the Kakhovka dam</a>&nbsp;and hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River in an area that Moscow controls, while Russian officials blamed Ukrainian bombardment in the contested area. It was not possible to verify the claims.

The potentially far-reaching environmental and social consequences of the disaster quickly became clear as homes, streets and businesses flooded downstream and emergency crews began evacuations; officials raced to check cooling systems at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-and-environment-government-politics-6147e518d263393eedefb90759651b3c">Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant</a>; and authorities expressed concern about supplies of drinking water to the south in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities brought in trains and buses for residents. About 22,000 people live in areas at risk of flooding in Russian-controlled areas, while 16,000 live in the most critical zone in Ukrainian-held territory, according to official tallies. Neither side reported any deaths or injuries.

The dam break added a stunning new dimension to Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its 16th month. Ukrainian forces were widely seen to be moving forward with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-counteroffensive-moscow-kyiv-tactics-337f12cfe0766376afcf32c5b9d75f23">long-anticipated counteroffensive</a>&nbsp;in patches along more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of front line in the east and south.

It was not immediately clear whether either side benefits from the damage to the dam, since both Russian-controlled and Ukrainian-held lands are at risk. The damage could also hinder Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the south and distract its government, while Russia depends on the dam to supply water to Crimea.

Although Kyiv officials claimed Russia blew up the dam to hinder the counteroffensive, observers note that crossing the broad Dnieper would be extremely challenging for the Ukrainian military. Other sectors of the front line are more likely avenues of attack, analysts say.

Even so, Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the alleged Russian destruction of the dam “betrays a lack of confidence, a lack of confidence, a profoundly defensive measure, the lack of confidence in Russia’s longer-term prospects” in the war.

Experts have previously said the dam was in disrepair, which could also have led to the breach. David Helms, a retired American scientist who has monitored the reservoir since the start of the war, said in an email that it wasn’t clear if the damage was deliberate or simple neglect from Russian forces occupying the facility.

But Helms also noted a Russian history of attacking dams.

Authorities, experts and residents have expressed concern for months about water flows through — and over — the Kakhovka dam. After heavy rains and snow melt last month, water levels rose beyond normal levels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nuclear-dnipro-river-flood-df2aaa99cab8b0e0d7a4b26bd77cad0f">flooding nearby villages</a>. Satellite images showed water washing over damaged sluice gates.

Amid official outrage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council. He alleged Russian forces set off a blast inside the dam structure at 2:50 a.m. (2350 GMT Monday) and said about 80 settlements were in danger. Zelenskyy said in October his government had information that Russia had mined the dam and power plant.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it “a deliberate act of sabotage by the Ukrainian side … aimed at cutting water supplies to Crimea.”

Both sides warned of a looming environmental disaster. Ukraine’s Presidential Office said some 150 metric tons of oil escaped from the dam machinery and that another 300 metric tons could still leak out.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s President’s Office, posted a video showing swans swimming near an administrative building in the flooded streets of Russian-occupied Nova Kakhovka, a city in the Kherson region where some 45,000 people lived before the war. Other footage he posted showed flood waters reaching the second floor of the building.

Ukraine's Interior Ministry urged residents of 10 villages on the Dnieper’s right bank and parts of the city of Kherson downriver to gather essential documents and pets, turn off appliances, and leave, while cautioning against possible disinformation.

The Russian-installed mayor of occupied Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontyev, said it was being evacuated as water poured into the city.

Ukraine’s nuclear operator Energoatom said via Telegram that the damage to the dam “could have negative consequences” for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-and-environment-government-politics-6147e518d263393eedefb90759651b3c">Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant</a>, which is Europe’s biggest, but wrote that for now the situation is “controllable.”

The U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency said there was “no immediate risk to the safety of the plant,” which requires water for its cooling system. It said that IAEA staff on site have been told the dam level is falling by 5 centimeters (2 inches) an hour. At that rate, the supply from the reservoir should last a few days, it said.

The plant also has alternative sources of water, including a large cooling pond than can provide water “for some months,” the statement said.

Ukrainian authorities have previously warned that the dam’s failure could unleash 18 million cubic meters (4.8 billion gallons) of water and flood Kherson and dozens of other areas where thousands of people live.

The World Data Center for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development, a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization, estimated that nearly 100 villages and towns would be flooded. It also reckoned that the water level would start dropping only after five-seven days.

A total collapse in the dam would wash away much of the broad river's left bank, according to the Ukraine War Environmental Consequences Working Group, an organization of environmental activists and experts documenting the war’s environmental effects.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that “a global ecological disaster is playing out now, online, and thousands of animals and ecosystems will be destroyed in the next few hours.”

Video posted online showed floodwaters inundating a long roadway; another showed a beaver scurrying for high ground from rising waters.

The incident also drew international condemnation, including from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who said the “outrageous act … demonstrates once again the brutality of Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

Ukraine controls five of the six dams along the Dnieper, which runs from its northern border with Belarus down to the Black Sea and is crucial for the country’s drinking water and power supply.

Ukraine’s state hydro power generating company wrote in a statement that “The station cannot be restored.” Ukrhydroenergo also claimed Russia blew up the station from inside the engine room.

Leontyev, the Russian-appointed mayor, said numerous Ukrainian strikes on the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant destroyed its valves, and “water from the Kakhovka reservoir began to uncontrollably flow downstream.” Leontyev added that damage to the station was beyond repair, and it would have to be rebuilt.

Ukraine and Russia have previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-moscow-europe-donetsk-10b79dcbd6bf91e7ce258a0225a82a7f">accused each other</a>&nbsp;of targeting the dam with attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686057672800.png" alt="Image made from video provided by Ukraine's Presidential Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image made from video provided by Ukraine's Presidential Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The wall of a major dam in southern Ukraine collapsed Tuesday, triggering floods, endangering Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and threatening drinking water supplies as both sides in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the war</a>&nbsp;scrambled to evacuate residents and blamed each other for the destruction.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaIsATerroristState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaIsATerroristState</a> and the only way to stop it, is to kick it out of Ukraine. Blowing up the Kakhovska HPP will have devastating consequences,incl drowning in the region, long term water shortage, irreparable damages to thousands of lives of innocent civilians and ecosystem <a href="https://t.co/Cj2lTaoVZd">pic.twitter.com/Cj2lTaoVZd</a>&mdash; MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1665964127477481473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ukraine accused Russian forces of blowing up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kakhovka-dam-ukraine-russia-war-whats-at-stake-a417dafefa79462bef5e4e63c0a94c8c">the Kakhovka dam</a>&nbsp;and hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River in an area that Moscow controls, while Russian officials blamed Ukrainian bombardment in the contested area. It was not possible to verify the claims.The potentially far-reaching environmental and social consequences of the disaster quickly became clear as homes, streets and businesses flooded downstream and emergency crews began evacuations; officials raced to check cooling systems at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-and-environment-government-politics-6147e518d263393eedefb90759651b3c">Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant</a>; and authorities expressed concern about supplies of drinking water to the south in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities brought in trains and buses for residents. About 22,000 people live in areas at risk of flooding in Russian-controlled areas, while 16,000 live in the most critical zone in Ukrainian-held territory, according to official tallies. Neither side reported any deaths or injuries.The dam break added a stunning new dimension to Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its 16th month. Ukrainian forces were widely seen to be moving forward with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-counteroffensive-moscow-kyiv-tactics-337f12cfe0766376afcf32c5b9d75f23">long-anticipated counteroffensive</a>&nbsp;in patches along more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of front line in the east and south.It was not immediately clear whether either side benefits from the damage to the dam, since both Russian-controlled and Ukrainian-held lands are at risk. The damage could also hinder Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the south and distract its government, while Russia depends on the dam to supply water to Crimea.Although Kyiv officials claimed Russia blew up the dam to hinder the counteroffensive, observers note that crossing the broad Dnieper would be extremely challenging for the Ukrainian military. Other sectors of the front line are more likely avenues of attack, analysts say.Even so, Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the alleged Russian destruction of the dam “betrays a lack of confidence, a lack of confidence, a profoundly defensive measure, the lack of confidence in Russia’s longer-term prospects” in the war.Experts have previously said the dam was in disrepair, which could also have led to the breach. David Helms, a retired American scientist who has monitored the reservoir since the start of the war, said in an email that it wasn’t clear if the damage was deliberate or simple neglect from Russian forces occupying the facility.But Helms also noted a Russian history of attacking dams.Authorities, experts and residents have expressed concern for months about water flows through — and over — the Kakhovka dam. After heavy rains and snow melt last month, water levels rose beyond normal levels,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-nuclear-dnipro-river-flood-df2aaa99cab8b0e0d7a4b26bd77cad0f">flooding nearby villages</a>. Satellite images showed water washing over damaged sluice gates.Amid official outrage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council. He alleged Russian forces set off a blast inside the dam structure at 2:50 a.m. (2350 GMT Monday) and said about 80 settlements were in danger. Zelenskyy said in October his government had information that Russia had mined the dam and power plant.But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it “a deliberate act of sabotage by the Ukrainian side … aimed at cutting water supplies to Crimea.”Both sides warned of a looming environmental disaster. Ukraine’s Presidential Office said some 150 metric tons of oil escaped from the dam machinery and that another 300 metric tons could still leak out.Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s President’s Office, posted a video showing swans swimming near an administrative building in the flooded streets of Russian-occupied Nova Kakhovka, a city in the Kherson region where some 45,000 people lived before the war. Other footage he posted showed flood waters reaching the second floor of the building.Ukraine's Interior Ministry urged residents of 10 villages on the Dnieper’s right bank and parts of the city of Kherson downriver to gather essential documents and pets, turn off appliances, and leave, while cautioning against possible disinformation.The Russian-installed mayor of occupied Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontyev, said it was being evacuated as water poured into the city.Ukraine’s nuclear operator Energoatom said via Telegram that the damage to the dam “could have negative consequences” for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-climate-and-environment-government-politics-6147e518d263393eedefb90759651b3c">Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant</a>, which is Europe’s biggest, but wrote that for now the situation is “controllable.”The U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency said there was “no immediate risk to the safety of the plant,” which requires water for its cooling system. It said that IAEA staff on site have been told the dam level is falling by 5 centimeters (2 inches) an hour. At that rate, the supply from the reservoir should last a few days, it said.The plant also has alternative sources of water, including a large cooling pond than can provide water “for some months,” the statement said.Ukrainian authorities have previously warned that the dam’s failure could unleash 18 million cubic meters (4.8 billion gallons) of water and flood Kherson and dozens of other areas where thousands of people live.The World Data Center for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development, a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization, estimated that nearly 100 villages and towns would be flooded. It also reckoned that the water level would start dropping only after five-seven days.A total collapse in the dam would wash away much of the broad river's left bank, according to the Ukraine War Environmental Consequences Working Group, an organization of environmental activists and experts documenting the war’s environmental effects.Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that “a global ecological disaster is playing out now, online, and thousands of animals and ecosystems will be destroyed in the next few hours.”Video posted online showed floodwaters inundating a long roadway; another showed a beaver scurrying for high ground from rising waters.The incident also drew international condemnation, including from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who said the “outrageous act … demonstrates once again the brutality of Russia’s war in Ukraine.”Ukraine controls five of the six dams along the Dnieper, which runs from its northern border with Belarus down to the Black Sea and is crucial for the country’s drinking water and power supply.Ukraine’s state hydro power generating company wrote in a statement that “The station cannot be restored.” Ukrhydroenergo also claimed Russia blew up the station from inside the engine room.Leontyev, the Russian-appointed mayor, said numerous Ukrainian strikes on the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant destroyed its valves, and “water from the Kakhovka reservoir began to uncontrollably flow downstream.” Leontyev added that damage to the station was beyond repair, and it would have to be rebuilt.Ukraine and Russia have previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-moscow-europe-donetsk-10b79dcbd6bf91e7ce258a0225a82a7f">accused each other</a>&nbsp;of targeting the dam with attacks.

🎥Collapse of major dam in Ukraine triggers emergency

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Saudi Arabia will reduce how much oil it sends to the global economy, taking a unilateral step to prop up the sagging price of crude after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-supply-gasoline-prices-saudi-russia-27e7b8785ff6fa3ca5df590d64cedb57">two previous cuts to supply</a>&nbsp;by major producing countries in the OPEC+ alliance failed to push oil higher.

The Saudi cut of 1 million barrels per day, to start in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers agreed in a meeting in Vienna to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.

Calling the reduction a “lollipop,” Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said at a news conference that “we wanted to ice the cake.” He said the cut could be extended and that the group “will do whatever is necessary to bring stability to this market.”

The new cut would likely push up oil prices in the short term, but the impact after that would depend on whether Saudi Arabia decides to extend it, said Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil markets research at Rystad Energy.

The move provides “a price floor because the Saudis can play with the voluntary cut as much as they like,” he said.

The slump in oil prices has helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">U.S. drivers fill their tanks more cheaply</a>&nbsp;and gave consumers worldwide some relief from inflation.

“Gas is not going to become cheaper," Leon said. ”If anything, it will become marginally more expensive.”

That the Saudis felt another cut was necessary underlines the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/imf-world-bank-interest-rates-fiscal-policy-1f3ad9e4bf87b3e95db84ba7c49b959f">uncertain outlook for demand</a>&nbsp;for fuel in the months ahead. There are concerns about economic weakness in the U.S. and Europe, while China’s rebound from COVID-19 restrictions has been less robust than many had hoped.

Saudi Arabia, the dominant producer in the OPEC oil cartel, was one of several members that agreed on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">surprise cut of 1.6 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;in April. The kingdom’s share was 500,000. That followed OPEC+ announcing in October that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">slash 2 million barrels</a>&nbsp;per day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">angering U.S. President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;by threatening higher gasoline prices a month before the midterm elections.

All told, OPEC+ has now dropped production on paper by 4.6 million barrels a day. But some countries can't produce their quotas, so the actual reduction is around 3.5 million barrels per day, or over 3% of global supply.

The previous cuts gave little lasting boost to oil prices. International benchmark Brent crude climbed as high as $87 per barrel but has given up its post-cut gains and been loitering below $75 per barrel in recent days. U.S. crude has recently dipped below $70.

That has helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summer-travel-inflation-airlines-hotels-b1ec8b577b6cae248923236b1c8c120c">U.S. drivers kicking off the summer travel season</a>, with prices at the pump averaging $3.55, down $1.02 from a year ago, according to auto club AAA. Falling energy prices also helped inflation in the 20 European countries that use the euro&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-europe-food-prices-77c0d22dd3ff5aad439a995542a8e6a8">drop to the lowest level</a>&nbsp;since before Russia invaded Ukraine.

The Saudis need&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-aramco-2022-financial-earnings-oil-energy-c42b0a0b7b5a70db1f2a0ea732434051">sustained high oil revenue</a>&nbsp;to fund ambitious development projects aimed at diversifying the country’s economy.

The International Monetary Fund estimates the kingdom needs $80.90 per barrel to meet its envisioned spending commitments, which include a planned $500 billion futuristic desert city project called Neom.

The U.S. recently replenished its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-opec-business-government-and-politics-climate-environment-59aa11307b222550d48fb42ff0c3bd59">Strategic Petroleum Reserve</a>&nbsp;— after Biden announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">largest release from the national reserve</a>&nbsp;in American history last year — in an indicator that U.S. officials may be less worried about OPEC cuts than in months past.

While oil producers like Saudi Arabia need revenue to fund their state budgets, they also have to take into account the impact of higher prices on oil-consuming countries.

Oil prices that go too high can fuel inflation, sapping consumer purchasing power and pushing central banks like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-recession-powell-50be3ad208848b75df2498aa5da6156b">U.S. Federal Reserve toward further interest rate hikes</a>&nbsp;that can slow economic growth.

The Saudi production cut and any increase to oil prices could add to the profits that are helping Russia pay for its war against Ukraine. Russia has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">new oil customers in India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey amid Western sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s crucial energy income.

However, higher crude prices risk complicating trade by the world’s No. 3 oil producer if they exceed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">$60-per-barrel price cap</a>&nbsp;imposed by the Group of Seven major democracies.

Russia has found ways to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">evade the price cap</a>&nbsp;through “dark fleet” tankers, which tamper with location data or transfer oil from ship to ship to disguise its origin. But those efforts add costs.

Under the OPEC+ deal, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow will extend its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">voluntary cut of 500,000 barrels a day</a>&nbsp;through next year, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

But Russia might not be following through on its promises. Moscow’s total exports of oil and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">refined products such as diesel fuel</a>&nbsp;rose in April to a post-invasion high of 8.3 million barrels per day, the International Energy Agency said in its April oil market report.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Saudi Arabia will reduce how much oil it sends to the global economy, taking a unilateral step to prop up the sagging price of crude after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-supply-gasoline-prices-saudi-russia-27e7b8785ff6fa3ca5df590d64cedb57">two previous cuts to supply</a>&nbsp;by major producing countries in the OPEC+ alliance failed to push oil higher.The Saudi cut of 1 million barrels per day, to start in July, comes as the other OPEC+ producers agreed in a meeting in Vienna to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">extend earlier production cuts</a>&nbsp;through next year.Calling the reduction a “lollipop,” Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said at a news conference that “we wanted to ice the cake.” He said the cut could be extended and that the group “will do whatever is necessary to bring stability to this market.”The new cut would likely push up oil prices in the short term, but the impact after that would depend on whether Saudi Arabia decides to extend it, said Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil markets research at Rystad Energy.The move provides “a price floor because the Saudis can play with the voluntary cut as much as they like,” he said.The slump in oil prices has helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">U.S. drivers fill their tanks more cheaply</a>&nbsp;and gave consumers worldwide some relief from inflation.“Gas is not going to become cheaper," Leon said. ”If anything, it will become marginally more expensive.”That the Saudis felt another cut was necessary underlines the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/imf-world-bank-interest-rates-fiscal-policy-1f3ad9e4bf87b3e95db84ba7c49b959f">uncertain outlook for demand</a>&nbsp;for fuel in the months ahead. There are concerns about economic weakness in the U.S. and Europe, while China’s rebound from COVID-19 restrictions has been less robust than many had hoped.Saudi Arabia, the dominant producer in the OPEC oil cartel, was one of several members that agreed on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">surprise cut of 1.6 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;in April. The kingdom’s share was 500,000. That followed OPEC+ announcing in October that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">slash 2 million barrels</a>&nbsp;per day,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">angering U.S. President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;by threatening higher gasoline prices a month before the midterm elections.All told, OPEC+ has now dropped production on paper by 4.6 million barrels a day. But some countries can't produce their quotas, so the actual reduction is around 3.5 million barrels per day, or over 3% of global supply.The previous cuts gave little lasting boost to oil prices. International benchmark Brent crude climbed as high as $87 per barrel but has given up its post-cut gains and been loitering below $75 per barrel in recent days. U.S. crude has recently dipped below $70.That has helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/summer-travel-inflation-airlines-hotels-b1ec8b577b6cae248923236b1c8c120c">U.S. drivers kicking off the summer travel season</a>, with prices at the pump averaging $3.55, down $1.02 from a year ago, according to auto club AAA. Falling energy prices also helped inflation in the 20 European countries that use the euro&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-europe-food-prices-77c0d22dd3ff5aad439a995542a8e6a8">drop to the lowest level</a>&nbsp;since before Russia invaded Ukraine.The Saudis need&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-aramco-2022-financial-earnings-oil-energy-c42b0a0b7b5a70db1f2a0ea732434051">sustained high oil revenue</a>&nbsp;to fund ambitious development projects aimed at diversifying the country’s economy.The International Monetary Fund estimates the kingdom needs $80.90 per barrel to meet its envisioned spending commitments, which include a planned $500 billion futuristic desert city project called Neom.The U.S. recently replenished its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-opec-business-government-and-politics-climate-environment-59aa11307b222550d48fb42ff0c3bd59">Strategic Petroleum Reserve</a>&nbsp;— after Biden announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-europe-3e1808077371b88ae043c86584763afd">largest release from the national reserve</a>&nbsp;in American history last year — in an indicator that U.S. officials may be less worried about OPEC cuts than in months past.While oil producers like Saudi Arabia need revenue to fund their state budgets, they also have to take into account the impact of higher prices on oil-consuming countries.Oil prices that go too high can fuel inflation, sapping consumer purchasing power and pushing central banks like the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-recession-powell-50be3ad208848b75df2498aa5da6156b">U.S. Federal Reserve toward further interest rate hikes</a>&nbsp;that can slow economic growth.The Saudi production cut and any increase to oil prices could add to the profits that are helping Russia pay for its war against Ukraine. Russia has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">new oil customers in India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey amid Western sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s crucial energy income.However, higher crude prices risk complicating trade by the world’s No. 3 oil producer if they exceed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-health-covid-prices-european-union-65de1c4934227208bfa68bb7d4c47716">$60-per-barrel price cap</a>&nbsp;imposed by the Group of Seven major democracies.Russia has found ways to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">evade the price cap</a>&nbsp;through “dark fleet” tankers, which tamper with location data or transfer oil from ship to ship to disguise its origin. But those efforts add costs.Under the OPEC+ deal, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow will extend its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">voluntary cut of 500,000 barrels a day</a>&nbsp;through next year, according to Russian state news agency Tass.But Russia might not be following through on its promises. Moscow’s total exports of oil and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">refined products such as diesel fuel</a>&nbsp;rose in April to a post-invasion high of 8.3 million barrels per day, the International Energy Agency said in its April oil market report.

Expect higher gas prices as Saudis slash oil supply

<a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/clarence-gumescheimer?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/clarence-gumescheimer?fh_id=10931</a>

Clarence Eugene Gumescheimer, 84, passed away on June 4, 2023, at Medicalodges, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 27, 1938, the youngest son of John Gumescheimer, Jr. and Lydia (Heronemus) Gumescheimer, at Ness City, Kansas. 

He grew up on the farm southeast of Ness City and later moved to Bazine, Kansas, with his parents, and attended Bazine Grade and High School, graduating in 1957.

On June 8, 1958, he married Genelda Rein, his high school sweetheart, and to their union there were two children born: Kevin Lynn and Tamara Marie. They lived in Ness City, Kansas, until 1984, when they moved to Hays, Kansas.

Clarence worked in the automobile industry most of his life, selling parts and automobiles, until later he switched to the farm machinery, calling on customers and fulfilling their farm needs. He retired in 2010 due to health problems. He very much enjoyed going fishing, boating, and hunting with his family.

Survivors include a son, Kevin (Andrea McSherry) of Wright, Kansas; daughter, Tammy Hatesohl of Manhattan, Kansas; four grandchildren, Nikki Seybert (Rocky), Eric Hatesohl (fiancée, Erin LeFever), and Jared Gumescheimer (Camrynn); two great-grandchildren, Levi and Emersyn Gumescheimer; one stepgrandson, Richard; a sister, Lillian (Harry) Born of Follett, Texax; and many nieces and nephews. &nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, “Nellie”, a brother, Vernon Gumescheimer; a stepgranddaughter, Kayla; and stepgreat-granddaughter, Aalilyah.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Great Bend Cemetery North with Pastor Joshua Leu presiding. Memorials have been designated to the First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

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

<h2>Clarence E. Gumescheimer</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685990197730.png" alt="Clarence E. Gumescheimer" />
 <figcaption>Clarence E. Gumescheimer</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/clarence-gumescheimer?fh_id=10931">https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/clarence-gumescheimer?fh_id=10931</a>October, 27, 1938 - June 4, 2023Clarence Eugene Gumescheimer, 84, passed away on June 4, 2023, at Medicalodges, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 27, 1938, the youngest son of John Gumescheimer, Jr. and Lydia (Heronemus) Gumescheimer, at Ness City, Kansas. He grew up on the farm southeast of Ness City and later moved to Bazine, Kansas, with his parents, and attended Bazine Grade and High School, graduating in 1957.On June 8, 1958, he married Genelda Rein, his high school sweetheart, and to their union there were two children born: Kevin Lynn and Tamara Marie. They lived in Ness City, Kansas, until 1984, when they moved to Hays, Kansas.Clarence worked in the automobile industry most of his life, selling parts and automobiles, until later he switched to the farm machinery, calling on customers and fulfilling their farm needs. He retired in 2010 due to health problems. He very much enjoyed going fishing, boating, and hunting with his family.Survivors include a son, Kevin (Andrea McSherry) of Wright, Kansas; daughter, Tammy Hatesohl of Manhattan, Kansas; four grandchildren, Nikki Seybert (Rocky), Eric Hatesohl (fiancée, Erin LeFever), and Jared Gumescheimer (Camrynn); two great-grandchildren, Levi and Emersyn Gumescheimer; one stepgrandson, Richard; a sister, Lillian (Harry) Born of Follett, Texax; and many nieces and nephews. &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, “Nellie”, a brother, Vernon Gumescheimer; a stepgranddaughter, Kayla; and stepgreat-granddaughter, Aalilyah.Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Great Bend Cemetery North with Pastor Joshua Leu presiding. Memorials have been designated to the First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Clarence Eugene Gumescheimer, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bryantfh.net/obituary/clarence-gumescheimer/flowers?campaign=obituaryThemed-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Clarence E. Gumescheimer

<a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Doris-Dinkel">https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Doris-Dinkel</a>

Doris A. Dinkel, 85, Hays, died Friday, June 2, 2023 at Via Christi Village.

She was born October 31, 1937 in Hays, the daughter of Florence and Mary S. (Braun) Walters. 

In 1956, she graduated from Girls Catholic High School, and on June 12, 1956 she was united in marriage to Irvin A. Dinkel in Hays. They celebrated 27 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 16, 1983.

 She worked at St. Anthony Hospital and then HaysMed in central supplies, sterilizing surgical equipment and preparing surgical trays. 

Doris was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed crocheting, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, canning, and cooking. She was a people person who loved her family, friends, and time together filled with joy and laughter.

Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Perry and husband Gerald of Sparta, MO, and Joan Wellbrock and husband Leon of Victoria; three sisters, Rozine Lambertson and husband Harry of Hays, Barbara McCauley of Topeka, and Debbie Bohm of Hays;nine grandchildren, Tara Tate, Joey Dinkel and wife Julianne, Irvin Dinkel, Stephen Dinkel, Jamie Garner and husband Michael, Johnnie Perry, Auna Perry, Madison Perry, and Ashley Schmidtberger and husband Andy; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Irvin, her brother, Gary Walters and wife Alice, a son, Bill Dinkel, brother-in-law, Tom Bohm, and a great-grandson, Duke Schmidtberger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. David Micheal officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

 Condolences and memories of Doris may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<h2>Doris A. Dinkel, Hays</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685911454757.jpeg" alt="Doris A. Dinkel" />
 <figcaption>Doris A. Dinkel</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Doris-Dinkel">https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Doris-Dinkel</a>October 31, 1937 - June 2, 2023Doris A. Dinkel, 85, Hays, died Friday, June 2, 2023 at Via Christi Village.She was born October 31, 1937 in Hays, the daughter of Florence and Mary S. (Braun) Walters. In 1956, she graduated from Girls Catholic High School, and on June 12, 1956 she was united in marriage to Irvin A. Dinkel in Hays. They celebrated 27 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 16, 1983. She worked at St. Anthony Hospital and then HaysMed in central supplies, sterilizing surgical equipment and preparing surgical trays. Doris was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed crocheting, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, canning, and cooking. She was a people person who loved her family, friends, and time together filled with joy and laughter.Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Perry and husband Gerald of Sparta, MO, and Joan Wellbrock and husband Leon of Victoria; three sisters, Rozine Lambertson and husband Harry of Hays, Barbara McCauley of Topeka, and Debbie Bohm of Hays;nine grandchildren, Tara Tate, Joey Dinkel and wife Julianne, Irvin Dinkel, Stephen Dinkel, Jamie Garner and husband Michael, Johnnie Perry, Auna Perry, Madison Perry, and Ashley Schmidtberger and husband Andy; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Irvin, her brother, Gary Walters and wife Alice, a son, Bill Dinkel, brother-in-law, Tom Bohm, and a great-grandson, Duke Schmidtberger.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. David Micheal officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute. Condolences and memories of Doris may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Doris A. Dinkel

DODGE CITY - United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to bring more family fun to Dodge City on Saturday, October 14th, with Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party. 

Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and the show starts at 2:00 p.m. with a special photo experience right after the show. Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party and you are invited.

 In this new show, you can join in the fun as Peppa and friends teach some of their favorite songs. Dance, clap, and sing with Peppa and her family along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe. Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family party along with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure! 

Children aged 2 and up are required to have a show ticket to attend. This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog) and confetti.

&nbsp;Make the most of your experience with the Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party! Photo Experience. This one-of-a-kind photo experience allows you and your family to experience a unique photo opportunity by jumping in a mud puddle alongside Peppa Pig &amp; Friends. 

Here’s how it works: Photo Experience ticket purchasers should go to the Will Call window at the Box Office on the show day to pick up their passes and after-show instructions. Each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket in order to attend. 

The Photo Experience will start shortly after the end of the show. Please make sure to bring your camera as you will want to capture every moment!&nbsp;

Tickets for Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party and the Photo Experience will are on sale now and may be&nbsp; purchased at the&nbsp;United Wireless Arena box or online through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;website (www.UnitedWirelessArena.com) or through Ticketmaster.com.

Ticket prices are $34, $39, $44, or $65 depending on locations plus&nbsp;applicable fees and taxes.

The Photo Experience is $50 and each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket to&nbsp;attend.

Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible&nbsp;seating needs to be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685025704765.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDODGE CITY - United Wireless Arena, managed by VenuWorks, is excited to bring more family fun to Dodge City on Saturday, October 14th, with Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and the show starts at 2:00 p.m. with a special photo experience right after the show. Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party and you are invited. In this new show, you can join in the fun as Peppa and friends teach some of their favorite songs. Dance, clap, and sing with Peppa and her family along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe. Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family party along with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure! Children aged 2 and up are required to have a show ticket to attend. This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog) and confetti.&nbsp;Make the most of your experience with the Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party! Photo Experience. This one-of-a-kind photo experience allows you and your family to experience a unique photo opportunity by jumping in a mud puddle alongside Peppa Pig &amp; Friends. Here’s how it works: Photo Experience ticket purchasers should go to the Will Call window at the Box Office on the show day to pick up their passes and after-show instructions. Each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket in order to attend. The Photo Experience will start shortly after the end of the show. Please make sure to bring your camera as you will want to capture every moment!&nbsp;Tickets for Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party and the Photo Experience will are on sale now and may be&nbsp; purchased at the&nbsp;United Wireless Arena box or online through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;website (www.UnitedWirelessArena.com) or through Ticketmaster.com.Ticket prices are $34, $39, $44, or $65 depending on locations plus&nbsp;applicable fees and taxes.The Photo Experience is $50 and each adult and child (age two and up) in a group must have a Photo Experience ticket to&nbsp;attend.Doors will open one hour before showtime. Handicapped accessible&nbsp;seating needs to be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office.&nbsp;