Ned Lowry, 89, died Sunday, October 16, 2022, at SunPorch of Dodge City.

He was born May 26, 1933, to Alexander and Olive (Sharp) Lowry in 
northern Kansas on the family farm and ranch.&nbsp; He was the youngest of 8 
siblings. Ned married Dorothy Joan Schurz of Logan, Kansas April 4, 
1953. They have 3 children: R.G. and Nancy Lowry, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
Rhenda and Dave Field, Dodge City, Kansas; Rejena and Roger Brown, 
Denton, Texas. Ned and Dorothy have 8 grandchildren: Grant, Garrett and 
Austin Lowry; Nick and Curt Field and Shelly Williams; Lindsay Brown and
 Courtney Draper. They have also been blessed with 9 great 
grandchildren.

Ned worked in the oil and gas industry for nearly 50 years. At the 
age of 19, he began his career working on a pulling unit south of Logan,
 Kansas, moving a year later to Norton, Kansas pumping wells. In 1955, 
Ned heard of an oil boom in Kimball, Nebraska, so he took a risk and 
pulled up stakes, moving his family there, where he found employment 
with Petroleum, Inc. Over the next 19 years he worked his way up the 
ranks with the company, moving to Norman, Oklahoma in 1958, then to 
Liberal, Kansas in 1966 as the district superintendent.

Ned recognized a need in the oil and gas industry and seized the 
opportunity. In 1974, he started Lowry’s Lease Management, Inc., a lease
 management service, managing properties for small oil and gas companies
 not located in the mid-west. He and Dorothy worked very hard building 
the business, many times making deals with a gentleman’s handshake, 
until retiring in 2002.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the
 First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, with Rev. Jerre Nolte and 
Rev. Juan Espinoza officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Maple Grove 
Cemetery, Dodge City.&nbsp; Visitation will be Friday, October 21, 2022 from 
noon to 8:00 pm with the family present from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest 
Kansas, Hospice of the Prairie, First United Methodist Church or KIOGA 
Education Foundation all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097868829.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ned Lowry, 89, died Sunday, October 16, 2022, at SunPorch of Dodge City.He was born May 26, 1933, to Alexander and Olive (Sharp) Lowry in 
northern Kansas on the family farm and ranch.&nbsp; He was the youngest of 8 
siblings. Ned married Dorothy Joan Schurz of Logan, Kansas April 4, 
1953. They have 3 children: R.G. and Nancy Lowry, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
Rhenda and Dave Field, Dodge City, Kansas; Rejena and Roger Brown, 
Denton, Texas. Ned and Dorothy have 8 grandchildren: Grant, Garrett and 
Austin Lowry; Nick and Curt Field and Shelly Williams; Lindsay Brown and
 Courtney Draper. They have also been blessed with 9 great 
grandchildren.Ned worked in the oil and gas industry for nearly 50 years. At the 
age of 19, he began his career working on a pulling unit south of Logan,
 Kansas, moving a year later to Norton, Kansas pumping wells. In 1955, 
Ned heard of an oil boom in Kimball, Nebraska, so he took a risk and 
pulled up stakes, moving his family there, where he found employment 
with Petroleum, Inc. Over the next 19 years he worked his way up the 
ranks with the company, moving to Norman, Oklahoma in 1958, then to 
Liberal, Kansas in 1966 as the district superintendent.Ned recognized a need in the oil and gas industry and seized the 
opportunity. In 1974, he started Lowry’s Lease Management, Inc., a lease
 management service, managing properties for small oil and gas companies
 not located in the mid-west. He and Dorothy worked very hard building 
the business, many times making deals with a gentleman’s handshake, 
until retiring in 2002.Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the
 First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, with Rev. Jerre Nolte and 
Rev. Juan Espinoza officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Maple Grove 
Cemetery, Dodge City.&nbsp; Visitation will be Friday, October 21, 2022 from 
noon to 8:00 pm with the family present from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest 
Kansas, Hospice of the Prairie, First United Methodist Church or KIOGA 
Education Foundation all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.&nbsp;

Ned Lowry

Myron Dale Filbert went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, October 17, 2022, with his family by his side.

Myron was born February 18, 1960 to Duane and Cora Lee (Blocher) 
Filbert in Ness City, Kansas and grew up on a farm south of Bazine.&nbsp; He 
attended Bazine Grade School and Ness City High School.&nbsp; Upon 
graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and 
was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Richardson, Alaska.&nbsp; Upon 
his honorable discharge, Myron worked as a carpenter then as a farmer 
and stockman.

Myron married his one true love, Erin McLaren, on May 30, 1987 in 
Hays, Kansas and they built their family and home on a farm south of 
Bazine.&nbsp; To this union were three daughters, Desirae, Krina, and Leah.&nbsp; 
Myron’s family was his life and he loved them beyond all measure.&nbsp; Myron
 (Papa to his grandchildren) was most happy when building everything 
from club houses to go-kart tracks, hunting and fishing with them, 
watching them participate in sports, and watching them build a life for 
themselves.&nbsp; He was a wonderful brother and Uncle Pooh to his nieces and
 nephews.

Myron (Pooh to his friends) did not know a stranger and enjoyed the 
times playing town-team sports and was most happy when winter arrived 
and there was snow was on the ground to coyote hunt.&nbsp; He was loyal and 
cherished all his friendships.

Myron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.&nbsp; Most remembered by
 his sense of humor in making everyone laugh and enjoy the lighter side 
of life.&nbsp; He was proud of the fact that he beat all odds of cancer for 
12 Years.&nbsp; &nbsp;No obstacle would keep him from living for his family.&nbsp; He 
never let his love and faith in Jesus Christ to falter at any time.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bret Filbert, 
nephew, Dustin Filbert, great-niece, Maggie Filbert, and daughter, 
Desirae Filbert.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Erin, 
daughters, Krina Filbert and Leah Filbert-Rodriguez both of Ness City, 
KS.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Jacklyn Briney, Janessa Briney, Brayden Schniepp, 
and Savannah Buller, and great-granddaughter Mia Dale Montiel all of 
Ness City, KS.&nbsp; Step grandchildren, Kevin Rodriguez, Hays, KS, Hector 
Rodriguez Jr., Wichita, KS, Danae Rodriguez, Ness City, KS, Bryce and 
Jace Reinert, Ness City.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sister, Julie Benedict (Reed), Erie, CO, 
brothers, Dwight Filbert (Michele), Lincoln, NE, and Doug Filbert 
(Alison), Milton, FL.

Funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Bazine 
on Thursday, October 20, 2022, 10:30 a.m. Followed by burial in the 
Bazine Cemetery with military graveside rites led by the Olin Cole 
American Legion Post 392, Bazine. Friends may pay their respects and 
sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Wednesday, 
October 19, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The casket will be 
closed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of the 
Prairie and Prairie Home Health of Dodge City Ks and Hays Medical 
Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute of Hays KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097798575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Myron Dale Filbert went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, October 17, 2022, with his family by his side.Myron was born February 18, 1960 to Duane and Cora Lee (Blocher) 
Filbert in Ness City, Kansas and grew up on a farm south of Bazine.&nbsp; He 
attended Bazine Grade School and Ness City High School.&nbsp; Upon 
graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and 
was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Richardson, Alaska.&nbsp; Upon 
his honorable discharge, Myron worked as a carpenter then as a farmer 
and stockman.Myron married his one true love, Erin McLaren, on May 30, 1987 in 
Hays, Kansas and they built their family and home on a farm south of 
Bazine.&nbsp; To this union were three daughters, Desirae, Krina, and Leah.&nbsp; 
Myron’s family was his life and he loved them beyond all measure.&nbsp; Myron
 (Papa to his grandchildren) was most happy when building everything 
from club houses to go-kart tracks, hunting and fishing with them, 
watching them participate in sports, and watching them build a life for 
themselves.&nbsp; He was a wonderful brother and Uncle Pooh to his nieces and
 nephews.Myron (Pooh to his friends) did not know a stranger and enjoyed the 
times playing town-team sports and was most happy when winter arrived 
and there was snow was on the ground to coyote hunt.&nbsp; He was loyal and 
cherished all his friendships.Myron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.&nbsp; Most remembered by
 his sense of humor in making everyone laugh and enjoy the lighter side 
of life.&nbsp; He was proud of the fact that he beat all odds of cancer for 
12 Years.&nbsp; &nbsp;No obstacle would keep him from living for his family.&nbsp; He 
never let his love and faith in Jesus Christ to falter at any time.He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bret Filbert, 
nephew, Dustin Filbert, great-niece, Maggie Filbert, and daughter, 
Desirae Filbert.He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Erin, 
daughters, Krina Filbert and Leah Filbert-Rodriguez both of Ness City, 
KS.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Jacklyn Briney, Janessa Briney, Brayden Schniepp, 
and Savannah Buller, and great-granddaughter Mia Dale Montiel all of 
Ness City, KS.&nbsp; Step grandchildren, Kevin Rodriguez, Hays, KS, Hector 
Rodriguez Jr., Wichita, KS, Danae Rodriguez, Ness City, KS, Bryce and 
Jace Reinert, Ness City.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sister, Julie Benedict (Reed), Erie, CO, 
brothers, Dwight Filbert (Michele), Lincoln, NE, and Doug Filbert 
(Alison), Milton, FL.Funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church, Bazine 
on Thursday, October 20, 2022, 10:30 a.m. Followed by burial in the 
Bazine Cemetery with military graveside rites led by the Olin Cole 
American Legion Post 392, Bazine. Friends may pay their respects and 
sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Wednesday, 
October 19, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The casket will be 
closed.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of the 
Prairie and Prairie Home Health of Dodge City Ks and Hays Medical 
Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute of Hays KS.

Myron Dale Filbert

Jeremy David Dixon, age 40, of Hays, Kansas passed away October 14, 2022, in Colorado.

Arrangements are pending and will be announced&nbsp;Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097472486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jeremy David Dixon, age 40, of Hays, Kansas passed away October 14, 2022, in Colorado.Arrangements are pending and will be announced&nbsp;Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Jeremy David Dixon

Saturday, November 16th, 1963-Sunday, October 16th, 2022

An obituary is pending at Baalmann Mortuary.

Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/james-sabatka/5047196/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097336358.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday, November 16th, 1963-Sunday, October 16th, 2022An obituary is pending at Baalmann Mortuary.Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/james-sabatka/5047196/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

James Henry Sabatka

October 16, 1948 ~ October 15, 2022

An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097739874.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>October 16, 1948 ~ October 15, 2022 An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jane-Harris">HERE</a> for service details.

Jane (Rauscher) Harris

Elmer J. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick, 86, died October 15, 2022, at Hutchinson
 Regional Medical Center. He was born December 20, 1935, in Bella Vista,
 Arkansas, the son of John W. and Olive J. (Williams) Kirkpatrick.&nbsp; He 
graduated in 1953 from Chanute High School, Chanute, Kansas, and 
immediately enlisted in the Air Force. Thus began his lifelong military 
career.

On December 26, 1958, he married Marilyn Nordstrom in Bushton, Kansas.&nbsp; To them were born a son, Timothy, and a daughter, Janet.

Kirk was stationed in many places during his career, including 
Thailand, the Philippines, Germany; his last assignment being Grand 
Forks, North Dakota.&nbsp; He served in many capacities as a medic, including
 as an independent duty medical technician, and as a chief hospital 
administrator for enlisted staff.&nbsp; Excellence in his field, numerous 
command awards and recognitions helped him attain the highest enlisted 
rank of Chief Master Sergeant. They were active throughout in the Chapel
 programs. He also continued his education during this time and received
 his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

After 30 years with the Air Force he retired and they moved to 
Bushton, Kansas.&nbsp; Here he was active in the First United Methodist 
Church, and served many years as a city councilman.&nbsp; Kirk was an avid 
hunter and fisherman, and had a great knowledge of and was active with 
the Redwing Collector’s Society.&nbsp; He and Marilyn continued to enjoy 
traveling, and he especially treasured time with his grandchildren and 
great grandchildren. Above all his accomplishments was his faith in 
Jesus Christ, which he recently reconfirmed in the presence of his 
family.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Kirkpatrick of the 
home; daughter, Janet Dokken and husband Joseph of Lake Nebagamon, 
Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Aaron Dokken and wife Katie, Lauren Burg
 and husband Matthew, and Timothy Dokken; and five great granddaughters,
 Gwenyvere, Verity, and Myrielle Dokken, and Eleanor and Rainy Burg; and
 many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Timothy A. 
Kirkpatrick, four brothers, Earl, Roy, Cecil, and Carl Kirkpatrick; and 
two sisters, Dorothy Dillow and Gladys Jane Kirkpatrick.

Visitation will be 12 to 5 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. 
Family will greet friends Thursday, prior to the service, beginning at 1
 p.m. at the church.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 20th, 
2022, at the United Methodist Church, Bushton, Kansas, with Pastor Diana
 Webster presiding.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the McConnell 
Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Bushton United Methodist Church, or to Love Packages, (<a href="http://LovePackages.org">LovePackages.org</a>) in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097561293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elmer J. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick, 86, died October 15, 2022, at Hutchinson
 Regional Medical Center. He was born December 20, 1935, in Bella Vista,
 Arkansas, the son of John W. and Olive J. (Williams) Kirkpatrick.&nbsp; He 
graduated in 1953 from Chanute High School, Chanute, Kansas, and 
immediately enlisted in the Air Force. Thus began his lifelong military 
career.On December 26, 1958, he married Marilyn Nordstrom in Bushton, Kansas.&nbsp; To them were born a son, Timothy, and a daughter, Janet.Kirk was stationed in many places during his career, including 
Thailand, the Philippines, Germany; his last assignment being Grand 
Forks, North Dakota.&nbsp; He served in many capacities as a medic, including
 as an independent duty medical technician, and as a chief hospital 
administrator for enlisted staff.&nbsp; Excellence in his field, numerous 
command awards and recognitions helped him attain the highest enlisted 
rank of Chief Master Sergeant. They were active throughout in the Chapel
 programs. He also continued his education during this time and received
 his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.After 30 years with the Air Force he retired and they moved to 
Bushton, Kansas.&nbsp; Here he was active in the First United Methodist 
Church, and served many years as a city councilman.&nbsp; Kirk was an avid 
hunter and fisherman, and had a great knowledge of and was active with 
the Redwing Collector’s Society.&nbsp; He and Marilyn continued to enjoy 
traveling, and he especially treasured time with his grandchildren and 
great grandchildren. Above all his accomplishments was his faith in 
Jesus Christ, which he recently reconfirmed in the presence of his 
family.He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn Kirkpatrick of the 
home; daughter, Janet Dokken and husband Joseph of Lake Nebagamon, 
Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Aaron Dokken and wife Katie, Lauren Burg
 and husband Matthew, and Timothy Dokken; and five great granddaughters,
 Gwenyvere, Verity, and Myrielle Dokken, and Eleanor and Rainy Burg; and
 many loving nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Timothy A. 
Kirkpatrick, four brothers, Earl, Roy, Cecil, and Carl Kirkpatrick; and 
two sisters, Dorothy Dillow and Gladys Jane Kirkpatrick.Visitation will be 12 to 5 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. 
Family will greet friends Thursday, prior to the service, beginning at 1
 p.m. at the church.Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 20th, 
2022, at the United Methodist Church, Bushton, Kansas, with Pastor Diana
 Webster presiding.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the McConnell 
Air Force Honor Guard.Memorials may be made to the Bushton United Methodist Church, or to Love Packages, (<a href="http://LovePackages.org">LovePackages.org</a>) in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Elmer J. 'Kirk' Kirkpatrick

Ann Elizabeth Reeves, 67, passed away October 15, 2022, at her home 
in Great Bend. She was born November 10, 1954, in Ellinwood, to Loren 
and Jeanine (Rickert) Gowdy. She married Gary Reeves on December 4, 
1971, in Ellinwood.

A longtime area resident, Ann was the owner of Ms. Ann's Daycare. She
 was very passionate about her business and the children she watched. 
Ann enjoyed working on puzzles, flower gardening and cooking. She loved 
to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great 
grandchildren.

Survivors include, her husband, Gary Reeves of the home; two 
daughters, Marcy Reeves and fiancé Scottie Schmidt and Tracy Reeves all 
of Great Bend; her mother, Jeanine Gowdy of Ellinwood; a brother, Danny 
Gowdy and wife Sue of Great Bend; a sister, Cindy Berscheidt of Great 
Bend; four grandchildren, Tyler Reeves (Aeriana Trimmer), Trinity 
Reeves, Jourdel Reeves and JaLeea Reeves; and two great grandchildren, 
Everhett Reeves and Hazelyn Trimmer. She was preceded in death by her 
father, Loren Gowdy; and a son, Eric Reeves.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 
October 19, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home and a memorial service will be 
held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, 
with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. Inurnment will be held at Hillcrest
 Memorial Park, Great Bend. 

Memorials have been designated to the Ann 
Elizabeth Reeves Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666097629271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ann Elizabeth Reeves, 67, passed away October 15, 2022, at her home 
in Great Bend. She was born November 10, 1954, in Ellinwood, to Loren 
and Jeanine (Rickert) Gowdy. She married Gary Reeves on December 4, 
1971, in Ellinwood.A longtime area resident, Ann was the owner of Ms. Ann's Daycare. She
 was very passionate about her business and the children she watched. 
Ann enjoyed working on puzzles, flower gardening and cooking. She loved 
to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great 
grandchildren.Survivors include, her husband, Gary Reeves of the home; two 
daughters, Marcy Reeves and fiancé Scottie Schmidt and Tracy Reeves all 
of Great Bend; her mother, Jeanine Gowdy of Ellinwood; a brother, Danny 
Gowdy and wife Sue of Great Bend; a sister, Cindy Berscheidt of Great 
Bend; four grandchildren, Tyler Reeves (Aeriana Trimmer), Trinity 
Reeves, Jourdel Reeves and JaLeea Reeves; and two great grandchildren, 
Everhett Reeves and Hazelyn Trimmer. She was preceded in death by her 
father, Loren Gowdy; and a son, Eric Reeves.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 
October 19, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home and a memorial service will be 
held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, 
with Pastor Mark Williams presiding. Inurnment will be held at Hillcrest
 Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials have been designated to the Ann 
Elizabeth Reeves Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Ann Elizabeth Reeves

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County public works crews will work to patch more than
a dozen trouble spots along the southern portion of Ellis Avenue in the coming
weeks while a final decision on the road will be left to a future commission.

Residents from the area south of Ellis once again approached
the Ellis County Commission last week to discuss the future of a 5-mile
stretch of Ellis Avenue after the commission delayed work on the road last month.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay was tasked with
presenting the commission with several options for the future of the road after
the commission had previously approved changing the road from a hard surface
asphalt road to a milled rock asphalt surfaced road.

Mackay presented the commission with four options for the
5-mile stretch of road.

The first was a to completely redo the road with hotmix
asphalt for $5.6 million.

Mackay the county does not have the money to do that option.
They would have to contract the work to an outside entity, because the county does not
have the equipment for the job.

Option two was to fix the spots in the road that are in
immediate need of repair. A Trego County farmer who uses the road to access
nearby farm land said at the meeting last month they he wanted the county to
fix the four or five “bad” spots.

Mackay said crews identified 14 spots of road in that stretch that need to be addressed.

The cost for material, but not including county employee labor, is estimated at $132,514, according to Mackay.

The county also does not have all of the material mixed at the
moment and will have to dip into material set aside for next year to make
enough to fix the road. They will also have to go out of
state to Texas or Oklahoma to get the oil and pay to have APAC make the material.

Commission Chair Butch Schlyer asked Mackay if patching is
just “Kicking the can down the road?”

“When you do a patch like this, you want three to five years
of life,” Mackay said. “I'm not willing to say we'll get three years out of it.”

Several times Tuesday, Mackay equated the road to a house.

“You keep patching the plaster, the drywall, but until you
build that foundation up, you're just spending good money after bad,” Mackay
said.

He said the two other options were a prime and seal and
a coldmix repair.

The prime and seal would cost approximately $467,921 and a
coldmix repair was estimated at $2.38 million.

County Administrator Darin Myers said the county has set aside a
total of $250,000 for the project; $50,000 for the next five years.

Mackay recommended to the commission the original plan — mill
the current asphalt surface, work it into the base and top the
newly formed base with work rock into the milled surface.

He said that process would prevent moisture from getting
into the surface from water, snow and freezing and thawing. It
would also stop the moisture from the bottom in the form of springs that are
causing some of the current issues with the roadway.

Mackay said that while it isn’t a hard surfaced road of
asphalt or concrete, it's also not a dirt road. 

The one option that Mackay said he would not go with was the
patching of the trouble stops.

“It's not going to solve the issue,” Mackay said. “The base
needs to be repaired.

“Even with that patching, where we'd do those patches, we
would nail rock into it,” he added. “Where do we start, where do we stop.”

A Rush County resident claimed the county had not
maintained the road had been maintained in the last 15 years.

Mackay said the entire 5-mile stretch of that road was
completely sealed was in 2015.

“And also asphalt patching has occurred every year except
for the fall of last year and this year when we were directed to start operation
to turn it from a paved road to an unpaved roadway,” Mackay said. “So it hasn’t
been 15 years of neglect.”

Despite Mackay’s recommendation against patching the
roadway, Schlyer and Commissioner Neal Younger elected to have
county crews patch the trouble spots.

Schlyer said residents approached
the commission requesting patching the road, so that’s the route he was in
favor of going forward.

“If we patch, it kicks the can down the road to the next board of
commissioners,” he said. 

Younger said that he will be involved in that decision and, “I
have no problem with that.”

“I would be supporting of Band-Aid it together and then when
a new commission comes, we address it at that time,” Younger said. 

Mackay said they do not have the material to make the cold
mix to fix the trouble spots and he does not know if they will be able to get
it this year. If they do, it will likely affect what they are able to do next
year.

He also said they have other projects that are ready to
begin in the coming weeks.

Mackay’s suggestion was to mill in rock in the trouble spots
and level them out.

He said a lot of the problems with similar roads is that
there was never a base built. They instead just used a prime and seal process
over the existing road and never created a solid base.

“Milling the rock in would address the base issue, so we
would have a good solid foundation to build off of,” Mackay said. “Whether we
go back with asphalt or we use the millings and rock mixture on the top.”

Mackay added that 27 states said in a 2018 survey that roads
that have fewer than 250 vehicles that travel it per day probably should not
have been paved to begin with.

A 2018 survey of the road found that approximately 100
vehicles travel that stretch of road every day.

Mackay said they will attempt to begin working on the
patchwork repairs at the end of October. A detour around the area will most likely be
required, he said.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County public works crews will work to patch more than
a dozen trouble spots along the southern portion of Ellis Avenue in the coming
weeks while a final decision on the road will be left to a future commission.Residents from the area south of Ellis once again approached
the Ellis County Commission last week to discuss the future of a 5-mile
stretch of Ellis Avenue after the commission delayed work on the road last month.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay was tasked with
presenting the commission with several options for the future of the road after
the commission had previously approved changing the road from a hard surface
asphalt road to a milled rock asphalt surfaced road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665761322510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mackay presented the commission with four options for the
5-mile stretch of road.The first was a to completely redo the road with hotmix
asphalt for $5.6 million.Mackay the county does not have the money to do that option.
They would have to contract the work to an outside entity, because the county does not
have the equipment for the job.Option two was to fix the spots in the road that are in
immediate need of repair. A Trego County farmer who uses the road to access
nearby farm land said at the meeting last month they he wanted the county to
fix the four or five “bad” spots.Mackay said crews identified 14 spots of road in that stretch that need to be addressed.The cost for material, but not including county employee labor, is estimated at $132,514, according to Mackay.The county also does not have all of the material mixed at the
moment and will have to dip into material set aside for next year to make
enough to fix the road. They will also have to go out of
state to Texas or Oklahoma to get the oil and pay to have APAC make the material.Commission Chair Butch Schlyer asked Mackay if patching is
just “Kicking the can down the road?”Mackay said, “Yes.”“When you do a patch like this, you want three to five years
of life,” Mackay said. “I'm not willing to say we'll get three years out of it.”Several times Tuesday, Mackay equated the road to a house.“You keep patching the plaster, the drywall, but until you
build that foundation up, you're just spending good money after bad,” Mackay
said.He said the two other options were a prime and seal and
a coldmix repair.The prime and seal would cost approximately $467,921 and a
coldmix repair was estimated at $2.38 million.County Administrator Darin Myers said the county has set aside a
total of $250,000 for the project; $50,000 for the next five years.Mackay recommended to the commission the original plan — mill
the current asphalt surface, work it into the base and top the
newly formed base with work rock into the milled surface.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665761285780.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He said that process would prevent moisture from getting
into the surface from water, snow and freezing and thawing. It
would also stop the moisture from the bottom in the form of springs that are
causing some of the current issues with the roadway.Mackay said that while it isn’t a hard surfaced road of
asphalt or concrete, it's also not a dirt road. The one option that Mackay said he would not go with was the
patching of the trouble stops.“It's not going to solve the issue,” Mackay said. “The base
needs to be repaired.“Even with that patching, where we'd do those patches, we
would nail rock into it,” he added. “Where do we start, where do we stop.” 
A Rush County resident claimed the county had not
maintained the road had been maintained in the last 15 years.Mackay said the entire 5-mile stretch of that road was
completely sealed was in 2015.“And also asphalt patching has occurred every year except
for the fall of last year and this year when we were directed to start operation
to turn it from a paved road to an unpaved roadway,” Mackay said. “So it hasn’t
been 15 years of neglect.”Despite Mackay’s recommendation against patching the
roadway, Schlyer and Commissioner Neal Younger elected to have
county crews patch the trouble spots.Schlyer said residents approached
the commission requesting patching the road, so that’s the route he was in
favor of going forward.“If we patch, it kicks the can down the road to the next board of
commissioners,” he said. Younger said that he will be involved in that decision and, “I
have no problem with that.”“I would be supporting of Band-Aid it together and then when
a new commission comes, we address it at that time,” Younger said. Mackay said they do not have the material to make the cold
mix to fix the trouble spots and he does not know if they will be able to get
it this year. If they do, it will likely affect what they are able to do next
year.He also said they have other projects that are ready to
begin in the coming weeks.Mackay’s suggestion was to mill in rock in the trouble spots
and level them out.He said a lot of the problems with similar roads is that
there was never a base built. They instead just used a prime and seal process
over the existing road and never created a solid base.“Milling the rock in would address the base issue, so we
would have a good solid foundation to build off of,” Mackay said. “Whether we
go back with asphalt or we use the millings and rock mixture on the top.” 
Mackay added that 27 states said in a 2018 survey that roads
that have fewer than 250 vehicles that travel it per day probably should not
have been paved to begin with.A 2018 survey of the road found that approximately 100
vehicles travel that stretch of road every day.Mackay said they will attempt to begin working on the
patchwork repairs at the end of October. A detour around the area will most likely be
required, he said.

Commission: Patch South Ellis Ave. now; next commission will make final decision

Norma Jean Smith, 82, died October 15, 2022, at her home. She was born
 on July 24, 1940, in Wellington, the daughter of Robert Joseph and Vera 
Maddy.

The family moved to California when Norma was a young child. When 
Norma was a teenager, they returned to Kansas. On January 1, 1960, she 
married Maurice Smith. He preceded her in death on February, 13, 2022.

The couple moved from Garden City to Colorado, California, and Oregon
 before returning to Kansas in 1974. Norma worked at various places 
including a flower shop and Gibson's but her priority was caring for her
 family. They settled in Pierceville and later moved to Great Bend to be
 near their son. Norma enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and 
collecting various types of dolls.

Norma is survived by three sons, Luther R. Smith and fiancée, Laura 
Thomason of Lakin, Richard A. Smith and wife Chris of Pierceville, and 
Donald W. Smith and wife Pam of Great Bend; two brothers, Carl Maddy of 
Wichita and David Maddy of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Rosalie Spencer
 of Alabama, Amanda Smith of Holcomb, Holly Rohling and husband Ryan of 
Hutchinson, Ryan Henneberg and wife Brenda of Wichita, Dustin Smith and 
wife Amanda of Olmitz, Tyler Smith and wife Urlene of Aurora, Colorado, 
and Heather Montoya and husband Angel of Great Bend; 20 
great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is 
preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maurice; two sons, Darrell 
and James Smith; two brothers, Bobby and Donald Maddy; an infant sister,
 Ruth Maddy; and a great-great grandson, Gabriel Cedillo.

Graveside service will be held at Salem Mennonite Cemetery on Friday,
 October 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Minister Sam Unruh presiding. There 
is no visitation. 

Memorials are suggested to a local humane society in 
care of Swaim Funeral Chapel - PO Box 421 - Montezuma, Kansas 67867. 
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com. 

Norma Jean Smith, 82, died October 15, 2022, at her home. She was born
 on July 24, 1940, in Wellington, the daughter of Robert Joseph and Vera 
Maddy.The family moved to California when Norma was a young child. When 
Norma was a teenager, they returned to Kansas. On January 1, 1960, she 
married Maurice Smith. He preceded her in death on February, 13, 2022.The couple moved from Garden City to Colorado, California, and Oregon
 before returning to Kansas in 1974. Norma worked at various places 
including a flower shop and Gibson's but her priority was caring for her
 family. They settled in Pierceville and later moved to Great Bend to be
 near their son. Norma enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and 
collecting various types of dolls.Norma is survived by three sons, Luther R. Smith and fiancée, Laura 
Thomason of Lakin, Richard A. Smith and wife Chris of Pierceville, and 
Donald W. Smith and wife Pam of Great Bend; two brothers, Carl Maddy of 
Wichita and David Maddy of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Rosalie Spencer
 of Alabama, Amanda Smith of Holcomb, Holly Rohling and husband Ryan of 
Hutchinson, Ryan Henneberg and wife Brenda of Wichita, Dustin Smith and 
wife Amanda of Olmitz, Tyler Smith and wife Urlene of Aurora, Colorado, 
and Heather Montoya and husband Angel of Great Bend; 20 
great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is 
preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maurice; two sons, Darrell 
and James Smith; two brothers, Bobby and Donald Maddy; an infant sister,
 Ruth Maddy; and a great-great grandson, Gabriel Cedillo.Graveside service will be held at Salem Mennonite Cemetery on Friday,
 October 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Minister Sam Unruh presiding. There 
is no visitation. Memorials are suggested to a local humane society in 
care of Swaim Funeral Chapel - PO Box 421 - Montezuma, Kansas 67867. 
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

Norma Jean Smith

February 4, 1939 ~ October 13, 2022

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666044384168.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>February 4, 1939 ~ October 13, 2022An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Marilyn-Adolf">HERE</a> for service details.

Marilyn Kay (Corwin) Adolf

Terry Stieben, 83, passed away October 16, 2022, at Hays Medical 
Center. He was born April 29, 1939, at Fairbury, Neb., to Walter &amp; 
Elizabeth (Hughes) Stieben. He married Judith Farr September 22, 1962, 
at Great Bend.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Terry was a letter carrier for USPS, 
and formerly worked as a printer for the Great Bend Globe newspaper and 
Miller Printers. Terry was a Boys Town graduate and a retired Sergeant 
Major for the United States Army Reserve. He was a passionate KU 
basketball fan.

Survivors include, his wife of 60 years, Judith Stieben; a daughter, 
Lorrie D. Campbell and husband Billy of Albuquerque, NM; and a niece, 
Kenda O’Mara of Emporia. He was preceded in death by his parents; two 
brothers, Robert and Kenneth Stieben; a half-brother, Jamie Stieben; and
 a half-sister, Sandra Stieben Sponsal.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.&nbsp; 

Memorials 
may be given to the Great Bend Public Library, in care of Bryant Funeral
 Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS, 67530.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666043568991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Terry Stieben, 83, passed away October 16, 2022, at Hays Medical 
Center. He was born April 29, 1939, at Fairbury, Neb., to Walter &amp; 
Elizabeth (Hughes) Stieben. He married Judith Farr September 22, 1962, 
at Great Bend.A longtime Great Bend resident, Terry was a letter carrier for USPS, 
and formerly worked as a printer for the Great Bend Globe newspaper and 
Miller Printers. Terry was a Boys Town graduate and a retired Sergeant 
Major for the United States Army Reserve. He was a passionate KU 
basketball fan.Survivors include, his wife of 60 years, Judith Stieben; a daughter, 
Lorrie D. Campbell and husband Billy of Albuquerque, NM; and a niece, 
Kenda O’Mara of Emporia. He was preceded in death by his parents; two 
brothers, Robert and Kenneth Stieben; a half-brother, Jamie Stieben; and
 a half-sister, Sandra Stieben Sponsal.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Memorials 
may be given to the Great Bend Public Library, in care of Bryant Funeral
 Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS, 67530.&nbsp;

Terry Stieben

Shakira Eleish Magee, 38, formerly of Salina, having moved to Wichita
 in 2020, passed away September 30, 2022. &nbsp;She was born February 27, 
1984, in Salina to Dwight Shafer and Marie Magee.

She worked as a CNA after earning her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate.

Everyone who knew and loved Shakira knew all too well how outspoken 
she could be.&nbsp; She was known not to mix words and didn’t sugar coat 
anything.

The three most important things she loved more than anything…were her
 three adorable children; De`Nisha, De`Majz, and De`Zalya.&nbsp; In fact, 
when Shakira was still driving her car, her car tag read, “D.D.D. For Life."

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Arnold Magee Sr, and 
her unborn son, De`Roco Devon Magee, with De’Roco’s middle name coming 
from her beloved first cousin, Paul Devon Johnson of Virginia.

Survivors include her mother, Marie (Magee) Frenzley of Salina, her 
two “Dads”, Calvin Frenzley of Fredericksburg, VI, and Dwight Shafer of 
Tylertown, MS., Shakira’s three magnificent children, De`Nisha, Magee, 
De`Majz Magee, and De`Zalya Magee, all of Salina; her grandmother, 
Louise Magee of Salina; 3 sisters, Shanae Frenzley of Salina, Marissa 
Stewart of Tylertown, MS.,&nbsp; and Pilar Shafer of Tylertown, MS., 2 
brothers; Calvin Frenzley of Salina, and Dwight Charles Henry Shafer of 
Houston, TX., 2 aunts; Sarah Camp of Salina, and Joan Magee of Alabama, 2
 uncles; Arnold Magee Jr. of Illinois, and Louis Magee of Salina, as 
well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, October 22, 
2022, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago Avenue, 
Salina.

Memorials may be made out to Shakira’s children in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666044625864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shakira Eleish Magee, 38, formerly of Salina, having moved to Wichita
 in 2020, passed away September 30, 2022. &nbsp;She was born February 27, 
1984, in Salina to Dwight Shafer and Marie Magee.She worked as a CNA after earning her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate.Everyone who knew and loved Shakira knew all too well how outspoken 
she could be.&nbsp; She was known not to mix words and didn’t sugar coat 
anything.The three most important things she loved more than anything…were her
 three adorable children; De`Nisha, De`Majz, and De`Zalya.&nbsp; In fact, 
when Shakira was still driving her car, her car tag read, “D.D.D. For Life."She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Arnold Magee Sr, and 
her unborn son, De`Roco Devon Magee, with De’Roco’s middle name coming 
from her beloved first cousin, Paul Devon Johnson of Virginia.Survivors include her mother, Marie (Magee) Frenzley of Salina, her 
two “Dads”, Calvin Frenzley of Fredericksburg, VI, and Dwight Shafer of 
Tylertown, MS., Shakira’s three magnificent children, De`Nisha, Magee, 
De`Majz Magee, and De`Zalya Magee, all of Salina; her grandmother, 
Louise Magee of Salina; 3 sisters, Shanae Frenzley of Salina, Marissa 
Stewart of Tylertown, MS.,&nbsp; and Pilar Shafer of Tylertown, MS., 2 
brothers; Calvin Frenzley of Salina, and Dwight Charles Henry Shafer of 
Houston, TX., 2 aunts; Sarah Camp of Salina, and Joan Magee of Alabama, 2
 uncles; Arnold Magee Jr. of Illinois, and Louis Magee of Salina, as 
well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, October 22, 
2022, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago Avenue, 
Salina.Memorials may be made out to Shakira’s children in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

Shakira Eleish Magee

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal apartment complex shooting have a second suspect in custody.

On Monday, police arrested 22-year-old Dujontez Jaimandre Jerome Owens of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Just after 10a.m. October 1, police responded to the Meadowlark Apartments 1621 SW 37th Terrace in Topeka after receiving multiple reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located one man identified as&nbsp;Keith K. Gaylord Jr., 23 of Topeka. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. They located another individual with injuries believed to be non-life threatening. The injured individual was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.

As a result of the initial investigation, police arrested Bruce Holloway Jr., 20, of Lawrence, on a requested charge of first degree murder, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

This was the third homicide in Topeka during that final week of September, according to Monasmith.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal apartment complex shooting have a second suspect in custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664586524758.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, police arrested 22-year-old Dujontez Jaimandre Jerome Owens of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666024220084.png" alt="Owens-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Owens-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10a.m. October 1, police responded to the Meadowlark Apartments 1621 SW 37th Terrace in Topeka after receiving multiple reports of a shooting.Upon arrival, officers located one man identified as&nbsp;Keith K. Gaylord Jr., 23 of Topeka. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. They located another individual with injuries believed to be non-life threatening. The injured individual was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664631547802.png" alt="Holloway-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holloway-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result of the initial investigation, police arrested Bruce Holloway Jr., 20, of Lawrence, on a requested charge of first degree murder, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.This was the third homicide in Topeka during that final week of September, according to Monasmith.

2nd suspect jailed for Kansas apartment complex killing

Benjamin John Keller,&nbsp;age 36, of&nbsp;Quinter, Kansas,&nbsp;passed away on&nbsp;Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Quinter, Kansas.&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;was born in&nbsp;Quinter&nbsp;on&nbsp;October 4, 1986, to John Kenneth and Cynthia Ann (Burgardt) Keller.

Ben worked for Hi-Plains Cooperative at the grain elevator, along with many other odd jobs. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed camping, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, mechanic work, and was always dirty. He had a big heart, always had someone to hangout with, could find a friend anywhere he went, and loved all of his nieces and nephews. Ben&nbsp;alsoloved his dogs Susie, Chance,&nbsp;and Lucky.

Ben is survived by his parents; brother Josh Keller (Leanna) of WaKeeney, Kansas; and sister Brandi Klein (Matthew) of Quinter;&nbsp;nieces &amp;&nbsp;nephews Abby, Morgan, Mallory, Averi, Gavin, Autumn, and Knox;&nbsp;and&nbsp;many other&nbsp;family and friends. He&nbsp;was preceded in death&nbsp;by both sets of grandparents and his uncle Mick Burgardt.

Funeral service will be held at&nbsp;10:00 AM Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park Kansas with Father James Thomas as celebrant.&nbsp;Burial will follow&nbsp;at&nbsp;Sacred Heart Cemetery.&nbsp;

Visitation will be&nbsp;5:00-7:00 PM Friday, October 21, 2022, at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter. A vigil service will follow at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions&nbsp;are suggested to&nbsp;the Benjamin Keller Memorial Fund.&nbsp;Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home,&nbsp;901 Main St., Quinter, Kansas 67752.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666038194647.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Benjamin John Keller,&nbsp;age 36, of&nbsp;Quinter, Kansas,&nbsp;passed away on&nbsp;Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Quinter, Kansas.&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;was born in&nbsp;Quinter&nbsp;on&nbsp;October 4, 1986, to John Kenneth and Cynthia Ann (Burgardt) Keller.Ben worked for Hi-Plains Cooperative at the grain elevator, along with many other odd jobs. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed camping, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, mechanic work, and was always dirty. He had a big heart, always had someone to hangout with, could find a friend anywhere he went, and loved all of his nieces and nephews. Ben&nbsp;alsoloved his dogs Susie, Chance,&nbsp;and Lucky.Ben is survived by his parents; brother Josh Keller (Leanna) of WaKeeney, Kansas; and sister Brandi Klein (Matthew) of Quinter;&nbsp;nieces &amp;&nbsp;nephews Abby, Morgan, Mallory, Averi, Gavin, Autumn, and Knox;&nbsp;and&nbsp;many other&nbsp;family and friends. He&nbsp;was preceded in death&nbsp;by both sets of grandparents and his uncle Mick Burgardt.Funeral service will be held at&nbsp;10:00 AM Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park Kansas with Father James Thomas as celebrant.&nbsp;Burial will follow&nbsp;at&nbsp;Sacred Heart Cemetery.&nbsp;Visitation will be&nbsp;5:00-7:00 PM Friday, October 21, 2022, at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter. A vigil service will follow at 7:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions&nbsp;are suggested to&nbsp;the Benjamin Keller Memorial Fund.&nbsp;Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home,&nbsp;901 Main St., Quinter, Kansas 67752.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

Benjamin John Keller

Mark A. Wilson, 54, Hays, died Monday, September 19, 2022, at his home.

He was born October 13, 1967, in Hays, 
the son of Charles B. and Loretta M. (Vratil) Wilson.&nbsp; Mark was a 
graduate of Hays High School in the class of 1986 and faithfully 
attended Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church.&nbsp; In his early years, he 
loved selling the Wichita Eagle newspaper, and through his hard work and
 success was awarded several trips and prizes.&nbsp; He enjoyed helping 
others, especially assisting elderly people with their shopping and 
transportation needs.&nbsp; He loved listening to music, watching Jeopardy, 
and was affectionately known and loved as Uncle Mark.

Survivors include his brothers: Terry 
Wilson and wife Dana of Hot Springs, AK, Galen McLaughlin, Craig 
McLaughlin and wife Chris, and Monte Wilson, all of Hays, and numerous 
nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Randy Wilson and Dennis McLaughlin, and a nephew: Trevor McLaughlin.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 
am on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church 
with Pastor Jason Murray officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in Prairie 
Lawn Cemetery, Gorham.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 10:00 am 
until service time at the church.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to Options 
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.&nbsp; Funeral Services are in the care
 of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences may be left for 
the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666037884739.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mark A. Wilson, 54, Hays, died Monday, September 19, 2022, at his home.He was born October 13, 1967, in Hays, 
the son of Charles B. and Loretta M. (Vratil) Wilson.&nbsp; Mark was a 
graduate of Hays High School in the class of 1986 and faithfully 
attended Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church.&nbsp; In his early years, he 
loved selling the Wichita Eagle newspaper, and through his hard work and
 success was awarded several trips and prizes.&nbsp; He enjoyed helping 
others, especially assisting elderly people with their shopping and 
transportation needs.&nbsp; He loved listening to music, watching Jeopardy, 
and was affectionately known and loved as Uncle Mark.Survivors include his brothers: Terry 
Wilson and wife Dana of Hot Springs, AK, Galen McLaughlin, Craig 
McLaughlin and wife Chris, and Monte Wilson, all of Hays, and numerous 
nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Randy Wilson and Dennis McLaughlin, and a nephew: Trevor McLaughlin.A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 
am on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church 
with Pastor Jason Murray officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in Prairie 
Lawn Cemetery, Gorham.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 10:00 am 
until service time at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Options 
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.&nbsp; Funeral Services are in the care
 of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences may be left for 
the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com&nbsp;</a>

Mark A. Wilson

Larry Lee “Hooly” Weinman was born on February 11, 1951, to Willard 
and Esther (Miller) Weinman in Smith Center, Kansas. Larry passed away 
unexpectedly on October 15, 2022, in Newton, Kansas, at the age of 71.

Larry was baptized in 1951 and then confirmed in 1965 at Emmanuel 
Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, Kansas. Larry attended the Stuttgart grade
 school and graduated from Phillipsburg High school.&nbsp;

Larry was united in marriage to Carol Daley of Agra on May 31, 1974. At the time of Carol’s death they spent 47 years together.&nbsp;

Larry worked as a parts manager/mechanic at Leonard Ford motor 
Company in Phillipsburg for 30+ years. He then went to work at 
Orscheln‘s, Ace Hardware, Brooke then Ron’s Restoration till his health 
prevented him from working any longer.&nbsp;

Larry enjoyed fishing. He also loved people and always wanted to be 
going somewhere like his mother, he also liked participating and 
attending Senior Life Solutions at the Phillips County Hospital.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Larry is survived by his sister Janice Giedd of the Phillipsburg, 
many cousins, two nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his 
parents Willard and Esther, sister Sharon Kaye, brother-in-law James 
Giedd and wife Carol. Larry will be sadly missed by his family and 
friends.&nbsp;

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at 2:00 p.m. in the 
Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, with Pastor Lee 
Bennight officiating.&nbsp; The service will be streamed live on the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Tuesday and 9:00 to 9:00 Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Assoc. or the church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666037799606.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Lee “Hooly” Weinman was born on February 11, 1951, to Willard 
and Esther (Miller) Weinman in Smith Center, Kansas. Larry passed away 
unexpectedly on October 15, 2022, in Newton, Kansas, at the age of 71.Larry was baptized in 1951 and then confirmed in 1965 at Emmanuel 
Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, Kansas. Larry attended the Stuttgart grade
 school and graduated from Phillipsburg High school.&nbsp;Larry was united in marriage to Carol Daley of Agra on May 31, 1974. At the time of Carol’s death they spent 47 years together.&nbsp;Larry worked as a parts manager/mechanic at Leonard Ford motor 
Company in Phillipsburg for 30+ years. He then went to work at 
Orscheln‘s, Ace Hardware, Brooke then Ron’s Restoration till his health 
prevented him from working any longer.&nbsp;Larry enjoyed fishing. He also loved people and always wanted to be 
going somewhere like his mother, he also liked participating and 
attending Senior Life Solutions at the Phillips County Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry is survived by his sister Janice Giedd of the Phillipsburg, 
many cousins, two nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his 
parents Willard and Esther, sister Sharon Kaye, brother-in-law James 
Giedd and wife Carol. Larry will be sadly missed by his family and 
friends.&nbsp;Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at 2:00 p.m. in the 
Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, with Pastor Lee 
Bennight officiating.&nbsp; The service will be streamed live on the 
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Tuesday and 9:00 to 9:00 Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Assoc. or the church.

Larry 'Hooly' Weinman

Robert Eugene Groff, 65, died October 15, 2022, at Russell Regional 
Hospital, Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born November 9, 1956, in Hays, 
Kansas, the son of Albert and Dolores (Dawson) Groff.&nbsp;

Robert grew up in Hays, Kansas, and worked for his father hauling 
trash and then later for Ideal Refuge with Hammie and Billy Rupp.&nbsp; He 
often remarked on how he loved his trash truck days and was proud of the
 work he did. He later worked as a pumper for his father-in-law, Gerald 
Michaelis Oil.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Robert was an
 avid train enthusiast, traveling to different locations to watch the 
trains, and was a member of the Golden Belt Model Railroad Association.

He is survived by his spouse of twenty years, Tonya Michaelis of the 
home; sons, Alan Groff of Wichita, and Daniel (Kiley) Groff of Vici, 
Oklahoma; brothers, Jamie (Linda) Groff of Stockton, Gary Groff of Hays,
 and Ronnie (Danielle) Groff of La Crosse; sisters, Alberta (Clair) 
Rogers of Liebenthal, Regina (Donald) Fahl of Portland, Oregon, and 
Becky Gerhardt of Hays; five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Groff, mother, Dolores
 Wood, brother, Vic Groff, sister, Cathy Gilbert, and mother-in-law, 
Elizabeth Michaelis.

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

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with John Dumler, PMA presiding.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow in Michaelis Cemetery, rural Galatia, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Robert Groff Memorial Fund, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666029735996.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Eugene Groff, 65, died October 15, 2022, at Russell Regional 
Hospital, Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born November 9, 1956, in Hays, 
Kansas, the son of Albert and Dolores (Dawson) Groff.&nbsp;Robert grew up in Hays, Kansas, and worked for his father hauling 
trash and then later for Ideal Refuge with Hammie and Billy Rupp.&nbsp; He 
often remarked on how he loved his trash truck days and was proud of the
 work he did. He later worked as a pumper for his father-in-law, Gerald 
Michaelis Oil.He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Robert was an
 avid train enthusiast, traveling to different locations to watch the 
trains, and was a member of the Golden Belt Model Railroad Association.He is survived by his spouse of twenty years, Tonya Michaelis of the 
home; sons, Alan Groff of Wichita, and Daniel (Kiley) Groff of Vici, 
Oklahoma; brothers, Jamie (Linda) Groff of Stockton, Gary Groff of Hays,
 and Ronnie (Danielle) Groff of La Crosse; sisters, Alberta (Clair) 
Rogers of Liebenthal, Regina (Donald) Fahl of Portland, Oregon, and 
Becky Gerhardt of Hays; five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Groff, mother, Dolores
 Wood, brother, Vic Groff, sister, Cathy Gilbert, and mother-in-law, 
Elizabeth Michaelis.Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with John Dumler, PMA presiding.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow in Michaelis Cemetery, rural Galatia, Kansas.Memorials may be made to the Robert Groff Memorial Fund, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Robert Eugene Groff

NEW YORK (AP) — In Donald Trump's assessment, Mike Pence “committed political suicide" on Jan. 6, 2021.

By refusing to go along with the then-president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">unconstitutional push</a>&nbsp;to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Pence became a leading target of Trump's wrath and a pariah in many Republican circles.

But the final weeks of this year's intensely competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>&nbsp;suggest that the former vice president's fortunes have shifted as he lays the groundwork for his own potential 2024 White House campaign. The man who was booed last year at a conservative conference is now an in-demand draw for Republican candidates, including some who spent their primaries obsessively courting Trump’s endorsement, in part by parroting his election lies.

Pence has traveled the country, holding events and raising millions for candidates and Republican groups, including signing fundraising solicitations for party committees.

For some campaigns in tight races, Pence is seen as something of a neutralizing agent who can help broaden their appeal beyond Trump’s core base of support. 

That's the case in Arizona, with a critical Senate race this year and where the 2024 presidential campaign will be hotly contested. Last week, Pence endorsed Senate nominee Blake Masters, who has struggled to pivot from the primary and win over moderates in a state where one-third of voters are registered independents.

“He takes a little bit of the edge off Masters with a lot of voters,” veteran GOP strategist Scott Reed said. “You know Masters is new to this, first-time candidate, said some silly things he probably regrets during the campaign. But now it’s all about undecided voters in Maricopa County. There’s not a lot more science behind this.”

The endorsements can seem jarring given that Pence has spent much of the past year pushing back on Trump’s election lies, which spurred the violent mob that descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6 while Pence was trying to preside over the formal congressional certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Pence and members of his family had to be rushed to safety and were held for hours in an underground loading dock as the marauders roamed the building's hallways. Some rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” and erected a makeshift gallows outside.

Pence agreed to endorse Masters even though Masters, during the primary, baselessly denied the 2020 election results. Masters recorded a video in which he said he thought Trump had won and claimed on his website that “if we had had a free and fair election, President Trump would be sitting in the Oval Office today.” Trump endorsed Masters in June, saying in a statement: “Blake knows that the “Crime of the Century” took place, he will expose it and also, never let it happen again.”

Pence made no mention of that in Phoenix on Tuesday.

“What I came here to Arizona to say is not only is Blake Masters the right choice for the United States Senate, the people of Arizona deserve to know Blake Masters may be the difference between a Democrat majority in the Senate and a Republican majority in the Senate,” Pence said.

The former vice president, along with Masters and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, took just three questions, two of them from conservative websites. When a television reporter tried to ask Masters if Pence was right to move forward with certifying Biden's victory, the candidate was quickly cut off by a Masters spokesman.

Masters is not the only election denier Pence has endorsed or assisted.

Two days after the Masters event, Pence was in Georgia headlining a fundraiser for Burt Jones, the nominee for lieutenant governor. Jones not only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-3deb77af1b47df5610c5ce9591a1eb2c">embraced Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud</a>&nbsp;and called for a statewide investigation into the 2020 race, but he also signed on to be one of his state’s fake alternate electors — a scheme now under criminal investigation.

On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/"> B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.

Fellow Republicans, Sen. Jerry Moran and Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, will also attend.

Last month, Pence was in New Hampshire for Senate nominee Don Bolduc, a retired Army general who also spent his primary campaign telling voters the race was stolen from Trump.

Marc Short, a longtime Pence adviser, declined to set a red line for candidates Pence would and would not endorse.

“It’s more about making sure that he’s being a team player where he needs to be," Short said. “I think as a lot of these candidates look to solidify the party behind them, Pence can be helpful."

There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines in the 2020 election, underscored by repeated audits, court cases and the conclusions of Trump’s own Department of Justice. Still, support of false election claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-only-on-ap-election-2020-19131c0f468839bf2b847bd7b3dfaf5c">run deep</a>&nbsp;among GOP candidates this year.

The Masters endorsement notably came days after a debate in which he made headlines for seeming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-campaigns-phoenix-47951240086781aee95b93ce0a8f87c1">to have shifted</a>&nbsp;from his most outrageous rigged election claims. Masters instead blamed Trump's loss on “big tech,” “big media” and the FBI, and under repeated questioning, acknowledged he hadn’t seen evidence the vote count or results were manipulated, as Trump has claimed. (After the Pence visit, Masters told Fox News he stood by what he had said on his now-modified website, adding: “I think if everyone followed the law, President Trump would be in the Oval Office.”)

Short said Pence was happy to support candidates who had moved past 2020, as the former vice president has urged the party to do.

"If people sort of acknowledged a mistaken position before, he certainly wants to reward that,” Short said. “I think he wants to help conservatives first and foremost, but if people who were elected are now adopting new position about the events of Jan. 6,” Short said, “then that’s a positive.”

Jones and Bolduc have also tried to distance themselves from their previous statements.

In interviews, Jones has tried to play down the fake elector slate as a “procedural move,” while noting that voters rarely mention the 2020 race.

“Look he’s been consistent that he does not believe the 2020 election was rigged. He said that Joe Biden is president," said Jones campaign spokesman Stephen Lawson, who noted that Pence and Jones have a long-standing relationship and, like Masters, share former Pence staff.

“For us, it was sort of a no-brainer because the vice president's still very well liked in Georgia, very well received. And we’re in that final stretch where any Republican coming to raise money, support, is a value add," he said.

“I think it’s certainly a nod to more mainstream kind of moderate Republicans. I think that’s a fair assessment," he said.

Bolduc claimed throughout the primary race that the 2020 election had been stolen. During a debate, he proclaimed that "Trump won the election, and damn it, I stand by” and adding, “I’m not switching horses, baby.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">right after the GOP primary</a>&nbsp;— and a day after appearing with Pence — he told Fox News it was time to move on. “You know, we live and learn, right? And I've done a lot of research on this and I've spent the past couple of weeks talking to Granite Staters all over the state from every party. And I have come to the conclusion, and I want to be definitive on this: The election was not stolen,” Bolduc said. He described Biden as "the legitimate president of this country."

(Earlier this month Bolduc changed his position again, saying he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">wasn't sure what happened with the election</a>. “I can’t say that it was stolen or not. I don’t have enough information.")

Reed, the party strategist, said he understood the rationale behind Pence's endorsements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956651601.png" alt="On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/">&nbsp;B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/">&nbsp;B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — In Donald Trump's assessment, Mike Pence “committed political suicide" on Jan. 6, 2021.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join us in Wichita on October 21 for a rally with <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mike_Pence</a> <a href="https://t.co/2LL6FXoXTq">https://t.co/2LL6FXoXTq</a>&mdash; Derek Schmidt (@DerekSchmidtKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekSchmidtKS/status/1580246127642742785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>By refusing to go along with the then-president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">unconstitutional push</a>&nbsp;to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Pence became a leading target of Trump's wrath and a pariah in many Republican circles.But the final weeks of this year's intensely competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>&nbsp;suggest that the former vice president's fortunes have shifted as he lays the groundwork for his own potential 2024 White House campaign. The man who was booed last year at a conservative conference is now an in-demand draw for Republican candidates, including some who spent their primaries obsessively courting Trump’s endorsement, in part by parroting his election lies.Pence has traveled the country, holding events and raising millions for candidates and Republican groups, including signing fundraising solicitations for party committees.For some campaigns in tight races, Pence is seen as something of a neutralizing agent who can help broaden their appeal beyond Trump’s core base of support. That's the case in Arizona, with a critical Senate race this year and where the 2024 presidential campaign will be hotly contested. Last week, Pence endorsed Senate nominee Blake Masters, who has struggled to pivot from the primary and win over moderates in a state where one-third of voters are registered independents.“He takes a little bit of the edge off Masters with a lot of voters,” veteran GOP strategist Scott Reed said. “You know Masters is new to this, first-time candidate, said some silly things he probably regrets during the campaign. But now it’s all about undecided voters in Maricopa County. There’s not a lot more science behind this.”The endorsements can seem jarring given that Pence has spent much of the past year pushing back on Trump’s election lies, which spurred the violent mob that descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6 while Pence was trying to preside over the formal congressional certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Pence and members of his family had to be rushed to safety and were held for hours in an underground loading dock as the marauders roamed the building's hallways. Some rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” and erected a makeshift gallows outside.Pence agreed to endorse Masters even though Masters, during the primary, baselessly denied the 2020 election results. Masters recorded a video in which he said he thought Trump had won and claimed on his website that “if we had had a free and fair election, President Trump would be sitting in the Oval Office today.” Trump endorsed Masters in June, saying in a statement: “Blake knows that the “Crime of the Century” took place, he will expose it and also, never let it happen again.”Pence made no mention of that in Phoenix on Tuesday.“What I came here to Arizona to say is not only is Blake Masters the right choice for the United States Senate, the people of Arizona deserve to know Blake Masters may be the difference between a Democrat majority in the Senate and a Republican majority in the Senate,” Pence said.The former vice president, along with Masters and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, took just three questions, two of them from conservative websites. When a television reporter tried to ask Masters if Pence was right to move forward with certifying Biden's victory, the candidate was quickly cut off by a Masters spokesman.Masters is not the only election denier Pence has endorsed or assisted.Two days after the Masters event, Pence was in Georgia headlining a fundraiser for Burt Jones, the nominee for lieutenant governor. Jones not only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-3deb77af1b47df5610c5ce9591a1eb2c">embraced Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud</a>&nbsp;and called for a statewide investigation into the 2020 race, but he also signed on to be one of his state’s fake alternate electors — a scheme now under criminal investigation.On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/"> B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.Fellow Republicans, Sen. Jerry Moran and Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, will also attend.Last month, Pence was in New Hampshire for Senate nominee Don Bolduc, a retired Army general who also spent his primary campaign telling voters the race was stolen from Trump.Marc Short, a longtime Pence adviser, declined to set a red line for candidates Pence would and would not endorse.“It’s more about making sure that he’s being a team player where he needs to be," Short said. “I think as a lot of these candidates look to solidify the party behind them, Pence can be helpful."There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines in the 2020 election, underscored by repeated audits, court cases and the conclusions of Trump’s own Department of Justice. Still, support of false election claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-only-on-ap-election-2020-19131c0f468839bf2b847bd7b3dfaf5c">run deep</a>&nbsp;among GOP candidates this year.The Masters endorsement notably came days after a debate in which he made headlines for seeming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-campaigns-phoenix-47951240086781aee95b93ce0a8f87c1">to have shifted</a>&nbsp;from his most outrageous rigged election claims. Masters instead blamed Trump's loss on “big tech,” “big media” and the FBI, and under repeated questioning, acknowledged he hadn’t seen evidence the vote count or results were manipulated, as Trump has claimed. (After the Pence visit, Masters told Fox News he stood by what he had said on his now-modified website, adding: “I think if everyone followed the law, President Trump would be in the Oval Office.”)Short said Pence was happy to support candidates who had moved past 2020, as the former vice president has urged the party to do."If people sort of acknowledged a mistaken position before, he certainly wants to reward that,” Short said. “I think he wants to help conservatives first and foremost, but if people who were elected are now adopting new position about the events of Jan. 6,” Short said, “then that’s a positive.”Jones and Bolduc have also tried to distance themselves from their previous statements.In interviews, Jones has tried to play down the fake elector slate as a “procedural move,” while noting that voters rarely mention the 2020 race.“Look he’s been consistent that he does not believe the 2020 election was rigged. He said that Joe Biden is president," said Jones campaign spokesman Stephen Lawson, who noted that Pence and Jones have a long-standing relationship and, like Masters, share former Pence staff.“For us, it was sort of a no-brainer because the vice president's still very well liked in Georgia, very well received. And we’re in that final stretch where any Republican coming to raise money, support, is a value add," he said.“I think it’s certainly a nod to more mainstream kind of moderate Republicans. I think that’s a fair assessment," he said.Bolduc claimed throughout the primary race that the 2020 election had been stolen. During a debate, he proclaimed that "Trump won the election, and damn it, I stand by” and adding, “I’m not switching horses, baby.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">right after the GOP primary</a>&nbsp;— and a day after appearing with Pence — he told Fox News it was time to move on. “You know, we live and learn, right? And I've done a lot of research on this and I've spent the past couple of weeks talking to Granite Staters all over the state from every party. And I have come to the conclusion, and I want to be definitive on this: The election was not stolen,” Bolduc said. He described Biden as "the legitimate president of this country."(Earlier this month Bolduc changed his position again, saying he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">wasn't sure what happened with the election</a>. “I can’t say that it was stolen or not. I don’t have enough information.")Reed, the party strategist, said he understood the rationale behind Pence's endorsements.“He’s a big picture party guy. And it doesn’t surprised me that he’s hustling as hard as he is for people who may not be 100% Pencers,” he said. “By doing these kinds of events,” he added, “they’re going to take another look at him if he decides to run.”Pence’s political future is an open question. Trump, who is widely expected to run again, remains deeply popular with Republican primary voters and would almost certainly be an early front-runner for the 2024 nomination. Pence has said his own decision about running will not be influenced by Trump, though allies often voice skepticism that Trump ultimately will end up on the ballot.Beyond his endorsements, Pence has spent his time since leaving office performing a careful balancing act. He has distanced himself from Trump's most corrosive statements while promoting what he calls the Trump-Pence agenda. Pence, like generations of could-be candidates, has used the primaries as an opportunity to forge new relationships and build goodwill, and continues to align himself with conservative causes. His trips often include college visits and speeches before anti-abortion groups.Other potential 2024 candidates have campaigned for the Republican cause, including Texas Sen. Ted Cuz, who is on a monthlong, 17-state “Take Back America” bus tour. Trump has held rallies and finally begun spending a small part of his vast political fortune to help his favored candidates.“I think he and all these guys are out there really helping the Republicans to win back the House and win back the Senate. It's an effort that everybody needs to contribute to,” said David McIntosh, president of the influential Club for Growth, who has joined Pence at several events.McIntosh, who has been at odds with Trump in recent months, said he believes the electorate is “moving on" from 2020 "to what’s on the ballot this election.” He said candidates such as Masters "want to show that they've got support from all different types of Republicans, everyone that's out there, so there's a unity theme.”“It's always been my view," he added, "that leaders like that help themselves by helping.”But being popular enough that candidates want to campaign with you is very different from being popular enough to be competitive in a presidential primary, and right now, Pence routinely polls in the single digits, far lower than Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.“Around here people talk about DeSantis and Trump," said Georgia GOP strategist Brian Robinson, adding that attention is largely focused on the Nov. 8 midterms.Pence's policy group recently held a retreat in Utah at the Montage Deer Valley that was attended by GOP donors such as Matthew J. Bruderman, a New York investor who praised Pence's election-year efforts.“He’s been extremely effective and deserves credit for continuing to help elect people who he believes will help advance conservative principles," Bruderman said by email, adding that he would “support him or any fiscal conservative of courage and character that wins the nomination” in 2024.Art Pope, another donor who attended the retreat, said he “personally would love to see Vice President Pence run in 2024.”"Yes there are frictions and there are divisions" in the GOP, he said, but the party is uniting behind its nominees now that primaries are over.“Vice President Pence is both benefiting for that unity and helping lead that unification," he said.