WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative on Monday for COVID-19, six days after she tested positive for the virus, and has been cleared to return to the White House on Tuesday.

Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris, who was prescribed the antiviral treatment Paxlovid last week, was negative on a rapid antigen test. Allen said Harris would continue to wear a “well-fitting mask while around others” in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines until through her tenth day after her positive test.

CDC guidance allows people to leave isolation on the sixth day after they tested positive, as long as they wear a mask around others. The White House exceeds those guidelines, requiring a negative rapid test before people who have been infected are allowed to return to the complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650996759503.png" alt="Vice President Harris, 57, who tested positive for COVID April 26, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris, 57, who tested positive for COVID April 26, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative on Monday for COVID-19, six days after she tested positive for the virus, and has been cleared to return to the White House on Tuesday.Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris, who was prescribed the antiviral treatment Paxlovid last week, was negative on a rapid antigen test. Allen said Harris would continue to wear a “well-fitting mask while around others” in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines until through her tenth day after her positive test.CDC guidance allows people to leave isolation on the sixth day after they tested positive, as long as they wear a mask around others. The White House exceeds those guidelines, requiring a negative rapid test before people who have been infected are allowed to return to the complex.

Vice President negative for COVID-19 after taking antiviral pill

Mary Jane Carlton Smith, age 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on&nbsp;April 28, 2022, at the Wallace County Care Center in Sharon Springs, KS.

Mary was born on Dece<a></a>mber 2, 1925, in Beloit, KS to Rev. A.L. and Laura (Lewis) Carlton. She was the youngest of nine children. Her father was a Methodist minister which took the family to Beloit, Norton and Goodland before settling in Jennings, KS. Mary graduated from Jennings Community High School in 1943. She attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, NE from 1943-1946. During these years, she performed in many plays and traveled with a theater&nbsp;troupe.&nbsp;Mary married Darwin L. Smith on June 9, 1946 in Jennings, KS.

Since 1950, Darwin and Mary made their home in Sharon Springs, KS. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. In 1963 she added a career to her life when she went to work for the Sharon Springs school system. She worked&nbsp;in the&nbsp;office and then became the board clerk. She worked at the school until her retirement in 1991.&nbsp;

Mary’s memberships included the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, the Methodist Women, the Sharon Springs Music Club, and the Wallace County Senior Center. She also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years, sang in the church choir, directed a children’s choir,&nbsp;and sang for many funerals and weddings.&nbsp;Mary and Darwin participated in several Lay Witness Missions through the church. Talking to others about her faith and&nbsp;her&nbsp;walk with Jesus was one of her favorite things to do.

Mary and Darwin were blessed with six children; Lois, Ellen, Sarah, Lora, Emily, and Lewis. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Granny, and of course the best title she had, Great Granny. She took pride in her family making a home for them. She and Darwin always welcomed their friends and their children’s friends into their home.&nbsp;

She&nbsp;is preceded in death by her&nbsp;loving&nbsp;husband, Darwin,&nbsp;on October 14, 2004, her son-in-law Alan Roop,&nbsp;and grandson Garth Roop.&nbsp;She was also preceded in death by her parents;&nbsp;four brothers,&nbsp;Arlyn, Rev. Lawrence, Glen, and James Carlton; four sisters,&nbsp;Zelfa&nbsp;Neill,&nbsp;Harriett Casey, Naomi Carter, and Rachel Carter.&nbsp;

Mary is survived by Lois Pearce and her husband Bryan of Wallace, Ellen Roop of Lakewood CO, Sarah Alt and her husband Doug of Salina, Lora Rochholz and her husband David of Minot, North Dakota, Emily Bolen and her husband Bruce of Sharon Springs, and Lewis&nbsp;Smith and his wife Susan of Phillipsburg, 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren,&nbsp;and many nieces, nephews, and friends.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Galen Crippen and Reverend Paul McNall officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.

The family has designated memorials in Mary’s memory to The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church for handicap accessible doors or the Wallace County Community Care Center and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.

Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651513090856.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Jane Carlton Smith, age 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on&nbsp;April 28, 2022, at the Wallace County Care Center in Sharon Springs, KS.Mary was born on Dece<a></a>mber 2, 1925, in Beloit, KS to Rev. A.L. and Laura (Lewis) Carlton. She was the youngest of nine children. Her father was a Methodist minister which took the family to Beloit, Norton and Goodland before settling in Jennings, KS. Mary graduated from Jennings Community High School in 1943. She attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln, NE from 1943-1946. During these years, she performed in many plays and traveled with a theater&nbsp;troupe.&nbsp;Mary married Darwin L. Smith on June 9, 1946 in Jennings, KS.Since 1950, Darwin and Mary made their home in Sharon Springs, KS. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. In 1963 she added a career to her life when she went to work for the Sharon Springs school system. She worked&nbsp;in the&nbsp;office and then became the board clerk. She worked at the school until her retirement in 1991.&nbsp;Mary’s memberships included the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, the Methodist Women, the Sharon Springs Music Club, and the Wallace County Senior Center. She also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years, sang in the church choir, directed a children’s choir,&nbsp;and sang for many funerals and weddings.&nbsp;Mary and Darwin participated in several Lay Witness Missions through the church. Talking to others about her faith and&nbsp;her&nbsp;walk with Jesus was one of her favorite things to do.Mary and Darwin were blessed with six children; Lois, Ellen, Sarah, Lora, Emily, and Lewis. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Granny, and of course the best title she had, Great Granny. She took pride in her family making a home for them. She and Darwin always welcomed their friends and their children’s friends into their home.&nbsp;She&nbsp;is preceded in death by her&nbsp;loving&nbsp;husband, Darwin,&nbsp;on October 14, 2004, her son-in-law Alan Roop,&nbsp;and grandson Garth Roop.&nbsp;She was also preceded in death by her parents;&nbsp;four brothers,&nbsp;Arlyn, Rev. Lawrence, Glen, and James Carlton; four sisters,&nbsp;Zelfa&nbsp;Neill,&nbsp;Harriett Casey, Naomi Carter, and Rachel Carter.&nbsp;Mary is survived by Lois Pearce and her husband Bryan of Wallace, Ellen Roop of Lakewood CO, Sarah Alt and her husband Doug of Salina, Lora Rochholz and her husband David of Minot, North Dakota, Emily Bolen and her husband Bruce of Sharon Springs, and Lewis&nbsp;Smith and his wife Susan of Phillipsburg, 15 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren,&nbsp;and many nieces, nephews, and friends.&nbsp;Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Galen Crippen and Reverend Paul McNall officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.The family has designated memorials in Mary’s memory to The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church for handicap accessible doors or the Wallace County Community Care Center and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.Online condolences for the family may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

Mary Jane Carlton Smith

Jacob "Jake" Zimmerman&nbsp;passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26. 2022, at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care in Quinter, KS. He was born on January 14,&nbsp;1918,&nbsp;on a farm in rural Grainfield, KS&nbsp;to the&nbsp;late George and Theresia (Lovenstein) Zimmerman.&nbsp;He was the second oldest in the family of six daughters and two sons.&nbsp;He attended school in Grainfield through part of the seventh grade.&nbsp;He worked on the family farm, for neighbors and the Conn Hogan family in Colorado for a couple&nbsp;of years.

Jake served in the U.S. Army, 7th&nbsp;Infantry Division, 17th&nbsp;Regiment, H Company from March of 1941 through October 1945.&nbsp;He served as a heavy machine-gunner in the Pacific Theater Campaigns in the Aleutian Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines and the 82-day battle for the Rkukyus Islands of Okinawa, Japan.&nbsp;He was awarded&nbsp;a Bronze Star, two Bronze Service Stars and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal.&nbsp;Sgt. Zimmerman was discharged at Ft. Logan, CO and returned to Grainfield in October of 1945.

On April 15,&nbsp;1947,&nbsp;he was united in marriage to Helen (Pfeifer) Zimmerman at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, St. Peter, KS.&nbsp;To this union five sons were born.&nbsp;They enjoyed 66 years of marriage.

Jake was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, when he was younger and then a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield.&nbsp;He was a member of the Grainfield Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign War, Post #2864,&nbsp;Grinnell,&nbsp;and the American Legion Post #301, Grainfield.&nbsp;He was a faithful Legion stag/stagette worker and served on the military funeral detail.

He enjoyed farming on the family farm southeast of Grainfield until retiring and moving into Grainfield in 1980. He enjoyed watching the crops grow and raised wheat, sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans, feed,&nbsp;cattle,&nbsp;and chickens.

Jake enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren coming to visit him.&nbsp;He was honored with a 100th&nbsp;Birthday party and special program honoring his years of service during WWII on January 14,&nbsp;2018,&nbsp;with&nbsp;many relatives and friends in attendance.&nbsp;He enjoyed the day immensely and loved all the gifts and cards filled with well wishes.&nbsp;Jake enjoyed living in this own home through the assistance of his family providing daily meals and night supervision until his move into the&nbsp;Long-Term&nbsp;Care Facility in April of 2021.

Jake will be dearly missed by many friends and family including his five sons: Darold (Beverly) Grainfield, Elmer (the late Yvonne), Hoxie, Melvern (Darlene) Grainfield, Ronald (Jo Ann) Grainfield and Reuben (Dighton).&nbsp;Eighteen grandchildren and&nbsp;thirty-one&nbsp;great grandchildren.&nbsp;Two sisters; (JoAnn Engel), Oakley and Magdalena (Mactie) WaKeeney.

Those preceding him in death were his parents (George and Theresia) and brother, Joseph (Joe) and sister-in-law (Pauline) Zimmerman; sisters&nbsp;and&nbsp;brother-in-laws: Raymond and (Margaret) Deges,&nbsp;Nicklaus and (Frances) Zerr,&nbsp;Henry Engel,&nbsp;Dominic (Victoria) Zerr and Valentine and (Anna Mary) Heier and George Uhrich.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, May 1, 2022, at St. Agnes Education Center, with vigil and rosary to follow.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May&nbsp;2, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Father Mitchel Zimmerman and Father James Thomas as&nbsp;concelebrants.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Masses, St. Agnes Catholic Church, or Grainfield American Legion. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, Kansas, 67752.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651090646859.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jacob "Jake" Zimmerman&nbsp;passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26. 2022, at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care in Quinter, KS. He was born on January 14,&nbsp;1918,&nbsp;on a farm in rural Grainfield, KS&nbsp;to the&nbsp;late George and Theresia (Lovenstein) Zimmerman.&nbsp;He was the second oldest in the family of six daughters and two sons.&nbsp;He attended school in Grainfield through part of the seventh grade.&nbsp;He worked on the family farm, for neighbors and the Conn Hogan family in Colorado for a couple&nbsp;of years.Jake served in the U.S. Army, 7th&nbsp;Infantry Division, 17th&nbsp;Regiment, H Company from March of 1941 through October 1945.&nbsp;He served as a heavy machine-gunner in the Pacific Theater Campaigns in the Aleutian Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines and the 82-day battle for the Rkukyus Islands of Okinawa, Japan.&nbsp;He was awarded&nbsp;a Bronze Star, two Bronze Service Stars and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal.&nbsp;Sgt. Zimmerman was discharged at Ft. Logan, CO and returned to Grainfield in October of 1945.On April 15,&nbsp;1947,&nbsp;he was united in marriage to Helen (Pfeifer) Zimmerman at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, St. Peter, KS.&nbsp;To this union five sons were born.&nbsp;They enjoyed 66 years of marriage.Jake was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, when he was younger and then a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield.&nbsp;He was a member of the Grainfield Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign War, Post #2864,&nbsp;Grinnell,&nbsp;and the American Legion Post #301, Grainfield.&nbsp;He was a faithful Legion stag/stagette worker and served on the military funeral detail.He enjoyed farming on the family farm southeast of Grainfield until retiring and moving into Grainfield in 1980. He enjoyed watching the crops grow and raised wheat, sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans, feed,&nbsp;cattle,&nbsp;and chickens.Jake enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren coming to visit him.&nbsp;He was honored with a 100th&nbsp;Birthday party and special program honoring his years of service during WWII on January 14,&nbsp;2018,&nbsp;with&nbsp;many relatives and friends in attendance.&nbsp;He enjoyed the day immensely and loved all the gifts and cards filled with well wishes.&nbsp;Jake enjoyed living in this own home through the assistance of his family providing daily meals and night supervision until his move into the&nbsp;Long-Term&nbsp;Care Facility in April of 2021.Jake will be dearly missed by many friends and family including his five sons: Darold (Beverly) Grainfield, Elmer (the late Yvonne), Hoxie, Melvern (Darlene) Grainfield, Ronald (Jo Ann) Grainfield and Reuben (Dighton).&nbsp;Eighteen grandchildren and&nbsp;thirty-one&nbsp;great grandchildren.&nbsp;Two sisters; (JoAnn Engel), Oakley and Magdalena (Mactie) WaKeeney.Those preceding him in death were his parents (George and Theresia) and brother, Joseph (Joe) and sister-in-law (Pauline) Zimmerman; sisters&nbsp;and&nbsp;brother-in-laws: Raymond and (Margaret) Deges,&nbsp;Nicklaus and (Frances) Zerr,&nbsp;Henry Engel,&nbsp;Dominic (Victoria) Zerr and Valentine and (Anna Mary) Heier and George Uhrich.Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, May 1, 2022, at St. Agnes Education Center, with vigil and rosary to follow.Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May&nbsp;2, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Father Mitchel Zimmerman and Father James Thomas as&nbsp;concelebrants.Memorial contributions are suggested to Masses, St. Agnes Catholic Church, or Grainfield American Legion. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, Kansas, 67752.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.

Jacob 'Jake' Zimmerman

Alice K. (Meis) Sander, 70, died Monday, April 11, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home in Murdock, KS, after fighting cancer for 6 months like a warrior, while maintaining dignity and grace throughout her courageous battle.

She was born November 18, 1951, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Gilbert and Velma (Eidson) Meis. She graduated from Hays High School in 1969. On October 19, 1974, she married Alvin B. “Brad” Sander in Kinsley, KS. She was a longtime resident of Victoria, KS before moving to Kingman, KS.&nbsp;

Alice loved quilting, sitting on her porch swing, cooking for her family and friends, traveling with her husband, spending time with her grandchildren and beloved bulldogs, and sending cards to those she loved. She was an avid sports fan and a loyal fan of her beloved Kansas Jayhawks. She always put others before herself.&nbsp;

She is survived by her husband Brad; two daughters Shannon Sander of Hays, KS and Mandi Stephenson of Cheney, KS; two grandchildren Connor Stephenson and Madilyn Stephenson; bulldogs Gertie and Roxie; brother Gilbert “Bill” Meis and wife Betty of Hays, KS; sisters Joan Schoendaller and husband Leonard of Colorado Springs, CO, Shari Dreiling and husband Alex of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law Gladys Swindler, Patty Billinger, Sandra Sander-Crawford; brother-in-law Darrell Sander, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;

She was proceeded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law Alvin P. and Bonnie Sander; and two brothers-in-law Irwin “Irv” Sander and Marty Sander.&nbsp;

Memorial services will be held on April 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Livingston’s Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to University of Kansas Cancer Center, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood, KS 66205, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, 3450 N. Rock Road, Ste. 213, Wichita, KS 67226.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649862200692.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alice K. (Meis) Sander, 70, died Monday, April 11, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home in Murdock, KS, after fighting cancer for 6 months like a warrior, while maintaining dignity and grace throughout her courageous battle.She was born November 18, 1951, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Gilbert and Velma (Eidson) Meis. She graduated from Hays High School in 1969. On October 19, 1974, she married Alvin B. “Brad” Sander in Kinsley, KS. She was a longtime resident of Victoria, KS before moving to Kingman, KS.&nbsp;Alice loved quilting, sitting on her porch swing, cooking for her family and friends, traveling with her husband, spending time with her grandchildren and beloved bulldogs, and sending cards to those she loved. She was an avid sports fan and a loyal fan of her beloved Kansas Jayhawks. She always put others before herself.&nbsp;She is survived by her husband Brad; two daughters Shannon Sander of Hays, KS and Mandi Stephenson of Cheney, KS; two grandchildren Connor Stephenson and Madilyn Stephenson; bulldogs Gertie and Roxie; brother Gilbert “Bill” Meis and wife Betty of Hays, KS; sisters Joan Schoendaller and husband Leonard of Colorado Springs, CO, Shari Dreiling and husband Alex of Hays, KS; sisters-in-law Gladys Swindler, Patty Billinger, Sandra Sander-Crawford; brother-in-law Darrell Sander, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp;She was proceeded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law Alvin P. and Bonnie Sander; and two brothers-in-law Irwin “Irv” Sander and Marty Sander.&nbsp;Memorial services will be held on April 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Livingston’s Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, Kansas.Memorials are suggested to University of Kansas Cancer Center, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Westwood, KS 66205, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, 3450 N. Rock Road, Ste. 213, Wichita, KS 67226.

Alice K. (Meis) Sander

Charles A. "Bud" Romey, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, died April 25, 
2022. He was born October 30, 1934, in Hays, Kansas. After graduation 
from Dighton High School, Bud moved to Kansas City where he worked for 
the Union Pacific Railroad Company. He married Mildred J. Nick on 
January 12, 1957. Shortly after their marriage Bud was drafted into the 
Army where he served in Verdun, France, for two years. Mildred joined 
him and they enjoyed touring Europe during the time Bud was stationed 
overseas. Their first daughter was born while they were stationed in 
France.

The couple returned to Kansas City where Bud started his 
own business, Romey Electric Company, with the help of his wife, 
Mildred. They had four sons and another daughter over the next 15 years.
 The couple co-founded Romey Enterprises, Inc., in 1967, which Bud ran 
until he retired in 2021 and turned the business over to his children. 

In
 1976 the family moved to a farm in Trimble, Missouri. For 26 years they
 lived on their farm until all the children were grown and they returned
 to Kansas City. During those years, Bud grew his business, at one time 
owning and operating five branches of his store, The Lighting Center.

Bud
 earned a pilot’s license and enjoyed traveling to hunt and fish. He 
also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad with his family 
and later, after retiring, with his wife, Mildred, and occasionally with
 his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Kansas City from 1959-1976 and again from 2002-2014.

Bud
 is survived by his six children: Linda Romey, OSB, Erie, Pennsylvania, 
Steven Romey (Kathy), Kansas City, Richard Romey (Debbie), Leawood, Gary
 Romey (Kasumi), Sandy, Utah, Cindy Romey (Eric Barroso), Kansas City, 
Robert Romey, Kansas City; nine grandchildren, Josh (Holly), Zach 
(Ciera), Nicholas, William, Alana, Kaylin, Sho, Koichi, and Kaito and 
five great-grandchildren, Kael, Kameron, Kennedi, Kassius, and Kruz. He 
also leaves one brother, Larry, three sisters-in-law, Rosalie Kelly, 
Elizabeth Nick Stafford, and Rita (Mike) Crubel, and two 
brothers-in-law, William Nick, CSC, and Joseph (Elaine) Nick, and many 
nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Mildred, his 
loving wife of 57 years, in 2014, and his parents Adolph and Beatrice 
(Brull) Romey, and brothers, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Visitation
 Saturday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 
Kansas City, Missouri, Rosary at 10:45 a.m. followed by Mass of 
Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial following at Resurrection 
Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Answering
 the Call, assistance to first responders and their families, <a href="https://atc911.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://atc911.org/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651065064544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charles A. "Bud" Romey, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri, died April 25, 
2022. He was born October 30, 1934, in Hays, Kansas. After graduation 
from Dighton High School, Bud moved to Kansas City where he worked for 
the Union Pacific Railroad Company. He married Mildred J. Nick on 
January 12, 1957. Shortly after their marriage Bud was drafted into the 
Army where he served in Verdun, France, for two years. Mildred joined 
him and they enjoyed touring Europe during the time Bud was stationed 
overseas. Their first daughter was born while they were stationed in 
France.The couple returned to Kansas City where Bud started his 
own business, Romey Electric Company, with the help of his wife, 
Mildred. They had four sons and another daughter over the next 15 years.
 The couple co-founded Romey Enterprises, Inc., in 1967, which Bud ran 
until he retired in 2021 and turned the business over to his children. In
 1976 the family moved to a farm in Trimble, Missouri. For 26 years they
 lived on their farm until all the children were grown and they returned
 to Kansas City. During those years, Bud grew his business, at one time 
owning and operating five branches of his store, The Lighting Center.Bud
 earned a pilot’s license and enjoyed traveling to hunt and fish. He 
also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad with his family 
and later, after retiring, with his wife, Mildred, and occasionally with
 his grandchildren.He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Kansas City from 1959-1976 and again from 2002-2014.Bud
 is survived by his six children: Linda Romey, OSB, Erie, Pennsylvania, 
Steven Romey (Kathy), Kansas City, Richard Romey (Debbie), Leawood, Gary
 Romey (Kasumi), Sandy, Utah, Cindy Romey (Eric Barroso), Kansas City, 
Robert Romey, Kansas City; nine grandchildren, Josh (Holly), Zach 
(Ciera), Nicholas, William, Alana, Kaylin, Sho, Koichi, and Kaito and 
five great-grandchildren, Kael, Kameron, Kennedi, Kassius, and Kruz. He 
also leaves one brother, Larry, three sisters-in-law, Rosalie Kelly, 
Elizabeth Nick Stafford, and Rita (Mike) Crubel, and two 
brothers-in-law, William Nick, CSC, and Joseph (Elaine) Nick, and many 
nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by Mildred, his 
loving wife of 57 years, in 2014, and his parents Adolph and Beatrice 
(Brull) Romey, and brothers, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.Visitation
 Saturday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 
Kansas City, Missouri, Rosary at 10:45 a.m. followed by Mass of 
Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial following at Resurrection 
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Answering
 the Call, assistance to first responders and their families, <a href="https://atc911.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://atc911.org/</a>.

Charles A. 'Bud' Romey

Austin James Heier was born on December 7th, 1994, to Ron and Nancy Heier. He passed away April 21st, 2022. 
Austin grew up in Wisconsin and Kansas graduating from Quinter High 
School in 2013. After high school Austin proudly served his country in 
the United States Army for five years. During his time with the military
 he earned many accolades, spent time deployed to South Korea, and made 
lasting friendships. After returning from the Army, Austin enjoyed 
seeing the country through the windshield of a semi. He spoke of the 
many beautiful sites he’d seen and people he met along the way. 
The absolute light of Austin’s life was born on October 1st, 2013, in 
the form of a little girl named Harper. Austin grew to be an amazing and
 caring father, always going above and beyond to make sure Harper was 
taken care of and spoiled. More than anything, he loved her with his 
entire being and always put her first. They shared a love of Pokémon, 
everything outdoors, and the same orneriness. 
Austin is survived by his father Ron and his wife Melissa of Oakley; 
mother Nancy of Hays; sister Kara her husband Derek, along with their 
children Tyler and Chloe, of Missouri; daughter Harper and her mother 
Allie of Quinter, and girlfriend Kayde of Norton. 
Austin was preceded in death by his best friend Jesse Jacka; grandparents Leo Heier, Agnes Heier, and Donald Newsome.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651064416789.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Austin James Heier was born on December 7th, 1994, to Ron and Nancy Heier. He passed away April 21st, 2022. 
Austin grew up in Wisconsin and Kansas graduating from Quinter High 
School in 2013. After high school Austin proudly served his country in 
the United States Army for five years. During his time with the military
 he earned many accolades, spent time deployed to South Korea, and made 
lasting friendships. After returning from the Army, Austin enjoyed 
seeing the country through the windshield of a semi. He spoke of the 
many beautiful sites he’d seen and people he met along the way. 
The absolute light of Austin’s life was born on October 1st, 2013, in 
the form of a little girl named Harper. Austin grew to be an amazing and
 caring father, always going above and beyond to make sure Harper was 
taken care of and spoiled. More than anything, he loved her with his 
entire being and always put her first. They shared a love of Pokémon, 
everything outdoors, and the same orneriness. 
Austin is survived by his father Ron and his wife Melissa of Oakley; 
mother Nancy of Hays; sister Kara her husband Derek, along with their 
children Tyler and Chloe, of Missouri; daughter Harper and her mother 
Allie of Quinter, and girlfriend Kayde of Norton. 
Austin was preceded in death by his best friend Jesse Jacka; grandparents Leo Heier, Agnes Heier, and Donald Newsome.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Austin James Heier

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.</a>

Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Harris in recent days. Harris had been scheduled to attend Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. Because of their travel schedules, the last time Harris saw Biden was Monday, April 18.

The vice president returned on Monday from a weeklong trip to the West Coast.

Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests but “has exhibited no symptoms,” the White House said. She will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and will return to the White House only when she tests negative for the virus.

Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. Fully vaccinated and boosted people have a high degree of protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly from the most common and highly transmissible omicron variant.

Harris’ diagnosis comes a month after her husband, Doug Emhoff, recovered from the virus, as a wave of cases of the highly transmissible omicron subvariant has spread through Washington’s political class, infecting Cabinet members, White House staffers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-oregon-kamala-harris-ron-wyden-4635e36e760f07ca2451d9937ca38005">and lawmakers</a>&nbsp;including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., tested positive on Tuesday, his office said.

Allen said Harris would follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines “and the advice of her physicians.” It was not immediately clear whether she is being prescribed any antiviral treatments.

The White House has put in place strict COVID-19 protocols around the president, vice president and their spouses, including daily testing for those expected to be in close contact with them. Biden is tested regularly on the advice of his physician, the White House has said.

After more than two years and nearly a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing more than 300 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at a far greater risk, more than twice as likely to test positive and nine times as likely to die from the virus as those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency.

Harris’ diagnosis comes as the Biden administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, reassuring doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.

Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.

In addition to her husband’s diagnosis, Harris was identified as a “close contact” after her communications director tested positive on April 6.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “close contact” with an infected person as spending 15 minutes or more with them over a 24-hour period. The CDC says a (person with “close contact” does not need to quarantine if they are up to date on their vaccines but should wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days after the contact.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650996759503.png" alt="Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-a5adf6c2e7894e479e795b5a6d1aeb84">a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.</a>Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Harris in recent days. Harris had been scheduled to attend Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. Because of their travel schedules, the last time Harris saw Biden was Monday, April 18.The vice president returned on Monday from a weeklong trip to the West Coast.Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests but “has exhibited no symptoms,” the White House said. She will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and will return to the White House only when she tests negative for the virus.Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021. She received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on April 1. Fully vaccinated and boosted people have a high degree of protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly from the most common and highly transmissible omicron variant.Harris’ diagnosis comes a month after her husband, Doug Emhoff, recovered from the virus, as a wave of cases of the highly transmissible omicron subvariant has spread through Washington’s political class, infecting Cabinet members, White House staffers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-oregon-kamala-harris-ron-wyden-4635e36e760f07ca2451d9937ca38005">and lawmakers</a>&nbsp;including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., tested positive on Tuesday, his office said.Allen said Harris would follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines “and the advice of her physicians.” It was not immediately clear whether she is being prescribed any antiviral treatments.The White House has put in place strict COVID-19 protocols around the president, vice president and their spouses, including daily testing for those expected to be in close contact with them. Biden is tested regularly on the advice of his physician, the White House has said.After more than two years and nearly a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing more than 300 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at a far greater risk, more than twice as likely to test positive and nine times as likely to die from the virus as those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency.Harris’ diagnosis comes as the Biden administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, reassuring doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.In addition to her husband’s diagnosis, Harris was identified as a “close contact” after her communications director tested positive on April 6.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “close contact” with an infected person as spending 15 minutes or more with them over a 24-hour period. The CDC says a (person with “close contact” does not need to quarantine if they are up to date on their vaccines but should wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days after the contact.

Despite 2nd booster this month, vice president positive for COVID

Paul Anthony Huslig, 87, passed away on April 24, 2022, at Catholic 
Care Center in Bel Aire, Kansas. He was born on October 25, 1934, at 
Great Bend, Kansas to Anton F. &amp; Louise A. (Maneth) Huslig. Paul 
married Berniece C. Schneweis on May 9, 1964, at Great Bend, Kansas. She
 died November 14, 2020.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Paul was an operator technician for 
West Plains Energy. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. 
Patrick Catholic Church, a Third Degree Knight for the Knights of 
Columbus Council #862, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Coronado 
Assembly member, member of the American Legion and the 13th Engineer 
Association.

Survivors include two daughters, Paula Wierman and husband Tom of 
Wichita and Ruth Huslig of Great Bend; two brothers, Jerome Huslig of 
Ellinwood and Charles Huslig of Ellsworth; a sister, Helen McBurney of 
Kingman; and four grandchildren, Christopher, Molly and Justin Wierman 
and Hope Huslig. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, 
Bernice Huslig; a son, Maurice Huslig; four brothers, Arthur, Marcus, 
Larry and Ervin Huslig; and a sister, Mary Ann Wondra.

Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. with vigil and 
Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 
Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 
a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great 
Bend with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at Great 
Bend Cemetery. 

Memorials have been designated to Holy Family Endowment 
Fund or Brain Tumor Research, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650993810717.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Anthony Huslig, 87, passed away on April 24, 2022, at Catholic 
Care Center in Bel Aire, Kansas. He was born on October 25, 1934, at 
Great Bend, Kansas to Anton F. &amp; Louise A. (Maneth) Huslig. Paul 
married Berniece C. Schneweis on May 9, 1964, at Great Bend, Kansas. She
 died November 14, 2020.A lifetime Great Bend resident, Paul was an operator technician for 
West Plains Energy. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. 
Patrick Catholic Church, a Third Degree Knight for the Knights of 
Columbus Council #862, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Coronado 
Assembly member, member of the American Legion and the 13th Engineer 
Association.Survivors include two daughters, Paula Wierman and husband Tom of 
Wichita and Ruth Huslig of Great Bend; two brothers, Jerome Huslig of 
Ellinwood and Charles Huslig of Ellsworth; a sister, Helen McBurney of 
Kingman; and four grandchildren, Christopher, Molly and Justin Wierman 
and Hope Huslig. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, 
Bernice Huslig; a son, Maurice Huslig; four brothers, Arthur, Marcus, 
Larry and Ervin Huslig; and a sister, Mary Ann Wondra.Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. with vigil and 
Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 
Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 
a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great 
Bend with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at Great 
Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Holy Family Endowment 
Fund or Brain Tumor Research, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Paul Anthony Huslig

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.

Sonia Ornelas, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 1, 2018, to Aug. 7, 2019.

A confidential source purchased 500.1 grams of methamphetamine from Ornelas for $3,500 during a controlled purchase on June 25, 2019.

On June 28, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ornelas’s residence. Detectives found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine, 11 firearms, two cell phones, a video surveillance recorder, drug paraphernalia, and two drug ledgers. Detectives also found $27,248 in cash, which Ornelas must forfeit to the government ($2,460 of this was from the controlled purchase on June 25, 2019).

Ornelas told investigators she paid $25,000 twice a month since October 2018 for methamphetamine (approximately $450,000 over nine months). At a price of $7,000 per kilogram, this represents at least 65 kilograms of methamphetamine. A confidential source identified Ornelas as a source of methamphetamine from March to August 2019. During this time, the confidential source purchased one or two kilograms of methamphetamine from Ornelas twice a week, for a total of 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, and paid $7,000 per kilogram. The confidential source also traded several firearms for methamphetamine.

Ornelas is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendant Adam L. Ragsdale, 45, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2021, to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Under federal statutes, Ornelas is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.Sonia Ornelas, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 1, 2018, to Aug. 7, 2019.A confidential source purchased 500.1 grams of methamphetamine from Ornelas for $3,500 during a controlled purchase on June 25, 2019.On June 28, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ornelas’s residence. Detectives found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine, 11 firearms, two cell phones, a video surveillance recorder, drug paraphernalia, and two drug ledgers. Detectives also found $27,248 in cash, which Ornelas must forfeit to the government ($2,460 of this was from the controlled purchase on June 25, 2019).Ornelas told investigators she paid $25,000 twice a month since October 2018 for methamphetamine (approximately $450,000 over nine months). At a price of $7,000 per kilogram, this represents at least 65 kilograms of methamphetamine. A confidential source identified Ornelas as a source of methamphetamine from March to August 2019. During this time, the confidential source purchased one or two kilograms of methamphetamine from Ornelas twice a week, for a total of 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, and paid $7,000 per kilogram. The confidential source also traded several firearms for methamphetamine.Ornelas is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendant Adam L. Ragsdale, 45, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 14, 2021, to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.Under federal statutes, Ornelas is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Kansas City woman admits selling large quantities of meth

Douglas John Wolters, 74, of Atwood, KS, died Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Center, Atwood. 
A visitation will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 
Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., 
Saturday, April 30, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. Burial will 
follow in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials may be made to God’s 
Little Saints Preschool or Rawlins County Hospital and sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS, 67701. 
Douglas John Wolters was born October 17, 1947 in St. Francis, Kansas, 
the first child of Clarence John and Dorothy (Schmidt) Wolters. 
Doug was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage north of 
Ludell by his maternal grandfather, Pastor John Schmidt. Doug was later
 confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood. 
Doug later became a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. 
Doug attended the Queen of Driftwood Country School, District 96, 
located nine miles north and a mile west of Atwood, first through eighth
 grades, walking the 1.5 miles in good weather. He then attended Atwood
 Community High School, graduating with the class of 1965, the largest 
in its history. Doug attended Kansas State University, Manhattan, 
earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in January, 1970. He was a
 member of Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran fraternity at KSU. Doug enlisted in 
the National Guard, serving from January to May of 1970, followed by six
 years on reserve status. 
In his last semester at KSU, Doug met Pattie Lucille Bohn, of Eskridge, 
Kansas. On December 27, 1970, Pattie and Doug were united in marriage at
 First Lutheran Church in Manhattan, KS. They returned to the family 
farm and dairy in Atwood, residing at the Rosie Reuber farm four miles 
north of Atwood. In May, 1978, they moved into the new home across the 
road from the family farm, which they had constructed themselves with 
some assistance from family. 
Doug and Pattie welcomed their first son, Joshua John, on December 4th, 
1973. Their second son, Matthew Wyatt, was born November 19, 1979. 
In 1993, they became sole owners of Wolters Farms, Inc. In the fall of 
1995, the dairy herd was sold. Doug and Pattie continued to grow grain 
crops on the farm, spanning a total of 50 years actively farming until 
transitioning the farm to the next generation. 
Doug was actively involved in his community, church and agricultural 
organizations. He served as Elder of Grace Lutheran Church and 
President, Trustee and Elder of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Boards he 
served on include Atwood Coop &amp; Equity, Lutheran Church Missouri 
Synod-Kansas District, Rawlins County Extension Council (he was chairman
 for several years), and Co-Bank. Along with Pattie, Doug served as a 
4-H community leader and was a member of Atwood FFA backers, though he 
was never a member of 4-H or FFA in his youth. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Edward Schmidtke. 
Survivors include his wife, Pattie, of the home; sons and 
daughters-in-law, Joshua Wolters (Lisa) and Matthew Wolters (Donelle), 
all of Atwood; grandchildren Ryan Wolters and Kaitlyn Wolters, 
Manhattan, KS, Henry Wolters and Elise Wolters of Atwood; sibling, 
Richard Wolters (Cathy), Liberal, KS, Beverly Schmidtke, Morristown, MN,
 Mark Wolters (Brenda), Atwood, and John Wolters (Jo) of Manhattan, KS; 
and many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650901747696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas John Wolters, 74, of Atwood, KS, died Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Center, Atwood. 
A visitation will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 
Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., 
Saturday, April 30, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. Burial will 
follow in Fairview Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials may be made to God’s 
Little Saints Preschool or Rawlins County Hospital and sent in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS, 67701. 
Douglas John Wolters was born October 17, 1947 in St. Francis, Kansas, 
the first child of Clarence John and Dorothy (Schmidt) Wolters. 
Doug was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage north of 
Ludell by his maternal grandfather, Pastor John Schmidt. Doug was later
 confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood. 
Doug later became a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. 
Doug attended the Queen of Driftwood Country School, District 96, 
located nine miles north and a mile west of Atwood, first through eighth
 grades, walking the 1.5 miles in good weather. He then attended Atwood
 Community High School, graduating with the class of 1965, the largest 
in its history. Doug attended Kansas State University, Manhattan, 
earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in January, 1970. He was a
 member of Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran fraternity at KSU. Doug enlisted in 
the National Guard, serving from January to May of 1970, followed by six
 years on reserve status. 
In his last semester at KSU, Doug met Pattie Lucille Bohn, of Eskridge, 
Kansas. On December 27, 1970, Pattie and Doug were united in marriage at
 First Lutheran Church in Manhattan, KS. They returned to the family 
farm and dairy in Atwood, residing at the Rosie Reuber farm four miles 
north of Atwood. In May, 1978, they moved into the new home across the 
road from the family farm, which they had constructed themselves with 
some assistance from family. 
Doug and Pattie welcomed their first son, Joshua John, on December 4th, 
1973. Their second son, Matthew Wyatt, was born November 19, 1979. 
In 1993, they became sole owners of Wolters Farms, Inc. In the fall of 
1995, the dairy herd was sold. Doug and Pattie continued to grow grain 
crops on the farm, spanning a total of 50 years actively farming until 
transitioning the farm to the next generation. 
Doug was actively involved in his community, church and agricultural 
organizations. He served as Elder of Grace Lutheran Church and 
President, Trustee and Elder of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Boards he 
served on include Atwood Coop &amp; Equity, Lutheran Church Missouri 
Synod-Kansas District, Rawlins County Extension Council (he was chairman
 for several years), and Co-Bank. Along with Pattie, Doug served as a 
4-H community leader and was a member of Atwood FFA backers, though he 
was never a member of 4-H or FFA in his youth. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Edward Schmidtke. 
Survivors include his wife, Pattie, of the home; sons and 
daughters-in-law, Joshua Wolters (Lisa) and Matthew Wolters (Donelle), 
all of Atwood; grandchildren Ryan Wolters and Kaitlyn Wolters, 
Manhattan, KS, Henry Wolters and Elise Wolters of Atwood; sibling, 
Richard Wolters (Cathy), Liberal, KS, Beverly Schmidtke, Morristown, MN,
 Mark Wolters (Brenda), Atwood, and John Wolters (Jo) of Manhattan, KS; 
and many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Douglas John Wolters

Connie R. Pennington, age 55, of Goodland passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, at her home in Goodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Connie was born on January 14, 1967, to Marlin and Ruby (Bateman) 
Phifer in Goodland.&nbsp; She grew up and went to school in Goodland and 
graduated from Goodland High School in 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 21, 2005, she married Tony Pennington in Goodland.&nbsp; Connie
 worked as a waitress and cook at many restaurants in Goodland and 
Sharon Springs.&nbsp; Connie enjoyed her dogs and cats, and dearly loved 
spending time with her family and friends, especially her 
grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Connie is preceded in death by grandparents, parents, Marlin and Ruby and her cousin, Diane Mowry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She is survived by her husband, Tony; sons, RJ Phifer and Randy 
(Danielle) Cochran of Norcatur, KS; stepchildren, Dustin (Ashley) 
Pennington of Oklahoma City, OK and Jennifer (Zach) Pennington of 
Goodland.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Robert Traxel, Raiden and Dezirae Phifer, 
Anthony and Kathrine Whitten; sister, Deb (Kent) Brown of Oberlin; 
brother, Lonnie (Amy) Phifer of Hammond, IN; brother, Danny Phifer of 
Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Melody Okeson of Grand Junction, CO and Kathy Noel
 of Logan, KS; and many more family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorials may be designated to Connie Pennington Memorial Fund and 
may be left at the services or sent in care of Bateman Funeral 
Home,&nbsp;P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. For information and online 
condolences visit&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650896356580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Connie R. Pennington, age 55, of Goodland passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, at her home in Goodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie was born on January 14, 1967, to Marlin and Ruby (Bateman) 
Phifer in Goodland.&nbsp; She grew up and went to school in Goodland and 
graduated from Goodland High School in 1985.&nbsp;&nbsp;On October 21, 2005, she married Tony Pennington in Goodland.&nbsp; Connie
 worked as a waitress and cook at many restaurants in Goodland and 
Sharon Springs.&nbsp; Connie enjoyed her dogs and cats, and dearly loved 
spending time with her family and friends, especially her 
grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie is preceded in death by grandparents, parents, Marlin and Ruby and her cousin, Diane Mowry.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is survived by her husband, Tony; sons, RJ Phifer and Randy 
(Danielle) Cochran of Norcatur, KS; stepchildren, Dustin (Ashley) 
Pennington of Oklahoma City, OK and Jennifer (Zach) Pennington of 
Goodland.&nbsp; Grandchildren, Robert Traxel, Raiden and Dezirae Phifer, 
Anthony and Kathrine Whitten; sister, Deb (Kent) Brown of Oberlin; 
brother, Lonnie (Amy) Phifer of Hammond, IN; brother, Danny Phifer of 
Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Melody Okeson of Grand Junction, CO and Kathy Noel
 of Logan, KS; and many more family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorials may be designated to Connie Pennington Memorial Fund and 
may be left at the services or sent in care of Bateman Funeral 
Home,&nbsp;P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. For information and online 
condolences visit&nbsp;www.batemanfuneral.com.Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Connie-Pennington">HERE</a> for service details.

Connie R. Pennington

Beverly Fitzhugh, 75, of Excelsior Springs, MO, died and went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on April 13, 2022. She died at home after a relatively short battle with lung cancer.

Bev was born October 19, 1946, in Norton, KS, to Jim and Doris Jean Fitzhugh.

She is survived by three brothers, David Fitzhugh, Rodney Fitzhugh, and Mike Fitzhugh, and one sister, Peggy Vertiz; two children, Robert (Bob) Fitzpatrick and Deena Province; eight grandchildren, Lewie, Shay, Sadie, Sarah, Eli, Emerson, Alexis (deceased), Amanda; and four great-grandchildren.

Bev was a devout Christian and a faithful member of the Excelsior Springs Church until the day of her death. She ran a photography business from 1968 until 2010 when she had to quit for health reasons.&nbsp; For a hobby, she enjoyed doing needle work including cross-stitch and crocheting.

She will be sorely missed by her family, church, friends, and fellow residents at The Oaks.

Funeral services were April 15, 2022, at the Bross &amp; Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, MO.&nbsp;

Memorial contributions are suggested to ASPCA (<a href="https://www.aspca.org/" target="_blank">www.aspca.org</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650819324329.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Beverly Fitzhugh, 75, of Excelsior Springs, MO, died and went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on April 13, 2022. She died at home after a relatively short battle with lung cancer.Bev was born October 19, 1946, in Norton, KS, to Jim and Doris Jean Fitzhugh.She is survived by three brothers, David Fitzhugh, Rodney Fitzhugh, and Mike Fitzhugh, and one sister, Peggy Vertiz; two children, Robert (Bob) Fitzpatrick and Deena Province; eight grandchildren, Lewie, Shay, Sadie, Sarah, Eli, Emerson, Alexis (deceased), Amanda; and four great-grandchildren.Bev was a devout Christian and a faithful member of the Excelsior Springs Church until the day of her death. She ran a photography business from 1968 until 2010 when she had to quit for health reasons.&nbsp; For a hobby, she enjoyed doing needle work including cross-stitch and crocheting.She will be sorely missed by her family, church, friends, and fellow residents at The Oaks.Funeral services were April 15, 2022, at the Bross &amp; Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, MO.&nbsp;Memorial contributions are suggested to ASPCA (<a href="https://www.aspca.org/" target="_blank">www.aspca.org</a>).

Beverly Fitzhugh

Rosamary “Jo” Joyce Gregor was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, 
sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on Monday, April 18, 
2022, at the age of 74. She was surrounded by family at Saint Luke’s 
Heart Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on October 31st, 
1947, in Syracuse, KS. She was the daughter of Thomas Whalen and Evelyn 
“E.I.” Whalen. Jo married James Jacob “J.J.” Gregor on September 20, 
1975 in Leoti, KS. He died on February 18th, of 2013. 
She spent all of her school years at Leoti and graduated from Leoti with
 a high school diploma with the class of 1965. She attended college 
before marrying J.J. Gregor and moving to Pendennis, KS. There she spent
 her time working for the First State Bank of Healy as a bank clerk and 
retired in 2015 as the Assistant Cashier after working there for over 30
 years. She also served on the board for Lane County Library and The 
American Legion Auxiliary. 
Survived by her two sons – Jason James Gregor of Lees Summit, MO and 
Josh Whalen Gregor and his wife Lauren of Shawnee, KS. She was a proud 
grandma to Logan and Reagan Gregor. She is also survived by one sister 
and two brothers – Penny (Greg) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Rex (Patti) 
and Major (Cheryl) Whalen of Leoti, KS. She was proceeded in death by 
her parents and her husband. She enjoyed spending time outdoors working 
in her garden and watching butterflies and birds. She always loved 
cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and was ecstatic seeing them win another
 National Championship. Her loving smile will be missed. 
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 28 at First Baptist
 Church in Scott City with Rev Kyle Evans officiating. Burial at a 
later date will be in Whiterock Cemetery in Pendennis.

 Memorial are 
suggested to Lane County Library or Scott County Library in care of 
Boomhower Funeral Home.  Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650817292066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rosamary “Jo” Joyce Gregor was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, 
sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on Monday, April 18, 
2022, at the age of 74. She was surrounded by family at Saint Luke’s 
Heart Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on October 31st, 
1947, in Syracuse, KS. She was the daughter of Thomas Whalen and Evelyn 
“E.I.” Whalen. Jo married James Jacob “J.J.” Gregor on September 20, 
1975 in Leoti, KS. He died on February 18th, of 2013. 
She spent all of her school years at Leoti and graduated from Leoti with
 a high school diploma with the class of 1965. She attended college 
before marrying J.J. Gregor and moving to Pendennis, KS. There she spent
 her time working for the First State Bank of Healy as a bank clerk and 
retired in 2015 as the Assistant Cashier after working there for over 30
 years. She also served on the board for Lane County Library and The 
American Legion Auxiliary. 
Survived by her two sons – Jason James Gregor of Lees Summit, MO and 
Josh Whalen Gregor and his wife Lauren of Shawnee, KS. She was a proud 
grandma to Logan and Reagan Gregor. She is also survived by one sister 
and two brothers – Penny (Greg) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Rex (Patti) 
and Major (Cheryl) Whalen of Leoti, KS. She was proceeded in death by 
her parents and her husband. She enjoyed spending time outdoors working 
in her garden and watching butterflies and birds. She always loved 
cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and was ecstatic seeing them win another
 National Championship. Her loving smile will be missed. 
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 28 at First Baptist
 Church in Scott City with Rev Kyle Evans officiating. Burial at a 
later date will be in Whiterock Cemetery in Pendennis. Memorial are 
suggested to Lane County Library or Scott County Library in care of 
Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Rosamary 'Jo' Joyce Gregor

Groups, state agencies with interest in trail projects to attend

TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;All trails lead to Topeka and the Sunflower Foundation Nonprofit Center, which next week is set to host a one-day learning opportunity for trail builders and enthusiasts, as well as groups, agencies and other stakeholders from around Kansas with an interest in the development and use of public trails.

Powered by Trails: Day of Learning @ the Powerhouse, will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Powerhouse Education Center on the Sunflower campus, 5820 SW Sixth Ave., in Topeka. The Powerhouse, which specializes in holding events for nonprofit organizations, has been holding events since October 2021. This will be the first event hosted by Sunflower at the new center.

The event will include expert speakers, discussions, networking and the sharing of ideas related to trail projects and their benefits to the health, well-being and vitality of communities. It also serves as the culmination of a 14-week program in which trail-building groups from around the state learned advanced strategies for trail user assessment, economic impact analysis, and messaging and communications around the value of trails.

The Sunflower-led Trail Champion Cohort (TCC) program, which began in January and continued into the spring, provided participants with virtual and in-person learning opportunities, one-on-one coaching and networking with state agencies and nonprofit organizations. The TCC consisted of 16 groups from around the state representing such sectors as local government, business, health, community improvement, advocacy, and under-represented populations in their respective communities.

Since it began in 2005, the Sunflower Trails program has partnered with and invested in communities, nonprofits and schools to help build, expand, enhance or connect Kansas trails.

“Sunflower Trails has been a hallmark program for the past 17 years,” said Billie Hall, president and CEO of Sunflower Foundation. “Public trails can be a powerful strategy in providing safe, accessible venues for outdoor physical activity, as well as the ability to connect with nature and community – all elements that contribute to better health and well-being. It is very fitting that trail champions from across the state should join one of the first events at Powerhouse.”

The following groups participated in the TCC: Ad Astra Trail Collective, Independence; Columbus Trails Committee; Friends of Lawrence Area Trails; KCK Heritage Trail/Groundwork NRG, Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Friends of the River/Friends of Land Institute, Salina; Liberal Area Coalition for Families; Lindsborg/Meadowlark Trail, McPherson County; Manhattan/Flint Hills Coalition; Osawatomie Trails Task Force; RISE Cowley County; Topeka/Shawnee Co/Kanza Trails; Special Olympics Kansas; Thrive Allen County; Topside Trails, Goodland; and Wichita/Prairie Travelers.

The TCC, designed to expand participants’ knowledge and connections so they can better champion trails in their communities, included opportunities for participants to engage with state agencies and nonprofits that have potential to partner with trail groups.

“The primary goal of the TCC is to provide high-level training and information to benefit and grow trail-oriented projects,” said Elizabeth Burger, Sunflower senior program officer. “While building the trail is clearly the first step, there are opportunities to advance this work through assessment, analysis and messaging. Trails can provide many economic and quality of life benefits, and we want to position communities to generate and provide that data in ways that are relevant to decision-makers and residents.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunflower Foundation worked with Michele Archie and The Harbinger Consultancy, a group nationally known for its integrated approach to community and economic development, to develop the TCC curriculum. Topics included community benefits of trails and assessing their economic impact, how to survey trail users, telling your trail’s story through social media and other messaging, communicating the value of trails to external stakeholders, and how to effectively recruit volunteers.

Archie, co-chair of the National Geotourism Council, will be speaking virtually at the Powered by Trails event. Her presentation is titled&nbsp;“Using Trail Data to Change Bodies, Hearts and Minds.”&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Camp, founder of Cycle Forward, a consulting agency that supports trail communities across the United States and Canada, will virtually present “Cultivating a Trail Town State of Mind.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mike Goodwin, of the Kansas Trails Council and Get Outdoors Kansas, will speak about the “Trail in a Box,” a mobile toolbox with everything a group needs to create a nature trail.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dustin Gale and Kayla Savage, of the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide an overview of funding available to trail groups.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A resource roundtable to connect participants with various state agencies and nonprofits.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A session on increasing accessibility to trails to underserved populations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each TCC group will highlight ongoing trail work in their respective community.

The event is free and open to all TCC team members. Other participants and trail champions who were not part of the TCC have been invited to participate or speak at the event. Registration for the event is closed.

To date, the Sunflower Trails Program has partnered on more than 210 trail projects in almost 80 counties.

“During COVID, we have learned just how important access to the outdoors and trails could be for not only physical but mental health,” Burger said. “To this end, we strive to create a culture of trails that supports their use by everyone, regardless of age, ability, income or background.”&nbsp;

For more information on the Sunflower Trails program and the Powered by Trails event, contact Burger at<a href="mailto:eburger@sunflowerfoundation.org">eburger@sunflowerfoundation.org</a>&nbsp;or 785-232-3000, or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflowerfoundation.org/">www.sunflowerfoundation.org</a>.

ABOUT SUNFLOWER FOUNDATION Sunflower Foundation was established in 2000 as a statewide health philanthropy with a mission to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of all Kansans. The foundation believes that a thriving, sustainable nonprofit sector contributes to healthy communities, and we are committed to investing in mission-aligned nonprofits through grants, education, advocacy, collaborative learning and capacity building. To learn more, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflowerfoundation.org/">Sunflower Foundation website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650660020137.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Sunflower Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sunflower Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Groups, state agencies with interest in trail projects to attend</h2>Sunflower FoundationTOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;All trails lead to Topeka and the Sunflower Foundation Nonprofit Center, which next week is set to host a one-day learning opportunity for trail builders and enthusiasts, as well as groups, agencies and other stakeholders from around Kansas with an interest in the development and use of public trails.Powered by Trails: Day of Learning @ the Powerhouse, will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Powerhouse Education Center on the Sunflower campus, 5820 SW Sixth Ave., in Topeka. The Powerhouse, which specializes in holding events for nonprofit organizations, has been holding events since October 2021. This will be the first event hosted by Sunflower at the new center.The event will include expert speakers, discussions, networking and the sharing of ideas related to trail projects and their benefits to the health, well-being and vitality of communities. It also serves as the culmination of a 14-week program in which trail-building groups from around the state learned advanced strategies for trail user assessment, economic impact analysis, and messaging and communications around the value of trails.The Sunflower-led Trail Champion Cohort (TCC) program, which began in January and continued into the spring, provided participants with virtual and in-person learning opportunities, one-on-one coaching and networking with state agencies and nonprofit organizations. The TCC consisted of 16 groups from around the state representing such sectors as local government, business, health, community improvement, advocacy, and under-represented populations in their respective communities.Since it began in 2005, the Sunflower Trails program has partnered with and invested in communities, nonprofits and schools to help build, expand, enhance or connect Kansas trails.“Sunflower Trails has been a hallmark program for the past 17 years,” said Billie Hall, president and CEO of Sunflower Foundation. “Public trails can be a powerful strategy in providing safe, accessible venues for outdoor physical activity, as well as the ability to connect with nature and community – all elements that contribute to better health and well-being. It is very fitting that trail champions from across the state should join one of the first events at Powerhouse.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650660053788.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Sunflower Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sunflower Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>The following groups participated in the TCC: Ad Astra Trail Collective, Independence; Columbus Trails Committee; Friends of Lawrence Area Trails; KCK Heritage Trail/Groundwork NRG, Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Friends of the River/Friends of Land Institute, Salina; Liberal Area Coalition for Families; Lindsborg/Meadowlark Trail, McPherson County; Manhattan/Flint Hills Coalition; Osawatomie Trails Task Force; RISE Cowley County; Topeka/Shawnee Co/Kanza Trails; Special Olympics Kansas; Thrive Allen County; Topside Trails, Goodland; and Wichita/Prairie Travelers.The TCC, designed to expand participants’ knowledge and connections so they can better champion trails in their communities, included opportunities for participants to engage with state agencies and nonprofits that have potential to partner with trail groups.“The primary goal of the TCC is to provide high-level training and information to benefit and grow trail-oriented projects,” said Elizabeth Burger, Sunflower senior program officer. “While building the trail is clearly the first step, there are opportunities to advance this work through assessment, analysis and messaging. Trails can provide many economic and quality of life benefits, and we want to position communities to generate and provide that data in ways that are relevant to decision-makers and residents.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation worked with Michele Archie and The Harbinger Consultancy, a group nationally known for its integrated approach to community and economic development, to develop the TCC curriculum. Topics included community benefits of trails and assessing their economic impact, how to survey trail users, telling your trail’s story through social media and other messaging, communicating the value of trails to external stakeholders, and how to effectively recruit volunteers.Archie, co-chair of the National Geotourism Council, will be speaking virtually at the Powered by Trails event. Her presentation is titled&nbsp;“Using Trail Data to Change Bodies, Hearts and Minds.”&nbsp;Other speakers and sessions include:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Camp, founder of Cycle Forward, a consulting agency that supports trail communities across the United States and Canada, will virtually present “Cultivating a Trail Town State of Mind.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mike Goodwin, of the Kansas Trails Council and Get Outdoors Kansas, will speak about the “Trail in a Box,” a mobile toolbox with everything a group needs to create a nature trail.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dustin Gale and Kayla Savage, of the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide an overview of funding available to trail groups.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A resource roundtable to connect participants with various state agencies and nonprofits.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A session on increasing accessibility to trails to underserved populations.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each TCC group will highlight ongoing trail work in their respective community.The event is free and open to all TCC team members. Other participants and trail champions who were not part of the TCC have been invited to participate or speak at the event. Registration for the event is closed.To date, the Sunflower Trails Program has partnered on more than 210 trail projects in almost 80 counties.“During COVID, we have learned just how important access to the outdoors and trails could be for not only physical but mental health,” Burger said. “To this end, we strive to create a culture of trails that supports their use by everyone, regardless of age, ability, income or background.”&nbsp;For more information on the Sunflower Trails program and the Powered by Trails event, contact Burger at<a href="mailto:eburger@sunflowerfoundation.org">eburger@sunflowerfoundation.org</a>&nbsp;or 785-232-3000, or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflowerfoundation.org/">www.sunflowerfoundation.org</a>.ABOUT SUNFLOWER FOUNDATION Sunflower Foundation was established in 2000 as a statewide health philanthropy with a mission to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of all Kansans. The foundation believes that a thriving, sustainable nonprofit sector contributes to healthy communities, and we are committed to investing in mission-aligned nonprofits through grants, education, advocacy, collaborative learning and capacity building. To learn more, visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sunflowerfoundation.org/">Sunflower Foundation website</a>.

Sunflower Foundation hosting Powered by Trails event

KANSAS CITY (AP) — When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the U.S., sales of window coverings at Halcyon Shades quickly went dark. So the suburban St. Louis business did what hundreds of other small manufacturers did: It pivoted to make protective supplies, with help from an $870,000 government grant.

But things haven't worked out as planned. The company quit making face shields because it wasn't profitable. It still hasn't sold a single N95 mask because of struggles to get equipment, materials and regulatory approval.

“So far, it has been a net drain of funds and resources and energy," Halcyon Shades owner Jim Schmersahl said.

Many companies that began producing personal protective equipment with patriotic optimism have scaled back, shut down or given up, according to an Associated Press analysis based on numerous interviews with manufacturers. Some already have sold equipment they bought with state government grants.

As COVID-19 was stressing hospitals and shuttering businesses in 2020, elected officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-az-state-wire-virus-outbreak-af1e380ee4445b32d13edef8035efb22">touted the need to boost U.S. production</a>&nbsp;of protective gear: “All this stuff should be made in the United States and not in China,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in remarks echoed by others.

Yet many manufacturers who answered the call have faced logistical hurdles, regulatory rejections, slumping demand and fierce competition from foreign suppliers. On April 1, Florida-based American Surgical Mask Co. became one of the latest to close.

“I’m just done with the fight,” CEO Matt Brandman told the AP.

After the initial scramble for PPE subsided, many industry newcomers faced difficulty selling products. Government agencies sometimes wanted huge quantities at tough-to-meet deadlines. Hospital systems tended to contract with established suppliers. Retail sales waned after every virus surge.

“At the end of the day, when everybody said they wanted American-made, nobody’s buying, not even the state,” said Tony Blogumas, vice president of Green Resources Consulting, a rural Missouri firm that received an $800,000 state grant but has sold only a few thousand masks. “We’re kind of upset about the whole situation.”

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also is disappointed. His administration divided $20 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds among 48 businesses for the production of masks, gowns, sanitizer and other supplies. Parson hoped to seed a permanent field of manufacturers.

“I’m still a firm believer in that — that we need to be making PPE here in this state,” Parson said. “Unfortunately, a lot of entities went right back to where they were getting it before.”

The onset of the pandemic revealed that the U.S. was highly dependent on foreign countries for protective gear. When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-wa-state-wire-sd-state-wire-virus-outbreak-6d9382c1e8ee36f9ed1a4dfe7815ceb1">China limited exports</a>&nbsp;because of its own battle against COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-local-governments-ap-top-news-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a464316e25560d393bd07a021b7e81ba">U.S. stockpiles plummeted</a>. Prices skyrocketed as federal officials, governors and health care systems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-equipment-il-state-wire-ny-state-wire-va-state-wire-virus-outbreak-829280426e49dfdf7f2cb1be4b0cfe05">competed for supplies</a>.

Though federal stockpiles have been replenished, shriveling domestic production has raised concerns that state governments, medical facilities and others could again get stuck scrambling for gear during a future pandemic.

The AP identified more than $125 million in grants to spur production of pandemic supplies made to over 300 business in 10 states — Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Ohio. It’s possible that grants were awarded in additional states, but there is no central clearinghouse to track them.

In November 2020, Alabama awarded one of the single largest grants — nearly $10.6 million from federal pandemic relief funds — to HomTex Inc. The company was to equip a new Selma facility to make 250 million surgical masks and 45 million N95 masks annually. The plant returned $1.8 million of the state grant and has yet to make anything due to a lack of customers.

“I can’t produce product that I can’t sell,” HomTex President Jeremy Wootten said.

Other companies also had trouble living up to political hype.

In October 2020, New York announced eight grants that then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, now the governor, said were "a model for how we build back better for the post-pandemic future.” Those included $800,000 for newly formed Altor Safety and $1 million for startup firm NYPPE.

But NYPPE's equipment wasn't ready until February 2021, by which time the market had changed, President Connor Knapp said.

So Knapp tapped the brakes on his plans. NYPPE still hasn't sold any N95 masks because it lacks regulatory approval. It just recently scaled up production of surgical masks, after obtaining a U.S. Food and Drug Administration certification that came with its purchase of Altor Safety.

Some PPE manufacturers point to federal regulations as part of the reason for their struggles. Three-ply masks need FDA approval to be marketed for medical use — an important designation for building a long-term customer base.

That process can be time-consuming. Facing delays, Angstrom Manufacturing in Missouri ended up buying another business that already had FDA approval, President Chris Carron said. By then, it was fall 2021 — a year after it received a state grant.

Companies need approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to market products as N95 respirators, which filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

During the first two years of the pandemic, NIOSH approved 30 new manufacturers — more than seven times the typical number during a similar pre-pandemic period, according to agency data. Some applications remain pending, while numerous others were denied.

Halcyon Shades' N95 certification was rejected in October because its samples didn't have head straps attached. While the company works on another application, its equipment sits idle inside the clear plastic-sheet walls of a “clean room” specially built to shield materials from airborne contaminants. Partially finished masks remain paused on a conveyor belt, waiting to be deposited into a cardboard box.

Without federal approval, "we’re just dead in the water,” said Schmersahl, the company owner.

Progress reports filed with the Missouri Department of Economic Development show that nearly all its PPE grant recipients faced challenges by July 2021, especially with sales.

Patriot Medical Devices, which received $750,000 from Missouri, hired nearly 100 people as it cranked out millions of masks during a COVID-19 surge in late 2020 and early 2021, CEO Rick Needham said. Fewer than 10 employees remain.

“We felt it was our patriotic duty to do something to help solve the problem,” Needham said. But, he added, “It’s frankly a little bit of a dysfunctional business model at this point.”

Ohio awarded $20.8 million to 73 businesses to manufacture pandemic-related supplies, according to state data. Of 60 businesses that complied with a recent reporting deadline, more than one-third no longer produced PPE by the end of 2021.

Cleveland Veteran Business Solutions, which received a $500,000 grant to get into the PPE business, made about 5 million surgical masks beginning in August 2020. It ultimately halted production in the face of cheaper imports and sold its machines this year, co-founder Taner Eren said.

“It was surprising and disappointing strategically that there wasn’t support for a local PPE manufacturing industry," Eren said.

The business was among several dozen that banded together to form the American Mask Manufacturer's Association with the goal of sustaining the industry. The group's membership has dwindled as more and more go out of business.

Association organizers say the industry has reached a critical point. They want the federal government to treat PPE manufacturers like the nation's defense industry — entering into long-term contracts to perpetually replenish a stockpile for future pandemics or emergencies.

“If the federal government doesn’t come in and help support the U.S. manufacturing base, it’s almost certainly going to go back to China, and we’ll be just as vulnerable as we were in early 2020 and 2019,” said Brent Dillie, the association chairman and co-founder of Premium-PPE, a Virginia manufacturer started during the pandemic that has shed about two-thirds of its roughly 300 employees.

Infrastructure legislation signed by President Joe Biden took a step toward bolstering domestic suppliers. Effective in February, it required new contracts for PPE purchased by the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to run for at least two years and be awarded to U.S. producers — unless there’s not sufficient quantity and quality at market prices.

The health and veterans departments said they haven’t bought anything yet. Homeland Security hasn’t answered the AP’s questions. Documents show the government solicited bids due Dec. 6 for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21579308-federal-surgical-mask-solicitation">up to 381 million U.S.-made surgical masks</a>&nbsp;over three years for its stockpile. No deal has been announced.

Other documents show the government is looking to contract with three major suppliers — 3M, Moldex, and Owens &amp; Minor — for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21526226-federal-n95-contract-justification">total of $115 million in U.S-made N95 masks&nbsp;</a>over three years. A justification document says noncompetitive contracts are necessary to preserve capacity for future coronavirus surges or emergencies.

The Biden administration also formed a task force of experts from federal agencies, health care providers, PPE manufacturers and distributors to develop a national strategy for ensuring a “resilient public health supply chain.” Its work is expected to extend for years.

Some manufacturers said they can't wait long for a federal life preserver.

Dentec Safety Specialists is wrapping up a contract to supply 125,000 rubber reusable respirators and 500,000 filtration cartridges from its Kansas facility for the national stockpile, said President Claudio Dente. It needs more orders soon to prevent layoffs, he said.

“I thought that COVID would really change the mindset of the people, the governments and manufacturing," Dente said. But he added: “The general marketplace is reverting back to their old ways -- meaning looking to buy product from China."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593789172033.jpeg" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the U.S., sales of window coverings at Halcyon Shades quickly went dark. So the suburban St. Louis business did what hundreds of other small manufacturers did: It pivoted to make protective supplies, with help from an $870,000 government grant.But things haven't worked out as planned. The company quit making face shields because it wasn't profitable. It still hasn't sold a single N95 mask because of struggles to get equipment, materials and regulatory approval.“So far, it has been a net drain of funds and resources and energy," Halcyon Shades owner Jim Schmersahl said.Many companies that began producing personal protective equipment with patriotic optimism have scaled back, shut down or given up, according to an Associated Press analysis based on numerous interviews with manufacturers. Some already have sold equipment they bought with state government grants.As COVID-19 was stressing hospitals and shuttering businesses in 2020, elected officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-az-state-wire-virus-outbreak-af1e380ee4445b32d13edef8035efb22">touted the need to boost U.S. production</a>&nbsp;of protective gear: “All this stuff should be made in the United States and not in China,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in remarks echoed by others.Yet many manufacturers who answered the call have faced logistical hurdles, regulatory rejections, slumping demand and fierce competition from foreign suppliers. On April 1, Florida-based American Surgical Mask Co. became one of the latest to close.“I’m just done with the fight,” CEO Matt Brandman told the AP.After the initial scramble for PPE subsided, many industry newcomers faced difficulty selling products. Government agencies sometimes wanted huge quantities at tough-to-meet deadlines. Hospital systems tended to contract with established suppliers. Retail sales waned after every virus surge.“At the end of the day, when everybody said they wanted American-made, nobody’s buying, not even the state,” said Tony Blogumas, vice president of Green Resources Consulting, a rural Missouri firm that received an $800,000 state grant but has sold only a few thousand masks. “We’re kind of upset about the whole situation.”Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also is disappointed. His administration divided $20 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds among 48 businesses for the production of masks, gowns, sanitizer and other supplies. Parson hoped to seed a permanent field of manufacturers.“I’m still a firm believer in that — that we need to be making PPE here in this state,” Parson said. “Unfortunately, a lot of entities went right back to where they were getting it before.”The onset of the pandemic revealed that the U.S. was highly dependent on foreign countries for protective gear. When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-wa-state-wire-sd-state-wire-virus-outbreak-6d9382c1e8ee36f9ed1a4dfe7815ceb1">China limited exports</a>&nbsp;because of its own battle against COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-local-governments-ap-top-news-health-understanding-the-outbreak-a464316e25560d393bd07a021b7e81ba">U.S. stockpiles plummeted</a>. Prices skyrocketed as federal officials, governors and health care systems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medical-equipment-il-state-wire-ny-state-wire-va-state-wire-virus-outbreak-829280426e49dfdf7f2cb1be4b0cfe05">competed for supplies</a>.Though federal stockpiles have been replenished, shriveling domestic production has raised concerns that state governments, medical facilities and others could again get stuck scrambling for gear during a future pandemic.The AP identified more than $125 million in grants to spur production of pandemic supplies made to over 300 business in 10 states — Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Ohio. It’s possible that grants were awarded in additional states, but there is no central clearinghouse to track them.In November 2020, Alabama awarded one of the single largest grants — nearly $10.6 million from federal pandemic relief funds — to HomTex Inc. The company was to equip a new Selma facility to make 250 million surgical masks and 45 million N95 masks annually. The plant returned $1.8 million of the state grant and has yet to make anything due to a lack of customers.“I can’t produce product that I can’t sell,” HomTex President Jeremy Wootten said.Other companies also had trouble living up to political hype.In October 2020, New York announced eight grants that then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, now the governor, said were "a model for how we build back better for the post-pandemic future.” Those included $800,000 for newly formed Altor Safety and $1 million for startup firm NYPPE.But NYPPE's equipment wasn't ready until February 2021, by which time the market had changed, President Connor Knapp said.So Knapp tapped the brakes on his plans. NYPPE still hasn't sold any N95 masks because it lacks regulatory approval. It just recently scaled up production of surgical masks, after obtaining a U.S. Food and Drug Administration certification that came with its purchase of Altor Safety.Some PPE manufacturers point to federal regulations as part of the reason for their struggles. Three-ply masks need FDA approval to be marketed for medical use — an important designation for building a long-term customer base.That process can be time-consuming. Facing delays, Angstrom Manufacturing in Missouri ended up buying another business that already had FDA approval, President Chris Carron said. By then, it was fall 2021 — a year after it received a state grant.Companies need approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to market products as N95 respirators, which filter at least 95% of airborne particles.During the first two years of the pandemic, NIOSH approved 30 new manufacturers — more than seven times the typical number during a similar pre-pandemic period, according to agency data. Some applications remain pending, while numerous others were denied.Halcyon Shades' N95 certification was rejected in October because its samples didn't have head straps attached. While the company works on another application, its equipment sits idle inside the clear plastic-sheet walls of a “clean room” specially built to shield materials from airborne contaminants. Partially finished masks remain paused on a conveyor belt, waiting to be deposited into a cardboard box.Without federal approval, "we’re just dead in the water,” said Schmersahl, the company owner.Progress reports filed with the Missouri Department of Economic Development show that nearly all its PPE grant recipients faced challenges by July 2021, especially with sales.Patriot Medical Devices, which received $750,000 from Missouri, hired nearly 100 people as it cranked out millions of masks during a COVID-19 surge in late 2020 and early 2021, CEO Rick Needham said. Fewer than 10 employees remain.“We felt it was our patriotic duty to do something to help solve the problem,” Needham said. But, he added, “It’s frankly a little bit of a dysfunctional business model at this point.”Ohio awarded $20.8 million to 73 businesses to manufacture pandemic-related supplies, according to state data. Of 60 businesses that complied with a recent reporting deadline, more than one-third no longer produced PPE by the end of 2021.Cleveland Veteran Business Solutions, which received a $500,000 grant to get into the PPE business, made about 5 million surgical masks beginning in August 2020. It ultimately halted production in the face of cheaper imports and sold its machines this year, co-founder Taner Eren said.“It was surprising and disappointing strategically that there wasn’t support for a local PPE manufacturing industry," Eren said.The business was among several dozen that banded together to form the American Mask Manufacturer's Association with the goal of sustaining the industry. The group's membership has dwindled as more and more go out of business.Association organizers say the industry has reached a critical point. They want the federal government to treat PPE manufacturers like the nation's defense industry — entering into long-term contracts to perpetually replenish a stockpile for future pandemics or emergencies.“If the federal government doesn’t come in and help support the U.S. manufacturing base, it’s almost certainly going to go back to China, and we’ll be just as vulnerable as we were in early 2020 and 2019,” said Brent Dillie, the association chairman and co-founder of Premium-PPE, a Virginia manufacturer started during the pandemic that has shed about two-thirds of its roughly 300 employees.Infrastructure legislation signed by President Joe Biden took a step toward bolstering domestic suppliers. Effective in February, it required new contracts for PPE purchased by the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to run for at least two years and be awarded to U.S. producers — unless there’s not sufficient quantity and quality at market prices.The health and veterans departments said they haven’t bought anything yet. Homeland Security hasn’t answered the AP’s questions. Documents show the government solicited bids due Dec. 6 for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21579308-federal-surgical-mask-solicitation">up to 381 million U.S.-made surgical masks</a>&nbsp;over three years for its stockpile. No deal has been announced.Other documents show the government is looking to contract with three major suppliers — 3M, Moldex, and Owens &amp; Minor — for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21526226-federal-n95-contract-justification">total of $115 million in U.S-made N95 masks&nbsp;</a>over three years. A justification document says noncompetitive contracts are necessary to preserve capacity for future coronavirus surges or emergencies.The Biden administration also formed a task force of experts from federal agencies, health care providers, PPE manufacturers and distributors to develop a national strategy for ensuring a “resilient public health supply chain.” Its work is expected to extend for years.Some manufacturers said they can't wait long for a federal life preserver.Dentec Safety Specialists is wrapping up a contract to supply 125,000 rubber reusable respirators and 500,000 filtration cartridges from its Kansas facility for the national stockpile, said President Claudio Dente. It needs more orders soon to prevent layoffs, he said.“I thought that COVID would really change the mindset of the people, the governments and manufacturing," Dente said. But he added: “The general marketplace is reverting back to their old ways -- meaning looking to buy product from China."

Efforts to make protective medical gear in US falling flat

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

From hay to historic buildings -- and parts to pies -- Craig Stertz is involved in his rural community. He is what we call a ruralpreneur, an entrepreneur taking on multiple projects in his small town.&nbsp;

Craig and MaryAnn Stertz are ruralpreneurs in Lincoln, Kansas. Craig was born in Lincoln before his family moved to Belleville. Nine years later, the family moved back to Lincoln where Craig’s father founded Lincoln Farm Supply.&nbsp;

Craig followed his dad into the family business, which he owns today along with his brother Terry and partner Darrell Oetting. Craig also met and married MaryAnn, who works in the county treasurer’s office. He is in his second term as president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Lincoln Farm Supply provides new and used equipment, parts and repairs for farm operations in north central Kansas. The company is a dealer for multiple lines of farm equipment.&nbsp;

In response to customer needs, hay handling has become a specialty of Lincoln Farm Supply. “A combine or a planter gets used one time a year, but hay equipment might get used 4-5 times a year,” Craig said. Equipment has changed to include the making and stacking of giant square bales, and even treating the hay by steaming it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“At one time, we were the largest big square baler dealer in four states,” Craig said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Access to the Internet has also made a difference. “It extends your reach,” he said. “The other day I got a call from a guy in Oregon who bales rice straw and he wanted some of our equipment.”&nbsp;

In order to complement the farm store, Craig co-located an auto parts business with Lincoln Farm Supply. “That makes good use of our parts guys’ time when it’s slow during the winter months. It also brings new people in the door,” Craig said.&nbsp;

One of MaryAnn’s clients owned an old stone building downtown. After the owner’s husband passed, the building sat empty for years and was deteriorating. The woman decided to sell it rather than see it torn down.&nbsp;

“MaryAnn came home and told me, `We don’t want a hole in downtown,’” Craig said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Craig and MaryAnn bought and remodeled the building. “It was 2 ½ years of working nights and weekends, and MaryAnn was working side by side with me,” Craig said. “We had to tear out a lot of rotten wood, but we put it back the way it was.”&nbsp;

It looks great. Now a coffee shop is on the first floor and the upstairs is an Airbnb.&nbsp;

Craig also explored investing in food businesses. “Mostly I followed my stomach,” he said. He considered out-of-state companies that make salsa and barbecue sauce before he considered MarCon Pies.&nbsp;

As we have previously profiled, MarCon Pies in Marysville produces handcrafted pies for the wholesale market and fundraisers. The company is named for the original bakers, Marilyn and Connie, who started the business.&nbsp;

In 2020, Craig and MaryAnn bought MarCon Pies and moved the business to Lincoln, where it is housed in another building that Craig and MaryAnn bought on Main Street.&nbsp;

In addition to wholesaling pies to retail outlets, MarCon partners with local churches, athletic teams, community foundations and K-12 schools to sell pies as fundraisers.&nbsp;

Using heirloom recipes and delicious ingredients, MarCon produces pies in flavors such as apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, peach and strawberry rhubarb. No-sugar-added options are available in apple, cherry and peach. Pecan and pumpkin pies are available in April and in October through December.&nbsp;

Craig tries to encourage other businesses in town to have an Internet presence. “You can have a Main Street business, but if you also sell online, you can generate additional revenue from outside the community,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s great to find this ruralpreneur in the rural community of Lincoln, population 1,297 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information on Craig’s businesses, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lincolnfarmsupply.com/">www.lincolnfarmsupply.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.marconpies.com/">www.marconpies.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

From pies to parts, from historic buildings to hay, we salute Craig and MaryAnn Stertz for making a difference with their local investment. They demonstrate commitment to their community.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650461762773.png" alt="MaryAnn and Craig Stertz" />
 <figcaption>MaryAnn and Craig Stertz</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;From hay to historic buildings -- and parts to pies -- Craig Stertz is involved in his rural community. He is what we call a ruralpreneur, an entrepreneur taking on multiple projects in his small town.&nbsp;Craig and MaryAnn Stertz are ruralpreneurs in Lincoln, Kansas. Craig was born in Lincoln before his family moved to Belleville. Nine years later, the family moved back to Lincoln where Craig’s father founded Lincoln Farm Supply.&nbsp;Craig followed his dad into the family business, which he owns today along with his brother Terry and partner Darrell Oetting. Craig also met and married MaryAnn, who works in the county treasurer’s office. He is in his second term as president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;Lincoln Farm Supply provides new and used equipment, parts and repairs for farm operations in north central Kansas. The company is a dealer for multiple lines of farm equipment.&nbsp;In response to customer needs, hay handling has become a specialty of Lincoln Farm Supply. “A combine or a planter gets used one time a year, but hay equipment might get used 4-5 times a year,” Craig said. Equipment has changed to include the making and stacking of giant square bales, and even treating the hay by steaming it.&nbsp;&nbsp;“At one time, we were the largest big square baler dealer in four states,” Craig said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Access to the Internet has also made a difference. “It extends your reach,” he said. “The other day I got a call from a guy in Oregon who bales rice straw and he wanted some of our equipment.”&nbsp;In order to complement the farm store, Craig co-located an auto parts business with Lincoln Farm Supply. “That makes good use of our parts guys’ time when it’s slow during the winter months. It also brings new people in the door,” Craig said.&nbsp;One of MaryAnn’s clients owned an old stone building downtown. After the owner’s husband passed, the building sat empty for years and was deteriorating. The woman decided to sell it rather than see it torn down.&nbsp;“MaryAnn came home and told me, `We don’t want a hole in downtown,’” Craig said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Craig and MaryAnn bought and remodeled the building. “It was 2 ½ years of working nights and weekends, and MaryAnn was working side by side with me,” Craig said. “We had to tear out a lot of rotten wood, but we put it back the way it was.”&nbsp;It looks great. Now a coffee shop is on the first floor and the upstairs is an Airbnb.&nbsp;Craig also explored investing in food businesses. “Mostly I followed my stomach,” he said. He considered out-of-state companies that make salsa and barbecue sauce before he considered MarCon Pies.&nbsp;As we have previously profiled, MarCon Pies in Marysville produces handcrafted pies for the wholesale market and fundraisers. The company is named for the original bakers, Marilyn and Connie, who started the business.&nbsp;In 2020, Craig and MaryAnn bought MarCon Pies and moved the business to Lincoln, where it is housed in another building that Craig and MaryAnn bought on Main Street.&nbsp;In addition to wholesaling pies to retail outlets, MarCon partners with local churches, athletic teams, community foundations and K-12 schools to sell pies as fundraisers.&nbsp;Using heirloom recipes and delicious ingredients, MarCon produces pies in flavors such as apple, apricot, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, peach and strawberry rhubarb. No-sugar-added options are available in apple, cherry and peach. Pecan and pumpkin pies are available in April and in October through December.&nbsp;Craig tries to encourage other businesses in town to have an Internet presence. “You can have a Main Street business, but if you also sell online, you can generate additional revenue from outside the community,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s great to find this ruralpreneur in the rural community of Lincoln, population 1,297 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information on Craig’s businesses, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lincolnfarmsupply.com/">www.lincolnfarmsupply.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.marconpies.com/">www.marconpies.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From pies to parts, from historic buildings to hay, we salute Craig and MaryAnn Stertz for making a difference with their local investment. They demonstrate commitment to their community.&nbsp;