Project’s origins tied to 2024 pitch by Pennsylvania company for exclusive contract

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s special budget committee revealed the attorney general’s office continues to work toward awarding a $10 million contract to a private vendor for deployment of artificial intelligence and use of security cameras to spot gun-wielding intruders in public schools.

Gov. Laura Kelly signed a budget bill in April that included funding for technology that promised to identify unconcealed firearms in school buildings so alerts could be forwarded to school staff and law enforcement officers. In October, three companies submitted bids through the Kansas Department of Administration. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Kris Kobach said a contract hadn’t been issued.

Under state law, the attorney general’s office was directed to make certain the system was installed in schools by the end of December and operational at the close of February.

Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said the initiative was embraced by the Legislature at the same time a popular program offering state-funded school-security grants to districts was dropped.

“We no longer have funding in the Department of Education for safe and secure schools,” Pettey said. “But we do have this funding source … but nothing has been appropriated? Schools would like to have safe and secure funds, but they don’t have any option now except through this program.”

Bids on the Kansas firearm-identification contract were submitted by Gades Sales Co. of Wichita; CIS Data Services of Springfield, Missouri; and ZeroEyes of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Financial details of those company proposals haven’t been made public.

The idea of relying on AI to pinpoint unconcealed weapons in schools and possibly thwart mass shootings has been debated in Kansas since ZeroEyes hired lobbyists last year to convince legislators to award it the contract to operate an enhanced security system for benefit of Kansas schools.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/kansas-bill-dangles-cash-to-persuade-k-12-school-districts-to-hire-a-specific-gun-detection-vendor/">Lobbyists for ZeroEyes pitched the idea</a>&nbsp;of directly earmarking state funding to ZeroEyes or establishing contract provisions matching ZeroEyes’ marketing materials so rival venders would have difficulty landing the contract.

Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer for ZeroEyes, told a Kansas House committee in February 2024 that covering 1,300 school buildings in Kansas with ZeroEyes’ technology and delivering 24-hour monitoring of two dozen cameras in each school would cost the state $8.5 million annually.

In May 2024, Gov. Laura Kelly used line-item authority to veto the budget measure dedicating $5 million to a gun-identification initiative that favored ZeroEyes. The bill limited dollar-for-dollar matches from the state to school districts that signed up with ZeroEyes.

The governor said the result would have been “a no-bid contract” that wrote ZeroEyes’ technology into state law without proper consideration of alternative companies.

The Republican-led Legislature responded during the 2025 session by authorizing expenditure of $10 million for a firearm-detection program available to all Kansas public school districts. This version of the AI funding plan wasn’t vetoed by Kelly and led to the ongoing contract bidding process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764285917641.png" alt="Kansas Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, questions the process of selecting a company to implement a $10 million gun-detection program in public schools. The initiative began as a 2024 request by a Pennsylvania technology company for an exclusive service contract in Kansas. In this image from April 10, 2025, Pettey offers remarks in the Kansas Senate. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, questions the process of selecting a company to implement a $10 million gun-detection program in public schools. The initiative began as a 2024 request by a Pennsylvania technology company for an exclusive service contract in Kansas. In this image from April 10, 2025, Pettey offers remarks in the Kansas Senate. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Project’s origins tied to 2024 pitch by Pennsylvania company for exclusive contract</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s special budget committee revealed the attorney general’s office continues to work toward awarding a $10 million contract to a private vendor for deployment of artificial intelligence and use of security cameras to spot gun-wielding intruders in public schools.Gov. Laura Kelly signed a budget bill in April that included funding for technology that promised to identify unconcealed firearms in school buildings so alerts could be forwarded to school staff and law enforcement officers. In October, three companies submitted bids through the Kansas Department of Administration. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Kris Kobach said a contract hadn’t been issued.Under state law, the attorney general’s office was directed to make certain the system was installed in schools by the end of December and operational at the close of February.Sen. Pat Pettey, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said the initiative was embraced by the Legislature at the same time a popular program offering state-funded school-security grants to districts was dropped.“We no longer have funding in the Department of Education for safe and secure schools,” Pettey said. “But we do have this funding source … but nothing has been appropriated? Schools would like to have safe and secure funds, but they don’t have any option now except through this program.”Bids on the Kansas firearm-identification contract were submitted by Gades Sales Co. of Wichita; CIS Data Services of Springfield, Missouri; and ZeroEyes of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Financial details of those company proposals haven’t been made public.The idea of relying on AI to pinpoint unconcealed weapons in schools and possibly thwart mass shootings has been debated in Kansas since ZeroEyes hired lobbyists last year to convince legislators to award it the contract to operate an enhanced security system for benefit of Kansas schools.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/kansas-bill-dangles-cash-to-persuade-k-12-school-districts-to-hire-a-specific-gun-detection-vendor/">Lobbyists for ZeroEyes pitched the idea</a>&nbsp;of directly earmarking state funding to ZeroEyes or establishing contract provisions matching ZeroEyes’ marketing materials so rival venders would have difficulty landing the contract.Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer for ZeroEyes, told a Kansas House committee in February 2024 that covering 1,300 school buildings in Kansas with ZeroEyes’ technology and delivering 24-hour monitoring of two dozen cameras in each school would cost the state $8.5 million annually.In May 2024, Gov. Laura Kelly used line-item authority to veto the budget measure dedicating $5 million to a gun-identification initiative that favored ZeroEyes. The bill limited dollar-for-dollar matches from the state to school districts that signed up with ZeroEyes.The governor said the result would have been “a no-bid contract” that wrote ZeroEyes’ technology into state law without proper consideration of alternative companies.The Republican-led Legislature responded during the 2025 session by authorizing expenditure of $10 million for a firearm-detection program available to all Kansas public school districts. This version of the AI funding plan wasn’t vetoed by Kelly and led to the ongoing contract bidding process.

Kansas looking at three bidders for $10 million contract relying on AI to find guns in schools

WASHINGTON (AP) —Democratic state attorneys general are suing the Trump administration to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">SNAP food aid</a>&nbsp;from being taken away from groups of permanent residents in the U.S., including people granted asylum or admitted as refugees.

The top state government lawyers from 21 states and the District of Columbia say in Wednesday’s suit that the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued guidance to states in October calling for groups to be denied help from the food aid program even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-stamps-snap-states-trump-2c604216d26a9edf84fe502136be6d6f">Trump’s sweeping tax and policy law</a>&nbsp;this summer didn’t specifically exclude them.

The states say the penalties for providing the benefits to excluded groups are so severe that they put states in danger of shutting down their SNAP programs entirely.

The filing in federal court in Oregon is the latest chapter in a battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-reopening-food-aid-a11b6c83934d9c718cc413fc1f9435d3">tried to pause</a>&nbsp;during the government shutdown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Democratic state attorneys general are suing the Trump administration to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">SNAP food aid</a>&nbsp;from being taken away from groups of permanent residents in the U.S., including people granted asylum or admitted as refugees.The top state government lawyers from 21 states and the District of Columbia say in Wednesday’s suit that the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued guidance to states in October calling for groups to be denied help from the food aid program even though&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-stamps-snap-states-trump-2c604216d26a9edf84fe502136be6d6f">Trump’s sweeping tax and policy law</a>&nbsp;this summer didn’t specifically exclude them.The states say the penalties for providing the benefits to excluded groups are so severe that they put states in danger of shutting down their SNAP programs entirely.The filing in federal court in Oregon is the latest chapter in a battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-reopening-food-aid-a11b6c83934d9c718cc413fc1f9435d3">tried to pause</a>&nbsp;during the government shutdown.

States sue to keep SNAP benefits for some lawful immigrants

Lewis
Leroy (Roy) Drullinger, 88, passed away on November 24, 2025, at Redbud Village
in Plainville, Kansas. He was born on April 19, 1937, in Chadron, Nebraska, to
Lawrence Leroy and Lucile Demaris (Sanford) Drullinger. Lewis’ sister Jean
Marie and brother Gary Dean were born next, completing their family.

Lewis
proudly served his country, joining the U.S. Army in 1953 and spending his
service years in Germany until 1956. During his time in the military, he earned
his GED and later returned home to graduate alongside his sister in 1957 from
Chadron State Prep School.

A
hardworking man with an adventurous spirit, Lewis joined a harvest crew
traveling to Canada, where he met Edith Sharon Adamson. They married on
September 20, 1956, in Montana. Together, they were blessed with three
children: Lawrence Leroy (named after his grandfather), Roger Dean, and Lori
Jean. Lewis and Edith divorced in 1966.

Lewis married
Marlene Anderson in 1967, and adopted two of her children, Brenda and Dick. They
lived in Colby where Lewis worked for Colby Steel. In October 1974, tragedy
struck when Marlene, her older daughter Twila, and Brenda were killed in a
vehicle accident. Following the loss, he moved to Kirwin, Kansas and started a fence-building
business with his first wife Edith and their sons Larry and Roger. 

Lewis’s
next chapter was with longtime friend, Jodi (Pulec) Brown. They had 23 wonderful
years together.

Lewis loved
the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had many amazing life adventures
and endless truly interesting stories he loved to share. He was proud of an
impressive gun collection he added to through the years. He always had a black
Labrador by his side, naming them after women he admired. He enjoyed poker and
card games with friends, and was an avid reader, often reading until the wee
hours of the morning.

Lewis
was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gary; wives, Edith and Marlene;
companion Jodi; sons, Roger and Dick; sister Jean Marie; and stepdaughters,
Brenda and Twila.

He is
survived by his son, Larry; daughter, Lori; many grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

A
memorial service will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10AM at the
funeral home in Stockton with burial to follow at the Stockton Cemetery.

Memorials
are suggested to Hays Hospice and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764357664906.jpeg" alt="Lewis Leroy (Roy) Drullinger" />
 <figcaption>Lewis Leroy (Roy) Drullinger</figcaption>
 </figure>Lewis
Leroy (Roy) Drullinger, 88, passed away on November 24, 2025, at Redbud Village
in Plainville, Kansas. He was born on April 19, 1937, in Chadron, Nebraska, to
Lawrence Leroy and Lucile Demaris (Sanford) Drullinger. Lewis’ sister Jean
Marie and brother Gary Dean were born next, completing their family.Lewis
proudly served his country, joining the U.S. Army in 1953 and spending his
service years in Germany until 1956. During his time in the military, he earned
his GED and later returned home to graduate alongside his sister in 1957 from
Chadron State Prep School.A
hardworking man with an adventurous spirit, Lewis joined a harvest crew
traveling to Canada, where he met Edith Sharon Adamson. They married on
September 20, 1956, in Montana. Together, they were blessed with three
children: Lawrence Leroy (named after his grandfather), Roger Dean, and Lori
Jean. Lewis and Edith divorced in 1966.Lewis married
Marlene Anderson in 1967, and adopted two of her children, Brenda and Dick. They
lived in Colby where Lewis worked for Colby Steel. In October 1974, tragedy
struck when Marlene, her older daughter Twila, and Brenda were killed in a
vehicle accident. Following the loss, he moved to Kirwin, Kansas and started a fence-building
business with his first wife Edith and their sons Larry and Roger. Lewis’s
next chapter was with longtime friend, Jodi (Pulec) Brown. They had 23 wonderful
years together.Lewis loved
the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had many amazing life adventures
and endless truly interesting stories he loved to share. He was proud of an
impressive gun collection he added to through the years. He always had a black
Labrador by his side, naming them after women he admired. He enjoyed poker and
card games with friends, and was an avid reader, often reading until the wee
hours of the morning.Lewis
was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gary; wives, Edith and Marlene;
companion Jodi; sons, Roger and Dick; sister Jean Marie; and stepdaughters,
Brenda and Twila.He is
survived by his son, Larry; daughter, Lori; many grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and a host of friends.A
memorial service will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10AM at the
funeral home in Stockton with burial to follow at the Stockton Cemetery.Memorials
are suggested to Hays Hospice and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Lewis Leroy (Roy) Drullinger

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, the latest saga for the former billionaire who has been followed by a trail of financial challenges going back well over a decade.

An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion for consent judgment with the federal government Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit saying that the couple “have neglected or refused to make full payment” for the income taxes dating to 2009. An attorney for the U.S. Justice Department's tax division signed off on the agreement.

Justice had a fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-39a131d2143b4f458fe6c50e8283e03f">estimated at $1.9 billion last decade</a>&nbsp;by Forbes magazine, which stripped his billionaire title in 2021, when Justice's worth had dwindled to an estimated $513 million. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated that Justice’s net worth had disintegrated to “less than zero” due to liabilities that far exceeded assets.

A spokesperson for Justice's office didn’t immediate respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senator-jim-justice-debts-west-virginia-irs-f83649c701450b4a8e1077305760479a">a briefing with local media in October</a>, Justice asserted that his companies “are complicated and complex” and that his children “are doing a magnificent job” running them. He then repeated past assertions that collection efforts against him were politically motivated, before concluding:. “At the end of the day, I’d say just let it be and see how it all plays out.”

Justice, a former two-term Republican governor who owns dozens of businesses that include coal and agricultural operations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-senate-justice-elliott-7376ed0ceb9bebd0766190fb14cc0e69">was elected last November to the Senate.</a>&nbsp;He took over the seat vacated by the retiring Joe Manchin, a Democrat who became an independent in 2024 near the end of his second full term.

Justice still has other financial challenges to work out.

The Internal Revenue Service last month filed liens totaling more than $8 million against Justice and his wife on unpaid personal taxes. In September, state tax officials filed $1.4 million in liens against the Justice family’s historic hotel, The Greenbrier, and the resort’s Greenbrier Sporting Club, over unpaid sales taxes.

Last month, a foreclosure auction on several hundred lots owned by the Justice family at a resort community near Beckley was paused. The auction centered on a dispute between the Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association and Justice Holdings over unpaid fees. The state Supreme Court plans to review the case more closely.

In 2021, the IRS filed liens over $1.1 million in unpaid taxes on the Greenbrier Hotel and an additional $80,000 on the resort’s medical clinic. Those debts were paid off later that year.

Justice’s family settled debts last year in a separate case to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-justice-hotel-51715adcfa963192d9c13cbd64707d82">avoid the Greenbrier Hotel’s foreclosure</a>. The 710-room hotel, which has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty and congressional retreats, had come under threat of being auctioned off on the steps of a Lewisburg courthouse. That was after JPMorgan Chase sold a longstanding loan taken out by Justice to a credit collection company, Beltway Capital, which declared it to be in default.

The state Democratic Party has said efforts to seize the hotel from Justice were “a direct consequence of his own financial incompetence.”

Last year, a union official at the Greenbrier said that Justice’s family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenbrier-hotel-jim-justice-west-virginia-350b92c83c37dfe03dd38f4368a4accc">was at least $2.4 million behind</a>&nbsp;in payments to an employees’ health insurance fund, putting workers’ coverage at risk. In 2023, dozens of properties owned by the Justice family in three counties were auctioned as payment for delinquent real estate taxes. Others have sought to recoup millions in fines for environmental issues and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-jim-justice-mine-fines-3d98e07c4d14646a194ee9f739b5f770">unsafe working conditions at his company’s coal mines</a>.

Justice bought The Greenbrier resort out of bankruptcy in 2009 for $20.1 million. The sporting club is a private equity club and residential community on the property that opened in 2000.

The resort in White Sulphur Springs that dates to 1778 also has a casino, spa and dozens of amenities and employs around 2,000 workers. The resort held a PGA Tour golf tournament from 2010 until 2019 and has welcomed NFL teams for training camp and practices. A once-secret 112,000-square-foot (10,080-square-meter) underground bunker built for Congress at the Greenbrier in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War now hosts tours.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia has agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, the latest saga for the former billionaire who has been followed by a trail of financial challenges going back well over a decade.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My best buddy is SIX years old today! The joy you bring to our family—and to a whole lot of others—is a true blessing. We love you big time, <a href="https://twitter.com/BabydogJustice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BabydogJustice</a>! <a href="https://t.co/gUK3Bd1VFI">pic.twitter.com/gUK3Bd1VFI</a>&mdash; Senator Jim Justice (@JimJustice_WV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimJustice_WV/status/1978465316704231886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>An attorney for Justice and his wife, Cathy, entered into a joint motion for consent judgment with the federal government Monday, the same day that the government filed a lawsuit saying that the couple “have neglected or refused to make full payment” for the income taxes dating to 2009. An attorney for the U.S. Justice Department's tax division signed off on the agreement.Justice had a fortune&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-39a131d2143b4f458fe6c50e8283e03f">estimated at $1.9 billion last decade</a>&nbsp;by Forbes magazine, which stripped his billionaire title in 2021, when Justice's worth had dwindled to an estimated $513 million. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated that Justice’s net worth had disintegrated to “less than zero” due to liabilities that far exceeded assets.A spokesperson for Justice's office didn’t immediate respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.During&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senator-jim-justice-debts-west-virginia-irs-f83649c701450b4a8e1077305760479a">a briefing with local media in October</a>, Justice asserted that his companies “are complicated and complex” and that his children “are doing a magnificent job” running them. He then repeated past assertions that collection efforts against him were politically motivated, before concluding:. “At the end of the day, I’d say just let it be and see how it all plays out.”Justice, a former two-term Republican governor who owns dozens of businesses that include coal and agricultural operations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-senate-justice-elliott-7376ed0ceb9bebd0766190fb14cc0e69">was elected last November to the Senate.</a>&nbsp;He took over the seat vacated by the retiring Joe Manchin, a Democrat who became an independent in 2024 near the end of his second full term.Justice still has other financial challenges to work out.The Internal Revenue Service last month filed liens totaling more than $8 million against Justice and his wife on unpaid personal taxes. In September, state tax officials filed $1.4 million in liens against the Justice family’s historic hotel, The Greenbrier, and the resort’s Greenbrier Sporting Club, over unpaid sales taxes.Last month, a foreclosure auction on several hundred lots owned by the Justice family at a resort community near Beckley was paused. The auction centered on a dispute between the Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association and Justice Holdings over unpaid fees. The state Supreme Court plans to review the case more closely.In 2021, the IRS filed liens over $1.1 million in unpaid taxes on the Greenbrier Hotel and an additional $80,000 on the resort’s medical clinic. Those debts were paid off later that year.Justice’s family settled debts last year in a separate case to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-justice-hotel-51715adcfa963192d9c13cbd64707d82">avoid the Greenbrier Hotel’s foreclosure</a>. The 710-room hotel, which has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty and congressional retreats, had come under threat of being auctioned off on the steps of a Lewisburg courthouse. That was after JPMorgan Chase sold a longstanding loan taken out by Justice to a credit collection company, Beltway Capital, which declared it to be in default.The state Democratic Party has said efforts to seize the hotel from Justice were “a direct consequence of his own financial incompetence.”Last year, a union official at the Greenbrier said that Justice’s family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenbrier-hotel-jim-justice-west-virginia-350b92c83c37dfe03dd38f4368a4accc">was at least $2.4 million behind</a>&nbsp;in payments to an employees’ health insurance fund, putting workers’ coverage at risk. In 2023, dozens of properties owned by the Justice family in three counties were auctioned as payment for delinquent real estate taxes. Others have sought to recoup millions in fines for environmental issues and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-governor-jim-justice-mine-fines-3d98e07c4d14646a194ee9f739b5f770">unsafe working conditions at his company’s coal mines</a>.Justice bought The Greenbrier resort out of bankruptcy in 2009 for $20.1 million. The sporting club is a private equity club and residential community on the property that opened in 2000.The resort in White Sulphur Springs that dates to 1778 also has a casino, spa and dozens of amenities and employs around 2,000 workers. The resort held a PGA Tour golf tournament from 2010 until 2019 and has welcomed NFL teams for training camp and practices. A once-secret 112,000-square-foot (10,080-square-meter) underground bunker built for Congress at the Greenbrier in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War now hosts tours.

U.S. Senator agrees to pay nearly $5.2M in overdue personal taxes

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude oil prices hover at or near four-year lows. 

Kansas Common crude starts the week at $48.25 per barrel, after dropping $1.25 on Friday. That's the lowest posted price at CHS in McPherson since October 16. The monthly average price drops to $49.57 per barrel.&nbsp; The last time that monthly average was less than $50 was in February of 2021.

U.S. futures prices have only dipped this low four times in the last four years. At just over $58 a barrel, near-month NYMEX crude was nearly a dollar lower on the day Friday, but about half a dollar higher than a week ago. Prices were nearly half a dollar higher by lunchtime on Monday.

U.S. crude production drops slightly from last week's all-time record, but remains above 13.8 million barrels per day for a second week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports a weekly production average of 13,834,000 barrels per day, down 28,000 daily barrels from a week ago, but good enough for second-best. The four-week average sets a new record over 13.7 million, and cumulative production so far this year is at an all-time high just under 13.5 million barrels a day.

The Energy Information Administration  reports another half million barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now just under 411 million barrels. That's up more than 46 million barrels since refill operations resumed in April of last year at $35 a barrel less than what we sold it for three years ago.

Commercial inventories dropped by 3.4 million barrels to just over 424 million. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

After a major adjustment last week, crude-oil exports make a major readjustment this week.&nbsp; Crude exports jumped fifty percent, more than a million barrels a day, after a similar decline last week. Exports are over four million barrels a day after dropping below three million last week. The four-week average is up five percent at just under four million daily barrels.

Crude imports increased by 729,000 barrels a day to just under six million barrels a day. The four week average is down 16 percent from a year ago.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes up up two oil rigs and two gas rigs for a US total of 554 active rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs is up by five. The statewide tally in Wyoming is up three rigs.

The number of inactive, or "cold-stacked" drilling rigs is up by four across Kansas. The weekly Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged statewide, but down one active rig in eastern Kansas and up one west of Wichita. The total of 17 active rigs is down ten percent from a month ago and nearly 40 percent lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway on Friday on a lease in Finney County and another in Gove County.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 new well-completions this week, with eight in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita, including one each in Barton and Haskell counties.

State regulators okayed nine new drilling locations, with seven in western Kansas including two new permits in Stafford County. That's 607 new permits so far this year, compared to just over a thousand a year ago. 

The world's third-largest oil and gas company is going all in on AI. Chevron has chosen a site in West Texas for its 5,000 megawatt natural-gas powered data center, in what Bloomberg calls a new line of business to capitalize on the boom in artificial intelligence. The announcement did not identify the end-user, or put a price on the project, but the company said it expects to make a final investment decision early next year, and could begin operations the year after that.

Western sanctions against Russia are kicking in in a very big way. Reuters reports sanctions are cutting Russia's oil and gas revenue by 35 percent to just under $6.6 billion dollars in November. 

Meanwhile Bloomberg reports Russia is offering India its deepest discounts in two years. Most Indian refiners have skipped placing orders for Russian crude.

In an announcement last week, the Trump administration officially scrapped a drilling ban in the mammoth arctic landscape known as the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The reserve is described as 23 million acres of tundra and wetlands, roughly the size of Indiana, teeming with wildlife, and an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of crude. The new policy reverses a Biden-era rule that blocked drilling on nearly half of the reserve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652188903167.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaCrude oil prices hover at or near four-year lows. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $48.25 per barrel, after dropping $1.25 on Friday. That's the lowest posted price at CHS in McPherson since October 16. The monthly average price drops to $49.57 per barrel.&nbsp; The last time that monthly average was less than $50 was in February of 2021.U.S. futures prices have only dipped this low four times in the last four years. At just over $58 a barrel, near-month NYMEX crude was nearly a dollar lower on the day Friday, but about half a dollar higher than a week ago. Prices were nearly half a dollar higher by lunchtime on Monday.U.S. crude production drops slightly from last week's all-time record, but remains above 13.8 million barrels per day for a second week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports a weekly production average of 13,834,000 barrels per day, down 28,000 daily barrels from a week ago, but good enough for second-best. The four-week average sets a new record over 13.7 million, and cumulative production so far this year is at an all-time high just under 13.5 million barrels a day.The Energy Information Administration reports another half million barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now just under 411 million barrels. That's up more than 46 million barrels since refill operations resumed in April of last year at $35 a barrel less than what we sold it for three years ago.Commercial inventories dropped by 3.4 million barrels to just over 424 million. That's about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.After a major adjustment last week, crude-oil exports make a major readjustment this week.&nbsp; Crude exports jumped fifty percent, more than a million barrels a day, after a similar decline last week. Exports are over four million barrels a day after dropping below three million last week. The four-week average is up five percent at just under four million daily barrels.Crude imports increased by 729,000 barrels a day to just under six million barrels a day. The four week average is down 16 percent from a year ago.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes up up two oil rigs and two gas rigs for a US total of 554 active rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs is up by five. The statewide tally in Wyoming is up three rigs.The number of inactive, or "cold-stacked" drilling rigs is up by four across Kansas. The weekly Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged statewide, but down one active rig in eastern Kansas and up one west of Wichita. The total of 17 active rigs is down ten percent from a month ago and nearly 40 percent lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway on Friday on a lease in Finney County and another in Gove County.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 new well-completions this week, with eight in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita, including one each in Barton and Haskell counties.State regulators okayed nine new drilling locations, with seven in western Kansas including two new permits in Stafford County. That's 607 new permits so far this year, compared to just over a thousand a year ago. The world's third-largest oil and gas company is going all in on AI. Chevron has chosen a site in West Texas for its 5,000 megawatt natural-gas powered data center, in what Bloomberg calls a new line of business to capitalize on the boom in artificial intelligence. The announcement did not identify the end-user, or put a price on the project, but the company said it expects to make a final investment decision early next year, and could begin operations the year after that.Western sanctions against Russia are kicking in in a very big way. Reuters reports sanctions are cutting Russia's oil and gas revenue by 35 percent to just under $6.6 billion dollars in November. Meanwhile Bloomberg reports Russia is offering India its deepest discounts in two years. Most Indian refiners have skipped placing orders for Russian crude.In an announcement last week, the Trump administration officially scrapped a drilling ban in the mammoth arctic landscape known as the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The reserve is described as 23 million acres of tundra and wetlands, roughly the size of Indiana, teeming with wildlife, and an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of crude. The new policy reverses a Biden-era rule that blocked drilling on nearly half of the reserve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Average Kansas crude prices drop to 4-year lows

SALINE COUNTY —The future of the pit bull dog ban in Salina will be decided in a special election in February, according to the City Commission on Monday.

The commission decided to use a mail ballot. Registered Salina voters will receive a ballot in the mail and a postage-paid envelope. The ballot must be returned to the clerk’s office prior to the February 24, deadline.

In October a group presented a petition to repeal the pit bull dog ban in Salina to the Salina City Manager’s Office. The Saline County Election Officer validated the petition.

In 2004, the city enacted a pit bull ban.&nbsp;Once the February 2026 election is complete, the decision is law for at least ten years.

&nbsp;Overland Park, Hiawatha, Independence, Clay Center, Bonner Springs and Garden City have repealed similar pit bull breed bans in the past.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607709807472.png" alt="Flicker CC" />
 <figcaption>Flicker CC</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —The future of the pit bull dog ban in Salina will be decided in a special election in February, according to the City Commission on Monday.The commission decided to use a mail ballot. Registered Salina voters will receive a ballot in the mail and a postage-paid envelope. The ballot must be returned to the clerk’s office prior to the February 24, deadline.In October a group presented a petition to repeal the pit bull dog ban in Salina to the Salina City Manager’s Office. The Saline County Election Officer validated the petition.In 2004, the city enacted a pit bull ban.&nbsp;Once the February 2026 election is complete, the decision is law for at least ten years.&nbsp;Overland Park, Hiawatha, Independence, Clay Center, Bonner Springs and Garden City have repealed similar pit bull breed bans in the past.

Salina sets date for special election on Pit Bull ordinance 

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">Chauncey Billups</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/betting-arrests-sports-gambling-poker-fa72cd1ced5bdaacfabe1688d873bf45">rigged poker games</a>&nbsp;involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.

Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.

Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221">federal takedown</a>&nbsp;of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday's proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-hall-of-fame-induction-6e9a225d4a29f9d13c35179d7f2b847c">inducted</a>&nbsp;into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

Former NBA player and assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rozier-billups-jones-betting-arrests-4241238cb43d998f1b9eac47b8d326a7">Damon Jones</a>&nbsp;was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.

Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/terry-rozier">Terry Rozier</a>&nbsp;in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prop-bets-nba-scandal-624ce04b410eb3e97806c3c011412476">exploit insider information</a>&nbsp;about players to win bets on NBA games.

Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.

The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.

Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-arrest-65eb67f6a0ed283ca6dd011d70425df8">most beloved</a>&nbsp;in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons' title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">multiyear extension</a>&nbsp;with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/terry-rozier-salary-sports-betting-db662e66f4f56959ad4765d33cf5ced8">unpaid leave</a>&nbsp;and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-trail-blazers-tiago-splitter-7a126fe382491a95a8d33d0d580ca399">interim coach</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761225884441.png" alt="Chauncey Billups played for the University of Colorado, which was part of the Big 12 conference, leading the team to a second-place finish and an NCAA tournament appearance in the inaugural season of the Big 12 in 1996-97. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors that season. photo courtesy Portland Trail Blazers" />
 <figcaption>Chauncey Billups played for the University of Colorado, which was part of the Big 12 conference, leading the team to a second-place finish and an NCAA tournament appearance in the inaugural season of the Big 12 in 1996-97. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors that season. photo courtesy Portland Trail Blazers</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">Chauncey Billups</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/betting-arrests-sports-gambling-poker-fa72cd1ced5bdaacfabe1688d873bf45">rigged poker games</a>&nbsp;involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221">federal takedown</a>&nbsp;of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday's proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-hall-of-fame-induction-6e9a225d4a29f9d13c35179d7f2b847c">inducted</a>&nbsp;into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.Former NBA player and assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rozier-billups-jones-betting-arrests-4241238cb43d998f1b9eac47b8d326a7">Damon Jones</a>&nbsp;was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/terry-rozier">Terry Rozier</a>&nbsp;in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prop-bets-nba-scandal-624ce04b410eb3e97806c3c011412476">exploit insider information</a>&nbsp;about players to win bets on NBA games.Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.But he is perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-arrest-65eb67f6a0ed283ca6dd011d70425df8">most beloved</a>&nbsp;in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons' title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">multiyear extension</a>&nbsp;with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers.After his arrest, he was placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/terry-rozier-salary-sports-betting-db662e66f4f56959ad4765d33cf5ced8">unpaid leave</a>&nbsp;and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chauncey-billups-trail-blazers-tiago-splitter-7a126fe382491a95a8d33d0d580ca399">interim coach</a>.

Former Big 12 star enters a plea in NBA gambling scandal 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/nicky-forster">NICKY FORSTER</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is starting slowly, and it’s unclear if it will be as bad as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-season-cdc-a640e8fe0bffa4a8f6bdbd7ea8e5608a">last winter’s</a>, but some health experts are worried as U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Friday shows a new version of the virus has emerged.

An early analysis suggests current vaccines may still be somewhat effective against the new version of the flu, which has been the main driver of recent infections, CDC data shows.

Some scientists and medical professionals are more worried about disappointing vaccination rates, a main reason why flu hospitalizations and deaths were unusually bad during last year’s flu season — one of the deadliest this century.

“I think we’re going to see a really severe season,” said Asefeh Faraz Covelli of the George Washington University School of Nursing.

Last winter, the overall flu hospitalization rate was the highest seen since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago. Flu was the underlying or a contributing cause of more than 18,000 deaths, and one seven-day stretch early this year saw more than 1,800 deaths — the highest one-week spike in at least a decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-deaths-children-cdc-e79b1e4169d629ad4bc1095d95d82110">Child flu deaths</a>&nbsp;also were far higher than usual.

CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;posted Friday showed low flu activity so far, with only one state — Louisiana — reporting moderate activity. Most of the reported infections have been in children, said the CDC’s Alicia Budd, who tracks flu infections for the Atlanta-based agency.

Most also have been a new version of the type A H3N2 virus that historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. That type is responsible for most flu infections so far this year, and more than half have been a new subclade K variant that is different from the strain this year’s flu shots were built to fight.

A preliminary&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691349457a0ccd6a3aad7fa9/_Flu_interimVE_2526_.pdf" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the United Kingdom suggests the shots do provide at least partial protection, although it will take some time for scientists to know exactly how effective they are. Experts say any protection that softens the blow of a flu infection is important to get.

Flu seasons tend to get bad between December and February, and illnesses likely will accelerate as people travel and gather for Thanksgiving, Covelli said.

“I think it’s going to start picking up here,” she said. “This is the ideal time to get vaccinated.”

Researchers this year have been facing an unusual struggle to get a handle on how respiratory infection and vaccination rates have been trending.

They usually rely on the CDC for data, but a recent government shutdown halted data collection and reporting just as respiratory infections started ramping up.

Meanwhile, government efforts to promote disease-preventing shots have been more limited since U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was put in charge of the CDC and other federal health agencies. Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine activist, has fostered uncertainty about the safety of vaccines, including flu shots that contained a preservative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-flu-vaccine-thimerosal-c5696bbc19f345323153d5336cb5e798">thimerosal</a>.

Indeed, vaccination rates against COVID-19 clearly continue to plummet, with about 6% of children and 14% of adults up to date on their shots, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html" target="_blank">other CDC data</a>&nbsp;posted Friday. Each figure is about 3 percentage points less than it was at this point last fall.

For the flu, vaccination trends are a little muddier. Some sources have suggested flu vaccinations are down. Over two million fewer flu shots were given at U.S. pharmacies through the end of October compared to last year, according to data from IQVIA, a health information and research company.

But the latest CDC data indicates that for children, the vaccination rate this year is about the same as it was at this point last fall, at 34%. And the vaccination rate for adults is up a few percentage points to about 37%, according to the CDC data, which relies on survey information.

It is early in the season and too early to know if the increase will be sustained or what is causing it, CDC officials said.

As of the beginning of November, the U.S. flu hospitalization rate is about the same as it was at the same point in 2024. Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 and another respiratory virus, RSV, are lower so far this season, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/index.html" target="_blank">another set</a>&nbsp;of CDC data.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764001939646.png" alt="CDC Flu map Nov. 15, 2025" />
 <figcaption>CDC Flu map Nov. 15, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/nicky-forster">NICKY FORSTER</a>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is starting slowly, and it’s unclear if it will be as bad as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-season-cdc-a640e8fe0bffa4a8f6bdbd7ea8e5608a">last winter’s</a>, but some health experts are worried as U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Friday shows a new version of the virus has emerged.An early analysis suggests current vaccines may still be somewhat effective against the new version of the flu, which has been the main driver of recent infections, CDC data shows.Some scientists and medical professionals are more worried about disappointing vaccination rates, a main reason why flu hospitalizations and deaths were unusually bad during last year’s flu season — one of the deadliest this century.“I think we’re going to see a really severe season,” said Asefeh Faraz Covelli of the George Washington University School of Nursing.Last winter, the overall flu hospitalization rate was the highest seen since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago. Flu was the underlying or a contributing cause of more than 18,000 deaths, and one seven-day stretch early this year saw more than 1,800 deaths — the highest one-week spike in at least a decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flu-deaths-children-cdc-e79b1e4169d629ad4bc1095d95d82110">Child flu deaths</a>&nbsp;also were far higher than usual.CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;posted Friday showed low flu activity so far, with only one state — Louisiana — reporting moderate activity. Most of the reported infections have been in children, said the CDC’s Alicia Budd, who tracks flu infections for the Atlanta-based agency.Most also have been a new version of the type A H3N2 virus that historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. That type is responsible for most flu infections so far this year, and more than half have been a new subclade K variant that is different from the strain this year’s flu shots were built to fight.A preliminary&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691349457a0ccd6a3aad7fa9/_Flu_interimVE_2526_.pdf" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the United Kingdom suggests the shots do provide at least partial protection, although it will take some time for scientists to know exactly how effective they are. Experts say any protection that softens the blow of a flu infection is important to get.Flu seasons tend to get bad between December and February, and illnesses likely will accelerate as people travel and gather for Thanksgiving, Covelli said.“I think it’s going to start picking up here,” she said. “This is the ideal time to get vaccinated.”Researchers this year have been facing an unusual struggle to get a handle on how respiratory infection and vaccination rates have been trending.They usually rely on the CDC for data, but a recent government shutdown halted data collection and reporting just as respiratory infections started ramping up.Meanwhile, government efforts to promote disease-preventing shots have been more limited since U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was put in charge of the CDC and other federal health agencies. Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine activist, has fostered uncertainty about the safety of vaccines, including flu shots that contained a preservative called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-flu-vaccine-thimerosal-c5696bbc19f345323153d5336cb5e798">thimerosal</a>.Indeed, vaccination rates against COVID-19 clearly continue to plummet, with about 6% of children and 14% of adults up to date on their shots, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html" target="_blank">other CDC data</a>&nbsp;posted Friday. Each figure is about 3 percentage points less than it was at this point last fall.For the flu, vaccination trends are a little muddier. Some sources have suggested flu vaccinations are down. Over two million fewer flu shots were given at U.S. pharmacies through the end of October compared to last year, according to data from IQVIA, a health information and research company.But the latest CDC data indicates that for children, the vaccination rate this year is about the same as it was at this point last fall, at 34%. And the vaccination rate for adults is up a few percentage points to about 37%, according to the CDC data, which relies on survey information.It is early in the season and too early to know if the increase will be sustained or what is causing it, CDC officials said.As of the beginning of November, the U.S. flu hospitalization rate is about the same as it was at the same point in 2024. Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 and another respiratory virus, RSV, are lower so far this season, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/index.html" target="_blank">another set</a>&nbsp;of CDC data.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Health experts worry about a new strain of flu and vaccination rates

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a Kansas woman nearly $10,000.

On November, 22, a 72-year-old Salina woman reported receiving an email reportedly from PayPal indicating she had spent $399.99 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 There was a number attached to the email indicating if she did not make the purchase to call. The victim called and the person they spoke with asked for access to their computer which was granted. 

The suspect advised she had been hacked and he needed to fix the account. A short time later the victim received an email saying the $399.99 was being returned but they had accidentally sent $40,000 to her account. 

When the victim looked at her checking account she observed $40,000. The email asked her to return the money. The person the victim was communicating with asked for a “good Faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, then the suspect asked for $9,900. The suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes.

 The victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number. The suspect then had the victim drive to Snak Attack at 1619 W. Magnolia in Salina and deposit $9,900 in the Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time, according to Captain Feldman.

It was determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account. The suspect was reported to have a foreign accent. Total loss was valued at $9,900.

The Salina Police Department remind citizens to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails please do not reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a Kansas woman nearly $10,000.On November, 22, a 72-year-old Salina woman reported receiving an email reportedly from PayPal indicating she had spent $399.99 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. There was a number attached to the email indicating if she did not make the purchase to call. The victim called and the person they spoke with asked for access to their computer which was granted. The suspect advised she had been hacked and he needed to fix the account. A short time later the victim received an email saying the $399.99 was being returned but they had accidentally sent $40,000 to her account. When the victim looked at her checking account she observed $40,000. The email asked her to return the money. The person the victim was communicating with asked for a “good Faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, then the suspect asked for $9,900. The suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes. The victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number. The suspect then had the victim drive to Snak Attack at 1619 W. Magnolia in Salina and deposit $9,900 in the Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time, according to Captain Feldman.It was determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account. The suspect was reported to have a foreign accent. Total loss was valued at $9,900.The Salina Police Department remind citizens to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails please do not reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.

Police: Kan. woman lost nearly $10,000 in computer scam

Kansas hospital sues family over $230 medical bill. Some patients went to court for less

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/collin-binkley">COLLIN BINKLEY</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/makiya-seminera">MAKIYA SEMINERA</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign students enrolled at U.S. colleges in strong numbers this fall despite fears that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-uk-dubai-6fd432398ce4c87f49a89c9c39421dec">Trump administration crackdown</a>&nbsp;would trigger a nosedive, yet there are signs of turbulence as fewer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-student-enrollment-visa-trump-ebece1b2ba81dd512aca161fd794a3b6">new, first-time students</a>&nbsp;arrived from other countries, according to a new report.

Overall, U.S. campuses saw a 1% decrease in international enrollment this fall compared with last year, according to a survey from the Institute of International Education. But that figure is propped up by large numbers of students who stayed in the U.S. for temporary work after graduating. The number of new students entering the United States for the first time fell by 17%, the sharpest decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some universities are seeing backslides that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-f1-student-visa-trump-college-3f10a430b4ee48342ecb62d47c53cfbc">punched big holes</a>&nbsp;in tuition revenue, but overall the falloff is less severe than some industry groups had forecast. Researchers credit colleges for helping students navigate visa issues through the summer.

“I think colleges and universities did absolutely everything in their power to advocate to get these students to the United States,” said Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation and learning for the institute.

At DePaul University, a Catholic university in Chicago, the number of international graduate students fell by almost 62% this fall, a driving factor in recent spending cuts. The university president blamed student visa troubles and declining interest to study in the U.S., calling it a “massive” disruption.

Overall, nearly 60% of colleges reported a decrease in new foreign students this fall, the survey found, while 30% saw increases and others held even. More than 800 schools responded to the survey, which offers an early look at trends before full data is released next year.

Trump administration has pressed for reductions in foreign enrollment

The Trump administration has sought to reduce America’s reliance on foreign students. The White House is pushing colleges to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-trump-deal-00eef5dca9f003e593d2cb151f5cce17">cap enrollment of foreign students</a>&nbsp;and enroll more from the U.S. In June, the State Department began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-visas-trump-social-media-6632a2c585245edcd6a63594345dd8c7">screening visa applications more closely</a>&nbsp;after temporarily halting all interviews.

Visa processing has continued to lag in some countries, including India, the largest source of America’s foreign students. Education firms have reported that future college students are now showing decreased interest in the U.S. and more in Europe and Asia. While international enrollment remained relatively steady, there are concerns about its sustainability.

“There are warning signs for future years, and I’m really concerned about what this portends for fall ’26 and ’27,” said Clay Harmon, the executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, which represents colleges and recruitment agencies.

Foreign students make up about 6% of America’s college students but they play an outsize role in campus budgets. Most pay higher tuition rates and don’t get financial aid, effectively subsidizing U.S. students. Their numbers are far higher at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-harvard-columbia-ivy-league-cb330dbf66d4b035e66ea160e4ede856">elite campuses</a>, often making up a quarter or more of the student body.

International students at the graduate level saw the biggest backslide this fall, with a 12% drop. That was mostly offset by rising numbers of students participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opt-international-student-visa-f1-h1b-77095c8abefe0e03a4d26673becbd85b">Optional Practical Training</a>, which allows students to stay in the U.S. for temporary work after graduating. Undergraduate numbers ticked up slightly.

Graduate students make up the biggest share of foreign students in the U.S., often coming for science, math and business programs. Numbers had already started leveling off last year after a post-pandemic surge, but the recent turmoil appears to have accelerated the downturn. In the survey, colleges that saw decreases cite factors including visa issues and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-ban-trump-college-international-students-2b23373c85cafbdcfc7a2498d66cb83d">travel restrictions</a>.

Drops lead to budget cuts at some colleges

Many smaller and regional colleges have reported downswings, especially among master’s and doctoral students.

In a recent campus address, the president of the University at Albany said a decrease in foreign graduate students was having a “disproportionate impact” on the school’s budget. At Kent State University in Ohio, falling international numbers required an additional $4 million in cuts to balance the budget, the president wrote in an October update.

Even the biggest public universities weren’t immune. The University of Illinois’ flagship campus saw its international numbers dip, fueled by a 6% drop in graduate students. At the University of Michigan, foreign graduate enrollment fell by a similar share. Arizona State University, which has more foreign students than any other public campus, saw its overall numbers fall by 3%.

Universities are offering wider flexibility to students who couldn’t make it to campus this fall, according to the survey. Almost three-quarters are allowing foreign students to defer their enrollment to the spring term, and more than half are allowing deferrals until fall 2026.

Colleges in other countries, meanwhile, have sought to capitalize on the disruption, said Joann Ng Hartmann, senior impact officer at NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. In Germany, Canada and some other countries, colleges are ramping up efforts to recruit students who might be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trumps-reshaping-of-higher-education-tests-americas-appeal-for-international-students/" target="_blank">rethinking college in the U.S.</a>

“They have friendlier policies, and students realize that,” she said. “They have friendlier messaging for students that welcomes them.”

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761050707809.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/collin-binkley">COLLIN BINKLEY</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/makiya-seminera">MAKIYA SEMINERA</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign students enrolled at U.S. colleges in strong numbers this fall despite fears that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-uk-dubai-6fd432398ce4c87f49a89c9c39421dec">Trump administration crackdown</a>&nbsp;would trigger a nosedive, yet there are signs of turbulence as fewer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-student-enrollment-visa-trump-ebece1b2ba81dd512aca161fd794a3b6">new, first-time students</a>&nbsp;arrived from other countries, according to a new report.Overall, U.S. campuses saw a 1% decrease in international enrollment this fall compared with last year, according to a survey from the Institute of International Education. But that figure is propped up by large numbers of students who stayed in the U.S. for temporary work after graduating. The number of new students entering the United States for the first time fell by 17%, the sharpest decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic.Some universities are seeing backslides that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-f1-student-visa-trump-college-3f10a430b4ee48342ecb62d47c53cfbc">punched big holes</a>&nbsp;in tuition revenue, but overall the falloff is less severe than some industry groups had forecast. Researchers credit colleges for helping students navigate visa issues through the summer.“I think colleges and universities did absolutely everything in their power to advocate to get these students to the United States,” said Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation and learning for the institute.At DePaul University, a Catholic university in Chicago, the number of international graduate students fell by almost 62% this fall, a driving factor in recent spending cuts. The university president blamed student visa troubles and declining interest to study in the U.S., calling it a “massive” disruption.Overall, nearly 60% of colleges reported a decrease in new foreign students this fall, the survey found, while 30% saw increases and others held even. More than 800 schools responded to the survey, which offers an early look at trends before full data is released next year.<h2>Trump administration has pressed for reductions in foreign enrollment</h2>The Trump administration has sought to reduce America’s reliance on foreign students. The White House is pushing colleges to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-trump-deal-00eef5dca9f003e593d2cb151f5cce17">cap enrollment of foreign students</a>&nbsp;and enroll more from the U.S. In June, the State Department began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-visas-trump-social-media-6632a2c585245edcd6a63594345dd8c7">screening visa applications more closely</a>&nbsp;after temporarily halting all interviews.Visa processing has continued to lag in some countries, including India, the largest source of America’s foreign students. Education firms have reported that future college students are now showing decreased interest in the U.S. and more in Europe and Asia. While international enrollment remained relatively steady, there are concerns about its sustainability.“There are warning signs for future years, and I’m really concerned about what this portends for fall ’26 and ’27,” said Clay Harmon, the executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, which represents colleges and recruitment agencies.Foreign students make up about 6% of America’s college students but they play an outsize role in campus budgets. Most pay higher tuition rates and don’t get financial aid, effectively subsidizing U.S. students. Their numbers are far higher at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-harvard-columbia-ivy-league-cb330dbf66d4b035e66ea160e4ede856">elite campuses</a>, often making up a quarter or more of the student body.International students at the graduate level saw the biggest backslide this fall, with a 12% drop. That was mostly offset by rising numbers of students participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opt-international-student-visa-f1-h1b-77095c8abefe0e03a4d26673becbd85b">Optional Practical Training</a>, which allows students to stay in the U.S. for temporary work after graduating. Undergraduate numbers ticked up slightly.Graduate students make up the biggest share of foreign students in the U.S., often coming for science, math and business programs. Numbers had already started leveling off last year after a post-pandemic surge, but the recent turmoil appears to have accelerated the downturn. In the survey, colleges that saw decreases cite factors including visa issues and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-ban-trump-college-international-students-2b23373c85cafbdcfc7a2498d66cb83d">travel restrictions</a>.<h2>Drops lead to budget cuts at some colleges</h2>Many smaller and regional colleges have reported downswings, especially among master’s and doctoral students.In a recent campus address, the president of the University at Albany said a decrease in foreign graduate students was having a “disproportionate impact” on the school’s budget. At Kent State University in Ohio, falling international numbers required an additional $4 million in cuts to balance the budget, the president wrote in an October update.Even the biggest public universities weren’t immune. The University of Illinois’ flagship campus saw its international numbers dip, fueled by a 6% drop in graduate students. At the University of Michigan, foreign graduate enrollment fell by a similar share. Arizona State University, which has more foreign students than any other public campus, saw its overall numbers fall by 3%.Universities are offering wider flexibility to students who couldn’t make it to campus this fall, according to the survey. Almost three-quarters are allowing foreign students to defer their enrollment to the spring term, and more than half are allowing deferrals until fall 2026.Colleges in other countries, meanwhile, have sought to capitalize on the disruption, said Joann Ng Hartmann, senior impact officer at NAFSA, an agency that promotes international education. In Germany, Canada and some other countries, colleges are ramping up efforts to recruit students who might be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trumps-reshaping-of-higher-education-tests-americas-appeal-for-international-students/" target="_blank">rethinking college in the U.S.</a>“They have friendlier policies, and students realize that,” she said. “They have friendlier messaging for students that welcomes them.”___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/" target="_blank">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/" target="_blank">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Foreign enrollment at US colleges holds steady despite Trump's visa crackdown

Robert Dean Yunker, 83, passed away at the Medical Lodges in Goddard, KS.  Robert was born on Wednesday, October 28, 1942 in Salina, Kansas to Lydia (Staab) and Martin Yunker. 

Bob began his education at Sacred Heart Grade School in Salina, continuing at Jefferson when the family moved back to Hays in the early 1950’s.  He graduated from Hays High School in 1960 where his activities included band and football. Known for his work ethic, Bob became the first of the largest group of brothers (six) to deliver the Hays Daily News.  Employed at the Hays Creamery during his last two years of high school and his first year of college, Bob spent a year in Denver installing carpet before joining the US Navy. 

His military service included graduating from the Navy’s Electronic Technician (Radar) school at Treasure Island, CA followed by assignments onboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 5) and USS Thomaston (LSD 28).  It is believed Bob contracted Parkinson’s disease through exposure to Agent Orange while serving onboard the Thomaston during numerous Marine Corps landings and&nbsp;&nbsp;operations in Vietnam and its inland waterways.

  His military awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

  After his Honorable Discharge, Bob returned to Fort Hays State University earning a Masters in Business and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Throughout college he worked at his uncle’s tavern, the Blue Moon, followed by a number of years at Travenol, prior to accepting the position as Business Manager and later as Superintendent of the Kansas Soldiers Home at Fort Dodge. After returning to Hays, he was employed by the US Postal Service until he retired.

 Bob married Kathy L. Smith of Agra, KS in 1969.  They later divorced remaining friends until her passing in 2019.  His interests included managing his investments and real estate properties, all Fort Hays State University and Kansas City sports, antique and special interest vehicles, and raised pigeons for years.  He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 173 in Hays, and served as the Commander and Adjutant of Post 107 at Ft. Dodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Martin Jr., David, and Thomas, nephew Matthew Yunker, former wife Kathy Yunker, and brother-in-law David Weed. 

Bob is survived by sons Rob (Aaron) of Wichita, James (Kelli) and Jason of Hays, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brothers Charles of Tecumseh, KS, James (Shirley) of Hays, KS, Daniel (Joan) of Andover, KS; sisters Mary Alice Weed of Salina, KS, Janice Koshiol of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law Karen Yunker Fountain, CO and Lois Yunker of Munjor, KS, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763829357837.jpeg" alt="Robert Dean Yunker" />
 <figcaption>Robert Dean Yunker</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Dean Yunker, 83, passed away at the Medical Lodges in Goddard, KS. Robert was born on Wednesday, October 28, 1942 in Salina, Kansas to Lydia (Staab) and Martin Yunker. Bob began his education at Sacred Heart Grade School in Salina, continuing at Jefferson when the family moved back to Hays in the early 1950’s. He graduated from Hays High School in 1960 where his activities included band and football. Known for his work ethic, Bob became the first of the largest group of brothers (six) to deliver the Hays Daily News. Employed at the Hays Creamery during his last two years of high school and his first year of college, Bob spent a year in Denver installing carpet before joining the US Navy. His military service included graduating from the Navy’s Electronic Technician (Radar) school at Treasure Island, CA followed by assignments onboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 5) and USS Thomaston (LSD 28). It is believed Bob contracted Parkinson’s disease through exposure to Agent Orange while serving onboard the Thomaston during numerous Marine Corps landings and&nbsp;&nbsp;operations in Vietnam and its inland waterways. His military awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his Honorable Discharge, Bob returned to Fort Hays State University earning a Masters in Business and Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Throughout college he worked at his uncle’s tavern, the Blue Moon, followed by a number of years at Travenol, prior to accepting the position as Business Manager and later as Superintendent of the Kansas Soldiers Home at Fort Dodge. After returning to Hays, he was employed by the US Postal Service until he retired. Bob married Kathy L. Smith of Agra, KS in 1969. They later divorced remaining friends until her passing in 2019. His interests included managing his investments and real estate properties, all Fort Hays State University and Kansas City sports, antique and special interest vehicles, and raised pigeons for years. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 173 in Hays, and served as the Commander and Adjutant of Post 107 at Ft. Dodge.He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Martin Jr., David, and Thomas, nephew Matthew Yunker, former wife Kathy Yunker, and brother-in-law David Weed. Bob is survived by sons Rob (Aaron) of Wichita, James (Kelli) and Jason of Hays, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brothers Charles of Tecumseh, KS, James (Shirley) of Hays, KS, Daniel (Joan) of Andover, KS; sisters Mary Alice Weed of Salina, KS, Janice Koshiol of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law Karen Yunker Fountain, CO and Lois Yunker of Munjor, KS, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2026.

Robert Dean Yunker

Norman George Anschutz, 86, of
Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Via Christi Saint
Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Norman was born on October 15,
1939, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Louis and Vivian (Thielen) Anschutz.&nbsp; He grew up in Dorrance, Kansas, and graduated
from Dorrance High School in the class of 1958. He attended Kansas State
University, graduating with an Architecture degree in 1963, and spending most
of his early professional career with Shaver &amp; Company in Salina, Kansas.
During a temporary project assignment in California, he met and fell in love
with Barbara Jean Dito. The couple was united in marriage on May 31, 1969, in
San Francisco, California. Norman and Barbara began their new life together in
San Jose, California and were blessed with two children: Cheryl and Michael. In
1976, the family moved back to Kansas, making their home in Russell.&nbsp; Norman worked part-time as an architect while
maintaining the family farm he had dearly missed while in California. Though
having moved away, Norman ensured the family traveled back to San Francisco
frequently to stay connected to Barbara’s Italian family, while enjoying the
amazing food and taking in all the sights and traditions.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp;
Norman was a dedicated member of the Russell COOP coffee group where he
enjoyed spending his morning visiting with friends. Norm and Barb loved
traveling to Colorado, and other scenic locations as he loved the outdoors. A
tender heart for animals, Norman found great joy caring for the farm cats and
the many dogs in his life over the years. He was also an avid collector of
scale model John Deere equipment and Model T Cars, and a lifelong history buff.
After discovering the wonders of the iPad, he would spend countless hours
learning everything he could about history and listening to his beloved music.
Most of all, Norman enjoyed spending time working the family farm with his son,
and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving family include wife of
56 years, Barbara Anschutz of the home, daughter, Cheryl T. Brock (Travis) of
Wichita, Kansas and son Michael N. Anschutz (Mendi) of Hays, Kansas; sisters
Ellen Spaulding (Mark) of Andover, Kansas and Eileen Keenan (Dennis) of
Overland Park, Kansas; and grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Luke, Jared, Shelby, and
Easton.

He was preceded in death by his
parents and sister Joyce Cobb-Barker.

A Funeral Mass will be held at
10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic
Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM to 5:00
PM, Monday, November 24, 2025, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and
Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday November 24 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels
Catholic Church.&nbsp; A memorial has been
established with Russell Senior Center.&nbsp;
Memorial contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who will oversee these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763674476415.jpeg" alt="Norman George Anschutz" />
 <figcaption>Norman George Anschutz</figcaption>
 </figure>Norman George Anschutz, 86, of
Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Via Christi Saint
Francis Hospital in Wichita.Norman was born on October 15,
1939, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Louis and Vivian (Thielen) Anschutz.&nbsp; He grew up in Dorrance, Kansas, and graduated
from Dorrance High School in the class of 1958. He attended Kansas State
University, graduating with an Architecture degree in 1963, and spending most
of his early professional career with Shaver &amp; Company in Salina, Kansas.
During a temporary project assignment in California, he met and fell in love
with Barbara Jean Dito. The couple was united in marriage on May 31, 1969, in
San Francisco, California. Norman and Barbara began their new life together in
San Jose, California and were blessed with two children: Cheryl and Michael. In
1976, the family moved back to Kansas, making their home in Russell.&nbsp; Norman worked part-time as an architect while
maintaining the family farm he had dearly missed while in California. Though
having moved away, Norman ensured the family traveled back to San Francisco
frequently to stay connected to Barbara’s Italian family, while enjoying the
amazing food and taking in all the sights and traditions.&nbsp; He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp;
Norman was a dedicated member of the Russell COOP coffee group where he
enjoyed spending his morning visiting with friends. Norm and Barb loved
traveling to Colorado, and other scenic locations as he loved the outdoors. A
tender heart for animals, Norman found great joy caring for the farm cats and
the many dogs in his life over the years. He was also an avid collector of
scale model John Deere equipment and Model T Cars, and a lifelong history buff.
After discovering the wonders of the iPad, he would spend countless hours
learning everything he could about history and listening to his beloved music.
Most of all, Norman enjoyed spending time working the family farm with his son,
and spending time with his family and friends.Surviving family include wife of
56 years, Barbara Anschutz of the home, daughter, Cheryl T. Brock (Travis) of
Wichita, Kansas and son Michael N. Anschutz (Mendi) of Hays, Kansas; sisters
Ellen Spaulding (Mark) of Andover, Kansas and Eileen Keenan (Dennis) of
Overland Park, Kansas; and grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Luke, Jared, Shelby, and
Easton.He was preceded in death by his
parents and sister Joyce Cobb-Barker.A Funeral Mass will be held at
10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic
Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM to 5:00
PM, Monday, November 24, 2025, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and
Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday November 24 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels
Catholic Church.&nbsp; A memorial has been
established with Russell Senior Center.&nbsp;
Memorial contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who will oversee these arrangements.

Norman George Anschutz

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-plan-europe-witkoff-33545b140c5bfbbc5e9061a739802e54">28-point draft proposal</a>&nbsp;to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;has been presented in Kyiv.

Washington and Moscow worked together on the draft, and it offers terms more favorable to Russia by calling for Ukraine to cede territory, avoid joining NATO and more. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the draft proposal Thursday.

1. Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed.

2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled.

3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand further.

4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development.

5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.

6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel.

7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future.

8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine.

9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland.

— The U.S. will receive compensation for the guarantee;

— If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee;

— If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked;

— If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid.

11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered.

12. A powerful global package of measures to rebuild Ukraine, including but not limited to:

— The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.

— The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernize, and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.

— Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernization of cities and residential areas.

— Extraction of minerals and natural resources.

— The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts.

13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy:

— The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis.

— The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.

— Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760736061957.png" alt="President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House in October-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House in October-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-plan-europe-witkoff-33545b140c5bfbbc5e9061a739802e54">28-point draft proposal</a>&nbsp;to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;has been presented in Kyiv.Washington and Moscow worked together on the draft, and it offers terms more favorable to Russia by calling for Ukraine to cede territory, avoid joining NATO and more. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the draft proposal Thursday.Here is Trump’s proposal, verbatim:1. Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed.2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled.3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand further.4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development.5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel.7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future.8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine.9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland.10. The U.S. guarantee:— The U.S. will receive compensation for the guarantee;— If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee;— If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked;— If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid.11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered.12. A powerful global package of measures to rebuild Ukraine, including but not limited to:— The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.— The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernize, and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.— Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernization of cities and residential areas.— Infrastructure development.— Extraction of minerals and natural resources.— The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts.13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy:— The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis.— The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centers, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.— Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8.14. Frozen funds will be used as follows:— $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine;— The US will receive 50% of the profits from this venture. Europe will add $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Frozen European funds will be unfrozen. The remainder of the frozen Russian funds will be invested in a separate US-Russian investment vehicle that will implement joint projects in specific areas. This fund will be aimed at strengthening relations and increasing common interests to create a strong incentive not to return to conflict.15. A joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement.16. Russia will enshrine in law its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine.17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.18. Ukraine agrees to be a non-nuclear state in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.19. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will be launched under the supervision of the IAEA, and the electricity produced will be distributed equally between Russia and Ukraine — 50:50.20. Both countries undertake to implement educational programs in schools and society aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures and eliminating racism and prejudice:— Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities.— Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education.— All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited.21. Territories:— Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk will be recognized as de facto Russian, including by the United States.— Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will be frozen along the line of contact, which will mean de facto recognition along the line of contact.— Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions.— Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control, and this withdrawal zone will be considered a neutral demilitarized buffer zone, internationally recognized as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. Russian forces will not enter this demilitarized zone.22. After agreeing on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply in the event of a breach of this commitment.23. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached on the free transport of grain across the Black Sea.24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues:— All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on an ‘all for all’ basis.— All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including children.— A family reunification program will be implemented.— Measures will be taken to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the conflict.25. Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days.26. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future.27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by the Peace Council, headed by President Donald J. Trump. Sanctions will be imposed for violations.28. Once all parties agree to this memorandum, the ceasefire will take effect immediately after both sides retreat to agreed points to begin implementation of the agreement.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's plan for ending the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;would cede land to Russia and limit the size of Kyiv's military, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-plan-92b2c89b62f4326ff67abc5613c9b59e">The proposal,</a>&nbsp;originating from negotiations between Washington and Moscow, appeared decidedly favorable to Russia, which started the war nearly four years ago by invading its neighbor. If past is prologue, it would seem untenable for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has opposed Trump's previous calls for territorial concessions.There has also been resistance from European leaders, who are likely to decry the U.S. peace push as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression, leaving him emboldened rather than defeated.For example, the proposal would not only bar Ukraine from joining NATO but would also prevent the alliance's future expansion. Such a step would be a significant victory for Moscow, which views NATO as a threat.Putin would also gain ground he has been unable to win on the battlefield. Under the draft, Moscow would hold all the eastern Donbas region, even though approximately 14% still remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine's military, currently at roughly 880,000 troops, would be reduced to 600,000.The proposal opens the door to lifting sanctions on Russia and returning it to what was formerly known as the Group of Eight, which includes many of the world’s biggest economies. Russia was suspended from the annual gathering in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a strategically important peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea that is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.<h2>Proposal increases pressure on Zelenskyy</h2>The U.S. team began drawing up the plan soon after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Rustem Umerov, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The official added that Umerov agreed to the majority of the plan, after making several modifications, and then presented it to Zelenskyy.U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was also in Kyiv on Thursday and discussed the latest draft with Zelenskyy, according to a senior administration official. Zelenskyy offered a measured statement on social media about it but did not directly speak to the substance of the proposal.“Our teams — of Ukraine and the United States — will work on the provisions of the plan to end the war. We are ready for constructive, honest and swift work,” he wrote.Under the proposal, Russia would commit to making no future attacks, something the White House views as a concession. In addition, $100 billion in frozen Russian assets would be dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.However, handing over territory to Russia would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine. It also would be illegal under Ukraine’s constitution. Zelenskyy has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">repeatedly ruled out</a>&nbsp;such a possibility.Russia would also be allowed to keep half of the power generated by Europe’s largest nuclear power plant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-nuclear-zaporizhzhia-a0273ea4558a7b26cf232edd620942cc">Zaporizhzhia</a>, which it captured from Ukraine early during the war.The draft calls for a “Peace Council” that Trump will oversee. The council is an idea that Trump snatched from his lengthy peace plan aimed at bringing about a permanent end to war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.If either Ukraine or Russia violated the truce once enacted, it would face sanctions.U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., an Air Force veteran, rejected the emerging plan. “Unacceptable,” he posted on social media. “It is a 1938 Munich,” referring to a diplomatic agreement aimed at securing peace with Nazi Germany but widely viewed as paving the way for World War II.<h2>European diplomats urge wider consultations</h2>Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marco-rubio">Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Witkoff</a>&nbsp;have been quietly working on the peace plan for a month, receiving input from both Ukrainians and Russians on terms that are acceptable to each side, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, a close adviser to Putin, have been key to drafting the proposal.As reports about the draft emerged, blindsided European diplomats insisted they and Ukraine must be consulted.European leaders have already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-europe-sidelined-ukraine-gaza-51d8929e55b921c02de063908fe2a8a2">been alarmed</a>&nbsp;this year by indications that Trump’s administration might be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">sidelining them</a>&nbsp;and Zelenskyy in its push to stop the fighting. Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-putin-comments-2b977a12e445817fffd6ef9f8df9aa38">at-times conciliatory approach</a>&nbsp;to Putin has fueled those concerns, but Trump adopted a tougher line last month when he announced heavy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-oil-trump-war-ukraine-4fa911a41494f56c29cb76a7f70f73d0">sanctions on Russia’s vital oil sector</a>&nbsp;that come into force Friday.“For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the start of a meeting in Brussels of the 27-nation bloc’s foreign ministers. She also suggested that the draft would be too favorable toward Moscow.“We haven’t heard of any concessions on the Russian side," Kallas said.German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul said he talked by phone Thursday with Witkoff and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss “our various current efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and thus finally put an end to the immeasurable human suffering.”Ukraine’s deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn told the U.N. Security Council that Kyiv has officially received Trump’s draft peace plan and is ready “to work constructively,” but she stressed Ukraine’s “red lines.”“There will never be any recognition, formal or otherwise, of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation as Russian,” she said. “Our land is not for sale.”“Ukraine will not accept any limits on its right to self-defense or on the size and capabilities of our armed forces, nor will we tolerate any infringement on our sovereignty, including our sovereign right to choose the alliances we want to join,” Hayovyshyn added.<h2>Trump has long pushed for end to war</h2>It was not clear whether European foreign ministers had seen the peace plan, which was first reported by Axios.Although they appeared caught by surprise, some elements of the plan were not new. Trump said last month that the Donbas region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drones-gas-strikes-energy-50826ce7b96814ad943d8721c1a2915c">should be “cut up,”</a>&nbsp;leaving most of it in Russian hands.However, the administration's previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-ukraine-not-happy-weapons-pause-51b774fc94f9835c7aae4707da444291">diplomatic efforts</a>&nbsp;this year to stop the fighting have so far come to nothing. A summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska did not result in a breakthrough over the summer, and plans for them to meet again in Budapest, Hungary, did not come to fruition.Trump frequently complained that the negotiations involving Ukraine were taking longer than other conflicts where he helped mediate.“I thought that was going to be my easy one because I have a good relationship with President Putin,” he said this week. “But I’m a little disappointed in President Putin right now.”___Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Sam McNeil in Brussels, Samya Kullab in Kyiv and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.