Rick Jones, 60, died on Friday, April 7, 2023, at St Catherine Hospital 
in Garden City. He was born on November 28, 1962, in Garden City the son
 of Jim &amp; Janet (Rice) Jones. He married Jeanna Snodgrass on 
October 10, 1985, in Garden City. 
Rick graduated from Garden City High School. He attended Arts School in 
Colorado Springs. After his schooling he returned to Garden City to 
work at Lee Richardson Zoo. He moved to Scott City and worked as a 
Mechanic and later at Weichman Feedyard. In 2002, he had a conversion in
 life and started being mentored by Pastor Bruce Ferguson at the Healy 
United Methodist Church and began lay speaking at churches. He 
graduated Seminary with his degree in Theology and was ordained a United
 Methodist minister. He served churches in Grainfield, Gove, Bucklin, 
Hebron, Nebraska, and Chester, Nebraska, before moving back to Garden City 
in 2019. He loved his Harley motorcycle and was a life member of ABATE 
of Kansas and a Patriot Rider. He also was the Chaplain and member of 
the Eagles Lodge in Garden City. 
He is survived by his 2 Daughters- Kirsten Mieth-Overton and husband 
Brandon of Wichita and Candice Jones of Newton, North Carolina, Father- 
Jim Jones of Garden City, Brother- Jeff Jones of Scott City, Fiancé 
-Sharyn Baybayan of Chester, Nebraska and 3 Grandchildren- Adrienne 
Mieth-Overton, Henry Mieth-Overton and Annie Mieth-Overton all of 
Wichita. He was preceded in death by his Mother. 
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday at Garnand Funeral Home in
 Garden City with Pastor John Carney officiating. Burial will be in 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 
8:00 PM Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home.

 Memorials are suggested to 
Rick Jones Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home.  Condolences 
may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681142194267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rick Jones, 60, died on Friday, April 7, 2023, at St Catherine Hospital 
in Garden City. He was born on November 28, 1962, in Garden City the son
 of Jim &amp; Janet (Rice) Jones. He married Jeanna Snodgrass on 
October 10, 1985, in Garden City. 
Rick graduated from Garden City High School. He attended Arts School in 
Colorado Springs. After his schooling he returned to Garden City to 
work at Lee Richardson Zoo. He moved to Scott City and worked as a 
Mechanic and later at Weichman Feedyard. In 2002, he had a conversion in
 life and started being mentored by Pastor Bruce Ferguson at the Healy 
United Methodist Church and began lay speaking at churches. He 
graduated Seminary with his degree in Theology and was ordained a United
 Methodist minister. He served churches in Grainfield, Gove, Bucklin, 
Hebron, Nebraska, and Chester, Nebraska, before moving back to Garden City 
in 2019. He loved his Harley motorcycle and was a life member of ABATE 
of Kansas and a Patriot Rider. He also was the Chaplain and member of 
the Eagles Lodge in Garden City. 
He is survived by his 2 Daughters- Kirsten Mieth-Overton and husband 
Brandon of Wichita and Candice Jones of Newton, North Carolina, Father- 
Jim Jones of Garden City, Brother- Jeff Jones of Scott City, Fiancé 
-Sharyn Baybayan of Chester, Nebraska and 3 Grandchildren- Adrienne 
Mieth-Overton, Henry Mieth-Overton and Annie Mieth-Overton all of 
Wichita. He was preceded in death by his Mother. 
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday at Garnand Funeral Home in
 Garden City with Pastor John Carney officiating. Burial will be in 
Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 
8:00 PM Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to 
Rick Jones Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences 
may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp; &nbsp;

Rick Jones

An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

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

October 15, 1934 ~ April 8, 2023An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Maynard-Giersdorf">HERE</a> for service details.

Maynard L. Giersdorf

WASHINGTON&nbsp;&nbsp;– A Kansas sailor who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor more than 80 years ago has finally been identified and will finally be laid to rest.

On Thursday, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed that Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Cecil E. Barncord, 24, Topeka, Kansas,&nbsp;killed during World War II, was accounted for on Oct. 14, 2016.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Barncord was assigned to the battleship USS&nbsp;Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Barncord.&nbsp;

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.

In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Barncord.

Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.

To identify Barncord’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Research-and-Innovation/Armed-Forces-Medical-Examiner-System/DoD-DNA-Registry" target="_blank">Armed Forces Medical Examiner System</a>&nbsp;used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

Barncord’s&nbsp;name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Barncord will be buried on date yet to be determined in Mossy Rock, Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680802546770.png" alt="Barncord-photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency" />
 <figcaption>Barncord-photo courtesy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;&nbsp;– A Kansas sailor who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor more than 80 years ago has finally been identified and will finally be laid to rest.On Thursday, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed that Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Cecil E. Barncord, 24, Topeka, Kansas,&nbsp;killed during World War II, was accounted for on Oct. 14, 2016.On Dec. 7, 1941, Barncord was assigned to the battleship USS&nbsp;Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Barncord.&nbsp;From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries.In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Barncord.Between June and November 2015, DPAA personnel exhumed the USS&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;Unknowns from the Punchbowl for analysis.To identify Barncord’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Research-and-Innovation/Armed-Forces-Medical-Examiner-System/DoD-DNA-Registry" target="_blank">Armed Forces Medical Examiner System</a>&nbsp;used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.Barncord’s&nbsp;name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.Barncord will be buried on date yet to be determined in Mossy Rock, Washington.

Kansas sailor who died  at Pearl Harbor to be laid to rest

Michael C. Hertel, age 71, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at home. He was born September 1, 1951, in Hays to Henry and Marie (Romey) Hertel.&nbsp; Michael graduated from Hays High School in 1969 and attended &nbsp;Fort Hays State University. On October 29, 1982, he married Terri Young in Hays. Michael worked at Hays Auto Parts for 42 years, serving as the parts manager. He was a collector of many things, primarily pedal cars. With his work he was able to visit with customers and was in the know about cars and those available, which allowed him to enjoy his car collection as well.&nbsp; Michael is survived by his wife, Terri of the home; two sons, Brad Sarver(Danny) of WaKeeney, and Scott Hertel (Angela) of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Tina Sarver (Samuel Jordan) of Hays; three brothers, Bob Hertel of Las Vegas, Tommy Hertel of Table Rock, Missouri and Jeff Hertel of Ellis, Kansas; two sisters, Mary Hertel of Wichita and Jeanie Pfeifer of Pratt; five grandchildren, Ravyn, Ayden, Kenzie, D.J. and Brinklee as well as five great grandchildren, Thackery, Jayce, Adelynn, Rayne and Hazel. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, April 10, 2023, at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Ave, Hays, KS 67601. Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Celebration Community Church to be used for the Baptistry Fund. Condolences may be left on Michael's tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967011927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael C. Hertel, age 71, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at home. He was born September 1, 1951, in Hays to Henry and Marie (Romey) Hertel.&nbsp; Michael graduated from Hays High School in 1969 and attended &nbsp;Fort Hays State University. On October 29, 1982, he married Terri Young in Hays. Michael worked at Hays Auto Parts for 42 years, serving as the parts manager. He was a collector of many things, primarily pedal cars. With his work he was able to visit with customers and was in the know about cars and those available, which allowed him to enjoy his car collection as well.&nbsp; Michael is survived by his wife, Terri of the home; two sons, Brad Sarver(Danny) of WaKeeney, and Scott Hertel (Angela) of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Tina Sarver (Samuel Jordan) of Hays; three brothers, Bob Hertel of Las Vegas, Tommy Hertel of Table Rock, Missouri and Jeff Hertel of Ellis, Kansas; two sisters, Mary Hertel of Wichita and Jeanie Pfeifer of Pratt; five grandchildren, Ravyn, Ayden, Kenzie, D.J. and Brinklee as well as five great grandchildren, Thackery, Jayce, Adelynn, Rayne and Hazel. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, April 10, 2023, at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Ave, Hays, KS 67601. Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Celebration Community Church to be used for the Baptistry Fund. Condolences may be left on Michael's tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Michael C. Hertel

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Maintaining his defense to the very end that he was drugged, raped, and shot at, Kyle V. Hardwick was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson, on April 7.&nbsp;

Kyle V. Hardwick was represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma. Hardwick pled not guilty through the entire trial. &nbsp;

Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, and an alternating count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Aug. 27, 2021 Reno County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 1016 N. Palomino Trail in Reno County based on information they received&nbsp;regarding the owners of that property. &nbsp;

When they arrived at the scene, deputies spoke to three witnesses present at the property who were concerned because they had been unable to contact Ed Bates or Phil Anstine since the evening of Aug. 25, 2021. &nbsp;

A search of the property followed.&nbsp;They eventually discovered a body in a shallow and mostly dry pond on the property that had been covered by tree branches. A further check of the property resulted in the discovery of the badly burned and charred remains of a second body in a burn pit that had been covered by a pallet and metal sheeting.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;search warrant for the property, called “the compound,” was obtained and then executed on August 28, 2021. &nbsp;

Both bodies were recovered. Along with the charred body in the burn pit, other items such as the remains of a shotgun barrel were recovered. &nbsp;

Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Scott Kipper with the Sedgwick County Forensic Center and Reno County District Attorney’s Office determined the bodies to be of Ed Bates and Phil Anstine. &nbsp;

Autopsies determined they were killed by a shotgun, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.&nbsp;

Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Kyle V. Hardwick on Sept. 1 in Maize, Kansas near a Dollar General where he had made purchases. Formal charges of premeditated intentional murder of each victim and two alternative counts of theft were filed in Reno County District Court by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. &nbsp;

A count of solicitation to commit perjury was added to the complaint after a May 19, 2022, telephone conversation during which it was alleged that the defendant attempted to solicit perjury from a witness, identified as a woman intimately known to him as Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/03e0722b-52f8-4b48-9a71-cca42becd55a" target="_blank">A jury trial commenced on the complaint on Jan. 24, 2023</a>. &nbsp;

The Reno County District Attorney’s Office called approximately 60 witnesses and submitted more than 130 exhibits during the trial which lasted about two weeks. &nbsp;

The defendant, Hardwick, claimed at trial that he had killed Ed Bates and Phil Anstine in self-defense.&nbsp;

Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Ed&nbsp;Bates and Phil Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Of the two male victims, Hardwick knew Phil Anstine.&nbsp;

Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phil Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s defense by his attorney and by his own testimony, said he began to feel strange or ill after consuming some of the beer and the pizza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick alleged he woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus.&nbsp;

He said he&nbsp;surmised he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick said he&nbsp;tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine was said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick.&nbsp;

Hardwick said he wrestled the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Ed&nbsp;Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, forensic analysts with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and Sherry Reed herself, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The KBI’s testimony mostly addressed the recovery and forensic testing of a red&nbsp;truck, which belonged to Phil Anstine, which was found at Pretty Prairie Road and Victory Road in October 2021. &nbsp;

Hardwick’s DNA was found on multiple places on the truck as well as on items of evidence found in the truck. &nbsp;

Sherry Reed was the key witness of the trial, having turned in numerous evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

During his testimony, Chase Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is also quoted to have said that “Phil was a friend and he dropped like a martyr.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Reed grew to become inconsistent with her testimony, claiming to not remember things she said even when her prior testimonies were presented to her. &nbsp;

Brought up during the case, Hardwick was said to have told Reed he would have to kill his mother. &nbsp;

During his own testimony when cross-examined, Hardwick would also prove inconsistent and become frustrated to the point he would accuse the state of “putting words in his mouth.” &nbsp;

Hardwick also told the jury he had thoughts of suicide when he arrived to Hutchinson. &nbsp;

The presentation of evidence concluded on Feb. 1. &nbsp;

It was determined that Hardwick was stealing various guns, ammunition, and other items when Ed Bates caught him, prompting Hardwick to shoot him and move his body. &nbsp;

Phil Anstine later discovered Hardwick and was killed in an execution style in the burn pit. &nbsp;

Closing statements were made to the jury, and the jury began its deliberations,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ab76543-081a-4c03-b2e4-be61806d0e55" target="_blank">reaching one the morning of Feb. 2 at 10:45 a.m.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The jury delivered a verdict of guilty in the case of the State of Kansas v. Kyle V. Hardwick. &nbsp;

Hardwick was convicted of two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree and one count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, along with one count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000 and a count of solicitation of perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp; &nbsp;

During sentencing, two months later, the family and friends of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine delivered statements to Hardwick. &nbsp;

They informed how Hardwick’s actions had impacted their lives. Many of them implored the court to hand down the maximum punishment. &nbsp;

In the State of Kansas, the burden of proof on the prosecution is extremely high in murder cases and if there is an element of doubt in a defendant’s&nbsp;guilt, a jury will not be able to reach conviction. &nbsp;

Judge Keith Schroeder reminded the jury and the gallery of this throughout the case. &nbsp;

When sentencing Hardwick, Judge Schroeder made note of the lack of sympathy from Hardwick for his actions, and that he would return in kind. &nbsp;

Stipulated with Hardwick’s life convictions, he will not receive good time credit. Additionally, he will be required to register as a violent offender. &nbsp;

Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick will serve eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury. &nbsp;

“The Bates family is very satisfied with the outcome,” Ken Bates, brother of Ed Bates, said. “Justice is served.” &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630599777911.png" alt="Hardwick-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Hardwick-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Maintaining his defense to the very end that he was drugged, raped, and shot at, Kyle V. Hardwick was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson, on April 7.&nbsp;Kyle V. Hardwick was represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma. Hardwick pled not guilty through the entire trial. &nbsp;He was initially charged with:&nbsp;Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, and an alternating count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On Aug. 27, 2021 Reno County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 1016 N. Palomino Trail in Reno County based on information they received&nbsp;regarding the owners of that property. &nbsp;When they arrived at the scene, deputies spoke to three witnesses present at the property who were concerned because they had been unable to contact Ed Bates or Phil Anstine since the evening of Aug. 25, 2021. &nbsp;A search of the property followed.&nbsp;They eventually discovered a body in a shallow and mostly dry pond on the property that had been covered by tree branches. A further check of the property resulted in the discovery of the badly burned and charred remains of a second body in a burn pit that had been covered by a pallet and metal sheeting.&nbsp;A&nbsp;search warrant for the property, called “the compound,” was obtained and then executed on August 28, 2021. &nbsp;Both bodies were recovered. Along with the charred body in the burn pit, other items such as the remains of a shotgun barrel were recovered. &nbsp;Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Scott Kipper with the Sedgwick County Forensic Center and Reno County District Attorney’s Office determined the bodies to be of Ed Bates and Phil Anstine. &nbsp;Autopsies determined they were killed by a shotgun, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Kyle V. Hardwick on Sept. 1 in Maize, Kansas near a Dollar General where he had made purchases. Formal charges of premeditated intentional murder of each victim and two alternative counts of theft were filed in Reno County District Court by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. &nbsp;A count of solicitation to commit perjury was added to the complaint after a May 19, 2022, telephone conversation during which it was alleged that the defendant attempted to solicit perjury from a witness, identified as a woman intimately known to him as Sherry Reed. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/03e0722b-52f8-4b48-9a71-cca42becd55a" target="_blank">A jury trial commenced on the complaint on Jan. 24, 2023</a>. &nbsp;The Reno County District Attorney’s Office called approximately 60 witnesses and submitted more than 130 exhibits during the trial which lasted about two weeks. &nbsp;The defendant, Hardwick, claimed at trial that he had killed Ed Bates and Phil Anstine in self-defense.&nbsp;Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Ed&nbsp;Bates and Phil Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the two male victims, Hardwick knew Phil Anstine.&nbsp;Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phil Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s defense by his attorney and by his own testimony, said he began to feel strange or ill after consuming some of the beer and the pizza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick alleged he woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus.&nbsp;He said he&nbsp;surmised he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick said he&nbsp;tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine was said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick.&nbsp;Hardwick said he wrestled the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Ed&nbsp;Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, forensic analysts with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and Sherry Reed herself, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The KBI’s testimony mostly addressed the recovery and forensic testing of a red&nbsp;truck, which belonged to Phil Anstine, which was found at Pretty Prairie Road and Victory Road in October 2021. &nbsp;Hardwick’s DNA was found on multiple places on the truck as well as on items of evidence found in the truck. &nbsp;Sherry Reed was the key witness of the trial, having turned in numerous evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;During his testimony, Chase Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;&nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;&nbsp;In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is also quoted to have said that “Phil was a friend and he dropped like a martyr.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Reed grew to become inconsistent with her testimony, claiming to not remember things she said even when her prior testimonies were presented to her. &nbsp;Brought up during the case, Hardwick was said to have told Reed he would have to kill his mother. &nbsp;During his own testimony when cross-examined, Hardwick would also prove inconsistent and become frustrated to the point he would accuse the state of “putting words in his mouth.” &nbsp;Hardwick also told the jury he had thoughts of suicide when he arrived to Hutchinson. &nbsp;The presentation of evidence concluded on Feb. 1. &nbsp;It was determined that Hardwick was stealing various guns, ammunition, and other items when Ed Bates caught him, prompting Hardwick to shoot him and move his body. &nbsp;Phil Anstine later discovered Hardwick and was killed in an execution style in the burn pit. &nbsp;Closing statements were made to the jury, and the jury began its deliberations,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ab76543-081a-4c03-b2e4-be61806d0e55" target="_blank">reaching one the morning of Feb. 2 at 10:45 a.m.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The jury delivered a verdict of guilty in the case of the State of Kansas v. Kyle V. Hardwick. &nbsp;Hardwick was convicted of two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree and one count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, along with one count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000 and a count of solicitation of perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp; &nbsp;During sentencing, two months later, the family and friends of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine delivered statements to Hardwick. &nbsp;They informed how Hardwick’s actions had impacted their lives. Many of them implored the court to hand down the maximum punishment. &nbsp;In the State of Kansas, the burden of proof on the prosecution is extremely high in murder cases and if there is an element of doubt in a defendant’s&nbsp;guilt, a jury will not be able to reach conviction. &nbsp;Judge Keith Schroeder reminded the jury and the gallery of this throughout the case. &nbsp;When sentencing Hardwick, Judge Schroeder made note of the lack of sympathy from Hardwick for his actions, and that he would return in kind. &nbsp;Stipulated with Hardwick’s life convictions, he will not receive good time credit. Additionally, he will be required to register as a violent offender. &nbsp;Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick will serve eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury. &nbsp;“The Bates family is very satisfied with the outcome,” Ken Bates, brother of Ed Bates, said. “Justice is served.” &nbsp;

Kansas man sentenced for August 2021 double-murder

Melvin Norbert Metzen, age 75, passed away
 on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on 
October 3, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, The son of Leo Matthias and Agnes 
Caecilia Bayer Metzen.&nbsp; 

Melvin was a resident of Scott City, Kansas 
since 1973 moving from Larned, Kansas.&nbsp;

Melvin attended and majored in animal husbandry at Kansas State 
University.&nbsp; He made a career in Scott County working for multiple feed 
yards.&nbsp; After a brief retirement from the feed yards, he took a position
 with Circle C Farms which became the job he enjoyed the most.&nbsp; He was a
 Member of the Knights of Columbus, coached multiple youth sports, and 
was an active volunteer in beef 4-H projects for over 20 years.&nbsp;

On February 7, 1970, he married Janice K. Sanchez in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors include his Wife - Janice Metzen of Scott City, Kansas, Two
 Sons - Melvin B. &amp; Cammi Metzen Of Garden City, Kansas, Daniel L. 
&amp; Sara Metzen of Houston, Texas, One Daughter - Karla A. &amp; Taff 
Pammenter Of Garden City, Kansas, One Sister - Francis &amp; Al Treichel
 of Alton, Illinois, Seven Grandchildren - Kiersten &amp; Brenden Hamit 
of Overbrook, Kansas, Caleb Metzen of Garden City, Kansas, Kyler Metzen 
of Garden City, Kansas, Lukas Metzen of Houston, Texas, Lily Metzen of 
Houston, Texas, Jessica Pammenter of Garden City, Kansas, Jacob 
Pammenter of Garden City, Kansas, Two Great Grandchildren - Bryson Hamit
 of Overbrook, Kansas, Emmaline Hamit of Overbrook, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 10:30 
a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. 
Don Bedore presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to the St. Joseph 
Catholic Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 
p.m. at the St. Anthony Cemetery in Garden Plain, Kansas with Fr. H. 
Setter presiding.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 
p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St, Scott City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680810560000.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Melvin Norbert Metzen, age 75, passed away
 on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on 
October 3, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, The son of Leo Matthias and Agnes 
Caecilia Bayer Metzen.&nbsp; Melvin was a resident of Scott City, Kansas 
since 1973 moving from Larned, Kansas.&nbsp;Melvin attended and majored in animal husbandry at Kansas State 
University.&nbsp; He made a career in Scott County working for multiple feed 
yards.&nbsp; After a brief retirement from the feed yards, he took a position
 with Circle C Farms which became the job he enjoyed the most.&nbsp; He was a
 Member of the Knights of Columbus, coached multiple youth sports, and 
was an active volunteer in beef 4-H projects for over 20 years.&nbsp;On February 7, 1970, he married Janice K. Sanchez in Wichita, Kansas.Survivors include his Wife - Janice Metzen of Scott City, Kansas, Two
 Sons - Melvin B. &amp; Cammi Metzen Of Garden City, Kansas, Daniel L. 
&amp; Sara Metzen of Houston, Texas, One Daughter - Karla A. &amp; Taff 
Pammenter Of Garden City, Kansas, One Sister - Francis &amp; Al Treichel
 of Alton, Illinois, Seven Grandchildren - Kiersten &amp; Brenden Hamit 
of Overbrook, Kansas, Caleb Metzen of Garden City, Kansas, Kyler Metzen 
of Garden City, Kansas, Lukas Metzen of Houston, Texas, Lily Metzen of 
Houston, Texas, Jessica Pammenter of Garden City, Kansas, Jacob 
Pammenter of Garden City, Kansas, Two Great Grandchildren - Bryson Hamit
 of Overbrook, Kansas, Emmaline Hamit of Overbrook, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his Parents.Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 10:30 
a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas with Fr. 
Don Bedore presiding.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be written to the St. Joseph 
Catholic Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, 
Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 
p.m. at the St. Anthony Cemetery in Garden Plain, Kansas with Fr. H. 
Setter presiding.Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 
p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. 
Washington St, Scott City, Kansas.

Melvin N. Metzen

WICHITA, KAN. – A former police officer has been sentenced in Sedgwick County District Court. 

Judge David Kaufman sentenced&nbsp; 32-year-old Victor Heiar of Park City to a controlling term of 24 months in jail from which he was granted probation for 18 months.

&nbsp;The former lieutenant of the Kechi Police Department pled guilty to computer crime and stalking, both misdemeanors. Heiar took advantage of his position in the department to use the Flock License Plate Reader system to monitor his estranged wife’s location. The woman had told a friend that she was scared and thought Heiar was somehow tracking her whereabouts. 

The friend later contacted a Wichita Police officer and asked how someone could get a protection from stalking order. Heiar was arrested by Wichita Police on October 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667210771238.png" alt="Heiar-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Heiar-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A former police officer has been sentenced in Sedgwick County District Court. Judge David Kaufman sentenced&nbsp; 32-year-old Victor Heiar of Park City to a controlling term of 24 months in jail from which he was granted probation for 18 months.&nbsp;The former lieutenant of the Kechi Police Department pled guilty to computer crime and stalking, both misdemeanors. Heiar took advantage of his position in the department to use the Flock License Plate Reader system to monitor his estranged wife’s location. The woman had told a friend that she was scared and thought Heiar was somehow tracking her whereabouts. The friend later contacted a Wichita Police officer and asked how someone could get a protection from stalking order. Heiar was arrested by Wichita Police on October 26..

Kan. police officer admits to computer crime, stalking 

The Rev. Robert M. Ziegler, 88 years old, longtime Pastor for Trinity 
Lutheran Church, was called to his heavenly home following the early 
service on Sunday, April 2, 2023. 
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 
the Trinity Lutheran Church, 603 N. Eighth St, Atchison, KS. Graveside
 services and burial will be held at 3:30 pm Tuesday, at the Vesta 
Cemetery, Vesta, NE. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 
10th, 2023, starting at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran 
School Gymnasium. Pastor Ziegler will lie in state at the church one 
hour prior to services on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions are suggested
 to the Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund, the Trinity Lutheran 
Church Endowment Fund, the TLC Mission Endowment Fund, or the Trinity 
Lutheran School Grant Fund and may be sent in care of the 
Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is entrusted with his services. 
Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. 
Robert M. Ziegler was born on April 14, 1934, in Vesta, NE the son of 
Robert M. and Esther J. (Jobst) Ziegler. He went to grade school and 
high school in Vesta, NE. He was called by the Lord to enter the 
Ministry and attended St. John’s Lutheran Academy and College, Winfield,
 KS. He then attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He completed
 his work at the seminary and served his vicarage at Our Savior’s 
Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. He was ordained on July 19, 1959
 and served at Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, KS for ten years. He 
received and accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison and 
was installed as Pastor on September 14, 1969. During this period of 
time he had served as vacancy pastor in seven different congregations; 
Russell, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Lyons, Holyrood, Nortonville, and 
Wathena, KS. He had served as Circuit Counselor for the Great Bend and 
Atchison Circuits and served several years as a member of the Kansas 
District Board of Directors LCMS. Pastor Ziegler had also worked as a 
chaplain at Valley Hope Treatment Center, Atchison KS from 1971-1988. 
Pastor Ziegler enjoyed attending musical programs, a Christmas Carol, 
the KC Renaissance Festival, any kind of lecture, all things Husker, and
 was an avid reader and learner. 
He was married to Esther Johnson on October 18, 1959, in Claflin, KS. 
Esther preceded him in death on June 25th, 2000. After many years Pastor
 Ziegler was married to Charlotte (Pinnt) Teuscher on April 17, 2020. 
They had been college classmates at St. John’s College and found each 
other at a class reunion. Charlotte survives of the home.

 Additional 
survivors include a son Andrew Ziegler, Cleveland OH, two daughters Anne
 (Preston) Compton, Elgin, SC, and Allison (Ron) Arends, Melvin, IL 
son-in-law Rick Williams, Cleveland, OH,  two sisters Nancy Nelson, 
Marcus, IA and Virginia Thomas, Beatrice, NE, seven grandchildren and 
one great grandchild, five step children, Terri McLean, Dallas, TX, Tom 
Teuscher, Springfield, MO, Tracy Lawson, Eldorado, KS, Tamara Morin, 
Leawood, KS, and Ted Teuscher, Lenexa, KS, fourteen step grandchildren, 
thirty three step great grandchildren and one step great great 
grandchild, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

 His parents, wife 
Esther, daughter Angela J. Williams, grandson Trent Arends, brother 
Richard Ziegler, and brother-in-law Roger Nelson, preceded him in death.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680719210439.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Rev. Robert M. Ziegler, 88 years old, longtime Pastor for Trinity 
Lutheran Church, was called to his heavenly home following the early 
service on Sunday, April 2, 2023. 
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 
the Trinity Lutheran Church, 603 N. Eighth St, Atchison, KS. Graveside
 services and burial will be held at 3:30 pm Tuesday, at the Vesta 
Cemetery, Vesta, NE. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 
10th, 2023, starting at 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran 
School Gymnasium. Pastor Ziegler will lie in state at the church one 
hour prior to services on Tuesday. Memorial contributions are suggested
 to the Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund, the Trinity Lutheran 
Church Endowment Fund, the TLC Mission Endowment Fund, or the Trinity 
Lutheran School Grant Fund and may be sent in care of the 
Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is entrusted with his services. 
Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. 
Robert M. Ziegler was born on April 14, 1934, in Vesta, NE the son of 
Robert M. and Esther J. (Jobst) Ziegler. He went to grade school and 
high school in Vesta, NE. He was called by the Lord to enter the 
Ministry and attended St. John’s Lutheran Academy and College, Winfield,
 KS. He then attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He completed
 his work at the seminary and served his vicarage at Our Savior’s 
Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. He was ordained on July 19, 1959
 and served at Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, KS for ten years. He 
received and accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison and 
was installed as Pastor on September 14, 1969. During this period of 
time he had served as vacancy pastor in seven different congregations; 
Russell, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Lyons, Holyrood, Nortonville, and 
Wathena, KS. He had served as Circuit Counselor for the Great Bend and 
Atchison Circuits and served several years as a member of the Kansas 
District Board of Directors LCMS. Pastor Ziegler had also worked as a 
chaplain at Valley Hope Treatment Center, Atchison KS from 1971-1988. 
Pastor Ziegler enjoyed attending musical programs, a Christmas Carol, 
the KC Renaissance Festival, any kind of lecture, all things Husker, and
 was an avid reader and learner. 
He was married to Esther Johnson on October 18, 1959, in Claflin, KS. 
Esther preceded him in death on June 25th, 2000. After many years Pastor
 Ziegler was married to Charlotte (Pinnt) Teuscher on April 17, 2020. 
They had been college classmates at St. John’s College and found each 
other at a class reunion. Charlotte survives of the home. Additional 
survivors include a son Andrew Ziegler, Cleveland OH, two daughters Anne
 (Preston) Compton, Elgin, SC, and Allison (Ron) Arends, Melvin, IL 
son-in-law Rick Williams, Cleveland, OH, two sisters Nancy Nelson, 
Marcus, IA and Virginia Thomas, Beatrice, NE, seven grandchildren and 
one great grandchild, five step children, Terri McLean, Dallas, TX, Tom 
Teuscher, Springfield, MO, Tracy Lawson, Eldorado, KS, Tamara Morin, 
Leawood, KS, and Ted Teuscher, Lenexa, KS, fourteen step grandchildren, 
thirty three step great grandchildren and one step great great 
grandchild, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents, wife 
Esther, daughter Angela J. Williams, grandson Trent Arends, brother 
Richard Ziegler, and brother-in-law Roger Nelson, preceded him in death.&nbsp;

The Rev. Robert M. Ziegler

Wayne A. Walker, 50, of Smith Center, left this life to see what his 
need for speed was on April 1st, 2023.  He was born October 20, 1972, to
 Patti and Dave Walker in Cozad, NE.

Wayne was a very outspoken 
man and I’m sure many will remember how his wild sense of humor could 
change the energy of an entire room.  He devoted his life to his family,
 friends and even to this community in more ways than you could imagine.
  He would be the first to give his shirt off his back to help anyone no
 matter who you were, no matter the time of day, he would be there.

Wayne
 had many hobbies starting from a very young age, from building motors 
on the table and the age of 8 in Colorado with his dad Dave, to climbing
 the mountains free style and having a band, he LOVED to play guitar. 
Believe it or not, he was self-taught, never knew how to read music and 
learned it all by ear.

He continued even more hobbies when he 
moved to Smith Center, from having the love of restoring old hot rods, 
to racing with one hell of a pit crew and the biggest fan club you could
 ever imagine, to even playing in another band with some amazing family 
and friends.

One way of devoting his life and showing his love to 
his family and friends was cooking.  I think you all may agree, he could
 have outcooked anyone! This was his way of bringing everyone together. 
His favorite holiday, that really brought us all together, was the 
Fourth of July. He loved blowing shit up.

Upon moving to Smith 
Center in 1993, Wayne began working at Mace Body Shop. Wayne has worked 
there for 31 years. Working at the body shop, brought many projects 
outside of his daily job, from coming up with the best custom paint jobs
 on cars and bikes, to building many racecars and painting them as well.
  He restored the Statue of Liberty that stands at Gaylord Hill many 
times.

He was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, 
friend, animal lover and even sometimes an aunt, due to his long hair.

Wayne
 is survived by his mother Patricia Walker of Smith Center, KS; life 
partner Billie Jo Stanton; daughter Catlyn Walker (Aaron Bergmann); son 
Orien Walker; his considered sons Robert Walker and Chase Brewer; 
sisters Cheri (Chris) Hrabe, Jody Walker, Loretta Walker, second parents
 Roger and Dianne Walker, god-father Steve Bortz; grandsons Breece and 
Beckett Bergmann; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne
 is preceded in death by grandparents, Ivan and Georgene Walker, Carl 
Marjoria Schneider, uncle Dallas Walker, aunt Marty Schneider, cousin 
Grace Cruthers, father Dave Walker and brother and best friend Brian 
Martin.

Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Wayne--A-Walker?obId=27639526#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680612737226.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne A. Walker, 50, of Smith Center, left this life to see what his 
need for speed was on April 1st, 2023. He was born October 20, 1972, to
 Patti and Dave Walker in Cozad, NE.Wayne was a very outspoken 
man and I’m sure many will remember how his wild sense of humor could 
change the energy of an entire room. He devoted his life to his family,
 friends and even to this community in more ways than you could imagine.
 He would be the first to give his shirt off his back to help anyone no
 matter who you were, no matter the time of day, he would be there.Wayne
 had many hobbies starting from a very young age, from building motors 
on the table and the age of 8 in Colorado with his dad Dave, to climbing
 the mountains free style and having a band, he LOVED to play guitar. 
Believe it or not, he was self-taught, never knew how to read music and 
learned it all by ear.He continued even more hobbies when he 
moved to Smith Center, from having the love of restoring old hot rods, 
to racing with one hell of a pit crew and the biggest fan club you could
 ever imagine, to even playing in another band with some amazing family 
and friends.One way of devoting his life and showing his love to 
his family and friends was cooking. I think you all may agree, he could
 have outcooked anyone! This was his way of bringing everyone together. 
His favorite holiday, that really brought us all together, was the 
Fourth of July. He loved blowing shit up.Upon moving to Smith 
Center in 1993, Wayne began working at Mace Body Shop. Wayne has worked 
there for 31 years. Working at the body shop, brought many projects 
outside of his daily job, from coming up with the best custom paint jobs
 on cars and bikes, to building many racecars and painting them as well.
 He restored the Statue of Liberty that stands at Gaylord Hill many 
times.He was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, 
friend, animal lover and even sometimes an aunt, due to his long hair.Wayne
 is survived by his mother Patricia Walker of Smith Center, KS; life 
partner Billie Jo Stanton; daughter Catlyn Walker (Aaron Bergmann); son 
Orien Walker; his considered sons Robert Walker and Chase Brewer; 
sisters Cheri (Chris) Hrabe, Jody Walker, Loretta Walker, second parents
 Roger and Dianne Walker, god-father Steve Bortz; grandsons Breece and 
Beckett Bergmann; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.Wayne
 is preceded in death by grandparents, Ivan and Georgene Walker, Carl 
Marjoria Schneider, uncle Dallas Walker, aunt Marty Schneider, cousin 
Grace Cruthers, father Dave Walker and brother and best friend Brian 
Martin.Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Wayne--A-Walker?obId=27639526#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Wayne A. Walker

Brian Christopher Thoman, formerly of Concordia, passed away at his 
home in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 16, 2022. He was born on 
October 26, 1983, in Concordia to Gerald and Marilyn (Sorell) Thoman.

Brian
 attended Concordia Jr./Sr. High School, graduating with the class of 
2002. After graduating high school, Brian attended Cloud County 
Community College where he participated in yell leading and pep band. 

After college, Brian married Casey Hitchell and they relocated to Indiana, when they later divorced. 

Brian
 enjoyed meeting new people, attending concerts, and trying out new 
recipes. Brian spent the last two and a half years as a chef at Big 
Woods restaurant and distillery in Indianapolis.

Survivors include
 his daughter Morgan of Indianapolis; mother Marilyn Thoman of 
Concordia; brother Doug Thoman (Holly) of Belleville; sister Ashley 
Sheely (Andrew) of Schoenchen, KS; two nephews, two nieces; eight aunts,
 four uncles, and 22 cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his 
father Gerald Thoman, uncles Barry Thoman, Dale Revell, Jeff Thoman, and
 Gary Thoman; aunts Coleen Sorell, Kelly Thoman, and Rhonda Thoman; 
Grandparents, Jerome and Rita Sorell, and Wilfred (Tommy) and Margret 
(Jane) Thoman.

A memorial service for Brian was Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with Fr. David 
Metz officiating and burial following at St. Concordia Cemetery, 
Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to the family to be
 designated at a later date in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. For 
online condolences, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbouy.com/">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680623868398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Christopher Thoman, formerly of Concordia, passed away at his 
home in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 16, 2022. He was born on 
October 26, 1983, in Concordia to Gerald and Marilyn (Sorell) Thoman.Brian
 attended Concordia Jr./Sr. High School, graduating with the class of 
2002. After graduating high school, Brian attended Cloud County 
Community College where he participated in yell leading and pep band. After college, Brian married Casey Hitchell and they relocated to Indiana, when they later divorced. Brian
 enjoyed meeting new people, attending concerts, and trying out new 
recipes. Brian spent the last two and a half years as a chef at Big 
Woods restaurant and distillery in Indianapolis.Survivors include
 his daughter Morgan of Indianapolis; mother Marilyn Thoman of 
Concordia; brother Doug Thoman (Holly) of Belleville; sister Ashley 
Sheely (Andrew) of Schoenchen, KS; two nephews, two nieces; eight aunts,
 four uncles, and 22 cousins.He is proceeded in death by his 
father Gerald Thoman, uncles Barry Thoman, Dale Revell, Jeff Thoman, and
 Gary Thoman; aunts Coleen Sorell, Kelly Thoman, and Rhonda Thoman; 
Grandparents, Jerome and Rita Sorell, and Wilfred (Tommy) and Margret 
(Jane) Thoman.A memorial service for Brian was Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with Fr. David 
Metz officiating and burial following at St. Concordia Cemetery, 
Concordia, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the family to be
 designated at a later date in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. For 
online condolences, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbouy.com/">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

Brian C. Thoman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Major oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia said they're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">cutting supplies of crude</a>&nbsp;— again. This time, the decision was a surprise and is underlining worries about where the global economy might be headed.

Russia is joining in by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">extending its own cuts</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year. In theory, less oil flowing to refineries should mean higher gasoline prices for drivers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-economy-moscow-prices-9bcc886c4d5f8d341cf8939f88705781">could boost the inflation</a>&nbsp;hitting the U.S. and Europe. And that may also help Russia weather Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine at the expense of the U.S.

The decision by oil producers, many of them in the OPEC oil cartel, to cut production by more than 1 million barrels a day comes after prices for international benchmark crude slumped amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-economic-impact-ef6e4c4443743ccbf7740892fb0b4f3b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_09">slowing global economy</a>&nbsp;that needs less fuel for travel and industry.

It adds to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">cut of 2 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;announced in October. Between the two cuts, that's about 3% of the world's oil supply.

Here are key things to know about the cutbacks:

Saudi Arabia, OPEC's dominant member, said Sunday that the move is “precautionary” to avoid a deeper slide in oil prices.

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has consistently taken a cautious approach to future demand and favored being proactive in adjusting supply ahead of a possible downturn in oil needs.

That stance seemed to be borne out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">oil prices fell from highs</a>&nbsp;of over $120 per barrel last summer to $73 last month. Prices jumped after Sunday's announcement, with international benchmark Brent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03d9d1bfb51e2ce4a42bf7744bf1bafa">crude trading at about $85</a>&nbsp;on Monday, up 6%.

With fears of a U.S. recession exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">bank collapses</a>, a lack of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-inflation-economic-growth-5fa7942504507e3ca708c8e4591ed8d8">European economic growth</a>&nbsp;and China’s rebound from COVID-19 taking longer than many expected, oil producers are wary of a sudden collapse in prices like during the pandemic and the global financial crisis in 2008-2009.

Capital markets analyst Mohammed Ali Yasin said most people had been waiting for the June 4 meeting of the OPEC+ alliance of OPEC members and allied producers, most prominently Russia. The decision underlined the urgency felt by producers.

“It was a surprise to all, I think, watchers and the market followers,” he said. “The swiftness of the move, the timing of the move and the size of the move were all significant.”

The aim now is to ward off "a continous slide of the oil price” to levels below $70 per barrel, which would be “very negative” for producer economies, Yasin said.

Part of the October cut of 2 millions barrels per day was on paper only as some OPEC+ countries aren’t able to produce their share. The new cut of 1.15 million barrels per day is distributed among countries that are hitting their quotas — so it amounts to roughly the same size cut as in October.

Governments announced the decision outside the usual OPEC+ framework. The Saudis are taking the lead with 500,000 barrels per day, with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan contributing smaller cuts.

WILL THE PRODUCTION CUT MAKE INFLATION WORSE?

It certainly could. Analysts say supply and demand are relatively well balanced, which means production cuts could push prices higher in coming months.

The refineries that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-diesel-fuel-embargo-explainer-28b9043593c7cb92e032aa451c837b39">turn crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel</a>&nbsp;are getting ready for their summer production surge to meet the annual increase in travel demand.

In the U.S., gasoline prices are highly dependent on crude, which makes up about half of the price per gallon. Lower oil prices have meant U.S. drivers have seen the average price fall from records of over $5 per gallon in mid-2022 to $3.50 per gallon this week, according to motor club AAA.

The cuts, if fully implemented, “would further tighten an already fundamentally tight oil market,” Jorge Leon, senior vice president at Rystad Energy, said in a research note. The cut could boost oil prices by around $10 per barrel and push international Brent to around $110 per barrel by this summer.

Those higher prices could fuel global inflation in a cycle that forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-banks-interest-rates-jobs-91a9185ebce972bbf5ab1f46654f1a53">central banks to keep hiking interest rates</a>, which crimp economic growth, he said.

Given the fears about the overall economy, “the market may interpret the cuts as a vote of no confidence in the recovery of oil demand and could even carry a downside price risk — but that will only be for the very short term,” Leon said.

Moscow says it will extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day through the rest of the year. It needs oil revenue to support its economy and state budget hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">wide-ranging sanctions</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., European Union and other allies of Ukraine.

Analysts think, however, that Russia's cut may simply be putting the best face on reduced demand for its oil. The West shunned Russian barrels even before sanctions were imposed, with Moscow managing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">reroute much of its oil to India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey.

But the Group of Seven major democracies imposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">price cap of $60 per barrel</a>&nbsp;on Russian shipments, enforced by bans on Western companies that dominate shipping or insurance. Russia is selling oil at a discount, with revenue sagging at the start of this year.

President Joe Biden addressed the OPEC+ cut on Monday before returning to the White House from a trip to Minnesota, predicting, “It’s not going to be as bad as you think.”

Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed U.S. opposition to the move, saying, “We don’t think that production cuts are advisable at this moment given market uncertainty, and we made that clear.”

But he insisted that the oil market is in a different place from last year when prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We’re focused on prices, we’re not focused on barrels,” he told reporters Monday, adding that the U.S. was given a heads-up before the announcement.

The White House response was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections in which soaring gas prices were a major issue. Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.

Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics, said the cutback shows "the group's support for Russia and flies in the face of the Biden administration’s efforts to lower oil prices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654949375429.png" alt="The White House response to the cuts was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections where soaring gas prices were a major issue. President Joe Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis." />
 <figcaption>The White House response to the cuts was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections where soaring gas prices were a major issue. President Joe Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Major oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia said they're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">cutting supplies of crude</a>&nbsp;— again. This time, the decision was a surprise and is underlining worries about where the global economy might be headed.Russia is joining in by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">extending its own cuts</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year. In theory, less oil flowing to refineries should mean higher gasoline prices for drivers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-economy-moscow-prices-9bcc886c4d5f8d341cf8939f88705781">could boost the inflation</a>&nbsp;hitting the U.S. and Europe. And that may also help Russia weather Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine at the expense of the U.S.The decision by oil producers, many of them in the OPEC oil cartel, to cut production by more than 1 million barrels a day comes after prices for international benchmark crude slumped amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-economic-impact-ef6e4c4443743ccbf7740892fb0b4f3b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_09">slowing global economy</a>&nbsp;that needs less fuel for travel and industry.It adds to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">cut of 2 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;announced in October. Between the two cuts, that's about 3% of the world's oil supply.Here are key things to know about the cutbacks:WHY ARE OIL PRODUCERS CUTTING BACK?Saudi Arabia, OPEC's dominant member, said Sunday that the move is “precautionary” to avoid a deeper slide in oil prices.Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has consistently taken a cautious approach to future demand and favored being proactive in adjusting supply ahead of a possible downturn in oil needs.That stance seemed to be borne out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">oil prices fell from highs</a>&nbsp;of over $120 per barrel last summer to $73 last month. Prices jumped after Sunday's announcement, with international benchmark Brent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03d9d1bfb51e2ce4a42bf7744bf1bafa">crude trading at about $85</a>&nbsp;on Monday, up 6%.With fears of a U.S. recession exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">bank collapses</a>, a lack of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-inflation-economic-growth-5fa7942504507e3ca708c8e4591ed8d8">European economic growth</a>&nbsp;and China’s rebound from COVID-19 taking longer than many expected, oil producers are wary of a sudden collapse in prices like during the pandemic and the global financial crisis in 2008-2009.Capital markets analyst Mohammed Ali Yasin said most people had been waiting for the June 4 meeting of the OPEC+ alliance of OPEC members and allied producers, most prominently Russia. The decision underlined the urgency felt by producers.“It was a surprise to all, I think, watchers and the market followers,” he said. “The swiftness of the move, the timing of the move and the size of the move were all significant.”The aim now is to ward off "a continous slide of the oil price” to levels below $70 per barrel, which would be “very negative” for producer economies, Yasin said.Part of the October cut of 2 millions barrels per day was on paper only as some OPEC+ countries aren’t able to produce their share. The new cut of 1.15 million barrels per day is distributed among countries that are hitting their quotas — so it amounts to roughly the same size cut as in October.Governments announced the decision outside the usual OPEC+ framework. The Saudis are taking the lead with 500,000 barrels per day, with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan contributing smaller cuts.WILL THE PRODUCTION CUT MAKE INFLATION WORSE?It certainly could. Analysts say supply and demand are relatively well balanced, which means production cuts could push prices higher in coming months.The refineries that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-diesel-fuel-embargo-explainer-28b9043593c7cb92e032aa451c837b39">turn crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel</a>&nbsp;are getting ready for their summer production surge to meet the annual increase in travel demand.In the U.S., gasoline prices are highly dependent on crude, which makes up about half of the price per gallon. Lower oil prices have meant U.S. drivers have seen the average price fall from records of over $5 per gallon in mid-2022 to $3.50 per gallon this week, according to motor club AAA.The cuts, if fully implemented, “would further tighten an already fundamentally tight oil market,” Jorge Leon, senior vice president at Rystad Energy, said in a research note. The cut could boost oil prices by around $10 per barrel and push international Brent to around $110 per barrel by this summer.Those higher prices could fuel global inflation in a cycle that forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-banks-interest-rates-jobs-91a9185ebce972bbf5ab1f46654f1a53">central banks to keep hiking interest rates</a>, which crimp economic growth, he said.Given the fears about the overall economy, “the market may interpret the cuts as a vote of no confidence in the recovery of oil demand and could even carry a downside price risk — but that will only be for the very short term,” Leon said.WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR RUSSIA?Moscow says it will extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day through the rest of the year. It needs oil revenue to support its economy and state budget hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">wide-ranging sanctions</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., European Union and other allies of Ukraine.Analysts think, however, that Russia's cut may simply be putting the best face on reduced demand for its oil. The West shunned Russian barrels even before sanctions were imposed, with Moscow managing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">reroute much of its oil to India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey.But the Group of Seven major democracies imposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">price cap of $60 per barrel</a>&nbsp;on Russian shipments, enforced by bans on Western companies that dominate shipping or insurance. Russia is selling oil at a discount, with revenue sagging at the start of this year.WHAT DOES THE WHITE HOUSE SAY?President Joe Biden addressed the OPEC+ cut on Monday before returning to the White House from a trip to Minnesota, predicting, “It’s not going to be as bad as you think.”Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed U.S. opposition to the move, saying, “We don’t think that production cuts are advisable at this moment given market uncertainty, and we made that clear.”But he insisted that the oil market is in a different place from last year when prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.“We’re focused on prices, we’re not focused on barrels,” he told reporters Monday, adding that the U.S. was given a heads-up before the announcement.The White House response was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections in which soaring gas prices were a major issue. Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics, said the cutback shows "the group's support for Russia and flies in the face of the Biden administration’s efforts to lower oil prices.”___

Biden responds to cuts by oil producers that could boost gas prices

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man is back in jail after his third arrest in less than a year.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;In June of 2022,&nbsp; David Boeschling, 24, Minneapolis was accused of taking $500 in cash from a video game at The Alley, 115 E. Ash Street, in Salina. Police arrested him on theft and drug charges.&nbsp; 

In October, Boeschling was in jail on a warrant for failure to appear and requested drug and weapons charges, after police found him with&nbsp; a 9mm Canik in the parking lot of a Salina mote.

Just after 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to multiple alarms in a storage building at 1007 W. North Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers observed a white male wearing a blue hooded jacket, hat, and backpack running through the building. When the officers went around the building, they saw the man later identified as Boeschling standing in a tree line west of the building.

Police arrested him on requested charges of Trespassing, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680523824074.jpeg" alt="Boeschling&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Boeschling&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man is back in jail after his third arrest in less than a year.&nbsp; &nbsp;In June of 2022,&nbsp; David Boeschling, 24, Minneapolis was accused of taking $500 in cash from a video game at The Alley, 115 E. Ash Street, in Salina. Police arrested him on theft and drug charges.&nbsp; In October, Boeschling was in jail on a warrant for failure to appear and requested drug and weapons charges, after police found him with&nbsp; a 9mm Canik in the parking lot of a Salina mote.Just after 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to multiple alarms in a storage building at 1007 W. North Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers observed a white male wearing a blue hooded jacket, hat, and backpack running through the building. When the officers went around the building, they saw the man later identified as Boeschling standing in a tree line west of the building.Police arrested him on requested charges of Trespassing, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. man who allegedly took $500 from video game is back in jail

Thomas “Tom” Meridith Wasinger,72, formerly of Ellis, Kansas, passed 
away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, of a heart attack at his home in 
Lawrence.&nbsp;

Tom was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital on October 28, 1950. He was a 
graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy, now known as Thomas More 
Prep-Marian in Hays.&nbsp; Upon graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy.&nbsp; 
He was very proud of his service and had fond memories of serving his 
country.

After returning to Ellis, Tom resumed the activities he had grown to 
love, boating, water skiing, and fishing.&nbsp; Tom discovered his talent for
 driving and operating large trucks and worked for Arrow Trucking and 
later Keller Brothers Inc. in Ellis.&nbsp;

In retirement, he moved to Lawrence to be closer to family.&nbsp;

He enjoyed watching and supporting his favorite sporting teams, the 
KC Royals, the KU Jayhawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp; Tom also 
liked going to the casinos with his uncle.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his father, Meridith, a brother, Michael, and his brother-in-law, Dan Heath.

Tom is survived by his mother, Agnes (Nitzie) Rupp Wasinger of 
Lawrence, a sister, Mary Jo Heath, Lawrence, nephew, Kevin Heath, wife, 
Meagan, children, Alexandra, Owen, and Lily, of Dublin, Ireland and 
Tom’s niece, Elizabeth Heath of Lawrence and many extended relatives and
 friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 
2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, KS.&nbsp; Father Curtis Carlson
 will be presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s 
Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Thomas More 
Prep-Marian in Hays and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary,
 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680009084754.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas “Tom” Meridith Wasinger,72, formerly of Ellis, Kansas, passed 
away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, of a heart attack at his home in 
Lawrence.&nbsp;Tom was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital on October 28, 1950. He was a 
graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy, now known as Thomas More 
Prep-Marian in Hays.&nbsp; Upon graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy.&nbsp; 
He was very proud of his service and had fond memories of serving his 
country.After returning to Ellis, Tom resumed the activities he had grown to 
love, boating, water skiing, and fishing.&nbsp; Tom discovered his talent for
 driving and operating large trucks and worked for Arrow Trucking and 
later Keller Brothers Inc. in Ellis.&nbsp;In retirement, he moved to Lawrence to be closer to family.&nbsp;He enjoyed watching and supporting his favorite sporting teams, the 
KC Royals, the KU Jayhawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs.&nbsp; Tom also 
liked going to the casinos with his uncle.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his father, Meridith, a brother, Michael, and his brother-in-law, Dan Heath.Tom is survived by his mother, Agnes (Nitzie) Rupp Wasinger of 
Lawrence, a sister, Mary Jo Heath, Lawrence, nephew, Kevin Heath, wife, 
Meagan, children, Alexandra, Owen, and Lily, of Dublin, Ireland and 
Tom’s niece, Elizabeth Heath of Lawrence and many extended relatives and
 friends.A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 
2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays, KS.&nbsp; Father Curtis Carlson
 will be presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the mass at St. Joseph’s 
Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Thomas More 
Prep-Marian in Hays and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary,
 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.

Thomas 'Tom' Meridith Wasinger

Wheat farmers are, by nature, optimistic, but that optimism is starting to wane in southwest Kansas, where much of the wheat that was drilled last fall has yet to emerge.

Only 19% of the Kansas wheat crop is currently rated in good to excellent condition, with another 52% rated poor to very poor, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. According to the March 27 report, 77% of subsoil moisture supplies are rated short to very short.

“We’re eating through subsoil moisture,” said Tyler Ediger who farms near Meade, Kansas. “We need a slow inch to inch and a half of moisture.”

Average annual precipitation for the area is 23 inches, but over the past year, they’ve received roughly half that.

Still, Ediger says they’re better off than most in the area, having received a half inch a couple weeks ago. Their fields have a stand, so they’re not blowing yet, but winds have been strong and sustained for much of the area.

North of Lakin in Kearny County, Gary Millershaski’s fields aren’t faring as well. An area that typically gets 18.8” of annual precipitation, they’ve only received 8.6” over the past 365 days. While last year’s crop was also raised in drought conditions, it had the benefit of some subsoil moisture, which has all but been depleted by now. Even the residue left from last year’s crop has been reduced by wind and drought.

“We’re totally out of residue,” Millershaski said. “There’s nothing out there.”

He said insurance adjusters will be in the area over the next couple weeks. Many of the fields that haven’t even emerged will be adjusted out, giving farmers like Millershaski few options for ways to protect the blowing soil.

“I’m not going to chase another crop in dry soil,” he said. “Right now, it’s all about getting by and spending the least amount possible.”

In Sheridan County, Brett Oelke’s fields are surviving on half their average precipitation over the past two years as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680272577248.jpeg" alt="Wind-swept wheat in Barber County, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Wind-swept wheat in Barber County, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wheat farmers are, by nature, optimistic, but that optimism is starting to wane in southwest Kansas, where much of the wheat that was drilled last fall has yet to emerge.Only 19% of the Kansas wheat crop is currently rated in good to excellent condition, with another 52% rated poor to very poor, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. According to the March 27 report, 77% of subsoil moisture supplies are rated short to very short.“We’re eating through subsoil moisture,” said Tyler Ediger who farms near Meade, Kansas. “We need a slow inch to inch and a half of moisture.”Average annual precipitation for the area is 23 inches, but over the past year, they’ve received roughly half that.Still, Ediger says they’re better off than most in the area, having received a half inch a couple weeks ago. Their fields have a stand, so they’re not blowing yet, but winds have been strong and sustained for much of the area.North of Lakin in Kearny County, Gary Millershaski’s fields aren’t faring as well. An area that typically gets 18.8” of annual precipitation, they’ve only received 8.6” over the past 365 days. While last year’s crop was also raised in drought conditions, it had the benefit of some subsoil moisture, which has all but been depleted by now. Even the residue left from last year’s crop has been reduced by wind and drought.“We’re totally out of residue,” Millershaski said. “There’s nothing out there.”He said insurance adjusters will be in the area over the next couple weeks. Many of the fields that haven’t even emerged will be adjusted out, giving farmers like Millershaski few options for ways to protect the blowing soil.“I’m not going to chase another crop in dry soil,” he said. “Right now, it’s all about getting by and spending the least amount possible.”In Sheridan County, Brett Oelke’s fields are surviving on half their average precipitation over the past two years as well.“We’re pretty fortunate right now,” he said, because the moisture on this wheat crop has come with a timely three-quarters of an inch of rain in October when it was drilled and another inch and a half of moisture from snow since January.Oelke’s moisture probe proved that even though his area has gotten some timely moisture, the crop is far from trouble. Reaching only two feet down, he said last year’s subsoil moisture was four feet.“We’re 22 to 24 inches behind over the past few years,” he said.In the sandy soils of Barber County, farmers are also dealing with less than half their average moisture.“We need a rain really bad — and soon,” Chris Boyd said.The wheat plants are small and don’t have many tillers. Fields in the Isabel area have received only one inch of rain total since the crop was planted.In addition to fields that have been blown out completely from strong winds, they are also dealing with winter grain mites and army cut worms, which will limit yield potential. These pests can be controlled by applying an insecticide or pesticide, an added expense for a crop without a lot of potential.“We were blessed with a nice harvest last year, but that crop used all of the subsoil moisture,” Boyd said. “With virtually no moisture on this current crop and nothing in the forecast, producers are faced with difficult decisions on how many more inputs — such as insecticide for grain mites — to invest on a potential crop failure.”Rain is critical right now as temperatures begin to warm up and the wheat crop comes out of dormancy.“We’ll take whatever moisture we can get,” said Millershaski.With hit and miss showers mostly avoiding so﻿uthwest Kansas this past week and few scattered showers forecast in the next 10 days, farmers remain hopeful for additional timely rains.“We’ll stay optimistic,” Ediger said.Written by Marsha Boswell, Kansas Wheat<h2>More Kansas Crop Conditions</h2><h2>Brian Linin, Goodland:</h2>The wheat looks tough. Some looks decent, but a lot of it is spotty. Linin said they've received&nbsp;31” of snow, but it came a little at a time, so it didn’t do much to improve the subsoil moisture. It’s still really dry in the area. He said they're wondering if their wheat is going to make it or not, noting that they may go with another crop this spring.<h2>Chris Tanner, Norton:</h2>The wheat planted into fallow ground has a decent stand, but wheat planted into failed corn where there is a lot of residue has a marginal stand. About half of the wheat in the area is still emerging because of the dry conditions last fall. Because of the heavier clay soils in the area, soil samples show that there are not a lot of nutrient requirements because of failed crops last fall, and only about half of usual nitrogen rates need to be applied. Over the past two weeks, Tanner reports he has been banding fertilizer on. Because of the cold temperatures in the area, the wheat is just starting to green up, so producers are still waiting to see what it will look like coming out of dormancy.<h2>Mike McClellan, Plainville:</h2>There are a few summer fallow acres that look decent and some wheat behind corn that looks ok. Wheat behind soybeans looks really rough. They are thinking about having an adjuster come out to look at some of their wheat.<h2>David Schemm, Sharon Springs:</h2>The area is pretty dry, but Schemm said they were blessed with some snow that equated to 50 to 60 hundredths of moisture. They do see some potential in the crop, but it has been cold. The wheat took some hits of cold with no snow cover, so there may be some freeze damage.<h2>Gary Millershaski, Lakin:</h2>Crop adjusters are coming out next week. Millershaski estimates that two thirds of his wheat will be abandoned, but he can’t plant a spring crop because there is no subsoil moisture. There’s very little residue left and the fields are blowing.<h2>Ron Suppes, Dighton:</h2>Suppes reported that one quarter of the wheat is not up yet and will be turned in to adjusters. He did topdress, but overall, this is a worse crop than last year.<h2>Doug Keesling, Lyons:</h2>Keesling reported they&nbsp;have an adjuster coming out to look at one third of their wheat. The conditions are not good. He said they've only received 1/2" of moisture since January 1 and 1/10" in March. Things are tough. With the extremely sandy soils, there’s going to be a lot of abandonment. Wheat is blowing out.<h2>Tim Turek, South Haven:</h2>Wheat stands are a bit patchy, but it’s starting to green up nicely. A lot of fertilizer top dressing is going on in the area, and producers have pulled cattle off. They are dry compared to normal, but are fortunate to have received some moisture. They will need more rain as the wheat starts growing again this spring.<h2>Martin Kerschen, Garden Plain:</h2>Wheat is greening up and looks good. They received some moisture three weeks ago. As you get to Pratt and west, the conditions really starts tapering off.<h2>Derek Sawyer, McPherson:</h2>A lot of topdressing has been going on over the last two weeks. Wheat is responding and turning green. Many of the bare spots are filling in. Sawyer said, “If we get a little moisture, we will have a decent crop.” They’ve been fortunate because they’ve gotten some moisture since January.<h2>Nathan Larson, Riley:</h2>Ponds in the area are dry, but the soil moisture is adequate. Wheat has greened up and looks good.