Curtis Loyal Beach, age 75, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023,&nbsp; at the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis was 
born October 13, 1947, in Rural Smith County, KS to Agustus Clare and 
Dorothy (Abbott) Beach. He was a Feed &amp; Animal Health Sales 
Specialist.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Cameron.

Survivors
 include his wife Mary Gay (Beckman) Beach of Kensington, daughter Amber
 (Bruce) Hardacre of Kensington, son Kiley (Katie) Beach of Dighton, 
KS;&nbsp; &nbsp;brother Abbott Craig (Margaret) Beach of Lincoln, NE; sister 
Lynette (Beach) Sprague (Randy) of Alta Vista, KS and 6 granddaughters.

Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Curtis-Loyal-Beach?obId=27533232#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679402926920.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Curtis Loyal Beach, age 75, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023,&nbsp; at the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis was 
born October 13, 1947, in Rural Smith County, KS to Agustus Clare and 
Dorothy (Abbott) Beach. He was a Feed &amp; Animal Health Sales 
Specialist.Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Cameron.Survivors
 include his wife Mary Gay (Beckman) Beach of Kensington, daughter Amber
 (Bruce) Hardacre of Kensington, son Kiley (Katie) Beach of Dighton, 
KS;&nbsp; &nbsp;brother Abbott Craig (Margaret) Beach of Lincoln, NE; sister 
Lynette (Beach) Sprague (Randy) of Alta Vista, KS and 6 granddaughters.Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Curtis-Loyal-Beach?obId=27533232#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Curtis Loyal Beach

Arthur “Art” Leiker, 92, died Friday, March 17, 2023, at St. Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born September 19, 1930, in 
Collyer, Kansas, the son of Adolph &amp; Margaret (Braun) Leiker. 
 Art moved with his family to Garden City in 1934, where he grew up 
on a sugar beet farm north of Holcomb, Kansas. He attended St. Mary 
Catholic School and Holcomb schools where he graduated from high school.
 After school hours, Art went to work at the Company’s Sugar Factory 
until he entered the service. He served 18 months in the United States 
Army and 3 years active in the Army Reserves. After active duty in the 
service, Art returned to Garden City and worked for the Garden City 
Company. He retired after 33 years as a Farm Maintenance 
Superintendent. 
 On May 16, 1955, he married Joan Cason in Garden City. Art was a 
member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a life member of the Knights of 
Columbus #2795, member of the American Legion, Harry H. Renick Post #9, 
the APS Stamp Association, and numerous coin associations. He enjoyed 
spending his time going to antique auctions and collecting coins and 
stamps. 
 Survivors include a son John Leiker of Garden City; a daughter 
Karen Wells of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, a brother James Leiker of Scott, 
Louisiana; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Art is preceded 
in death by his wife Joan who died on October 15, 2006. He is also 
preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Cynthia Romero; a sister 
Esther Smith; a brother Otto Leiker; and a grandson Arthur Romero. 
 A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. 
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, at St. 
Mary Catholic Church in Garden City with Fr. Jacob Schneider as 
Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City 
with military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Army National 
Guard Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 
Wednesday at Garnand Funeral Home.

 The family suggests memorials given 
to St. Mary Catholic Church or to Wounded Warriors, both in care of the 
funeral home.  Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679266530479.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Arthur “Art” Leiker, 92, died Friday, March 17, 2023, at St. Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born September 19, 1930, in 
Collyer, Kansas, the son of Adolph &amp; Margaret (Braun) Leiker. 
 Art moved with his family to Garden City in 1934, where he grew up 
on a sugar beet farm north of Holcomb, Kansas. He attended St. Mary 
Catholic School and Holcomb schools where he graduated from high school.
 After school hours, Art went to work at the Company’s Sugar Factory 
until he entered the service. He served 18 months in the United States 
Army and 3 years active in the Army Reserves. After active duty in the 
service, Art returned to Garden City and worked for the Garden City 
Company. He retired after 33 years as a Farm Maintenance 
Superintendent. 
 On May 16, 1955, he married Joan Cason in Garden City. Art was a 
member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a life member of the Knights of 
Columbus #2795, member of the American Legion, Harry H. Renick Post #9, 
the APS Stamp Association, and numerous coin associations. He enjoyed 
spending his time going to antique auctions and collecting coins and 
stamps. 
 Survivors include a son John Leiker of Garden City; a daughter 
Karen Wells of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, a brother James Leiker of Scott, 
Louisiana; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Art is preceded 
in death by his wife Joan who died on October 15, 2006. He is also 
preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Cynthia Romero; a sister 
Esther Smith; a brother Otto Leiker; and a grandson Arthur Romero. 
 A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. 
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, at St. 
Mary Catholic Church in Garden City with Fr. Jacob Schneider as 
Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City 
with military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Army National 
Guard Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 
Wednesday at Garnand Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials given 
to St. Mary Catholic Church or to Wounded Warriors, both in care of the 
funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Arthur 'Art' Leiker

Sally “Sara” Stansbury, age 86, of Hays, Kansas, passed away 
peacefully on March 15, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born 
on October 8, 1936, the daughter of William and Myrtle (Buffon) Austin 
in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.

She attended the 
Cottonwood Falls public schools and upon graduation&nbsp;from high school, 
Sally enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College in&nbsp;Emporia to begin work
 on requirements for a degree in education.&nbsp;After one year, Sally 
transferred to Washburn University in Topeka&nbsp;where she completed degree 
requirements and graduated in the spring&nbsp;of 1958. She was involved in 
several activities at Washburn and became&nbsp;a member of the Alpha Phi 
sorority.

On June 28, 1958, she was united in marriage 
to James Stansbury, whom she met at Washburn. They then moved to Ellis, 
Kansas where Jim had been hired for a teaching and coaching position in 
the Ellis public school system. After 8 years, they moved to Hays when 
Jim was selected for an instructor’s position on the Fort Hays State 
University College of Education faculty.

Sally enjoyed 
life in Hays. She was an active member of the First&nbsp;Presbyterian Church,
 serving one 3-year term on the Session and a&nbsp;number of years as the 
church’s part time secretary. She was very&nbsp;proud of her membership in 
the Daughters of the American Revolution&nbsp;and was an active member of 
this organization as well as in the PEO.&nbsp;She also served several years 
as a part time secretary for the Ellis&nbsp;County Historical Society. 
Sally’s favorite leisure time activity was&nbsp;playing bridge and she was a 
member of a number of local bridge clubs&nbsp;over the years. She also 
enjoyed the numerous bus tours that she, Jim&nbsp;Chuck, Jerri, and Tom took 
after Jim retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Patti and brother, Bill.

Sally
 is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jerri Black (Terry Tavis), Son 
Bill (Lori), Chuck, and grandson Tom Black (Erica), Jim’s&nbsp;brother Gary 
Stansbury (Pat) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services
 will be announced at a later date under the direction of 
Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

In
 lieu of flowers, memorials for Sally are suggested to the First 
Presbyterian Church, DSNWK, or the Arc Park. Contributions made payable 
to the organization of your choice may be sent in care of Keithley 
Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679244597696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sally “Sara” Stansbury, age 86, of Hays, Kansas, passed away 
peacefully on March 15, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born 
on October 8, 1936, the daughter of William and Myrtle (Buffon) Austin 
in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.She attended the 
Cottonwood Falls public schools and upon graduation&nbsp;from high school, 
Sally enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College in&nbsp;Emporia to begin work
 on requirements for a degree in education.&nbsp;After one year, Sally 
transferred to Washburn University in Topeka&nbsp;where she completed degree 
requirements and graduated in the spring&nbsp;of 1958. She was involved in 
several activities at Washburn and became&nbsp;a member of the Alpha Phi 
sorority.On June 28, 1958, she was united in marriage 
to James Stansbury, whom she met at Washburn. They then moved to Ellis, 
Kansas where Jim had been hired for a teaching and coaching position in 
the Ellis public school system. After 8 years, they moved to Hays when 
Jim was selected for an instructor’s position on the Fort Hays State 
University College of Education faculty.Sally enjoyed 
life in Hays. She was an active member of the First&nbsp;Presbyterian Church,
 serving one 3-year term on the Session and a&nbsp;number of years as the 
church’s part time secretary. She was very&nbsp;proud of her membership in 
the Daughters of the American Revolution&nbsp;and was an active member of 
this organization as well as in the PEO.&nbsp;She also served several years 
as a part time secretary for the Ellis&nbsp;County Historical Society. 
Sally’s favorite leisure time activity was&nbsp;playing bridge and she was a 
member of a number of local bridge clubs&nbsp;over the years. She also 
enjoyed the numerous bus tours that she, Jim&nbsp;Chuck, Jerri, and Tom took 
after Jim retired.She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Patti and brother, Bill.Sally
 is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jerri Black (Terry Tavis), Son 
Bill (Lori), Chuck, and grandson Tom Black (Erica), Jim’s&nbsp;brother Gary 
Stansbury (Pat) and numerous nieces and nephews.Services
 will be announced at a later date under the direction of 
Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.In
 lieu of flowers, memorials for Sally are suggested to the First 
Presbyterian Church, DSNWK, or the Arc Park. Contributions made payable 
to the organization of your choice may be sent in care of Keithley 
Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Sally 'Sara' Stansbury

Rocky L. Yoder, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Rocky was born November 17, 1954, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado .&nbsp; He 
was one of five children born to Wilbur and Phyllis (Bedker) Yoder.&nbsp; At 
the age of 12 he started working in construction with his father.&nbsp; At 
16, he worked at Jerrys Texaco Station changing tires and assisting with
 the pumps.&nbsp; In high school he became interested in Rodeo bull riding.&nbsp; 
He graduated from Littleton High School.&nbsp; He then attended two years at 
Sterling College before he started working at the Arabian Horse Registry
 in Illinois.&nbsp; Later he returned to college and got a Degree in 
Agriculture Science.&nbsp; He moved to Russell, Kansas, in 2004.

Rocky was united in marriage to Brenda Schmidtberger on October 1, 2011 in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; They made their home in Russell.

Rocky worked at the Land O Lakes where he did the rations for cattle 
feed.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and St. 
Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He was known for his 
artistic wood carvings and had Art shows at the Deines Cultural Center 
and the 4-H Building in Russell.

Rocky’s surviving family include his wife of 11 years, Brenda of the 
home; two brothers, Larry Yoder (Karen) of Hugoton, Kansas and Randy 
Yoder (Shelley) of Wauneta, Nebraska; sister, Nancy Noble (Steve) of 
Lincoln, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Rocky was preceded in death by his parents and sister Melody Burr.

Celebration of Rocky’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 
21, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.&nbsp; Cremation has taken 
place. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is
 in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679170779697.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rocky L. Yoder, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.Rocky was born November 17, 1954, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado .&nbsp; He 
was one of five children born to Wilbur and Phyllis (Bedker) Yoder.&nbsp; At 
the age of 12 he started working in construction with his father.&nbsp; At 
16, he worked at Jerrys Texaco Station changing tires and assisting with
 the pumps.&nbsp; In high school he became interested in Rodeo bull riding.&nbsp; 
He graduated from Littleton High School.&nbsp; He then attended two years at 
Sterling College before he started working at the Arabian Horse Registry
 in Illinois.&nbsp; Later he returned to college and got a Degree in 
Agriculture Science.&nbsp; He moved to Russell, Kansas, in 2004.Rocky was united in marriage to Brenda Schmidtberger on October 1, 2011 in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; They made their home in Russell.Rocky worked at the Land O Lakes where he did the rations for cattle 
feed.&nbsp; He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and St. 
Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, Kansas.&nbsp; He was known for his 
artistic wood carvings and had Art shows at the Deines Cultural Center 
and the 4-H Building in Russell.Rocky’s surviving family include his wife of 11 years, Brenda of the 
home; two brothers, Larry Yoder (Karen) of Hugoton, Kansas and Randy 
Yoder (Shelley) of Wauneta, Nebraska; sister, Nancy Noble (Steve) of 
Lincoln, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews and friends.Rocky was preceded in death by his parents and sister Melody Burr.Celebration of Rocky’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 
21, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.&nbsp; Cremation has taken 
place. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is
 in charge of these arrangements.

Rocky L. Yoder

Gordon Slater, 75, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

He
 was born November 13, 1947, on a farm in Holdrege, Nebraska. He was on 
the football, basketball and track teams in high school, where he was 
given the nickname “Shotty.” He was a dual graduate of Eustis High 
School and Elwood High School, both in Nebraska.

Gordon married Lillian Urban on October 17, 2006. She survives of the home.

He
 was a visionary in the world of computer programming and software. He 
worked for Fort Hays State University in the computer department, then 
started his own software company, AnnRay, in 1977. In 2002, he started 
ATCi, which developed emergency management mapping software.

Gordon enjoyed reading, especially history. A man with an ornery sense of humor, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Tim Slater.

Survivors
 include his wife, Lillian; children, Shawn Slater (Lesli), Troy Slater 
(Julee), Tiffani Spicer (Matt), and Brett Slater; grandchildren, Ashten,
 Kaylee, Luke, Ethan, Stephen, Drew, Ryan, and Bennett; brothers, Dr. 
Dick Slater (Judy) and Ron Slater; numerous extended family members and 
friends.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday,
 St. Peter Lutheran Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family
 will gather with friends 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679088902195.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gordon Slater, 75, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023.He
 was born November 13, 1947, on a farm in Holdrege, Nebraska. He was on 
the football, basketball and track teams in high school, where he was 
given the nickname “Shotty.” He was a dual graduate of Eustis High 
School and Elwood High School, both in Nebraska.Gordon married Lillian Urban on October 17, 2006. She survives of the home.He
 was a visionary in the world of computer programming and software. He 
worked for Fort Hays State University in the computer department, then 
started his own software company, AnnRay, in 1977. In 2002, he started 
ATCi, which developed emergency management mapping software.Gordon enjoyed reading, especially history. A man with an ornery sense of humor, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Tim Slater.Survivors
 include his wife, Lillian; children, Shawn Slater (Lesli), Troy Slater 
(Julee), Tiffani Spicer (Matt), and Brett Slater; grandchildren, Ashten,
 Kaylee, Luke, Ethan, Stephen, Drew, Ryan, and Bennett; brothers, Dr. 
Dick Slater (Judy) and Ron Slater; numerous extended family members and 
friends.Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday,
 St. Peter Lutheran Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family
 will gather with friends 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Gordon Slater

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. European Command released video Thursday of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. sought to hold Russia responsible for the collision that led to the drone's crash into the Black Sea without escalating already fraught tensions with the Kremlin.

(click the video below to watch courtesy U.S. European Command)

Poland, meanwhile, said it's giving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-poland-russia-war-jets-migs-6d843ccbd50fef5f96091a5bff8f3e01">Ukraine a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets</a>, becoming the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv's increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.

The U.S. military's declassified 42-second color footage shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 Reaper drone and releasing fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding the drone's optical instruments to drive it from the area.

On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian Su-27 that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade, according to the U.S. military, which said it then ditched the aircraft in the sea.

The video excerpt does not show the collision, although it does show the damage to the propeller.

Russia said its fighters didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver.

While calling out Russia for “reckless” action, the White House tried to strike a balance to avoid exacerbating tensions. U.S. officials said they have not been able to determine whether the Russian pilot intentionally struck the American drone and stressed that lines of communication with Moscow remain open.

“I can’t point to that video and say this is a deliberate attempt to escalate or ... tangibly bring about Putin’s false claim that this is about the West versus Russia.,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We have made clear on many occasions, we do not seek a conflict with Russia.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, now in its 13th month.

Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that an attempt would be made to recover the drone debris.

U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia retrieved the wreckage. They left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million aircraft, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep, although the U.S. does not have any ships in the area.

Russia and NATO member countries routinely intercept each other’s warplanes, but Tuesday's incident marked the first time since the Cold War that a U.S. aircraft went down during such a confrontation, raising concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.

Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights near the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders</a>&nbsp;spoke Wednesday about the destruction of the drone, underscoring the event's seriousness.

The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as well as between Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in its report of the call with Austin that Shoigu accused the U.S. of provoking the incident by ignoring flight restrictions the Kremlin had imposed because of its military operations in Ukraine. The U.S. said the drone was operating in international airspace.

The MQ-9, which has a 66-foot (20-meter) wingspan, includes a ground control station and satellite equipment. It is capable of carrying munitions, but Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, would not say whether the ditched drone had been armed.

The video's release is the latest example of the Biden administration making public intelligence findings over the course of the war. The administration has said it wants to highlight Russian malicious activity as well as plans for Russian misinformation operations so allies remain clear-eyed about Moscow’s intent.

The White House deferred to Austin on the decision to release it, with the Pentagon and President Joe Biden’s national security aides agreeing it was important to let the world see what happened, according to an administration official familiar with the decision-making process. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the deliberations, said it took time to go through the declassification process and insisted the administration was not concerned it would further escalate tensions with Russia.

Because the video does not show the actual collision, some involved in the decision to release the footage wondered whether the Russians would seize on that as proof there was no contact between the jet and the drone, according to another official familiar with the discussions about making it public. Those concerns were overcome when the Pentagon explained that the video showed the immediate aftermath and damage to the drone’s propeller, which could have come only from a collision, according to the second official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to disclose the details.

Separately, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Warsaw would give Ukraine four Soviet-made MiG-29s “within the next few days” and that the rest needed servicing and would be supplied later. The Polish word he used to describe the total number of warplanes can mean between 11 and 19.

“They are in the last years of their functioning but they are in good working condition,” Duda added. He did not say whether other countries would follow suit, although Slovakia has said it would send Ukraine its disused MiGs.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for fighter jets from the West, some NATO members — including the U.S. — have expressed hesitancy.

The White House said Poland gave the U.S. advanced notice of its decision to provide the MiGs.

Kirby, the White House spokesman, called Poland’s providing the fighter jets a sovereign decision and cheered the Poles for continuing to “punch above their weight” in assisting Kyiv, but insisted that Duda's decision would have no bearing on the U.S. president's decision, thus far, not to provide American-made F-16s.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine had several dozen MiG-29s it inherited in the 1991 demise of the Soviet Union, but it’s unclear how many remain in service.

Duda said Poland’s air force would replace the planes it gives to Ukraine with South Korean-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35s.

A crucial ally of Kyiv, Poland hosts thousands of U.S. troops and is taking in more people fleeing the war in the neighboring country than any other nation. It has suffered invasions and occupations by Russia for centuries and still fears Russia despite being a member of NATO.

Authorities in Warsaw also said the security services have detained members of a Russian espionage ring, alleging they were preparing acts of sabotage in Poland and had been monitoring railroad routes used to transport weapons into Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679049345331.png" alt="The MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade.-image from the video" />
 <figcaption>The MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade.-image from the video</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. European Command released video Thursday of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;as the U.S. sought to hold Russia responsible for the collision that led to the drone's crash into the Black Sea without escalating already fraught tensions with the Kremlin.(click the video below to watch courtesy U.S. European Command)<div><iframe src="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/876667" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" allowtransparency allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Poland, meanwhile, said it's giving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-poland-russia-war-jets-migs-6d843ccbd50fef5f96091a5bff8f3e01">Ukraine a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets</a>, becoming the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv's increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.The U.S. military's declassified 42-second color footage shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 Reaper drone and releasing fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding the drone's optical instruments to drive it from the area.On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian Su-27 that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade, according to the U.S. military, which said it then ditched the aircraft in the sea.The video excerpt does not show the collision, although it does show the damage to the propeller.Russia said its fighters didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver.While calling out Russia for “reckless” action, the White House tried to strike a balance to avoid exacerbating tensions. U.S. officials said they have not been able to determine whether the Russian pilot intentionally struck the American drone and stressed that lines of communication with Moscow remain open.“I can’t point to that video and say this is a deliberate attempt to escalate or ... tangibly bring about Putin’s false claim that this is about the West versus Russia.,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We have made clear on many occasions, we do not seek a conflict with Russia.”Russian President Vladimir Putin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, now in its 13th month.Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that an attempt would be made to recover the drone debris.U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia retrieved the wreckage. They left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million aircraft, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep, although the U.S. does not have any ships in the area.Russia and NATO member countries routinely intercept each other’s warplanes, but Tuesday's incident marked the first time since the Cold War that a U.S. aircraft went down during such a confrontation, raising concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights near the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders</a>&nbsp;spoke Wednesday about the destruction of the drone, underscoring the event's seriousness.The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as well as between Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.The Russian Defense Ministry said in its report of the call with Austin that Shoigu accused the U.S. of provoking the incident by ignoring flight restrictions the Kremlin had imposed because of its military operations in Ukraine. The U.S. said the drone was operating in international airspace.The MQ-9, which has a 66-foot (20-meter) wingspan, includes a ground control station and satellite equipment. It is capable of carrying munitions, but Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, would not say whether the ditched drone had been armed.The video's release is the latest example of the Biden administration making public intelligence findings over the course of the war. The administration has said it wants to highlight Russian malicious activity as well as plans for Russian misinformation operations so allies remain clear-eyed about Moscow’s intent.The White House deferred to Austin on the decision to release it, with the Pentagon and President Joe Biden’s national security aides agreeing it was important to let the world see what happened, according to an administration official familiar with the decision-making process. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the deliberations, said it took time to go through the declassification process and insisted the administration was not concerned it would further escalate tensions with Russia.Because the video does not show the actual collision, some involved in the decision to release the footage wondered whether the Russians would seize on that as proof there was no contact between the jet and the drone, according to another official familiar with the discussions about making it public. Those concerns were overcome when the Pentagon explained that the video showed the immediate aftermath and damage to the drone’s propeller, which could have come only from a collision, according to the second official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to disclose the details.Separately, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Warsaw would give Ukraine four Soviet-made MiG-29s “within the next few days” and that the rest needed servicing and would be supplied later. The Polish word he used to describe the total number of warplanes can mean between 11 and 19.“They are in the last years of their functioning but they are in good working condition,” Duda added. He did not say whether other countries would follow suit, although Slovakia has said it would send Ukraine its disused MiGs.While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for fighter jets from the West, some NATO members — including the U.S. — have expressed hesitancy.The White House said Poland gave the U.S. advanced notice of its decision to provide the MiGs.Kirby, the White House spokesman, called Poland’s providing the fighter jets a sovereign decision and cheered the Poles for continuing to “punch above their weight” in assisting Kyiv, but insisted that Duda's decision would have no bearing on the U.S. president's decision, thus far, not to provide American-made F-16s.Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine had several dozen MiG-29s it inherited in the 1991 demise of the Soviet Union, but it’s unclear how many remain in service.Duda said Poland’s air force would replace the planes it gives to Ukraine with South Korean-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35s.A crucial ally of Kyiv, Poland hosts thousands of U.S. troops and is taking in more people fleeing the war in the neighboring country than any other nation. It has suffered invasions and occupations by Russia for centuries and still fears Russia despite being a member of NATO.Authorities in Warsaw also said the security services have detained members of a Russian espionage ring, alleging they were preparing acts of sabotage in Poland and had been monitoring railroad routes used to transport weapons into Ukraine.___

🎥Spat between U.S., Russia over downed $32M drone escalating

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate took a first step Thursday toward repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq, pushing to end that authority as the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War.

Senators voted 68-27 to move forward on legislation that would repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted that March 2003 invasion of Iraq and also a 1991 measure that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War to expel Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's forces from Kuwait. Nineteen Republicans including Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri joined Democrats in supporting the repeal.

The bipartisan effort comes as lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, arguing that the war authorizations are no longer necessary and subject to misuse if they are left on the books. President Joe Biden has backed the push, and the White House issued a statement Thursday in support.

"Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administration's commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners," the White House said.

Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said they believe the 68 votes in support send a powerful message to Americans who believe their voice should be heard on matters of war and peace. Kaine and Young have led the push for repeal and have worked for several years on the issue.

"It is time for Congress to have its voice heard on these matters, and I believe this will establish a very important precedent moving forward," Young said.

It's unclear whether leaders in the Republican-controlled House will bring the bill up for a vote, even if it passes the Senate. Forty-nine House Republicans supported the legislation when then-majority Democrats held a vote two years ago, but current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has opposed it.

Senate Republicans are also split on the legislation. While the 19 GOP senators voted for it, opponents argue that the repeal could project weakness to U.S. enemies. They have pointed out that President Donald Trump's administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani.

The October 2002 votes to give President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion — coming just a month before the midterm elections that year — became a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat who was in the Senate at the time and voted against the resolution, said on the floor before Thursday's vote that "I look back on it, as I'm sure others do, as one of the most important votes that I ever cast."

"The repeal of this authorization of use the use of military force does not mean the United States has become a pacifist nation," Durbin said. "It means that the United States is going to be a constitutional nation and the premise of our Founding Fathers will be respected."

The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and Americans for invading Iraq by promoting false intelligence claims about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction.

After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless. But the U.S. overthrow of Iraq's security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life in Iraq for years.

Nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war. Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in the hours before the vote that he was glad that the repeal is a bipartisan effort after the Iraq conflict was the cause of "so much bitterness" in the past.

"Americans are tired of endless wars in the Middle East," Schumer said.

The Senate will consider the legislation next week, with possible amendments from both sides.

One of the amendments that could be considered would repeal a separate authorization of military force passed immediately after the 2001 attacks. It gave Bush broad authority for the invasion of Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism but did not name one country, instead broadly approving force "against those nations, organizations, or persons" that planned or aided the attacks on the U.S.

But there is less support in the Senate and Congress overall for repealing the broader authority. Biden and some lawmakers have supported replacing or revising that authorization in the future, but "not right now," Kaine said, as it is still used by the military.

In its statement of policy, the White House appeared to reference the 2001 authority, saying that Biden "remains committed to working with the Congress to ensure that outdated authorizations for the use of military force are replaced with a narrow and specific framework more appropriate to protecting Americans from modern terrorist threats."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679016319597.png" alt="Nineteen Republicans including Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri joined Democrats in supporting the repeal.CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Nineteen Republicans including Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri joined Democrats in supporting the repeal.CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate took a first step Thursday toward repealing two measures that give open-ended approval for military action in Iraq, pushing to end that authority as the United States marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War.Senators voted 68-27 to move forward on legislation that would repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted that March 2003 invasion of Iraq and also a 1991 measure that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War to expel Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's forces from Kuwait. Nineteen Republicans including Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt of Missouri joined Democrats in supporting the repeal.The bipartisan effort comes as lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, arguing that the war authorizations are no longer necessary and subject to misuse if they are left on the books. President Joe Biden has backed the push, and the White House issued a statement Thursday in support."Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administration's commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners," the White House said.Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said they believe the 68 votes in support send a powerful message to Americans who believe their voice should be heard on matters of war and peace. Kaine and Young have led the push for repeal and have worked for several years on the issue."It is time for Congress to have its voice heard on these matters, and I believe this will establish a very important precedent moving forward," Young said.It's unclear whether leaders in the Republican-controlled House will bring the bill up for a vote, even if it passes the Senate. Forty-nine House Republicans supported the legislation when then-majority Democrats held a vote two years ago, but current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has opposed it.Senate Republicans are also split on the legislation. While the 19 GOP senators voted for it, opponents argue that the repeal could project weakness to U.S. enemies. They have pointed out that President Donald Trump's administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani.The October 2002 votes to give President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion — coming just a month before the midterm elections that year — became a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat who was in the Senate at the time and voted against the resolution, said on the floor before Thursday's vote that "I look back on it, as I'm sure others do, as one of the most important votes that I ever cast.""The repeal of this authorization of use the use of military force does not mean the United States has become a pacifist nation," Durbin said. "It means that the United States is going to be a constitutional nation and the premise of our Founding Fathers will be respected."The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and Americans for invading Iraq by promoting false intelligence claims about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction.After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless. But the U.S. overthrow of Iraq's security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life in Iraq for years.Nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war. Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in the hours before the vote that he was glad that the repeal is a bipartisan effort after the Iraq conflict was the cause of "so much bitterness" in the past."Americans are tired of endless wars in the Middle East," Schumer said.The Senate will consider the legislation next week, with possible amendments from both sides.One of the amendments that could be considered would repeal a separate authorization of military force passed immediately after the 2001 attacks. It gave Bush broad authority for the invasion of Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism but did not name one country, instead broadly approving force "against those nations, organizations, or persons" that planned or aided the attacks on the U.S.But there is less support in the Senate and Congress overall for repealing the broader authority. Biden and some lawmakers have supported replacing or revising that authorization in the future, but "not right now," Kaine said, as it is still used by the military.In its statement of policy, the White House appeared to reference the 2001 authority, saying that Biden "remains committed to working with the Congress to ensure that outdated authorizations for the use of military force are replaced with a narrow and specific framework more appropriate to protecting Americans from modern terrorist threats."

Moran, Marshall vote to advance repeal of Iraq war authorization

Norman Mermis, age 80,&nbsp;of Hays, Kansas, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.

He was born on August 7, 1942, in Walker, Kansas, to Alfred and Clara (Scheck). &nbsp;He married Dorothy Ann (Younger) on October 6, 1962, in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on May 30, 2008.

Norman owned and operated Top Notch Cleaners in Hays since 1987, when he purchased for former&nbsp;owner&nbsp;Alphonse Ruder Dry Cleaning.&nbsp;During the years at Top Notch Cleaners Norman would repair&nbsp;and maintain equipment&nbsp;for area dry cleaning business.&nbsp;&nbsp; Norman and his wife Dorothy started the Hays Annual Coat Drive and now in its 27th&nbsp;year.

Prior to getting into the dry cleaning business, Norman worked at the Hadley Hospital&nbsp;operating&nbsp;the linen service department&nbsp;for 33 years. &nbsp;He attended the college&nbsp;Eastern Kentucky University receiving a degree in Laundry and Linen Care. While&nbsp;at the Hadley Hospital Norman would install ramps, railing, and hand bars for patients with&nbsp;handicap&nbsp;needs when leaving the hospital.&nbsp;

Over the years, Norman had a number of business he owned Victor Rapid Transit and U-Haul &nbsp;Service Station in Hays. &nbsp;He owned a postal mail route from Hays to Dorrance, he worked for&nbsp;Chalmer -Borton Builders installing grain elevators, worked for Bieker Construction, and had his own home repair and remodeling business for many years.&nbsp;

He grew up in Walker, attended the Walker Grade School, and was a 1960 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Columbus Council # 6984.

Survivors include his children, Norman E. “Gene” Mermis and wife, Shar, Wichita, KS; Barbara Marcotte and husband, Walter, Wichita, KS; Amy Mermis-Smith, Rick Smith,&nbsp;Hays, KS; his brother, Frank Mermis, Hays, KS; his sister, Vera Galliart, Russell, KS; his grandchildren, Riann Hand (Jordan); Brier Mermis; Morgann Mermis; Charlsie Frey (Alex); Travis Marcotte (Tiffany); Anya&nbsp;Honse&nbsp;(Cory); Andrew Marcotte (Shelby); Levi Marcotte; Amber Arnold (Nathan); Graysen Smith; Cooper Smith; and 17 great grandchildren.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Clara; his wife, Dorothy; his brothers, Alfred Mermis and Verlin Mermis; his brother-in-law, Gene Galliart; his sists-in-law, Dorita Mermis and Mary Mermis.

Mass of Christian Burial&nbsp;will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church,&nbsp;13th&nbsp;and Ash,&nbsp;Hays, Kansas&nbsp;with Father Rich Daise and Father Michael Rag Kothalamuthu HDN officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery Hays, Kansas.

A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 P.M. Friday, both at&nbsp;Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street,&nbsp;Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, and from 9:00 to&nbsp;9:45&nbsp;A.M. Saturday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Top Notch Cleaners for the ongoing Hays Annual Coat Drive in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;

Condolences can be sent via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679002114097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman Mermis, age 80,&nbsp;of Hays, Kansas, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.He was born on August 7, 1942, in Walker, Kansas, to Alfred and Clara (Scheck). &nbsp;He married Dorothy Ann (Younger) on October 6, 1962, in Hays, Kansas. &nbsp;She preceded him in death on May 30, 2008.Norman owned and operated Top Notch Cleaners in Hays since 1987, when he purchased for former&nbsp;owner&nbsp;Alphonse Ruder Dry Cleaning.&nbsp;During the years at Top Notch Cleaners Norman would repair&nbsp;and maintain equipment&nbsp;for area dry cleaning business.&nbsp;&nbsp; Norman and his wife Dorothy started the Hays Annual Coat Drive and now in its 27th&nbsp;year.Prior to getting into the dry cleaning business, Norman worked at the Hadley Hospital&nbsp;operating&nbsp;the linen service department&nbsp;for 33 years. &nbsp;He attended the college&nbsp;Eastern Kentucky University receiving a degree in Laundry and Linen Care. While&nbsp;at the Hadley Hospital Norman would install ramps, railing, and hand bars for patients with&nbsp;handicap&nbsp;needs when leaving the hospital.&nbsp;Over the years, Norman had a number of business he owned Victor Rapid Transit and U-Haul &nbsp;Service Station in Hays. &nbsp;He owned a postal mail route from Hays to Dorrance, he worked for&nbsp;Chalmer -Borton Builders installing grain elevators, worked for Bieker Construction, and had his own home repair and remodeling business for many years.&nbsp;He grew up in Walker, attended the Walker Grade School, and was a 1960 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Columbus Council # 6984.Survivors include his children, Norman E. “Gene” Mermis and wife, Shar, Wichita, KS; Barbara Marcotte and husband, Walter, Wichita, KS; Amy Mermis-Smith, Rick Smith,&nbsp;Hays, KS; his brother, Frank Mermis, Hays, KS; his sister, Vera Galliart, Russell, KS; his grandchildren, Riann Hand (Jordan); Brier Mermis; Morgann Mermis; Charlsie Frey (Alex); Travis Marcotte (Tiffany); Anya&nbsp;Honse&nbsp;(Cory); Andrew Marcotte (Shelby); Levi Marcotte; Amber Arnold (Nathan); Graysen Smith; Cooper Smith; and 17 great grandchildren.Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Clara; his wife, Dorothy; his brothers, Alfred Mermis and Verlin Mermis; his brother-in-law, Gene Galliart; his sists-in-law, Dorita Mermis and Mary Mermis.Mass of Christian Burial&nbsp;will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church,&nbsp;13th&nbsp;and Ash,&nbsp;Hays, Kansas&nbsp;with Father Rich Daise and Father Michael Rag Kothalamuthu HDN officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery Hays, Kansas.A vigil service will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 P.M. Friday, both at&nbsp;Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd&nbsp;Street,&nbsp;Hays, Kansas 67601.Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, and from 9:00 to&nbsp;9:45&nbsp;A.M. Saturday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.The family suggests memorials made payable to: Top Notch Cleaners for the ongoing Hays Annual Coat Drive in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Condolences can be sent via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

Norman Mermis

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The stakes are higher in Ohio this year for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness</a>&nbsp;— and not just because it's a regional host for the first round of the men's NCAA basketball tournament.

For the first time, Ohio sports fans can click on a mobile app or tap into kiosks at bars, restaurants or grocery stores and legally bet on the famed tournament.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-betting-dodge-city-3dd926041924c63c3cdbf4ba950b1d98">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sports-betting-addiction-mobile-massachusetts-2a82643a86d6d17a42a1e52c27215854">Massachusetts</a>&nbsp;and Maryland also are new additions to the world of online sports betting since the NCAA tournament last tipped off. A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer at least some form of sports wagering — each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nv-state-wire-north-america-courts-supreme-courts-gambling-industry-f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4">the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it</a>&nbsp;nearly five years ago.

Ohio got off to a booming start when it launched sports betting in January. In its first month, Ohio bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-sports-betting-gambling-acedf48f0a29188936c9f95a16d4ca7a">wagered more than $1.1 billion</a>, generating more than $20 million in state tax revenue. That nearly tripled the revenue amount that legislative analysts had projected for the entire first six months of operation. But no one's blaming them for missing the mark.

“They couldn’t know how big of a market we were going to have on day one,” said Jessica Franks, communications director at the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Whereas some states started with limited in-person sports betting and gradually added mobile apps, Ohio began more aggressively — simultaneously launching numerous mobile options and retail locations. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is now proposing to double the tax rate on sports betting.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d09a306184914ed28c402251176cec8d">New York began allowing sports betting</a>&nbsp;in 2019, but only in person at four upstate casinos, limiting the market. Betting boomed when the state began allowing people to make sports bets through cell phones and computers in January 2022. In the first month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-business-football-new-york-new-jersey-5dd240f1375493c5c08066ec74034890">more than $1.6 billion was wagered</a>&nbsp;through online sports betting, compared to just $15 million through in-person sports bets at casinos.

New York charges a 51% tax on revenue from mobile sports betting — a far higher rate than other states — with most revenue going to education. Budget officials originally projected that mobile sports betting would generate $357 million in state tax revenue for the 2023 fiscal year, which ends March 31. Bettors have blown that away. Through February, mobile sports betting had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gaming.ny.gov/pdf/mobile/Monthly%20Mobile%20Sports%20Wagering%20Report%20Statewide.pdf">generated $661 million of tax revenue</a>&nbsp;for education.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., who advocated for sports betting as chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, said even he is amazed at the results.

“There is an appetite, certainly, to do sports betting with a mobile device," Addabbo said.

New York and Ohio both have large populations and multiple professional sports teams to help drive interest in sports betting.

Arkansas, a much smaller state without major league sports teams, began in-person sports betting at casinos in July 2019. Things really took off last year when it launched mobile sports betting. State figures show nearly $3 million was wagered on this year's Super Bowl — more than three times the annual amount before mobile betting was allowed.

State officials expect people from neighboring states to cross into Arkansas to bet on March Madness.

“We will be surprised if March doesn’t set a new monthly record for sports betting in the state,” said Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Other states also have exceeded expectations for sports betting revenues.

Indiana's sports wagering taxes topped $31 million in the 2022 fiscal year — well more than&nbsp;<a href="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/house/1015#document-e379226d">the $12 million projection</a>&nbsp;when lawmakers authorized it in 2019. New Hampshire's tax take of nearly $24 million from sports betting easily doubled its original projection for the 2022 fiscal year.

But not every state is banking as many bucks as projected from sports betting.

Legislative analysts in Montana, which allows sports bets only from online networks inside bars and casinos, had anticipated that $79 million of bets would be cast last fiscal year, generating $4.8 million of state tax revenue. The actual results were about half that — $2.4 million of state tax revenue from about $45 million of sports bets.

Connecticut received less than $20 million in sports betting taxes in the first 16 months since wagering began in October 2021. Legislative analysts had projected $21 million in its first full fiscal year.

Nationwide, legal sports betting has generated more than $3 billion in state and federal taxes since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing it, according to the American Gaming Association. It's producing about three-quarters of what eventually could be expected from a fully mature market.

The debate about sports betting has shifted from "`Is this something we should consider?' to 'How should we go about doing this in a way that best serves our constituencies?’” said Casey Clark, the association's senior vice president.

The prospects for sports betting to expand into more states this year appear mixed.

A bill legalizing sports betting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-gambling-legalized-betting-wagering-kentucky-8031ecb4f4568769eb4d22b6fc1201b6">passed the Kentucky House</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-gambling-legalized-betting-kentucky-legislature-5d51206d19c953e173c5036f92d9bb61">advanced Wednesday to the Senate</a>&nbsp;but still faces a high hurdle. Similar bills have died in the past in the Senate, and this year's version would a need three-fifths vote to pass.

Supporters also are taking another run at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-minnesota-state-government-business-72906b8d372a2e1b9c7da3bcfd5005e1">a sports betting bill in Minnesota</a>&nbsp;and various other states.

In Missouri, attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate over whether to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.

In Georgia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gambling-gaming-sports-betting-georgia-51ba7da58835cf3ae47bf3dc67eb9324">sports betting bills have stalled</a>&nbsp;amid debate about whether a constitutional amendment is needed, how to spend the potential tax revenue and whether to pair sports betting with the legalization of casinos and horse racing tracks.

The three most populous states — California, Texas and Florida — all currently lack online sports betting. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which received exclusive state rights to run sports betting,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-business-florida-district-of-columbia-sports-betting-c1eaff80b40aeea9d243abeb5d760e01">shut down its online app</a>&nbsp;in December 2021 after federal courts ruled it violated a rule requiring people to be physically present on tribal land when wagering.

After the most expensive ballot issue battle in U.S. history, California voters last November rejected a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-sports-business-california-7552c76ea151ba145e8c85ee7b277838">rival sports betting initiatives</a>&nbsp;backed by Native American tribes and the gambling industry. Supporters are likely to try again, though it's unclear when that might occur.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678989435605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —The stakes are higher in Ohio this year for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness</a>&nbsp;— and not just because it's a regional host for the first round of the men's NCAA basketball tournament.For the first time, Ohio sports fans can click on a mobile app or tap into kiosks at bars, restaurants or grocery stores and legally bet on the famed tournament.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-betting-dodge-city-3dd926041924c63c3cdbf4ba950b1d98">Kansas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sports-betting-addiction-mobile-massachusetts-2a82643a86d6d17a42a1e52c27215854">Massachusetts</a>&nbsp;and Maryland also are new additions to the world of online sports betting since the NCAA tournament last tipped off. A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer at least some form of sports wagering — each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nv-state-wire-north-america-courts-supreme-courts-gambling-industry-f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4">the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it</a>&nbsp;nearly five years ago.Ohio got off to a booming start when it launched sports betting in January. In its first month, Ohio bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-sports-betting-gambling-acedf48f0a29188936c9f95a16d4ca7a">wagered more than $1.1 billion</a>, generating more than $20 million in state tax revenue. That nearly tripled the revenue amount that legislative analysts had projected for the entire first six months of operation. But no one's blaming them for missing the mark.“They couldn’t know how big of a market we were going to have on day one,” said Jessica Franks, communications director at the Ohio Casino Control Commission.Whereas some states started with limited in-person sports betting and gradually added mobile apps, Ohio began more aggressively — simultaneously launching numerous mobile options and retail locations. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is now proposing to double the tax rate on sports betting.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d09a306184914ed28c402251176cec8d">New York began allowing sports betting</a>&nbsp;in 2019, but only in person at four upstate casinos, limiting the market. Betting boomed when the state began allowing people to make sports bets through cell phones and computers in January 2022. In the first month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-business-football-new-york-new-jersey-5dd240f1375493c5c08066ec74034890">more than $1.6 billion was wagered</a>&nbsp;through online sports betting, compared to just $15 million through in-person sports bets at casinos.New York charges a 51% tax on revenue from mobile sports betting — a far higher rate than other states — with most revenue going to education. Budget officials originally projected that mobile sports betting would generate $357 million in state tax revenue for the 2023 fiscal year, which ends March 31. Bettors have blown that away. Through February, mobile sports betting had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gaming.ny.gov/pdf/mobile/Monthly%20Mobile%20Sports%20Wagering%20Report%20Statewide.pdf">generated $661 million of tax revenue</a>&nbsp;for education.State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., who advocated for sports betting as chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, said even he is amazed at the results.“There is an appetite, certainly, to do sports betting with a mobile device," Addabbo said.New York and Ohio both have large populations and multiple professional sports teams to help drive interest in sports betting.Arkansas, a much smaller state without major league sports teams, began in-person sports betting at casinos in July 2019. Things really took off last year when it launched mobile sports betting. State figures show nearly $3 million was wagered on this year's Super Bowl — more than three times the annual amount before mobile betting was allowed.State officials expect people from neighboring states to cross into Arkansas to bet on March Madness.“We will be surprised if March doesn’t set a new monthly record for sports betting in the state,” said Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.Other states also have exceeded expectations for sports betting revenues.Indiana's sports wagering taxes topped $31 million in the 2022 fiscal year — well more than&nbsp;<a href="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/house/1015#document-e379226d">the $12 million projection</a>&nbsp;when lawmakers authorized it in 2019. New Hampshire's tax take of nearly $24 million from sports betting easily doubled its original projection for the 2022 fiscal year.But not every state is banking as many bucks as projected from sports betting.Legislative analysts in Montana, which allows sports bets only from online networks inside bars and casinos, had anticipated that $79 million of bets would be cast last fiscal year, generating $4.8 million of state tax revenue. The actual results were about half that — $2.4 million of state tax revenue from about $45 million of sports bets.Connecticut received less than $20 million in sports betting taxes in the first 16 months since wagering began in October 2021. Legislative analysts had projected $21 million in its first full fiscal year.Nationwide, legal sports betting has generated more than $3 billion in state and federal taxes since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing it, according to the American Gaming Association. It's producing about three-quarters of what eventually could be expected from a fully mature market.The debate about sports betting has shifted from "`Is this something we should consider?' to 'How should we go about doing this in a way that best serves our constituencies?’” said Casey Clark, the association's senior vice president.The prospects for sports betting to expand into more states this year appear mixed.A bill legalizing sports betting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-gambling-legalized-betting-wagering-kentucky-8031ecb4f4568769eb4d22b6fc1201b6">passed the Kentucky House</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-gambling-legalized-betting-kentucky-legislature-5d51206d19c953e173c5036f92d9bb61">advanced Wednesday to the Senate</a>&nbsp;but still faces a high hurdle. Similar bills have died in the past in the Senate, and this year's version would a need three-fifths vote to pass.Supporters also are taking another run at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-minnesota-state-government-business-72906b8d372a2e1b9c7da3bcfd5005e1">a sports betting bill in Minnesota</a>&nbsp;and various other states.In Missouri, attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate over whether to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.In Georgia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gambling-gaming-sports-betting-georgia-51ba7da58835cf3ae47bf3dc67eb9324">sports betting bills have stalled</a>&nbsp;amid debate about whether a constitutional amendment is needed, how to spend the potential tax revenue and whether to pair sports betting with the legalization of casinos and horse racing tracks.The three most populous states — California, Texas and Florida — all currently lack online sports betting. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which received exclusive state rights to run sports betting,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-business-florida-district-of-columbia-sports-betting-c1eaff80b40aeea9d243abeb5d760e01">shut down its online app</a>&nbsp;in December 2021 after federal courts ruled it violated a rule requiring people to be physically present on tribal land when wagering.After the most expensive ballot issue battle in U.S. history, California voters last November rejected a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-sports-business-california-7552c76ea151ba145e8c85ee7b277838">rival sports betting initiatives</a>&nbsp;backed by Native American tribes and the gambling industry. Supporters are likely to try again, though it's unclear when that might occur.

Mobile sports bets booming in some states as others shy away

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Pentagon on Thursday released footage of what it said was a Russian aircraft pouring fuel on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;and clipping the drone's propeller in international airspace over the Black Sea.

The 42-second video shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding its optical instruments and driving it out of the area.

On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian fighter that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging one blade, according to the U.S. military.

The U.S. military said it ditched the MQ-9 Reaper in the sea after what it described as the Russian fighter making an unsafe intercept of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

The video excerpt released by the Pentagon does not show events before or after the apparent fuel-dumping confrontation.

Russia said its warplanes didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver over the sea.

Asked Thursday if Russia would try to recover the drone debris, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the decision was up to the military. “If they consider it necessary to do so in the Black Sea for the benefit of our interests and our security, they will do it,” he said.

Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that Moscow would try to recover the drone fragments.

U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia managed to retrieve the wreckage.

While intercept attempts are not uncommon, the incident amid the war in Ukraine has raised concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.

Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights close to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders</a>&nbsp;spoke Wednesday about the encounter over the Black Sea, underscoring its seriousness.

The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in its report of the call with Austin that Shoigu accused the U.S. of provoking the incident by ignoring flight restrictions the Kremlin had imposed because of its military operations in Ukraine.

The Kremlin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, which is now in its 13th month.

Russia also blamed “the intensification of intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation,” the Defense Ministry said.

Such U.S. actions “are fraught with escalation of the situation in the Black Sea area,” the ministry said, warning that Moscow “will respond in kind to all provocations.”

Sergei Aksenov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, said he thinks Russia should act even more forcefully to put an end the U.S. surveillance flights in the area.

“I personally think that our response in such situations should be tougher,” Aksenov said on his messaging app channel. “We realize that attempted attacks on Crimea have been launched with Americans’ guidance. In fact, they are a warring party.”

Ryder said the incident occurred at 7:03 a.m. Central European time (0603 GMT; 2:03 a.m. EST) over international waters, and well clear of Ukraine, after the Russian jets had flown in the vicinity of the drone for 30 to 40 minutes.

There did not appear to be any communications between the aircraft before the collision, Ryder added.

The U.S. has not recovered the crashed drone, U.S. Air Forces-Europe said in a statement, and neither has Russia, Ryder said. Russian officials said Wednesday that they would try to salvage fragments of the MQ-9 from the Black Sea.

U.S. officials have left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million drone, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep.

Other U.S. officials said the U.S. does not have military ships in the region likely won't attempt to recover the wreckage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678968513854.png" alt="This photo taken from video released on Thursday, March 16, 2023, shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, over the Black Sea, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon has released footage of what it says is a Russian aircraft conducting an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone in international airspace over the Black Sea. (US Department of Defense via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This photo taken from video released on Thursday, March 16, 2023, shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, over the Black Sea, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon has released footage of what it says is a Russian aircraft conducting an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone in international airspace over the Black Sea. (US Department of Defense via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Pentagon on Thursday released footage of what it said was a Russian aircraft pouring fuel on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone</a>&nbsp;and clipping the drone's propeller in international airspace over the Black Sea.(click the video below to watch courtesy U.S. European Command)<div><iframe src="https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/876667" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" allowtransparency allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The 42-second video shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 drone and beginning to release fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding its optical instruments and driving it out of the area.On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian fighter that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging one blade, according to the U.S. military.The U.S. military said it ditched the MQ-9 Reaper in the sea after what it described as the Russian fighter making an unsafe intercept of the unmanned aerial vehicle.The video excerpt released by the Pentagon does not show events before or after the apparent fuel-dumping confrontation.Russia said its warplanes didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver over the sea.Asked Thursday if Russia would try to recover the drone debris, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the decision was up to the military. “If they consider it necessary to do so in the Black Sea for the benefit of our interests and our security, they will do it,” he said.Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that Moscow would try to recover the drone fragments.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Austin: &quot;I just got off the phone with my Russian counterpart, Minister Shoigu. As I&#39;ve said repeatedly, it&#39;s important that great powers be models of transparency and communication.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LPqwdCiPnP">pic.twitter.com/LPqwdCiPnP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1636073165540544512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia managed to retrieve the wreckage.While intercept attempts are not uncommon, the incident amid the war in Ukraine has raised concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights close to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders</a>&nbsp;spoke Wednesday about the encounter over the Black Sea, underscoring its seriousness.The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.The Russian Defense Ministry said in its report of the call with Austin that Shoigu accused the U.S. of provoking the incident by ignoring flight restrictions the Kremlin had imposed because of its military operations in Ukraine.The Kremlin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, which is now in its 13th month.Russia also blamed “the intensification of intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation,” the Defense Ministry said.Such U.S. actions “are fraught with escalation of the situation in the Black Sea area,” the ministry said, warning that Moscow “will respond in kind to all provocations.”Sergei Aksenov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, said he thinks Russia should act even more forcefully to put an end the U.S. surveillance flights in the area.“I personally think that our response in such situations should be tougher,” Aksenov said on his messaging app channel. “We realize that attempted attacks on Crimea have been launched with Americans’ guidance. In fact, they are a warring party.”The MQ-9, which has a 66-foot (20-meter) wingspan, includes a ground control station and satellite equipment. It is capable of carrying munitions, but Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, would not say whether the ditched drone had been armed.Ryder said the incident occurred at 7:03 a.m. Central European time (0603 GMT; 2:03 a.m. EST) over international waters, and well clear of Ukraine, after the Russian jets had flown in the vicinity of the drone for 30 to 40 minutes.There did not appear to be any communications between the aircraft before the collision, Ryder added.The U.S. has not recovered the crashed drone, U.S. Air Forces-Europe said in a statement, and neither has Russia, Ryder said. Russian officials said Wednesday that they would try to salvage fragments of the MQ-9 from the Black Sea.U.S. officials have left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million drone, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep.Other U.S. officials said the U.S. does not have military ships in the region likely won't attempt to recover the wreckage.___

🎥 Video shows Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on U.S. drone

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia wants to recover the fragments of a U.S. surveillance drone that American forces brought down in the Black Sea after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">encounter with a Russian fighter jet</a>, a Russian security official said Wednesday.&nbsp;

Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, claimed in televised remarks that Tuesday's incident was “another confirmation” of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. He said Russia planned to search for the drone's debris.

“I don’t know if we can recover them or not, but we will certainly have to do that, and we will deal with it,” Patrushev said. “I certainly hope for success.”&nbsp;The downed $32 million U.S. drone, which contains sensitive technology, has not been recovered. However, U.S. officials said Russia has already sent ships to the area and attempted to recover pieces of the drone.

&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he spoke to his Russian counterpart on Wednesday about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">destruction of a U.S. drone</a>&nbsp;over the Black Sea, which had brought the two countries closest to direct conflict since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine a year ago. It was the first call between Austin and Defense Secretary Sergei Shoigu since October.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the drone was flying in international airspace and over international waters when a Russian fighter jet struck the propeller of the MQ-Reaper drone.&nbsp;Each Reaper costs about $32 million.

U.S. officials accused Russia of attempting to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle, although its presence over the Black Sea was not an uncommon occurrence.

“It is also not uncommon for the Russians to try to intercept them,” Kirby said, adding that such an encounter “does increase the risk of miscalculations, misunderstandings.”

Kirby said the drone had not yet been recovered and it was unclear whether it would be, but the U.S. “took steps to protect the information and to protect, to minimize any effort by anybody else to exploit that drone for useful content.”

Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said Russia has the technological capability to recover the drone’s fragments from deep in the Black Sea.

Earlier Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement that Russian jets didn’t use their weapons or impact the U.S. drone.

Peskov described U.S.-Russia relations as being at their lowest point but added that “Russia has never rejected a constructive dialogue, and it’s not rejecting it now.”

At the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the intercept by the Russian jet was part of a “pattern of aggressive, risky and unsafe actions by Russian pilots in international airspace.” He said Russia must operate its aircraft in a safe manner.

“Make no mistake, the United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows,” Austin said in opening remarks before a virtual meeting of a U.S.-led effort to coordinate Western military support for Ukraine.

While encounters between Russian and NATO aircraft are not unusual — before the invasion of Ukraine, NATO planes were involved in an annual average of 400 intercepts with Russian planes — the war has heightened the significance and potential hazards of such incidents.

“The last thing that we want, certainly the last thing that anybody should want, is for this war in Ukraine to escalate to become something between the United States and Russia, to have this actually ... expand beyond that,” Kirby said, speaking Wednesday on CNN.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted Wednesday that the drone incident was "a signal from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin that he is ready to expand the conflict zone, with drawing other parties in.”

Separately, the U.K. defense ministry said British and German air force fighter jets were scrambled Tuesday to intercept a Russian aircraft flying close to Estonian airspace. The U.K. and Germany are conducting joint air policing missions in Estonia as part of NATO’s bolstering of its eastern flank.

The defense ministry said the Typhoon jets responded after a Russian air-to-air refueling aircraft failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. The Russian plane did not enter the airspace of Estonia, a NATO member.

On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting ground on. At least three civilians were killed and another 23 wounded in the country by Russian strikes over the previous 24 hours, Ukraine's presidential office said Wednesday morning.

In eastern Ukraine's partially occupied Donetsk province, where much of the heaviest fighting has been concentrated, Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said a total of 14 cities and villages were shelled. That included Kramatorsk, a city where some of Ukraine's military forces are based.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-advance-stalls-ukraine-war-bakhmut-4fc52f849e404265a74509e7e14795f8">In embattled Bakhmut</a>, where Russian forces have pressed a months-long assault to capture the city, Ukrainian forces have successfully fought for northern parts of the city, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said.

“There are certain and significant successes of the armed forces of Ukraine who were able to achieve something in the north of the city,” Maliar told Ukrainian television. “Bakhmut is the epicenter (of fighting in the Donestk region), the Russian occupiers are tryng to encircle and seize the city.”

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, one person was killed and another was wounded in Vovchansk, a city near the border with Russia that is regularly shelled. Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces also hit a civilian area of Kharkiv itself, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

“There is no military or infrastructure facility in the vicinity of the place of the strike,” Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. “Only residential buildings and urban infrastructure.”

Speaking on Ukrainian television, Terekhov said a boarding school, where only employees were present, had been damaged, as well as an apartment building. No casualties were immediately reported.

In the south, Russian forces shelled the city of Kherson seven times in the last 24 hours, hitting an infrastructure facility and residential buildings and wounding four people. In Dnipropetrovsk province, Russian forces shelled Nikopol and Marhanets, towns located across a river from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678906088937.png" alt="During a news conference Wednesday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley said the U.S. knows where the drone landed in the Black Sea" />
 <figcaption>During a news conference Wednesday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley said the U.S. knows where the drone landed in the Black Sea</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia wants to recover the fragments of a U.S. surveillance drone that American forces brought down in the Black Sea after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk-peace-plan-fde09a8ea4d9b692637ad8f76cd05f3a">encounter with a Russian fighter jet</a>, a Russian security official said Wednesday.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Austin: &quot;I just got off the phone with my Russian counterpart, Minister Shoigu. As I&#39;ve said repeatedly, it&#39;s important that great powers be models of transparency and communication.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LPqwdCiPnP">pic.twitter.com/LPqwdCiPnP</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1636073165540544512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, claimed in televised remarks that Tuesday's incident was “another confirmation” of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. He said Russia planned to search for the drone's debris.“I don’t know if we can recover them or not, but we will certainly have to do that, and we will deal with it,” Patrushev said. “I certainly hope for success.”&nbsp;The downed $32 million U.S. drone, which contains sensitive technology, has not been recovered. However, U.S. officials said Russia has already sent ships to the area and attempted to recover pieces of the drone.&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he spoke to his Russian counterpart on Wednesday about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-drone-pentagon-9f4b3e8fdd719c0fa91a0683228b9e51">destruction of a U.S. drone</a>&nbsp;over the Black Sea, which had brought the two countries closest to direct conflict since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine a year ago. It was the first call between Austin and Defense Secretary Sergei Shoigu since October.U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the drone was flying in international airspace and over international waters when a Russian fighter jet struck the propeller of the MQ-Reaper drone.&nbsp;Each Reaper costs about $32 million.U.S. officials accused Russia of attempting to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle, although its presence over the Black Sea was not an uncommon occurrence.“It is also not uncommon for the Russians to try to intercept them,” Kirby said, adding that such an encounter “does increase the risk of miscalculations, misunderstandings.”Kirby said the drone had not yet been recovered and it was unclear whether it would be, but the U.S. “took steps to protect the information and to protect, to minimize any effort by anybody else to exploit that drone for useful content.”Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said Russia has the technological capability to recover the drone’s fragments from deep in the Black Sea.Earlier Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement that Russian jets didn’t use their weapons or impact the U.S. drone.Peskov described U.S.-Russia relations as being at their lowest point but added that “Russia has never rejected a constructive dialogue, and it’s not rejecting it now.”At the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the intercept by the Russian jet was part of a “pattern of aggressive, risky and unsafe actions by Russian pilots in international airspace.” He said Russia must operate its aircraft in a safe manner.“Make no mistake, the United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows,” Austin said in opening remarks before a virtual meeting of a U.S.-led effort to coordinate Western military support for Ukraine.While encounters between Russian and NATO aircraft are not unusual — before the invasion of Ukraine, NATO planes were involved in an annual average of 400 intercepts with Russian planes — the war has heightened the significance and potential hazards of such incidents.“The last thing that we want, certainly the last thing that anybody should want, is for this war in Ukraine to escalate to become something between the United States and Russia, to have this actually ... expand beyond that,” Kirby said, speaking Wednesday on CNN.The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, tweeted Wednesday that the drone incident was "a signal from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin that he is ready to expand the conflict zone, with drawing other parties in.”Separately, the U.K. defense ministry said British and German air force fighter jets were scrambled Tuesday to intercept a Russian aircraft flying close to Estonian airspace. The U.K. and Germany are conducting joint air policing missions in Estonia as part of NATO’s bolstering of its eastern flank.The defense ministry said the Typhoon jets responded after a Russian air-to-air refueling aircraft failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. The Russian plane did not enter the airspace of Estonia, a NATO member.On the ground in Ukraine, the fighting ground on. At least three civilians were killed and another 23 wounded in the country by Russian strikes over the previous 24 hours, Ukraine's presidential office said Wednesday morning.In eastern Ukraine's partially occupied Donetsk province, where much of the heaviest fighting has been concentrated, Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said a total of 14 cities and villages were shelled. That included Kramatorsk, a city where some of Ukraine's military forces are based.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-advance-stalls-ukraine-war-bakhmut-4fc52f849e404265a74509e7e14795f8">In embattled Bakhmut</a>, where Russian forces have pressed a months-long assault to capture the city, Ukrainian forces have successfully fought for northern parts of the city, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said.“There are certain and significant successes of the armed forces of Ukraine who were able to achieve something in the north of the city,” Maliar told Ukrainian television. “Bakhmut is the epicenter (of fighting in the Donestk region), the Russian occupiers are tryng to encircle and seize the city.”In the northeastern Kharkiv region, one person was killed and another was wounded in Vovchansk, a city near the border with Russia that is regularly shelled. Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces also hit a civilian area of Kharkiv itself, Ukraine’s second-largest city.“There is no military or infrastructure facility in the vicinity of the place of the strike,” Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. “Only residential buildings and urban infrastructure.”Speaking on Ukrainian television, Terekhov said a boarding school, where only employees were present, had been damaged, as well as an apartment building. No casualties were immediately reported.In the south, Russian forces shelled the city of Kherson seven times in the last 24 hours, hitting an infrastructure facility and residential buildings and wounding four people. In Dnipropetrovsk province, Russian forces shelled Nikopol and Marhanets, towns located across a river from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

🎥Russia wants debris from $32M U.S. drone it forced down

Cecelia&nbsp;Charollette&nbsp;Bird was born on June 24, 1940, in Grainfield, KS, to John C and Myrtle M. (Bartop) Schmidt, she passed away on March 6, 2023, at Gove County Medical Center at the age of 82.&nbsp;

Cecelia was united in marriage to Eldon Bird on December 9, 1957, in Salina, KS. and enjoyed 62 of marriage up until Eldon passed away on October 20, 2020. To this union, they had two sons, Gregory and Mitchell Bird.

Cecelia liked to cook, bake, sew, crochet, read books, embroidery, and collect antiques. For 25 years Cecelia helped own and operate the grocery store "Quinter Superette" in Quinter, KS.&nbsp;

She is survived by two sons, Gregory and Mitchell Bird, Quinter, KS; and sister Ruth Goff, Ulysses, KS.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Gloria&nbsp;Fellhoelter&nbsp;and Leona Tuttle.&nbsp;

Memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main, Quinter, KS&nbsp; 67752.

No services are planned at this time.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678901353256.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cecelia&nbsp;Charollette&nbsp;Bird was born on June 24, 1940, in Grainfield, KS, to John C and Myrtle M. (Bartop) Schmidt, she passed away on March 6, 2023, at Gove County Medical Center at the age of 82.&nbsp;Cecelia was united in marriage to Eldon Bird on December 9, 1957, in Salina, KS. and enjoyed 62 of marriage up until Eldon passed away on October 20, 2020. To this union, they had two sons, Gregory and Mitchell Bird.Cecelia liked to cook, bake, sew, crochet, read books, embroidery, and collect antiques. For 25 years Cecelia helped own and operate the grocery store "Quinter Superette" in Quinter, KS.&nbsp;She is survived by two sons, Gregory and Mitchell Bird, Quinter, KS; and sister Ruth Goff, Ulysses, KS.Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Gloria&nbsp;Fellhoelter&nbsp;and Leona Tuttle.&nbsp;Memorial contributions are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main, Quinter, KS&nbsp; 67752.No services are planned at this time.&nbsp;