Emilio Rodriguez-Lopez, 24, died November 9, 2022, at St. Anthony 
Hospital, Lakewood, Colorado.&nbsp; He was born on October 15, 1998, at Dodge 
City, the son of Raymond Lopez and Catherine Rodriguez-Herrera.

Emo was a lifetime resident of Dodge City and a 2017 graduate of 
Dodge City High School. He was active in the band during high school as 
well as just hanging out with friends. Emilio earned his CNA Certificate
 and was always willing to be a caretaker for family, friends and 
others. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing video games, 
cooking and his pets. Emilio was a manager at El Charro restaurant and 
was also a caregiver for the Fischer family. He continued his service 
with the Fisher family on the family farm assisting with whatever they 
needed.

Emilio is survived by his mother, Catherine Rodriguez-Herrera and 
husband Robert of Dodge City; father, Raymond Lopez and Liz of Texas; a 
brother, Anthony Rodriguez of Dodge City; sister, Isabel Rodriguez of 
Dodge City; two step siblings, Raymond and Enchantra Lopez; grand 
parents, Richard and Patricia Rodriguez of Dodge City; nephew, Elijah 
Rincon of Dodge City; aunts, Tina &amp; Jon Galloway of Wichita, Rosie 
&amp; Lenny Garcia of Wichita and Patrice Rodriguez &amp; Jerry Martinez
 of Dodge City; many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at Abundant Life Family Church on 
Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Dr. Jim and Lydia Ames 
presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Monday, 
November 14, 2022, from 1:00 to 8:00 PM.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to 
Emilio Rodriguez Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; Thoughts 
and memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668200655993.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Emilio Rodriguez-Lopez, 24, died November 9, 2022, at St. Anthony 
Hospital, Lakewood, Colorado.&nbsp; He was born on October 15, 1998, at Dodge 
City, the son of Raymond Lopez and Catherine Rodriguez-Herrera.Emo was a lifetime resident of Dodge City and a 2017 graduate of 
Dodge City High School. He was active in the band during high school as 
well as just hanging out with friends. Emilio earned his CNA Certificate
 and was always willing to be a caretaker for family, friends and 
others. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing video games, 
cooking and his pets. Emilio was a manager at El Charro restaurant and 
was also a caregiver for the Fischer family. He continued his service 
with the Fisher family on the family farm assisting with whatever they 
needed.Emilio is survived by his mother, Catherine Rodriguez-Herrera and 
husband Robert of Dodge City; father, Raymond Lopez and Liz of Texas; a 
brother, Anthony Rodriguez of Dodge City; sister, Isabel Rodriguez of 
Dodge City; two step siblings, Raymond and Enchantra Lopez; grand 
parents, Richard and Patricia Rodriguez of Dodge City; nephew, Elijah 
Rincon of Dodge City; aunts, Tina &amp; Jon Galloway of Wichita, Rosie 
&amp; Lenny Garcia of Wichita and Patrice Rodriguez &amp; Jerry Martinez
 of Dodge City; many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.Funeral service will be held at Abundant Life Family Church on 
Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 11:00 AM with Dr. Jim and Lydia Ames 
presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Monday, 
November 14, 2022, from 1:00 to 8:00 PM.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to 
Emilio Rodriguez Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; Thoughts 
and memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

Emilio Rodriguez-Lopez

Pauline (Felder) Oborny was born on November 18, 1918, on a farm near
 Claflin, Kansas. Andy and Steffie Felder were her proud parents. As she
 grew up, she lived in Claflin and later moved to a farm near Rush 
Center, Kansas. Pauline passed away on November 7, 2022, at the Denver 
In-Patient Hospice Care Center. She was 103 years old.

She had brothers Joe Felder (Kinsley), Vernon Felder (Nekoma), and 
Louis Felder (Wakeeney/Hays). Her sisters were Sister Dorothy Felder 
(Great Bend), Bertha Johnson (Andover), and Marie Vondracek (Timken). 
All are deceased except for Louis whom is in Hays. Pauline graduated 
from LaCrosse High School in 1938. After high school, she worked as a 
telephone operator in Great Bend, Kansas.

After John C. Oborny returned from World War II, they were married on
 October 20, 1947. They lived shortly “on the hill” just west of Rush 
Center, Kansas. They purchased a store in Timken, Kansas called the 
“Oborny Mercantile” where they spent several years growing their family 
of seven children: Connie (Sperberg/Denver), John (Oborny/Wichita), 
Marietta (Jones/Wichita), Mark (Oborny/Yukon, Oklahoma), Rosemary 
(Wiley/Wichita), Louis (Oborny/Kansas City, Missouri), and Theresa 
(Oborny/Wichita).

In May of 1967, John and Pauline moved to Great Bend after selling 
the store in Timken. In 1984, John passed away. Pauline continued to 
live in Great Bend until she moved to Derby.

She fractured her hip in 2011 and soon after moved to Denver. She 
began a water class at National Jewish Hospital and just loved it. She 
was the oldest person in the class and everyone in the class loved to 
tease her because she was totally afraid of the water. She also loved 
her church, Mother of God, and made many friends there.

In 2017, she fell and broke her other hip. She moved into Garden 
Plaza Assisted Living Center in Aurora where she also made friends, 
loved it and called it home.

Pauline enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved 
going to church! She enjoyed crocheting, baking, doing arts and crafts, 
and playing cards, dominos, and bingo. She enjoyed being included with 
her great grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities.

All of her children are still alive. Her grandchildren are: Jason and
 Scott Sperberg, Erica Hickerson, Tricia Sanders, Lindsey Jones, Kristyn
 Abercrombie, Casey Taylor, Travis Oborny, David Wiley, and Haley and 
Lucas Oborny. Great Grandchildren include: Austin and Ashley Sperberg, 
Elle and Grace Sperberg, Calais and Flint Hickerson, Ollie and Isaac 
Sanders, Elliott Abercrombie, Christina, Brianna, Luke and Ave Taylor, 
Christopher and Clayton Oborny, and Penny and Orion Wiley.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 18,
 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home with a rosary said at 10:00 a.m. Graveside
 service will then follow at 11:30 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park in 
Great Bend, Kansas, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. 

In lieu of 
flowers, please make memorial donations to Mother of God Catholic Church
 or Denver In-Patient Hospice Care Center, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668175963275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pauline (Felder) Oborny was born on November 18, 1918, on a farm near
 Claflin, Kansas. Andy and Steffie Felder were her proud parents. As she
 grew up, she lived in Claflin and later moved to a farm near Rush 
Center, Kansas. Pauline passed away on November 7, 2022, at the Denver 
In-Patient Hospice Care Center. She was 103 years old.She had brothers Joe Felder (Kinsley), Vernon Felder (Nekoma), and 
Louis Felder (Wakeeney/Hays). Her sisters were Sister Dorothy Felder 
(Great Bend), Bertha Johnson (Andover), and Marie Vondracek (Timken). 
All are deceased except for Louis whom is in Hays. Pauline graduated 
from LaCrosse High School in 1938. After high school, she worked as a 
telephone operator in Great Bend, Kansas.After John C. Oborny returned from World War II, they were married on
 October 20, 1947. They lived shortly “on the hill” just west of Rush 
Center, Kansas. They purchased a store in Timken, Kansas called the 
“Oborny Mercantile” where they spent several years growing their family 
of seven children: Connie (Sperberg/Denver), John (Oborny/Wichita), 
Marietta (Jones/Wichita), Mark (Oborny/Yukon, Oklahoma), Rosemary 
(Wiley/Wichita), Louis (Oborny/Kansas City, Missouri), and Theresa 
(Oborny/Wichita).In May of 1967, John and Pauline moved to Great Bend after selling 
the store in Timken. In 1984, John passed away. Pauline continued to 
live in Great Bend until she moved to Derby.She fractured her hip in 2011 and soon after moved to Denver. She 
began a water class at National Jewish Hospital and just loved it. She 
was the oldest person in the class and everyone in the class loved to 
tease her because she was totally afraid of the water. She also loved 
her church, Mother of God, and made many friends there.In 2017, she fell and broke her other hip. She moved into Garden 
Plaza Assisted Living Center in Aurora where she also made friends, 
loved it and called it home.Pauline enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved 
going to church! She enjoyed crocheting, baking, doing arts and crafts, 
and playing cards, dominos, and bingo. She enjoyed being included with 
her great grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities.All of her children are still alive. Her grandchildren are: Jason and
 Scott Sperberg, Erica Hickerson, Tricia Sanders, Lindsey Jones, Kristyn
 Abercrombie, Casey Taylor, Travis Oborny, David Wiley, and Haley and 
Lucas Oborny. Great Grandchildren include: Austin and Ashley Sperberg, 
Elle and Grace Sperberg, Calais and Flint Hickerson, Ollie and Isaac 
Sanders, Elliott Abercrombie, Christina, Brianna, Luke and Ave Taylor, 
Christopher and Clayton Oborny, and Penny and Orion Wiley.Visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 18,
 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home with a rosary said at 10:00 a.m. Graveside
 service will then follow at 11:30 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park in 
Great Bend, Kansas, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. In lieu of 
flowers, please make memorial donations to Mother of God Catholic Church
 or Denver In-Patient Hospice Care Center, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

Pauline (Felder) Oborny

More than 20 KS schools have American Indian-themed mascots

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/10/kansas-board-of-education-recommends-removal-of-offensive-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Board of Education recommended the removal of American 
Indian-themed mascots and branding from Kansas school districts, saying 
American Indian students deserve to feel comfortable in schools across 
the state.

The mascot debate has been ongoing, with the Advisory
 Council for Indigenous Education recommending in October that the BOE 
and the Kansas Board of Regents make a priority of persuading local 
school officials to abandon culturally offensive branding. The council 
said this transition should be completed in three to five years.&nbsp;

Across the state, potentially offensive mascots include the Braves, Red Raiders, Warriors, Thunderbirds, Indians and Redskins. Hays High School uses the Indian as its mascot.

The Board of Education doesn’t have 
the authority to make local schools change their mascots, so it is 
unclear how much effect the recommendation will have. Members say the 
recommendation is more about starting important conversations than 
forcing change.&nbsp;

The BOE accepted the council’s 
recommendation Thursday, with seven members voting in favor of the 
recommendation. Members Jean Clifford and Ben Jones abstained from the 
vote, while conservative Michelle Dombrosky was the only dissenting 
vote.

Dombrosky said she believed the board
 didn’t have the authority to make the decision, and that local school 
districts should make the choice.&nbsp;

“They have pride, they have 
traditions, they’re not going to understand,” Dombrosky said. “It’s 
going to take awhile for education, curriculum that you’re working on. 
You’re building that. Since it’s a strong recommendation on that part, 
I’m not sure why we’re taking a vote at the state board. Because 10 
people are deciding for the rest of those communities.”

Other board members pushed back 
against Dombrosky, saying it was important to take a stand. Member Ann 
Mah said with more than 90% of American Indian students attending public
 schools, the impact of offensive mascots was significant.&nbsp;

“These 10 people are not deciding 
anything for anyone,” Mah said. “All we’re doing is asking these schools
 that have these mascots and branding to start a conversation about is 
this mascot, is this branding, tied to real learning? Or is it an empty 
moniker that makes fun of other sovereign nations? So we’re just asking 
them to start the conversation.”&nbsp;

Board member Deena Horst represents 
District 6, which covers school districts in Douglas, Chase, Jefferson 
and Shawnee counties, among others. Horst mentioned that all of the 
state’s reservations are contained in her district. She said her 
decision was not influenced by that, but by her memories as a student at
 Clearwater High School, where the mascot is the Indians.&nbsp;

Horst referenced the tomahawk chop, a move in which sports fans pretend to be waving a tomahawk.&nbsp;

“If I was a member of a tribe, and I 
was in a competitive environment, I would take that as making fun of me.
 And bullying is another component. It’s a way to show that you can 
overtake someone else and that makes the person who actually is a Native
 American — if it makes them feel less of a person, it’s wrong,” Horst 
said.&nbsp;

Some Kansas school districts have 
already decided to ditch offensive imagery. Atchison dropped the labels 
Redmen and Braves, and Wichita North High School voted to remove its 
Redskins mascot name in 2021. Other districts are resisting change, such
 as Manhattan High School, which retains its mascot, the Indians.&nbsp;

More than 20 Kansas schools still 
have American Indian themed mascots, and many tribes have expressed 
opposition to these mascots.

The council said mascots like the Redmen and Braves damages indigenous perception and encourage “narrow-minded
 stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people 
who are stuck in the past,” in the original memorandum.&nbsp;

The mascot vote was one of the first 
actions taken by the board after the November election. Five new board 
members have been elected and will take their seats in 2023. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668117885418.png" alt="Kansas Board of Education members debate recommending the removal of offensive Kansas mascots. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Education members debate recommending the removal of offensive Kansas mascots. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 20 KS schools have American Indian-themed mascots</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/10/kansas-board-of-education-recommends-removal-of-offensive-american-indian-mascots/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Board of Education recommended the removal of American 
Indian-themed mascots and branding from Kansas school districts, saying 
American Indian students deserve to feel comfortable in schools across 
the state.The mascot debate has been ongoing, with the Advisory
 Council for Indigenous Education recommending in October that the BOE 
and the Kansas Board of Regents make a priority of persuading local 
school officials to abandon culturally offensive branding. The council 
said this transition should be completed in three to five years.&nbsp;Across the state, potentially offensive mascots include the Braves, Red Raiders, Warriors, Thunderbirds, Indians and Redskins. Hays High School uses the Indian as its mascot.The Board of Education doesn’t have 
the authority to make local schools change their mascots, so it is 
unclear how much effect the recommendation will have. Members say the 
recommendation is more about starting important conversations than 
forcing change.&nbsp;The BOE accepted the council’s 
recommendation Thursday, with seven members voting in favor of the 
recommendation. Members Jean Clifford and Ben Jones abstained from the 
vote, while conservative Michelle Dombrosky was the only dissenting 
vote.Dombrosky said she believed the board
 didn’t have the authority to make the decision, and that local school 
districts should make the choice.&nbsp;“They have pride, they have 
traditions, they’re not going to understand,” Dombrosky said. “It’s 
going to take awhile for education, curriculum that you’re working on. 
You’re building that. Since it’s a strong recommendation on that part, 
I’m not sure why we’re taking a vote at the state board. Because 10 
people are deciding for the rest of those communities.”Other board members pushed back 
against Dombrosky, saying it was important to take a stand. Member Ann 
Mah said with more than 90% of American Indian students attending public
 schools, the impact of offensive mascots was significant.&nbsp;“These 10 people are not deciding 
anything for anyone,” Mah said. “All we’re doing is asking these schools
 that have these mascots and branding to start a conversation about is 
this mascot, is this branding, tied to real learning? Or is it an empty 
moniker that makes fun of other sovereign nations? So we’re just asking 
them to start the conversation.”&nbsp;Board member Deena Horst represents 
District 6, which covers school districts in Douglas, Chase, Jefferson 
and Shawnee counties, among others. Horst mentioned that all of the 
state’s reservations are contained in her district. She said her 
decision was not influenced by that, but by her memories as a student at
 Clearwater High School, where the mascot is the Indians.&nbsp;Horst referenced the tomahawk chop, a move in which sports fans pretend to be waving a tomahawk.&nbsp;“If I was a member of a tribe, and I 
was in a competitive environment, I would take that as making fun of me.
 And bullying is another component. It’s a way to show that you can 
overtake someone else and that makes the person who actually is a Native
 American — if it makes them feel less of a person, it’s wrong,” Horst 
said.&nbsp;Some Kansas school districts have 
already decided to ditch offensive imagery. Atchison dropped the labels 
Redmen and Braves, and Wichita North High School voted to remove its 
Redskins mascot name in 2021. Other districts are resisting change, such
 as Manhattan High School, which retains its mascot, the Indians.&nbsp;More than 20 Kansas schools still 
have American Indian themed mascots, and many tribes have expressed 
opposition to these mascots.The council said mascots like the Redmen and Braves damages indigenous perception and encourage “narrow-minded
 stereotypes that represent American Indians as exotic, warlike people 
who are stuck in the past,” in the original memorandum.&nbsp;The mascot vote was one of the first 
actions taken by the board after the November election. Five new board 
members have been elected and will take their seats in 2023.

Kan. education board recommends removal of American Indian mascots

Violet “Vee” Viola (Kraft) Griffiths, 94, passed away at the Great Plains Medical Center on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Her two surviving children at the time of her death were in attendance.

Vee was born on July 7, 1928, at her family’s home in Grainton, Nebraska. She was the third of eight children born to Peter and Lucille (Nestor) Kraft.

She married William Frederick Griffiths on October 26, 1946 in Oberlin, Kansas. Vee and Willie lived in Dickens and north Hayes County during the early years of their marriage. They moved to Wallace, Nebraska in 1959 where Vee lived until recent years when she moved to the Centennial Assisted Living Facility in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; Vee's husband preceded her in death.

Vee and Willie raised three children. Gary William Griffiths resides in Brighton, Colorado. Dale Lee Griffiths (married to Sharon) lived in Coppell, Texas and passed away in 2020. Joan Marie Payton (married to Andrew) resides in Bakersfield, California.

Vee loved not only her own children dearly but all children. She worked for the Wallace Public School District for 40 years in various positions: child care, a bus driver, a dish washer, and as a teacher's assistant. She often commented on enjoying the camaraderie with fellow school employees and watching the children of the community grow.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Wallace Methodist Church with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Morning View Cemetery in Wallace. 

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Wallace Public School, 151 North Wallace Road, Wallace, Nebraska 69169. Designate “Vee Griffiths Memorial” on the check. &nbsp;Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.&nbsp; Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668106794975.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Violet “Vee” Viola (Kraft) Griffiths, 94, passed away at the Great Plains Medical Center on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Her two surviving children at the time of her death were in attendance.Vee was born on July 7, 1928, at her family’s home in Grainton, Nebraska. She was the third of eight children born to Peter and Lucille (Nestor) Kraft.She married William Frederick Griffiths on October 26, 1946 in Oberlin, Kansas. Vee and Willie lived in Dickens and north Hayes County during the early years of their marriage. They moved to Wallace, Nebraska in 1959 where Vee lived until recent years when she moved to the Centennial Assisted Living Facility in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; Vee's husband preceded her in death.Vee and Willie raised three children. Gary William Griffiths resides in Brighton, Colorado. Dale Lee Griffiths (married to Sharon) lived in Coppell, Texas and passed away in 2020. Joan Marie Payton (married to Andrew) resides in Bakersfield, California.Vee loved not only her own children dearly but all children. She worked for the Wallace Public School District for 40 years in various positions: child care, a bus driver, a dish washer, and as a teacher's assistant. She often commented on enjoying the camaraderie with fellow school employees and watching the children of the community grow.A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Wallace Methodist Church with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Morning View Cemetery in Wallace. A Memorial Fund has been established for the Wallace Public School, 151 North Wallace Road, Wallace, Nebraska 69169. Designate “Vee Griffiths Memorial” on the check. &nbsp;Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.&nbsp; Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Violet 'Vee' Viola (Kraft) Griffiths

Some things to watch during Week 11 in the Big 12 Conference:

No. 4 TCU (9-0, 6-0 Big 12, No. 4 CFP) at No. 18 Texas (6-3, 4-2)

The undefeated Horned Frogs, picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll, can clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game with a win over Texas. Still, much of the focus on Saturday's game will be former TCU coach Gary Patterson being on the opposite side in burnt orange after winning a school-record 181 wins the last 21 seasons with the Frogs. He is now a special assistant for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian in a role where he can't directly interact with players. But he is very familiar with his former team while advising Sarkisian and the Longhorns staff.

TCU has won seven of the last 10 meetings in the series since joining the Longhorns in the Big 12 Conference. The Frogs won four consecutive games over ranked teams in October. This is the third consecutive ranked opponent for Texas, the first at home. The Longhorns are coming off a win over Kansas State after a loss at then-No. 11 Oklahoma State.

No. 19 Kansas State (6-3, 4-2) at Baylor (6-3, 4-2)

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-baylor-bears-norman-craig-williams-02bb7452bbfefb61981bc36189b61d0b">The defending Big 12 champion Bears have won three consecutive games</a>&nbsp;and control their own destiny to get back into another Big 12 title game. After Kansas State at home, Baylor hosts league-leading TCU and finishes the regular season at No. 18 Texas, the other team now in a three-way tie for second place. K-State has won four in a row in the series against the Bears, and eight of 10.

Iowa State had a five-game losing streak, those losses by a combined 28 points, before its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-west-virginia-ames-xavier-hutchinson-26bc2fc20bebc2360a5d290a75667992">31-14 win over West Virginia</a>&nbsp;last week. ... Kansas is the first team since at least 1980 to beat two opponents it lost to by at least 50 points the previous season: The Jayhawks beat Oklahoma State last week after earlier this year beating Iowa State. ... Oklahoma State dropped out of the AP Top 25 after its second consecutive road loss, but the Cowboys go into their game against Iowa State looking to extend their school-record home winning streak to 14 games.

Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn needs 25 yards against Baylor for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He has run for more than 100 yards in both of his previous games against the Bears. Only two K-State players have had multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Vaughn last week became the sixth player in Big 12 history with 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in his career. He is the fastest to reach those marks, doing so in 32 games.

Oklahoma had won six consecutive Big 12 championships before missing the title game last season. While still mathematically possible for the Sooners (5-4, 2-4) to get the No. 2 spot this year, they would have to win out and get a lot of help. Still, they will be bowl eligible for the 24th season in a row if they win Saturday at home over West Virginia, which is 0-9 against Oklahoma since joining the Big 12 a decade ago.

Some things to watch during Week 11 in the Big 12 Conference:GAME OF THE WEEKNo. 4 TCU (9-0, 6-0 Big 12, No. 4 CFP) at No. 18 Texas (6-3, 4-2)The undefeated Horned Frogs, picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll, can clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game with a win over Texas. Still, much of the focus on Saturday's game will be former TCU coach Gary Patterson being on the opposite side in burnt orange after winning a school-record 181 wins the last 21 seasons with the Frogs. He is now a special assistant for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian in a role where he can't directly interact with players. But he is very familiar with his former team while advising Sarkisian and the Longhorns staff.TCU has won seven of the last 10 meetings in the series since joining the Longhorns in the Big 12 Conference. The Frogs won four consecutive games over ranked teams in October. This is the third consecutive ranked opponent for Texas, the first at home. The Longhorns are coming off a win over Kansas State after a loss at then-No. 11 Oklahoma State.BEST MATCHUPNo. 19 Kansas State (6-3, 4-2) at Baylor (6-3, 4-2)<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-baylor-bears-norman-craig-williams-02bb7452bbfefb61981bc36189b61d0b">The defending Big 12 champion Bears have won three consecutive games</a>&nbsp;and control their own destiny to get back into another Big 12 title game. After Kansas State at home, Baylor hosts league-leading TCU and finishes the regular season at No. 18 Texas, the other team now in a three-way tie for second place. K-State has won four in a row in the series against the Bears, and eight of 10.INSIDE THE NUMBERSIowa State had a five-game losing streak, those losses by a combined 28 points, before its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-west-virginia-ames-xavier-hutchinson-26bc2fc20bebc2360a5d290a75667992">31-14 win over West Virginia</a>&nbsp;last week. ... Kansas is the first team since at least 1980 to beat two opponents it lost to by at least 50 points the previous season: The Jayhawks beat Oklahoma State last week after earlier this year beating Iowa State. ... Oklahoma State dropped out of the AP Top 25 after its second consecutive road loss, but the Cowboys go into their game against Iowa State looking to extend their school-record home winning streak to 14 games.IMPACT PLAYERKansas State running back Deuce Vaughn needs 25 yards against Baylor for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. He has run for more than 100 yards in both of his previous games against the Bears. Only two K-State players have had multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Vaughn last week became the sixth player in Big 12 history with 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in his career. He is the fastest to reach those marks, doing so in 32 games.SOONER STREAKSOklahoma had won six consecutive Big 12 championships before missing the title game last season. While still mathematically possible for the Sooners (5-4, 2-4) to get the No. 2 spot this year, they would have to win out and get a lot of help. Still, they will be bowl eligible for the 24th season in a row if they win Saturday at home over West Virginia, which is 0-9 against Oklahoma since joining the Big 12 a decade ago.

🏈Big 12: No. 4 TCU can clinch spot in league title game

WASHINGTON (AP) — Price increases moderated in the United States last month in the latest sign that the inflation pressures that have gripped the nation might be easing as the economy slows and consumers grow more cautious.

Consumer inflation reached 7.7% in October from a year earlier and 0.4% from September, the government said Thursday. The year-over-year increase, a slowdown from 8.2% in September, was the smallest rise since January. A separate gauge called core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy, rose 6.3% in the past 12 months and 0.3% from September.

The numbers were all lower than economists had expected.

Helping drive the inflation slowdown from September to October were used car prices, which dropped for a fourth straight month. Also down were the prices of clothing and medical care. Food price increases slowed. By contrast, energy prices rebounded in October after having declined in August and September.

Even with last month’s tentative easing of inflation, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep raising interest rates to try to stem persistently high price increases. But Thursday's better-than-expected data raised the possibility that the Fed could decide to slow its rate hikes — a prospect that sent stock prices jumping immediately after the government issued the figures.

“We expect this to mark the start of a much longer disinflationary trend that we think will convince the Fed to halt its (hikes) early next year,” said Paul Ashworth, chief North American economist at Capital Economics, a consulting firm. “With supply shortages normalizing, deflationary pressure is now finally showing up.”

Many economists have warned that in continuing to tighten credit, the central bank is likely to cause a recession by next year. So far this year, the Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate six times in sizable increments, heightening the risk that prohibitively high borrowing rates — for mortgages, auto purchases and other high-cost expenses — will tip the world’s largest economy into recession.

Some economists suggested that the latest inflation data shows that the hikes are beginning to achieve their goal, though the Fed needs to see further evidence.

“The data will be welcome news for the (Fed), finally showing some response in prices” to the rate increases, said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “

In the midterm elections that ended Tuesday, nearly half of voters cited inflation as their top concern, according to VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. About 8 in 10 said the economy was in bad shape, and a slim majority blamed President Joe Biden’s policies for worsening inflation. Just under half said factors beyond Biden’s control, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were to blame.

Those economic anxieties contributed to the loss of Democratic seats in the House of Representatives, though Republicans failed to score the huge political gains that many had expected. And a sizable chunk of voters — 44%, according to VoteCast — said their top concern was the future of democracy, an issue that was emphasized by Biden and Democratic congressional candidates.

Even before the release of Thursday's figures, inflation by some measures had begun to ease and could continue to do so in coming months. Most gauges of workers’ wages, for example, show that the robust pay increases of the past 18 months have leveled off and have begun to fall. Though worker pay is not a primary driver of higher prices, it can compound inflationary pressures if companies offset their higher labor costs by charging their customers more.

Except for automakers, which are still struggling to acquire the computer chips they need, supply chain disruptions have largely unsnarled. Shipping costs have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. The backup of cargo ships off the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been cleared.

And as declines in new rents that have emerged in real-time measures from such sources as ApartmentList and Zillow begin to be captured in the government’s forthcoming measures, that factor should also reduce inflation.

Even as many fear that the economy will fall into recession next year, the nation’s job market has remained resilient. Employers have added a healthy average of 407,000 jobs a month, and the unemployment rate is just 3.7%, close to a half-century low. Job openings are still at historically high levels.

But the Fed’s rate hikes have inflicted severe damage on the American housing market. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has more than doubled over the past year, topping 7% before falling slightly last week. As a result, investment in housing collapsed in the July-September quarter, falling at a 26% annual rate.

Higher mortgage rates have depressed sales. Home prices are slowing sharply compared with a year ago and have begun to fall on a monthly basis. The cost of a new apartment lease is also declining.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Price increases moderated in the United States last month in the latest sign that the inflation pressures that have gripped the nation might be easing as the economy slows and consumers grow more cautious.Consumer inflation reached 7.7% in October from a year earlier and 0.4% from September, the government said Thursday. The year-over-year increase, a slowdown from 8.2% in September, was the smallest rise since January. A separate gauge called core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy, rose 6.3% in the past 12 months and 0.3% from September.The numbers were all lower than economists had expected.Helping drive the inflation slowdown from September to October were used car prices, which dropped for a fourth straight month. Also down were the prices of clothing and medical care. Food price increases slowed. By contrast, energy prices rebounded in October after having declined in August and September.Even with last month’s tentative easing of inflation, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep raising interest rates to try to stem persistently high price increases. But Thursday's better-than-expected data raised the possibility that the Fed could decide to slow its rate hikes — a prospect that sent stock prices jumping immediately after the government issued the figures.“We expect this to mark the start of a much longer disinflationary trend that we think will convince the Fed to halt its (hikes) early next year,” said Paul Ashworth, chief North American economist at Capital Economics, a consulting firm. “With supply shortages normalizing, deflationary pressure is now finally showing up.”Many economists have warned that in continuing to tighten credit, the central bank is likely to cause a recession by next year. So far this year, the Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate six times in sizable increments, heightening the risk that prohibitively high borrowing rates — for mortgages, auto purchases and other high-cost expenses — will tip the world’s largest economy into recession.Some economists suggested that the latest inflation data shows that the hikes are beginning to achieve their goal, though the Fed needs to see further evidence.“The data will be welcome news for the (Fed), finally showing some response in prices” to the rate increases, said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “In the midterm elections that ended Tuesday, nearly half of voters cited inflation as their top concern, according to VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. About 8 in 10 said the economy was in bad shape, and a slim majority blamed President Joe Biden’s policies for worsening inflation. Just under half said factors beyond Biden’s control, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were to blame.Those economic anxieties contributed to the loss of Democratic seats in the House of Representatives, though Republicans failed to score the huge political gains that many had expected. And a sizable chunk of voters — 44%, according to VoteCast — said their top concern was the future of democracy, an issue that was emphasized by Biden and Democratic congressional candidates.Even before the release of Thursday's figures, inflation by some measures had begun to ease and could continue to do so in coming months. Most gauges of workers’ wages, for example, show that the robust pay increases of the past 18 months have leveled off and have begun to fall. Though worker pay is not a primary driver of higher prices, it can compound inflationary pressures if companies offset their higher labor costs by charging their customers more.Except for automakers, which are still struggling to acquire the computer chips they need, supply chain disruptions have largely unsnarled. Shipping costs have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. The backup of cargo ships off the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been cleared.And as declines in new rents that have emerged in real-time measures from such sources as ApartmentList and Zillow begin to be captured in the government’s forthcoming measures, that factor should also reduce inflation.Even as many fear that the economy will fall into recession next year, the nation’s job market has remained resilient. Employers have added a healthy average of 407,000 jobs a month, and the unemployment rate is just 3.7%, close to a half-century low. Job openings are still at historically high levels.But the Fed’s rate hikes have inflicted severe damage on the American housing market. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has more than doubled over the past year, topping 7% before falling slightly last week. As a result, investment in housing collapsed in the July-September quarter, falling at a 26% annual rate.Higher mortgage rates have depressed sales. Home prices are slowing sharply compared with a year ago and have begun to fall on a monthly basis. The cost of a new apartment lease is also declining.

Consumer prices rise less than expected as inflation eases

Mark Johnson, age 52, of WaKeeney, 
Kansas, passed away October 29, 2022, in Victoria Kansas. Mark was born 
on April 12, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama, to Ralph Johnson and Barbara 
Rodgers.

Mark was a United States Army Veteran serving for 3 years as a Cavalry Scout. He had worked as a truck driver and handyman.

Mark is survived by his father Ralph 
Johnson and stepmother Beth of WaKeeney; his mother, Barbara Rodgers; a 
daughter, Mazzie; a brother, Matthew Johnson; and one sister, Julie 
Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Military services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Wakeeney.

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

Services in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668088187829.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Johnson, age 52, of WaKeeney, 
Kansas, passed away October 29, 2022, in Victoria Kansas. Mark was born 
on April 12, 1970, in Mobile, Alabama, to Ralph Johnson and Barbara 
Rodgers.Mark was a United States Army Veteran serving for 3 years as a Cavalry Scout. He had worked as a truck driver and handyman.Mark is survived by his father Ralph 
Johnson and stepmother Beth of WaKeeney; his mother, Barbara Rodgers; a 
daughter, Mazzie; a brother, Matthew Johnson; and one sister, Julie 
Johnson.He was preceded in death by his grandparents.Military services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Wakeeney.Condolences may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com .Services in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Mark Johnson

WASHINGTON (AP) — No instances of digital interference are known to have affected the counting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm vote</a>&nbsp;after a tense Election Day in which officials were closely monitoring domestic and foreign threats.

A few state and local governments appeared to be hit by a relatively rudimentary form of cyberattack that periodically made public websites unreachable. But U.S. and local officials said Wednesday that none breached vote-counting infrastructure.

“We have seen no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was any way compromised in any race in the country,” Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, said in a statement.

CISA and other federal agencies had warned that safeguarding U.S. elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-d6bf92f594343d7a489d40394e56e2a1">has become more complex than ever</a>, with the most serious threats from domestic sources. Foreign adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-russia-ukraine-campaigns-presidential-ea913f2b3b818651a9db1327adaa330a">meddle in individual campaigns</a>&nbsp;and amplify false or misleading narratives on social media.

Many members of an increasingly fractious American public have latched onto&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-presidential-biden-cabinet-b4a3422d188fdd921d8e6f38f53ea0d0">unproven conspiracies</a>&nbsp;about voter fraud. And there are constant fears that state-sponsored intruders or criminals might try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-russia-ukraine-voting-presidential-local-89f03587e105290deddc647d43dd6960">interfere with voter rolls</a>&nbsp;or steal data for ransom. Also of concern are increasing physical and online threats to election workers.

Votes are still being counted throughout the country and winners have not been projected in some key races that will decide control of the House and Senate.

“It's important to remember that this thorough and deliberative process can take days or weeks, depending on state laws; these rigorous procedures are why the American people can have confidence in the security and integrity of the election,” Easterly said in a statement.

The website of Mississippi's secretary of state was down for part of Tuesday and there were other reports of sites becoming unreachable throughout the country, including in Champaign County, Illinois, and parts of Arkansas.

Mississippi was apparently hit with a “distributed denial of service,” in which a website is made unreachable by a flood of inauthentic traffic. Federal and state officials said they could not say who was responsible for the Mississippi attack or other denial of service incidents, though a pro-Russia group had called on the social media platform Telegram for its followers to target the site.

“While attribution is inherently difficult, we’ve not seen any evidence to suggest that these are part of a widespread coordinated campaign,” said one official at CISA, the cybersecurity arm of Department of Homeland Security, in a briefing Tuesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under rules set by the agency.

Analyst Alexander Leslie of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future called the attacks “negligible, a minor nuisance at most.”

The pro-Russia group that claimed responsibility for degrading Mississippi's site also tried to organize an attack against democrats.org, run by the Democratic National Committee. There is no evidence the DNC's site was affected, Leslie said.

Killnet, a far larger pro-Russia hacktivist group with 100,000 online followers that knocked down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlanta-680cf93f7eb0300127448c35299ad66e">some state government and airport websites in October</a>, did not organize any online attempts to attack U.S. election infrastructure.

That may be because such digital systems “are tough targets to hit. CISA has pretty high cybersecurity standards,” Leslie said. “If they claim a bunch of attacks that do absolutely nothing, it doesn't look good for Killnet.”

Republican state Sen. Scott DeLano of Mississippi is a legislative adviser for the state Department of Information Technology Services. He told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Mississippi government websites typically face “hundreds, if not thousands” of attempted intrusions daily — nothing unusual in today's online world.

The site's inaccessibility meant, for example, that residents could not use the site’s information about the location of voting precincts. DeLano said the secretary of state keeps a separate database for statewide voter registration information and that was not affected by the attack. Same-day election results are not posted on the Mississippi secretary of state’s site, so those also were not affected.

In a statement, Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, credited technology staff who “worked diligently to ensure that Mississippi’s election was secure, and through their hard work, we can confidently say our election system was not compromised.”

“We will continue to work ... to ensure, as cyber attacks strengthen in frequency and intellect, we are prepared and have the necessary resources to combat any and all attacks," Watson said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — No instances of digital interference are known to have affected the counting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm vote</a>&nbsp;after a tense Election Day in which officials were closely monitoring domestic and foreign threats.A few state and local governments appeared to be hit by a relatively rudimentary form of cyberattack that periodically made public websites unreachable. But U.S. and local officials said Wednesday that none breached vote-counting infrastructure.“We have seen no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was any way compromised in any race in the country,” Jen Easterly, director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, said in a statement.CISA and other federal agencies had warned that safeguarding U.S. elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-d6bf92f594343d7a489d40394e56e2a1">has become more complex than ever</a>, with the most serious threats from domestic sources. Foreign adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-russia-ukraine-campaigns-presidential-ea913f2b3b818651a9db1327adaa330a">meddle in individual campaigns</a>&nbsp;and amplify false or misleading narratives on social media.Many members of an increasingly fractious American public have latched onto&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-presidential-biden-cabinet-b4a3422d188fdd921d8e6f38f53ea0d0">unproven conspiracies</a>&nbsp;about voter fraud. And there are constant fears that state-sponsored intruders or criminals might try to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-russia-ukraine-voting-presidential-local-89f03587e105290deddc647d43dd6960">interfere with voter rolls</a>&nbsp;or steal data for ransom. Also of concern are increasing physical and online threats to election workers.Votes are still being counted throughout the country and winners have not been projected in some key races that will decide control of the House and Senate.“It's important to remember that this thorough and deliberative process can take days or weeks, depending on state laws; these rigorous procedures are why the American people can have confidence in the security and integrity of the election,” Easterly said in a statement.The website of Mississippi's secretary of state was down for part of Tuesday and there were other reports of sites becoming unreachable throughout the country, including in Champaign County, Illinois, and parts of Arkansas.Mississippi was apparently hit with a “distributed denial of service,” in which a website is made unreachable by a flood of inauthentic traffic. Federal and state officials said they could not say who was responsible for the Mississippi attack or other denial of service incidents, though a pro-Russia group had called on the social media platform Telegram for its followers to target the site.“While attribution is inherently difficult, we’ve not seen any evidence to suggest that these are part of a widespread coordinated campaign,” said one official at CISA, the cybersecurity arm of Department of Homeland Security, in a briefing Tuesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under rules set by the agency.Analyst Alexander Leslie of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future called the attacks “negligible, a minor nuisance at most.”The pro-Russia group that claimed responsibility for degrading Mississippi's site also tried to organize an attack against democrats.org, run by the Democratic National Committee. There is no evidence the DNC's site was affected, Leslie said.Killnet, a far larger pro-Russia hacktivist group with 100,000 online followers that knocked down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlanta-680cf93f7eb0300127448c35299ad66e">some state government and airport websites in October</a>, did not organize any online attempts to attack U.S. election infrastructure.That may be because such digital systems “are tough targets to hit. CISA has pretty high cybersecurity standards,” Leslie said. “If they claim a bunch of attacks that do absolutely nothing, it doesn't look good for Killnet.”Republican state Sen. Scott DeLano of Mississippi is a legislative adviser for the state Department of Information Technology Services. He told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Mississippi government websites typically face “hundreds, if not thousands” of attempted intrusions daily — nothing unusual in today's online world.The site's inaccessibility meant, for example, that residents could not use the site’s information about the location of voting precincts. DeLano said the secretary of state keeps a separate database for statewide voter registration information and that was not affected by the attack. Same-day election results are not posted on the Mississippi secretary of state’s site, so those also were not affected.In a statement, Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, credited technology staff who “worked diligently to ensure that Mississippi’s election was secure, and through their hard work, we can confidently say our election system was not compromised.”“We will continue to work ... to ensure, as cyber attacks strengthen in frequency and intellect, we are prepared and have the necessary resources to combat any and all attacks," Watson said.

Officials: U.S. vote counting unaffected by cyberattacks

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Myredith-Buss">Obituary for Myredith E. Buss | Ryan Mortuary</a>

November 17, 1938 ~ October 27, 2022 (age 83)

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Myredith-Buss"></a>Myredith E. Buss, 83, of Salina, Kansas, was born on 
Thursday, November 17, 1938, and passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022,&nbsp; with her family at her side.&nbsp; A Thursday child; generous and loving 
throughout her life. 
As a child of the Great Depression, Myredith's early life was not easy. 
She worked in the orchard and garden, fished with her brothers in a 
nearby river, and froze her fingers raising ducks to help support her 
family. But she walked away from her childhood with a strong faith, a 
loving and supportive family, compassion for those less fortunate, a 
sharp-witted sense of humor, and a belief that determination and hard 
work would bring a brighter future. 
She was married twice, first to Ronald C. Tonne with whom she had four 
children.&nbsp; They lived in Norton, Kansas, where she worked as the Clerk 
of the District Court.&nbsp; She moved to Salina, Kansas in 1978 and later 
married Kenneth. E. Buss, creating a loving family that would last until
 his death in 2019.&nbsp; Ken made her laugh, loved her endlessly, and broke 
her heart with his passing. They were both devoted grandparents, 
attending all of life's events with great joy! 
Myredith gave love through acts of kindness: sharing recipes, teaching 
us to cook and bake. Fruits and vegetables were treasures, especially if
 they were free and picked by hand – they found their way into jellies 
and jams, salads and jello desserts to be relished each year on our 
holiday tables. 
She always had a project in the works! She gifted us all treasured 
holiday decorations, hand-crocheted pillowcases, and beautiful quilts, 
and she lovingly mended the stuffed animals of her grandchildren – a 
labor of love that continued even with arthritic hands and failing 
eyesight. 
Myredith found beauty in everyday things: watching her flowers grow, the
 smell of baking cinnamon rolls, the croaking of frogs, and the chatter 
and giggles of children at play.&nbsp; She enjoyed the fellowship of Mentor 
Methodist Church and spoke of time spent with friends from the choir, 
countless pancake breakfasts with friends and grandkids, and the comfort
 she found in this supportive community. &nbsp; 
With broken hearts and appreciation for the beautiful life she stitched 
together and shared with us are two of her siblings, Henry Elder and 
Annie Nelson, three of her children, Arden Tonne, Ronda Blatt, and Byron
 Tonne, her stepchildren Melinda Sevedge and Steve Buss, daughters and 
sons by marriage, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. 
We will miss her but know that she will be welcomed to eternity with 
heavenly hugs from her husband Kenneth Earl of 37 years, her cherished 
son Terry Allen Tonne who sadly left us way too soon, and many others 
who shared her life. 
A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, November 26th,&nbsp; at 11:00 a.m. at the Mentor Methodist Church, 616 E. Mentor Rd., Assaria, 
Kansas 67416.&nbsp;

Memorials may be made to the Mentor Methodist Church in 
memory of Myredith E. Buss.

<h2>Myredith E. Buss, Salina</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668034364446.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Myredith-Buss">Obituary for Myredith E. Buss | Ryan Mortuary</a>November 17, 1938 ~ October 27, 2022 (age 83)<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Myredith-Buss"></a>Myredith E. Buss, 83, of Salina, Kansas, was born on 
Thursday, November 17, 1938, and passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022,&nbsp; with her family at her side.&nbsp; A Thursday child; generous and loving 
throughout her life. 
As a child of the Great Depression, Myredith's early life was not easy. 
She worked in the orchard and garden, fished with her brothers in a 
nearby river, and froze her fingers raising ducks to help support her 
family. But she walked away from her childhood with a strong faith, a 
loving and supportive family, compassion for those less fortunate, a 
sharp-witted sense of humor, and a belief that determination and hard 
work would bring a brighter future. 
She was married twice, first to Ronald C. Tonne with whom she had four 
children.&nbsp; They lived in Norton, Kansas, where she worked as the Clerk 
of the District Court.&nbsp; She moved to Salina, Kansas in 1978 and later 
married Kenneth. E. Buss, creating a loving family that would last until
 his death in 2019.&nbsp; Ken made her laugh, loved her endlessly, and broke 
her heart with his passing. They were both devoted grandparents, 
attending all of life's events with great joy! 
Myredith gave love through acts of kindness: sharing recipes, teaching 
us to cook and bake. Fruits and vegetables were treasures, especially if
 they were free and picked by hand – they found their way into jellies 
and jams, salads and jello desserts to be relished each year on our 
holiday tables. 
She always had a project in the works! She gifted us all treasured 
holiday decorations, hand-crocheted pillowcases, and beautiful quilts, 
and she lovingly mended the stuffed animals of her grandchildren – a 
labor of love that continued even with arthritic hands and failing 
eyesight. 
Myredith found beauty in everyday things: watching her flowers grow, the
 smell of baking cinnamon rolls, the croaking of frogs, and the chatter 
and giggles of children at play.&nbsp; She enjoyed the fellowship of Mentor 
Methodist Church and spoke of time spent with friends from the choir, 
countless pancake breakfasts with friends and grandkids, and the comfort
 she found in this supportive community. &nbsp; 
With broken hearts and appreciation for the beautiful life she stitched 
together and shared with us are two of her siblings, Henry Elder and 
Annie Nelson, three of her children, Arden Tonne, Ronda Blatt, and Byron
 Tonne, her stepchildren Melinda Sevedge and Steve Buss, daughters and 
sons by marriage, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. 
We will miss her but know that she will be welcomed to eternity with 
heavenly hugs from her husband Kenneth Earl of 37 years, her cherished 
son Terry Allen Tonne who sadly left us way too soon, and many others 
who shared her life. 
A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, November 26th,&nbsp; at 11:00 a.m. at the Mentor Methodist Church, 616 E. Mentor Rd., Assaria, 
Kansas 67416.&nbsp; Memorials may be made to the Mentor Methodist Church in 
memory of Myredith E. Buss.

Myredith E. Buss

David F.L. Graner, age 53, passed away on October 7, 2022, at Hamburg, New York.

David was born on February 28, 1969, at Montgomery, Alabama, the son of Father James and Anne LoBianco Graner.

David graduated from Larned High School in 1987, attended Kansas 
State University for two years, then enlisting in the U.S. Army, later 
at the rank of Corporal. David called himself an “Army brat” since his 
father, and 3 uncles served in the army as well.

After his army service, David attended culinary school at Baltimore 
Culinary College, completing the 2-year course. He and a friend opened a
 restaurant in Outer Banks, North Carolina before being offered a 
position at a prestigious golf club in Southampton, Long Island, New 
York, where he worked for 8 years.&nbsp; From there, David then worked his 
way up through different chef assignments to a Sous Chef position, first
 on Fishers Island, and finally, completing his career at the Wanaka 
Country Club in Buffalo, New York.

David was of the Christian faith and belonged to Saints Mary and 
Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church in Larned, Kansas. His hobbies were 
many. David was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed the 
game of golf. &nbsp;

David is survived by his mother, Anne Graner, of Larned. He was 
preceded in death by his father, Fr. James Graner. &nbsp;Other survivors are 
his many cousins, Elise, South Carolina, Barbara, New York, Joselle, 
Denver, Blanche, St. Louis, Roberta, Connecticut, Gail, Independence, 
Lee, Florida, Loretta, Cincinnati, and Dennis, Kevin, Edward, Paul, and 
Frank, Florida, and of course, his many friends. He was very loved and 
will be greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service with Military Honors 
will be held on Friday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Mary and 
Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church, Larned with Bishop Mark Cowell 
presiding. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday, November 
17, with family present from 6-8 pm. at Beckwith Mortuary.

Memorials may be given to Sts. Mary and Martha of Bethany Episcopal 
Church, Larned or the Pawnee County Humane Society, both in care of 
Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668034253028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David F.L. Graner, age 53, passed away on October 7, 2022, at Hamburg, New York.David was born on February 28, 1969, at Montgomery, Alabama, the son of Father James and Anne LoBianco Graner.David graduated from Larned High School in 1987, attended Kansas 
State University for two years, then enlisting in the U.S. Army, later 
at the rank of Corporal. David called himself an “Army brat” since his 
father, and 3 uncles served in the army as well.After his army service, David attended culinary school at Baltimore 
Culinary College, completing the 2-year course. He and a friend opened a
 restaurant in Outer Banks, North Carolina before being offered a 
position at a prestigious golf club in Southampton, Long Island, New 
York, where he worked for 8 years.&nbsp; From there, David then worked his 
way up through different chef assignments to a Sous Chef position, first
 on Fishers Island, and finally, completing his career at the Wanaka 
Country Club in Buffalo, New York.David was of the Christian faith and belonged to Saints Mary and 
Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church in Larned, Kansas. His hobbies were 
many. David was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed the 
game of golf. &nbsp;David is survived by his mother, Anne Graner, of Larned. He was 
preceded in death by his father, Fr. James Graner. &nbsp;Other survivors are 
his many cousins, Elise, South Carolina, Barbara, New York, Joselle, 
Denver, Blanche, St. Louis, Roberta, Connecticut, Gail, Independence, 
Lee, Florida, Loretta, Cincinnati, and Dennis, Kevin, Edward, Paul, and 
Frank, Florida, and of course, his many friends. He was very loved and 
will be greatly missed.Cremation has taken place. A memorial service with Military Honors 
will be held on Friday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Mary and 
Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church, Larned with Bishop Mark Cowell 
presiding. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday, November 
17, with family present from 6-8 pm. at Beckwith Mortuary.Memorials may be given to Sts. Mary and Martha of Bethany Episcopal 
Church, Larned or the Pawnee County Humane Society, both in care of 
Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.&nbsp; Personal 
condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

David F.L. Graner

Alan C. Hagerman, 70, Larned, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 
8, 2022, at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, Kansas.

Alan was born on October 4, 1952, in Larned, Kansas. He was the son 
of Elmer and Hilda (Hemken) Hagerman. He was a lifelong resident of 
Pawnee County, Kansas.

A 1970 graduate of Pawnee Heights High School, Rozel, Kansas, he 
graduated from Kansas State University in 1974. Described as a big guy 
with a big heart, he made lifelong friends as a member of the Beta Sigma
 Psi fraternity at K-State where he majored in Ag Economics. Better than
 the friends he made, he met the love of his life and on August 16, 
1974, he married Sindra Davis in Red Oak, Iowa. She survives.

Al was a farmer/rancher and he shared his love of farming, hunting, 
and outdoors with his wife and twin boys. He lived on the family 
farmstead near Rozel, Kansas, until his retirement. He and Sindy moved 
into Larned, Kansas, in November of 2017.

Al spent his retirement from farming being the unofficial parts 
fetcher or the midday taxi service. He always had a knack for stopping 
by to check on how harvest was going just as the evening meal showed up 
at the field. He loved driving out and checking his cattle on pasture.

Family and friends meant everything to Al. He enjoyed watching his 
grandkids play sports, at their shooting competitions, and dance 
recitals. He was always telling stories and accomplishments of his sons 
and their families. He and Sindy would often be found proudly cheering 
in the stands, reading in the bleachers at grandparent’s day at school, 
or losing an intense game of go-fish. He hardly knew a stranger, and was
 never in too big of a hurry to stop for a conversation.

He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Rush Center, Kansas. Al 
was active in his community. He served on the Mid-State Coop board as 
well as the Pawnee Heights School Board. He served as secretary for the 
church council. Al spent 25 years as a coordinator and instructor for 
the Pawnee County Shooting Sports program. He also spent time as an 
instructor of Hunter’s Safety courses in Rozel, Kansas.

Other survivors include his sons Brian, Larned, Kansas, and Kent, 
Timken, Kansas; 5 grandchildren Kale, Kole, Mason, Gabe, and Maddy; two 
sisters, Carol (Larry) Bartlett and Becky (Steve) Wondra; and 8 nieces 
and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, Robert.

Memorial service will be Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. 
at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas, with family present 
starting at 10:00 A.M.

Church visitation will be Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 10:00 
A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas. A private family inurnment will be at a later date in Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Rush Center, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials be given 
to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas, or Pawnee County Shooting 
Sports

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668034056320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alan C. Hagerman, 70, Larned, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 
8, 2022, at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, Kansas.Alan was born on October 4, 1952, in Larned, Kansas. He was the son 
of Elmer and Hilda (Hemken) Hagerman. He was a lifelong resident of 
Pawnee County, Kansas.A 1970 graduate of Pawnee Heights High School, Rozel, Kansas, he 
graduated from Kansas State University in 1974. Described as a big guy 
with a big heart, he made lifelong friends as a member of the Beta Sigma
 Psi fraternity at K-State where he majored in Ag Economics. Better than
 the friends he made, he met the love of his life and on August 16, 
1974, he married Sindra Davis in Red Oak, Iowa. She survives.Al was a farmer/rancher and he shared his love of farming, hunting, 
and outdoors with his wife and twin boys. He lived on the family 
farmstead near Rozel, Kansas, until his retirement. He and Sindy moved 
into Larned, Kansas, in November of 2017.Al spent his retirement from farming being the unofficial parts 
fetcher or the midday taxi service. He always had a knack for stopping 
by to check on how harvest was going just as the evening meal showed up 
at the field. He loved driving out and checking his cattle on pasture.Family and friends meant everything to Al. He enjoyed watching his 
grandkids play sports, at their shooting competitions, and dance 
recitals. He was always telling stories and accomplishments of his sons 
and their families. He and Sindy would often be found proudly cheering 
in the stands, reading in the bleachers at grandparent’s day at school, 
or losing an intense game of go-fish. He hardly knew a stranger, and was
 never in too big of a hurry to stop for a conversation.He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Rush Center, Kansas. Al 
was active in his community. He served on the Mid-State Coop board as 
well as the Pawnee Heights School Board. He served as secretary for the 
church council. Al spent 25 years as a coordinator and instructor for 
the Pawnee County Shooting Sports program. He also spent time as an 
instructor of Hunter’s Safety courses in Rozel, Kansas.Other survivors include his sons Brian, Larned, Kansas, and Kent, 
Timken, Kansas; 5 grandchildren Kale, Kole, Mason, Gabe, and Maddy; two 
sisters, Carol (Larry) Bartlett and Becky (Steve) Wondra; and 8 nieces 
and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, Robert.Memorial service will be Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. 
at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas, with family present 
starting at 10:00 A.M.Church visitation will be Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 10:00 
A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas. A private family inurnment will be at a later date in Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Rush Center, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials be given 
to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, Kansas, or Pawnee County Shooting 
SportsCondolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Alan C. Hagerman

TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection in GOP-leaning Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">overcoming Republican efforts</a>&nbsp;to tie her to President Joe Biden and high inflation and likely benefitting from moderate GOP and independent voters’ frustrations with a failed summer attempt to tighten abortion laws.

Kelly defeated Republican Derek Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general, after highlighting Kansas’ improved finances and greater spending on public schools on her watch, as well as successes in luring businesses. Kelly’s support for abortion rights also likely played an important role, though she didn’t emphasize that issue in her fall campaign.

“The people of Kansas sent a very clear message at the polls yesterday. Kansans said we will keep moving forward as a state, full steam ahead – there will be no turning backward,” Kelly said Wednesday in a statement declaring victory. “Perhaps above all, I believe Kansans voted today for civility, for cooperation, for listening to one another, and for a spirit of bi-partisan problem-solving, that’s become all too rare in our politics today.”

Her victory was a bitter defeat for Republicans. They had high hopes of ousting the only Democratic governor seeking reelection this year in a a state that ex-President Donald Trump won easily in 2020.

David Toland, the state’s commerce secretary, was elected lieutenant governor on Kelly’s ticket. He is likely to remain commerce secretary as lieutenant governor.

Advance voting before Tuesday suggested that the turnout would exceed the unusually high number of ballots cast for the August election on the abortion question.

Democrats were energized in August by a statewide vote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejecting</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have cleared the way for tighter restrictions on abortion or a ban of the procedure. Schmidt supported the measure while Kelly opposed it, but it wasn’t clear how much staying power the issue had as Kelly emphasized other issues.

Anne Melia, a 59-year-old Democrat who spent weeks in the summer going door to door in the Kansas City area to campaign against the abortion measure, said she knocked on more than 1,000 doors in the fall and found it harder to get out the vote for Kelly and other Democratic candidates.

“There just wasn't that same intensity,” she said Tuesday. “It's this partisan thing where people don't necessarily see the through line about their rights.”

Independent and moderate Republicans were key, having swung to Kelly in 2018 in her race against then-Kansas Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">Kris Kobach,</a>&nbsp;a nationally known hardline provocateur on immigration and voter ID issues who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-immigration-kansas-topeka-339a45795e1e479b7754e2fc7a8127ed">was elected to be the state's new attorney general</a>. Schmidt hoped to win them back, but his effort was complicated by a challenge from his right from an independent candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-aa0ee94c6c9264978e7b5be370564db2">state Sen. Dennis Pyle,</a>&nbsp;one of the Legislature's most conservative members.

Kelly's fundraising for her reelection campaign approached $8 million, while Schmidt raised about $4 million in cash contributions, though in late October the Kansas GOP was paying for mailings for him. Spending on television ads by the candidates and outside groups exceeded $40 million.

Schmidt echoed Republican candidates across the U.S. in trying to tie the Democratic incumbent to Biden. In their second and final debate, Kelly refused to answer when he asked whether she thought Kansans were better off than they were two years ago, adding, “I have stayed focused like a laser on Kansas, not on the federal government.”

Kelly also touted her efforts to lure new jobs to Kansas, suggesting that work helped the state weather national economic problems. Less than a week before Tuesday's election, she participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in the Kansas City area for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-oklahoma-kansas-topeka-a6a50dea941774e9a1f3bdba6c49df06">a multibillion-dollar mega-factory for electronics giant Panasonic Corp.</a>&nbsp;to build electric-vehicle batteries, attracted by taxpayer-funded incentives worth $829 million over 10 years, the largest package the state had ever offered a private business.

Kelly ran as the self-described “education governor,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-education-covid-kansas-1e5156ab2661470de4cbf77ab969e821">touting higher spending</a>&nbsp;on public schools, the state’s improved finances and efforts to lure businesses to the state. Democrats tried to link Schmidt to former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, who launched a nationally notorious experiment in cutting income taxes in 2012 and 2013 that was followed by huge, persistent budget shortfalls.

Schmidt chided Kelly for what he called her “unhealthy obsession” with Brownback. He also sought to turn the issue of education against her by highlighting her March 2020 pandemic-related decision to close K-12 school buildings until the fall.

Mel Adams, an 80-year-old Republican from Topeka, said the economy was the key issue, adding that people are fed up with Democrats. He dismissed Kelly's attempts to link Schmidt to Brownback and didn't think much of her portraying herself as politically in the middle of the road.

“That's where roadkill happens,” he said.

Schmidt also painted Kelly as anti-police for calling systemic racism a problem following the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. And Republicans highlighted Kelly's vetoes of two proposals to ban transgender girls and women from girls' and women's school, club and college sports teams.

Republicans won three other statewide races. State Rep. Steven Johnson unseated Democratic State Treasurer Lynn Rogers, and Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt were reelected.

Kansans voted yes to keeping six justices on the state Supreme Court for another six years, even though five were targeted for removal by the state's most influential anti-abortion group. The court ruled in 2019 that access to abortion is protected by the Kansas Constitution.

Finally, voters approved a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution making it harder to remove county sheriffs from office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668015946531.png" alt="Photo by Ralph Hipp courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Ralph Hipp courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection in GOP-leaning Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">overcoming Republican efforts</a>&nbsp;to tie her to President Joe Biden and high inflation and likely benefitting from moderate GOP and independent voters’ frustrations with a failed summer attempt to tighten abortion laws.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I thank the people of Kansas for the honor to continue serving the state we love. These first 4 years were about getting our state back on track. These next 4 years are about making sure Kansas lives up to its potential as the best place to raise a family. The future is bright.&mdash; Laura Kelly (@LauraKellyKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraKellyKS/status/1590388380399198208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelly defeated Republican Derek Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general, after highlighting Kansas’ improved finances and greater spending on public schools on her watch, as well as successes in luring businesses. Kelly’s support for abortion rights also likely played an important role, though she didn’t emphasize that issue in her fall campaign.“The people of Kansas sent a very clear message at the polls yesterday. Kansans said we will keep moving forward as a state, full steam ahead – there will be no turning backward,” Kelly said Wednesday in a statement declaring victory. “Perhaps above all, I believe Kansans voted today for civility, for cooperation, for listening to one another, and for a spirit of bi-partisan problem-solving, that’s become all too rare in our politics today.”Her victory was a bitter defeat for Republicans. They had high hopes of ousting the only Democratic governor seeking reelection this year in a a state that ex-President Donald Trump won easily in 2020.David Toland, the state’s commerce secretary, was elected lieutenant governor on Kelly’s ticket. He is likely to remain commerce secretary as lieutenant governor.Advance voting before Tuesday suggested that the turnout would exceed the unusually high number of ballots cast for the August election on the abortion question.Democrats were energized in August by a statewide vote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejecting</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have cleared the way for tighter restrictions on abortion or a ban of the procedure. Schmidt supported the measure while Kelly opposed it, but it wasn’t clear how much staying power the issue had as Kelly emphasized other issues.Anne Melia, a 59-year-old Democrat who spent weeks in the summer going door to door in the Kansas City area to campaign against the abortion measure, said she knocked on more than 1,000 doors in the fall and found it harder to get out the vote for Kelly and other Democratic candidates.“There just wasn't that same intensity,” she said Tuesday. “It's this partisan thing where people don't necessarily see the through line about their rights.”Independent and moderate Republicans were key, having swung to Kelly in 2018 in her race against then-Kansas Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">Kris Kobach,</a>&nbsp;a nationally known hardline provocateur on immigration and voter ID issues who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-immigration-kansas-topeka-339a45795e1e479b7754e2fc7a8127ed">was elected to be the state's new attorney general</a>. Schmidt hoped to win them back, but his effort was complicated by a challenge from his right from an independent candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-aa0ee94c6c9264978e7b5be370564db2">state Sen. Dennis Pyle,</a>&nbsp;one of the Legislature's most conservative members.Kelly's fundraising for her reelection campaign approached $8 million, while Schmidt raised about $4 million in cash contributions, though in late October the Kansas GOP was paying for mailings for him. Spending on television ads by the candidates and outside groups exceeded $40 million.Schmidt echoed Republican candidates across the U.S. in trying to tie the Democratic incumbent to Biden. In their second and final debate, Kelly refused to answer when he asked whether she thought Kansans were better off than they were two years ago, adding, “I have stayed focused like a laser on Kansas, not on the federal government.”Kelly also touted her efforts to lure new jobs to Kansas, suggesting that work helped the state weather national economic problems. Less than a week before Tuesday's election, she participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in the Kansas City area for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-oklahoma-kansas-topeka-a6a50dea941774e9a1f3bdba6c49df06">a multibillion-dollar mega-factory for electronics giant Panasonic Corp.</a>&nbsp;to build electric-vehicle batteries, attracted by taxpayer-funded incentives worth $829 million over 10 years, the largest package the state had ever offered a private business.Kelly ran as the self-described “education governor,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-education-covid-kansas-1e5156ab2661470de4cbf77ab969e821">touting higher spending</a>&nbsp;on public schools, the state’s improved finances and efforts to lure businesses to the state. Democrats tried to link Schmidt to former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, who launched a nationally notorious experiment in cutting income taxes in 2012 and 2013 that was followed by huge, persistent budget shortfalls.Schmidt chided Kelly for what he called her “unhealthy obsession” with Brownback. He also sought to turn the issue of education against her by highlighting her March 2020 pandemic-related decision to close K-12 school buildings until the fall.Mel Adams, an 80-year-old Republican from Topeka, said the economy was the key issue, adding that people are fed up with Democrats. He dismissed Kelly's attempts to link Schmidt to Brownback and didn't think much of her portraying herself as politically in the middle of the road.“That's where roadkill happens,” he said.Schmidt also painted Kelly as anti-police for calling systemic racism a problem following the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. And Republicans highlighted Kelly's vetoes of two proposals to ban transgender girls and women from girls' and women's school, club and college sports teams.Republicans won three other statewide races. State Rep. Steven Johnson unseated Democratic State Treasurer Lynn Rogers, and Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt were reelected.Kansans voted yes to keeping six justices on the state Supreme Court for another six years, even though five were targeted for removal by the state's most influential anti-abortion group. The court ruled in 2019 that access to abortion is protected by the Kansas Constitution.Finally, voters approved a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution making it harder to remove county sheriffs from office.

Laura Kelly wins reelection for governor in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Kris Kobach revived his political career by winning the Kansas attorney general’s race after two big losses tied to his national reputation as an immigration and election law provocateur.

Kobach, a former two-term Kansas secretary of state and co-chairman of former President Donald Trump’s controversial voter fraud commission,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">defeated Democrat Chris Mann</a>, a former police officer and local prosecutor making his first run for elective office.

Kobach was coming off losses in the Kansas governor’s race in 2018 and a U.S. Senate primary in 2020 that Republicans chalked up to lackluster campaigns and political baggage that turned off independent and moderate GOP voters. But Republicans have long had a voter registration advantage in Kansas and have won 80% of the state’s down-ballot contests over the previous 50 years.

Kobach was coming off losses in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">Kansas governor's race in 2018</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-top-news-religion-kansas-politics-6646c990bce8bd3d93e2722015de87f0">U.S. Senate primary in 2020</a>&nbsp;that Republicans chalked up to lackluster campaigns and political baggage that turned off independent and moderate GOP voters.

Many Republicans said that this year, they saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">a Kobach</a>&nbsp;who stayed more on message, had a better-organized campaign and came off as calmer and steadier than in the past. He talked less about illegal immigration and didn't use the signature prop of his 2018 run for governor, a Jeep painted in a flag design&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/618684029df54c9f8705a6b8ea08cbc5">with a replica machine gun</a>&nbsp;mounted on it.

But Kobach maintained a focus on tightening voting procedures in the absence of documented problems with fraud. In a mid-October debate, he said Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-kris-kobach-topeka-kansas-a34504e587cc5efcf7f01219b89f03e1">needed to rid itself of ballot drop boxes</a>&nbsp;and that people who questioned whether there is voter fraud are “ignoring reality.”

His position put him at odds with current Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who said the state's elections are secure and drop boxes safe.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-wisconsin-c61fa93a12a1a51d6d9f4e0a21fa3b75">An Associated Press survey</a>&nbsp;of state elections officials found no cases in 2020 of fraud, vandalism or theft involving drop boxes that could have affected the results.

Kobach built a national profile and created lasting political enemies before his election as Kansas secretary of state in 2010 by becoming the go-to adviser for state and local officials wanting to crack down on illegal immigration.

He also pushed the idea that lots of people could be voting illegally and championed a tough prove-your-citizenship rule for new Kansas voters, only to see the federal courts strike it down. An early Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential bid in 2016, he was co-chairman of Trump’s short-lived presidential advisory commission on voter fraud.

Kobach told Republicans during his successful primary race this year that he would consider each morning over breakfast how as attorney general he could sue President Joe Biden's administration. But during his fall campaign, he tempered that rhetoric, saying that he'd challenge Biden actions that appeared to violate federal law or the U.S. Constitution.

Mann suggested that Kobach still would be involving Kansas in frivolous and expensive lawsuits and promised to focus on the office's “everyday” work such as public safety and consumer protection.

Mann became a police officer in the late 1990s in the northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence, but an on-duty accident involving a drunken driver ended his career in uniform after only a few years. He then went to law school and worked as a prosecutor in Kansas City, Kansas, and as a state securities regulator before starting a private practice. He also served on the national board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668007762497.png" alt=" AG candidate Kris Kobach declared victory at midnight on Election Day. His opponent said there’s still room for doubt. photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> AG candidate Kris Kobach declared victory at midnight on Election Day. His opponent said there’s still room for doubt. photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Kris Kobach revived his political career by winning the Kansas attorney general’s race after two big losses tied to his national reputation as an immigration and election law provocateur.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you to my supporters, the voters of Kansas, and my team for all the hard work on this campaign. Now that the race has been called, it&#39;s time to get to work tackling the fentanyl crisis and pushing back against the Biden Administration&#39;s illegal mandates. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksag</a> <a href="https://t.co/QZL2LQQ9wc">pic.twitter.com/QZL2LQQ9wc</a>&mdash; Kris W. Kobach (@KrisKobach1787) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisKobach1787/status/1590350694988787713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kobach, a former two-term Kansas secretary of state and co-chairman of former President Donald Trump’s controversial voter fraud commission,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">defeated Democrat Chris Mann</a>, a former police officer and local prosecutor making his first run for elective office.Kobach was coming off losses in the Kansas governor’s race in 2018 and a U.S. Senate primary in 2020 that Republicans chalked up to lackluster campaigns and political baggage that turned off independent and moderate GOP voters. But Republicans have long had a voter registration advantage in Kansas and have won 80% of the state’s down-ballot contests over the previous 50 years.Kobach was coming off losses in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/32816d964acc49e188c9de18b9acb3b9">Kansas governor's race in 2018</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-top-news-religion-kansas-politics-6646c990bce8bd3d93e2722015de87f0">U.S. Senate primary in 2020</a>&nbsp;that Republicans chalked up to lackluster campaigns and political baggage that turned off independent and moderate GOP voters.Many Republicans said that this year, they saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">a Kobach</a>&nbsp;who stayed more on message, had a better-organized campaign and came off as calmer and steadier than in the past. He talked less about illegal immigration and didn't use the signature prop of his 2018 run for governor, a Jeep painted in a flag design&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/618684029df54c9f8705a6b8ea08cbc5">with a replica machine gun</a>&nbsp;mounted on it.But Kobach maintained a focus on tightening voting procedures in the absence of documented problems with fraud. In a mid-October debate, he said Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-rights-kris-kobach-topeka-kansas-a34504e587cc5efcf7f01219b89f03e1">needed to rid itself of ballot drop boxes</a>&nbsp;and that people who questioned whether there is voter fraud are “ignoring reality.”His position put him at odds with current Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who said the state's elections are secure and drop boxes safe.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-wisconsin-c61fa93a12a1a51d6d9f4e0a21fa3b75">An Associated Press survey</a>&nbsp;of state elections officials found no cases in 2020 of fraud, vandalism or theft involving drop boxes that could have affected the results.Kobach built a national profile and created lasting political enemies before his election as Kansas secretary of state in 2010 by becoming the go-to adviser for state and local officials wanting to crack down on illegal immigration.He also pushed the idea that lots of people could be voting illegally and championed a tough prove-your-citizenship rule for new Kansas voters, only to see the federal courts strike it down. An early Kansas supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential bid in 2016, he was co-chairman of Trump’s short-lived presidential advisory commission on voter fraud.Kobach told Republicans during his successful primary race this year that he would consider each morning over breakfast how as attorney general he could sue President Joe Biden's administration. But during his fall campaign, he tempered that rhetoric, saying that he'd challenge Biden actions that appeared to violate federal law or the U.S. Constitution.Mann suggested that Kobach still would be involving Kansas in frivolous and expensive lawsuits and promised to focus on the office's “everyday” work such as public safety and consumer protection.Mann became a police officer in the late 1990s in the northeastern Kansas city of Lawrence, but an on-duty accident involving a drunken driver ended his career in uniform after only a few years. He then went to law school and worked as a prosecutor in Kansas City, Kansas, and as a state securities regulator before starting a private practice. He also served on the national board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Kobach wins Kansas AG’s race, revives political career

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

An incident 
that occurred in September was again a topic for public comments at 
Monday's USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education meeting. Wayne Stout 
reported to the board in October that his granddaughter was the victim 
of a breach of privacy inside the Hoisington Middle School locker room. 
Monday he again expressed concerns about the enforcement of policy in 
the district.

"I have to brag about one of your coaches," Stout 
said. "They stepped up and made it clear: you bring a cell into our 
locker room, you're dismissed from activities. You're done, pack 'em up.
 That's enforcement. Those kids know they will not take a cellphone in a
 locker room."

According to Stout, photos were taken of the 
student in the locker room on Sept. 13, and posted online on Sept. 16.  
Stout told the board the student who took the photo received two days of
 in-school suspension, was not suspended from activities, and continued 
to play volleyball.

Stout expressed further concern about the 
matter not being reported to the police. Hoisington Middle School 
Principal Bob Brungardt said the matter had been reported to the police.

"Why
 is there a report of a crime to the Hoisington Police Department and 
the person the crime was committed against, my granddaughter, how come 
there was no investigation?" Stout asked. "How come we weren't notified?
 Did they do the investigation?"

Superintendent Patrick Crowdis 
answered that the school district could only report the crime. Board 
President Becky Mooney thanked Stout for his comments, and said the 
district's top priority is always the safety of students.

"And 
please know, that of the board, we are taking this seriously, and we are
 working on the steps we hope will continue to be a better environment 
for our students," she said. "They're our first priority, and their 
safety and security is a top priority, so we will continue to do our due
 diligence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668019020517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAn incident 
that occurred in September was again a topic for public comments at 
Monday's USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education meeting. Wayne Stout 
reported to the board in October that his granddaughter was the victim 
of a breach of privacy inside the Hoisington Middle School locker room. 
Monday he again expressed concerns about the enforcement of policy in 
the district."I have to brag about one of your coaches," Stout 
said. "They stepped up and made it clear: you bring a cell into our 
locker room, you're dismissed from activities. You're done, pack 'em up.
 That's enforcement. Those kids know they will not take a cellphone in a
 locker room."According to Stout, photos were taken of the 
student in the locker room on Sept. 13, and posted online on Sept. 16. 
Stout told the board the student who took the photo received two days of
 in-school suspension, was not suspended from activities, and continued 
to play volleyball.Stout expressed further concern about the 
matter not being reported to the police. Hoisington Middle School 
Principal Bob Brungardt said the matter had been reported to the police."Why
 is there a report of a crime to the Hoisington Police Department and 
the person the crime was committed against, my granddaughter, how come 
there was no investigation?" Stout asked. "How come we weren't notified?
 Did they do the investigation?"Superintendent Patrick Crowdis 
answered that the school district could only report the crime. Board 
President Becky Mooney thanked Stout for his comments, and said the 
district's top priority is always the safety of students."And 
please know, that of the board, we are taking this seriously, and we are
 working on the steps we hope will continue to be a better environment 
for our students," she said. "They're our first priority, and their 
safety and security is a top priority, so we will continue to do our due
 diligence."

Cellphones, privacy: Grandfather voices continued concern to Hoisington school

BUNKER HILL —&nbsp; When PBS first went on the air “it was born out of the idea that Americans deserved a non-commercial television service whose sole mission is to educate and&nbsp;inspire.” Smoky Hills PBS has been making that mission a reality for 40 years now.&nbsp; On Nov. 10 Smoky Hills PBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary of bringing trusted educational programs and services to all ages of viewers in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp;

Betsy Schwien, General Manager of SHPBS, shares the station’s plans for the year ahead, including the launch of the station’s signature 40th anniversary logo.&nbsp; 

“We want to celebrate not only this week, but all year. Our theme,&nbsp;40 Years: In Your Neighborhood, embodies exactly what has happened over the 40 years here at Smoky Hills PBS. The media landscape has dramatically changed since the grand opening ceremonies 40 years ago. Back then, you could only receive us over the air and on some cable networks," she said. "Now, 40 years later, you can access SHPBS at your fingertips with a click of a button or a tap on your mobile device.&nbsp; Our mission is to be in the communities we serve — whether it’s on your television screen, tablet, or mobile device, at an event, or in classrooms.&nbsp; We provide free services to educate and inspire all ages of people in Central and Western Kansas in a variety of different ways.&nbsp; That mission is as important today as it was 40 years ago.”

This yearlong celebration kicks off with special testimonials featuring memories and moments about Smoky Hills PBS from past volunteers, employees, board members, program guests, and more.&nbsp; The SHPBS Membership Department will also begin a “40 for 40” campaign, an invitation to&nbsp;viewers and PBS fans to give a donation of $40 in honor of the station’s&nbsp;forty years.&nbsp; To support the campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp; To wrap up the celebration of this historic milestone, SHPBS plans to have a 40th anniversary celebration with a dinner and movie event in October 2023.&nbsp; More details on this event will follow next year.

Details on additional initiatives relating to the 40th&nbsp;anniversary can be found<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/40th-anniversary/" target="_blank">&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; You can also find it on social platforms using #SHPBS40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667918197677.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL —&nbsp; When PBS first went on the air “it was born out of the idea that Americans deserved a non-commercial television service whose sole mission is to educate and&nbsp;inspire.” Smoky Hills PBS has been making that mission a reality for 40 years now.&nbsp; On Nov. 10 Smoky Hills PBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary of bringing trusted educational programs and services to all ages of viewers in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp;Betsy Schwien, General Manager of SHPBS, shares the station’s plans for the year ahead, including the launch of the station’s signature 40th anniversary logo.&nbsp; “We want to celebrate not only this week, but all year. Our theme,&nbsp;40 Years: In Your Neighborhood, embodies exactly what has happened over the 40 years here at Smoky Hills PBS. The media landscape has dramatically changed since the grand opening ceremonies 40 years ago. Back then, you could only receive us over the air and on some cable networks," she said. "Now, 40 years later, you can access SHPBS at your fingertips with a click of a button or a tap on your mobile device.&nbsp; Our mission is to be in the communities we serve — whether it’s on your television screen, tablet, or mobile device, at an event, or in classrooms.&nbsp; We provide free services to educate and inspire all ages of people in Central and Western Kansas in a variety of different ways.&nbsp; That mission is as important today as it was 40 years ago.”This yearlong celebration kicks off with special testimonials featuring memories and moments about Smoky Hills PBS from past volunteers, employees, board members, program guests, and more.&nbsp; The SHPBS Membership Department will also begin a “40 for 40” campaign, an invitation to&nbsp;viewers and PBS fans to give a donation of $40 in honor of the station’s&nbsp;forty years.&nbsp; To support the campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp; To wrap up the celebration of this historic milestone, SHPBS plans to have a 40th anniversary celebration with a dinner and movie event in October 2023.&nbsp; More details on this event will follow next year.Details on additional initiatives relating to the 40th&nbsp;anniversary can be found<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/40th-anniversary/" target="_blank">&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; You can also find it on social platforms using #SHPBS40.

Smoky Hills PBS kicks off 40th anniversary

TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly hoped to win a second term in Republican-leaning Kansas, with her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">close race</a>&nbsp;turning on how many independent and moderate GOP voters stayed with her after lifting her to victory four years ago.

Kelly was the only Democratic governor running for reelection this year in a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020. Republican challenger Derek Schmidt, the state's three-term attorney general, tied Kelly to President Joe Biden and blamed the two Democrats for high inflation.

Kelly held a narrow lead after 5 a.m. Wednesday, with votes still being counted.

During a speech to supporters in Topeka, she stopped short of declaring victory but said she was optimistic as she sent her backers home.

“We feel really good,” Kelly said. “There are just a few more votes that need to be counted.”

“Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a bit longer to get the final verdict,” Schmidt told a GOP gathering in Topeka.

Independent and moderate Republicans were key, having swung to Kelly in 2018 in her race against then-Kansas Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">Kris Kobach,</a>&nbsp;a nationally known hardline provocateur on immigration and voter ID issues. Schmidt hoped to win them back, but his effort was complicated by a challenge from his right from an independent candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-aa0ee94c6c9264978e7b5be370564db2">state Sen. Dennis Pyle,</a>&nbsp;one of the Legislature's most conservative members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667964826864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly hoped to win a second term in Republican-leaning Kansas, with her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">close race</a>&nbsp;turning on how many independent and moderate GOP voters stayed with her after lifting her to victory four years ago.Kelly was the only Democratic governor running for reelection this year in a state carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020. Republican challenger Derek Schmidt, the state's three-term attorney general, tied Kelly to President Joe Biden and blamed the two Democrats for high inflation.Kelly held a narrow lead after 5 a.m. Wednesday, with votes still being counted.During a speech to supporters in Topeka, she stopped short of declaring victory but said she was optimistic as she sent her backers home.“We feel really good,” Kelly said. “There are just a few more votes that need to be counted.”Schmidt also sent his supporters home.“Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a bit longer to get the final verdict,” Schmidt told a GOP gathering in Topeka.Advance voting before Tuesday suggested that the turnout would exceed the unusually high number of ballots cast for the August election on the abortion question.Democrats were energized in August by a statewide vote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">decisively rejecting</a>&nbsp;a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would have cleared the way for tighter restrictions on abortion or a ban of the procedure. Schmidt supported the measure while Kelly opposed it, but it wasn’t clear how much staying power the issue had as Kelly emphasized other issues.Anne Melia, a 59-year-old Democrat who spent weeks in the summer going door to door in the Kansas City area to campaign against the abortion measure, said she knocked on more than 1,000 doors in the fall and found it harder to get out the vote for Kelly and other Democratic candidates.“There just wasn't that same intensity,” she said Tuesday. “It's this partisan thing where people don't necessarily see the through line about their rights.”Independent and moderate Republicans were key, having swung to Kelly in 2018 in her race against then-Kansas Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-voting-rights-presidential-immigration-3ec99db94c0d772465d3a7ccf015ccc6">Kris Kobach,</a>&nbsp;a nationally known hardline provocateur on immigration and voter ID issues. Schmidt hoped to win them back, but his effort was complicated by a challenge from his right from an independent candidate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-aa0ee94c6c9264978e7b5be370564db2">state Sen. Dennis Pyle,</a>&nbsp;one of the Legislature's most conservative members.Kelly's fundraising for her reelection campaign approached $8 million, while Schmidt raised about $4 million in cash contributions, though in late October the Kansas GOP was paying for mailings for him. Spending on television ads by the candidates and outside groups exceeded $40 million.Schmidt echoed Republican candidates across the U.S. in trying to tie the Democratic incumbent to Biden. In their second and final debate, Kelly refused to answer when he asked whether she thought Kansans were better off than they were two years ago, adding, “I have stayed focused like a laser on Kansas, not on the federal government.”Kelly also touted her efforts to lure new jobs to Kansas, suggesting that work helped the state weather national economic problems. Less than a week before Tuesday's election, she participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in the Kansas City area for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-legislature-oklahoma-kansas-topeka-a6a50dea941774e9a1f3bdba6c49df06">a multibillion-dollar mega-factory for electronics giant Panasonic Corp.</a>&nbsp;to build electric-vehicle batteries, attracted by taxpayer-funded incentives worth $829 million over 10 years, the largest package the state had ever offered a private business.Kelly ran as the self-described “education governor,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-education-covid-kansas-1e5156ab2661470de4cbf77ab969e821">touting higher spending</a>&nbsp;on public schools, the state’s improved finances and efforts to lure businesses to the state. Democrats tried to link Schmidt to former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, who launched a nationally notorious experiment in cutting income taxes in 2012 and 2013 that was followed by huge, persistent budget shortfalls.Schmidt chided Kelly for what he called her “unhealthy obsession” with Brownback. He also sought to turn the issue of education against her by highlighting her March 2020 pandemic-related decision to close K-12 school buildings until the fall.Mel Adams, an 80-year-old Republican from Topeka, said the economy was the key issue, adding that people are fed up with Democrats. He dismissed Kelly's attempts to link Schmidt to Brownback and didn't think much of her portraying herself as politically in the middle of the road.“That's where roadkill happens,” he said.Schmidt also painted Kelly as anti-police for calling systemic racism a problem following the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. And Republicans highlighted Kelly's vetoes of two proposals to ban transgender girls and women from girls' and women's school, club and college sports teams.Republicans won three other statewide races. State Rep. Steven Johnson unseated Democratic State Treasurer Lynn Rogers, and Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt were reelected.Kansans voted yes to keeping six justices on the state Supreme Court for another six years, even though five were targeted for removal by the state's most influential anti-abortion group. The court ruled in 2019 that access to abortion is protected by the Kansas Constitution.Finally, voters approved a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution making it harder to remove county sheriffs from office.