COLBY — Colby Community College received a $10,000 gift from the Thomas County Foundation to be used for the agricultural center on campus. Foundation Director Jada Tubbs made the presentation Wednesday night at halftime of the Trojans men's basketball game.

"On behalf of TCCF, I would like to express our excitement for the new Agricultural Center," Tubbs said. "Our board agrees this is a worthwhile&nbsp;cause to fund and looks forward to its completion."

Construction began in October on the 12,400-square-foot facility and is expected to open in time for the fall 2023 semester. 

Details are available at<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/ag-future" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/ag-future.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670360917911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College received a $10,000 gift from the Thomas County Foundation to be used for the agricultural center on campus. Foundation Director Jada Tubbs made the presentation Wednesday night at halftime of the Trojans men's basketball game."On behalf of TCCF, I would like to express our excitement for the new Agricultural Center," Tubbs said. "Our board agrees this is a worthwhile&nbsp;cause to fund and looks forward to its completion."Construction began in October on the 12,400-square-foot facility and is expected to open in time for the fall 2023 semester. Details are available at<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/ag-future" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/ag-future.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thomas County Foundation helps new Colby CC ag facility

Georgia Myra (Manche) (Bray) Slonaker, 80, of Nickerson, died 
December 3, 2022, at her home. She was born October 4, 1942, in 
Hutchinson, to R.C. and Ava L. (Britton) Pitchford.

Myra was a devoted mother who enjoyed time spent with her family. She
 also enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting, cooking, and floral arranging — at one time owning her own floral shop.

Myra is survived by: her children, Ava Manche of Colorado, Sandy 
Bowlby and husband Jerry of Burrton, Kenny Manche and wife Pamela of 
Hutchinson, Shelly Stephens and husband David of Arkansas, Sonny Bray of
 Hutchinson, Mark Bray and wife Sarah of Hoisington; 15 grandchildren; 
17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Pitchford of Hutchinson, Mandean 
Pitchford and wife Barbara of South Hutchinson, RC Pitchford, Jimmy 
Pitchford; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Terry Manche Jr.; 
daughter, Kim Clark; sisters, Betty Obee, Carol Prebble Faye Reed; and 
brother, Don Paige.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at First Christian Church, 15 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating.

Memorials may be made to Myra Slonaker Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670622994344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Georgia Myra (Manche) (Bray) Slonaker, 80, of Nickerson, died 
December 3, 2022, at her home. She was born October 4, 1942, in 
Hutchinson, to R.C. and Ava L. (Britton) Pitchford.Myra was a devoted mother who enjoyed time spent with her family. She
 also enjoyed sewing, crafting, painting, cooking, and floral arranging — at one time owning her own floral shop.Myra is survived by: her children, Ava Manche of Colorado, Sandy 
Bowlby and husband Jerry of Burrton, Kenny Manche and wife Pamela of 
Hutchinson, Shelly Stephens and husband David of Arkansas, Sonny Bray of
 Hutchinson, Mark Bray and wife Sarah of Hoisington; 15 grandchildren; 
17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Pitchford of Hutchinson, Mandean 
Pitchford and wife Barbara of South Hutchinson, RC Pitchford, Jimmy 
Pitchford; and many extended family members.She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Terry Manche Jr.; 
daughter, Kim Clark; sisters, Betty Obee, Carol Prebble Faye Reed; and 
brother, Don Paige.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at First Christian Church, 15 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating.Memorials may be made to Myra Slonaker Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Georgia Myra Slonaker

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — There is no 
statute of limitations in homicide cases. That's how, on Thursday, 
68-year-old Steven L. Hanks was arrested on second-degree murder charges
 from the death of Mary Robin Walter, stemming back nearly 43 years. 
Friday morning, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Barton County 
Attorney Levi Morris, and various other law enforcement officers held a 
press conference at the Barton County Courthouse to discuss the case. 

"At
 42 years and 10 months, we believe this is the oldest homicide arrest 
in the state of Kansas," Bellendir said. "It may be one of the oldest 
homicide arrests in the United States. This also clears the last known 
homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton
 County Sheriff's Office."

Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 1980, deputies responded to a
 possible homicide call in the Nelson Trailer Park, lot nine, near what 
is now Southwest 40th Avenue and Anchorway. 

"Upon arrival, 
deputies and investigators located the body of a female victim who had 
been shot multiple times," said Bellendir. "The victim was identified as
 Mary Robin Walter, who lived at the residence. Walter was 23 years of 
age at the time, married with one child. She was a nursing student at 
Barton County Community College."

Bellendir said an extensive 
investigation was conducted at the time, and Hanks was developed as a 
person of interest in the case. However, law enforcement lacked the 
evidence needed to submit the case for prosecution.

In April 2022, Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was recovering from COVID-19 when
 he re-opened the case. "After taking a fresh look at the case, it 
became evident that some of the information had been initially 
overlooked, and some had been added at a later date," Bellendir said. 
"This was unknown to the original investigators."

Bellendir 
assigned additional detectives Alex Lomas and Bryan Volkel, as well as 
Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze to the case. Lt. David Paden supervised the 
operation as the deputies had time. The officers tracked down numerous 
individuals who had been involved in the case in the 1980s, reaching as 
far as the Pacific Northwest.

"In October of this year, new 
evidence was obtained that allowed the sheriff's office to submit the 
case to the Barton County Attorney, Mr. Levi Morris, for review," 
Bellendir said. "After approximately four weeks of review, Mr. Morris 
obtained an arrest for murder in the second degree, and the arrest of 
Steven L. Hanks, age 68, of Burden. Hanks was a neighbor to the victim 
at the time of the homicide."

Hanks was arrested by Kansas Bureau 
of Investigation agents Thursday evening in Oxford and turned over to 
the Barton County Sheriff's Office for transportation back to Great 
Bend. He is currently being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond. 

Morris
 said Hanks could make his first appearance in front of a district court
 judge as early as Friday afternoon or sometime Monday. The next step 
will be a preliminary hearing for the second-degree murder charge.

"The
 facts that we know, and believe they are, and believe we can prove in 
court fit that charge rather than any charges higher or lower," Morris 
said. "That can change either to be higher or lower at the preliminary 
hearing or at any time close to trial."

Bellendir was pleased to bring a level of closure to the case after 
42 years.&nbsp;

"Homicides are never closed," he said. "As long as you have a 
homicide case, it remains open until you get it closed one way or the 
other. This has case has been open ever since I've been a law 
enforcement officer. 

"I started with the sheriff's office in 
1982. This has been an irritation for the sheriff's office that we've 
never been able to close this case. A lot of investigators have tried to
 close this case, and we were unable, at that time, to get the 
information we needed."

Bellendir thanked the many agencies that 
assisted in the investigation, including the KBI, Great Bend Police 
Department, Oxford Police Department, Cowley County Sheriff's Office, 
Winfield Police, Burden Police Department, and Everett Police Department
 in Washington state. He also gave high praise to his own detectives.

"The
 credit in this case goes to my detective division, who were in the 
trenches doing the nuts and bolts work," he said. "These are long, 
complicated investigations, and tedious. The credit really goes to my 
people.

"This is such a complicated case with so many moving 
pieces," he continued. "The credit goes all the way back to the early 
1980s to the first cops that responded to the scene. The KBI has 
assisted us greatly in the case. Chief Haulmark is fairly new to the 
community, but he was personally out digging around in boxes trying to 
find records we needed from the 1980s. This was a joint effort."

Bellendir
 said Walter does still have family living in Kansas. At the time of her
 death, Mary was married to Doug Walter, who died in 2021, without 
closure in the case.   

"On the anniversary of her death, that was
 the day he would go in the basement," said one of Doug's stepdaughters,
 who was present at Friday's press conference. "All the lights would be 
off, and he didn't want anyone to bother him." 

Two stepdaughters 
moved in with Doug after he remarried, even though some considered him 
to be a suspect. Many originally thought Hanks committed the crime.

"I
 feel like a lot of people thought he did it," said the stepdaughter. 
"It was no big deal. We didn't think anything of it until now that we're
 older and we look back, and people always say they thought Doug did it.
 It's nice to have proof that he didn't."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617705007.jpeg" alt="Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at Friday's press conference on the arrest of Steven Hanks, who has been charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at Friday's press conference on the arrest of Steven Hanks, who has been charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — There is no 
statute of limitations in homicide cases. That's how, on Thursday, 
68-year-old Steven L. Hanks was arrested on second-degree murder charges
 from the death of Mary Robin Walter, stemming back nearly 43 years. 
Friday morning, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Barton County 
Attorney Levi Morris, and various other law enforcement officers held a 
press conference at the Barton County Courthouse to discuss the case. "At
 42 years and 10 months, we believe this is the oldest homicide arrest 
in the state of Kansas," Bellendir said. "It may be one of the oldest 
homicide arrests in the United States. This also clears the last known 
homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton
 County Sheriff's Office."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670608379475.png" alt="Mary Robin Walter" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robin Walter</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 1980, deputies responded to a
 possible homicide call in the Nelson Trailer Park, lot nine, near what 
is now Southwest 40th Avenue and Anchorway. "Upon arrival, 
deputies and investigators located the body of a female victim who had 
been shot multiple times," said Bellendir. "The victim was identified as
 Mary Robin Walter, who lived at the residence. Walter was 23 years of 
age at the time, married with one child. She was a nursing student at 
Barton County Community College."Bellendir said an extensive 
investigation was conducted at the time, and Hanks was developed as a 
person of interest in the case. However, law enforcement lacked the 
evidence needed to submit the case for prosecution.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Steven Hanks" />
 <figcaption>Steven Hanks</figcaption>
 </figure>In April 2022, Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was recovering from COVID-19 when
 he re-opened the case. "After taking a fresh look at the case, it 
became evident that some of the information had been initially 
overlooked, and some had been added at a later date," Bellendir said. 
"This was unknown to the original investigators."Bellendir 
assigned additional detectives Alex Lomas and Bryan Volkel, as well as 
Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze to the case. Lt. David Paden supervised the 
operation as the deputies had time. The officers tracked down numerous 
individuals who had been involved in the case in the 1980s, reaching as 
far as the Pacific Northwest."In October of this year, new 
evidence was obtained that allowed the sheriff's office to submit the 
case to the Barton County Attorney, Mr. Levi Morris, for review," 
Bellendir said. "After approximately four weeks of review, Mr. Morris 
obtained an arrest for murder in the second degree, and the arrest of 
Steven L. Hanks, age 68, of Burden. Hanks was a neighbor to the victim 
at the time of the homicide."Hanks was arrested by Kansas Bureau 
of Investigation agents Thursday evening in Oxford and turned over to 
the Barton County Sheriff's Office for transportation back to Great 
Bend. He is currently being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond. Morris
 said Hanks could make his first appearance in front of a district court
 judge as early as Friday afternoon or sometime Monday. The next step 
will be a preliminary hearing for the second-degree murder charge."The
 facts that we know, and believe they are, and believe we can prove in 
court fit that charge rather than any charges higher or lower," Morris 
said. "That can change either to be higher or lower at the preliminary 
hearing or at any time close to trial."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617825772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bellendir was pleased to bring a level of closure to the case after 
42 years.&nbsp;"Homicides are never closed," he said. "As long as you have a 
homicide case, it remains open until you get it closed one way or the 
other. This has case has been open ever since I've been a law 
enforcement officer. "I started with the sheriff's office in 
1982. This has been an irritation for the sheriff's office that we've 
never been able to close this case. A lot of investigators have tried to
 close this case, and we were unable, at that time, to get the 
information we needed."Bellendir thanked the many agencies that 
assisted in the investigation, including the KBI, Great Bend Police 
Department, Oxford Police Department, Cowley County Sheriff's Office, 
Winfield Police, Burden Police Department, and Everett Police Department
 in Washington state. He also gave high praise to his own detectives."The
 credit in this case goes to my detective division, who were in the 
trenches doing the nuts and bolts work," he said. "These are long, 
complicated investigations, and tedious. The credit really goes to my 
people."This is such a complicated case with so many moving 
pieces," he continued. "The credit goes all the way back to the early 
1980s to the first cops that responded to the scene. The KBI has 
assisted us greatly in the case. Chief Haulmark is fairly new to the 
community, but he was personally out digging around in boxes trying to 
find records we needed from the 1980s. This was a joint effort."Bellendir
 said Walter does still have family living in Kansas. At the time of her
 death, Mary was married to Doug Walter, who died in 2021, without 
closure in the case. "On the anniversary of her death, that was
 the day he would go in the basement," said one of Doug's stepdaughters,
 who was present at Friday's press conference. "All the lights would be 
off, and he didn't want anyone to bother him." Two stepdaughters 
moved in with Doug after he remarried, even though some considered him 
to be a suspect. Many originally thought Hanks committed the crime."I
 feel like a lot of people thought he did it," said the stepdaughter. 
"It was no big deal. We didn't think anything of it until now that we're
 older and we look back, and people always say they thought Doug did it.
 It's nice to have proof that he didn't."

Barton Co. sheriff: Hanks arrest for 1980 murder is historic

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested a suspect in the 1980 homicide of 23-year-old Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, 68, Burden, Kansas, is being held on a $500,000 bond and is expect to make his first court appearance Friday.&nbsp; Authorities&nbsp; arrested him Thursday at Oxford in Sumner County.  Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Just before 7p.m. January 24, 1980, the Barton Co. Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual reporting a homicide at the Nelson Trailer Park, RR1 Lot 9, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;

The location of the incident was at that time was near the intersection of SW. 40th Ave. and Anchor Way adjacent to the Great Bend Municipal Airport complex. The trailer park no longer exists.

&nbsp;This was about 10 years before there was a 911 system or locator addresses in Barton County.&nbsp;

Deputies and investigators located the body of&nbsp; Mary Robin Walter who had been shot multiple times. She was married with one child and a nursing student at Barton County Community College.

Hanks was a person of interest in the case, according to Belendir.

Over the years, numerous detectives have looked at the case and were not able to obtain information that would assist in prosecution.

In April 2022, while recovering from Covid, Detective Sgt. Adam Hales of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office reopened the Mary Robin Walter homicide case.

 After taking a fresh look at the case, it became evident that some information had been initially overlooked and some had been added at a later date. This was unknown to the original investigators. 

After reviewing the case with Sgt. Hales, Bellendir directed that the other two detectives, Detective Alex Lomas, Detective Bryan Volkel as well as patrol Sgt. Travis Doze be assigned to the case as time allowed. 

Lieutenant David Paden supervised the operation. The Sheriff’s office tracked down numerous individuals that had been involved in the case in the 1980s and many interviews were conducted as far away as the Pacific Northwest. Several meetings were held with the KBI who assisted with this investigation.

In October of this year, new evidence was obtained that allowed the Sheriff’s Office to submit the case to Barton County Attorney Levi Morris for review. After approximately four weeks of review, Morris obtained an arrest warrant for murder in the 2nd degree for Hanks arrest.&nbsp; He was a neighbor to the victim at the time.

At 42-years and 10 months, Bellendir believes this is the oldest homicide arrest in the State of Kansas, it may be one the oldest homicides cleared by arrest in the United States. This also clears the last known homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a&nbsp;suspect in&nbsp;the 1980 homicide of&nbsp;Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, age 68, Burden, Kansas, is being transported to Barton County at this time.&nbsp;Hanks was arrested at Oxford in Sumner County.&nbsp; Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery&nbsp;

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Barton County Attorney’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation will release more information on the case Friday morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670608379475.png" alt="Mary Robin Walter-photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robin Walter-photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested a suspect in the 1980 homicide of 23-year-old Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, 68, Burden, Kansas, is being held on a $500,000 bond and is expect to make his first court appearance Friday.&nbsp; Authorities&nbsp; arrested him Thursday at Oxford in Sumner County. Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Hanks-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanks-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7p.m. January 24, 1980, the Barton Co. Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual reporting a homicide at the Nelson Trailer Park, RR1 Lot 9, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;The location of the incident was at that time was near the intersection of SW. 40th Ave. and Anchor Way adjacent to the Great Bend Municipal Airport complex. The trailer park no longer exists.&nbsp;This was about 10 years before there was a 911 system or locator addresses in Barton County.&nbsp;Deputies and investigators located the body of&nbsp; Mary Robin Walter who had been shot multiple times. She was married with one child and a nursing student at Barton County Community College.Hanks was a person of interest in the case, according to Belendir.Over the years, numerous detectives have looked at the case and were not able to obtain information that would assist in prosecution.In April 2022, while recovering from Covid, Detective Sgt. Adam Hales of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office reopened the Mary Robin Walter homicide case. After taking a fresh look at the case, it became evident that some information had been initially overlooked and some had been added at a later date. This was unknown to the original investigators. After reviewing the case with Sgt. Hales, Bellendir directed that the other two detectives, Detective Alex Lomas, Detective Bryan Volkel as well as patrol Sgt. Travis Doze be assigned to the case as time allowed. Lieutenant David Paden supervised the operation. The Sheriff’s office tracked down numerous individuals that had been involved in the case in the 1980s and many interviews were conducted as far away as the Pacific Northwest. Several meetings were held with the KBI who assisted with this investigation.In October of this year, new evidence was obtained that allowed the Sheriff’s Office to submit the case to Barton County Attorney Levi Morris for review. After approximately four weeks of review, Morris obtained an arrest warrant for murder in the 2nd degree for Hanks arrest.&nbsp; He was a neighbor to the victim at the time.At 42-years and 10 months, Bellendir believes this is the oldest homicide arrest in the State of Kansas, it may be one the oldest homicides cleared by arrest in the United States. This also clears the last known homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.----------BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a&nbsp;suspect in&nbsp;the 1980 homicide of&nbsp;Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, age 68, Burden, Kansas, is being transported to Barton County at this time.&nbsp;Hanks was arrested at Oxford in Sumner County.&nbsp; Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery&nbsp; The Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Barton County Attorney’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation will release more information on the case Friday morning.&nbsp;

Sheriff updates details of arrest in Kan. cold case homicide

Neva Mae Daniels, age 100, passed away on
 Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the Garten Countryside Home Assisted Living
 in Abilene, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 17, 1922, in Scott County,
 Kansas, the daughter of Harry &amp; Rhonda Simmons Crist.&nbsp; A lifetime 
resident of Scott City, Kansas, until moving to Abilene, Kansas, in 2005, 
she was a mother &amp; homemaker.

She was a member of the Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas and 
was very active at the Brethren In Christ in Abilene, Kansas.&nbsp; She was 
also a member of HGL Club, El Quartelejo Saddle Club and Kolorful Kansas
 Art Association.

On December 9, 1942, she married Raymond Daniels in LaJolla, 
California.&nbsp; He passed away on January 30, 2005, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Daughters - Donna &amp; Mike Samples of 
Abilene, Kansas, Linda Jo &amp; Ron Weatherbie of Princeton, Kansas, One
 Grandson - Caleb &amp; Alisha Stroup of Princeton, Kansas, One 
Granddaughter - Micah Samples of Abilene, Kansas, and Three Great 
Grandchildren - Kord Stroup, Rylie Stroup, and Cason Stroup.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, and Two Brothers - Alfred Crist &amp; Wilford Crist.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 2:00
 p.m. at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with 
pastors Jon Tuttle &amp; Dale Engle presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be
 live streamed at <a href="https://www.priceandsons.com">www.priceandsons.com</a>.

Memorials can be written to the Prairie View Church of the Brethren 
or Brethren In Christ Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 
PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 
20, 2022, and family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 
12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday before the service at Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670538669683.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Neva Mae Daniels, age 100, passed away on
 Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the Garten Countryside Home Assisted Living
 in Abilene, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on October 17, 1922, in Scott County,
 Kansas, the daughter of Harry &amp; Rhonda Simmons Crist.&nbsp; A lifetime 
resident of Scott City, Kansas, until moving to Abilene, Kansas, in 2005, 
she was a mother &amp; homemaker.She was a member of the Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas and 
was very active at the Brethren In Christ in Abilene, Kansas.&nbsp; She was 
also a member of HGL Club, El Quartelejo Saddle Club and Kolorful Kansas
 Art Association.On December 9, 1942, she married Raymond Daniels in LaJolla, 
California.&nbsp; He passed away on January 30, 2005, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Daughters - Donna &amp; Mike Samples of 
Abilene, Kansas, Linda Jo &amp; Ron Weatherbie of Princeton, Kansas, One
 Grandson - Caleb &amp; Alisha Stroup of Princeton, Kansas, One 
Granddaughter - Micah Samples of Abilene, Kansas, and Three Great 
Grandchildren - Kord Stroup, Rylie Stroup, and Cason Stroup.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, and Two Brothers - Alfred Crist &amp; Wilford Crist.Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 2:00
 p.m. at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with 
pastors Jon Tuttle &amp; Dale Engle presiding.&nbsp; Funeral services will be
 live streamed at <a href="https://www.priceandsons.com">www.priceandsons.com</a>.Memorials can be written to the Prairie View Church of the Brethren 
or Brethren In Christ Church in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 
PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 
20, 2022, and family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 
12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday before the service at Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Neva Mae Daniels

Annie Wauneta Parsons was born March 5, 1927, in Logan, Kansas, at the 
Hutchinson Farm to Willie “Bill” Carl and Annie Josephine (Fisk) 
Hutchinson and passed away peacefully December 5, 2022, at Norton County 
Hospital.

Waunnie was 8th out of 10 children, she and her siblings had a 
special bond and shared many fun times.&nbsp; Waunnie graduated from Logan 
High School in 1945 and then enjoyed teaching at the country school.

On October 9, 1947, she married her loving and devoted husband, 
Johnnie Parsons. They raised four children, DeeAnn, Max, Paula and Jill.

Waunnie was a homemaker, active member of the United Methodist Church
 and American Legion Auxiliary. She was very proud of her families 
military service. Waunnie was known for her baking and the many, many 
beautiful cakes she made for all occasions. She enjoyed the outdoors and
 shared the love of gardening and canning with many people.&nbsp; Her yard 
was a great place to sit, drink coffee and enjoy her love of flowers and
 birds. Waunnie also enjoyed quilting and she shared her beautiful 
hand-made quilts with family and friends. If there was a ballgame on tv,
 she was watching! Definitely never missing the KC Royals and Chiefs!

She is survived by son, Max (Karen) Parsons, Ness City, daughters, 
DeeAnn Ward, Hays, Paula Stutterhiem, Prairie View and Jill (Ray) Lampe,
 Tonganoxie. Grandchilden, Annie Diedrich, AJ Ward &amp; Cathy, Dustin 
&amp; Aimee Parsons, Barry &amp; Nikki Parsons, Heather &amp; Mark 
Solberg, Brandy &amp; Jeremy Coozennoy, Will &amp; Jamie Stutterheim, 
Cody, Weston and Sarah Lampe.

She was preceded in death by husband, Johnnie, son-in-laws, Spencer 
Stutterheim and Monk Ward, grandson-in-law, Randy Diedrich, her parents,
 brothers Leland, Max, Ward, Bill, Gene, and Don, sisters, Eve, Lucille 
and Phebe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Manor in care of Logan Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Logan, KS&nbsp; 67646.

There will be a private family burial at a later date.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670525974775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Annie Wauneta Parsons was born March 5, 1927, in Logan, Kansas, at the 
Hutchinson Farm to Willie “Bill” Carl and Annie Josephine (Fisk) 
Hutchinson and passed away peacefully December 5, 2022, at Norton County 
Hospital.Waunnie was 8th out of 10 children, she and her siblings had a 
special bond and shared many fun times.&nbsp; Waunnie graduated from Logan 
High School in 1945 and then enjoyed teaching at the country school.On October 9, 1947, she married her loving and devoted husband, 
Johnnie Parsons. They raised four children, DeeAnn, Max, Paula and Jill.Waunnie was a homemaker, active member of the United Methodist Church
 and American Legion Auxiliary. She was very proud of her families 
military service. Waunnie was known for her baking and the many, many 
beautiful cakes she made for all occasions. She enjoyed the outdoors and
 shared the love of gardening and canning with many people.&nbsp; Her yard 
was a great place to sit, drink coffee and enjoy her love of flowers and
 birds. Waunnie also enjoyed quilting and she shared her beautiful 
hand-made quilts with family and friends. If there was a ballgame on tv,
 she was watching! Definitely never missing the KC Royals and Chiefs!She is survived by son, Max (Karen) Parsons, Ness City, daughters, 
DeeAnn Ward, Hays, Paula Stutterhiem, Prairie View and Jill (Ray) Lampe,
 Tonganoxie. Grandchilden, Annie Diedrich, AJ Ward &amp; Cathy, Dustin 
&amp; Aimee Parsons, Barry &amp; Nikki Parsons, Heather &amp; Mark 
Solberg, Brandy &amp; Jeremy Coozennoy, Will &amp; Jamie Stutterheim, 
Cody, Weston and Sarah Lampe.She was preceded in death by husband, Johnnie, son-in-laws, Spencer 
Stutterheim and Monk Ward, grandson-in-law, Randy Diedrich, her parents,
 brothers Leland, Max, Ward, Bill, Gene, and Don, sisters, Eve, Lucille 
and Phebe.Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Manor in care of Logan Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Logan, KS&nbsp; 67646.There will be a private family burial at a later date.&nbsp;

Wauneta Parsons

Ronald “Ronnie” K. Parks, 85, left this earth in quiet and peaceful 
comfort on December 6, 2022, at the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, 
Kan.. He was born September 29, 1937, in Stafford, Kan., the only son of 
Charles K. and Elizabeth G. (Logue) Parks. He married Joan 
(Gallaugher) in Enid, Okla. on April 17, 1959. They would welcome their 
first child, Kenneth J. Parks in November of that year. Their second 
child, Julie Parks was born July 12, 1961, and they completed their 
family with the birth of their third and final child, Ronald “Stony” L. 
Parks on October 2, 1962. Ronnie was a man for his time and place, 
finding success through his hard work and determination. From his humble
 beginnings, he built a life and raised a family with his wife, Joan. 
They lived in Medicine Lodge, Kan., Ellis, Kan., Ellinwood, Kan., and 
eventually settled in Woodward, Okla. after his retirement. He 
built his career in the oilfield, working for Gabbert &amp; Jones 
Drilling Company and eventually Cheyenne Drilling Company until his 
retirement in 2002. His work ethic was revered by all those he worked 
with and it subsequently propelled him through the ranks of the drilling
 industry. After his retirement, Cheyenne Drilling would go on to name a
 rig after him. He was the foundation and stronghold for his family
 in good times and otherwise. He was strong and quiet, but full of love 
and support. He was the ultimate provider to those he loved. 
He is survived by his eldest son, Kenny and wife Tonya of Elkhart, Kan.;
 grandson Tyler Parks of Hugoton, Kan.; grandson Chance and wife Chelsey
 Parks of Ratliff City, Okla. and their children, his 
great-grandchildren, Andria and Kenneth; granddaughter Whitney Parks of 
Hays, Kan.; grandson Cole Parks of Elkhart, Kan., grandson Caleb Parks 
of Woodward, Okla.; and sister Velta Youngblood of Tucson, Ariz.; and 
numerous nieces and nephews. Ronnie is preceded in death by 
his parents; wife Joan Parks; daughter Julie Parks; son Ronald “Stony” 
Parks; grandson Brent Parks; and sister Shirley Carmin. 
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 
Larrison Funeral Home, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Interment will follow 
at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, KS. Visitation will be from 
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, at Larrison Funeral Home.

Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.larrisonmortuary.com" target="_blank">www.larrisonmortuary.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670509058542.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald “Ronnie” K. Parks, 85, left this earth in quiet and peaceful 
comfort on December 6, 2022, at the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, 
Kan.. He was born September 29, 1937, in Stafford, Kan., the only son of 
Charles K. and Elizabeth G. (Logue) Parks. He married Joan 
(Gallaugher) in Enid, Okla. on April 17, 1959. They would welcome their 
first child, Kenneth J. Parks in November of that year. Their second 
child, Julie Parks was born July 12, 1961, and they completed their 
family with the birth of their third and final child, Ronald “Stony” L. 
Parks on October 2, 1962. Ronnie was a man for his time and place, 
finding success through his hard work and determination. From his humble
 beginnings, he built a life and raised a family with his wife, Joan. 
They lived in Medicine Lodge, Kan., Ellis, Kan., Ellinwood, Kan., and 
eventually settled in Woodward, Okla. after his retirement. He 
built his career in the oilfield, working for Gabbert &amp; Jones 
Drilling Company and eventually Cheyenne Drilling Company until his 
retirement in 2002. His work ethic was revered by all those he worked 
with and it subsequently propelled him through the ranks of the drilling
 industry. After his retirement, Cheyenne Drilling would go on to name a
 rig after him. He was the foundation and stronghold for his family
 in good times and otherwise. He was strong and quiet, but full of love 
and support. He was the ultimate provider to those he loved. 
He is survived by his eldest son, Kenny and wife Tonya of Elkhart, Kan.;
 grandson Tyler Parks of Hugoton, Kan.; grandson Chance and wife Chelsey
 Parks of Ratliff City, Okla. and their children, his 
great-grandchildren, Andria and Kenneth; granddaughter Whitney Parks of 
Hays, Kan.; grandson Cole Parks of Elkhart, Kan., grandson Caleb Parks 
of Woodward, Okla.; and sister Velta Youngblood of Tucson, Ariz.; and 
numerous nieces and nephews. Ronnie is preceded in death by 
his parents; wife Joan Parks; daughter Julie Parks; son Ronald “Stony” 
Parks; grandson Brent Parks; and sister Shirley Carmin. 
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 
Larrison Funeral Home, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Interment will follow 
at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, KS. Visitation will be from 
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, at Larrison Funeral Home. 
Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.larrisonmortuary.com" target="_blank">www.larrisonmortuary.com</a>.&nbsp;

Ronald 'Ronnie' K. Parks

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 21-year-old Mexican citizen will serve a year in prison
for a drunk driving crash that killed a 56-year-old Schoenchen man in October 2021.

After pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in September,
Martin Efren Velazquez Cruz was sentenced Tuesday in Ellis County District
Court to one year in prison.

Cruz was initially charged with six different counts in
connection to the Oct. 3, 2021, crash south of Hays.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Cruz was traveling
southbound on U.S. 183 and tried to pass another vehicle. He collided
head-on with a northbound passenger car driven by 56-year-old James Kohl of
Schoenchen. 

Cruz was charged with driving under the influence of
alcohol, “under the legal limit of .08 but to a degree that renders the person
incapable of safely driving the vehicle.”

He was also charged with vehicular homicide, reckless
driving, speeding, passing on left with insufficient clearance and display or
possess fictitious or fraudulent ID card.

As a result of Cruz pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and
entering into a diversion into the driving under the influence charge, the four
other charges were dismissed by the state.

In Kansas, vehicular homicide is a class A misdemeanor punishable
by up to a year in prison.

Cruz will also be required to pay restitution covering Kohl’s
funeral costs and the cost of his car.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 21-year-old Mexican citizen will serve a year in prison
for a drunk driving crash that killed a 56-year-old Schoenchen man in October 2021.After pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in September,
Martin Efren Velazquez Cruz was sentenced Tuesday in Ellis County District
Court to one year in prison.Cruz was initially charged with six different counts in
connection to the Oct. 3, 2021, crash south of Hays.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Cruz was traveling
southbound on U.S. 183 and tried to pass another vehicle. He collided
head-on with a northbound passenger car driven by 56-year-old James Kohl of
Schoenchen. Kohl was killed in the accident.Cruz was charged with driving under the influence of
alcohol, “under the legal limit of .08 but to a degree that renders the person
incapable of safely driving the vehicle.”He was also charged with vehicular homicide, reckless
driving, speeding, passing on left with insufficient clearance and display or
possess fictitious or fraudulent ID card.As a result of Cruz pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and
entering into a diversion into the driving under the influence charge, the four
other charges were dismissed by the state.In Kansas, vehicular homicide is a class A misdemeanor punishable
by up to a year in prison.Cruz will also be required to pay restitution covering Kohl’s
funeral costs and the cost of his car.

Man sentenced for crashed that killed Schoenchen man

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Community Theatre will present a special Christmas show this weekend along with a fundraiser for one of the child cast members who is in the hospital.

"We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza" performances will be tonight through Sunday at the community theatre, 121 E. Eighth.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Friday and Saturday night shows are sold out, but tickets are still available for Thursday and Sunday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at <a href="https://www.hctks.com">www.hctks.com</a>.

The performances will be a variety show with song and dance. Director Cheryl Glassman's daughter, Sarah, wrote three songs for the show.

"The show is actually a couple of shows within a show," Glassman said. "It revolves around a gentleman played by Jerrett Leiker. The love of his life has passed away, and he is wandering through life without purpose or feeling.

"He is visited by an undercover elf named Jingles (Jack Stoecklein). Jingles tries to work his magic to help Jerrett find the goodness in living. They hear songs and see TV scenes from the past. Other elves arrive. Toys come to life."

The spirit of Jerrett's lost love, played by Claire Nickerson, follows his journey. The audience will see a mix of comedy, music and drama, Glassman said.

"We definitely will provide an opportunity for folks to experience Christmas and the holidays in many different ways," she said. 

Glassman said the big man in the red suit will be in the show. 

"There's a surprise to who he is," she said.

There is a one-act play within the show called "The Christmas Tea" wherein three toys discuss their purpose. The Christmas Tea was written by Robert Neil Porter, and distributed by Pioneer Drama Services, Denver. 

The shows are appropriate for family viewing.

"This is a show for everyone," Glassman said. "If you do come, it will be a time to laugh and reminisce and pull a little on the heartstrings," Glassman said.

The community theater had auditions for the show in October. Different groups have been coming in to learn their songs, and now they are all coming together, Glassman said.

"It's cool to become someone outside of your box," Glassman said.

 In the spirit of this season of giving, the theatre is asking attendees to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for local food pantries.

A bake sale will benefit cast member Malachi Miller, 12. 

Malachi is in the pediatric ICU in Omaha. The theatre hopes  to help the family with travel expenses. Malachi's character is still part of the show as he is mentioned in the script.

Amy Baltodano contributed to this story.

MICHELE FOSTER CODI FENWICK GENE STREMEL ELISABETH BERGMAN AMY BERGMAN BROOKE LEIKER ROBERT CUSTER CLAIRE NICKERSON ADAM CONKEY ANDY STANTON JANESSA MILLER KHLOE BARTLING RYAN GIEBLER ZACHARY LEIKER LUCA ALBERS LYLA OLLER BRAYDON HEPT MAYA OLLER HANNAH LOHRMEYER LYLA OLLER MERERICK OLLER JERRETT LEIKER (THE ELDER) JACK STOECKLEIN EVELYN SCHMIDT ELLA FENWICK CHRISTIAN MILLER ALLISON WEBER CONNER MILLER VIVIAN LEIKER DANA STANTON SOPHIE SCHMIDT NORA STOCKLEIN KELSEY ROBBEN KYNSIE LEIKER JENSEN MILLER MATTHIAS MILLER MALACHI MILLER STELLA HARRIS JERET LEIKER (THE YOUNGER) ACCOMPANIST: CURTIS SANDER DIRECTOR : CHERYL GLASSMAN ASSIST DIRECTOR: SANDY GLASSMAN LIGHTS: CONNER WERTH SOUND: ALBERT KRAUS STAGE CREW MNGR: SARAH LEIKER ASSIST STG CREW: ALICIA WINDHOLZ, AMY BERGMAN, GLORIA CUSTER SET DESIGN: SHAWNA KOEHN, SARAH LEIKER, CODI AND ELLA FENWICK SET CONSTRUCTION: JERRETT LEIKER, ADAM CONKEY PROP MISTRESS/STAGE MNGR: AMY BERGMAN COSTUMES: SHARONA FONDOBLE, JESSICA ALBERS, ST. CATHARINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, SANDY GLASSMAN, HAYS ARTS COUNCIL (BALLERINAS), PARENTS &amp; CAST MEMBERS HAIR/ELVES/TOY MAKEUP: SANDY GLASSMAN, GLORIA CUSTER, BETH OLLER HAIR CONSULTANT/WIG DESIGN: CHELSIE NELSON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670431715598.jpeg" alt="Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The Hays Community Theatre will present a special Christmas show this weekend along with a fundraiser for one of the child cast members who is in the hospital. "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza" performances will be tonight through Sunday at the community theatre, 121 E. Eighth.Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Friday and Saturday night shows are sold out, but tickets are still available for Thursday and Sunday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at <a href="https://www.hctks.com">www.hctks.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670431862704.jpeg" alt="Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The performances will be a variety show with song and dance. Director Cheryl Glassman's daughter, Sarah, wrote three songs for the show."The show is actually a couple of shows within a show," Glassman said. "It revolves around a gentleman played by Jerrett Leiker. The love of his life has passed away, and he is wandering through life without purpose or feeling."He is visited by an undercover elf named Jingles (Jack Stoecklein). Jingles tries to work his magic to help Jerrett find the goodness in living. They hear songs and see TV scenes from the past. Other elves arrive. Toys come to life."The spirit of Jerrett's lost love, played by Claire Nickerson, follows his journey. The audience will see a mix of comedy, music and drama, Glassman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670431929295.jpeg" alt="Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We definitely will provide an opportunity for folks to experience Christmas and the holidays in many different ways," she said. Glassman said the big man in the red suit will be in the show. "There's a surprise to who he is," she said.There is a one-act play within the show called "The Christmas Tea" wherein three toys discuss their purpose. The Christmas Tea was written by Robert Neil Porter, and distributed by Pioneer Drama Services, Denver. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670431960882.jpeg" alt="Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The shows are appropriate for family viewing."This is a show for everyone," Glassman said. "If you do come, it will be a time to laugh and reminisce and pull a little on the heartstrings," Glassman said.The community theater had auditions for the show in October. Different groups have been coming in to learn their songs, and now they are all coming together, Glassman said."It's cool to become someone outside of your box," Glassman said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670432019733.jpeg" alt="Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Performers for the Hays Community Theatre's "We Need a Little Christmas Holiday Extravaganza." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure> In the spirit of this season of giving, the theatre is asking attendees to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for local food pantries.A bake sale will benefit cast member Malachi Miller, 12. Malachi is in the pediatric ICU in Omaha. The theatre hopes to help the family with travel expenses. Malachi's character is still part of the show as he is mentioned in the script.Amy Baltodano contributed to this story. <h2>CAST LIST</h2>MICHELE FOSTER CODI FENWICK GENE STREMEL ELISABETH BERGMAN AMY BERGMAN BROOKE LEIKER ROBERT CUSTER CLAIRE NICKERSON ADAM CONKEY ANDY STANTON JANESSA MILLER KHLOE BARTLING RYAN GIEBLER ZACHARY LEIKER LUCA ALBERS LYLA OLLER BRAYDON HEPT MAYA OLLER HANNAH LOHRMEYER LYLA OLLER MERERICK OLLER JERRETT LEIKER (THE ELDER) JACK STOECKLEIN EVELYN SCHMIDT ELLA FENWICK CHRISTIAN MILLER ALLISON WEBER CONNER MILLER VIVIAN LEIKER DANA STANTON SOPHIE SCHMIDT NORA STOCKLEIN KELSEY ROBBEN KYNSIE LEIKER JENSEN MILLER MATTHIAS MILLER MALACHI MILLER STELLA HARRIS JERET LEIKER (THE YOUNGER) ACCOMPANIST: CURTIS SANDER DIRECTOR : CHERYL GLASSMAN ASSIST DIRECTOR: SANDY GLASSMAN LIGHTS: CONNER WERTH SOUND: ALBERT KRAUS STAGE CREW MNGR: SARAH LEIKER ASSIST STG CREW: ALICIA WINDHOLZ, AMY BERGMAN, GLORIA CUSTER SET DESIGN: SHAWNA KOEHN, SARAH LEIKER, CODI AND ELLA FENWICK SET CONSTRUCTION: JERRETT LEIKER, ADAM CONKEY PROP MISTRESS/STAGE MNGR: AMY BERGMAN COSTUMES: SHARONA FONDOBLE, JESSICA ALBERS, ST. CATHARINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, SANDY GLASSMAN, HAYS ARTS COUNCIL (BALLERINAS), PARENTS &amp; CAST MEMBERS HAIR/ELVES/TOY MAKEUP: SANDY GLASSMAN, GLORIA CUSTER, BETH OLLER HAIR CONSULTANT/WIG DESIGN: CHELSIE NELSON

Hays Community Theatre serves up 'Holiday Extravaganza' this weekend

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — As of Thursday, it's lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri. That doesn't mean you can legally buy it just yet, or use it everywhere.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/82a662ba82bb4c8c9c858b7565ff7f95">Medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;has been legal in the state since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-legalization-2022-midterm-elections-c693f5e23e0faf2f39168df6a2f80ab2">approving a constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The new law makes Missouri the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-missouri-marijuana-government-and-politics-9e980221d47993b409629088ad1768bd">21st state to allow recreational use</a>.

The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can't yet sell for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won't be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.

John Mueller, co-founder of Greenlight Dispensaries, said the company's 15 Missouri shops are getting calls from people confused about the new law and why they can't yet buy it from the dispensaries.

“I think everybody’s anxious and excited about adult use,” said Mueller, whose company plans to add 300 jobs at cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary locations for the expected uptick in business. “Every dollar we sell is a dollar that doesn’t go to the black market.”

Recreational users are also calling and emailing the Missouri Wild Alchemy dispensary in O’Fallon, owner Jason Crady said — “24-7.”

“There’s a lot of buzz about it," said Crady, who is busy hiring and training staff in preparation for recreational sales.

Existing medical dispensaries will eventually be allowed to sell to recreational users, but the agency hasn't determined when that will be. John Payne, a leader of the campaign to legalize marijuana, said recreational sales will likely begin in February.

The state is expected to issue an additional 144 dispensary licenses by early 2025.

Spokeswoman Lisa Cox of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which regulates marijuana, said personal cultivation application forms will be available Jan. 7 for people who want to grow a limited amount of their own.

Some places will continue to prohibit lighting up. Among them: the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. The system cited two federal laws — the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act — on Wednesday in announcing a continued prohibition of marijuana on campuses and at university-sponsored events. Student violators could face discipline up to expulsion.

Legalization is concerning for some in law enforcement who worry it will mean more impaired drivers.

Kevin Merritt, executive director of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, said marijuana impairment is more difficult for police to assess because there is nothing comparable to blood-alcohol tests that determine intoxication levels in people who have been drinking.

“Basically, what do they (officers) observe of the vehicle operation?" Merritt said. “What did the officer smell and observe when they got up to the car? What kind of movements, or impaired movements, did he or she see in the operation of the vehicle to make a case that the person is impaired?"

The amendment also requires expungement of criminal records for most people incarcerated or on probation for a misdemeanor marijuana offense, a process expected to be completed by mid-2023.

It's part of a broader move toward decriminalizing low-level marijuana crimes that has gained steam in recent years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden announced in October</a>&nbsp;that he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession under federal law. Kansas City and St. Louis are among jurisdictions that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f09ce3e02c7498d90a97dcd14282517">stopped prosecuting misdemeanor possession</a>.

Dispensaries in Missouri are expecting to see lots of out-of-state buyers. Missouri is bordered by eight states, only one of which — Illinois — allows recreational marijuana sales.

Payne projects that once the program is fully up and running, Missouri will see annual sales of up to $1.3 billion.

Ron Burch, 36, of the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin, already has a medical marijuana card. He knows demand will be strong for recreational pot.

“Looking forward to February, it’s going to be a mad rush to fill all the shelves for the people that are going to be pounding down the doors to buy product,” Burch said.

Larry Stiffelman, who owns a medical dispensary in the eastern Missouri town of St. Clair, said recreational sales will be vital since, due to high taxation, his business is still struggling to make a profit.

“I can tell you that the sales will probably triple or quadruple per store,” Stiffelman said. “So it’s huge as far as the volume of business.”

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — As of Thursday, it's lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri. That doesn't mean you can legally buy it just yet, or use it everywhere.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/82a662ba82bb4c8c9c858b7565ff7f95">Medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;has been legal in the state since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-legalization-2022-midterm-elections-c693f5e23e0faf2f39168df6a2f80ab2">approving a constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The new law makes Missouri the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-missouri-marijuana-government-and-politics-9e980221d47993b409629088ad1768bd">21st state to allow recreational use</a>.The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can't yet sell for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won't be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.John Mueller, co-founder of Greenlight Dispensaries, said the company's 15 Missouri shops are getting calls from people confused about the new law and why they can't yet buy it from the dispensaries.“I think everybody’s anxious and excited about adult use,” said Mueller, whose company plans to add 300 jobs at cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary locations for the expected uptick in business. “Every dollar we sell is a dollar that doesn’t go to the black market.”Recreational users are also calling and emailing the Missouri Wild Alchemy dispensary in O’Fallon, owner Jason Crady said — “24-7.”“There’s a lot of buzz about it," said Crady, who is busy hiring and training staff in preparation for recreational sales.Existing medical dispensaries will eventually be allowed to sell to recreational users, but the agency hasn't determined when that will be. John Payne, a leader of the campaign to legalize marijuana, said recreational sales will likely begin in February.The state is expected to issue an additional 144 dispensary licenses by early 2025.Spokeswoman Lisa Cox of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which regulates marijuana, said personal cultivation application forms will be available Jan. 7 for people who want to grow a limited amount of their own.Some places will continue to prohibit lighting up. Among them: the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. The system cited two federal laws — the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act — on Wednesday in announcing a continued prohibition of marijuana on campuses and at university-sponsored events. Student violators could face discipline up to expulsion.Legalization is concerning for some in law enforcement who worry it will mean more impaired drivers.Kevin Merritt, executive director of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, said marijuana impairment is more difficult for police to assess because there is nothing comparable to blood-alcohol tests that determine intoxication levels in people who have been drinking.“Basically, what do they (officers) observe of the vehicle operation?" Merritt said. “What did the officer smell and observe when they got up to the car? What kind of movements, or impaired movements, did he or she see in the operation of the vehicle to make a case that the person is impaired?"The amendment also requires expungement of criminal records for most people incarcerated or on probation for a misdemeanor marijuana offense, a process expected to be completed by mid-2023.It's part of a broader move toward decriminalizing low-level marijuana crimes that has gained steam in recent years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden announced in October</a>&nbsp;that he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession under federal law. Kansas City and St. Louis are among jurisdictions that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f09ce3e02c7498d90a97dcd14282517">stopped prosecuting misdemeanor possession</a>.Dispensaries in Missouri are expecting to see lots of out-of-state buyers. Missouri is bordered by eight states, only one of which — Illinois — allows recreational marijuana sales.Payne projects that once the program is fully up and running, Missouri will see annual sales of up to $1.3 billion.Ron Burch, 36, of the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin, already has a medical marijuana card. He knows demand will be strong for recreational pot.“Looking forward to February, it’s going to be a mad rush to fill all the shelves for the people that are going to be pounding down the doors to buy product,” Burch said.Larry Stiffelman, who owns a medical dispensary in the eastern Missouri town of St. Clair, said recreational sales will be vital since, due to high taxation, his business is still struggling to make a profit.“I can tell you that the sales will probably triple or quadruple per store,” Stiffelman said. “So it’s huge as far as the volume of business.”

Marijuana now legal in Missouri, but you can't buy it yet

Ben W. Keith, 93, passed away October 16, 2022, in Pharr, Texas. He 
was born August 17, 1929, in rural Graham County, Kansas, the first of 
two sons of William J. and Ethel L. (Fawcett) Keith. He grew up two 
miles west of Penokee along the Solomon River where he and his brother 
John ran barefoot, had a goat swing that swung out over a big embankment
 and chased lots of rabbits. He had always celebrated his birthday 
August 18th until he found his birth certificate and it stated he was 
born the 17th. His mom must have been in shock! His parents called him 
Benny until he started school when someone suggested that they shorten 
that to Ben, which sounded more grown up.

He attended Morland 
grade and high schools graduating in 1948. The boys rode with neighbors 
who drove Model A Fords and once had a ride in a 1926 Chevy. Ben enjoyed
 racing cars with John and their friends, wrestling and going to dances.
 Believe it or not, in high school he referred to himself as a 
“wallflower” because he was too shy to ask a girl to dance. He worked at
 the A.T. Sanger farm through high school, continuing working for the 
Sangers until joining the Armed Forces in June of 1954. He completed his
 basic training and schooling in Arkansas at Camp Chaffee. He was later 
stationed in Korea and was honorably discharged in June of 1956. He was 
proud to have served in the military and felt extremely honored when he 
received a Quilt of Valor in 2016. The quilt was on his chair and used 
every day.

When Ben returned to Graham County, he met and married 
Charlotte Riggs in 1959. Two daughters, Donna and Billie, were born to 
this union. The couple later divorced. In the mid-'60s, he joined his 
brother in a farm partnership and later owned his own farm. His favorite
 part of farming and ranching were the cattle. He would train them to 
come with a honk of his pickup horn. They would come running in great 
anticipation of a grain treat and the girls remember that if you weren’t
 fast enough to dump the grain, you would be surrounded by steers 
licking their lips! Farming and ranching were an integral part of Ben’s 
entire life and he was very proud when the farm received the recognition
 of a century farm. Ben was a member of the Masons for 70 years. He was a
 past Master of the Morland Lodge and later an active member of the 
Millbrook Lodge in Hill City. As an active community member,  he served a
 stint as Mayor of Morland, served on the cemetery, water district, and 
township boards.

Ben beamed with pride whenever he was with his 
grandson, Jay. On his summer visits from Texas, he was always amazed at 
how fast Jay was growing. Grandpa Ben had a plethora of gophers in his 
yard and taught Jay how to trap them, which Jay took great pleasure in 
showing his favorite aunt. There were several great nephews and young 
guests in town that got their first trapping and driving lessons from 
Ben. Jay has many memories with his grandpa, but a favorite is when they
 were catching minnows in the river and Grandpa just jumped right in. 
Ben’s laugh was contagious and couldn’t help a good laugh-out-loud every
 time he watched Jay’s dog and cat play hide, seek and attack!

Ben
 loved to travel and see new places. On one bus trip, he met Karen 
Stettes and together they enjoyed 25 years traveling and dancing. Their 
travels took them to Mexico, Alaska, New York and many bus trips 
throughout the United States. When they were home in Texas, they would 
have morning coffee and play a couple of dice games, of which he became 
quite proficient. In fact, he said he was almost ashamed that he kept 
winning! He also enjoyed playing cards and games, talking politics and 
made many friends especially if they were Republicans.

Preceding 
Ben in death were his parents, brother, John and sister-in-law Wilma and
  his niece Laura. Left to mourn his passing are his partner, Karen 
Stettes; daughters: Donna (Alex) Leslie and Billie (Mike) Frakes; and 
grandsons: Cody and Jay Frakes.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Ben-William-Keith?obId=26176053#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670447373282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ben W. Keith, 93, passed away October 16, 2022, in Pharr, Texas. He 
was born August 17, 1929, in rural Graham County, Kansas, the first of 
two sons of William J. and Ethel L. (Fawcett) Keith. He grew up two 
miles west of Penokee along the Solomon River where he and his brother 
John ran barefoot, had a goat swing that swung out over a big embankment
 and chased lots of rabbits. He had always celebrated his birthday 
August 18th until he found his birth certificate and it stated he was 
born the 17th. His mom must have been in shock! His parents called him 
Benny until he started school when someone suggested that they shorten 
that to Ben, which sounded more grown up.He attended Morland 
grade and high schools graduating in 1948. The boys rode with neighbors 
who drove Model A Fords and once had a ride in a 1926 Chevy. Ben enjoyed
 racing cars with John and their friends, wrestling and going to dances.
 Believe it or not, in high school he referred to himself as a 
“wallflower” because he was too shy to ask a girl to dance. He worked at
 the A.T. Sanger farm through high school, continuing working for the 
Sangers until joining the Armed Forces in June of 1954. He completed his
 basic training and schooling in Arkansas at Camp Chaffee. He was later 
stationed in Korea and was honorably discharged in June of 1956. He was 
proud to have served in the military and felt extremely honored when he 
received a Quilt of Valor in 2016. The quilt was on his chair and used 
every day.When Ben returned to Graham County, he met and married 
Charlotte Riggs in 1959. Two daughters, Donna and Billie, were born to 
this union. The couple later divorced. In the mid-'60s, he joined his 
brother in a farm partnership and later owned his own farm. His favorite
 part of farming and ranching were the cattle. He would train them to 
come with a honk of his pickup horn. They would come running in great 
anticipation of a grain treat and the girls remember that if you weren’t
 fast enough to dump the grain, you would be surrounded by steers 
licking their lips! Farming and ranching were an integral part of Ben’s 
entire life and he was very proud when the farm received the recognition
 of a century farm. Ben was a member of the Masons for 70 years. He was a
 past Master of the Morland Lodge and later an active member of the 
Millbrook Lodge in Hill City. As an active community member, he served a
 stint as Mayor of Morland, served on the cemetery, water district, and 
township boards.Ben beamed with pride whenever he was with his 
grandson, Jay. On his summer visits from Texas, he was always amazed at 
how fast Jay was growing. Grandpa Ben had a plethora of gophers in his 
yard and taught Jay how to trap them, which Jay took great pleasure in 
showing his favorite aunt. There were several great nephews and young 
guests in town that got their first trapping and driving lessons from 
Ben. Jay has many memories with his grandpa, but a favorite is when they
 were catching minnows in the river and Grandpa just jumped right in. 
Ben’s laugh was contagious and couldn’t help a good laugh-out-loud every
 time he watched Jay’s dog and cat play hide, seek and attack!Ben
 loved to travel and see new places. On one bus trip, he met Karen 
Stettes and together they enjoyed 25 years traveling and dancing. Their 
travels took them to Mexico, Alaska, New York and many bus trips 
throughout the United States. When they were home in Texas, they would 
have morning coffee and play a couple of dice games, of which he became 
quite proficient. In fact, he said he was almost ashamed that he kept 
winning! He also enjoyed playing cards and games, talking politics and 
made many friends especially if they were Republicans.Preceding 
Ben in death were his parents, brother, John and sister-in-law Wilma and
 his niece Laura. Left to mourn his passing are his partner, Karen 
Stettes; daughters: Donna (Alex) Leslie and Billie (Mike) Frakes; and 
grandsons: Cody and Jay Frakes.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Ben-William-Keith?obId=26176053#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Ben William Keith

Darlene Stanton, Russell County animal control officer

Many households in Russell enjoy the benefits of owning small flocks of chickens, so it is worthwhile to bring the issue of avian flu to your attention. 

The latest case affecting a “backyard flock” was reported in October near Topeka, bringing the total cases of “backyard flock” avian flu in Kansas this year to nine. Other cases have been showing up in the media but haven’t been confirmed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture defines avian influenza as “a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly affects birds." It is very contagious and, although rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable. The disease exists naturally in wild birds and can be found following migratory bird routes, spreading through contact and ingestion of infected food or water. Symptoms in birds include coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress, decrease in egg production or deformed eggs, and sudden death. If you notice these symptoms in your birds, contact your local veterinarian or the Kansas Department of Agriculture - Division of Animal Health. 

 There is no treatment at this time, but knowing the disease is present can allow us to take appropriate measures to stop its spread. If you have a “backyard flock,” you should take the following precautions:

• Preventing contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl • Remove any nesting material, food, and water from the view of wild birds • Isolate any new birds you bring home

We must all do our part in protecting the health of our animals and our community.&nbsp;

Darlene Stanton, Russell County animal control officerMany households in Russell enjoy the benefits of owning small flocks of chickens, so it is worthwhile to bring the issue of avian flu to your attention. The latest case affecting a “backyard flock” was reported in October near Topeka, bringing the total cases of “backyard flock” avian flu in Kansas this year to nine. Other cases have been showing up in the media but haven’t been confirmed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.The Kansas Department of Agriculture defines avian influenza as “a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly affects birds." It is very contagious and, although rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable. The disease exists naturally in wild birds and can be found following migratory bird routes, spreading through contact and ingestion of infected food or water. Symptoms in birds include coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress, decrease in egg production or deformed eggs, and sudden death. If you notice these symptoms in your birds, contact your local veterinarian or the Kansas Department of Agriculture - Division of Animal Health. There is no treatment at this time, but knowing the disease is present can allow us to take appropriate measures to stop its spread. If you have a “backyard flock,” you should take the following precautions:• Preventing contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl • Remove any nesting material, food, and water from the view of wild birds • Isolate any new birds you bring homeWe must all do our part in protecting the health of our animals and our community.&nbsp;

Russell Co. warns of avian flu in 'backyard flocks'

Mary Jane O’Brien, age 83, died on December 3, 2022, at Hospice House
 in Hutchinson, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on September 30, 1939, in Garden 
City, Kansas the daughter of Raymond and Stella (Crofton) Ellis.

Jane graduated from Garden City High School and then went on the 
attend beauty school.&nbsp; On October 19, 2959, she married Gary O’Brien in 
Ness City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 25, 2005.

&nbsp;She was a hair stylist in Ransom for several years before starting a
 family.&nbsp; Between raising a family, supporting her children in riding 
horses and sports, she worked as a waitress and at Rexall drug prior 
going to work at the Ness County Sheriff's Office where she was the 
Records clerk, and head dispatcher for 39 yrs. She retired in 2008. Jane
 was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society, the Indian 
Hills Saddle Club, Kansas western horseman’s association where she was a
 board member for many years.&nbsp; Between the children’s activities, 
helping Gary, and work, Jane loved to show horses, embroidery, grow 
flowers, and watch KU Basketball.&nbsp;

Jane is survived by her three daughters, Jonetta and Jackie O’Brien 
of Ness City and Justina O’Brien of Hutchinson; two sisters, Maybelle 
Bowen of Garden City and Rosie Palkowitsh and her husband, Raymond, of 
Burlington, CO; and three sisters in law, Joyce Ellis of Dighton, Louis 
Shauers and her husband, Charlie, of Ness City, and LaVone Hoss of Ness 
City. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, David
 and Jeffery O’Brien; three brothers, Raymond, Robert, and Ronald Ellis,
 and one sister, Josephine Coeber.

The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, December 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at 
Sacred Heart Church, Ness City, followed by burial in the Sacred Heart 
Cemetery. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 
on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to Reno County Home Health/Hospice, Hospice House, or Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670421528182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Jane O’Brien, age 83, died on December 3, 2022, at Hospice House
 in Hutchinson, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on September 30, 1939, in Garden 
City, Kansas the daughter of Raymond and Stella (Crofton) Ellis.Jane graduated from Garden City High School and then went on the 
attend beauty school.&nbsp; On October 19, 2959, she married Gary O’Brien in 
Ness City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 25, 2005.&nbsp;She was a hair stylist in Ransom for several years before starting a
 family.&nbsp; Between raising a family, supporting her children in riding 
horses and sports, she worked as a waitress and at Rexall drug prior 
going to work at the Ness County Sheriff's Office where she was the 
Records clerk, and head dispatcher for 39 yrs. She retired in 2008. Jane
 was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and Altar Society, the Indian 
Hills Saddle Club, Kansas western horseman’s association where she was a
 board member for many years.&nbsp; Between the children’s activities, 
helping Gary, and work, Jane loved to show horses, embroidery, grow 
flowers, and watch KU Basketball.&nbsp;Jane is survived by her three daughters, Jonetta and Jackie O’Brien 
of Ness City and Justina O’Brien of Hutchinson; two sisters, Maybelle 
Bowen of Garden City and Rosie Palkowitsh and her husband, Raymond, of 
Burlington, CO; and three sisters in law, Joyce Ellis of Dighton, Louis 
Shauers and her husband, Charlie, of Ness City, and LaVone Hoss of Ness 
City. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, David
 and Jeffery O’Brien; three brothers, Raymond, Robert, and Ronald Ellis,
 and one sister, Josephine Coeber.The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, December 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at 
Sacred Heart Church, Ness City, followed by burial in the Sacred Heart 
Cemetery. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 
on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to Reno County Home Health/Hospice, Hospice House, or Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund.

Mary Jane O’Brien

ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term and helping cap an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-897222c2690df16aac53f52eafafeb80">underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP</a>&nbsp;in the last major vote of the year.

With Warnock’s second runoff victory in as many years, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining a seat from the current 50-50 split with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-race-2022-midterm-elections-93709b5b7ab4cef658f45751cd76c090">John Fetterman’s victory in Pennsylvania</a>. There will be divided government, however, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans having narrowly flipped House control</a>.

In last month’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-senate-race-runoff-2022-midterms-b32e84784e9e644b3e3163b7ca9cc569">Warnock led Walker by 37,000 votes</a>&nbsp;out of almost 4 million cast, but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Walker, a football legend who first gained fame at the University of Georgia and later in the NFL in the 1980s, was unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-health-georgia-1a7c86004f571ea10e6f88ea375b439d">two former girlfriends’ abortions</a>.

Democrats’ Georgia victory solidifies the state’s place as a Deep South battleground two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Georgia-election-results-4b82ba7ee3cc74d33e68daadaee2cbf3">Warnock and fellow Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff won 2021 runoffs</a>&nbsp;that gave the party Senate control just months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 30 years to win Georgia</a>. Voters returned Warnock to the Senate in the same cycle they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-f976a0e81f193277d22e176faa852acb">reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp</a>&nbsp;by a comfortable margin and chose an all-GOP slate of statewide constitutional officers.

“I’ll work with anyone to get things done for the people of Georgia,” Warnock, the state’s first Black senator, said throughout his campaign, a nod to the state’s historically conservative lean and his need to win over GOP-leaning independents and at least some moderate Republicans in a midterm election year.

Warnock, 53, paired that argument with an emphasis on his personal values, buoyed by his status as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.

Walker's defeat bookends the GOP’s struggles this year to win with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-00c770068d8b82f165a9f4871eee983b">flawed candidates cast from Trump’s mold</a>, a blow to the former president as he builds his third White House bid.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-georgia-kamala-harris-congress-government-and-politics-0f6cc74d575921e13c19d7569e4e5382">Democrats’ new outright majority in the Senate means</a>&nbsp;the party will no longer have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans and won’t have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break as many tie votes.

About 1.9 million runoff votes were cast by mail and during early voting, while the state was on track for a robust Election Day, with state officials estimating an additional 1.4 million votes cast — slightly more than in the November midterm and the 2020 election.

Early and mail voting did not reach the same levels as years past, and it was likely the total number of votes cast would be less than the 2021 Senate runoff election. Voting rights groups point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-new-georgia-gop-election-law-do-87665a200f6442e28ef43cbc60c88653">changes made by state lawmakers after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;that shortened the period for runoffs, from nine weeks to four, as a major reason for the decline in early and mail voting.

Elections officials reported few problems processing early votes and tabulating ballots cast Tuesday, but there were some delays. In south Georgia’s Lowndes County, two poll workers were in a car accident on the way to the county elections office with the memory cards from one precinct’s polling machines. A Lowndes official said a member of the local elections board went to the accident site to retrieve the memory cards so tabulations could continue.

Walker benefited during the campaign from nearly unmatched name recognition from his football career, yet was dogged by questions about his fitness for office and allegations of hypocrisy.

A multimillionaire businessman, Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-sports-business-government-and-politics-herschel-walker-7418cd7deadc414b17e3339048fef180">inflated his philanthropic activities and business achievements</a>, including claiming that his company employed hundreds of people and grossed tens of millions of dollars in sales annually, even though records indicate he had eight employees and averaged about $1.5 million a year. He has suggested that he’s worked as a law enforcement officer and graduated college, though he has done neither.

He was accused by two former girlfriends of encouraging and paying for their abortions, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-warnock-walker-debate-georgia-d831b6cbfce77be05102a0c6f7a0d304">supporting an outright national ban on the procedure</a>&nbsp;during the campaign. He denied both women’s claims.

He was also forced to acknowledge during the campaign that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-nashville-government-and-politics-115fc9e55e007f9203f3a0592ac83452">fathered three children out of wedlock</a>&nbsp;whom he had never before spoken about publicly. The mother of one of those children told The Daily Beast that Walker had not seen his young son since January 2016 and had to be taken to court for child support — in direct conflict with Walker’s years spent criticizing absentee fathers and his calls for Black men, in particular, to play an active role in their kids’ lives.

His ex-wife said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-nfl-georgia-senate-704738fdbed64383e25e3435684d7341">Walker once held a gun to her head</a>&nbsp;and threatened to kill her. He has never denied those specifics and wrote of his violent tendencies in a 2008 memoir that attributed the behavior to mental illness.

As a candidate, he sometimes mangled policy discussions, attributing the climate crisis to China’s “bad air” overtaking “good air” from the United States and arguing that diabetics could manage their health by “eating right,” a practice that isn’t enough for insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

On Tuesday, Atlanta voter Tom Callaway praised the Republican Party’s strength in Georgia and said he’d supported Kemp in the opening round of voting. But he said he cast his ballot for Warnock because he didn’t think “Herschel Walker has the credentials to be a senator.”

“I didn’t believe he had a statement of what he really believed in or had a campaign that made sense,” Callaway said.

Walker, meanwhile, sought to portray Warnock as a yes-man for Biden. He sometimes made the attack in especially personal terms, accusing Warnock of “being on his knees, begging” at the White House — a searing charge for a Black challenger to level against a Black senator about his relationship with a white president.

“My opponent is not a serious person,” Warnock said during the runoff campaign. “But the election is very serious. Don’t get those two things confused.”

Warnock promoted his Senate accomplishments, touting a provision he sponsored to cap insulin costs for Medicare patients. He hailed deals on infrastructure and maternal health care forged with Republican senators, mentioning those GOP colleagues more than he did Biden or other Washington Democrats.

Warnock distanced himself from Biden, whose approval ratings have lagged as inflation remains high. After the general election, Biden promised to help Warnock in any way he could, even if it meant staying away from Georgia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-biden-georgia-1091b7502bca21c9c847d564042fa845">Bypassing the president</a>, Warnock decided instead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-georgia-atlanta-83ecb9128b7db96022256efc06965718">campaign with former President Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;in the days before the runoff election.

Walker, meanwhile, avoided campaigning with Trump until the campaign’s final day, when the pair conducted a conference call Monday with supporters.

Walker joins failed Senate nominees Dr. Mehmet Oz of Pennsylvania, Blake Masters of Arizona, Adam Laxalt of Nevada and Don Bolduc of New Hampshire as Trump loyalists who ultimately lost races that Republicans once thought they would — or at least could — win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669567002976.jpeg" alt="Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker. (AP Photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker. (AP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term and helping cap an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-government-and-politics-897222c2690df16aac53f52eafafeb80">underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP</a>&nbsp;in the last major vote of the year.With Warnock’s second runoff victory in as many years, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining a seat from the current 50-50 split with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-race-2022-midterm-elections-93709b5b7ab4cef658f45751cd76c090">John Fetterman’s victory in Pennsylvania</a>. There will be divided government, however, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans having narrowly flipped House control</a>.In last month’s election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-senate-race-runoff-2022-midterms-b32e84784e9e644b3e3163b7ca9cc569">Warnock led Walker by 37,000 votes</a>&nbsp;out of almost 4 million cast, but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Walker, a football legend who first gained fame at the University of Georgia and later in the NFL in the 1980s, was unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-health-georgia-1a7c86004f571ea10e6f88ea375b439d">two former girlfriends’ abortions</a>.Democrats’ Georgia victory solidifies the state’s place as a Deep South battleground two years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Georgia-election-results-4b82ba7ee3cc74d33e68daadaee2cbf3">Warnock and fellow Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff won 2021 runoffs</a>&nbsp;that gave the party Senate control just months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 30 years to win Georgia</a>. Voters returned Warnock to the Senate in the same cycle they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-governor-race-2022-midterm-elections-f976a0e81f193277d22e176faa852acb">reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp</a>&nbsp;by a comfortable margin and chose an all-GOP slate of statewide constitutional officers.“I’ll work with anyone to get things done for the people of Georgia,” Warnock, the state’s first Black senator, said throughout his campaign, a nod to the state’s historically conservative lean and his need to win over GOP-leaning independents and at least some moderate Republicans in a midterm election year.Warnock, 53, paired that argument with an emphasis on his personal values, buoyed by his status as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666276868984.png" alt="Kansas Senator Roger Marshall campaigned for Walker in October -Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Roger Marshall campaigned for Walker in October -Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>Walker's defeat bookends the GOP’s struggles this year to win with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-00c770068d8b82f165a9f4871eee983b">flawed candidates cast from Trump’s mold</a>, a blow to the former president as he builds his third White House bid.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-georgia-kamala-harris-congress-government-and-politics-0f6cc74d575921e13c19d7569e4e5382">Democrats’ new outright majority in the Senate means</a>&nbsp;the party will no longer have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans and won’t have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break as many tie votes.About 1.9 million runoff votes were cast by mail and during early voting, while the state was on track for a robust Election Day, with state officials estimating an additional 1.4 million votes cast — slightly more than in the November midterm and the 2020 election.Early and mail voting did not reach the same levels as years past, and it was likely the total number of votes cast would be less than the 2021 Senate runoff election. Voting rights groups point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-does-new-georgia-gop-election-law-do-87665a200f6442e28ef43cbc60c88653">changes made by state lawmakers after the 2020 election</a>&nbsp;that shortened the period for runoffs, from nine weeks to four, as a major reason for the decline in early and mail voting.Elections officials reported few problems processing early votes and tabulating ballots cast Tuesday, but there were some delays. In south Georgia’s Lowndes County, two poll workers were in a car accident on the way to the county elections office with the memory cards from one precinct’s polling machines. A Lowndes official said a member of the local elections board went to the accident site to retrieve the memory cards so tabulations could continue.Walker benefited during the campaign from nearly unmatched name recognition from his football career, yet was dogged by questions about his fitness for office and allegations of hypocrisy.A multimillionaire businessman, Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-sports-business-government-and-politics-herschel-walker-7418cd7deadc414b17e3339048fef180">inflated his philanthropic activities and business achievements</a>, including claiming that his company employed hundreds of people and grossed tens of millions of dollars in sales annually, even though records indicate he had eight employees and averaged about $1.5 million a year. He has suggested that he’s worked as a law enforcement officer and graduated college, though he has done neither.He was accused by two former girlfriends of encouraging and paying for their abortions, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-warnock-walker-debate-georgia-d831b6cbfce77be05102a0c6f7a0d304">supporting an outright national ban on the procedure</a>&nbsp;during the campaign. He denied both women’s claims.He was also forced to acknowledge during the campaign that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-nashville-government-and-politics-115fc9e55e007f9203f3a0592ac83452">fathered three children out of wedlock</a>&nbsp;whom he had never before spoken about publicly. The mother of one of those children told The Daily Beast that Walker had not seen his young son since January 2016 and had to be taken to court for child support — in direct conflict with Walker’s years spent criticizing absentee fathers and his calls for Black men, in particular, to play an active role in their kids’ lives.His ex-wife said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-nfl-georgia-senate-704738fdbed64383e25e3435684d7341">Walker once held a gun to her head</a>&nbsp;and threatened to kill her. He has never denied those specifics and wrote of his violent tendencies in a 2008 memoir that attributed the behavior to mental illness.As a candidate, he sometimes mangled policy discussions, attributing the climate crisis to China’s “bad air” overtaking “good air” from the United States and arguing that diabetics could manage their health by “eating right,” a practice that isn’t enough for insulin-dependent diabetic patients.On Tuesday, Atlanta voter Tom Callaway praised the Republican Party’s strength in Georgia and said he’d supported Kemp in the opening round of voting. But he said he cast his ballot for Warnock because he didn’t think “Herschel Walker has the credentials to be a senator.”“I didn’t believe he had a statement of what he really believed in or had a campaign that made sense,” Callaway said.Walker, meanwhile, sought to portray Warnock as a yes-man for Biden. He sometimes made the attack in especially personal terms, accusing Warnock of “being on his knees, begging” at the White House — a searing charge for a Black challenger to level against a Black senator about his relationship with a white president.“My opponent is not a serious person,” Warnock said during the runoff campaign. “But the election is very serious. Don’t get those two things confused.”Warnock promoted his Senate accomplishments, touting a provision he sponsored to cap insulin costs for Medicare patients. He hailed deals on infrastructure and maternal health care forged with Republican senators, mentioning those GOP colleagues more than he did Biden or other Washington Democrats.Warnock distanced himself from Biden, whose approval ratings have lagged as inflation remains high. After the general election, Biden promised to help Warnock in any way he could, even if it meant staying away from Georgia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/herschel-walker-biden-georgia-1091b7502bca21c9c847d564042fa845">Bypassing the president</a>, Warnock decided instead to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-herschel-walker-georgia-atlanta-83ecb9128b7db96022256efc06965718">campaign with former President Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;in the days before the runoff election.Walker, meanwhile, avoided campaigning with Trump until the campaign’s final day, when the pair conducted a conference call Monday with supporters.Walker joins failed Senate nominees Dr. Mehmet Oz of Pennsylvania, Blake Masters of Arizona, Adam Laxalt of Nevada and Don Bolduc of New Hampshire as Trump loyalists who ultimately lost races that Republicans once thought they would — or at least could — win.

Democratic Sen. Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 28-years in prison for production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

&nbsp;Dillon Everman, 30, of Parsons admitted in pleading guilty that he encouraged and requested co-defendant Dustin Strom to sexually abuse two young children and send him images of the abuse, according to court documents. Everman then saved the images and created a shareable link that he made available to Strom and others.

In October 2022, Dustin Strom, 26, of Parsons was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, production of child pornography.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670274587610.png" alt="Everman-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Everman-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 28-years in prison for production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;Dillon Everman, 30, of Parsons admitted in pleading guilty that he encouraged and requested co-defendant Dustin Strom to sexually abuse two young children and send him images of the abuse, according to court documents. Everman then saved the images and created a shareable link that he made available to Strom and others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666385836272.png" alt="Strom-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Strom-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In October 2022, Dustin Strom, 26, of Parsons was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, production of child pornography.Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case.

Kan. man encouraged man to create, send child porn images

NEW YORK (AP) — There's no rest for the spicy: Fresh off a world tour
 and two albums this year, Red Hot Chili Peppers are preparing for a set
 of stadium shows and festival stops across North America and Europe in 
2023.

NEW YORK (AP) — There's no rest for the spicy: Fresh off a world tour
 and two albums this year, Red Hot Chili Peppers are preparing for a set
 of stadium shows and festival stops across North America and Europe in 
2023.Live Nation said Monday the band's 23-date global trek kicks
 off March 29 at BC Place in Vancouver, followed by shows in Las Vegas, 
San Diego, Houston, Lisbon, Madrid, Vienna and more before wrapping up 
on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland.Joining the band on select dates 
will be The Strokes, Iggy Pop, The Roots, The Mars Volta, St. Vincent, 
City and Colour, Thundercat and King Princess. <a href="https://redhotchilipeppers.com/">Tickets go on sale starting Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. local time at redhotchilipeppers.com.</a>The
 funk-rock band gave us not one but two albums in 2022 — October's 
“Return of the Dream Canteen” and April’s “Unlimited Love.” Both spent 
time at No. 1 of Billboard's top album sales chart.The Peppers 
recently took home the Global Icon Award, at the MTV VMAs and their 
single “Black Summer″ also won the award for Best Rock Video.Trade
 publication Pollstar put the Peppers at No. 4 on its list of most 
lucrative concert tours in 2022, behind Bad Bunny, Elton John and Lady 
Gaga, with an average box office gross per city of $5,605,217 and an 
average ticket price at $134.39.