NEW YORK (AP) — In Donald Trump's assessment, Mike Pence “committed political suicide" on Jan. 6, 2021.

By refusing to go along with the then-president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">unconstitutional push</a>&nbsp;to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Pence became a leading target of Trump's wrath and a pariah in many Republican circles.

But the final weeks of this year's intensely competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>&nbsp;suggest that the former vice president's fortunes have shifted as he lays the groundwork for his own potential 2024 White House campaign. The man who was booed last year at a conservative conference is now an in-demand draw for Republican candidates, including some who spent their primaries obsessively courting Trump’s endorsement, in part by parroting his election lies.

Pence has traveled the country, holding events and raising millions for candidates and Republican groups, including signing fundraising solicitations for party committees.

For some campaigns in tight races, Pence is seen as something of a neutralizing agent who can help broaden their appeal beyond Trump’s core base of support. 

That's the case in Arizona, with a critical Senate race this year and where the 2024 presidential campaign will be hotly contested. Last week, Pence endorsed Senate nominee Blake Masters, who has struggled to pivot from the primary and win over moderates in a state where one-third of voters are registered independents.

“He takes a little bit of the edge off Masters with a lot of voters,” veteran GOP strategist Scott Reed said. “You know Masters is new to this, first-time candidate, said some silly things he probably regrets during the campaign. But now it’s all about undecided voters in Maricopa County. There’s not a lot more science behind this.”

The endorsements can seem jarring given that Pence has spent much of the past year pushing back on Trump’s election lies, which spurred the violent mob that descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6 while Pence was trying to preside over the formal congressional certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Pence and members of his family had to be rushed to safety and were held for hours in an underground loading dock as the marauders roamed the building's hallways. Some rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” and erected a makeshift gallows outside.

Pence agreed to endorse Masters even though Masters, during the primary, baselessly denied the 2020 election results. Masters recorded a video in which he said he thought Trump had won and claimed on his website that “if we had had a free and fair election, President Trump would be sitting in the Oval Office today.” Trump endorsed Masters in June, saying in a statement: “Blake knows that the “Crime of the Century” took place, he will expose it and also, never let it happen again.”

Pence made no mention of that in Phoenix on Tuesday.

“What I came here to Arizona to say is not only is Blake Masters the right choice for the United States Senate, the people of Arizona deserve to know Blake Masters may be the difference between a Democrat majority in the Senate and a Republican majority in the Senate,” Pence said.

The former vice president, along with Masters and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, took just three questions, two of them from conservative websites. When a television reporter tried to ask Masters if Pence was right to move forward with certifying Biden's victory, the candidate was quickly cut off by a Masters spokesman.

Masters is not the only election denier Pence has endorsed or assisted.

Two days after the Masters event, Pence was in Georgia headlining a fundraiser for Burt Jones, the nominee for lieutenant governor. Jones not only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-3deb77af1b47df5610c5ce9591a1eb2c">embraced Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud</a>&nbsp;and called for a statewide investigation into the 2020 race, but he also signed on to be one of his state’s fake alternate electors — a scheme now under criminal investigation.

On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/"> B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.

Fellow Republicans, Sen. Jerry Moran and Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, will also attend.

Last month, Pence was in New Hampshire for Senate nominee Don Bolduc, a retired Army general who also spent his primary campaign telling voters the race was stolen from Trump.

Marc Short, a longtime Pence adviser, declined to set a red line for candidates Pence would and would not endorse.

“It’s more about making sure that he’s being a team player where he needs to be," Short said. “I think as a lot of these candidates look to solidify the party behind them, Pence can be helpful."

There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines in the 2020 election, underscored by repeated audits, court cases and the conclusions of Trump’s own Department of Justice. Still, support of false election claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-only-on-ap-election-2020-19131c0f468839bf2b847bd7b3dfaf5c">run deep</a>&nbsp;among GOP candidates this year.

The Masters endorsement notably came days after a debate in which he made headlines for seeming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-campaigns-phoenix-47951240086781aee95b93ce0a8f87c1">to have shifted</a>&nbsp;from his most outrageous rigged election claims. Masters instead blamed Trump's loss on “big tech,” “big media” and the FBI, and under repeated questioning, acknowledged he hadn’t seen evidence the vote count or results were manipulated, as Trump has claimed. (After the Pence visit, Masters told Fox News he stood by what he had said on his now-modified website, adding: “I think if everyone followed the law, President Trump would be in the Oval Office.”)

Short said Pence was happy to support candidates who had moved past 2020, as the former vice president has urged the party to do.

"If people sort of acknowledged a mistaken position before, he certainly wants to reward that,” Short said. “I think he wants to help conservatives first and foremost, but if people who were elected are now adopting new position about the events of Jan. 6,” Short said, “then that’s a positive.”

Jones and Bolduc have also tried to distance themselves from their previous statements.

In interviews, Jones has tried to play down the fake elector slate as a “procedural move,” while noting that voters rarely mention the 2020 race.

“Look he’s been consistent that he does not believe the 2020 election was rigged. He said that Joe Biden is president," said Jones campaign spokesman Stephen Lawson, who noted that Pence and Jones have a long-standing relationship and, like Masters, share former Pence staff.

“For us, it was sort of a no-brainer because the vice president's still very well liked in Georgia, very well received. And we’re in that final stretch where any Republican coming to raise money, support, is a value add," he said.

“I think it’s certainly a nod to more mainstream kind of moderate Republicans. I think that’s a fair assessment," he said.

Bolduc claimed throughout the primary race that the 2020 election had been stolen. During a debate, he proclaimed that "Trump won the election, and damn it, I stand by” and adding, “I’m not switching horses, baby.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">right after the GOP primary</a>&nbsp;— and a day after appearing with Pence — he told Fox News it was time to move on. “You know, we live and learn, right? And I've done a lot of research on this and I've spent the past couple of weeks talking to Granite Staters all over the state from every party. And I have come to the conclusion, and I want to be definitive on this: The election was not stolen,” Bolduc said. He described Biden as "the legitimate president of this country."

(Earlier this month Bolduc changed his position again, saying he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">wasn't sure what happened with the election</a>. “I can’t say that it was stolen or not. I don’t have enough information.")

Reed, the party strategist, said he understood the rationale behind Pence's endorsements.

“He’s a big picture party guy. And it doesn’t surprised me that he’s hustling as hard as he is for people who may not be 100% Pencers,” he said. “By doing these kinds of events,” he added, “they’re going to take another look at him if he decides to run.”

Pence’s political future is an open question. Trump, who is widely expected to run again, remains deeply popular with Republican primary voters and would almost certainly be an early front-runner for the 2024 nomination. Pence has said his own decision about running will not be influenced by Trump, though allies often voice skepticism that Trump ultimately will end up on the ballot.

Beyond his endorsements, Pence has spent his time since leaving office performing a careful balancing act. He has distanced himself from Trump's most corrosive statements while promoting what he calls the Trump-Pence agenda. Pence, like generations of could-be candidates, has used the primaries as an opportunity to forge new relationships and build goodwill, and continues to align himself with conservative causes. His trips often include college visits and speeches before anti-abortion groups.

Other potential 2024 candidates have campaigned for the Republican cause, including Texas Sen. Ted Cuz, who is on a monthlong, 17-state “Take Back America” bus tour. Trump has held rallies and finally begun spending a small part of his vast political fortune to help his favored candidates.

“I think he and all these guys are out there really helping the Republicans to win back the House and win back the Senate. It's an effort that everybody needs to contribute to,” said David McIntosh, president of the influential Club for Growth, who has joined Pence at several events.

McIntosh, who has been at odds with Trump in recent months, said he believes the electorate is “moving on" from 2020 "to what’s on the ballot this election.” He said candidates such as Masters "want to show that they've got support from all different types of Republicans, everyone that's out there, so there's a unity theme.”

“It's always been my view," he added, "that leaders like that help themselves by helping.”

But being popular enough that candidates want to campaign with you is very different from being popular enough to be competitive in a presidential primary, and right now, Pence routinely polls in the single digits, far lower than Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Around here people talk about DeSantis and Trump," said Georgia GOP strategist Brian Robinson, adding that attention is largely focused on the Nov. 8 midterms.

Pence's policy group recently held a retreat in Utah at the Montage Deer Valley that was attended by GOP donors such as Matthew J. Bruderman, a New York investor who praised Pence's election-year efforts.

“He’s been extremely effective and deserves credit for continuing to help elect people who he believes will help advance conservative principles," Bruderman said by email, adding that he would “support him or any fiscal conservative of courage and character that wins the nomination” in 2024.

Art Pope, another donor who attended the retreat, said he “personally would love to see Vice President Pence run in 2024.”

"Yes there are frictions and there are divisions" in the GOP, he said, but the party is uniting behind its nominees now that primaries are over.

“Vice President Pence is both benefiting for that unity and helping lead that unification," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956651601.png" alt="On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/">&nbsp;B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/">&nbsp;B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — In Donald Trump's assessment, Mike Pence “committed political suicide" on Jan. 6, 2021.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join us in Wichita on October 21 for a rally with <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mike_Pence</a> <a href="https://t.co/2LL6FXoXTq">https://t.co/2LL6FXoXTq</a>&mdash; Derek Schmidt (@DerekSchmidtKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekSchmidtKS/status/1580246127642742785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>By refusing to go along with the then-president's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">unconstitutional push</a>&nbsp;to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Pence became a leading target of Trump's wrath and a pariah in many Republican circles.But the final weeks of this year's intensely competitive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>&nbsp;suggest that the former vice president's fortunes have shifted as he lays the groundwork for his own potential 2024 White House campaign. The man who was booed last year at a conservative conference is now an in-demand draw for Republican candidates, including some who spent their primaries obsessively courting Trump’s endorsement, in part by parroting his election lies.Pence has traveled the country, holding events and raising millions for candidates and Republican groups, including signing fundraising solicitations for party committees.For some campaigns in tight races, Pence is seen as something of a neutralizing agent who can help broaden their appeal beyond Trump’s core base of support. That's the case in Arizona, with a critical Senate race this year and where the 2024 presidential campaign will be hotly contested. Last week, Pence endorsed Senate nominee Blake Masters, who has struggled to pivot from the primary and win over moderates in a state where one-third of voters are registered independents.“He takes a little bit of the edge off Masters with a lot of voters,” veteran GOP strategist Scott Reed said. “You know Masters is new to this, first-time candidate, said some silly things he probably regrets during the campaign. But now it’s all about undecided voters in Maricopa County. There’s not a lot more science behind this.”The endorsements can seem jarring given that Pence has spent much of the past year pushing back on Trump’s election lies, which spurred the violent mob that descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6 while Pence was trying to preside over the formal congressional certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Pence and members of his family had to be rushed to safety and were held for hours in an underground loading dock as the marauders roamed the building's hallways. Some rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” and erected a makeshift gallows outside.Pence agreed to endorse Masters even though Masters, during the primary, baselessly denied the 2020 election results. Masters recorded a video in which he said he thought Trump had won and claimed on his website that “if we had had a free and fair election, President Trump would be sitting in the Oval Office today.” Trump endorsed Masters in June, saying in a statement: “Blake knows that the “Crime of the Century” took place, he will expose it and also, never let it happen again.”Pence made no mention of that in Phoenix on Tuesday.“What I came here to Arizona to say is not only is Blake Masters the right choice for the United States Senate, the people of Arizona deserve to know Blake Masters may be the difference between a Democrat majority in the Senate and a Republican majority in the Senate,” Pence said.The former vice president, along with Masters and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, took just three questions, two of them from conservative websites. When a television reporter tried to ask Masters if Pence was right to move forward with certifying Biden's victory, the candidate was quickly cut off by a Masters spokesman.Masters is not the only election denier Pence has endorsed or assisted.Two days after the Masters event, Pence was in Georgia headlining a fundraiser for Burt Jones, the nominee for lieutenant governor. Jones not only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-3deb77af1b47df5610c5ce9591a1eb2c">embraced Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud</a>&nbsp;and called for a statewide investigation into the 2020 race, but he also signed on to be one of his state’s fake alternate electors — a scheme now under criminal investigation.On Friday, Pence will appear with Derek Schmidt at<a href="https://bbqwichita.com/"> B&amp;C Barbecue</a>&nbsp;in Wichita,&nbsp;according to Schmidt’s campaign. Schmidt is in a tight race for governor against incumbent Laura Kelly.Fellow Republicans, Sen. Jerry Moran and Reps. Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, will also attend.Last month, Pence was in New Hampshire for Senate nominee Don Bolduc, a retired Army general who also spent his primary campaign telling voters the race was stolen from Trump.Marc Short, a longtime Pence adviser, declined to set a red line for candidates Pence would and would not endorse.“It’s more about making sure that he’s being a team player where he needs to be," Short said. “I think as a lot of these candidates look to solidify the party behind them, Pence can be helpful."There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines in the 2020 election, underscored by repeated audits, court cases and the conclusions of Trump’s own Department of Justice. Still, support of false election claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-cabinet-only-on-ap-election-2020-19131c0f468839bf2b847bd7b3dfaf5c">run deep</a>&nbsp;among GOP candidates this year.The Masters endorsement notably came days after a debate in which he made headlines for seeming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-campaigns-phoenix-47951240086781aee95b93ce0a8f87c1">to have shifted</a>&nbsp;from his most outrageous rigged election claims. Masters instead blamed Trump's loss on “big tech,” “big media” and the FBI, and under repeated questioning, acknowledged he hadn’t seen evidence the vote count or results were manipulated, as Trump has claimed. (After the Pence visit, Masters told Fox News he stood by what he had said on his now-modified website, adding: “I think if everyone followed the law, President Trump would be in the Oval Office.”)Short said Pence was happy to support candidates who had moved past 2020, as the former vice president has urged the party to do."If people sort of acknowledged a mistaken position before, he certainly wants to reward that,” Short said. “I think he wants to help conservatives first and foremost, but if people who were elected are now adopting new position about the events of Jan. 6,” Short said, “then that’s a positive.”Jones and Bolduc have also tried to distance themselves from their previous statements.In interviews, Jones has tried to play down the fake elector slate as a “procedural move,” while noting that voters rarely mention the 2020 race.“Look he’s been consistent that he does not believe the 2020 election was rigged. He said that Joe Biden is president," said Jones campaign spokesman Stephen Lawson, who noted that Pence and Jones have a long-standing relationship and, like Masters, share former Pence staff.“For us, it was sort of a no-brainer because the vice president's still very well liked in Georgia, very well received. And we’re in that final stretch where any Republican coming to raise money, support, is a value add," he said.“I think it’s certainly a nod to more mainstream kind of moderate Republicans. I think that’s a fair assessment," he said.Bolduc claimed throughout the primary race that the 2020 election had been stolen. During a debate, he proclaimed that "Trump won the election, and damn it, I stand by” and adding, “I’m not switching horses, baby.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">right after the GOP primary</a>&nbsp;— and a day after appearing with Pence — he told Fox News it was time to move on. “You know, we live and learn, right? And I've done a lot of research on this and I've spent the past couple of weeks talking to Granite Staters all over the state from every party. And I have come to the conclusion, and I want to be definitive on this: The election was not stolen,” Bolduc said. He described Biden as "the legitimate president of this country."(Earlier this month Bolduc changed his position again, saying he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-new-hampshire-election-2020-e3cf9f19bc45b9fc71c85c67a1a664f9">wasn't sure what happened with the election</a>. “I can’t say that it was stolen or not. I don’t have enough information.")Reed, the party strategist, said he understood the rationale behind Pence's endorsements.“He’s a big picture party guy. And it doesn’t surprised me that he’s hustling as hard as he is for people who may not be 100% Pencers,” he said. “By doing these kinds of events,” he added, “they’re going to take another look at him if he decides to run.”Pence’s political future is an open question. Trump, who is widely expected to run again, remains deeply popular with Republican primary voters and would almost certainly be an early front-runner for the 2024 nomination. Pence has said his own decision about running will not be influenced by Trump, though allies often voice skepticism that Trump ultimately will end up on the ballot.Beyond his endorsements, Pence has spent his time since leaving office performing a careful balancing act. He has distanced himself from Trump's most corrosive statements while promoting what he calls the Trump-Pence agenda. Pence, like generations of could-be candidates, has used the primaries as an opportunity to forge new relationships and build goodwill, and continues to align himself with conservative causes. His trips often include college visits and speeches before anti-abortion groups.Other potential 2024 candidates have campaigned for the Republican cause, including Texas Sen. Ted Cuz, who is on a monthlong, 17-state “Take Back America” bus tour. Trump has held rallies and finally begun spending a small part of his vast political fortune to help his favored candidates.“I think he and all these guys are out there really helping the Republicans to win back the House and win back the Senate. It's an effort that everybody needs to contribute to,” said David McIntosh, president of the influential Club for Growth, who has joined Pence at several events.McIntosh, who has been at odds with Trump in recent months, said he believes the electorate is “moving on" from 2020 "to what’s on the ballot this election.” He said candidates such as Masters "want to show that they've got support from all different types of Republicans, everyone that's out there, so there's a unity theme.”“It's always been my view," he added, "that leaders like that help themselves by helping.”But being popular enough that candidates want to campaign with you is very different from being popular enough to be competitive in a presidential primary, and right now, Pence routinely polls in the single digits, far lower than Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.“Around here people talk about DeSantis and Trump," said Georgia GOP strategist Brian Robinson, adding that attention is largely focused on the Nov. 8 midterms.Pence's policy group recently held a retreat in Utah at the Montage Deer Valley that was attended by GOP donors such as Matthew J. Bruderman, a New York investor who praised Pence's election-year efforts.“He’s been extremely effective and deserves credit for continuing to help elect people who he believes will help advance conservative principles," Bruderman said by email, adding that he would “support him or any fiscal conservative of courage and character that wins the nomination” in 2024.Art Pope, another donor who attended the retreat, said he “personally would love to see Vice President Pence run in 2024.”"Yes there are frictions and there are divisions" in the GOP, he said, but the party is uniting behind its nominees now that primaries are over.“Vice President Pence is both benefiting for that unity and helping lead that unification," he said.

GOP hopefuls turn to Pence to broaden appeal before election

Phyllis Marie Deckert, 101, Manhattan, Kansas, died October 15, 2022,&nbsp; at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community. She was born March 7, 1921, 
the second of four daughters to Lucius Higley and Dorothy Campbell at 
Chase, Kansas. Her parents, her husband Leslie, sisters Pauline, 
Rosalie, and Dory, granddaughter Rebecca, daughter-in-law Nancy preceded
 her in death. She was baptized a Presbyterian in Chase, Kansas. After 
the family’s move to a farm north of Pawnee Rock, she and her sisters 
cleaned the Bergthal Mennonite Church and played hide and seek among the
 monuments of the cemetery. She was a quiet Christian who helped with 
church dinners and attended women’s church activities.

Phyllis married Leslie R. Deckert on August 12, 1941, and they 
began life together on a small farm west of Pawnee Rock in Pawnee 
County. After forty years on the farm, they retired to Larned, Kansas, 
where Leslie passed away in 2004. Phyllis began residency in Manhattan 
in December 2017. Daughter Cora Colleen Smith and husband Larry of 
Wichita and son Andrew and wife Linda of Manhattan in addition to four 
grandchildren (Alysun and husband Mike of Seattle; Ryun and wife Angie 
of Kirkwood, Missouri; Scott and wife Emily of Lenexa, Kansas; and Matt 
and Jodie of Owatonna, Minnesota) and six grandchildren (Toby and Evie 
of Kirkwood, Charlotte and Clara of Lenexa, Jaycie and Tyler of 
Owattonna) survive Phyllis.

Phyllis’ high school graduation portrait showed a young woman 
unafraid of venturing into a rapidly changing world. Her pony rides to 
visit neighbors as a young girl were replaced by airplane travel to her 
granddaughter’s wedding in Seattle; crank telephones and party lines 
became cell phones; information transmitted by telegram, telephone, and 
the radio yielded to the TV and her computer; and living with the theory
 that kerosene was a cure- all gave way to penicillin, vaccines and 
joint replacements. With a shy smile, she stood at attention when 
airport security cautiously circled her with a wand because her knee 
replacements set off the alarms. With a twinkle in her eye of a 
ninety-year-old, she confessed she had traveled 90 mph in her bright 
candy-apple red VW Beetle to visit her daughter in Wichita.

Phyllis was a woman of many talents. She was known for her 
singing voice at the Pawnee Rock Methodist Church and Easter Messiah 
presentations in Larned. Many parents were the recipients of hand knit 
sweaters and booties for their newborns. She exhibited knitting and 
wheat weaving projects, cakes, china painting, and cookie jars at the 
Pawnee County Fair and Kansas State Fair where she received over 100 
colorful ribbons. A disqualification occurred when the judge discovered 
she had decorated an empty cake pan turned upside down. A child of the 
Great Depression, Phyllis Deckert’s scheme of things did not include 
wasting a good cake.

Graveside services in the Pawnee Rock cemetery will be held at 
3:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, with Larry Fry presiding. Visitation
 will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Beckwith 
Mortuary, Larned, Kansas.

Memorial may be given to the United Methodist Church, in care of
 Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal 
condolences may be left at www.beckwithmotuary.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666027103376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phyllis Marie Deckert, 101, Manhattan, Kansas, died October 15, 2022,&nbsp; at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community. She was born March 7, 1921, 
the second of four daughters to Lucius Higley and Dorothy Campbell at 
Chase, Kansas. Her parents, her husband Leslie, sisters Pauline, 
Rosalie, and Dory, granddaughter Rebecca, daughter-in-law Nancy preceded
 her in death. She was baptized a Presbyterian in Chase, Kansas. After 
the family’s move to a farm north of Pawnee Rock, she and her sisters 
cleaned the Bergthal Mennonite Church and played hide and seek among the
 monuments of the cemetery. She was a quiet Christian who helped with 
church dinners and attended women’s church activities.Phyllis married Leslie R. Deckert on August 12, 1941, and they 
began life together on a small farm west of Pawnee Rock in Pawnee 
County. After forty years on the farm, they retired to Larned, Kansas, 
where Leslie passed away in 2004. Phyllis began residency in Manhattan 
in December 2017. Daughter Cora Colleen Smith and husband Larry of 
Wichita and son Andrew and wife Linda of Manhattan in addition to four 
grandchildren (Alysun and husband Mike of Seattle; Ryun and wife Angie 
of Kirkwood, Missouri; Scott and wife Emily of Lenexa, Kansas; and Matt 
and Jodie of Owatonna, Minnesota) and six grandchildren (Toby and Evie 
of Kirkwood, Charlotte and Clara of Lenexa, Jaycie and Tyler of 
Owattonna) survive Phyllis.Phyllis’ high school graduation portrait showed a young woman 
unafraid of venturing into a rapidly changing world. Her pony rides to 
visit neighbors as a young girl were replaced by airplane travel to her 
granddaughter’s wedding in Seattle; crank telephones and party lines 
became cell phones; information transmitted by telegram, telephone, and 
the radio yielded to the TV and her computer; and living with the theory
 that kerosene was a cure- all gave way to penicillin, vaccines and 
joint replacements. With a shy smile, she stood at attention when 
airport security cautiously circled her with a wand because her knee 
replacements set off the alarms. With a twinkle in her eye of a 
ninety-year-old, she confessed she had traveled 90 mph in her bright 
candy-apple red VW Beetle to visit her daughter in Wichita.Phyllis was a woman of many talents. She was known for her 
singing voice at the Pawnee Rock Methodist Church and Easter Messiah 
presentations in Larned. Many parents were the recipients of hand knit 
sweaters and booties for their newborns. She exhibited knitting and 
wheat weaving projects, cakes, china painting, and cookie jars at the 
Pawnee County Fair and Kansas State Fair where she received over 100 
colorful ribbons. A disqualification occurred when the judge discovered 
she had decorated an empty cake pan turned upside down. A child of the 
Great Depression, Phyllis Deckert’s scheme of things did not include 
wasting a good cake.Graveside services in the Pawnee Rock cemetery will be held at 
3:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, with Larry Fry presiding. Visitation
 will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Beckwith 
Mortuary, Larned, Kansas.Memorial may be given to the United Methodist Church, in care of
 Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal 
condolences may be left at www.beckwithmotuary.com.

Phyllis Marie Deckert

William E. “Billy” Elam, 46, died Monday October 10, 2022, at his home in
 Dighton. He was born on March 26, 1976, in Lamar, Colorado, to Edward 
William Elam and Sharon Barton. 
Billy’s family moved around some in his childhood before settling in 
Dodge City. Billy was a plumber and painter by trade, really he was 
gifted in all areas of home construction. He loved to fish especially 
with members of his family. Billy moved to Dighton, Kansas, to be closer 
to a brother and was currently working for a local farmer. 
He is survived by his Father- Edward William (Charlene) Elam of Dodge 
City, Kansas, Siblings- William Chad (Barb) Elam of Reno, Nevada, 
Preston Duane Elam of Iowa, Scott Mills, Ness City, and Keena, Sons- 
Colby Elam and William Elam, Granddaughter- Peyton Elam. 
He is preceded in death by his Mother- Sharon Barton, Grandparents- Martha Elam, Earl Barton, and Lily Faye Martinez. 
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday October, 21, 2022, at 
the Dighton Memorial Cemetery in Dighton, Kansas with Pastor Ken Bowden 
officiating.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Billy Elam 
Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666024617129.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William E. “Billy” Elam, 46, died Monday October 10, 2022, at his home in
 Dighton. He was born on March 26, 1976, in Lamar, Colorado, to Edward 
William Elam and Sharon Barton. 
Billy’s family moved around some in his childhood before settling in 
Dodge City. Billy was a plumber and painter by trade, really he was 
gifted in all areas of home construction. He loved to fish especially 
with members of his family. Billy moved to Dighton, Kansas, to be closer 
to a brother and was currently working for a local farmer. 
He is survived by his Father- Edward William (Charlene) Elam of Dodge 
City, Kansas, Siblings- William Chad (Barb) Elam of Reno, Nevada, 
Preston Duane Elam of Iowa, Scott Mills, Ness City, and Keena, Sons- 
Colby Elam and William Elam, Granddaughter- Peyton Elam. 
He is preceded in death by his Mother- Sharon Barton, Grandparents- Martha Elam, Earl Barton, and Lily Faye Martinez. 
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday October, 21, 2022, at 
the Dighton Memorial Cemetery in Dighton, Kansas with Pastor Ken Bowden 
officiating. Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Billy Elam 
Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.

William E. 'Billy' Elam

Kenneth R. Pyke, 93, of Abilene passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Abilene. He was born September 11, 1929, in Abilene, Kansas, the son of Roy W. and Ruth K. (Gish) Pyke. Kenny grew up in Abilene, attended the Abilene school districts and graduated from Abilene High School. 

On October 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Carole L. Allison in Wichita, Kansas. 

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1951, serving two years in the 11th Airborne stationed in Ft. Campbell. He was the manager at A&amp;P Grocery and later worked as an assistant team leader at Duckwalls. 

He was a member of the Abilene First Christian Church in Abilene, and was a member of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Dickinson County Historical Society. 

Kenny is survived by two daughters-in-law: Dianne (Wood) Pyke of Springfield, Missouri and Kathleen (Newlin) Pyke of Hays, Kansas. Grandchildren: Amanda (Pyke) Brantley (Stuart); Christopher Pyke; and Scott Pyke. Great-Grandchildren: Cobie, Coltin, and Ryker Pyke. One sister-in-law, Barbara Pyke and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Carole, two sons, Thomas Pyke and Dale Pyke and a brother, Ralph Pyke. 

Funeral services for Kenny will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Abilene First Christian Church with Pastor Jason Kohler officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, rural Abilene. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5-7PM at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home of Abilene. 

The family suggests memorials be given to the Abilene First Christian Church or to the Eisenhower Foundation. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, KS 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666022522515.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth R. Pyke, 93, of Abilene passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Abilene. He was born September 11, 1929, in Abilene, Kansas, the son of Roy W. and Ruth K. (Gish) Pyke. Kenny grew up in Abilene, attended the Abilene school districts and graduated from Abilene High School. On October 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Carole L. Allison in Wichita, Kansas. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1951, serving two years in the 11th Airborne stationed in Ft. Campbell. He was the manager at A&amp;P Grocery and later worked as an assistant team leader at Duckwalls. He was a member of the Abilene First Christian Church in Abilene, and was a member of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Dickinson County Historical Society. Kenny is survived by two daughters-in-law: Dianne (Wood) Pyke of Springfield, Missouri and Kathleen (Newlin) Pyke of Hays, Kansas. Grandchildren: Amanda (Pyke) Brantley (Stuart); Christopher Pyke; and Scott Pyke. Great-Grandchildren: Cobie, Coltin, and Ryker Pyke. One sister-in-law, Barbara Pyke and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Carole, two sons, Thomas Pyke and Dale Pyke and a brother, Ralph Pyke. Funeral services for Kenny will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Abilene First Christian Church with Pastor Jason Kohler officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, rural Abilene. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5-7PM at Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home of Abilene. The family suggests memorials be given to the Abilene First Christian Church or to the Eisenhower Foundation. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, KS 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com&nbsp;

Kenneth R. Pyke

To lower the price of hearing aids and expand access, President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/09/fact-sheet-executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/">Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy</a>&nbsp;called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make hearing aids available over the counter, without a prescription, according to a statement from the White House. That is now reality. Starting Monday, hearings aids are now on store shelves across the country—for thousands of dollars less than they previously cost.

Specifically, today, under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-17/pdf/2022-17230.pdf">a final rule</a>&nbsp;issued by the FDA, adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can buy hearing aids at a store or online without a prescription, exam, or audiologist fitting. FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/160971/download">estimates</a>&nbsp;this could lower average costs by as much as $3,000 per pair—providing significant breathing room for the nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564588/">30 million Americans</a>&nbsp;with hearing loss, including nearly 10 million adults under age 60.

Retailers across the country are now selling over-the-counter hearing aids. Options available today or coming soon include:&nbsp;

To lower the price of hearing aids and expand access, President Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/09/fact-sheet-executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/">Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy</a>&nbsp;called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make hearing aids available over the counter, without a prescription, according to a statement from the White House. That is now reality. Starting Monday, hearings aids are now on store shelves across the country—for thousands of dollars less than they previously cost.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Starting today: Americans can buy hearing aids over the counter, without a prescription or exam. This will lower the price of a pair by nearly $3,000 – providing more breathing room for an estimated 30 million Americans. <a href="https://t.co/u5U1vF2EbV">pic.twitter.com/u5U1vF2EbV</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1582027958512148480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Specifically, today, under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-17/pdf/2022-17230.pdf">a final rule</a>&nbsp;issued by the FDA, adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can buy hearing aids at a store or online without a prescription, exam, or audiologist fitting. FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/160971/download">estimates</a>&nbsp;this could lower average costs by as much as $3,000 per pair—providing significant breathing room for the nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564588/">30 million Americans</a>&nbsp;with hearing loss, including nearly 10 million adults under age 60. Retailers across the country are now selling over-the-counter hearing aids. Options available today or coming soon include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Starting today,&nbsp;Walgreens&nbsp;is selling hearings aids at stores nationwide and online for $799 per pair. According to Walgreens, comparable models sold by specialists range from $2,000 to $8,000 a pair. </li><li>Starting today,&nbsp;CVS&nbsp;will start selling over-the-counter hearing aids on CVS.com, with varying options on model and price point. CVS will also offer hearing aids in select CVS Pharmacy locations beginning in November. </li><li>Starting today,&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;will offer an assortment of over-the-counter hearing aids on Walmart.com, SamsClub.com, and in over 1,000 Vision Centers in Walmart stores across Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as 474 Sam’s Club Hearing Aid Center locations. Available products will range in price from $199 to $999 per pair, while according to Walmart, comparable prescription hearing aids are priced at $4,400 to $5,500 per pair. </li><li>Starting this week, Best Buy&nbsp;will offer nearly 20 different hearing devices online. By the end of October, it will offer hearing aids in nearly 300 stores across the country. Devices will range in price between $200 and $3,000. </li><li>Starting this week,&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;will sell over-the-counter hearing aids online and in 34 locations across Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Hy-Vee plans to offer hearing aids in 100 locations by the end of the year. Hy-Vee will offer four models ranging in price from $499.99 to $999.99.</li>
 </ul>

Lower-cost, over-the-counter hearing aids now available

Monday, July 12th, 1926-Saturday, October 15th, 2022

An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Monday, July 12th, 1926-Saturday, October 15th, 2022An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Lillian Irene Sims (Rhea)

Wednesday, September 23rd, 1959-Thursday, October 13th, 2022

Wednesday, September 23rd, 1959-Thursday, October 13th, 2022An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Linda Marie Rumback (Sandvil)

Thursday, July 4th, 1957-Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/stephen-nollette/5046455/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Thursday, July 4th, 1957-Wednesday, October 12th, 2022An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/stephen-nollette/5046455/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Stephen Charles Nollette

With the mercury expected to take a drastic nosedive this week, a freeze warning is in effect for most of northwest Kansas overnight Monday and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is expected the low in the Hays area to drop to 27 degrees early Tuesday morning, with a low of 29 predicted early Wednesday morning.

The highs Monday and Tuesday are only expected to reach the low- to mid-50s. By Wednesday, the temperature will tick back up, with highs in the low- to mid-70s and overnight lows in the low-40s.

Skies are expected to remain clear and calm through the week.

The overnight low early Monday morning was 28 degrees, the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666016636110.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the mercury expected to take a drastic nosedive this week, a freeze warning is in effect for most of northwest Kansas overnight Monday and Tuesday.The National Weather Service in Dodge City is expected the low in the Hays area to drop to 27 degrees early Tuesday morning, with a low of 29 predicted early Wednesday morning.The highs Monday and Tuesday are only expected to reach the low- to mid-50s. By Wednesday, the temperature will tick back up, with highs in the low- to mid-70s and overnight lows in the low-40s.Skies are expected to remain clear and calm through the week.The overnight low early Monday morning was 28 degrees, the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After the first freeze of the season for many Monday morning, another freeze is expected Tuesday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/YiSRnIDyWW">pic.twitter.com/YiSRnIDyWW</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1581976189387743234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The cooler weather sticks around the next few days including another round of freezing temperatures tonight. Record lows tonight are unlikely due to clouds. Otherwise, dry and warmer the rest of the week including some potential fire weather conditions Wed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jrWmzNjuu">pic.twitter.com/0jrWmzNjuu</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1581945394065379328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Freeze warning issued for most of northwest Kansas

Molly Anne Brenner, age 24, passed away Friday afternoon, October 14,
 2022, at the University of Colorado Health Aurora Campus, Aurora, 
Colorado.

She was born March 29, 1998, at Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of 
Mitch and Cindy (Cordes) Brenner.&nbsp; As a young girl, she attended school 
in Meade, graduating from Meade High School in 2016.&nbsp; During her school 
years, Molly was involved in competitive dance&nbsp;and tumbling.&nbsp; She was 
also an active participant in several other activities including a 
member of the Meade High School golf&nbsp;team, Kayettes and cheerleading.&nbsp; 
After her graduation, she attended the Kansas School of the Blind, 
graduating in 2018.

She was a member of Saint John Lutheran Church, LYF, and Our Diamond 
Miss pageant system.&nbsp; She enjoyed shopping--always the fashionista, 
going to the lake and swimming, desserts, chocolate in particular, and 
spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her parents, Mitch and Cindy Brenner of Meade, 
Kansas; a brother, Mason Brenner of Meade; her maternal grandmother, 
Carol Cordes of Meade; her paternal grandmother, Kathleen Brenner of 
Hays, Kansas; her 'big sisters' Megan and Ashley and several aunts, 
uncles, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Larry Cordes; 
paternal grandfathers, Kent Amerine and Larry Brenner; and an uncle, 
Matt Cordes.

A celebration of Molly’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, 
October 22, 2022, at the Meade High School Auditorium. Friends may call 
from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at 
Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade with the family present to receive 
friends. Private family interment will be held at a later date.

The family would welcome memorials to the Heathers Camp or the Meade High School Golf Team in care of the funeral home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666011386434.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Molly Anne Brenner, age 24, passed away Friday afternoon, October 14,
 2022, at the University of Colorado Health Aurora Campus, Aurora, 
Colorado.She was born March 29, 1998, at Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of 
Mitch and Cindy (Cordes) Brenner.&nbsp; As a young girl, she attended school 
in Meade, graduating from Meade High School in 2016.&nbsp; During her school 
years, Molly was involved in competitive dance&nbsp;and tumbling.&nbsp; She was 
also an active participant in several other activities including a 
member of the Meade High School golf&nbsp;team, Kayettes and cheerleading.&nbsp; 
After her graduation, she attended the Kansas School of the Blind, 
graduating in 2018.She was a member of Saint John Lutheran Church, LYF, and Our Diamond 
Miss pageant system.&nbsp; She enjoyed shopping--always the fashionista, 
going to the lake and swimming, desserts, chocolate in particular, and 
spending time with her family and friends.She is survived by her parents, Mitch and Cindy Brenner of Meade, 
Kansas; a brother, Mason Brenner of Meade; her maternal grandmother, 
Carol Cordes of Meade; her paternal grandmother, Kathleen Brenner of 
Hays, Kansas; her 'big sisters' Megan and Ashley and several aunts, 
uncles, and cousins.She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Larry Cordes; 
paternal grandfathers, Kent Amerine and Larry Brenner; and an uncle, 
Matt Cordes.A celebration of Molly’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, 
October 22, 2022, at the Meade High School Auditorium. Friends may call 
from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at 
Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade with the family present to receive 
friends. Private family interment will be held at a later date.The family would welcome memorials to the Heathers Camp or the Meade High School Golf Team in care of the funeral home.

Molly Anne Brenner

April Ann Ulrich, 54, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, October 14,
 2022, at the Hays Medical Center Emergency Room in Hays, Kansas. April 
gained her heavenly wings surrounded by her family, after a courageous 
battle with Pancreatic cancer.&nbsp;

April was born on April 6, 1968, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of
 Richard Wayne and Mary Ann (Deines) Hogan.&nbsp; She grew up in Russell, 
Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1986.&nbsp; 
After high school, she graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a 
bachelor’s degree in business.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united in 
marriage to Wayne Doug Ulrich Jr. on August 24, 2001, in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She worked for many years as a legal assistant for the Mark 
Blehm Law Office in Russell.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of St. John 
Lutheran Church in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, 
animals, puzzles and watching her daughter Josalyn compete in rodeos.&nbsp; 
Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and especially 
enjoyed being grandma to her six grandchildren. She always had a 
welcoming smile, hugs and warm food to any friends that her daughters 
brought home. She was “Mama Ape” to many.&nbsp;

Surviving family include her husband Doug of the home; daughters 
Brittney Mayberry (Jason) of Hays, Kansas, Brooklyn Harders (Zach) of 
Russell, Kansas and Josalyn Ulrich (Blade Overturf) of Russell, Kansas; 
mother Mary Ann Hogan of Russell, Kansas; brother Richard Hogan II of 
Gorham, Kansas; sisters Kimberly Tormanen (Darrel) of Hays, Kansas, 
Shelly Twenter (Jeff) of Russell, Kansas and Marla King (Terry) of 
Judsonia, Arkansas; 6 grandchildren Ryler, Raegan, Rossie, Rayla, Cash 
and Cooper.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her father Richard W. Hogan and mother in-law Mary Ulrich.

A celebration of April’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, 
October 21, 2022, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 
from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the mortuary 
with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.&nbsp; 

In 
lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Pancreatic 
Cancer Action Network and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666021379857.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>April Ann Ulrich, 54, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, October 14,
 2022, at the Hays Medical Center Emergency Room in Hays, Kansas. April 
gained her heavenly wings surrounded by her family, after a courageous 
battle with Pancreatic cancer.&nbsp;April was born on April 6, 1968, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of
 Richard Wayne and Mary Ann (Deines) Hogan.&nbsp; She grew up in Russell, 
Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1986.&nbsp; 
After high school, she graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a 
bachelor’s degree in business.&nbsp; She met, fell in love and was united in 
marriage to Wayne Doug Ulrich Jr. on August 24, 2001, in Russell, 
Kansas.&nbsp; She worked for many years as a legal assistant for the Mark 
Blehm Law Office in Russell.&nbsp; She was a longtime member of St. John 
Lutheran Church in Russell.&nbsp; She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, 
animals, puzzles and watching her daughter Josalyn compete in rodeos.&nbsp; 
Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and especially 
enjoyed being grandma to her six grandchildren. She always had a 
welcoming smile, hugs and warm food to any friends that her daughters 
brought home. She was “Mama Ape” to many.&nbsp;Surviving family include her husband Doug of the home; daughters 
Brittney Mayberry (Jason) of Hays, Kansas, Brooklyn Harders (Zach) of 
Russell, Kansas and Josalyn Ulrich (Blade Overturf) of Russell, Kansas; 
mother Mary Ann Hogan of Russell, Kansas; brother Richard Hogan II of 
Gorham, Kansas; sisters Kimberly Tormanen (Darrel) of Hays, Kansas, 
Shelly Twenter (Jeff) of Russell, Kansas and Marla King (Terry) of 
Judsonia, Arkansas; 6 grandchildren Ryler, Raegan, Rossie, Rayla, Cash 
and Cooper.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her father Richard W. Hogan and mother in-law Mary Ulrich.A celebration of April’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, 
October 21, 2022, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 
from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the mortuary 
with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.&nbsp; In 
lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Pancreatic 
Cancer Action Network and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the 
funeral service arrangements.

April Ann Ulrich

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

It was planned as a celebration of life for a popular Hays businessman who died during the COVID pandemic.

For those who attended a get-together on Oct. 6 at The Strand Event Center in downtown Hays, it was a trip down memory lane for many reasons.

Russ Clark was the former co-owner of the Village Shop, a men’s clothing store where The Strand is now located at 1102 Main. Clark died at the age of 96 in December of 2020 during a time when large gatherings were discouraged.

Two of Clark’s six children had milestone class reunions during this year’s homecoming activities for Hays High School in October. So they decided to organize a celebration of life for their dad at The Strand during that time as well.

“We had always watched what was going on at 1102 Main; it was a big part of our family,” said Steve Clark, the third born of the six Clark siblings, who made the trip to Hays from New York for the weekend.

After the Village Shop closed in 1990, the building housed some retail businesses and even a Goodwill store for a few years. It sat empty from 2009 until Hays entrepreneurs Dustin and Laney Roths bought and remodeled the building, then opened for business in 2020.

“When we heard the building was going to be turned into an event space, we were excited about that, thought it was a great use of the space,” Steve said. “So when we were talking about having some kind of get-together to honor our dad, this seemed like a logical place to have it.”

People came from near and far to honor Clark and to reminisce about days gone by.

After hugs and hellos for those attending – many who hadn’t seen each other in years – most conversations were started off with one common question: “Do you remember …?”&nbsp;

For those who didn’t know (or remember) certain facts, folks who lived during the Village Shop days were more than happy to fill in some blanks.

Russ Clark had opened the Village Shop in 1963 with Don Volker. In 1977, Volker sold his interest in the business to Jim Schiffelbein, then the manager of Browne’s for Men, another men’s clothing store across the street.

Clark and his wife, Dora Lou, opted for retirement when Schiffelbein took a job with Wolverine Worldwide in Michigan. Dora Lou had worked as bookkeeper for the Village Shop for decades, and the Clark couple was able to enjoy 28 years of retirement together before her death in 2018 at the age of 93.

Schiffelbein talked about how during the 1970s and ’80s, the men’s clothing stores never had to go looking for help. They always had plenty of applicants from down the street at Fort Hays State University.

He also mentioned how many of those young men went on to become successful professionals no matter what career they chose.

“You won’t get a better education than meeting with the public on a day-to-day basis,” Schiffelbein said. “We’re one of the few professions that you have to train the mind and the body.”

One of those young employees was Jerry Moran from Plainville, who went on to excel in a career other than a men’s clothing salesman.

“I learned a lot as a young college student, watching how Russ Clark conducted himself,” said Moran, who went on to succeed as an attorney and in local and state politics and now is in his second term as a U.S. Senator.

While attending Fort Hays State, Moran worked in Browne’s for Men, in which Clark and Volker had ownership shares along with the Village Shop. Therefore, Moran frequented the Village Shop – which specialized in men’s suits but also sold sportswear and other outerwear – and says he was a customer there until the store closed.

Moran admits his first college employment experience set a solid foundation for life.&nbsp;

“Russ Clark was a good role model for all kinds of professions, an honorable person,” Moran said. “I learned a lot just watching his relationship with customers. He always stood straight and tall, and his clothes seemed like something out of a magazine.”

Moran said he remembers the Village Shop being a “center of attention in Hays.”

“People from all over our part of Kansas wandered into the store to shop, not only to shop but to have a conversation with Russ Clark,” he said. “He had an aura about him where people not only liked him, but they respected him, too.”

Those who worked alongside Clark day in and day out had similar feelings.

“Russ was like a father to me,” Schiffelbein said in a telephone interview. Schiffelbein still lives in Michigan and was unable to make the celebration because of a prior commitment.

“He would tell what he thought about something,” Schiffelbein said, “and although you might not agree on everything, he was easy-going.”

He added that a big reason for the business’ success was it service, which included professional in-house tailoring.

“Tailoring was an art back then,” Schiffelbein said. “You were basically rebuilding the suit. That was a service that people really appreciated."

In its early days, the Village Shop occupied about half the building, and a men’s shoe store was in the other half.

Joe Pflaum, an assistant manager for that shoe store (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) at the time, said he remembers having to keep the Village Shop’s front door locked right up to opening time because customers would be standing outside waiting to get in.

“It was a really popular store, and it was really enjoyable to work there,” Pflaum said. “It was so family-oriented.”

The get-together on Oct. 6 resembled a family gathering as the Clark siblings mingled with the crowd, getting reacquainted with several. Three tables displaying memorabilia from Russ Clark’s life brought back a lot of memories for many and prompted more “remember whens.”&nbsp;

Steve Clark and his younger brother, Patrick (Sibling No. 5 who lives in Overland Park), entertained visitors with stories of their first jobs at the Village Shop.

“My first job was to sweep the sidewalk or vacuum the carpet,” Steve said. “I spent a lot of time down here from grade school through my first year of college at Fort Hays State.”

“Shining shoes – that was the first thing I got paid for,” Patrick said with a laugh, adding that he got proficient at removing tack stitching that is sewn on suit pockets to keep the shape of the suit during shipping.

“They watched me the first several times I removed those stitches,” he added, “but I got pretty good with that seam ripper after a while.”

Other Clark siblings in attendance were sisters Cindy Maddux from Randolph and Sara Clark from Oregon. The family’s oldest sibling (sister Lynne Burke from Mississippi) and youngest (Robert Clark from New York) were not able to make the trip.

Russ Clark survived the Dust Bowl and World War II and enjoyed a good, long life. And most everyone who knew him would tell you his No. 1 priority was family.

He would have been pleased that his family – immediate and extended – could get together for another visit at the Village Shop.

“Our parents enjoyed Hays, and Dad enjoyed interacting with people,” Steve Clark said. “Speaking for all my siblings, we agreed he would appreciate the serendipity that his final get-together was at 1102 Main. Dad was a good man. He made the world a better place.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostIt was planned as a celebration of life for a popular Hays businessman who died during the COVID pandemic.For those who attended a get-together on Oct. 6 at The Strand Event Center in downtown Hays, it was a trip down memory lane for many reasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665849154593.png" alt="Russ Clark" />
 <figcaption>Russ Clark</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765040693.jpeg" alt="A table at the celebration of life for Russ Clark displayed memorabilia about him, including his photo on a National Geographic cover, family photos and the American flag his family received from his committal serve at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney." />
 <figcaption>A table at the celebration of life for Russ Clark displayed memorabilia about him, including his photo on a National Geographic cover, family photos and the American flag his family received from his committal serve at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney.</figcaption>
 </figure>Russ Clark was the former co-owner of the Village Shop, a men’s clothing store where The Strand is now located at 1102 Main. Clark died at the age of 96 in December of 2020 during a time when large gatherings were discouraged.Two of Clark’s six children had milestone class reunions during this year’s homecoming activities for Hays High School in October. So they decided to organize a celebration of life for their dad at The Strand during that time as well.“We had always watched what was going on at 1102 Main; it was a big part of our family,” said Steve Clark, the third born of the six Clark siblings, who made the trip to Hays from New York for the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765065478.jpeg" alt="Two of Clark’s children, Sara Clark (far right) and Patrick Clark (against wall with tie) enjoyed greeting Hays folks from days gone by at their father’s celebration of life. At the table looking at memorabilia are DJ Bickle and his father, Don. Visiting with Sara is Sharon Wagner. In the back with Patrick is Mike Leas." />
 <figcaption>Two of Clark’s children, Sara Clark (far right) and Patrick Clark (against wall with tie) enjoyed greeting Hays folks from days gone by at their father’s celebration of life. At the table looking at memorabilia are DJ Bickle and his father, Don. Visiting with Sara is Sharon Wagner. In the back with Patrick is Mike Leas.</figcaption>
 </figure>After the Village Shop closed in 1990, the building housed some retail businesses and even a Goodwill store for a few years. It sat empty from 2009 until Hays entrepreneurs Dustin and Laney Roths bought and remodeled the building, then opened for business in 2020.“When we heard the building was going to be turned into an event space, we were excited about that, thought it was a great use of the space,” Steve said. “So when we were talking about having some kind of get-together to honor our dad, this seemed like a logical place to have it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765089753.jpeg" alt="A photo of a full Village Shop in its boom era." />
 <figcaption>A photo of a full Village Shop in its boom era.</figcaption>
 </figure>People came from near and far to honor Clark and to reminisce about days gone by.After hugs and hellos for those attending – many who hadn’t seen each other in years – most conversations were started off with one common question: “Do you remember …?”&nbsp;For those who didn’t know (or remember) certain facts, folks who lived during the Village Shop days were more than happy to fill in some blanks.Russ Clark had opened the Village Shop in 1963 with Don Volker. In 1977, Volker sold his interest in the business to Jim Schiffelbein, then the manager of Browne’s for Men, another men’s clothing store across the street.Clark and his wife, Dora Lou, opted for retirement when Schiffelbein took a job with Wolverine Worldwide in Michigan. Dora Lou had worked as bookkeeper for the Village Shop for decades, and the Clark couple was able to enjoy 28 years of retirement together before her death in 2018 at the age of 93.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765113285.jpeg" alt="Village Shop employees always dressed their part. On the left, from bottom to top are: Tracy Bishop, Robert Layher, Jack Dart and Harry Watts. On the right, from bottom to top, are Russ Clark, Brad Jordan and Chuck Comeau." />
 <figcaption>Village Shop employees always dressed their part. On the left, from bottom to top are: Tracy Bishop, Robert Layher, Jack Dart and Harry Watts. On the right, from bottom to top, are Russ Clark, Brad Jordan and Chuck Comeau.</figcaption>
 </figure>Schiffelbein talked about how during the 1970s and ’80s, the men’s clothing stores never had to go looking for help. They always had plenty of applicants from down the street at Fort Hays State University.He also mentioned how many of those young men went on to become successful professionals no matter what career they chose.“You won’t get a better education than meeting with the public on a day-to-day basis,” Schiffelbein said. “We’re one of the few professions that you have to train the mind and the body.”One of those young employees was Jerry Moran from Plainville, who went on to excel in a career other than a men’s clothing salesman.“I learned a lot as a young college student, watching how Russ Clark conducted himself,” said Moran, who went on to succeed as an attorney and in local and state politics and now is in his second term as a U.S. Senator.While attending Fort Hays State, Moran worked in Browne’s for Men, in which Clark and Volker had ownership shares along with the Village Shop. Therefore, Moran frequented the Village Shop – which specialized in men’s suits but also sold sportswear and other outerwear – and says he was a customer there until the store closed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765151685.jpeg" alt="A coat hanger and suit bag from the Village Shop were a fun topic of conversation at the celebration of life." />
 <figcaption>A coat hanger and suit bag from the Village Shop were a fun topic of conversation at the celebration of life.</figcaption>
 </figure>Moran admits his first college employment experience set a solid foundation for life.&nbsp;“Russ Clark was a good role model for all kinds of professions, an honorable person,” Moran said. “I learned a lot just watching his relationship with customers. He always stood straight and tall, and his clothes seemed like something out of a magazine.”Moran said he remembers the Village Shop being a “center of attention in Hays.”“People from all over our part of Kansas wandered into the store to shop, not only to shop but to have a conversation with Russ Clark,” he said. “He had an aura about him where people not only liked him, but they respected him, too.”Those who worked alongside Clark day in and day out had similar feelings.“Russ was like a father to me,” Schiffelbein said in a telephone interview. Schiffelbein still lives in Michigan and was unable to make the celebration because of a prior commitment.“He would tell what he thought about something,” Schiffelbein said, “and although you might not agree on everything, he was easy-going.”He added that a big reason for the business’ success was it service, which included professional in-house tailoring.“Tailoring was an art back then,” Schiffelbein said. “You were basically rebuilding the suit. That was a service that people really appreciated."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665765175079.jpeg" alt="One of Clark’s sons, Steve Clark, right, visits with another icon of Downtown Hays – Georgia Moore, longtime co-owner of Mooretours International, Inc." />
 <figcaption>One of Clark’s sons, Steve Clark, right, visits with another icon of Downtown Hays – Georgia Moore, longtime co-owner of Mooretours International, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>In its early days, the Village Shop occupied about half the building, and a men’s shoe store was in the other half.Joe Pflaum, an assistant manager for that shoe store (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) at the time, said he remembers having to keep the Village Shop’s front door locked right up to opening time because customers would be standing outside waiting to get in.“It was a really popular store, and it was really enjoyable to work there,” Pflaum said. “It was so family-oriented.”The get-together on Oct. 6 resembled a family gathering as the Clark siblings mingled with the crowd, getting reacquainted with several. Three tables displaying memorabilia from Russ Clark’s life brought back a lot of memories for many and prompted more “remember whens.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665849367070.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Clark and his younger brother, Patrick (Sibling No. 5 who lives in Overland Park), entertained visitors with stories of their first jobs at the Village Shop.“My first job was to sweep the sidewalk or vacuum the carpet,” Steve said. “I spent a lot of time down here from grade school through my first year of college at Fort Hays State.”“Shining shoes – that was the first thing I got paid for,” Patrick said with a laugh, adding that he got proficient at removing tack stitching that is sewn on suit pockets to keep the shape of the suit during shipping.“They watched me the first several times I removed those stitches,” he added, “but I got pretty good with that seam ripper after a while.”Other Clark siblings in attendance were sisters Cindy Maddux from Randolph and Sara Clark from Oregon. The family’s oldest sibling (sister Lynne Burke from Mississippi) and youngest (Robert Clark from New York) were not able to make the trip.Russ Clark survived the Dust Bowl and World War II and enjoyed a good, long life. And most everyone who knew him would tell you his No. 1 priority was family.He would have been pleased that his family – immediate and extended – could get together for another visit at the Village Shop.“Our parents enjoyed Hays, and Dad enjoyed interacting with people,” Steve Clark said. “Speaking for all my siblings, we agreed he would appreciate the serendipity that his final get-together was at 1102 Main. Dad was a good man. He made the world a better place.”

NWester: Celebrating a legend on his home ground

KANSAS CITY — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proud to announce the application period for the state’s all-new lifetime hunting and fishing license for kids will begin October 14, 2022. 

Any resident youth who is 7 years old or younger at the time of application will be eligible to have a Kansas lifetime hunting and fishing license purchased on their behalf at a reduced rate: $302.50 for those 5 and younger, and $502.50 for those 6 or 7 years old. Paper applications can be downloaded&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0xpY2Vuc2UtUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtS2lkcy1MaWZldGltZS1IdW50aW5nLWFuZC1GaXNoaW5nLUxpY2Vuc2UifQ.Kcp_qBQVfXgOpPNFJ7FgAjIv8Won59nGC9gFQZT7sbg/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>; Electronic applications will be available beginning January 2023.

“Our children and grandchildren are absolutely the future of natural resource conservation in our state, so we’re proud to offer a special avenue for them to enjoy Kansas’ outdoors throughout their life,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless.

Individuals wishing to purchase a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for a youth in their life can ensure seamless processing of their application by adhering to these four tips:

It’s important to note that anyone born on or after July 1, 1957 must be certified by an approved course in hunter education before they can legally hunt in Kansas, except that anyone 15 years old or younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under the direct supervision of an adult 18 years old or older; The purchase of a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License does not eliminate this requirement.

For more information on the Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License, including a downloadable PDF of frequently-asked questions, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0xpY2Vuc2UtUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtS2lkcy1MaWZldGltZS1IdW50aW5nLWFuZC1GaXNoaW5nLUxpY2Vuc2UifQ.Zmk4sgIN2oPxhQDsIqgBHuSAegA2k9WYEHRctrE26yQ/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

For more information on Kansas Hunter Education, including a list of all available courses, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL1NlcnZpY2VzL0VkdWNhdGlvbi9IdW50ZXIvR2VuZXJhbC1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbiJ9.trr52LUJ4aKGTxG2Z3KHaf0poFMhT-e3D7V2VSuGlzE/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunter-Education-Info</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665761385106.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPKANSAS CITY — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proud to announce the application period for the state’s all-new lifetime hunting and fishing license for kids will begin October 14, 2022. Any resident youth who is 7 years old or younger at the time of application will be eligible to have a Kansas lifetime hunting and fishing license purchased on their behalf at a reduced rate: $302.50 for those 5 and younger, and $502.50 for those 6 or 7 years old. Paper applications can be downloaded&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0xpY2Vuc2UtUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtS2lkcy1MaWZldGltZS1IdW50aW5nLWFuZC1GaXNoaW5nLUxpY2Vuc2UifQ.Kcp_qBQVfXgOpPNFJ7FgAjIv8Won59nGC9gFQZT7sbg/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>; Electronic applications will be available beginning January 2023.“Our children and grandchildren are absolutely the future of natural resource conservation in our state, so we’re proud to offer a special avenue for them to enjoy Kansas’ outdoors throughout their life,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless.Individuals wishing to purchase a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for a youth in their life can ensure seamless processing of their application by adhering to these four tips:<ol>
 <li>An application must be completed for each child, including proof of Kansas Residency. Incomplete applications will be returned.</li><li>This calendar year only, KDWP will honor all eligible applications that are completed, submitted and postmarked by December 31, 2022, even if the child has recently “aged out.” After December 31, 2022, only resident youth who are 7 years old or younger at the time of application and postmarked date will be eligible.</li><li>Applications will be processed by Licensing staff in the order they are received. And applicants will be notified once their application is approved.</li><li>Due to the already reduced rate (compared to that of Kansas’ existing lifetime licenses), payment plans will not be available for the Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License; Payment is due in full upon application.</li>
 </ol>It’s important to note that anyone born on or after July 1, 1957 must be certified by an approved course in hunter education before they can legally hunt in Kansas, except that anyone 15 years old or younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under the direct supervision of an adult 18 years old or older; The purchase of a Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License does not eliminate this requirement.For more information on the Kansas Kids Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License, including a downloadable PDF of frequently-asked questions, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0xpY2Vuc2UtUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtS2lkcy1MaWZldGltZS1IdW50aW5nLWFuZC1GaXNoaW5nLUxpY2Vuc2UifQ.Zmk4sgIN2oPxhQDsIqgBHuSAegA2k9WYEHRctrE26yQ/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.For more information on Kansas Hunter Education, including a list of all available courses, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMTQuNjUxMzkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL1NlcnZpY2VzL0VkdWNhdGlvbi9IdW50ZXIvR2VuZXJhbC1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbiJ9.trr52LUJ4aKGTxG2Z3KHaf0poFMhT-e3D7V2VSuGlzE/s/1303161001/br/145934608921-l" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunter-Education-Info</a>.

Applications open for Kansas kids' lifetime hunting, fishing license

August R. Zordel was born March 1, 1941, in Ransom, KS at Grisell 
Memorial Hospital and he gained his wings on October 12, 2022, at the 
age of 81 years 7 months at Grisell Memorial Hospital.

August was the 9th child of Walter &amp; Josie 
(Clodfelter) Zordel. He was baptized in Christ on June 19, 1955, in the 
Church of Christ at Ransom, Kansas.

August grew up on the family farm Northeast of Ransom. He attended Cyrus School through the 4th
 grade, then transferred to the Ransom school district where he 
graduated in May 1960. As a freshman the family moved to the farm West 
of Ransom.

In the fall of 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. He did 
his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was then sent to Aberdeen 
Maryland for more training. After training he was stationed at Fort 
Bliss, Texas where he remained until he was honorably discharged in 
January of 1964.

After returning home he worked for several farmers in the Ransom area.

On May 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to Susan Stull. They 
started their married life living in the apartment above the drug store,
 then moved to a small house North of the hospital where they welcomed 
their first child Elaine Kay on September 17, 1965.

In January of 1966 the family moved to Dodge City where August worked for High Plains Dressed Beef.

In September of 1966 the family moved to the Moris Herl Ranch South 
of Quinter where they spent 13 wonderful years. During this time, they 
welcomed their second child Nolan Andrew on January 15, 1969.

On the 1st of August 1979, August took a job with USD 302 
as a custodian and the family returned to Ness County living East of 
Brownell where on November 16, 1979, their 3rd child Anita Jo
 was born. The family moved to their current home in Ransom in September
 1980. On August 23, 1983, they completed their family by adding David 
Wyatt.

After back surgery, August retired in 2000 with 21 years of service to USD 302.

After retiring, he spent a few years helping Rod Giess on his farm.

After having some health issues, he was forced to completely retire 
spending his remaining years at home doing his hobbies such as 
gardening, woodworking and other crafts and hobbies.

August is survived by his wife of 58 plus years Susan (Stull) Zordel.
 Children Elaine (Kenny) Flax, Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel, LaCrosse, 
KS, Anita Jo (Kevin Schaffer) Shepard, Bison, KS and David Zordel, 
Independence, MO. 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great, 
great grandchild due in April. Brother Albert (Louise) Zordel, Ransom 
and sister Dollie Jean (Clarence) Shoupe, Seeley Lake, MT. Brother 
in-law Ron (Jan) Stull, Ford, KS and a host of nieces and nephews.

August was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Josie Zordel 
and Ron and Thais Stull. Brothers Walter Jr, Roy and an infant brother. 
Sisters Anna Nora, Wanda Joy, Lila Marie and Ida Mae. Brother and sister
 in-laws Clyde Hazen, Bill Freeman, Arthur Nixon, Elmer Reeder, Wilbur 
Decker, Wilma Zordel, Esther Zordel and Lois Stull. Son in-law Lance 
Shepard and great grandsons Takoda Schurr and Kyler Petersen.

There will be a graveside service on November 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Go-Getters Senior Center in Ransom, the Brownell American Legion, or Donor’s choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665931035354.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>August R. Zordel was born March 1, 1941, in Ransom, KS at Grisell 
Memorial Hospital and he gained his wings on October 12, 2022, at the 
age of 81 years 7 months at Grisell Memorial Hospital.August was the 9th child of Walter &amp; Josie 
(Clodfelter) Zordel. He was baptized in Christ on June 19, 1955, in the 
Church of Christ at Ransom, Kansas.August grew up on the family farm Northeast of Ransom. He attended Cyrus School through the 4th
 grade, then transferred to the Ransom school district where he 
graduated in May 1960. As a freshman the family moved to the farm West 
of Ransom.In the fall of 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. He did 
his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was then sent to Aberdeen 
Maryland for more training. After training he was stationed at Fort 
Bliss, Texas where he remained until he was honorably discharged in 
January of 1964.After returning home he worked for several farmers in the Ransom area.On May 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to Susan Stull. They 
started their married life living in the apartment above the drug store,
 then moved to a small house North of the hospital where they welcomed 
their first child Elaine Kay on September 17, 1965.In January of 1966 the family moved to Dodge City where August worked for High Plains Dressed Beef.In September of 1966 the family moved to the Moris Herl Ranch South 
of Quinter where they spent 13 wonderful years. During this time, they 
welcomed their second child Nolan Andrew on January 15, 1969.On the 1st of August 1979, August took a job with USD 302 
as a custodian and the family returned to Ness County living East of 
Brownell where on November 16, 1979, their 3rd child Anita Jo
 was born. The family moved to their current home in Ransom in September
 1980. On August 23, 1983, they completed their family by adding David 
Wyatt.After back surgery, August retired in 2000 with 21 years of service to USD 302.After retiring, he spent a few years helping Rod Giess on his farm.After having some health issues, he was forced to completely retire 
spending his remaining years at home doing his hobbies such as 
gardening, woodworking and other crafts and hobbies.August is survived by his wife of 58 plus years Susan (Stull) Zordel.
 Children Elaine (Kenny) Flax, Gove, KS, Nolan (Jill) Zordel, LaCrosse, 
KS, Anita Jo (Kevin Schaffer) Shepard, Bison, KS and David Zordel, 
Independence, MO. 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great, 
great grandchild due in April. Brother Albert (Louise) Zordel, Ransom 
and sister Dollie Jean (Clarence) Shoupe, Seeley Lake, MT. Brother 
in-law Ron (Jan) Stull, Ford, KS and a host of nieces and nephews.August was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Josie Zordel 
and Ron and Thais Stull. Brothers Walter Jr, Roy and an infant brother. 
Sisters Anna Nora, Wanda Joy, Lila Marie and Ida Mae. Brother and sister
 in-laws Clyde Hazen, Bill Freeman, Arthur Nixon, Elmer Reeder, Wilbur 
Decker, Wilma Zordel, Esther Zordel and Lois Stull. Son in-law Lance 
Shepard and great grandsons Takoda Schurr and Kyler Petersen.There will be a graveside service on November 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Ransom Cemetery.Memorial Contributions may be given to the Go-Getters Senior Center in Ransom, the Brownell American Legion, or Donor’s choice.

August R. Zordel

Tad Duane Garrison, age 56, died on October 14, 2022, at the Ness 
County Hospital, Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 13, 1966, in 
Ransom, Kansas, the 4th son of Darrell and Marvalee (Elling) Garrison.

Tad was a 1984 graduate of Ness City High School. Tad was the owner and operator of TGS guttering.

He is survived by his mother; sister, Lisa Dinkel (Sean) of Hays, 
Kansas; two brothers, Monty Garrison (Tammy) of Great Bend and Jason 
Garrison (Shelly Lumley) of Ness City; sisters-in-law, Denise DeBoer and
 Samantha Garrison; Nephews and Nieces, Dylan, Marissa, and Kenlie 
Dinkel, Brayden and Blake Garrison, and Krista Dechant (Jason). Tad was 
preceded in death by his son, Dalton Garrison; his father; two brothers,
 Kerry and Bob Garrison; and a nephew, Michael Garrison.&nbsp;

Graveside memorial service will be held at the Ness City Cemetery on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665930972684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tad Duane Garrison, age 56, died on October 14, 2022, at the Ness 
County Hospital, Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 13, 1966, in 
Ransom, Kansas, the 4th son of Darrell and Marvalee (Elling) Garrison.Tad was a 1984 graduate of Ness City High School. Tad was the owner and operator of TGS guttering.He is survived by his mother; sister, Lisa Dinkel (Sean) of Hays, 
Kansas; two brothers, Monty Garrison (Tammy) of Great Bend and Jason 
Garrison (Shelly Lumley) of Ness City; sisters-in-law, Denise DeBoer and
 Samantha Garrison; Nephews and Nieces, Dylan, Marissa, and Kenlie 
Dinkel, Brayden and Blake Garrison, and Krista Dechant (Jason). Tad was 
preceded in death by his son, Dalton Garrison; his father; two brothers,
 Kerry and Bob Garrison; and a nephew, Michael Garrison.&nbsp;Graveside memorial service will be held at the Ness City Cemetery on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 2:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tad Duane Garrison

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-arkansas-primary-governor-92c3770dc9fd23d80e0e3a4bc6797597">former press secretary</a>&nbsp;is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks.

But one big exception is the campaign to make Arkansas the first state in the South to legalize recreational marijuana.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-arkansas-marijuana-recreational-supreme-court-bb2ec7c849bb46a793537ccfb9946420">A proposal to change the state's constitution</a>&nbsp;is drawing millions of dollars from opponents and supporters of legalization, with ads crowding the airwaves.

President Joe Biden's recent announcement that he will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">pardon thousands of people</a>&nbsp;for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in Arkansas and four other states. Voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-hogan-maryland-marijuana-constitutional-amendments-constitutions-1f60d69c21e364499b81b0e76caf65ed">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-marijuana-recreational-medical-missouri-d09e1ab128d572495edca73bb52bb241">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-recreational-north-dakota-sd-state-wire-d6dbbc3c512ae80f09f5505de87b7441">North Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sd-state-wire-south-dakota-marijuana-legalization-recreational-9426bf3208b9b53aa5804fb2b33b9bb9">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;are also taking up measures on recreational marijuana.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/10/06/granting-pardon-for-the-offense-of-simple-possession-of-marijuana/">Biden's step</a>&nbsp;toward decriminalizing the drug could provide a boost for legalization in some of the most conservative parts of the country, experts say.

“The most powerful elected leader in the world has publicly declared it was a mistake to criminalize people for using cannabis and I think that will go a long way with voters who may be on the fence," said Mason Tvert, partner at VS Strategies, a cannabis policy and public affairs firm.

Biden's announcement only covers people convicted under the federal law. But he has called on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases. The president also directed his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/10/06/statement-from-president-biden-on-marijuana-reform/">health secretary and attorney general</a>&nbsp;to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

The moves come as opposition to legalization has softened around the country, with recreational marijuana legal in 19 states, despite resistance at the federal level. Advocates say it shows that states are ahead of the federal government on the issue.

“I think it's an example of state level leadership and citizens pushing the federal government in the right direction," said Eddie Armstrong, a former state legislator who leads the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.responsiblegrowtharkansas.com/about">Responsible Growth Arkansas</a>&nbsp;group campaigning for legalization.

In 2016, Arkansas became the first Bible Belt state to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/539c26f41a4b4f2e90905f4448a28d48">approve medical marijuana</a>, with voters approving a legalization measure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/medical-marijuana">More than 91,000 people have cards</a>&nbsp;to legally buy marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-arkansas-medical-marijuana-ar-state-wire-94ad1c34506b4c22b1868011de720bca">which opened in 2019</a>. Patients have spent more than $200 million so far this year, the state says.

An ad by Responsible Growth Arkansas points to benefits such as the thousands of jobs it says legalization would create. The main group opposing the measure is running an ad that urges voters to “protect Arkansas from big marijuana.”

The proposal faces opposition from Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration who criticized Biden's pardon announcement. Former White House press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-arkansas-race-and-ethnicity-election-2020-little-rock-510eba764a340c9d316969aca9f494b7">Sarah Sanders</a>, the Republican front-runner to succeed Hutchinson, has said she will vote against the measure. Her Democratic rival, Chris Jones, said he supports it.

In neighboring Missouri, a proposed constitutional amendment would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-marijuana-recreational-constitutions-missouri-65e4a10bb7d99fdf9fca2ea57e07d0c1">expunge records</a>&nbsp;of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence.

Supporters said they do not expect Biden’s pardon announcement for some federal marijuana offenses to have much of an impact on the Missouri measure, which could expunge several hundred thousand state marijuana offenses.

“There is some danger of confusion, but I think most people understand the distinction of the federal and state processes,” said John Payne, campaign manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legalmo22.com/">Legal Missouri 2022</a>.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-arkansas-primary-governor-92c3770dc9fd23d80e0e3a4bc6797597">former press secretary</a>&nbsp;is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks.But one big exception is the campaign to make Arkansas the first state in the South to legalize recreational marijuana.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-arkansas-marijuana-recreational-supreme-court-bb2ec7c849bb46a793537ccfb9946420">A proposal to change the state's constitution</a>&nbsp;is drawing millions of dollars from opponents and supporters of legalization, with ads crowding the airwaves.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. Hear from <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on the three steps he is taking to right these wrongs. <a href="https://t.co/IqOxHxjgue">pic.twitter.com/IqOxHxjgue</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1578108939174281218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden's recent announcement that he will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">pardon thousands of people</a>&nbsp;for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in Arkansas and four other states. Voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-hogan-maryland-marijuana-constitutional-amendments-constitutions-1f60d69c21e364499b81b0e76caf65ed">Maryland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-marijuana-recreational-medical-missouri-d09e1ab128d572495edca73bb52bb241">Missouri</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-recreational-north-dakota-sd-state-wire-d6dbbc3c512ae80f09f5505de87b7441">North Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sd-state-wire-south-dakota-marijuana-legalization-recreational-9426bf3208b9b53aa5804fb2b33b9bb9">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;are also taking up measures on recreational marijuana.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/10/06/granting-pardon-for-the-offense-of-simple-possession-of-marijuana/">Biden's step</a>&nbsp;toward decriminalizing the drug could provide a boost for legalization in some of the most conservative parts of the country, experts say.“The most powerful elected leader in the world has publicly declared it was a mistake to criminalize people for using cannabis and I think that will go a long way with voters who may be on the fence," said Mason Tvert, partner at VS Strategies, a cannabis policy and public affairs firm.Biden's announcement only covers people convicted under the federal law. But he has called on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases. The president also directed his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/10/06/statement-from-president-biden-on-marijuana-reform/">health secretary and attorney general</a>&nbsp;to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.The moves come as opposition to legalization has softened around the country, with recreational marijuana legal in 19 states, despite resistance at the federal level. Advocates say it shows that states are ahead of the federal government on the issue.“I think it's an example of state level leadership and citizens pushing the federal government in the right direction," said Eddie Armstrong, a former state legislator who leads the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.responsiblegrowtharkansas.com/about">Responsible Growth Arkansas</a>&nbsp;group campaigning for legalization.In 2016, Arkansas became the first Bible Belt state to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/539c26f41a4b4f2e90905f4448a28d48">approve medical marijuana</a>, with voters approving a legalization measure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/medical-marijuana">More than 91,000 people have cards</a>&nbsp;to legally buy marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-arkansas-medical-marijuana-ar-state-wire-94ad1c34506b4c22b1868011de720bca">which opened in 2019</a>. Patients have spent more than $200 million so far this year, the state says.An ad by Responsible Growth Arkansas points to benefits such as the thousands of jobs it says legalization would create. The main group opposing the measure is running an ad that urges voters to “protect Arkansas from big marijuana.”The proposal faces opposition from Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration who criticized Biden's pardon announcement. Former White House press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-arkansas-race-and-ethnicity-election-2020-little-rock-510eba764a340c9d316969aca9f494b7">Sarah Sanders</a>, the Republican front-runner to succeed Hutchinson, has said she will vote against the measure. Her Democratic rival, Chris Jones, said he supports it.In neighboring Missouri, a proposed constitutional amendment would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-marijuana-recreational-constitutions-missouri-65e4a10bb7d99fdf9fca2ea57e07d0c1">expunge records</a>&nbsp;of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence.Supporters said they do not expect Biden’s pardon announcement for some federal marijuana offenses to have much of an impact on the Missouri measure, which could expunge several hundred thousand state marijuana offenses.“There is some danger of confusion, but I think most people understand the distinction of the federal and state processes,” said John Payne, campaign manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legalmo22.com/">Legal Missouri 2022</a>.Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican and former sheriff, opposes the ballot measure but has not aggressively campaigned against it. He has no plans to emulate Biden’s pardon announcement.Parson has granted pardons “to individuals who demonstrate a changed life-style, commitment to rehabilitation, contrition and contribution to their communities — rather than as a blanket approach to undermine existing law,” said Parson spokesperson Kelli Jones.Similarly, North Dakota's legalization campaign does not expect to incorporate Biden's pardons into its messaging. Mark Friese, treasurer of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newapproachnd.org/">New Approach Initiative</a>&nbsp;backing the legalization ballot proposal, said he doubts Biden’s pardon will have much of an impact in North Dakota or sway the legalization effort.“The number of North Dakotans convicted in federal court is small,” said Friese, a prominent North Dakota lawyer and former police officer. “Small amounts of marijuana are typically and historically not prosecuted in North Dakota.”Matt Schwiech, who is running South Dakota’s ballot initiative campaign to legalize recreational marijuana possession for adults, said the president’s pardons may hand the campaign a boost with older Democrats. It also underscores the campaign’s message that convictions for pot possession hurt people on job or rental applications, as well as that enforcing pot possession laws are a waste of time and resources for law enforcement, he said.South Dakotans, including a sizable number of Republicans, voted to legalize marijuana possession in 2020, but that law was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-marijuana-legalization-recreational-marijuana-marijuana-987c36ced5a5dc2188a0667e9a8879cb">struck down by the state Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in part because the proposal was coupled with medical marijuana and hemp. This year, recreational pot is standing by itself as it goes before voters.It remains unclear whether Biden's pardon move will inject party politics into an issue that supporters say crosses partisan lines. For example, Arkansas voters in 2016 approved medical marijuana the same year they overwhelmingly backed Trump.All of the states with recreational marijuana on the ballot next month, except for Maryland, voted for Trump in the 2020 presidential election. And the issue is going before voters as GOP candidates have been stepping up their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-gun-violence-new-york-race-and-ethnicity-campaigns-dfba652ac7409c64311efcd7c908ed08">anti-crime rhetoric</a>.“From our perspective the people of Arkansas, they didn’t vote for Biden initially and so we don’t anticipate this really having any sort of influence over anybody’s decision,” said Tyler Beaver, campaign manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://safeandsecurecommunities.com/">Safe and Secure Communities</a>, the main group campaigning against the proposal.