Leon Joseph Klug, 86, passed away September 20, 2022, at Kansas Heart
 Hospital, Wichita, Kan.&nbsp; He was born December 28, 1935, in rural 
Redwing, Kan., to Julius and Matilda (Boor) Klug. Leon married Lois 
Louise Schremmer October 3, 1956, in Beaver, Kansas.&nbsp; She died October 
2, 2019.

A current resident of Hoisington, Leon was a lifetime resident of the
 Susank and Redwing areas and graduated from Odin in 1953.&nbsp; He was a 
pipeline welder for Producer's Gas and Midwest Energy.&nbsp; Leon was a 
current member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, 
and Knights of Columbus Council #2917, Odin, and former member of Holy 
Name Catholic Church, Odin.&nbsp; He was passionate about his Catholic faith,
 and enjoyed baseball, being an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; He 
also enjoyed country music and classic western shows, such as The 
Virginian and Gunsmoke, and any outdoor activities, such as bow hunting 
deer and fishing.&nbsp; He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, 
who will remember him for his kind and gentle soul.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Kirby Klug of Overland Park; daughter,
 Kala Crites-Clary and Jim Clary of Overland Park; son, Kelly and Cindy 
Klug of Olathe; grandson, Nick and Leslie Klug of Great Bend; 
granddaughter, Katie Klug of Leawood; granddaughter, Maggie Klug of 
Leawood; grandson, Brady and Kelsi Crites of Vancouver, Wash.; and 
granddaughter, Brooke Crites of Overland Park, great-grandchildren, 
Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and Kaden Crites of Vancouver; and 
brother Jim Klug of Odin.&nbsp; He is preceded in passing by his wife Lois; 
brother Alois “Lou” Klug; and two sisters, Eleanor Klug Reif and 
Margaret Klug Brenner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 
2022, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with 
Father Anselm Eke, MSP presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow at St. John 
Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, 
Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
Hoisington, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials have been designated to Hoisington Youth Baseball and 
Softball, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663792992898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leon Joseph Klug, 86, passed away September 20, 2022, at Kansas Heart
 Hospital, Wichita, Kan.&nbsp; He was born December 28, 1935, in rural 
Redwing, Kan., to Julius and Matilda (Boor) Klug. Leon married Lois 
Louise Schremmer October 3, 1956, in Beaver, Kansas.&nbsp; She died October 
2, 2019.A current resident of Hoisington, Leon was a lifetime resident of the
 Susank and Redwing areas and graduated from Odin in 1953.&nbsp; He was a 
pipeline welder for Producer's Gas and Midwest Energy.&nbsp; Leon was a 
current member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, 
and Knights of Columbus Council #2917, Odin, and former member of Holy 
Name Catholic Church, Odin.&nbsp; He was passionate about his Catholic faith,
 and enjoyed baseball, being an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; He 
also enjoyed country music and classic western shows, such as The 
Virginian and Gunsmoke, and any outdoor activities, such as bow hunting 
deer and fishing.&nbsp; He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, 
who will remember him for his kind and gentle soul.He is survived by his son, Dr. Kirby Klug of Overland Park; daughter,
 Kala Crites-Clary and Jim Clary of Overland Park; son, Kelly and Cindy 
Klug of Olathe; grandson, Nick and Leslie Klug of Great Bend; 
granddaughter, Katie Klug of Leawood; granddaughter, Maggie Klug of 
Leawood; grandson, Brady and Kelsi Crites of Vancouver, Wash.; and 
granddaughter, Brooke Crites of Overland Park, great-grandchildren, 
Olivia and Liam Klug of Great Bend, and Kaden Crites of Vancouver; and 
brother Jim Klug of Odin.&nbsp; He is preceded in passing by his wife Lois; 
brother Alois “Lou” Klug; and two sisters, Eleanor Klug Reif and 
Margaret Klug Brenner.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 
2022, at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with 
Father Anselm Eke, MSP presiding.&nbsp; Interment will follow at St. John 
Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, 
Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 
Hoisington, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m.Memorials have been designated to Hoisington Youth Baseball and 
Softball, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Leon Joseph Klug

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The number of Venezuelans taken into custody at the U.S. border with Mexico soared in August, while fewer migrants from Mexico and some Central American countries were stopped, officials said Monday.

Venezuelans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters" target="_blank">surpassed</a>&nbsp;Guatemalans and Hondurans to become the second-largest nationality after Mexicans among migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally. U.S. authorities stopped Venezuelans 25,349 times in August, up 43% from 17,652 times in July and four times the 6,301 stops recorded in August 2021.

At the same time, it was the third straight month that fewer immigrants from Mexico and Central America’s Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Those nationalities have dominated the mix for decades.

Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.

Authorities stopped migrants 2.15 million times from October through August, the first time that measure topped 2 million during the government’s fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. It was a 39% increase from 1.54 million stops the same period a year earlier.

Border crossings have been fueled partly by repeat crossers because there are no legal consequences for getting expelled under a pandemic-era rule that denies a right to seek asylum. Even so, the numbers are extraordinarily high.

Migration from Cuba and Nicaragua remained high, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Cubans were stopped 19,057 times in August, down from 20,096 times in July but up from 4,496 in August 2021. Nicaraguans were stopped 11,742 times, down from 12,075 in July but up from 9,979 in August 2021.

It’s the latest sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-health-yuma-immigration-128e7440b334cc8fcbd3a629b78c3879">rapidly changing migration flows</a>&nbsp;as U.S. authorities wrestle with unusually large influxes overall.

While no single reason can be pinpointed, it is extremely challenging for the U.S. to expel migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba under the pandemic rule known as Title 42, which U.S. officials invoke to deny people a chance at seeking asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. U.S. relations with all three countries are strained, making it difficult to send them home.

“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border,” said Chris Magnus, commissioner of CBP, which oversees the Border Patrol.

Mexico accepts migrants expelled under Title 42 if they are from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, in addition to Mexico. While the pandemic rule applies to all nationalities in theory, people from those four countries are most affected.

The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-los-angeles-central-america-venezuela-government-and-politics-81cd2b6c371a94740a1be238d72bc547">is leaning</a>&nbsp;on other countries in the Americas to absorb more people fleeing their homes.

About 6.8 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-colombia-peru-caribbean-27c9e6bf0c06272682cc2cb4c228c4a8">Venezuelans have left</a>&nbsp;their homeland since an economic crisis took hold in earnest in 2014 for the country of 28 million people. Most have gone to nearby nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including more than 2.4 million who are in neighboring Colombia.

Venezuelan migration to the U.S. plummeted early this year after Mexico introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-mexico-venezuela-caribbean-immigration-752563b50e41b70311e26ceab3509b66">restrictions on air travel</a>&nbsp;but has increased in recent months as more come over land through the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.

Nearly 7 of every 10 stops of Venezuelans crossing illegally during August occurred in the Border Patrol’s Del Rio, Texas, sector, making it the busiest of the agency’s nine sectors on the Mexican border. Migrants were stopped more than 52,000 times in the Del Rio sector, many of them around the city of Eagle Pass, with El Paso, Texas, a distant second with about 29,000 stops.

The trend of more Venezuelans is reflected in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-new-york-florida-united-states-661f3489e74847bee88740fec40fe17c">daily headlines.</a>&nbsp;Roughly 50 migrants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard were all Venezuelan, as were five of the six people whom U.S. authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">found drowned</a>&nbsp;in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass in early September. The sixth was from Nicaragua.

Title 42 encourages repeat attempts because there are no legal consequences for getting caught. In August, 157,921 migrants crossed at least once, with 55,333 from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua and 56,979 from Mexico or the Northern Triangle countries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO (AP) — The number of Venezuelans taken into custody at the U.S. border with Mexico soared in August, while fewer migrants from Mexico and some Central American countries were stopped, officials said Monday.Venezuelans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters" target="_blank">surpassed</a>&nbsp;Guatemalans and Hondurans to become the second-largest nationality after Mexicans among migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally. U.S. authorities stopped Venezuelans 25,349 times in August, up 43% from 17,652 times in July and four times the 6,301 stops recorded in August 2021.At the same time, it was the third straight month that fewer immigrants from Mexico and Central America’s Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Those nationalities have dominated the mix for decades.Overall, U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August, up 1.8% from 199,976 times in July but down 4.7% from 213,593 times in August 2021.Authorities stopped migrants 2.15 million times from October through August, the first time that measure topped 2 million during the government’s fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. It was a 39% increase from 1.54 million stops the same period a year earlier.Border crossings have been fueled partly by repeat crossers because there are no legal consequences for getting expelled under a pandemic-era rule that denies a right to seek asylum. Even so, the numbers are extraordinarily high.Migration from Cuba and Nicaragua remained high, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Cubans were stopped 19,057 times in August, down from 20,096 times in July but up from 4,496 in August 2021. Nicaraguans were stopped 11,742 times, down from 12,075 in July but up from 9,979 in August 2021.It’s the latest sign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-covid-health-yuma-immigration-128e7440b334cc8fcbd3a629b78c3879">rapidly changing migration flows</a>&nbsp;as U.S. authorities wrestle with unusually large influxes overall.While no single reason can be pinpointed, it is extremely challenging for the U.S. to expel migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba under the pandemic rule known as Title 42, which U.S. officials invoke to deny people a chance at seeking asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. U.S. relations with all three countries are strained, making it difficult to send them home.“Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border,” said Chris Magnus, commissioner of CBP, which oversees the Border Patrol.Mexico accepts migrants expelled under Title 42 if they are from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, in addition to Mexico. While the pandemic rule applies to all nationalities in theory, people from those four countries are most affected.The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-los-angeles-central-america-venezuela-government-and-politics-81cd2b6c371a94740a1be238d72bc547">is leaning</a>&nbsp;on other countries in the Americas to absorb more people fleeing their homes.About 6.8 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-colombia-peru-caribbean-27c9e6bf0c06272682cc2cb4c228c4a8">Venezuelans have left</a>&nbsp;their homeland since an economic crisis took hold in earnest in 2014 for the country of 28 million people. Most have gone to nearby nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including more than 2.4 million who are in neighboring Colombia.Venezuelan migration to the U.S. plummeted early this year after Mexico introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travel-mexico-venezuela-caribbean-immigration-752563b50e41b70311e26ceab3509b66">restrictions on air travel</a>&nbsp;but has increased in recent months as more come over land through the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.Nearly 7 of every 10 stops of Venezuelans crossing illegally during August occurred in the Border Patrol’s Del Rio, Texas, sector, making it the busiest of the agency’s nine sectors on the Mexican border. Migrants were stopped more than 52,000 times in the Del Rio sector, many of them around the city of Eagle Pass, with El Paso, Texas, a distant second with about 29,000 stops.The trend of more Venezuelans is reflected in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-new-york-florida-united-states-661f3489e74847bee88740fec40fe17c">daily headlines.</a>&nbsp;Roughly 50 migrants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard were all Venezuelan, as were five of the six people whom U.S. authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-border-patrols-us-customs-and-protection-7664c5c25eae908a961e0d3da5c5fcfa">found drowned</a>&nbsp;in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass in early September. The sixth was from Nicaragua.Title 42 encourages repeat attempts because there are no legal consequences for getting caught. In August, 157,921 migrants crossed at least once, with 55,333 from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua and 56,979 from Mexico or the Northern Triangle countries.___

U.S. authorities stopped migrants 203,598 times in August

NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

(Click below to watch the news conference)

<a href="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-sues-donald-trump-years-financial-fraud">Click here to read</a> the statement from the NY AG's office

Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, filed in state court in New York, is the culmination of the Democrat’s three-year civil investigation of Trump and the Trump Organization. Three of Trump’s adult children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, were also named as defendants, along with two longtime company executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney.

The lawsuit seeks to strike at the core of what made Trump famous, taking a blacklight to the image of wealth and opulence he’s embraced throughout his career — first as a real estate developer, then as a reality TV host on “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice,” and later as president.

James, a Democrat, announced details of the lawsuit at a news conference on Wednesday. The case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22670312-ny-vs-trump">showed up on a court docket</a>&nbsp;Wednesday morning.

James said Trump “falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars.”

The goal, the attorney general’s office has said, was to burnish Trump’s billionaire image and the value of his properties when doing so gave him an advantage, while playing down the value of assets at other times for tax purposes.

“This investigation revealed that Donald Trump engaged in years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth, to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York," James said at the news conference. “Claiming you have money that you do not have does not amount to the art of the deal. It’s the art of the steal.”

James is seeking to remove the Trumps from businesses engaged in the alleged fraud and wants an independent monitor appointed for no less than five years to oversee the Trump Organization’s compliance, financial reporting, valuations and disclosures to lenders, insurers and tax authorities.

She is seeking to replace the current trustees of Trump’s revocable trust, which controls his business interests, with independent trustees, to bar Trump and the Trump Organization from entering into commercial real estate acquisitions for five years, from obtaining loans from banks in New York for five years and permanently bar Trump and three of his adult children from serving as an officer or director in any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.

She also seeks to permanently bar Weisselberg and McConney from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.

James said her investigation uncovered potential criminal violations, including falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, insurance fraud, conspiracy and bank fraud. She said her office is referring those findings to federal prosecutors and the Internal Revenue Service.

Alina Habba, an attorney for Trump, said the lawsuit “is neither focused on the facts nor the law — rather, it is solely focused on advancing the Attorney General’s political agenda.”

“It is abundantly clear that the Attorney General’s Office has exceeded its statutory authority by prying into transactions where absolutely no wrongdoing has taken place," Habba said. "We are confident that our judicial system will not stand for this unchecked abuse of authority, and we look forward to defending our client against each and every one of the Attorney General’s meritless claims.”

James’ lawsuit comes amid a swirl of unprecedented legal challenges for a former president, including an FBI investigation into Trump’s handling of classified records and inquiries into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The Trump Organization is set to go on trial in October in a criminal case alleging that it schemed to give untaxed perks to senior executives, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-tax-evasion-government-and-politics-3b28e6f6b861807e5e3b703525fb5284">its longtime finance chief Weisselberg</a>, who alone took more than $1.7 million in extras.

Weisselberg, 75, pleaded guilty Aug. 18. His plea agreement requires him to testify at the company’s trial before he starts a five-month jail sentence. If convicted, the Trump Organization could face a fine of double the amount of unpaid taxes.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been conducting a parallel criminal investigation of the same business practices at the heart of James’ civil lawsuit. That probe lost momentum earlier this year after Bragg raised questions internally about whether a criminal case was viable, but the Democrat has said it has not been abandoned.

At the same time, the FBI is continuing to investigate Trump’s storage of sensitive government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and a special grand jury in Georgia is investigating whether Trump and others attempted to influence state election officials.

All of the legal drama is playing out ahead of the November midterm elections, where Republicans are trying to win control of one or both houses of Congress.

Meanwhile, Trump has been laying the groundwork for a potential comeback campaign for president in 2024 and has accused President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him to hurt his political chances.

State law allows a broad range of civil remedies against companies committing commercial fraud, including revoking licenses to conduct business in the state, removing company officers and forcing the payment of restitution or disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.

James’ office could also seek to ban Trump from being involved in certain types of businesses, as happened in January when a judge barred ex-drug company CEO Martin Shkreli from the pharmaceutical industry for life.

In a previous clash with Trump, James oversaw the closure of his charity, the Trump Foundation, after her predecessor in the attorney general’s office, Barbara Underwood, filed a lawsuit alleging he misused its assets to resolve business disputes and boost his run for the White House. A judge ordered Trump to pay $2 million to an array of charities to settle the matter.

James, who campaigned for office as a Trump critic and watchdog, started scrutinizing his business practices in March 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements provided to Deutsche Bank when he was trying to obtain financing to buy the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Since then, James’ office and Trump’s lawyers have repeatedly sparred over the direction of the investigation and Trump’s unwillingness to comply with subpoenas for his testimony and records. Trump spent months fighting the subpoena that led to his August deposition, his lawyers unable to convince courts that he should be excused from testifying because his answers could be used in Bragg’s criminal probe.

In May, Trump paid $110,000 in fines after he was held in contempt of court for being slow to respond to a subpoena James’ office issued seeking documents and other evidence. The contempt finding was lifted in June after Trump and his lawyers submitted paperwork showing they had made a good faith effort to find relevant documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663775123495.png" alt="Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit Wednesday morning-image courtesy NYAG's office" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit Wednesday morning-image courtesy NYAG's office</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.(Click below to watch the news conference)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnewyorkstateag%2Fvideos%2F1400576467017874%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=495" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><a href="https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-sues-donald-trump-years-financial-fraud">Click here to read</a> the statement from the NY AG's officeAttorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, filed in state court in New York, is the culmination of the Democrat’s three-year civil investigation of Trump and the Trump Organization. Three of Trump’s adult children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, were also named as defendants, along with two longtime company executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney.The lawsuit seeks to strike at the core of what made Trump famous, taking a blacklight to the image of wealth and opulence he’s embraced throughout his career — first as a real estate developer, then as a reality TV host on “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice,” and later as president.James, a Democrat, announced details of the lawsuit at a news conference on Wednesday. The case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/22670312-ny-vs-trump">showed up on a court docket</a>&nbsp;Wednesday morning.James said Trump “falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars.”The goal, the attorney general’s office has said, was to burnish Trump’s billionaire image and the value of his properties when doing so gave him an advantage, while playing down the value of assets at other times for tax purposes.“This investigation revealed that Donald Trump engaged in years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth, to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York," James said at the news conference. “Claiming you have money that you do not have does not amount to the art of the deal. It’s the art of the steal.”James is seeking to remove the Trumps from businesses engaged in the alleged fraud and wants an independent monitor appointed for no less than five years to oversee the Trump Organization’s compliance, financial reporting, valuations and disclosures to lenders, insurers and tax authorities.She is seeking to replace the current trustees of Trump’s revocable trust, which controls his business interests, with independent trustees, to bar Trump and the Trump Organization from entering into commercial real estate acquisitions for five years, from obtaining loans from banks in New York for five years and permanently bar Trump and three of his adult children from serving as an officer or director in any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.She also seeks to permanently bar Weisselberg and McConney from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State.James said her investigation uncovered potential criminal violations, including falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, insurance fraud, conspiracy and bank fraud. She said her office is referring those findings to federal prosecutors and the Internal Revenue Service.Alina Habba, an attorney for Trump, said the lawsuit “is neither focused on the facts nor the law — rather, it is solely focused on advancing the Attorney General’s political agenda.”“It is abundantly clear that the Attorney General’s Office has exceeded its statutory authority by prying into transactions where absolutely no wrongdoing has taken place," Habba said. "We are confident that our judicial system will not stand for this unchecked abuse of authority, and we look forward to defending our client against each and every one of the Attorney General’s meritless claims.”James’ lawsuit comes amid a swirl of unprecedented legal challenges for a former president, including an FBI investigation into Trump’s handling of classified records and inquiries into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.The Trump Organization is set to go on trial in October in a criminal case alleging that it schemed to give untaxed perks to senior executives, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-tax-evasion-government-and-politics-3b28e6f6b861807e5e3b703525fb5284">its longtime finance chief Weisselberg</a>, who alone took more than $1.7 million in extras.Weisselberg, 75, pleaded guilty Aug. 18. His plea agreement requires him to testify at the company’s trial before he starts a five-month jail sentence. If convicted, the Trump Organization could face a fine of double the amount of unpaid taxes.Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been conducting a parallel criminal investigation of the same business practices at the heart of James’ civil lawsuit. That probe lost momentum earlier this year after Bragg raised questions internally about whether a criminal case was viable, but the Democrat has said it has not been abandoned.At the same time, the FBI is continuing to investigate Trump’s storage of sensitive government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and a special grand jury in Georgia is investigating whether Trump and others attempted to influence state election officials.All of the legal drama is playing out ahead of the November midterm elections, where Republicans are trying to win control of one or both houses of Congress.Meanwhile, Trump has been laying the groundwork for a potential comeback campaign for president in 2024 and has accused President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him to hurt his political chances.State law allows a broad range of civil remedies against companies committing commercial fraud, including revoking licenses to conduct business in the state, removing company officers and forcing the payment of restitution or disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.James’ office could also seek to ban Trump from being involved in certain types of businesses, as happened in January when a judge barred ex-drug company CEO Martin Shkreli from the pharmaceutical industry for life.In a previous clash with Trump, James oversaw the closure of his charity, the Trump Foundation, after her predecessor in the attorney general’s office, Barbara Underwood, filed a lawsuit alleging he misused its assets to resolve business disputes and boost his run for the White House. A judge ordered Trump to pay $2 million to an array of charities to settle the matter.James, who campaigned for office as a Trump critic and watchdog, started scrutinizing his business practices in March 2019 after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress that Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements provided to Deutsche Bank when he was trying to obtain financing to buy the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.Since then, James’ office and Trump’s lawyers have repeatedly sparred over the direction of the investigation and Trump’s unwillingness to comply with subpoenas for his testimony and records. Trump spent months fighting the subpoena that led to his August deposition, his lawyers unable to convince courts that he should be excused from testifying because his answers could be used in Bragg’s criminal probe.In May, Trump paid $110,000 in fines after he was held in contempt of court for being slow to respond to a subpoena James’ office issued seeking documents and other evidence. The contempt finding was lifted in June after Trump and his lawyers submitted paperwork showing they had made a good faith effort to find relevant documents.

🎥 New York sues Donald Trump alleging years of financial fraud

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted Monday to change the time
and day of its weekly meeting starting next month.

Currently, meetings are held the first three Mondays
of the month at 5 p.m., but County Administrator Darin Myers said staff had suggested a different time and day.

Myers said there were a number of reasons given in favor
of the move, among those was allowing commissioners time to attend Victoria
or Ellis city council meetings.

“You're sometimes either late, rushed or can't get there at
all,” he said.

The commission voted to move the meetings to Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. starting in October.

Commissioner Joe Leroux spoke in favor of the change and called it a "good move."

“It's going to get us better attendance from county employees, it’s
going to give us the same openness that we currently have for outside county
employees to attend the meetings, and it's going to free us up in the evenings and
other conditions and community events in the area," he said.

Myers said the change will also help to reduce overtime costs
because the county will not have to pay in IT employee to record and produce the
meeting. They also have a member of the sheriff’s department who provides security
for the meeting. 

“If we ever have staff that have to present that aren’t
department heads or when we bring in employees, whether new employees or
celebrating the success of the promotive employee, it’s sometimes hard to get
them in,” Myers said. “Because it's big in employment today ... your work-life
balance. When 5 o'clock hits, they're ready to go home. They got kids to
take care of ... sports to go to.”

Staff has also told Myers that they will be more likely to
attend meetings in the morning during work hours.

Myers said they also believe this will help outside businesses
who come before the commission as well.

“Most people that come and present to the commission are
usually there to represent their business or their organization ... business hours are eight to five.” Myers said. “That would also release some of
their nighttime hours to not have to go to a commission meeting.

Both Michael Berges and Nathan Leiker, who won their respective
commission races in the primary election and are running unopposed in the
general election, told Myers they were open to the change.

The next commission meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission voted Monday to change the time
and day of its weekly meeting starting next month.Currently, meetings are held the first three Mondays
of the month at 5 p.m., but County Administrator Darin Myers said staff had suggested a different time and day.Myers said there were a number of reasons given in favor
of the move, among those was allowing commissioners time to attend Victoria
or Ellis city council meetings.“You're sometimes either late, rushed or can't get there at
all,” he said.The commission voted to move the meetings to Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. starting in October.Commissioner Joe Leroux spoke in favor of the change and called it a "good move."“It's going to get us better attendance from county employees, it’s
going to give us the same openness that we currently have for outside county
employees to attend the meetings, and it's going to free us up in the evenings and
other conditions and community events in the area," he said.Myers said the change will also help to reduce overtime costs
because the county will not have to pay in IT employee to record and produce the
meeting. They also have a member of the sheriff’s department who provides security
for the meeting. “If we ever have staff that have to present that aren’t
department heads or when we bring in employees, whether new employees or
celebrating the success of the promotive employee, it’s sometimes hard to get
them in,” Myers said. “Because it's big in employment today ... your work-life
balance. When 5 o'clock hits, they're ready to go home. They got kids to
take care of ... sports to go to.”Staff has also told Myers that they will be more likely to
attend meetings in the morning during work hours.Myers said they also believe this will help outside businesses
who come before the commission as well.“Most people that come and present to the commission are
usually there to represent their business or their organization ... business hours are eight to five.” Myers said. “That would also release some of
their nighttime hours to not have to go to a commission meeting.Both Michael Berges and Nathan Leiker, who won their respective
commission races in the primary election and are running unopposed in the
general election, told Myers they were open to the change.The next commission meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

Ellis Co. commission votes to change meeting times, days

Leona Marie Brazda Duft, 89, passed away September 18, 2022, at the 
University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus. She was born on 
August 12, 1933, in Spearville, to John and Clara (Hines) Slattery. She 
married Bernard Brazda Feb. 17, 1958, in Spearville. He passed away June
 25, 1989. She then married Duane Duft Oct. 5, 1991, in Hoisington. He 
passed away October 1, 2005.

Leona had been a Great Bend resident since 2005, coming from Dodge 
City, Denver, Colo., Hoisington and Ellinwood. She worked in the brush 
and distribution departments at Fuller Brush, retiring after many years 
of faithful employment. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at 
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Altar Society. Leona enjoyed 
fellowship at the Great Bend Senior Center and playing cards, bunco and 
dominos. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and was well known for her 
cinnamon rolls. Leona loved to cross stitch blankets and tea towels for 
her family, including the grandkids and great grandkids, as well as 
friends.

Survivors include, two sons, Bret Brazda and wife Janet of 
Bartlesville, Okla. and Bradly Brazda and wife Fern of Huntsville, Ala.;
 two daughters, Cindy Suchy and husband Charlie of Great Bend and Devon 
Dionisi of Wichita; a daughter in law, Paula Brazda of Topeka; eleven 
grandchildren, Ben Brazda, Katie Schooler (Skylar), Mickie Brazda, 
Travis Suchy (Jill), Trenton Suchy, Jacob Brazda (Jamie), Jordan Skaggs 
(Will), Jayden Brazda (Lauren), Leah Diebolt (Brock), Meg Dionisi and 
Abigail Brazda; and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in 
death by her husbands, Bernard Brazda and Duane Duft; a son, Bryan Lee 
Brazda; son in law, Michael Dionisi; and siblings, Vincent Slattery, 
John Slattery, Alvin Slattery and Dorothy Schaller.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, 
September 21, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at
 4:00 p.m. and Vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian 
Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022, at St. 
Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Aneesh 
Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery. 


Memorials have been designated to the Great Bend Senior Center, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697482748.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leona Marie Brazda Duft, 89, passed away September 18, 2022, at the 
University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus. She was born on 
August 12, 1933, in Spearville, to John and Clara (Hines) Slattery. She 
married Bernard Brazda Feb. 17, 1958, in Spearville. He passed away June
 25, 1989. She then married Duane Duft Oct. 5, 1991, in Hoisington. He 
passed away October 1, 2005.Leona had been a Great Bend resident since 2005, coming from Dodge 
City, Denver, Colo., Hoisington and Ellinwood. She worked in the brush 
and distribution departments at Fuller Brush, retiring after many years 
of faithful employment. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at 
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Altar Society. Leona enjoyed 
fellowship at the Great Bend Senior Center and playing cards, bunco and 
dominos. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and was well known for her 
cinnamon rolls. Leona loved to cross stitch blankets and tea towels for 
her family, including the grandkids and great grandkids, as well as 
friends.Survivors include, two sons, Bret Brazda and wife Janet of 
Bartlesville, Okla. and Bradly Brazda and wife Fern of Huntsville, Ala.;
 two daughters, Cindy Suchy and husband Charlie of Great Bend and Devon 
Dionisi of Wichita; a daughter in law, Paula Brazda of Topeka; eleven 
grandchildren, Ben Brazda, Katie Schooler (Skylar), Mickie Brazda, 
Travis Suchy (Jill), Trenton Suchy, Jacob Brazda (Jamie), Jordan Skaggs 
(Will), Jayden Brazda (Lauren), Leah Diebolt (Brock), Meg Dionisi and 
Abigail Brazda; and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in 
death by her husbands, Bernard Brazda and Duane Duft; a son, Bryan Lee 
Brazda; son in law, Michael Dionisi; and siblings, Vincent Slattery, 
John Slattery, Alvin Slattery and Dorothy Schaller.Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, 
September 21, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at
 4:00 p.m. and Vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian 
Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2022, at St. 
Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Aneesh 
Parappanattu presiding. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery. 
Memorials have been designated to the Great Bend Senior Center, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

Leona Marie Brazda Duft

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in connection with an October 2021 chase and crash in Wichita has been charged in the case.

On Friday, Ricardo Trevizo, 48 of Colorado Springs, was charged with aggravated battery while DUI, or in the alternative, aggravated battery.&nbsp; He’s also charged with flee or attempt to elude with an alternative count of flee or attempt to elude, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The 5th&nbsp;count is a misdemeanor, drive while license is suspended or canceled. &nbsp;

In October of 2021,&nbsp; police arrested Trevizo after a crash at the intersection of Kellogg and 119th Street, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Officers were chasing a vehicle that hit a motorcycle driven by 25-year-old Humberto Estrada. Estrada was critically injured.

Trevizio remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, according online jail records.&nbsp; Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates on Sept. 26, according to the district attorney's office.

Note: Cases can be charged alternatively if there are two or more theories of how the crime was committed. Each charge can be presented to a jury and a defendant may be convicted of more than one of the alternative charges.&nbsp; However, the defendant can only be sentenced for one of the alternative counts, that being the most severe offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663339342927.png" alt="Trevizo-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Trevizo-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in connection with an October 2021 chase and crash in Wichita has been charged in the case.On Friday, Ricardo Trevizo, 48 of Colorado Springs, was charged with aggravated battery while DUI, or in the alternative, aggravated battery.&nbsp; He’s also charged with flee or attempt to elude with an alternative count of flee or attempt to elude, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The 5th&nbsp;count is a misdemeanor, drive while license is suspended or canceled. &nbsp;In October of 2021,&nbsp; police arrested Trevizo after a crash at the intersection of Kellogg and 119th Street, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Officers were chasing a vehicle that hit a motorcycle driven by 25-year-old Humberto Estrada. Estrada was critically injured.Trevizio remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, according online jail records.&nbsp; Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates on Sept. 26, according to the district attorney's office.Note: Cases can be charged alternatively if there are two or more theories of how the crime was committed. Each charge can be presented to a jury and a defendant may be convicted of more than one of the alternative charges.&nbsp; However, the defendant can only be sentenced for one of the alternative counts, that being the most severe offense.

Man charged for Kan. chase, crash that critically injured victim

Barbara J. Speaks, 91, of Troy, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at The Willow in Wathena, Kansas.

Barbara was born on April 15, 1931, in Hays, Kansas, to Luddie “Clay” and Anna (Winder) Thomas.

Barbara married Grant Speaks on October 16, 1948, in Atchison, 
Kansas. They were married 74 years and lifelong residents of Troy. He 
survives of the home.

Barbara was a Switch Board Operator for the telephone company of Troy
 for a period of time and the Site Director at the Pioneer Center for 19
 years and she was a member of the Northeast Aging Council for many 
years. She was also a member of the Troy Christian Church and Order of 
Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, James Speaks, son-in-law, Gary Blanton and brother, Lowell Thomas.

Additional survivors, children, Linda Blanton, Highland, Kansas, 
Thomas (Anita) Speaks, Troy, Brenda (Larry), Turpin, Troy, Patricia 
(Keith) Ahlvers, Frankfort, and David Speaks, Troy., Sister-in-law, 
Rosalie Thomas Oelschlaeger.

Twelve grandchildren twenty-one great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Troy Christian Church, Troy, Kansas.

Visitation: 5-7 Monday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Monday.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Doniphan County Ambulance District #1 or Donor’s Choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663595054487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barbara J. Speaks, 91, of Troy, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at The Willow in Wathena, Kansas.Barbara was born on April 15, 1931, in Hays, Kansas, to Luddie “Clay” and Anna (Winder) Thomas.Barbara married Grant Speaks on October 16, 1948, in Atchison, 
Kansas. They were married 74 years and lifelong residents of Troy. He 
survives of the home.Barbara was a Switch Board Operator for the telephone company of Troy
 for a period of time and the Site Director at the Pioneer Center for 19
 years and she was a member of the Northeast Aging Council for many 
years. She was also a member of the Troy Christian Church and Order of 
Eastern Star.She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, James Speaks, son-in-law, Gary Blanton and brother, Lowell Thomas.Additional survivors, children, Linda Blanton, Highland, Kansas, 
Thomas (Anita) Speaks, Troy, Brenda (Larry), Turpin, Troy, Patricia 
(Keith) Ahlvers, Frankfort, and David Speaks, Troy., Sister-in-law, 
Rosalie Thomas Oelschlaeger.Twelve grandchildren twenty-one great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.Numerous nieces and nephews.Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Troy Christian Church, Troy, Kansas.Visitation: 5-7 Monday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Monday.Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Doniphan County Ambulance District #1 or Donor’s Choice.

Barbara J. Speaks

The Ellis County Commission will consider changing the time
and date of its weekly meetings at Monday’s commission meeting.

According to County Administrator Darin Myers, members of
the commission have approached him about changing the times and dates to the
first three Tuesdays of the month at 8:30 a.m.

Myers said in <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192022-497">prep materials </a>for the meeting that changing
from the current time — 5 p.m. on the first three Mondays of each month — would
have several benefits. Those include allowing staff to attend the meetings without
earning overtime, new employees could more easily attend the morning meetings
and it would free up the commissioners to attend the Ellis and Victoria city council
meetings.

If the measure is approved by the commission, it
would go into effect the first meeting in October which would be Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Administrative Building at 718 Main in Hays.

The commission is also set to consider the future the building
at 601 Main, which currently houses the Cottonwood Extension
District, purchase a new ambulance and design for the new public works
facility.

Monday’s commission meeting is at 5 p.m. at the County Administrative
Building. 

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqzsywHii7o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider changing the time
and date of its weekly meetings at Monday’s commission meeting.According to County Administrator Darin Myers, members of
the commission have approached him about changing the times and dates to the
first three Tuesdays of the month at 8:30 a.m.Myers said in <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192022-497">prep materials </a>for the meeting that changing
from the current time — 5 p.m. on the first three Mondays of each month — would
have several benefits. Those include allowing staff to attend the meetings without
earning overtime, new employees could more easily attend the morning meetings
and it would free up the commissioners to attend the Ellis and Victoria city council
meetings.If the measure is approved by the commission, it
would go into effect the first meeting in October which would be Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Administrative Building at 718 Main in Hays.The commission is also set to consider the future the building
at 601 Main, which currently houses the Cottonwood Extension
District, purchase a new ambulance and design for the new public works
facility.Monday’s commission meeting is at 5 p.m. at the County Administrative
Building.

🎥 Ellis Co. Commission to consider changing meeting time

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/16/community-divided-over-kansas-school-district-book-ban-push/">Kansas Reflector</a>

The Gardner Edgerton School District 
has made news recently with a transgender student policy that the Kansas
 American Civil Liberties Union <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/a-traumatic-and-fatal-conclusion-kansas-school-district-debates-potential-transgender-policy/">condemned as potentially unlawful</a>.
 With the policy still under discussion and a vote delayed, it seemed as
 though things were finally settling down for the district.

But the newest issue to come up is 
censorship. Parents are demanding that a book be banned from the school 
curriculum. Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” has been on the classroom curriculum for years as an upper-level
 English class reading assignment.&nbsp;

Two parents have taken the lead in 
trying to take the book out of school circulation. Bud Campbell, father 
of four children in the district, said he found out about the book in 
August from a Facebook group. Though he hasn’t read the full novel,&nbsp; he 
didn’t approve of the excerpts he had read. Campbell hopes to get it 
banned from the curriculum and library.&nbsp;

While his 16-year-old has not been 
assigned the book, and he has not talked with the teenager about the 
novel, Campbell said he was concerned about other students in the high 
school reading questionable material.&nbsp;

Campbell started by emailing the 
principal of the school about “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian,” and the “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which he had heard was available
 for student reading. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was taken out of the school,
 though it was a donation accepted by a teacher and not part of the 
library or assigned reading, Campbell said.&nbsp;

He and fellow parent Carrie Schmidt filled out forms requesting an evaluation of the book, meeting with Gardner
 Edgerton School District Superintendent Brian Huff. Campbell said he 
wanted to be the one teaching his children about topics like sexuality 
and race.

“I think I’m one of those people that
 think schools are trying to take too much from the parents. Things that
 we’re not really asking them to teach our kids,” Campbell said.

Kristen Schultz, a former school 
board member, said she was extremely tired of all of the rancor. Schultz
 has lived in the area since 1995 and served on the school board for 
nearly eight years, with all three of her kids graduating from the 
district.&nbsp;

She said parental outrage started 
with the Johnson County mask mandates and snowballed from there. Schultz
 believes just a few ultra-conservative parents have dominated the 
entire school discussion.&nbsp;

“It began there,” Schultz said. “And 
since then, in just the nine short months since the new school board has
 taken over, we’ve had complaints about the transgender issue, which is a
 very heated topic right now. And then just falling into this book 
banning thing. So it’s almost like they’re following the 
ultra-conservative recipe. First we have masks. Now we have trans kids 
and LGBTQ kids and now book banning.”

Schultz said her children had read 
the book with no problems, and that excerpts read by parents for shock 
value were taken out of context, with explicit material occurring in 
less than a dozen pages.

Schultz believes there are plenty of 
options for disgruntled parents. An opt-out option is given for assigned
 books in the district, and parents can choose to have their child read 
something else if they object to the material on any grounds.&nbsp;

She worries that important issues, 
such as bolstering the district’s special education program or helping 
overworked teachers, are getting ignored in favor of political talking 
points.&nbsp;

“Our district is trying. I take 
nothing away from our district, our district administration, they’re 
trying to focus on these things, but every time someone throws a wrench 
like a book banning into the works, it removes the focus from where it 
should be and wastes both time and resources,” Schultz said.&nbsp;

Schultz’s daughter, Taylor Farwell, 
taught at Gardner Edgerton High School for seven years. She said she had
 never experienced difficulty with the book as either a student or a 
teacher, with her students responding positively to “The Absolutely True
 Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”&nbsp;

“It was one of the few books that I think all of our students were really engaged with,” Farwell said.

Farwell believes the novel is age appropriate, and that students are able to handle topics including masturbation and racism.&nbsp;

“We’re expecting these young adults 
to carry responsibilities like getting behind the wheel of a car,” 
Farwell said. “But yet they’re not mature responsible enough to read a 
book that talks about sex? That has you know, words about sex. That’s 
just silly to me.”&nbsp;

When Schmidt was asked about her 
children’s thoughts on the novel and whether they would opt out, she 
said she wanted to keep them out of the discussion.

“It’s not about them necessarily 
individually,” Schmidt said. “It’s about our children, everyone in the 
district, all the kids in the district.”

&nbsp;She, like Campbell, feels the opt-out option isn’t enough.

“Kids should not be reading this 
information or these words,” Schmidt said. “It’s horrible, in my 
opinion. There is so much sex that is being pushed down our kids’ throat
 outside of the school. Why are we bringing it inside of the school?”

A committee decision on the book will
 be made in October, before the Oct. 10 Board of Education meeting. The 
committee, which includes the high school principal, students, teachers,
 parents and district officials, will have the ultimate decision on 
whether the book is kept or removed, according to district spokesman Ben
 Boothe.&nbsp;

The evaluation comes in the wake of 
other Kansas school book removals. Goddard Public Schools and Derby 
Public Schools both banned “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” in 2021. Goddard removed more than two dozen books from the 
district’s school libraries in November 2021 before reversing the 
decision, and students in the North Kansas City School District to 
campaigned to get novels dealing with sexuality and gender put back on 
the shelves.&nbsp;

Randy Watson, commissioner of the 
Kansas State Department of Education since 2014, said challenges to 
school books available to students were appropriately handled by the 
elected local school board, in a statement to the Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

“I think local school districts have 
policies on that,” said Watson, who has visited all 286 of the state’s 
public school districts. “I think they handle it well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663530759424.jpeg" alt="Carrie Schmidt speaks against a required reading novel at the September meeting of the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gardner Edgerton school board video)" />
 <figcaption>Carrie Schmidt speaks against a required reading novel at the September meeting of the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Gardner Edgerton school board video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/16/community-divided-over-kansas-school-district-book-ban-push/">Kansas Reflector</a>The Gardner Edgerton School District 
has made news recently with a transgender student policy that the Kansas
 American Civil Liberties Union <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/a-traumatic-and-fatal-conclusion-kansas-school-district-debates-potential-transgender-policy/">condemned as potentially unlawful</a>.
 With the policy still under discussion and a vote delayed, it seemed as
 though things were finally settling down for the district.But the newest issue to come up is 
censorship. Parents are demanding that a book be banned from the school 
curriculum. Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” has been on the classroom curriculum for years as an upper-level
 English class reading assignment.&nbsp;Two parents have taken the lead in 
trying to take the book out of school circulation. Bud Campbell, father 
of four children in the district, said he found out about the book in 
August from a Facebook group. Though he hasn’t read the full novel,&nbsp; he 
didn’t approve of the excerpts he had read. Campbell hopes to get it 
banned from the curriculum and library.&nbsp;While his 16-year-old has not been 
assigned the book, and he has not talked with the teenager about the 
novel, Campbell said he was concerned about other students in the high 
school reading questionable material.&nbsp;Campbell started by emailing the 
principal of the school about “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian,” and the “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which he had heard was available
 for student reading. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was taken out of the school,
 though it was a donation accepted by a teacher and not part of the 
library or assigned reading, Campbell said.&nbsp;He and fellow parent Carrie Schmidt filled out forms requesting an evaluation of the book, meeting with Gardner
 Edgerton School District Superintendent Brian Huff. Campbell said he 
wanted to be the one teaching his children about topics like sexuality 
and race.“I think I’m one of those people that
 think schools are trying to take too much from the parents. Things that
 we’re not really asking them to teach our kids,” Campbell said.Kristen Schultz, a former school 
board member, said she was extremely tired of all of the rancor. Schultz
 has lived in the area since 1995 and served on the school board for 
nearly eight years, with all three of her kids graduating from the 
district.&nbsp;She said parental outrage started 
with the Johnson County mask mandates and snowballed from there. Schultz
 believes just a few ultra-conservative parents have dominated the 
entire school discussion.&nbsp;“It began there,” Schultz said. “And 
since then, in just the nine short months since the new school board has
 taken over, we’ve had complaints about the transgender issue, which is a
 very heated topic right now. And then just falling into this book 
banning thing. So it’s almost like they’re following the 
ultra-conservative recipe. First we have masks. Now we have trans kids 
and LGBTQ kids and now book banning.”Schultz said her children had read 
the book with no problems, and that excerpts read by parents for shock 
value were taken out of context, with explicit material occurring in 
less than a dozen pages.Schultz believes there are plenty of 
options for disgruntled parents. An opt-out option is given for assigned
 books in the district, and parents can choose to have their child read 
something else if they object to the material on any grounds.&nbsp;She worries that important issues, 
such as bolstering the district’s special education program or helping 
overworked teachers, are getting ignored in favor of political talking 
points.&nbsp;“Our district is trying. I take 
nothing away from our district, our district administration, they’re 
trying to focus on these things, but every time someone throws a wrench 
like a book banning into the works, it removes the focus from where it 
should be and wastes both time and resources,” Schultz said.&nbsp;Schultz’s daughter, Taylor Farwell, 
taught at Gardner Edgerton High School for seven years. She said she had
 never experienced difficulty with the book as either a student or a 
teacher, with her students responding positively to “The Absolutely True
 Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”&nbsp;“It was one of the few books that I think all of our students were really engaged with,” Farwell said.Farwell believes the novel is age appropriate, and that students are able to handle topics including masturbation and racism.&nbsp;“We’re expecting these young adults 
to carry responsibilities like getting behind the wheel of a car,” 
Farwell said. “But yet they’re not mature responsible enough to read a 
book that talks about sex? That has you know, words about sex. That’s 
just silly to me.”&nbsp;When Schmidt was asked about her 
children’s thoughts on the novel and whether they would opt out, she 
said she wanted to keep them out of the discussion.“It’s not about them necessarily 
individually,” Schmidt said. “It’s about our children, everyone in the 
district, all the kids in the district.”&nbsp;She, like Campbell, feels the opt-out option isn’t enough.“Kids should not be reading this 
information or these words,” Schmidt said. “It’s horrible, in my 
opinion. There is so much sex that is being pushed down our kids’ throat
 outside of the school. Why are we bringing it inside of the school?”A committee decision on the book will
 be made in October, before the Oct. 10 Board of Education meeting. The 
committee, which includes the high school principal, students, teachers,
 parents and district officials, will have the ultimate decision on 
whether the book is kept or removed, according to district spokesman Ben
 Boothe.&nbsp;The evaluation comes in the wake of 
other Kansas school book removals. Goddard Public Schools and Derby 
Public Schools both banned “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time 
Indian” in 2021. Goddard removed more than two dozen books from the 
district’s school libraries in November 2021 before reversing the 
decision, and students in the North Kansas City School District to 
campaigned to get novels dealing with sexuality and gender put back on 
the shelves.&nbsp;Randy Watson, commissioner of the 
Kansas State Department of Education since 2014, said challenges to 
school books available to students were appropriately handled by the 
elected local school board, in a statement to the Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;“I think local school districts have 
policies on that,” said Watson, who has visited all 286 of the state’s 
public school districts. “I think they handle it well.”

Community divided over Kansas school district book ban push 

Fort Hays State (0-2) at Lincoln (0-2) Saturday, September 17 - 6 p.m. Jefferson City, Mo. - Dwight T. Reed Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State seeks its first win of the 2022 season at Lincoln University on Saturday in Jefferson City, Mo. Both teams will enter this contest at 0-2 on the season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Fort Hays State owns a 9-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won the last eight meetings and has a 5-0 mark between the schools in MIAA play. FHSU scored a total of 138 points in the last two meetings with Lincoln, winning 66-6 in 2019 and 72-0 in 2021. Lincoln is looking for its first win since the 2019 season. The Blue Tigers have lost 18 straight games going back to that season. They were 0-2 in a pair of official games they played in the spring of the 2020-21 academic year, then went 0-10 in the 2021 season and sit at 0-2 so far this season after losses to Washburn and Northwest Missouri State. Their last win was on October 19, 2019 by a score of 27-9 over Northeastern State in Jefferson City before dropping their final four contests that season. Fort Hays State scored 19 points in each of its first two games this season. They averaged that exact amount through the first two contests last season as well, both resulting in losses to Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western just like this season. The Tigers are off to an 0-2 start for a third straight season, but they rebounded well from that start back in 2019 when they went 8-1 the remainder of the season. Last year they went 5-4 over their final nine games. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6753">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6766">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;are leading the way on offense for the Tigers. Ramsey leads the MIAA in receptions per game, averaging 6.5, and his 213 receiving yards ranks third in the conference. Soto leads the team with 216 all-purpose yards, currently with a team-high 131 rushing yards to go with 85 receiving yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6719">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;threw for 243 yards and one touchdown in his first career start at quarterback last week. He also ran for 25 yards in that contest. On the defensive side of the ball,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6792">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 15, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6746">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;with 13,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6752">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;with 12, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6702">Hunter Brown</a>&nbsp;with 11.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6912">Gaven Haselhorst</a>&nbsp;is the team leader in tackles for loss with 2.5 and pass breakups with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6910">Jeremiah Jackson-Trotter</a>&nbsp;has the lone sack for the Tigers through two contests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663264333807.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Bob Duffy" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Bob Duffy</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (0-2) at Lincoln (0-2) Saturday, September 17 - 6 p.m. Jefferson City, Mo. - Dwight T. Reed Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State seeks its first win of the 2022 season at Lincoln University on Saturday in Jefferson City, Mo. Both teams will enter this contest at 0-2 on the season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Fort Hays State owns a 9-2 advantage in the all-time series with Lincoln. FHSU has won the last eight meetings and has a 5-0 mark between the schools in MIAA play. FHSU scored a total of 138 points in the last two meetings with Lincoln, winning 66-6 in 2019 and 72-0 in 2021. Lincoln is looking for its first win since the 2019 season. The Blue Tigers have lost 18 straight games going back to that season. They were 0-2 in a pair of official games they played in the spring of the 2020-21 academic year, then went 0-10 in the 2021 season and sit at 0-2 so far this season after losses to Washburn and Northwest Missouri State. Their last win was on October 19, 2019 by a score of 27-9 over Northeastern State in Jefferson City before dropping their final four contests that season. Fort Hays State scored 19 points in each of its first two games this season. They averaged that exact amount through the first two contests last season as well, both resulting in losses to Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western just like this season. The Tigers are off to an 0-2 start for a third straight season, but they rebounded well from that start back in 2019 when they went 8-1 the remainder of the season. Last year they went 5-4 over their final nine games. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6753">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6766">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;are leading the way on offense for the Tigers. Ramsey leads the MIAA in receptions per game, averaging 6.5, and his 213 receiving yards ranks third in the conference. Soto leads the team with 216 all-purpose yards, currently with a team-high 131 rushing yards to go with 85 receiving yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6719">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;threw for 243 yards and one touchdown in his first career start at quarterback last week. He also ran for 25 yards in that contest. On the defensive side of the ball,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6792">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 15, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6746">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;with 13,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6752">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;with 12, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6702">Hunter Brown</a>&nbsp;with 11.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6912">Gaven Haselhorst</a>&nbsp;is the team leader in tackles for loss with 2.5 and pass breakups with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6910">Jeremiah Jackson-Trotter</a>&nbsp;has the lone sack for the Tigers through two contests.

🏈🎧 LISTEN - FHSU seeks first win of 2022 Saturday at Lincoln

Beverly Ann Goering passed away on November 25, 2021, at the age of 
76. Bev was born October 23, 1945, in Goodland, Kansas, to John William 
and Hazel Violet Tracy. Bev was married on August 23, 1964. She had two 
children, Christopher Scott and Robyn Elizabeth with her former husband 
Richard (Scott) Goering.

Bev earned her Bachelor’s degree in Management Science and her 
Master’s degree in Business Administration from Regis University. Bev 
was a lifetime learner and was always taking classes in various topics 
and earned countless certificates along the way.

Bev worked in the Utilities Department for the City of Fort Collins 
for 29 years. After retirement, she began her next adventure in 
designing and creating beautiful jewelry. This was one of her greatest 
joys. She was quite accomplished with beads, stones, gems, and metal. 
She could often be found at one of her workbenches sketching a new 
design, performing intricate work with a magnifying glass, or pounding 
out copper on an old railroad tie in her garage.

Bev was a longtime member of the Colorado Archaeological Society and 
the Fort Collins Rockhound Club. Bev had a love of travel and new 
experiences. She was a member of the Friendship Force and had traveled 
to 38 different countries. Bev had a passion for genealogy. She was a 
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved to share 
stories about her family's heritage.

Bev was proceeded in death by her parents John and Hazel Tracy. Bev 
is survived by her partner Dean Grogan of Fort Collins, son Chris 
Goering of Windsor, daughter Robyn (Scottie) Moore of Fort Collins, 
granddaughters Mary Goering, Emily Goering, Evelyn Moore, and Madelyn 
Moore, sister Jolene (Rich) Miller of Goodland, KS, and many nieces and 
nephews.

As many of you know, Bev loved to share stories.&nbsp; These stories were 
sometimes historical or sometimes educational. She could keep you 
captivated as you learned something new. We hope you would continue 
sharing stories to keep her spirit alive.

Fond memories and condolences may be sent in care of Bateman Funeral 
Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735 or visit &nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com

Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Beverly-Goering">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663424693739.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beverly Ann Goering passed away on November 25, 2021, at the age of 
76. Bev was born October 23, 1945, in Goodland, Kansas, to John William 
and Hazel Violet Tracy. Bev was married on August 23, 1964. She had two 
children, Christopher Scott and Robyn Elizabeth with her former husband 
Richard (Scott) Goering.Bev earned her Bachelor’s degree in Management Science and her 
Master’s degree in Business Administration from Regis University. Bev 
was a lifetime learner and was always taking classes in various topics 
and earned countless certificates along the way.Bev worked in the Utilities Department for the City of Fort Collins 
for 29 years. After retirement, she began her next adventure in 
designing and creating beautiful jewelry. This was one of her greatest 
joys. She was quite accomplished with beads, stones, gems, and metal. 
She could often be found at one of her workbenches sketching a new 
design, performing intricate work with a magnifying glass, or pounding 
out copper on an old railroad tie in her garage.Bev was a longtime member of the Colorado Archaeological Society and 
the Fort Collins Rockhound Club. Bev had a love of travel and new 
experiences. She was a member of the Friendship Force and had traveled 
to 38 different countries. Bev had a passion for genealogy. She was a 
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved to share 
stories about her family's heritage.Bev was proceeded in death by her parents John and Hazel Tracy. Bev 
is survived by her partner Dean Grogan of Fort Collins, son Chris 
Goering of Windsor, daughter Robyn (Scottie) Moore of Fort Collins, 
granddaughters Mary Goering, Emily Goering, Evelyn Moore, and Madelyn 
Moore, sister Jolene (Rich) Miller of Goodland, KS, and many nieces and 
nephews.As many of you know, Bev loved to share stories.&nbsp; These stories were 
sometimes historical or sometimes educational. She could keep you 
captivated as you learned something new. We hope you would continue 
sharing stories to keep her spirit alive.Fond memories and condolences may be sent in care of Bateman Funeral 
Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735 or visit &nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.comClick <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Beverly-Goering">HERE</a> for service details.

Beverly Ann Goering

Maxine M. Josefiak, 88, of Rush Center, Kansas, passed away on 
September 14, 2022. Maxine was born in Rush Center, December 16, 1933, 
to William and Alma (Meier) Renz. She graduated in 1951 from La Crosse 
High School, La Crosse, Kansas.

Maxine married Merle Josefiak on October 25, 1951, at the Hope 
Lutheran Church in Rush Center by Rev. Ray Saathoff. Maxine worked as a 
telephone operator in La Crosse. While her husband served in the Navy, 
she worked as a telephone billing clerk In Oakland, California. She also
 worked as a bookkeeper at the Farmers &amp; Merchants State Bank in La 
Crosse.

She is survived by two children, a son, David Josefiak (Neil Sauder) 
of Wichita, Kansas, and a daughter, Lynne Fahrney of Ponca City, 
Oklahoma, three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren, brother Ray,
 and many nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Merle, both her parents, brother Harley, and sisters Wilma and Marjorie.

Maxine has been cremated and will be buried in Locust Hill Cemetery, 
Rush Center. No services are scheduled at this time. Donations can be 
made to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, PO Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663269694604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maxine M. Josefiak, 88, of Rush Center, Kansas, passed away on 
September 14, 2022. Maxine was born in Rush Center, December 16, 1933, 
to William and Alma (Meier) Renz. She graduated in 1951 from La Crosse 
High School, La Crosse, Kansas.Maxine married Merle Josefiak on October 25, 1951, at the Hope 
Lutheran Church in Rush Center by Rev. Ray Saathoff. Maxine worked as a 
telephone operator in La Crosse. While her husband served in the Navy, 
she worked as a telephone billing clerk In Oakland, California. She also
 worked as a bookkeeper at the Farmers &amp; Merchants State Bank in La 
Crosse.She is survived by two children, a son, David Josefiak (Neil Sauder) 
of Wichita, Kansas, and a daughter, Lynne Fahrney of Ponca City, 
Oklahoma, three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren, brother Ray,
 and many nieces and nephews.Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Merle, both her parents, brother Harley, and sisters Wilma and Marjorie.Maxine has been cremated and will be buried in Locust Hill Cemetery, 
Rush Center. No services are scheduled at this time. Donations can be 
made to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, PO Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Maxine M. Josefiak

Caroletta Ruth “Carol” Larkin, 78, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away 
Monday, September 12, 2022, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Carol was born October 13, 1943, in Rush Center, Kansas, the daughter
 of Frank U. and Della Dean (Newbury) Kershner.&nbsp; She was a lifelong 
resident of Rush County, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a 1961 graduate of La Crosse 
High School, La Crosse, Kansas.

Before her retirement, Carol was the CFO at Rush County Memorial 
Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas. Prior to being the CFO, she was the 
administrator of the hospital for over 20 years.&nbsp;

Carol enjoyed reading; working crossword puzzles; collecting Coke 
memorabilia; playing the piano; watching tv; crafting small woodworking 
projects; and researching her family history.

Among some of the things Carol is remembered for, is her accounting 
skills and her ability to remember numbers; and what a “planner” she 
was.

On January 28, 1972, she married Charlie Depperschmidt in Oklahoma.&nbsp; They later divorced in 1979.

Survivors include:&nbsp; her daughter, Kelli Legleiter, (Craig), La 
Crosse, Kansas; her grandson, Ryan Legleiter, La Crosse, Kansas; one 
brother, Jim Kershner (Sherry), La Crosse, Kansas; and one sister, Edra 
Powell (Tim), Sanger, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and &nbsp;her former husband.

Per Carol’s wishes, the family has chosen cremation.

A memorial service will be Monday, September 19, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. 
at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; A private family inurnment will be in Locust Hill 
Cemetery, Rush Center, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, and per Carol’s wishes, the family 
requests memorials to an education fund for Carol’s grandson, Ryan.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663173734886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Caroletta Ruth “Carol” Larkin, 78, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away 
Monday, September 12, 2022, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.Carol was born October 13, 1943, in Rush Center, Kansas, the daughter
 of Frank U. and Della Dean (Newbury) Kershner.&nbsp; She was a lifelong 
resident of Rush County, Kansas.&nbsp; She was a 1961 graduate of La Crosse 
High School, La Crosse, Kansas.Before her retirement, Carol was the CFO at Rush County Memorial 
Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas. Prior to being the CFO, she was the 
administrator of the hospital for over 20 years.&nbsp;Carol enjoyed reading; working crossword puzzles; collecting Coke 
memorabilia; playing the piano; watching tv; crafting small woodworking 
projects; and researching her family history.Among some of the things Carol is remembered for, is her accounting 
skills and her ability to remember numbers; and what a “planner” she 
was.On January 28, 1972, she married Charlie Depperschmidt in Oklahoma.&nbsp; They later divorced in 1979.Survivors include:&nbsp; her daughter, Kelli Legleiter, (Craig), La 
Crosse, Kansas; her grandson, Ryan Legleiter, La Crosse, Kansas; one 
brother, Jim Kershner (Sherry), La Crosse, Kansas; and one sister, Edra 
Powell (Tim), Sanger, Texas.She was preceded in death by her parents; and &nbsp;her former husband.Per Carol’s wishes, the family has chosen cremation.A memorial service will be Monday, September 19, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. 
at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; A private family inurnment will be in Locust Hill 
Cemetery, Rush Center, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, and per Carol’s wishes, the family 
requests memorials to an education fund for Carol’s grandson, Ryan.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Caroletta Ruth 'Carol' Larkin

CHICAGO — Amtrak is canceling the Southwest Chief that travels across Kansas and many other long-distance routes as the rail carrier continues to assess the ongoing freight rail management - labor contract negotiations, according to a media release.

Railroad workers are prepared to go on strike later this week, which would cripple the nation's movement of freight and goods. The strike would also cause the disruption of long-distance trains, including the Southwest Chief.

Amtrak canceled Tuesday departures for its Western U.S.-focused Empire Builder, California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief routes. That means the train coming into Hutchinson on Thursday is canceled. On Tuesday afternoon, the railroad said it was suspending all service for the Chief.

If your train is canceled, Amtrak&nbsp; will attempt to notify you at least 24 hours in advance. If you need information, contact 1-800-USA-Rail.

On Tuesday afternoon, Amtrak released this statement:

Amtrak will be pre-emptively canceling trips over an additional seven Long Distance routes&nbsp;to avoid possible passenger disruptions while enroute&nbsp;on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. &nbsp;

Amtrak is closely monitoring the ongoing freight rail – rail labor contract negotiations. The negotiations do not involve Amtrak or the Amtrak workforce. While we are hopeful that parties will reach a resolution, Amtrak has now begun phased adjustments to our service in preparation for a possible freight rail service interruption later this week. Such an interruption could significantly impact intercity passenger rail service, as Amtrak operates almost all of our 21,000 route miles outside the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on track owned, maintained, and dispatched by freight railroads. These initial adjustments include canceling some Long Distance routes starting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, and could be followed by impacts to all Long Distance and most State-Supported routes.&nbsp; These adjustments are necessary to ensure trains can reach their terminals before freight railroad service interruption if a resolution in negotiations is not reached.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most travel within the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor (Boston - New York - Washington) and related branch lines to Albany, NY, Harrisburg, PA, and Springfield, MA would not be affected:&nbsp;Acela&nbsp;would operate a full schedule, and only a small number of&nbsp;Northeast Regional&nbsp;departures would be impacted. Amtrak will reach out to impacted and potentially impacted customers, informing them of the potential situation, offering to change their reservation to another travel date, waiving any difference in fare for departures through October 31, or receiving a full refund without cancelation fees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609263248923.png" alt="The Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and serves Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Dodge City and Garden City in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>The Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and serves Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Dodge City and Garden City in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO — Amtrak is canceling the Southwest Chief that travels across Kansas and many other long-distance routes as the rail carrier continues to assess the ongoing freight rail management - labor contract negotiations, according to a media release.Railroad workers are prepared to go on strike later this week, which would cripple the nation's movement of freight and goods. The strike would also cause the disruption of long-distance trains, including the Southwest Chief.Amtrak canceled Tuesday departures for its Western U.S.-focused Empire Builder, California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief routes. That means the train coming into Hutchinson on Thursday is canceled. On Tuesday afternoon, the railroad said it was suspending all service for the Chief.If your train is canceled, Amtrak&nbsp; will attempt to notify you at least 24 hours in advance. If you need information, contact 1-800-USA-Rail.On Tuesday afternoon, Amtrak released this statement:Amtrak will be pre-emptively canceling trips over an additional seven Long Distance routes&nbsp;to avoid possible passenger disruptions while enroute&nbsp;on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. &nbsp;Information:Amtrak is closely monitoring the ongoing freight rail – rail labor contract negotiations. The negotiations do not involve Amtrak or the Amtrak workforce. While we are hopeful that parties will reach a resolution, Amtrak has now begun phased adjustments to our service in preparation for a possible freight rail service interruption later this week. Such an interruption could significantly impact intercity passenger rail service, as Amtrak operates almost all of our 21,000 route miles outside the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on track owned, maintained, and dispatched by freight railroads. These initial adjustments include canceling some Long Distance routes starting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, and could be followed by impacts to all Long Distance and most State-Supported routes.&nbsp; These adjustments are necessary to ensure trains can reach their terminals before freight railroad service interruption if a resolution in negotiations is not reached.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most travel within the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor (Boston - New York - Washington) and related branch lines to Albany, NY, Harrisburg, PA, and Springfield, MA would not be affected:&nbsp;Acela&nbsp;would operate a full schedule, and only a small number of&nbsp;Northeast Regional&nbsp;departures would be impacted. Amtrak will reach out to impacted and potentially impacted customers, informing them of the potential situation, offering to change their reservation to another travel date, waiving any difference in fare for departures through October 31, or receiving a full refund without cancelation fees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer Impact:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Amtrak will only operate trains this week that we can ensure will have enough time to reach their final destinations by 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Suspended services starting Tuesday, Sept. 13:</li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/southwest-chief-train.html" target="_blank">Southwest Chief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/empire-builder-train.html" target="_blank">Empire Builder</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/california-zephyr-train.html" target="_blank">California Zephyr</a></li><li>Train #421 portion of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/texas-eagle-train.html" target="_blank">Texas Eagle</a>&nbsp;(Los Angeles-San Antonio)</li><li>Suspended services starting Wednesday, Sept. 14:</li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/city-of-new-orleans-train.html" target="_blank">City of New Orleans</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/coast-starlight-train.html" target="_blank">Coast Starlight</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/crescent-train.html" target="_blank">Crescent</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/lake-shore-limited-train.html" target="_blank">Lake Shore Limited</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/silver-service-palmetto-train.html" target="_blank">Silver Star</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/sunset-limited-train.html" target="_blank">Sunset Limited</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes/texas-eagle-train.html" target="_blank">Texas Eagle</a></li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Amtrak will notify additional customers scheduled to be on upcoming trains about the possibility of disruptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Amtrak cancels Southwest Chief due to pending rail strike

Bethel Goltl, age 88, passed away on September 11, 2022, in McDonald, Kansas. 
Bethel Louise was born on the farm in Goodland, KS to Edwin and 
Catherine Ochsner on June 3, 1934. She attended country schools and 
graduated from Goodland High. Bethel attended Midland Lutheran College, 
and then nursing training at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, Kansas City. 
After graduation, RN licensure and saving money, Bethel and a good 
friend took a 5-month round-the-world trip to Europe, Africa and Asia. 
While working as a nurse at the Goodland Hospital, she met Lavern Goltl 
through Luther League. They married on June 10, 1961 and settled on the 
Goltl family farm in McDonald. Bethel was an active member of St. John 
Lutheran Church, ELCA Women, quilting and Bible study groups. 
In addition to gardening and farm chores, Bethel guided her children 
through 4-H projects, was gifted at planning illustrated /demonstration 
talks, and was a dedicated group leader for sewing, cooking, baking and 
crafts. She helped sew several of the square-dancing outfits for 4-H. 
Bethel hosted many family gatherings and holiday meals and was a favorite aunt of many beloved nieces and nephews. 
Bethel was preceded in death by her parents; sister Barbara Rieb; 
husband Lavern; traveling companion and significant other, Don Bruder; 
sisters-in law, Helen, Irene, Edith, Esther and several nieces and 
nephews. 
Bethel is survived by children Matt Goltl, of Wichita, KS, David Goltl, 
of New York City, NY, Alan Goltl, of Wichita, Amy Waters and Mike, of 
Cimarron, KS; grandchildren Ellen McCloskey and Andrew, Owen Waters, 
Brynn Waters, Jack Goltl, Sophie Goltl and Brayan Mendoza. 
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 22, at 
St. John Lutheran Church in Bird City. Memorials may be made to St. John
 Lutheran Church, Bird City, or House of Hope Haiti, Oberlin, KS 
(https://houseofhopehaiti.com/donate/). For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com 
The family of Bethel wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Wheat Haven 
employees of McDonald, KS for their personalized and dedicated care.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663087004612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bethel Goltl, age 88, passed away on September 11, 2022, in McDonald, Kansas. 
Bethel Louise was born on the farm in Goodland, KS to Edwin and 
Catherine Ochsner on June 3, 1934. She attended country schools and 
graduated from Goodland High. Bethel attended Midland Lutheran College, 
and then nursing training at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, Kansas City. 
After graduation, RN licensure and saving money, Bethel and a good 
friend took a 5-month round-the-world trip to Europe, Africa and Asia. 
While working as a nurse at the Goodland Hospital, she met Lavern Goltl 
through Luther League. They married on June 10, 1961 and settled on the 
Goltl family farm in McDonald. Bethel was an active member of St. John 
Lutheran Church, ELCA Women, quilting and Bible study groups. 
In addition to gardening and farm chores, Bethel guided her children 
through 4-H projects, was gifted at planning illustrated /demonstration 
talks, and was a dedicated group leader for sewing, cooking, baking and 
crafts. She helped sew several of the square-dancing outfits for 4-H. 
Bethel hosted many family gatherings and holiday meals and was a favorite aunt of many beloved nieces and nephews. 
Bethel was preceded in death by her parents; sister Barbara Rieb; 
husband Lavern; traveling companion and significant other, Don Bruder; 
sisters-in law, Helen, Irene, Edith, Esther and several nieces and 
nephews. 
Bethel is survived by children Matt Goltl, of Wichita, KS, David Goltl, 
of New York City, NY, Alan Goltl, of Wichita, Amy Waters and Mike, of 
Cimarron, KS; grandchildren Ellen McCloskey and Andrew, Owen Waters, 
Brynn Waters, Jack Goltl, Sophie Goltl and Brayan Mendoza. 
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 22, at 
St. John Lutheran Church in Bird City. Memorials may be made to St. John
 Lutheran Church, Bird City, or House of Hope Haiti, Oberlin, KS 
(https://houseofhopehaiti.com/donate/). For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com 
The family of Bethel wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Wheat Haven 
employees of McDonald, KS for their personalized and dedicated care.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bethel Goltl

One of the fall traditions in Hays is the Haunted Hays City Tours produced by the Hays Community Theatre. The local acting group is planning a great tour again in 2022, but is in need of local teenagers and adults to help act in the production.&nbsp;

“The Haunted Hays City Tours are very popular each year and we really enjoy bringing the history of Hays to life, along with some ghost stories and general Halloween creepiness - but we are still in need of people to help in various acting roles,” Sharona Fondable, Hays Community Theatre moard member, said.&nbsp;

Acting participants are not required to have previous acting experience and the time required is minimal. “This is really a great opportunity for community members age 14 and above to get involved with the theatre. The lines for each role are minimal, along with the time requirement,” Fondable added.

Participants are asked to be able to participate in the two nights the tours are offered, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and also be available one night during that week for a tour walk-through.&nbsp;

“This really is a fun event. It’s a chance to put on a costume, some scary makeup, and transform into a haunted character from the late 1800s,” said Andy Stanton, HCT moard member and Haunted Tours actor.

Interested teens and adults should e-mail the group at <a href="mailto:hauntedtours@hctks.com" target="_blank">hauntedtours@hctks.com</a> or message the Hays Community Theatre on their Facebook page, <a href="http://facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre" target="_blank">facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600702752021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOne of the fall traditions in Hays is the Haunted Hays City Tours produced by the Hays Community Theatre. The local acting group is planning a great tour again in 2022, but is in need of local teenagers and adults to help act in the production.&nbsp;“The Haunted Hays City Tours are very popular each year and we really enjoy bringing the history of Hays to life, along with some ghost stories and general Halloween creepiness - but we are still in need of people to help in various acting roles,” Sharona Fondable, Hays Community Theatre moard member, said.&nbsp;Acting participants are not required to have previous acting experience and the time required is minimal. “This is really a great opportunity for community members age 14 and above to get involved with the theatre. The lines for each role are minimal, along with the time requirement,” Fondable added.Participants are asked to be able to participate in the two nights the tours are offered, Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and also be available one night during that week for a tour walk-through.&nbsp;“This really is a fun event. It’s a chance to put on a costume, some scary makeup, and transform into a haunted character from the late 1800s,” said Andy Stanton, HCT moard member and Haunted Tours actor. Interested teens and adults should e-mail the group at <a href="mailto:hauntedtours@hctks.com" target="_blank">hauntedtours@hctks.com</a> or message the Hays Community Theatre on their Facebook page, <a href="http://facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre" target="_blank">facebook.com/hayscommunitytheatre</a>.

Haunted Hays City tours looking for more volunteer actors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration hopes to make getting a COVID-19 booster as routine as going in for the yearly flu shot.

That’s at the heart of its campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-omicron-booster-shot-227514678d25a99b65b7ee092735fb03?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">to sell the newly authorized shot</a>&nbsp;to an American public that has widely rejected COVID-19 boosters since they first became available last fall.

Shots of the updated boosters, specifically designed by Pfizer and Moderna to respond to the omicron strain, are available. The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses and is emphasizing that everyone will have free access to the booster.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said this latest round of shots offer protection during the busy cold and flu season, with the hope of transitioning people to get the vaccine yearly. Typically,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccination-dashboard.html">at least half of U.S. adults get a flu shot</a>.

“We expect them to provide more durable protection over time,” Jha said in an interview with The Associated Press. “The goal very much is to get to a point where people get their COVID shot on a regular basis, the way they do their flu shot.”

Community health workers in North Carolina, home to the country’s lowest COVID-19 booster rate, like the strategy, especially because of confusion among some people about vaccine schedules.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648688148561.png" alt="The latest vaccination campaign faces challenges-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>The latest vaccination campaign faces challenges-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration hopes to make getting a COVID-19 booster as routine as going in for the yearly flu shot.That’s at the heart of its campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-omicron-booster-shot-227514678d25a99b65b7ee092735fb03?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_2">to sell the newly authorized shot</a>&nbsp;to an American public that has widely rejected COVID-19 boosters since they first became available last fall.Shots of the updated boosters, specifically designed by Pfizer and Moderna to respond to the omicron strain, are available. The U.S. government has purchased 170 million doses and is emphasizing that everyone will have free access to the booster.White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said this latest round of shots offer protection during the busy cold and flu season, with the hope of transitioning people to get the vaccine yearly. Typically,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccination-dashboard.html">at least half of U.S. adults get a flu shot</a>.“We expect them to provide more durable protection over time,” Jha said in an interview with The Associated Press. “The goal very much is to get to a point where people get their COVID shot on a regular basis, the way they do their flu shot.”Community health workers in North Carolina, home to the country’s lowest COVID-19 booster rate, like the strategy, especially because of confusion among some people about vaccine schedules.“I believe in keeping things simple,” said Marty Stamey, an outreach coordinator for the Mountain Area Health Education Center in western North Carolina. “I’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘I think I’ll just wait and try to do it like the flu shots.’”The White House plan also relies in part of on local health departments, providers and community groups to reach out and encourage people to get the updated booster. Pharmacies, health providers and state or local health departments are preparing to send text messages to millions of people that will encourage them to get a booster this fall, White House officials said.Jha said he recommends most Americans get the booster by the end of October.Still, this latest vaccination campaign faces several challenges.A&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-additional-dose-totalpop">majority of Americans got their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine</a>&nbsp;when it was released last year but they’ve been more reluctant to get a booster jab, with less than half getting their first booster since it became available late last year.Congress also has not moved forward on President Joe Biden’s $22.5 billion request&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-congress-e5b411a879b2becf3e342fea3b0df981">earlier this year for the COVID-19 response</a>. Republicans criticized the request, pointing to the $1.9 trillion already spent on responding to the pandemic. Running short on funds, the government announced it would stop shipping COVID-19 tests to people’s homes after Friday.And COVID-19 funding is drying up for many of the community groups that received millions of federal tax dollars to hire workers who spent months reaching deep into neighborhoods with door knocks, mobile vaccine clinics and posters encouraging people to inoculate against COVID-19.White House officials say those local leaders deserve a lot of credit for stamping out misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and convincing many around the country that the shot will protect them.“Those are the really critical messengers,” Jha said.That on-the-ground work has been crucial to getting people vaccinated in the rural, Spanish- and Haitian-speaking communities that the Migrant Clinicians Network has reached throughout Texas, California and Maryland with its $8.5 million federal grant.“Simply having the vaccines available is one thing, but getting the shots in the arms is another,” said Amy Liebman, a chief program officer for the nonprofit group.Some of those local health organizations, too, are now stretched as they work to get low&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fda-pfizer-covid-vaccines-kids-1423b2ab0a51bc9c36dbe86964777c07">vaccination rates among children under 12 up</a>. Only a third of 5- to 11-year-olds received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since becoming eligible late last year. Meanwhile, just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/children-and-covid-19-vaccination-trends/">7% of children under 5</a>&nbsp;have gotten a first dose since it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-politics-health-us-news-368ca7b4ab393dc48ffa04b5a3171d5b">was made available this summer</a>.Dr. Niharika Khanna at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has just started making progress on convincing new mothers that the vaccine is safe and effective for their babies.Her program, which has hired more than 269 health workers and administered more than 12,000 vaccinations and boosters across Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, isn’t quite ready to transition back to pushing COVID-19 boosters.“All of these people, all of these relationships we’ve carefully cultivated are at risk for falling apart,” Khanna said. “Today if you were to say to me switch to booster, I’d say no. I need another two to three weeks to really get these people going.”