Bryan Kent Harris, 71, passed away on January 10, 2023, at his home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 18, 1951, in Salina, 
Kansas, to William and Joan (VanBuskirk) Harris. On April 7, 1998, he 
married Janice Baker in Fresno, California. She survives.

Bryan was a 1971 graduate of Salina High School and a graduate of 
Kansas State University with an associate's degree in drafting. A 
long-time resident of Great Bend, Bryan was known throughout his working
 years as a roofer, but also as offering great customer service at True 
Value and other local establishments. He was a member of the First 
United Methodist Church and Ambucs, an organization that helps building 
wheelchair ramps and provide trikes for children of different abilities.
 Bryan was passionate about helping anyone he could, including helping 
host events and offer recognition for first responders and military 
personnel.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, William Harris of 
Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter, Jennifer Harris of Topeka, Kansas; a 
sister, Deanna Clark of Salina, Kansas; and many other beloved family 
members. He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral 
Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Bryant
 Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Memorials have 
been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673531313232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bryan Kent Harris, 71, passed away on January 10, 2023, at his home 
in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on October 18, 1951, in Salina, 
Kansas, to William and Joan (VanBuskirk) Harris. On April 7, 1998, he 
married Janice Baker in Fresno, California. She survives.Bryan was a 1971 graduate of Salina High School and a graduate of 
Kansas State University with an associate's degree in drafting. A 
long-time resident of Great Bend, Bryan was known throughout his working
 years as a roofer, but also as offering great customer service at True 
Value and other local establishments. He was a member of the First 
United Methodist Church and Ambucs, an organization that helps building 
wheelchair ramps and provide trikes for children of different abilities.
 Bryan was passionate about helping anyone he could, including helping 
host events and offer recognition for first responders and military 
personnel.Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, William Harris of 
Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter, Jennifer Harris of Topeka, Kansas; a 
sister, Deanna Clark of Salina, Kansas; and many other beloved family 
members. He is preceded in death by his parents.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral 
Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Bryant
 Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Memorials have 
been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Bryan Kent Harris

Elvis Eugene Givens passed away on January 9, 2023, at his home in 
Stockton, KS, at the age of 65. He was born on October 7, 1957, to Bobby
 Ann Litz in Henderson, KY. He was married to Patricia Shaffer on June 
27, 1980. They were blessed with three children: David, Robert, and 
Tanya.

Elvis grew up in Kentucky and later moved to 
California. He graduated from Garden Grove California High School in 
1975. He attended Orange County Community College to become a marine 
biologist. In 1987, he joined the U.S. Marines Corps Intelligence 
Department and then the U.S. Army National Guard in 1996 serving as a 
metal worker until 1999 when he was honorably discharged. Moving to 
Kansas in 1995, he worked as an auto mechanic. He moved to Stockton in 
2002 and worked as a correctional officer.

Elvis 
enjoyed being out in nature, scuba diving and hiking. He competed in 
martial arts tournaments as a brown belt while in California.

Elvis
 is survived by his children, David (Sylvia Holmes) Givens of Norton, 
KS, Robert (Anne) Givens of Stockton, and Tanya Martin of Concordia, KS;
 and 12 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Givens.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Memorials
 are suggested to Elvis Givens Memorial Fund and may be sent to 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673531178367.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elvis Eugene Givens passed away on January 9, 2023, at his home in 
Stockton, KS, at the age of 65. He was born on October 7, 1957, to Bobby
 Ann Litz in Henderson, KY. He was married to Patricia Shaffer on June 
27, 1980. They were blessed with three children: David, Robert, and 
Tanya.Elvis grew up in Kentucky and later moved to 
California. He graduated from Garden Grove California High School in 
1975. He attended Orange County Community College to become a marine 
biologist. In 1987, he joined the U.S. Marines Corps Intelligence 
Department and then the U.S. Army National Guard in 1996 serving as a 
metal worker until 1999 when he was honorably discharged. Moving to 
Kansas in 1995, he worked as an auto mechanic. He moved to Stockton in 
2002 and worked as a correctional officer.Elvis 
enjoyed being out in nature, scuba diving and hiking. He competed in 
martial arts tournaments as a brown belt while in California.Elvis
 is survived by his children, David (Sylvia Holmes) Givens of Norton, 
KS, Robert (Anne) Givens of Stockton, and Tanya Martin of Concordia, KS;
 and 12 grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Givens.A memorial service will be planned at a later date.Memorials
 are suggested to Elvis Givens Memorial Fund and may be sent to 
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Elvis Eugene Givens

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.

More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.

With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers.

"This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."

These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.

The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.

In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.

The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.

Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season

The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:

Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.

Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.

People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.

Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.

The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need.

"Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."

Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.

To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.

IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.

The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.

Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28

The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.

While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.

Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns

Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual 
tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn't 
require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on
 remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact 
tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to 
urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax 
season to avoid delays. Check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue">IRS Operations</a> page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.

IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help

Taxpayers can find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools</a>
 at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax 
questions.

An IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 allows individuals to log in securely&nbsp;to access personal tax account 
information including balance, payments and tax records including 
adjusted gross income.

There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled 
agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a
 professional credential. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> offers information to help people select one. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional 
credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season 
Program Record of Completion.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help 
people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct 
certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes 
make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and 
provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing 
status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax 
return.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;offers
 taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 
hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My 
Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>
 is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered 
through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and 
electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants 
and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the
 realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training
 pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings.&nbsp;Eligible 
taxpayers&nbsp;can use MilTax to <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">electronically file</a> a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:

It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers."This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.<h2>April 18 tax filing deadline in 2023</h2>The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.<h2>Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season</h2>The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need."Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.<h2>IRS Free File available January 13</h2>IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.<h2>Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28</h2>The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.<h2>Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns</h2>Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual 
tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn't 
require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on
 remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact 
tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to 
urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax 
season to avoid delays. Check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue">IRS Operations</a> page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.<h2>IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help</h2>Taxpayers can find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools</a>
 at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax 
questions.An IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 allows individuals to log in securely&nbsp;to access personal tax account 
information including balance, payments and tax records including 
adjusted gross income.There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled 
agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a
 professional credential. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> offers information to help people select one. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional 
credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season 
Program Record of Completion.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help 
people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct 
certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes 
make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and 
provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing 
status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax 
return.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;offers
 taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 
hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My 
Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>
 is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered 
through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and 
electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants 
and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the
 realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training
 pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings.&nbsp;Eligible 
taxpayers&nbsp;can use MilTax to <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">electronically file</a> a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.<h2>Key filing season dates</h2>There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:<ul>
 <li>January 13: IRS Free File opens</li><li>January 17: Due date for tax year 2022 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.</li><li>January 23:&nbsp;IRS begins 2023 tax season and starts accepting and processing individual 2022 tax returns.</li><li>January 27:&nbsp;Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
 to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – 
including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.</li><li>April 18: National due date to file a 2022 tax 
return or request an extension and pay tax owed due to the Emancipation 
Day holiday in Washington, D.C.</li><li>October 16:&nbsp;Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2022 tax returns.</li>
 </ul><h2>Before filing: Plan ahead</h2>It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

IRS sets Jan. 23 as official start to 2023 tax filing season; key deadlines

October 7, 1957
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 January 9, 2023

An obituary and service details are pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673452938362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>October 7, 1957
 &nbsp;-&nbsp;
 January 9, 2023An obituary and service details are pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A retired Catholic priest in Missouri who used thousands of images of child pornography to make PowerPoint presentations for several years was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison.

James T. Beighlie, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-st-louis-child-pornography-60b206bcd5310a256bbb87f1c614d971">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to two counts of possession of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $4,750 to one of this victims, and another $22,000 for a fund that will go toward other child victims of crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang said Beighlie had thousands of images and videos that he used for the PowerPoint presentations, which he revised several times. He had been using child pornography since at least 2008, she said. The prosecutor’s office has not indicated that Beighlie showed the presentations to anyone.

“All I can say is that I am ashamed and deeply remorseful,” Beighlie told the judge.

A church investigation began in May 2021, after co-workers at the Congregation of the Mission in St. Louis found compromising images of Beighlie on a church printer. An attorney for the church contacted the FBI after a private IT support company found what appeared to be videos of minors engaging in sex acts.

Beighlie was a Vincentian priest who most recently was an associate pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in St. Louis.

During Tuesday's hearing, Beighlie’s attorney argued for supervised release, saying his client had serious health issues and was already staying at the Vianney Renewal Center, a Roman Catholic facility in Missouri that treats sexually abusive priests, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-st-louis-priest-sentenced-to-prison-for-thousands-of-child-porn-images/article_51548086-8775-506f-b348-071f88bc2746.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reported</a>.

A Congregation of the Mission spokesperson said in October there are no other known allegations of sexual abuse of a minor involving Beighlie.

Beighlie previously was on the faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas/Mercy High School in St. Louis, at Vincent Gray Academy in East St. Louis and an associate pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in House Springs, according to the Congregation of the Mission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673398801018.png" alt="James T. Beighlie in court in May -photo courtesy KMOV TV" />
 <figcaption>James T. Beighlie in court in May -photo courtesy KMOV TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A retired Catholic priest in Missouri who used thousands of images of child pornography to make PowerPoint presentations for several years was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison.James T. Beighlie, 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-st-louis-child-pornography-60b206bcd5310a256bbb87f1c614d971">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in October to two counts of possession of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $4,750 to one of this victims, and another $22,000 for a fund that will go toward other child victims of crimes.Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang said Beighlie had thousands of images and videos that he used for the PowerPoint presentations, which he revised several times. He had been using child pornography since at least 2008, she said. The prosecutor’s office has not indicated that Beighlie showed the presentations to anyone.“All I can say is that I am ashamed and deeply remorseful,” Beighlie told the judge.A church investigation began in May 2021, after co-workers at the Congregation of the Mission in St. Louis found compromising images of Beighlie on a church printer. An attorney for the church contacted the FBI after a private IT support company found what appeared to be videos of minors engaging in sex acts.Beighlie was a Vincentian priest who most recently was an associate pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in St. Louis.During Tuesday's hearing, Beighlie’s attorney argued for supervised release, saying his client had serious health issues and was already staying at the Vianney Renewal Center, a Roman Catholic facility in Missouri that treats sexually abusive priests, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-st-louis-priest-sentenced-to-prison-for-thousands-of-child-porn-images/article_51548086-8775-506f-b348-071f88bc2746.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reported</a>.A Congregation of the Mission spokesperson said in October there are no other known allegations of sexual abuse of a minor involving Beighlie.Beighlie previously was on the faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas/Mercy High School in St. Louis, at Vincent Gray Academy in East St. Louis and an associate pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in House Springs, according to the Congregation of the Mission.

Retired priest sentenced; possessed thousands of child porn images

Just one year ago, Fort Hays State University launched a partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design to provide Hays Academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials Certificate.

This past fall semester, two students, Dawson McDonough and Afrika Kaman-King, were the first to complete the program.

This partnership, allows students to enroll in at least one FHSU class and pay appropriate student fees to enjoy a variety of services offered to all Fort Hays State students, including participation in all student activities and organizations, access to health and fitness services and sporting events, on-campus student housing options, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four classes developed by Fort Hays State faculty make up the Business Essentials certificate. The classes are Management Practices, Personal Finance, Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing.

Each of those classes run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday for eight weeks, so they don’t conflict with the students’ hours at Hays Academy.

Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies, worked with faculty to develop the courses for the certificate.

“These students already do some business coursework at the academy,” Smith said. “This partnership helps them enhance and build upon their business knowledge.”

For Dawson McDonough, this program fit perfectly into her future plans.

“I already had intentions of attending Fort Hays to get my business degree after graduating HAHD when I learned about this program,” McDonough said. “I saw this program as an opportunity to better myself for my clients and my business and grow my knowledge of what it takes to own and/or run a business.”

Originally from Loveland, Colorado, McDonough has lived in Hays for almost three years. She plans to finish her associate’s degree in business through FHSU while working full time at Inspire Salon in Plainville.

Because the Hays Academy has four different start dates for classes, including February, May, August, and October, and each cohort attends class for nine months, completing 1,500 clock hours, finding housing can be a real challenge.

Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president of enrollment management at FHSU, noted housing as one of the barriers this partnership will help students overcome.

“Academy students starting on, for example, the October start date, can have a place to live immediately instead of trying to find a house or apartment in the middle of the university semester,” King said. “We had two students in campus housing this fall and are going to have three in the spring.”

FHSU is offering housing contracts to Hays Academy students on a month-to-month basis. That service could benefit any Hays Academy student, even those taking the academy’s three-month nail technology program.

“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said Hays Academy’s Len Melvin – an FHSU alum. “This helps the community by attracting students to the area, in which many will remain even after completing these programs. It helps both us and FHSU recruit.”

“I am extremely grateful to everyone in the Hays Academy family and at Fort Hays who took extra time out of their lives to spend their evenings teaching these classes,” McDonough said. “If anyone is considering taking these classes, I would highly recommend them. Not only did I gain an abundance of information, I built relationships with the instructors and other students. I'm very happy that I got to go through both HAHD and FHSU with Afrika.”

For more information about the Business Essentials Certificate program contact Len Melvin of the Hays Academy of Hair Design at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:len@haysacademy.com">len@haysacademy.com</a>, or Dr. Stacey Smith at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slsmith21@fhsu.edu">slsmith21@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673286588738.jpeg" alt="From left - Mary Martin, FHSU Marketing instructor; Summer Melvin, HAHD Owner; Afrika Aadae NZingha Kamau-King, Certificate graduate; Dawson McDonough, Certificate graduate; Danielle Markley, HAHD Owner; Stacey Smith, FHSU Certificate Coordinator" />
 <figcaption>From left - Mary Martin, FHSU Marketing instructor; Summer Melvin, HAHD Owner; Afrika Aadae NZingha Kamau-King, Certificate graduate; Dawson McDonough, Certificate graduate; Danielle Markley, HAHD Owner; Stacey Smith, FHSU Certificate Coordinator</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsJust one year ago, Fort Hays State University launched a partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design to provide Hays Academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials Certificate.This past fall semester, two students, Dawson McDonough and Afrika Kaman-King, were the first to complete the program.This partnership, allows students to enroll in at least one FHSU class and pay appropriate student fees to enjoy a variety of services offered to all Fort Hays State students, including participation in all student activities and organizations, access to health and fitness services and sporting events, on-campus student housing options, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Four classes developed by Fort Hays State faculty make up the Business Essentials certificate. The classes are Management Practices, Personal Finance, Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing.Each of those classes run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday for eight weeks, so they don’t conflict with the students’ hours at Hays Academy.Dr. Stacey Smith, chair of the Department of Applied Business Studies, worked with faculty to develop the courses for the certificate.“These students already do some business coursework at the academy,” Smith said. “This partnership helps them enhance and build upon their business knowledge.”For Dawson McDonough, this program fit perfectly into her future plans.“I already had intentions of attending Fort Hays to get my business degree after graduating HAHD when I learned about this program,” McDonough said. “I saw this program as an opportunity to better myself for my clients and my business and grow my knowledge of what it takes to own and/or run a business.”Originally from Loveland, Colorado, McDonough has lived in Hays for almost three years. She plans to finish her associate’s degree in business through FHSU while working full time at Inspire Salon in Plainville.Because the Hays Academy has four different start dates for classes, including February, May, August, and October, and each cohort attends class for nine months, completing 1,500 clock hours, finding housing can be a real challenge.Dr. Dennis King, associate vice president of enrollment management at FHSU, noted housing as one of the barriers this partnership will help students overcome.“Academy students starting on, for example, the October start date, can have a place to live immediately instead of trying to find a house or apartment in the middle of the university semester,” King said. “We had two students in campus housing this fall and are going to have three in the spring.”FHSU is offering housing contracts to Hays Academy students on a month-to-month basis. That service could benefit any Hays Academy student, even those taking the academy’s three-month nail technology program.“This program is a win-win for everyone,” said Hays Academy’s Len Melvin – an FHSU alum. “This helps the community by attracting students to the area, in which many will remain even after completing these programs. It helps both us and FHSU recruit.”“I am extremely grateful to everyone in the Hays Academy family and at Fort Hays who took extra time out of their lives to spend their evenings teaching these classes,” McDonough said. “If anyone is considering taking these classes, I would highly recommend them. Not only did I gain an abundance of information, I built relationships with the instructors and other students. I'm very happy that I got to go through both HAHD and FHSU with Afrika.”For more information about the Business Essentials Certificate program contact Len Melvin of the Hays Academy of Hair Design at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:len@haysacademy.com">len@haysacademy.com</a>, or Dr. Stacey Smith at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slsmith21@fhsu.edu">slsmith21@fhsu.edu</a>.

First students complete new Business Essentials partner program

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board approved contracts for two HVAC projects at
 its meeting Monday night.

Both
 of the projects were bid through the Greenbush Education Service Center
 Purchasing Cooperative, a state program that guarantees preferential 
pricing to schools.

The cost of the O'Loughlin Elementary School project is about $1.28 million.

The
 Wilson Elementary School HVAC replacement was approved in October. 
However, school officials are requesting a change order so the system 
will be better suited to meet the needs of the building when it becomes 
the district administrative office.

Although the contracts were awarded to BCS, that company contracts with local companies, including Glassman for the work, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said.

Work on both projects will begin this summer.

The district has received $320,000 in Emergency Connectivity Funds toward the purchase of 800 computers for Hays Middle School students.

Those computers have already been purchased.

Since 2021 the district has received $1 million in E-rate and Emergency Connectivity Funds to upgrade technology, Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

That has included 960 laptops for Hays High School students, the middle school devices, 200 staff laptops and a full replacement of the wired and wireless network in the district, Wilson said.

The district received a separate $90,000 grant through nutrition services that will pay for a new walk-in freezer and two new ovens.

The Hays USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence gave a report to the board. The foundation raised almost $51,000 through its auction and dinner in October. Those funds will be awarded to school projects through grants. 

The foundation has raised $231,000 for school needs to date.

The board approved a $1 increase in pay for 
paraeducators for the functional life skills and Westisde programs.

The district has struggled to fill these positions and currently has five openings. These students generally need more assistance than other students in the special education program.

 This proposal will raise the starting wage of 
paraeducators in these programs to $13.06 per hour.

The special 
education co-op has 61 employees who would be covered by the proposal. 
The change will cost the co-op about $35,000 for the rest of the school 
year.

The board had a first reading on a policy that would make it easier for students to earn credit toward graduation for non-school activities, such as internships.

The board also appointed board members Craig Palliser, Ken Brooks and Tammy Wellbrock to the teacher negotiations team with Allen Park to serve as an alternate.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved contracts for two HVAC projects at
 its meeting Monday night. Both
 of the projects were bid through the Greenbush Education Service Center
 Purchasing Cooperative, a state program that guarantees preferential 
pricing to schools.The cost of the O'Loughlin Elementary School project is about $1.28 million.The
 Wilson Elementary School HVAC replacement was approved in October. 
However, school officials are requesting a change order so the system 
will be better suited to meet the needs of the building when it becomes 
the district administrative office.Although the contracts were awarded to BCS, that company contracts with local companies, including Glassman for the work, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said. Work on both projects will begin this summer.<h2>Computer funds</h2>The district has received $320,000 in Emergency Connectivity Funds toward the purchase of 800 computers for Hays Middle School students.Those computers have already been purchased.Since 2021 the district has received $1 million in E-rate and Emergency Connectivity Funds to upgrade technology, Superintendent Ron Wilson said. That has included 960 laptops for Hays High School students, the middle school devices, 200 staff laptops and a full replacement of the wired and wireless network in the district, Wilson said.The district received a separate $90,000 grant through nutrition services that will pay for a new walk-in freezer and two new ovens. <h2>USD 489 Foundation</h2>The Hays USD 489 Foundation for Education Excellence gave a report to the board. The foundation raised almost $51,000 through its auction and dinner in October. Those funds will be awarded to school projects through grants. The foundation has raised $231,000 for school needs to date.<h2>Special education raises</h2>The board approved a $1 increase in pay for 
paraeducators for the functional life skills and Westisde programs.The district has struggled to fill these positions and currently has five openings. These students generally need more assistance than other students in the special education program. This proposal will raise the starting wage of 
paraeducators in these programs to $13.06 per hour.The special 
education co-op has 61 employees who would be covered by the proposal. 
The change will cost the co-op about $35,000 for the rest of the school 
year.The board had a first reading on a policy that would make it easier for students to earn credit toward graduation for non-school activities, such as internships.The board also appointed board members Craig Palliser, Ken Brooks and Tammy Wellbrock to the teacher negotiations team with Allen Park to serve as an alternate.

Hays USD 489 approves HVAC projects; receives grant funds for tech

Homewood, Kay – Born October 20, 1937, to Harry P. Brehm &amp; Elva 
Rosa Bender in Hoisington, KS, passed away in Wichita, KS surrounded by 
her loving family on January 4th, 2023.

Kay’s father traveled and worked for the Santa Fe railroad during 
many of her younger years. Kay attended numerous grade schools, her most
 memorable were at Hoisington and Kinsley. She moved to Luray to finish 
high school where she lived and worked with her aunt Elsie Harbaugh and 
family. She graduated from Luray High school in 1956. Kay Brehm married 
Earl Homewood on August 20th, 1956. Together they had two 
daughters: Cynthia Peterson of Camarillo CA and Tracy (Bob) Feil of 
Marshalltown, IA. Earl and Kay were married for 49 years until Earls 
death on May 20, 2006. 

Kay was proud to have worked at the Russell Court
 House while Bob Dole was still there.&nbsp;She began her ultimate career in 
the bookkeeping department at Russell State Bank in 1965. During her 
time there, Kay held many different positions with the bank including 
the Passport Club in 1989 while she was the Director of Marketing which 
took individuals who were 55+ on day trips and traveled to foreign 
countries. They ended up traveling thousands of miles together. 
Education was always an important part of Kay. While working full time 
at the bank and raising her children she also continued her education 
with Barton Community College and Fort Hays State University. While 
employed at the bank Kay was named Woman of the Year for Russell. Kay 
was promoted in 1991 to the Assistant Vice President of Russell State 
Bank. Kay retired from UMB Bank of Russell in 2003 after 38 years of 
service. Kay was active with St John’s Lutheran Church of Russell and 
had may interests’ that she pursued after her retirement.

Kay was a faithful advocate for Russell County and engaged in writing
 several grants for funding to support the history of Russell. She was 
President of the CVB, a member of the Russell Historical Society, 
Russell Oil Patch Museum, Smoky Hill Trail Association, served Russell 
Rotary Club as a member and as President, American Legion Auxiliary for 
63 years, Russell County Commissions Interim Director in 2008, Russell 
Regional Hospital $2 million Challenge Co-Chair. In 2020 Kay received 
the Russell Citizen of the Year award. She traveled from Wichita to 
receive her award and had such a wonderful time at the banquet.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, sisters Carol, Nancy, Cheri-Ann, and brother Harry Jr.

Survived by daughters Cynthia Peterson, Tracy (Bob) Feil, 
grandchildren Ashley (Juan Carlos) Benitez of Wichita, KS, Erin Peterson
 of Wichita, KS &amp; Kellin Feil of Marshalltown, IA. Great 
grandchildren Cory Cox, Kaylen Cox &amp; Ayden Benitez all of Wichita, 
KS and sister Aneda Burroughs of Elkhart, KS and many nieces and 
nephews.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, 
January 12, 2023, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Thursday, January 12th at 
the mortuary.&nbsp; Family will greet guests the day of the service from noon
 to 1 P.M.&nbsp; 

Memorials may be given to the (RCACF) Russell County Area 
Community Foundation and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673043834264.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Homewood, Kay – Born October 20, 1937, to Harry P. Brehm &amp; Elva 
Rosa Bender in Hoisington, KS, passed away in Wichita, KS surrounded by 
her loving family on January 4th, 2023.Kay’s father traveled and worked for the Santa Fe railroad during 
many of her younger years. Kay attended numerous grade schools, her most
 memorable were at Hoisington and Kinsley. She moved to Luray to finish 
high school where she lived and worked with her aunt Elsie Harbaugh and 
family. She graduated from Luray High school in 1956. Kay Brehm married 
Earl Homewood on August 20th, 1956. Together they had two 
daughters: Cynthia Peterson of Camarillo CA and Tracy (Bob) Feil of 
Marshalltown, IA. Earl and Kay were married for 49 years until Earls 
death on May 20, 2006. Kay was proud to have worked at the Russell Court
 House while Bob Dole was still there.&nbsp;She began her ultimate career in 
the bookkeeping department at Russell State Bank in 1965. During her 
time there, Kay held many different positions with the bank including 
the Passport Club in 1989 while she was the Director of Marketing which 
took individuals who were 55+ on day trips and traveled to foreign 
countries. They ended up traveling thousands of miles together. 
Education was always an important part of Kay. While working full time 
at the bank and raising her children she also continued her education 
with Barton Community College and Fort Hays State University. While 
employed at the bank Kay was named Woman of the Year for Russell. Kay 
was promoted in 1991 to the Assistant Vice President of Russell State 
Bank. Kay retired from UMB Bank of Russell in 2003 after 38 years of 
service. Kay was active with St John’s Lutheran Church of Russell and 
had may interests’ that she pursued after her retirement.Kay was a faithful advocate for Russell County and engaged in writing
 several grants for funding to support the history of Russell. She was 
President of the CVB, a member of the Russell Historical Society, 
Russell Oil Patch Museum, Smoky Hill Trail Association, served Russell 
Rotary Club as a member and as President, American Legion Auxiliary for 
63 years, Russell County Commissions Interim Director in 2008, Russell 
Regional Hospital $2 million Challenge Co-Chair. In 2020 Kay received 
the Russell Citizen of the Year award. She traveled from Wichita to 
receive her award and had such a wonderful time at the banquet.Kay is preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, sisters Carol, Nancy, Cheri-Ann, and brother Harry Jr.Survived by daughters Cynthia Peterson, Tracy (Bob) Feil, 
grandchildren Ashley (Juan Carlos) Benitez of Wichita, KS, Erin Peterson
 of Wichita, KS &amp; Kellin Feil of Marshalltown, IA. Great 
grandchildren Cory Cox, Kaylen Cox &amp; Ayden Benitez all of Wichita, 
KS and sister Aneda Burroughs of Elkhart, KS and many nieces and 
nephews.A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, 
January 12, 2023, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Thursday, January 12th at 
the mortuary.&nbsp; Family will greet guests the day of the service from noon
 to 1 P.M.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the (RCACF) Russell County Area 
Community Foundation and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

Kay Homewood

Susan “Roxane” Biehler, 60, passed away on January 7, 2023, at her 
home in Great Bend, Kan. She was born on February 20, 1962, to John and 
Clarice Sue (Tripplett) Cloyes in El Dorado, Kan. On October 17, 1981, 
she married Merle Biehler at the Bushton Methodist Church in Bushton, 
Kan. He survives.

Coming to Great Bend from Arvada, Colo. in 1979, Roxane was a 
dedicated registered nurse. She shared her talent for caring at Great 
Bend Manor, IHS, Great Bend Health and Rehab, and Almost Home. In her 
spare time, Roxane was an avid shopper, enjoyed cooking and baking – 
especially during Christmas – and being a mom and grandma, always 
putting everyone before herself.

Survivors include her husband of the home; daughters, Afton (Heath) 
Ney of Hoisington, Kan., and Kammi (Chad) Burroughs of Great Bend, Kan.;
 a son, Robert “Bobby” (Chelsey) Biehler of Hoisington; six 
grandchildren, Hunter, Ethan, and Harley Ney, Cooper and Kipton 
Burroughs, and Cameron Biehler; two brothers, John Cloyes of Hanford, 
Cali., and Tom Cloyes of Greensboro, N.C.; and a half-brother, Lance Duft
 of Larned, Kan. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will take place Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023,
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m.
 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, 
January 13, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg 
presiding. 

Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane 
Society, Shriner’s Hospital, and National Alliance of Wound Care and 
Ostomy, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673294918721.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Susan “Roxane” Biehler, 60, passed away on January 7, 2023, at her 
home in Great Bend, Kan. She was born on February 20, 1962, to John and 
Clarice Sue (Tripplett) Cloyes in El Dorado, Kan. On October 17, 1981, 
she married Merle Biehler at the Bushton Methodist Church in Bushton, 
Kan. He survives.Coming to Great Bend from Arvada, Colo. in 1979, Roxane was a 
dedicated registered nurse. She shared her talent for caring at Great 
Bend Manor, IHS, Great Bend Health and Rehab, and Almost Home. In her 
spare time, Roxane was an avid shopper, enjoyed cooking and baking – 
especially during Christmas – and being a mom and grandma, always 
putting everyone before herself.Survivors include her husband of the home; daughters, Afton (Heath) 
Ney of Hoisington, Kan., and Kammi (Chad) Burroughs of Great Bend, Kan.;
 a son, Robert “Bobby” (Chelsey) Biehler of Hoisington; six 
grandchildren, Hunter, Ethan, and Harley Ney, Cooper and Kipton 
Burroughs, and Cameron Biehler; two brothers, John Cloyes of Hanford, 
Cali., and Tom Cloyes of Greensboro, N.C.; and a half-brother, Lance Duft
 of Larned, Kan. She is preceded in death by her parents.Visitation will take place Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023,
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m.
 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, 
January 13, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg 
presiding. Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane 
Society, Shriner’s Hospital, and National Alliance of Wound Care and 
Ostomy, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Susan 'Roxane' Biehler

Wanda Louise Davison earned her heavenly wings on January 7, 2023, at 
the Andbe Home in Norton, KS. Wanda was born February 21, 1933, at home 
in Sharon Springs, KS to Roy and Edith Hawley. While in Sharon Springs, a
 brother and sister were born to the family.

In 1939, the family 
moved to Warsaw, Indiana where her sister Norma was born. In 1944, the 
family moved to Pierceville, KS and in 1947 to Tennis, KS. They lived in
 a box car while in Tennis.

Tennis did not have a school, so the 
siblings traveled to Friend for school. Friend did not have a high 
school, so she finished high school by correspondence school. In 1951, 
they moved to Scott City. In 1957, she went to college in Colorado 
Springs. In 1960, the family moved to Garden City. She met Donald 
Davison in October of 1964 on a blind date. They got married in Garden 
City, KS in April of 1965. After the wedding they traveled to Kansas 
City, MO where Don was working. In April of 1966, a daughter Pauline 
Louise was born during a tornado. In March of 1968, another daughter was
 born, Sharon Kay. In 1968, they moved to Lexington, MO, and in 1969, 
they moved to Richmond, MO. In August of 1976, they moved to Hill City, 
KS, where Don worked as a maintenance man for Dawson Place and the 
hospital.

Wanda’s favorite pastime was taking care of her children
 and husband. In May of 1978, they moved to Lenora, KS and lived there 
until Sharon graduated high school in 1987. In August, they moved to 
Lake Wales, Florida so they all could attend college and then in May of 
1992, they all moved to Avon Park, Florida. They decided to move back to
 Norton, KS in June of 2012 to live with Pauline and boys. She really 
enjoyed taking care of the grandkids and doing the laundry for her 
family. In August of 2020, she moved to the Andbe Home where she passed 
away.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Davison; 
sisters, Norma Hawley and Edna and Delroy Mead; brother, Albert Hawley 
and sister-in-law, Velma Kay Johnson. She is survived by her daughters, 
Pauline King of Goodland, KS and Sharon Avedisian of Avon Park, FL; 
grandchildren: James King of Oxford, NE, Ricky King of Manhattan, KS, 
Andrew King of Goodland, KS, and Anna Avedisian of Lakeland, FL; 
sister-in-law, Katherine Miller of Kansas City, MO; many nieces and 
nephews, and cousins, Robert (Linda) Johnson and Donald and Dennis 
Johnson, all of Goodland, KS.

Memorial services will be held 11:00
 am Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Norton Christian Church. Visitation
 will be 10:00 am before the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made
 to the Andbe Home and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 
W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673288906631.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wanda Louise Davison earned her heavenly wings on January 7, 2023, at 
the Andbe Home in Norton, KS. Wanda was born February 21, 1933, at home 
in Sharon Springs, KS to Roy and Edith Hawley. While in Sharon Springs, a
 brother and sister were born to the family.In 1939, the family 
moved to Warsaw, Indiana where her sister Norma was born. In 1944, the 
family moved to Pierceville, KS and in 1947 to Tennis, KS. They lived in
 a box car while in Tennis.Tennis did not have a school, so the 
siblings traveled to Friend for school. Friend did not have a high 
school, so she finished high school by correspondence school. In 1951, 
they moved to Scott City. In 1957, she went to college in Colorado 
Springs. In 1960, the family moved to Garden City. She met Donald 
Davison in October of 1964 on a blind date. They got married in Garden 
City, KS in April of 1965. After the wedding they traveled to Kansas 
City, MO where Don was working. In April of 1966, a daughter Pauline 
Louise was born during a tornado. In March of 1968, another daughter was
 born, Sharon Kay. In 1968, they moved to Lexington, MO, and in 1969, 
they moved to Richmond, MO. In August of 1976, they moved to Hill City, 
KS, where Don worked as a maintenance man for Dawson Place and the 
hospital.Wanda’s favorite pastime was taking care of her children
 and husband. In May of 1978, they moved to Lenora, KS and lived there 
until Sharon graduated high school in 1987. In August, they moved to 
Lake Wales, Florida so they all could attend college and then in May of 
1992, they all moved to Avon Park, Florida. They decided to move back to
 Norton, KS in June of 2012 to live with Pauline and boys. She really 
enjoyed taking care of the grandkids and doing the laundry for her 
family. In August of 2020, she moved to the Andbe Home where she passed 
away.Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Davison; 
sisters, Norma Hawley and Edna and Delroy Mead; brother, Albert Hawley 
and sister-in-law, Velma Kay Johnson. She is survived by her daughters, 
Pauline King of Goodland, KS and Sharon Avedisian of Avon Park, FL; 
grandchildren: James King of Oxford, NE, Ricky King of Manhattan, KS, 
Andrew King of Goodland, KS, and Anna Avedisian of Lakeland, FL; 
sister-in-law, Katherine Miller of Kansas City, MO; many nieces and 
nephews, and cousins, Robert (Linda) Johnson and Donald and Dennis 
Johnson, all of Goodland, KS.Memorial services will be held 11:00
 am Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Norton Christian Church. Visitation
 will be 10:00 am before the service. Memorial contributions may be made
 to the Andbe Home and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 
W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

Wanda Louise Davison

Lowell Beecher, 82, a lifetime Graham County resident, died on January, 6, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas.

Lowell
 was born on November 21, 1940, at the family farm one mile north of 
what had previously been the Spring Creek trading center, 15 miles 
northeast of Hill City, Kansas. His birthplace was the home constructed 
by homesteader Frank Heyer in 1909. He was the third-born son of Glenn 
and Margaret (Stewart) Beecher.

Denied the opportunity 
to attend Spring Creek District #27 School—as had his two siblings—by 
school consolidation, Lowell was enrolled in Hill City’s 
yet-to-be-completed brick-and-mortar elementary school in the late 
summer of 1946. Nevertheless, his early attendance at the Spring Creek 
United Brethren in Christ Church—another feature of the trading center 
and a structure his grandfather, Edward H. Beecher, helped construct 
early in 1911—instilled an interest in early Graham County history which
 was to dominate his retirement years.

Following his 
graduation from Hill City Memorial High School in 1958 and his 
completion of his A.B. in English from Fort Hays State College in 1962, 
Lowell was contracted for a period of two consecutive terms by Palco 
High School. On June 2 of the same year, Lowell and Janice Super were 
united in marriage at Hill City’s Christian Church. Then, in 1964, 
Lowell left Palco for Hill City High School, a tenure which was to last 
for the next 38 years.

In 1969, daughter Amy Leigh, the
 Beecher’s only child, was born; she was her parents’ greatest gift, the
 devoted child who lavished love and assistance upon her parents through
 their middle and declining years.

In 1970, the family 
of three acquired their permanent home in Hill City, the same residence 
in which Janice had spent her youth from age seven to her maturity, and 
which the Beecher family would occupy for the next 53 years.

Upon
 his retirement in 2002, Lowell became involved with the Graham County 
Historical Society, a pastime-turned-passion which was to endure and 
occupy many involved hours for the balance of his productive life. 
Teamed with his history-devoted wife and Graham County native, Betty 
Parker Elliott, the three built countless archival files of family 
genealogy, settlement histories, cemetery records, and a multitude of 
other compilations. The three were also instrumental in the 
reorganization of the vast holdings of the Society’s museum.

It
 was during this time, with the research assistance of wife, Janice, and
 frequent copyediting expertise of daughter, Amy, that he composed three
 locally-published books of Graham County history, the most significant 
of which remains a history of Millbrook, the first county seat of Graham
 County.

Concurrently, he maintained a regular-feature 
historical column in the Hill City Times newspaper and submitted for 
publication a number of historical features highlighting Graham County’s
 past.

After Janice’s passing, Lowell was supported by daughter 
Amy who visited frequently and served as his chauffer on their many road
 trips exploring western Kansas. The two spent precious days traveling, 
cooking, and watching Kansas basketball together.

Lowell
 was predeceased by his wife, Janice, on October 7, 2018, following 56 
years of marriage. He also followed his parents, Glenn and Margaret 
Beecher, brother Wayne E. Beecher and Wayne’s wife, Mary Delores “Del” 
Beecher, his wife’s parents, Max and Clara (Evans) Super, and a 
brother-in-law and his wife, Bill and Bernice (Nutsch) Super.

He
 is survived by his beloved daughter, Amy, of Lawrence, Kansas, his 
brother, Lynn Beecher of Kansas City, Missouri, and his nieces and 
nephews. Also surviving are many cousins, including the favored “Stewart
 kids” who also grew to adulthood in Hill City.

Services will be announced at a later date.

In
 lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Graham County 
Public Library or the University of Kansas Cancer Center for brain 
cancer research, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave.,
 Hill City, KS 67642

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673272268535.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lowell Beecher, 82, a lifetime Graham County resident, died on January, 6, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas.Lowell
 was born on November 21, 1940, at the family farm one mile north of 
what had previously been the Spring Creek trading center, 15 miles 
northeast of Hill City, Kansas. His birthplace was the home constructed 
by homesteader Frank Heyer in 1909. He was the third-born son of Glenn 
and Margaret (Stewart) Beecher.Denied the opportunity 
to attend Spring Creek District #27 School—as had his two siblings—by 
school consolidation, Lowell was enrolled in Hill City’s 
yet-to-be-completed brick-and-mortar elementary school in the late 
summer of 1946. Nevertheless, his early attendance at the Spring Creek 
United Brethren in Christ Church—another feature of the trading center 
and a structure his grandfather, Edward H. Beecher, helped construct 
early in 1911—instilled an interest in early Graham County history which
 was to dominate his retirement years.Following his 
graduation from Hill City Memorial High School in 1958 and his 
completion of his A.B. in English from Fort Hays State College in 1962, 
Lowell was contracted for a period of two consecutive terms by Palco 
High School. On June 2 of the same year, Lowell and Janice Super were 
united in marriage at Hill City’s Christian Church. Then, in 1964, 
Lowell left Palco for Hill City High School, a tenure which was to last 
for the next 38 years.In 1969, daughter Amy Leigh, the
 Beecher’s only child, was born; she was her parents’ greatest gift, the
 devoted child who lavished love and assistance upon her parents through
 their middle and declining years.In 1970, the family 
of three acquired their permanent home in Hill City, the same residence 
in which Janice had spent her youth from age seven to her maturity, and 
which the Beecher family would occupy for the next 53 years.Upon
 his retirement in 2002, Lowell became involved with the Graham County 
Historical Society, a pastime-turned-passion which was to endure and 
occupy many involved hours for the balance of his productive life. 
Teamed with his history-devoted wife and Graham County native, Betty 
Parker Elliott, the three built countless archival files of family 
genealogy, settlement histories, cemetery records, and a multitude of 
other compilations. The three were also instrumental in the 
reorganization of the vast holdings of the Society’s museum.It
 was during this time, with the research assistance of wife, Janice, and
 frequent copyediting expertise of daughter, Amy, that he composed three
 locally-published books of Graham County history, the most significant 
of which remains a history of Millbrook, the first county seat of Graham
 County.Concurrently, he maintained a regular-feature 
historical column in the Hill City Times newspaper and submitted for 
publication a number of historical features highlighting Graham County’s
 past.After Janice’s passing, Lowell was supported by daughter 
Amy who visited frequently and served as his chauffer on their many road
 trips exploring western Kansas. The two spent precious days traveling, 
cooking, and watching Kansas basketball together.Lowell
 was predeceased by his wife, Janice, on October 7, 2018, following 56 
years of marriage. He also followed his parents, Glenn and Margaret 
Beecher, brother Wayne E. Beecher and Wayne’s wife, Mary Delores “Del” 
Beecher, his wife’s parents, Max and Clara (Evans) Super, and a 
brother-in-law and his wife, Bill and Bernice (Nutsch) Super.He
 is survived by his beloved daughter, Amy, of Lawrence, Kansas, his 
brother, Lynn Beecher of Kansas City, Missouri, and his nieces and 
nephews. Also surviving are many cousins, including the favored “Stewart
 kids” who also grew to adulthood in Hill City.Services will be announced at a later date.In
 lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Graham County 
Public Library or the University of Kansas Cancer Center for brain 
cancer research, in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave.,
 Hill City, KS 67642

Lowell Beecher

RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a body found on the west edge of Hutchinson on Dec. 20 have&nbsp;positively identified the victim as 67-year-old Leonard Anthony Williams, according to a statement from the Reno County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Williams was first reported missing on October 9, and when reporting his disappearance, the office said he was last seen in the area of Fun Valley.

The Sheriff's office released no additional information Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673187385478.jpeg" alt="Leonard Williams -photo Reno Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Leonard Williams -photo Reno Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a body found on the west edge of Hutchinson on Dec. 20 have&nbsp;positively identified the victim as 67-year-old Leonard Anthony Williams, according to a statement from the Reno County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;Williams was first reported missing on October 9, and when reporting his disappearance, the office said he was last seen in the area of Fun Valley.The Sheriff's office released no additional information Sunday.

Sheriff IDs body found as missing Kansas man

The Hays school board is set to approve bids for two HVAC projects at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

Both of the projects were bid through the Greenbush Education Service Center Purchasing Cooperative, a state program that guarantees preferential pricing to schools.

The Wilson Elementary School HVAC replacement was approved in October. However, school officials are requesting a change order so the system will be better suited to meet the needs of the building when it becomes the district administrative office.

Cost of the Wilson project will be $2.4 million.

The district has struggled to fill paraprofessional positions for the functional life skills and Westisde programs. These students generally need more assistance than other students in the special education program.

School officials are proposing increasing pay by $1 for paras for these programs. This proposal will raise the starting wage of paraeducators in these programs to $13.06 per hour.

The special education co-op has 61 employees who would be covered by the proposal. The change will cost the co-op about $35,000 for the rest of the school year.

The board also will consider Kansas Association of School Boards policy revision recommendations and the appointment of members to the teacher negotiations team.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board is set to approve bids for two HVAC projects at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center. Both of the projects were bid through the Greenbush Education Service Center Purchasing Cooperative, a state program that guarantees preferential pricing to schools.The cost of the O'Loughlin Elementary School project is about $1.28 million.The Wilson Elementary School HVAC replacement was approved in October. However, school officials are requesting a change order so the system will be better suited to meet the needs of the building when it becomes the district administrative office.Cost of the Wilson project will be $2.4 million.<h2>Special education raises</h2>The district has struggled to fill paraprofessional positions for the functional life skills and Westisde programs. These students generally need more assistance than other students in the special education program.School officials are proposing increasing pay by $1 for paras for these programs. This proposal will raise the starting wage of paraeducators in these programs to $13.06 per hour.The special education co-op has 61 employees who would be covered by the proposal. The change will cost the co-op about $35,000 for the rest of the school year.The board also will consider Kansas Association of School Boards policy revision recommendations and the appointment of members to the teacher negotiations team.

Hays USD 489 school board to consider HVAC bids Monday

I’ve got the perfect New Year’s resolution for Kansas legislators: no more lobbyist-authored bills.

Last year, Kansas lawmaking was marked by two dramatic “fails,” both involving lobbyist-authored acts.&nbsp; One of them failed, the other passed, and both were problematic.

First came anti-abortion “Value Them Both” amendment, sent to the voters by the Legislature and rejected by 18 percentage points in August.&nbsp; Closely watched nationally and even overseas, the campaign and contained many controversies, including its confusing ballot language.&nbsp; “VTB” opponents even suggested that the language was&nbsp;deliberately&nbsp;confusing—highly legalistic and not clear at all about the amendment’s intent, which was to authorize the Kansas Legislature to criminalize abortion in nearly all circumstances, which they had the votes and the plans to do, perhaps even calling themselves into special session right after the vote, had it passed.

Oddly, the amendment itself was not written by the Kansas Legislative Research Department (KLRD).&nbsp; Despite making major changes to the state constitution, legislators allowed two anti-abortion interest groups to write the ballot language.&nbsp; By contrast, the staff of the KLRD are nonpartisan professionals.&nbsp; The bills, bill summaries and other proposals they write are not based upon their own, personal political views.&nbsp; Rather, KLRD staff draft legislation as requested by legislators.&nbsp; Not lobbyists or politicians, KLRD are experienced experts in the state constitution, existing federal, state and local laws, court rulings, laws in other states, and other background needed to write good legislation.&nbsp; With so much at stake this summer, why did the legislators ignore the KLRD and have interest groups draft the amendment instead?

Lobbyist-authored bills cause even more problems when they pass.&nbsp; Last year’s authorization of sports betting illustrates this perfectly.&nbsp; An exposé by the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;illustrated these problems.&nbsp; Not only were key legislators showed with gifts, but a provision was slipped into the provision that has resulted in Kansans reaping almost none of the promised tax revenue so far.&nbsp; This “carry over” provision allows the gambling companies to write off the costs of offering free bets to get new customers hooked on their product.&nbsp; It also allows them to carry forth these losses to future years.&nbsp; The&nbsp;NYT&nbsp;reporter found that the whole bill was in fact written by the gambling industry.&nbsp; Had it been drafted by the KLRD, they easily could have red-flagged this loophole.&nbsp; In September and October, the two largest online sports betting providers paid less than $42,000 in state taxes on $247&nbsp;million&nbsp;of activity.&nbsp; This figure started to rise later in the year, but is still paltry compared to what the state could have collected.&nbsp; A similar bill failed to pass in Missouri— not due to the public interest, but because of infighting among pro-betting interest groups.

Speaking of Missouri, another bill that passed there last year illustrates the depths to which these lobbyist-authored bills can sink.&nbsp; By making it a crime to sleep on public land without authorization, Missouri essentially criminalized homelessness—without providing any additional support for affordable housing.&nbsp; This awful bill was literally&nbsp;cut and pasted off the Internet&nbsp;by its sponsor—and the interest group that posted it was not even in-state.

Kansas and other states employ nonpartisan professionals to draft legislation, for a reason.&nbsp; The debacles here and in neighboring states last year all point to the same conclusion:&nbsp; legislators should resolve right now not to propose or pass any lobbyist-written legislation in 2023 or afterwards.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve got the perfect New Year’s resolution for Kansas legislators: no more lobbyist-authored bills.Last year, Kansas lawmaking was marked by two dramatic “fails,” both involving lobbyist-authored acts.&nbsp; One of them failed, the other passed, and both were problematic.First came anti-abortion “Value Them Both” amendment, sent to the voters by the Legislature and rejected by 18 percentage points in August.&nbsp; Closely watched nationally and even overseas, the campaign and contained many controversies, including its confusing ballot language.&nbsp; “VTB” opponents even suggested that the language was&nbsp;deliberately&nbsp;confusing—highly legalistic and not clear at all about the amendment’s intent, which was to authorize the Kansas Legislature to criminalize abortion in nearly all circumstances, which they had the votes and the plans to do, perhaps even calling themselves into special session right after the vote, had it passed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Oddly, the amendment itself was not written by the Kansas Legislative Research Department (KLRD).&nbsp; Despite making major changes to the state constitution, legislators allowed two anti-abortion interest groups to write the ballot language.&nbsp; By contrast, the staff of the KLRD are nonpartisan professionals.&nbsp; The bills, bill summaries and other proposals they write are not based upon their own, personal political views.&nbsp; Rather, KLRD staff draft legislation as requested by legislators.&nbsp; Not lobbyists or politicians, KLRD are experienced experts in the state constitution, existing federal, state and local laws, court rulings, laws in other states, and other background needed to write good legislation.&nbsp; With so much at stake this summer, why did the legislators ignore the KLRD and have interest groups draft the amendment instead?Lobbyist-authored bills cause even more problems when they pass.&nbsp; Last year’s authorization of sports betting illustrates this perfectly.&nbsp; An exposé by the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;illustrated these problems.&nbsp; Not only were key legislators showed with gifts, but a provision was slipped into the provision that has resulted in Kansans reaping almost none of the promised tax revenue so far.&nbsp; This “carry over” provision allows the gambling companies to write off the costs of offering free bets to get new customers hooked on their product.&nbsp; It also allows them to carry forth these losses to future years.&nbsp; The&nbsp;NYT&nbsp;reporter found that the whole bill was in fact written by the gambling industry.&nbsp; Had it been drafted by the KLRD, they easily could have red-flagged this loophole.&nbsp; In September and October, the two largest online sports betting providers paid less than $42,000 in state taxes on $247&nbsp;million&nbsp;of activity.&nbsp; This figure started to rise later in the year, but is still paltry compared to what the state could have collected.&nbsp; A similar bill failed to pass in Missouri— not due to the public interest, but because of infighting among pro-betting interest groups.Speaking of Missouri, another bill that passed there last year illustrates the depths to which these lobbyist-authored bills can sink.&nbsp; By making it a crime to sleep on public land without authorization, Missouri essentially criminalized homelessness—without providing any additional support for affordable housing.&nbsp; This awful bill was literally&nbsp;cut and pasted off the Internet&nbsp;by its sponsor—and the interest group that posted it was not even in-state.Kansas and other states employ nonpartisan professionals to draft legislation, for a reason.&nbsp; The debacles here and in neighboring states last year all point to the same conclusion:&nbsp; legislators should resolve right now not to propose or pass any lobbyist-written legislation in 2023 or afterwards.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: No more lobbyist-written bills

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. would immediately begin turning away Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans who cross the border from Mexico illegally, his boldest move yet to confront the arrivals of migrants that have spiraled since he took office two years ago.

(Click below to watch the President's comments)

The new rules expand on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-venezuela-caribbean-united-states-d251abc69009e89447cdddf058c162e7">an existing effort to stop Venezuelans</a>&nbsp;attempting to enter the U.S., which began in October and led to a dramatic drop in Venezuelans coming to the southern border. Together, they represent a major change to immigration rules that will stand even if the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/title-42-immigration-limits-supreme-court-updates-0494c30834fad66ce9c6057ea1605d89">Supreme Court ends a Trump-era public health</a>&nbsp;law that allows U.S. authorities to turn away asylum-seekers.

“Do not, do not just show up at the border,” Biden said as he announced the changes, even as he acknowledged the hardships that lead many families to make the dangerous journey north.

“Stay where you are and apply legally from there,” he advised.

Biden made the announcement just days before a planned visit to El Paso, Texas, on Sunday for his first trip to the southern border as president. From there, he will travel on to Mexico City to meet with North American leaders on Monday and Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-ap-top-news-guatemala-politics-23f6b9a087e841188c5484cd5cf04f3d">Homeland Security officials said they would begin</a>&nbsp;denying asylum to those who circumvent legal pathways and do not first ask for asylum in the country they traveled through en route to the U.S.

Instead, the U.S. will accept 30,000 people per month from the four nations for two years and offer the ability to work legally, as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass vetting and background checks. Border crossings by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-john-roberts-9620ffd2acea851c5a6957eab0af763e">migrants from those four nations</a>&nbsp;have risen most sharply, with no easy way to quickly return them to their home countries.

“This new process is orderly,” Biden said. “It’s safe and humane, and it works.”

The move, while not unexpected, drew swift criticism from asylum and immigration advocates, who have had a rocky relationship with the president.

“President Biden correctly recognized today that seeking asylum is a legal right and spoke sympathetically about people fleeing persecution," said Jonathan Blazer, the American Civil Liberties Union’s director of border strategies. “But the plan he announced further ties his administration to the poisonous anti-immigrant policies of the Trump era instead of restoring fair access to asylum protections.”

Even with the health law restrictions in place, the president has seen the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-us-customs-and-border-protection-cuba-immigration-8fbba5bde9afca3f404eaa96bcfd136a">numbers of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;rise dramatically during his two years in office; there were more than 2.38 million stops during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the first time the number topped 2 million. The administration has struggled to clamp down on crossings, reluctant to take hard-line measures that would resemble those of the Trump administration.

That’s resulted in relentless criticism from Republicans who say the Democratic president is ineffective on border security, and the newly minted Republican House majority has promised congressional investigations on the matter.

The new policy could result in 360,000 people from these four nations lawfully entering the U.S. in a year, a huge number. But far more people from those countries have been attempting to cross into the U.S. on foot, by boat or swimming; migrants from those four countries were stopped 82,286 times in November alone.

Enyer Valbuena, a Venezuelan who was living in Tijuana, Mexico, after crossing the border illegally, said Thursday’s announcement came as no surprise but a blow nonetheless.

“This was coming. It’s getting more difficult all the time,” he said by text message.

Some Venezuelans waiting on Mexico’s border with the U.S. have been talking among themselves if Canada is an option, Valbuena said. He had been waiting for the outcome of the pandemic-related asylum ban before trying to enter the U.S. again and is seeking asylum in Mexico, which offers a much better future than Venezuela.

“If it becomes more difficult (to reach the U.S.), the best path is to get papers in Mexico,” said Valbuena, who currently works at a Tijuana factory.

Mexico has agreed to accept up to 30,000 migrants each month from the four countries who attempt to walk or swim across the U.S.-Mexico border and are turned back. Normally, these migrants would be returned to their country of origin, but the U.S. can not easily send back people from those four countries for a variety of reasons that include relations with the governments there.

Anyone coming to the U.S. is allowed to claim asylum, regardless of how they crossed the border, and migrants seeking a better life in the U.S. often pay smugglers the equivalent of thousands of dollars to deliver them across the dangerous Darien Gap.

But the requirements for granting asylum are narrow, and only about 30% of applications are granted. That has created a system in which migrants try to cross between ports of entry and are allowed into the U.S. to wait out their cases. But there is a 2 million-case immigration court backlog, so cases often are not heard for years.

The only lasting way to change the system is through Congress, but a bipartisan congressional effort on new immigration laws failed shortly before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans took the House majority.</a>

“The actions we’re announcing will make things better, but will not fix the border problem completely," Biden said, in pressing lawmakers to act.

Under then-President Donald Trump, the U.S. required asylum seekers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-immigration-government-and-politics-5c7bb29c829d7f0711b23f9beb18755d">wait across the border in Mexico</a>. But clogs in the immigration system created long delays, leading to fetid, dangerous camps over the border where migrants were forced to wait. That system was ended under Biden, and the migrants who are returned to Mexico under the new rules will not be eligible for asylum.

Biden will also triple the number of refugees accepted to the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere, to 20,000 from Latin America and Caribbean, over the next two years. Refugees and asylum-seekers have to meet the same criteria to be allowed into the country, but they arrive through different means.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672938289244.png" alt="President Biden made the announcement just days before a planned visit to El Paso, Texas, on Sunday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden made the announcement just days before a planned visit to El Paso, Texas, on Sunday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. would immediately begin turning away Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans who cross the border from Mexico illegally, his boldest move yet to confront the arrivals of migrants that have spiraled since he took office two years ago.(Click below to watch the President's comments)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F669572838202564%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" 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>The new rules expand on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-venezuela-caribbean-united-states-d251abc69009e89447cdddf058c162e7">an existing effort to stop Venezuelans</a>&nbsp;attempting to enter the U.S., which began in October and led to a dramatic drop in Venezuelans coming to the southern border. Together, they represent a major change to immigration rules that will stand even if the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/title-42-immigration-limits-supreme-court-updates-0494c30834fad66ce9c6057ea1605d89">Supreme Court ends a Trump-era public health</a>&nbsp;law that allows U.S. authorities to turn away asylum-seekers.“Do not, do not just show up at the border,” Biden said as he announced the changes, even as he acknowledged the hardships that lead many families to make the dangerous journey north.“Stay where you are and apply legally from there,” he advised.Biden made the announcement just days before a planned visit to El Paso, Texas, on Sunday for his first trip to the southern border as president. From there, he will travel on to Mexico City to meet with North American leaders on Monday and Tuesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-ap-top-news-guatemala-politics-23f6b9a087e841188c5484cd5cf04f3d">Homeland Security officials said they would begin</a>&nbsp;denying asylum to those who circumvent legal pathways and do not first ask for asylum in the country they traveled through en route to the U.S.Instead, the U.S. will accept 30,000 people per month from the four nations for two years and offer the ability to work legally, as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass vetting and background checks. Border crossings by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-john-roberts-9620ffd2acea851c5a6957eab0af763e">migrants from those four nations</a>&nbsp;have risen most sharply, with no easy way to quickly return them to their home countries.“This new process is orderly,” Biden said. “It’s safe and humane, and it works.”The move, while not unexpected, drew swift criticism from asylum and immigration advocates, who have had a rocky relationship with the president.“President Biden correctly recognized today that seeking asylum is a legal right and spoke sympathetically about people fleeing persecution," said Jonathan Blazer, the American Civil Liberties Union’s director of border strategies. “But the plan he announced further ties his administration to the poisonous anti-immigrant policies of the Trump era instead of restoring fair access to asylum protections.”Even with the health law restrictions in place, the president has seen the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-us-customs-and-border-protection-cuba-immigration-8fbba5bde9afca3f404eaa96bcfd136a">numbers of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;rise dramatically during his two years in office; there were more than 2.38 million stops during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the first time the number topped 2 million. The administration has struggled to clamp down on crossings, reluctant to take hard-line measures that would resemble those of the Trump administration.That’s resulted in relentless criticism from Republicans who say the Democratic president is ineffective on border security, and the newly minted Republican House majority has promised congressional investigations on the matter.The new policy could result in 360,000 people from these four nations lawfully entering the U.S. in a year, a huge number. But far more people from those countries have been attempting to cross into the U.S. on foot, by boat or swimming; migrants from those four countries were stopped 82,286 times in November alone.Enyer Valbuena, a Venezuelan who was living in Tijuana, Mexico, after crossing the border illegally, said Thursday’s announcement came as no surprise but a blow nonetheless.“This was coming. It’s getting more difficult all the time,” he said by text message.Some Venezuelans waiting on Mexico’s border with the U.S. have been talking among themselves if Canada is an option, Valbuena said. He had been waiting for the outcome of the pandemic-related asylum ban before trying to enter the U.S. again and is seeking asylum in Mexico, which offers a much better future than Venezuela.“If it becomes more difficult (to reach the U.S.), the best path is to get papers in Mexico,” said Valbuena, who currently works at a Tijuana factory.Mexico has agreed to accept up to 30,000 migrants each month from the four countries who attempt to walk or swim across the U.S.-Mexico border and are turned back. Normally, these migrants would be returned to their country of origin, but the U.S. can not easily send back people from those four countries for a variety of reasons that include relations with the governments there.Anyone coming to the U.S. is allowed to claim asylum, regardless of how they crossed the border, and migrants seeking a better life in the U.S. often pay smugglers the equivalent of thousands of dollars to deliver them across the dangerous Darien Gap.But the requirements for granting asylum are narrow, and only about 30% of applications are granted. That has created a system in which migrants try to cross between ports of entry and are allowed into the U.S. to wait out their cases. But there is a 2 million-case immigration court backlog, so cases often are not heard for years.The only lasting way to change the system is through Congress, but a bipartisan congressional effort on new immigration laws failed shortly before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">Republicans took the House majority.</a>“The actions we’re announcing will make things better, but will not fix the border problem completely," Biden said, in pressing lawmakers to act.Under then-President Donald Trump, the U.S. required asylum seekers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-immigration-government-and-politics-5c7bb29c829d7f0711b23f9beb18755d">wait across the border in Mexico</a>. But clogs in the immigration system created long delays, leading to fetid, dangerous camps over the border where migrants were forced to wait. That system was ended under Biden, and the migrants who are returned to Mexico under the new rules will not be eligible for asylum.Biden will also triple the number of refugees accepted to the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere, to 20,000 from Latin America and Caribbean, over the next two years. Refugees and asylum-seekers have to meet the same criteria to be allowed into the country, but they arrive through different means.Border officials are also creating an online appointment portal to help reduce wait times at U.S. ports of entry for those coming legally. It will allow people to set up an appointment to come and ask to be allowed into the country.At the U.S.-Mexico border, migrants have been denied a chance to seek asylum 2.5 million times since March 2020 under the Title 42 restrictions, introduced as an emergency health measure by Trump to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But there always has been criticism that the restrictions were used as a pretext by the Republican to seal off the border.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-covid-health-mexico-united-states-e9c70f098e0ec0ed7d2403f7cce4a30f">Biden moved to end the Title 42 restrictions</a>, and Republicans sued to keep them. The U.S. Supreme Court has kept the rules in place for now. White House officials say they still believe the restrictions should end, but they maintain they can continue to turn away migrants under immigration law.The four nationalities that Biden addressed Thursday now make up the majority of those crossing the border illegally. Cubans, who are leaving the island nation in their largest numbers in six decades, were stopped 34,675 times at the U.S. border with Mexico in November, up 21% from October. Nicaraguans, a large reason why El Paso has become the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, were stopped 34,209 times in November, up 65% from October.But Venezuelans were seen far less at the border after Mexico agreed on Oct. 12 to begin accepting those expelled from the United States. They were stopped 7,931 times, down 64% from October.Venezuelans have said the changes have been difficult, particularly with finding a sponsor who has the financial resources to demonstrate the ability to support them. And even if they find a sponsor, sometimes they delay their arrival because they don’t have the economic resources to pay for the flight to the U.S. For some, the Venezuelan passport that they need has expired, and they cannot afford to pay for the renewal.___Spagat reported from San Diego. Associated Press writers Rebecca Santana in Washington and Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed to this report.