Maurice Alvin “Morris” Yarmer, 67, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of
 Galatia, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the Hays 
Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Maurice was born October 28, 1954, in Great Bend, Kansas. He was the 
son of Milton A. and Mary Agnes (Gleissner) Yarmer.&nbsp; He grew up on the 
family farm north of Galatia.&nbsp; He graduated from Hoisington High School 
in the Class of ‘72.

Maurice was united in marriage to Julia “Julie” Lee on April 23, 
1988, in Milberger, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with three children;
 Justin, Neil and Sara.&nbsp; They made their home on the family farm north 
of Galatia.

Maurice was a Farmer and Rancher his whole life.&nbsp; When he was 
younger, he enjoyed combine demolition derby and drag racing.&nbsp; Maurice 
also did contract labor for John Deere painting their equipment.&nbsp; &nbsp;As 
the years went on Maurice worked hard to grow the family farm while 
marketing hay in his free time.&nbsp; Building relationships with people 
along the way was one thing he did best.&nbsp; Maurice was also very strong 
in his faith and was a member of the Fellowship of Faith Church in Great
 Bend.&nbsp; He found peace in spending quiet time with God at the farm when 
he could not make it to church.&nbsp; The thing that Maurice enjoyed the most
 was driving around the farm looking at the crops and cattle.&nbsp; He would 
soak in every bit of progress they had accomplished.

Surviving family includes his wife of 33 years, Julie of the home; 
daughter, Sara Simoneau (Shay) of Damar, Kansas; sons, Justin Yarmer 
(Natalie) of Russell, Kansas and Neil Yarmer (Teryn) of Russell, Kansas;
 nine grandchildren, Savanna Ryan (Levy), Mackenzie Hartman (Alan), 
Chase Yarmer, Aiden Yarmer, Brynley Yarmer, Koda Yarmer, Benelli 
Simoneau, Baylor Simoneau and Baby Simoneau; three great grandchildren, 
Nixon Ryan, Daxton Ryan and Oaklynn Hartman; brothers, Melvin Yarmer 
(Donave) of Albert, Kansas and Michael Yarmer (Sonja) of Albert, Kansas.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlene 
Hassenplug. Celebration of Maurice’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, 
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic 
Church in Russell.&nbsp; A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, 
Wednesday at the Fairview Cemetery in Galatia.&nbsp; Visitation will be held 
from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
 Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00
 PM.&nbsp; 

Memorials have been established with the FFA Scholarship Fund or 
the Kans for Kids.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645829798865.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maurice Alvin “Morris” Yarmer, 67, of Russell, Kansas and formerly of
 Galatia, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the Hays 
Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.Maurice was born October 28, 1954, in Great Bend, Kansas. He was the 
son of Milton A. and Mary Agnes (Gleissner) Yarmer.&nbsp; He grew up on the 
family farm north of Galatia.&nbsp; He graduated from Hoisington High School 
in the Class of ‘72.Maurice was united in marriage to Julia “Julie” Lee on April 23, 
1988, in Milberger, Kansas.&nbsp; This union was blessed with three children;
 Justin, Neil and Sara.&nbsp; They made their home on the family farm north 
of Galatia.Maurice was a Farmer and Rancher his whole life.&nbsp; When he was 
younger, he enjoyed combine demolition derby and drag racing.&nbsp; Maurice 
also did contract labor for John Deere painting their equipment.&nbsp; &nbsp;As 
the years went on Maurice worked hard to grow the family farm while 
marketing hay in his free time.&nbsp; Building relationships with people 
along the way was one thing he did best.&nbsp; Maurice was also very strong 
in his faith and was a member of the Fellowship of Faith Church in Great
 Bend.&nbsp; He found peace in spending quiet time with God at the farm when 
he could not make it to church.&nbsp; The thing that Maurice enjoyed the most
 was driving around the farm looking at the crops and cattle.&nbsp; He would 
soak in every bit of progress they had accomplished.Surviving family includes his wife of 33 years, Julie of the home; 
daughter, Sara Simoneau (Shay) of Damar, Kansas; sons, Justin Yarmer 
(Natalie) of Russell, Kansas and Neil Yarmer (Teryn) of Russell, Kansas;
 nine grandchildren, Savanna Ryan (Levy), Mackenzie Hartman (Alan), 
Chase Yarmer, Aiden Yarmer, Brynley Yarmer, Koda Yarmer, Benelli 
Simoneau, Baylor Simoneau and Baby Simoneau; three great grandchildren, 
Nixon Ryan, Daxton Ryan and Oaklynn Hartman; brothers, Melvin Yarmer 
(Donave) of Albert, Kansas and Michael Yarmer (Sonja) of Albert, Kansas.Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlene 
Hassenplug. Celebration of Maurice’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, 
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic 
Church in Russell.&nbsp; A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, 
Wednesday at the Fairview Cemetery in Galatia.&nbsp; Visitation will be held 
from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
 Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00
 PM.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with the FFA Scholarship Fund or 
the Kans for Kids.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Maurice Alvin 'Morris' Yarmer

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 37-year-old Leavenworth man has been sentenced to 3.5 years in jail for a fatal hit-and-run. 

Justen Michael McCarter was sentenced Thursday in the death of 44-year-old Adam Wheeler in March 2020. Police say McCarter was speeding on a stolen motorcycle when he hit Wheeler, who was crossing a Leavenworth street. 

KSHB-TV reports witnesses told police McCarter was drag racing when he hit Wheeler. 

McCarter pleaded guilty in October to  involuntary manslaughter and possession of a stolen motorcycle.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 37-year-old Leavenworth man has been sentenced to 3.5 years in jail for a fatal hit-and-run. Justen Michael McCarter was sentenced Thursday in the death of 44-year-old Adam Wheeler in March 2020. Police say McCarter was speeding on a stolen motorcycle when he hit Wheeler, who was crossing a Leavenworth street. KSHB-TV reports witnesses told police McCarter was drag racing when he hit Wheeler. McCarter pleaded guilty in October to involuntary manslaughter and possession of a stolen motorcycle.

Man sentenced in fatal Kansas hit-and-run

Trevor Thomas Coulson, 22, passed away February 21, 2022, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born October 1, 1999, in Hays, the son of Shawn Coulson and Traci L. Morelock Coulson.

A lifetime area resident, he was a roofer with Roofmasters, Hays. He was of the Christian faith and did missionary work.

Survivors include: father, Shawn Coulson, Ransom; mother, Traci 
Coulson, Larned; brother, Logan Coulson, Larned; sister, Kala (Steven) 
Schroer, Hays; twin sister, Brook Coulson and fiancé Stanly, Topeka; 
son, Noah Escarcega; and grandfather, Tom (Elaine) Coulson, Haysville.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sonya Coulson, Jim and Ruth Morelock, Grandma Jo and Grandpa Rollin Lohmeyer.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Pastor Dave Buller presiding. Visitation 
will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2022, at Beckwith 
Mortuary. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645742555297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trevor Thomas Coulson, 22, passed away February 21, 2022, at Hays Medical Center.He was born October 1, 1999, in Hays, the son of Shawn Coulson and Traci L. Morelock Coulson.A lifetime area resident, he was a roofer with Roofmasters, Hays. He was of the Christian faith and did missionary work.Survivors include: father, Shawn Coulson, Ransom; mother, Traci 
Coulson, Larned; brother, Logan Coulson, Larned; sister, Kala (Steven) 
Schroer, Hays; twin sister, Brook Coulson and fiancé Stanly, Topeka; 
son, Noah Escarcega; and grandfather, Tom (Elaine) Coulson, Haysville.He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sonya Coulson, Jim and Ruth Morelock, Grandma Jo and Grandpa Rollin Lohmeyer.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Pastor Dave Buller presiding. Visitation 
will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2022, at Beckwith 
Mortuary. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery.

Trevor Thomas Coulson

Albert Clifford Beougher, age 71, of Gove, passed away on February 
19, 2022, at his home.&nbsp; Cliff was born on October 27, 1950, in Colby to 
Harold Jesse and Eva Mae (Putman) Beougher.

Cliff was a farmer and rancher in the Gove, Grinnell, and Campus area and more information will follow.

Cliff is survived by his son, Jesse, of the home; four sisters:&nbsp; 
Sonya Bishop and Coleen Schreiner of Grand Junction, CO, Vicki Anway of 
Clifton, CO, and Debbie Pense of Myrtle Point, OR, and Dennis Beougher, 
many nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eva, and his brother, Ronnie Beougher.

Cremation was chosen. No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be in Gaeland Cemetery, Orion.

Sympathy cards, condolences to the family, and memorials to the Cliff
 Beougher Memorial Fund may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral 
Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748.

Sign the online guestbook at <a href="http://www.kennedykosterfh">www.kennedykosterfh</a>.com

Albert Clifford Beougher, age 71, of Gove, passed away on February 
19, 2022, at his home.&nbsp; Cliff was born on October 27, 1950, in Colby to 
Harold Jesse and Eva Mae (Putman) Beougher.Cliff was a farmer and rancher in the Gove, Grinnell, and Campus area and more information will follow.Cliff is survived by his son, Jesse, of the home; four sisters:&nbsp; 
Sonya Bishop and Coleen Schreiner of Grand Junction, CO, Vicki Anway of 
Clifton, CO, and Debbie Pense of Myrtle Point, OR, and Dennis Beougher, 
many nieces and nephews, and many cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eva, and his brother, Ronnie Beougher.Cremation was chosen. No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be in Gaeland Cemetery, Orion.Sympathy cards, condolences to the family, and memorials to the Cliff
 Beougher Memorial Fund may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral 
Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748.Sign the online guestbook at <a href="http://www.kennedykosterfh">www.kennedykosterfh</a>.com

Albert Clifford Beougher

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A black man who was arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks for a crime he did not commit reached a $900,000 settlement with the Kansas City Police Department.

The settlement announced by attorneys for both sides Tuesday comes in a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Tyree Bell over his June 8, 2016, arrest. As part of the agreement, the Police Department said it would apologize to Bell. A federal judge must still approve the settlement, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-23/kansas-city-police-agree-to-pay-900-000-and-apologize-to-black-teen-wrongfully-jailed-for-weeks">reported</a>.

Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he looked like another teen who ran from them earlier in the day and threw away a gun as he fled.

Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also cooperated with police and was breathing normally, unlike someone who had just run from police.

An appeals court said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-courts-e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265">in an October 2020 ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the lawsuit to go forward that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was black, juvenile and male.

Kansas City lawyer Arthur Benson, who represented Bell, said the case was not just one of mistaken identity or “walking while black.” He said it was part of a longtime “national disgrace” of white officers wrongly identifying black suspects.

“And they are often wrong because too many police departments do not train their officers that all blacks do not look alike and how to make an eyewitness identification that is not tainted by racial stereotypes,” Benson said.

Kansas City police officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan were looking for a suspect who fled from an earlier confrontation when another policeman saw Bell walking and talking on his cellphone and detained him.

The officers said they identified Bell as the suspect and arrested him after watching dashcam video of the original event several times.

Bell was placed on a 24-hour “investigative hold” but was not released until June 29, 2016, after a detective watched the video and determined Bell was not the suspect.

Bell originally sued Neukrich and Munyan as well as the officer who detained him, along with several police officials. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity.

An appeals court reinstated the lawsuit in October 2020 after finding the officers did not have probable cause to arrest Bell. The first trial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-2abd9ce5f638043d2a09a633a5c0ea19">ended in a mistrial&nbsp;</a>after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The case had been set to go to trial again on Feb. 28, but that was canceled when the pending settlement was announced.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A black man who was arrested when he was 15 and held for three weeks for a crime he did not commit reached a $900,000 settlement with the Kansas City Police Department.The settlement announced by attorneys for both sides Tuesday comes in a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Tyree Bell over his June 8, 2016, arrest. As part of the agreement, the Police Department said it would apologize to Bell. A federal judge must still approve the settlement, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-02-23/kansas-city-police-agree-to-pay-900-000-and-apologize-to-black-teen-wrongfully-jailed-for-weeks">reported</a>.Officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan said they arrested Bell because he looked like another teen who ran from them earlier in the day and threw away a gun as he fled.Police video showed Bell was taller, had a different hairstyle and was wearing different clothing than the original suspect. He also cooperated with police and was breathing normally, unlike someone who had just run from police.An appeals court said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-courts-e748a624036ac6caac19dae3026a0265">in an October 2020 ruling</a>&nbsp;that allowed the lawsuit to go forward that Bell’s only resemblance to the suspect was that he was black, juvenile and male.Kansas City lawyer Arthur Benson, who represented Bell, said the case was not just one of mistaken identity or “walking while black.” He said it was part of a longtime “national disgrace” of white officers wrongly identifying black suspects.“And they are often wrong because too many police departments do not train their officers that all blacks do not look alike and how to make an eyewitness identification that is not tainted by racial stereotypes,” Benson said.Kansas City police officers Peter Neukrich and Jonathan Munyan were looking for a suspect who fled from an earlier confrontation when another policeman saw Bell walking and talking on his cellphone and detained him.The officers said they identified Bell as the suspect and arrested him after watching dashcam video of the original event several times.Bell was placed on a 24-hour “investigative hold” but was not released until June 29, 2016, after a detective watched the video and determined Bell was not the suspect.Bell originally sued Neukrich and Munyan as well as the officer who detained him, along with several police officials. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding the officers were entitled to qualified immunity.An appeals court reinstated the lawsuit in October 2020 after finding the officers did not have probable cause to arrest Bell. The first trial&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-lawsuits-kansas-city-2abd9ce5f638043d2a09a633a5c0ea19">ended in a mistrial&nbsp;</a>after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.The case had been set to go to trial again on Feb. 28, but that was canceled when the pending settlement was announced.

Kansas City settles with black man wrongly jailed at 15

By WILLIAM HAUK <a href="https://theconversation.com/americas-cost-of-defending-freedom-in-ukraine-higher-food-and-gas-prices-and-an-increased-risk-of-recession-177703">Courtesy of The Conversation</a>

Americans may be tempted to view the war in Ukraine as an unfortunate, but far away, crisis. As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B744wv0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en&amp;oi=ao0">an economist</a>, I know the world is too connected for the U.S. to go unaffected.

On Feb. 22, 2022, President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/world/europe/biden-ukraine-speech-transcript.html">warned Americans</a> that a Russian invasion of Ukraine – and U.S. efforts to thwart or punish it – would come with a price tag.

“Defending freedom will have costs, for us as well and here at home,”
 Biden said. “We need to be honest about that.” His statement came one <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/23/world/russia-ukraine">day before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack</a> on targets throughout Ukraine, including western parts of the country.

Now that war has broken out, the biggest costs for the U.S. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/business/economy/russia-ukraine-global-us-economy.html">will likely be in higher prices</a> – on top of what is already the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/02/10/cpi-inflation-january/">fastest pace of inflation</a> in 40 years.

How much worse inflation could get will depend on how far Putin goes, the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/politics/biden-invasion-sanctions/index.html">severity of the sanctions</a>
 placed on Russia and how long the crisis lasts. Will Putin cut off oil 
or gas to Europe? Will the invasion thoroughly disrupt Ukraine’s ability
 to export food and other products to the rest of the world?

We do know that Russia is <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">one of the world’s biggest energy exporters</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">Ukraine’s nickname</a> is the “breadbasket of Europe.” And beyond that, the crisis has been rattling markets for months, <a href="https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2022/01/21/awkward-standoff-ukraine">sending the price of oil and other commodities soaring</a>.

These higher prices will ripple through Europe, of course, but many 
other countries as well, including the U.S. – which will make the 
Federal Reserve’s job of fighting inflation a lot harder and pose a 
bigger threat to the economy.

The most obvious costs to Americans will be at the gas pump.

Russia produces <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1081092765/oil-gas-prices-100-barrel-ukraine-russia">approximately 12% of the world’s oil</a> and 17% of its natural gas. That makes it the world’s <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">third-biggest producer of oil</a> and second-largest for gas. It’s also the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe, which <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">gets nearly half of its supply</a> from Russia.

The risk is that <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/energy-crisis-russia-gas/622884/">Russia might cut off gas or oil supplies</a> to Europe or other countries that issue sanctions or otherwise condemn its actions in Ukraine.

Europe may face the most immediate effects if some of Russia’s energy supplies are removed from the world market – which is <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">why the U.S. has been trying to assure</a> its allies it can supply them with liquid natural gas to make up for any shortfall. But world petroleum markets <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2014.12.003">tend to be highly integrated</a>, so the U.S. won’t be immune.

The crisis has already driven up the price of oil to the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILWTICO">highest level since 2014</a>, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, pushing up <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GASREGW">average gasoline prices in the U.S.</a> to over US$3.50 a gallon.

The most serious sanction implemented against Russia so far is Germany’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/">freeze on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline</a>, which would have carried liquid natural gas from Russia to Western Europe while by-passing Ukraine.

A disruption in one regional market will eventually affect the world 
market. Since the invasion, crude prices have spiked above $100 and are 
likely to go even higher.

While Russia is a major producer of fuels, Ukraine is <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">a big exporter of food</a>.

Ukraine <a href="https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/22/usda-head-us-farmers-to-help-if-ukraine-exports-threatened/">produces 16% of the world’s corn</a> and 12% of its wheat, as well as being a significant exporter of barley and rye.

While many of Ukraine’s exports go to countries in Europe and Asia, agricultural products, much like oil, tend to trade on <a href="https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/resources/download/10576.pdf">increasingly integrated global markets</a>.
 Again, the implication for U.S. consumers is that while Europe might 
be affected more immediately in terms of shortages, prices will likely 
rise everywhere.

U.S. grocery prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">were up 7.4% in January</a>
 from a year earlier. Because demand for food is typically not very 
sensitive to changes in price – people need to eat no matter the expense
 – an increase in the cost of food production typically gets passed 
along to consumers.

The U.S. central bank <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/business/economy/fed-fomc-meeting-minutes-november-2021.html">is very worried about the pace of inflation</a>
 in the U.S. and plans to raise interest rates to fight it. What’s 
happening in Ukraine could complicate its plans. If the crisis in 
Ukraine adds to the upward pressure on prices, that can feed inflation 
and it could force the Fed to take more drastic measures.

Some economists believe the U.S. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/russia-ukraine-puts-10-u-s-inflation-on-radar-as-blackrock-repeats-central-banks-may-have-to-live-with-inflation-11645565763">could soon see 10% inflation</a>
 – up from 7.5% now – in the case of a full-scale invasion, as we’re 
witnessing now. The U.S. hasn’t seen inflation that high since October 
1981.

If the Fed decides it has to act more forcefully to tame inflation, 
that would not only raise borrowing costs for companies and consumers – 
affecting everything from business loans to mortgages and student debt –
 but <a href="https://theconversation.com/feds-dilemma-inflation-is-healthy-for-the-economy-but-too-much-can-trigger-a-recession-118556">could put the economy at risk</a> of a recession.

At the same time, the crisis could have a moderating effect on 
interest rates. During times of crisis and uncertainty, investors often 
move their money into the safest assets they can find – in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhm088">so-called flight to quality</a>.
 U.S. government bonds and other dollar-denominated assets are often 
considered the safest around, and increased demand for these assets 
could result in lower interest rates.

Ukrainians themselves will of course pay the steepest costs of the 
Russian invasion, in terms of loss of life, economic costs and 
potentially the loss of their government. But the conflict, though it 
may seem far away, will have an impact on people everywhere. And the hit
 to Americans’ pocketbooks may be nearer than you think. 

William Hauk is an associate economics professor at the University of South Carolina.

By WILLIAM HAUK <a href="https://theconversation.com/americas-cost-of-defending-freedom-in-ukraine-higher-food-and-gas-prices-and-an-increased-risk-of-recession-177703">Courtesy of The Conversation</a>Americans may be tempted to view the war in Ukraine as an unfortunate, but far away, crisis. As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B744wv0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en&amp;oi=ao0">an economist</a>, I know the world is too connected for the U.S. to go unaffected. On Feb. 22, 2022, President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/world/europe/biden-ukraine-speech-transcript.html">warned Americans</a> that a Russian invasion of Ukraine – and U.S. efforts to thwart or punish it – would come with a price tag.“Defending freedom will have costs, for us as well and here at home,”
 Biden said. “We need to be honest about that.” His statement came one <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/23/world/russia-ukraine">day before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack</a> on targets throughout Ukraine, including western parts of the country.Now that war has broken out, the biggest costs for the U.S. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/business/economy/russia-ukraine-global-us-economy.html">will likely be in higher prices</a> – on top of what is already the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/02/10/cpi-inflation-january/">fastest pace of inflation</a> in 40 years. How much worse inflation could get will depend on how far Putin goes, the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/politics/biden-invasion-sanctions/index.html">severity of the sanctions</a>
 placed on Russia and how long the crisis lasts. Will Putin cut off oil 
or gas to Europe? Will the invasion thoroughly disrupt Ukraine’s ability
 to export food and other products to the rest of the world? We do know that Russia is <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">one of the world’s biggest energy exporters</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">Ukraine’s nickname</a> is the “breadbasket of Europe.” And beyond that, the crisis has been rattling markets for months, <a href="https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2022/01/21/awkward-standoff-ukraine">sending the price of oil and other commodities soaring</a>. These higher prices will ripple through Europe, of course, but many 
other countries as well, including the U.S. – which will make the 
Federal Reserve’s job of fighting inflation a lot harder and pose a 
bigger threat to the economy.<h2>Pain at the pump</h2>The most obvious costs to Americans will be at the gas pump.Russia produces <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1081092765/oil-gas-prices-100-barrel-ukraine-russia">approximately 12% of the world’s oil</a> and 17% of its natural gas. That makes it the world’s <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/overview/country/RUS">third-biggest producer of oil</a> and second-largest for gas. It’s also the biggest supplier of natural gas to Europe, which <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">gets nearly half of its supply</a> from Russia. The risk is that <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/energy-crisis-russia-gas/622884/">Russia might cut off gas or oil supplies</a> to Europe or other countries that issue sanctions or otherwise condemn its actions in Ukraine. Europe may face the most immediate effects if some of Russia’s energy supplies are removed from the world market – which is <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-the-us-find-enough-natural-gas-sources-to-neutralize-russias-energy-leverage-over-europe-175824">why the U.S. has been trying to assure</a> its allies it can supply them with liquid natural gas to make up for any shortfall. But world petroleum markets <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2014.12.003">tend to be highly integrated</a>, so the U.S. won’t be immune.The crisis has already driven up the price of oil to the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILWTICO">highest level since 2014</a>, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, pushing up <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GASREGW">average gasoline prices in the U.S.</a> to over US$3.50 a gallon.The most serious sanction implemented against Russia so far is Germany’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-halts-nord-stream-2-certification-2022-02-22/">freeze on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline</a>, which would have carried liquid natural gas from Russia to Western Europe while by-passing Ukraine. A disruption in one regional market will eventually affect the world 
market. Since the invasion, crude prices have spiked above $100 and are 
likely to go even higher.<h2>Higher prices at the supermarket</h2>While Russia is a major producer of fuels, Ukraine is <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/23/impact-of-russia-ukraine-on-supply-chains-food-metals-commodities.html">a big exporter of food</a>.Ukraine <a href="https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/22/usda-head-us-farmers-to-help-if-ukraine-exports-threatened/">produces 16% of the world’s corn</a> and 12% of its wheat, as well as being a significant exporter of barley and rye. While many of Ukraine’s exports go to countries in Europe and Asia, agricultural products, much like oil, tend to trade on <a href="https://www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/resources/download/10576.pdf">increasingly integrated global markets</a>.
 Again, the implication for U.S. consumers is that while Europe might 
be affected more immediately in terms of shortages, prices will likely 
rise everywhere. U.S. grocery prices <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">were up 7.4% in January</a>
 from a year earlier. Because demand for food is typically not very 
sensitive to changes in price – people need to eat no matter the expense
 – an increase in the cost of food production typically gets passed 
along to consumers.<h2>The bigger risk to the US economy</h2>That brings us to the Federal Reserve. The U.S. central bank <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/business/economy/fed-fomc-meeting-minutes-november-2021.html">is very worried about the pace of inflation</a>
 in the U.S. and plans to raise interest rates to fight it. What’s 
happening in Ukraine could complicate its plans. If the crisis in 
Ukraine adds to the upward pressure on prices, that can feed inflation 
and it could force the Fed to take more drastic measures.Some economists believe the U.S. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/russia-ukraine-puts-10-u-s-inflation-on-radar-as-blackrock-repeats-central-banks-may-have-to-live-with-inflation-11645565763">could soon see 10% inflation</a>
 – up from 7.5% now – in the case of a full-scale invasion, as we’re 
witnessing now. The U.S. hasn’t seen inflation that high since October 
1981. If the Fed decides it has to act more forcefully to tame inflation, 
that would not only raise borrowing costs for companies and consumers – 
affecting everything from business loans to mortgages and student debt –
 but <a href="https://theconversation.com/feds-dilemma-inflation-is-healthy-for-the-economy-but-too-much-can-trigger-a-recession-118556">could put the economy at risk</a> of a recession. At the same time, the crisis could have a moderating effect on 
interest rates. During times of crisis and uncertainty, investors often 
move their money into the safest assets they can find – in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhm088">so-called flight to quality</a>.
 U.S. government bonds and other dollar-denominated assets are often 
considered the safest around, and increased demand for these assets 
could result in lower interest rates. Ukrainians themselves will of course pay the steepest costs of the 
Russian invasion, in terms of loss of life, economic costs and 
potentially the loss of their government. But the conflict, though it 
may seem far away, will have an impact on people everywhere. And the hit
 to Americans’ pocketbooks may be nearer than you think. William Hauk is an associate economics professor at the University of South Carolina.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

ANALYSIS: Ukraine invasion could lead to higher food, gas prices, risk of recession

Richard Alfred Younger, 93, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Hays. He was born August 13, 1928, in Antonino, Kansas, to Peter and Catherine (Pfannenstiel) Younger. Richard graduated from Hays High in 1946 and from Fort Hays State University. He married Betty Jean Augustine October 17, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kansas. Richard worked as a paint chemist in Detroit after his graduation from Fort Hays and served in the United States Air Force. He eventually ended up in Ellis with his family where he owned the Ellis Door Shop and also sold paint out of the same store. Richard was a gifted carpenter homebuilder having built homes in Ellis and Hays. He enjoyed making cabinets and furniture as well as wood crafts. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan especially the Royals, Chiefs and KU Jayhawks. Richard and Betty were members of the Sunflower Polka Club for 30 years and genuinely enjoyed attending dances with family and friends. Richard was a past member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis and a current member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays and a 4th degree Ellis Knights of Columbus member. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, Hays; two sons, Gregory Younger, Houston, TX, Terrance (Janice) Younger, Frisco, TX; five daughters Sylvia (Charles) Kinderknecht, Ellis, Joyce (Ken) Creek, Pottsboro, TX, Rosemary (Randall) Johnson, Ellis, Mary (Russell) Thom, Hays, Christine (Allen) Lang, Victoria; one brother, Francis Younger, Hays; and one sister, Mary Dreiling, Hays; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. &nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Allen Younger; a grandson, Jarret Johnson; six brothers, Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe, Eddie, and Norman; and a sister Cora Sawazhki.&nbsp; Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, February 28, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays.&nbsp; Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at HaysMed. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645716208523.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard Alfred Younger, 93, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Hays. He was born August 13, 1928, in Antonino, Kansas, to Peter and Catherine (Pfannenstiel) Younger. Richard graduated from Hays High in 1946 and from Fort Hays State University. He married Betty Jean Augustine October 17, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kansas. Richard worked as a paint chemist in Detroit after his graduation from Fort Hays and served in the United States Air Force. He eventually ended up in Ellis with his family where he owned the Ellis Door Shop and also sold paint out of the same store. Richard was a gifted carpenter homebuilder having built homes in Ellis and Hays. He enjoyed making cabinets and furniture as well as wood crafts. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan especially the Royals, Chiefs and KU Jayhawks. Richard and Betty were members of the Sunflower Polka Club for 30 years and genuinely enjoyed attending dances with family and friends. Richard was a past member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis and a current member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays and a 4th degree Ellis Knights of Columbus member. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, Hays; two sons, Gregory Younger, Houston, TX, Terrance (Janice) Younger, Frisco, TX; five daughters Sylvia (Charles) Kinderknecht, Ellis, Joyce (Ken) Creek, Pottsboro, TX, Rosemary (Randall) Johnson, Ellis, Mary (Russell) Thom, Hays, Christine (Allen) Lang, Victoria; one brother, Francis Younger, Hays; and one sister, Mary Dreiling, Hays; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. &nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Allen Younger; a grandson, Jarret Johnson; six brothers, Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe, Eddie, and Norman; and a sister Cora Sawazhki.&nbsp; Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, February 28, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays.&nbsp; Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at HaysMed. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Richard Alfred Younger

Shirley A. (Clapper) Baker, 90, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away Saturday, 
February 19, 2022, at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC. She was 
born November 10, 1931, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Joseph L. and Wava L. 
(Record) Clapper. Shirley grew up in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge
 City High School in 1950. After graduating, she helped her mother take 
care of her four brothers. On October 1, 1956, she married Byron Dwayne 
Baker in Dodge City, Kansas. Shirley and Byron raised their children in 
Goodland, Kansas. In 1977, they moved to Longview, Texas. In the early 
'90s, Shirley and Byron moved to Hoxie, Kansas.
 Shirley’s father trained horses, and as a young girl, Shirley helped
 her father train the horses by being a jockey. While living in 
Longview, Texas, Shirley owned and operated her own café and managed 
apartments. For many years, she did Home Interior Decorating. During her
 lifetime, she cooked for several restaurants and was a waitress. In 
Hoxie, she owned and operated SHIRLEY’S STUFF and sold her baked goods, 
especially her cinnamon rolls.
 Shirley was a good athlete and enjoyed water skiing and swimming. 
While living in Goodland, Shirley helped coach the swim team and helped 
in any way she could. When Shirley was not working, she loved being 
outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing whenever she could. She was a 
wonderful musician and sang with the Sweet Adelines in Colby, Kansas. 
She was also an artist and did many oil paintings. Shirley had her own 
art show at the Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby. Shirley 
enjoyed watching her grandkids participate in in all their activities 
Shirley was a member of the Hoxie Christian Church where she served as a
 deaconess and taught bible study and a lifelong member of the American 
Auxiliary. She was a great supporter of her family, and they were the 
most important people in her life.
 Shirley is survived by her sons, Roger Baker and wife Tami of Port 
Bolivar, Texas and Kirk Baker and wife Kelley of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter
 Nicolet Davis and husband William of Stratton, Colorado; brothers, 
Dennis Clapper of Hemphill, Texas and David Clapper of Hoxie, Kansas; 
fifteen grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and two 
great-great-grandchild.
 She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Baker; parents, 
Joseph and Wava Clapper; brothers, Earl Clapper and Nicholas Clapper; 
and half-sisters, Nadine Crookshank and Phyllis Peck.
 A funeral service is planned for Friday, February 25, 2022, 10:30 
A.M., at the Hoxie Christian Church with Pastor Carl Dumler presiding. 
Visitation will be Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family greeting 
friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to the 
Hoxie Christian Church or The Sheridan County Benefit Walk and sent in 
care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. 
The service will be livestreamed on the Hoxie Christian Church Facebook 
page. You may leave words of comfort at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Shirley was a hard worker and had a fire in her that will never die!
 Her spirit and love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of
 those who loved her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645624828694.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley A. (Clapper) Baker, 90, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away Saturday, 
February 19, 2022, at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC. She was 
born November 10, 1931, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Joseph L. and Wava L. 
(Record) Clapper. Shirley grew up in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge
 City High School in 1950. After graduating, she helped her mother take 
care of her four brothers. On October 1, 1956, she married Byron Dwayne 
Baker in Dodge City, Kansas. Shirley and Byron raised their children in 
Goodland, Kansas. In 1977, they moved to Longview, Texas. In the early 
'90s, Shirley and Byron moved to Hoxie, Kansas.
 Shirley’s father trained horses, and as a young girl, Shirley helped
 her father train the horses by being a jockey. While living in 
Longview, Texas, Shirley owned and operated her own café and managed 
apartments. For many years, she did Home Interior Decorating. During her
 lifetime, she cooked for several restaurants and was a waitress. In 
Hoxie, she owned and operated SHIRLEY’S STUFF and sold her baked goods, 
especially her cinnamon rolls.
 Shirley was a good athlete and enjoyed water skiing and swimming. 
While living in Goodland, Shirley helped coach the swim team and helped 
in any way she could. When Shirley was not working, she loved being 
outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing whenever she could. She was a 
wonderful musician and sang with the Sweet Adelines in Colby, Kansas. 
She was also an artist and did many oil paintings. Shirley had her own 
art show at the Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby. Shirley 
enjoyed watching her grandkids participate in in all their activities 
Shirley was a member of the Hoxie Christian Church where she served as a
 deaconess and taught bible study and a lifelong member of the American 
Auxiliary. She was a great supporter of her family, and they were the 
most important people in her life.
 Shirley is survived by her sons, Roger Baker and wife Tami of Port 
Bolivar, Texas and Kirk Baker and wife Kelley of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter
 Nicolet Davis and husband William of Stratton, Colorado; brothers, 
Dennis Clapper of Hemphill, Texas and David Clapper of Hoxie, Kansas; 
fifteen grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and two 
great-great-grandchild.
 She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Baker; parents, 
Joseph and Wava Clapper; brothers, Earl Clapper and Nicholas Clapper; 
and half-sisters, Nadine Crookshank and Phyllis Peck.
 A funeral service is planned for Friday, February 25, 2022, 10:30 
A.M., at the Hoxie Christian Church with Pastor Carl Dumler presiding. 
Visitation will be Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family greeting 
friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to the 
Hoxie Christian Church or The Sheridan County Benefit Walk and sent in 
care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. 
The service will be livestreamed on the Hoxie Christian Church Facebook 
page. You may leave words of comfort at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Shirley was a hard worker and had a fire in her that will never die!
 Her spirit and love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of
 those who loved her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shirley A. (Clapper) Baker

Peggy Lou (Erwin) Boxberger, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away 
Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Peggy was born March 21, 1927, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She was the 
daughter of Kenneth and Glady (Barton) Erwin.&nbsp; She grew up in Russell 
and graduated from Russell High School.

Peggy was united in marriage to Ardean Boxberger on October 14, 1956,&nbsp; in Russell.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two sons; Kent and Kurt.&nbsp; They 
made their home in Russell.

Peggy was a devoted wife and homemaker for her boys.&nbsp; She also helped
 keep the books for Ardean’s welding business.&nbsp; She enjoyed bowling, 
boating and camping, playing bingo and gambling in Las Vegas.

Surviving family include her husband of 65 years, Ardean of the home;
 son, Kurt Boxberger (Melody) of Ft. Worth, Texas; four grandchildren, 
Brooke McMahan (Josh), Brent Boxberger, Shelby Boxberger and Sydney 
Boxberger; and great granddaughter Audrey McMahan.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and son Kent Boxberger. A 
private family gathering will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has 
taken place.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary,
 who is in charge of these arrangements.

Peggy Lou (Erwin) Boxberger, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away 
Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.Peggy was born March 21, 1927, in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; She was the 
daughter of Kenneth and Glady (Barton) Erwin.&nbsp; She grew up in Russell 
and graduated from Russell High School.Peggy was united in marriage to Ardean Boxberger on October 14, 1956,&nbsp; in Russell.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two sons; Kent and Kurt.&nbsp; They 
made their home in Russell.Peggy was a devoted wife and homemaker for her boys.&nbsp; She also helped
 keep the books for Ardean’s welding business.&nbsp; She enjoyed bowling, 
boating and camping, playing bingo and gambling in Las Vegas.Surviving family include her husband of 65 years, Ardean of the home;
 son, Kurt Boxberger (Melody) of Ft. Worth, Texas; four grandchildren, 
Brooke McMahan (Josh), Brent Boxberger, Shelby Boxberger and Sydney 
Boxberger; and great granddaughter Audrey McMahan.Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and son Kent Boxberger. A 
private family gathering will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has 
taken place.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary,
 who is in charge of these arrangements.

Peggy L. Boxberger

Phillipsburg resident Melba N. Ehm passed away Thursday, February 
10, 2022, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the
 age of 90.

She was born March 19, 1931, in Russellville, MO the daughter of Julius and Sedonia (Hofmockel) Buchta.

Melba was united in marriage to Virgil D. Ehm on October 11, 1953, in Russellville, MO.&nbsp;

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645465687888.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillipsburg resident Melba N. Ehm passed away Thursday, February 
10, 2022, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the
 age of 90.She was born March 19, 1931, in Russellville, MO the daughter of Julius and Sedonia (Hofmockel) Buchta.Melba was united in marriage to Virgil D. Ehm on October 11, 1953, in Russellville, MO.&nbsp;Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Melba N. Ehm

Technology and time has negated the need for a large home
for the city’s official newspaper.

But as a testament to the ongoing ability of area residents
to adapt to the future, the former home of the Hays Daily News at 507 Main soon will be home to a science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning
center.

The building’s new owner, Dallas Haselhorst, has named the
upcoming center STEM Harvest, reflecting his desire to encourage STEM education
in the region, while also finding in the building a new home for office spaces
downtown, including his own TreeTop Security.

And while creating a new learning center in downtown Hays is
an exciting opportunity for Haselhorst, he also said saving and rehabilitating
the building, while preserving its history is also a rewarding experience.

“As I was growing up, obviously had a lot of ties to the
building,” Haselhorst said. “I had friends that had newspaper routes, and I'd
often fill in for them. So obviously even I have my own bit of history with it,
but it really is a community centerpiece that a lot of people have looked at
over the years.

While most today will remember the building as the home to
the newspaper, it was first built as a home for Scheufler Supply Co., an automotive
parts and repair business in 1954, according to a 1979 Hays Daily News article.

It would also temporarily serve as the Hays Post Office from
Feb. 1, 1964, until Jan. 31, 1965, while the current facility was being constructed
from the shell of the previous building standing in the same location as it is
today.

A few years after the post office moved into its new
facility, Scheufler would also move out his business to a smaller location and
sell the building to Pete Felten, who then would sell the building to Hays Daily
News in January 1967.

After the first of several remodels, the paper would move
into the location in October of the same year.

The paper’s local operations would run from there until
Haselhorst bought the building from Gannett in 2021.&nbsp;

As soon as the purchase was completed, he would begin work
to secure the building, which had been suffering water damage from a roof that
was in desperate need of repair.

"(The) very first thing that we did, before we even purchased
the building, was actually go out and get some roofing bids,” Haselhorst said, “because the roof was about 10 to 15 years past where we needed it to be.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c">Related
story: Historical society faces artifact damage, considers church demo</a>

After getting a new roof on the building, the next step was
cleaning out the countless office supplies and artifacts left behind.

“We actually picked up a handful of old newspapers, some
from the 1800s,” Haselhorst said. “So those are kind of interesting to kind
of leaf through and see,” noting some included President McKinley on the campaign trail.

“To go through some of that stuff, we found some old
negatives of, say, the Kennedy assassination, some things like that from the
actual front page of the Hays Daily, so yeah, lots of cool history, lots of
cool artifacts.”

While he saved some of the most unique items, stacks of everyday newspapers from decades gone by — many damaged beyond saving — were discarded.

“We recycled a lot of paper — to say the least. We actually
ended up taking, I think, 27 truckloads of recycled materials of papers that
have just been from the past 20 years that didn't really have any value,”
Haselhorst said.

For the materials that were saved, he said finding ways to
showcase that history for the community is in the works.

Now moving the building away from the past, with an eye
toward the future, a large portion of the building will be dedicated to STEM Harvest, designed as a center for STEM education.

“STEM Harvest is something that honestly is about 10 years
in the making,” Haselhorst said. “And so it's going to have a heavy tech
slant, obviously, with me being involved with it. So coding, programming, 3D
printing, prototyping, fast-track prototyping is something that we've talked
about — to where you kind of get all of those skills together, you now start
producing products and start creating ideas.”

He said the center could provide after-school learning opportunities,
as well as camps, where youth can learn about the skills needed
for jobs in the future.

“And really, it kind of goes back to you teach the
fundamentals, and then see what a kid can create,” Haselhorst said.

“We can also bring in some mentors,” he said. “I have kind
of friends all over the place in the tech field. … We've also talked with
bringing in some different experts, at least on a monthly basis.”

Those experts span a wide range of fields and positions who Haselhorst said would be happy to share their experiences with the next generation.

“I think it has the chance, the possibility, to be really,
really special for the area,” he said.

As the space continues to develop, Haselhorst said the search
for funding is underway, to help him achieve his goal of a free-to-use facility.

“One of probably the most exciting things for me is
we are currently working for trying to get grants, sponsorships and things like
that,” he said. “I, ultimately, I want it to be free. … What I really, really
want to do is to keep that free so every kid that really has access to it.”

And ultimately, Haselhorst said, bringing high-tech
educational opportunities could strengthen and grow the local workforce.

“The the idea is to get kids to really learn those skills,
and then stay right here,” he said. “Whether that means that they're working
remotely for some other company, or whether they're generating new businesses,
new ideas for this area, there's absolutely zero reason that we can't be a tech
(center). Maybe we're not going to be a Denver, we're not going to be a Kansas
City, but Hays is a very attractive place to live and there's no reason why we
can't keep people here.”

While he hopes for a summer opening for STEM Harvest, as work
continues inside the building, other businesses, including his own TreeTop Security,
could soon be located there as well. A new façade is planned for March, which will break the front of the building up into separate offices.

“So it's revisioning, dividing that up a little bit, for
some other businesses to come in and add to the vibrancy of downtown,”
Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst will also turn the building into a home for his cybersecurity
company, TreeTop Security, along with office space for other area enterprises.

“For the last few years, we've been looking for space for
the kids’ area, as well as TreeTop,” Haselhorst said. “And so I knew going in
that we were needing about 6,000 square feet.”

That large a space in Hays has been hard to come by, he
said, but when the former Hays Daily News building came up for sale, he knew it
would be a fit, but also there would be ample space left over.

“It was kind of the idea that, well, what else can we do
with this?” Haselhorst said. “What other ideas? Could we make it kind of a — not gonna say a centerpiece, beautiful downtown Hays is already there and very
well established — but how can we make it kind of its own unique blend?”

He hopes that along with what is already located in downtown
Hays, the facility can be another draw with the right combination of businesses.

“There's already a lot of fantastic businesses, fantastic
things to do,” Haselhorst said. “You have the pool right there. You have a
lot of festivities and activities in downtown. So (it will) just to try and
promote that area, even just a little bit more.”

And while he works toward those long-term plans, he knows
the process will be a long one.

“Phase one, really, is to have the front 60 percent of the
building … hopefully have it 100 percent used,” Haselhorst said. 

For the remainder of the space, currently in the form of a warehouse
space that housed the paper’s printing press and circulation operations, finding
the right operation to move in remains up in the air.

“So it's really, get the front half going because, well,
honestly, that's easiest,” Haselhorst said. “But then also, kind of that back
half, that's where the artifacts, hopefully, eventually play into that.”

But he is also open to other ideas for the space.

“I've had a number of other ideas, business owners pitch
ideas I should say, for different things that that could be transformed into,”
Haselhorst said. “So yeah, we'll see. It's a space there and available that we
can try some different things with.”

For more about STEM Harvest, visit <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org.</a>

For more about TreeTop Security, visit <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">treetopsecurity.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="Icon of Hays’ past to become beacon for the future" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dp7h3-11ae8cc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=315"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645216228969.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostTechnology and time has negated the need for a large home
for the city’s official newspaper.But as a testament to the ongoing ability of area residents
to adapt to the future, the former home of the Hays Daily News at 507 Main soon will be home to a science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning
center.The building’s new owner, Dallas Haselhorst, has named the
upcoming center STEM Harvest, reflecting his desire to encourage STEM education
in the region, while also finding in the building a new home for office spaces
downtown, including his own TreeTop Security.And while creating a new learning center in downtown Hays is
an exciting opportunity for Haselhorst, he also said saving and rehabilitating
the building, while preserving its history is also a rewarding experience.“As I was growing up, obviously had a lot of ties to the
building,” Haselhorst said. “I had friends that had newspaper routes, and I'd
often fill in for them. So obviously even I have my own bit of history with it,
but it really is a community centerpiece that a lot of people have looked at
over the years.“It's a part of the community.”While most today will remember the building as the home to
the newspaper, it was first built as a home for Scheufler Supply Co., an automotive
parts and repair business in 1954, according to a 1979 Hays Daily News article.It would also temporarily serve as the Hays Post Office from
Feb. 1, 1964, until Jan. 31, 1965, while the current facility was being constructed
from the shell of the previous building standing in the same location as it is
today.A few years after the post office moved into its new
facility, Scheufler would also move out his business to a smaller location and
sell the building to Pete Felten, who then would sell the building to Hays Daily
News in January 1967.After the first of several remodels, the paper would move
into the location in October of the same year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219214071.jpeg" alt="An undated photo of the Hays Daily building, before it was remodeled into its current configuration. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>An undated photo of the Hays Daily building, before it was remodeled into its current configuration. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>The paper’s local operations would run from there until
Haselhorst bought the building from Gannett in 2021.&nbsp;As soon as the purchase was completed, he would begin work
to secure the building, which had been suffering water damage from a roof that
was in desperate need of repair."(The) very first thing that we did, before we even purchased
the building, was actually go out and get some roofing bids,” Haselhorst said, “because the roof was about 10 to 15 years past where we needed it to be.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218041805.jpeg" alt="Buckets located around the building collected water from a leaking roof. - Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Buckets located around the building collected water from a leaking roof. - Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218070736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df916f657544d3fe90e7c9c">Related
story: Historical society faces artifact damage, considers church demo</a>After getting a new roof on the building, the next step was
cleaning out the countless office supplies and artifacts left behind.“We actually picked up a handful of old newspapers, some
from the 1800s,” Haselhorst said. “So those are kind of interesting to kind
of leaf through and see,” noting some included President McKinley on the campaign trail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218163903.jpeg" alt="Items and artifacts left behind after Haselhorst bought the building at 507 Main. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Items and artifacts left behind after Haselhorst bought the building at 507 Main. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645217939504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“To go through some of that stuff, we found some old
negatives of, say, the Kennedy assassination, some things like that from the
actual front page of the Hays Daily, so yeah, lots of cool history, lots of
cool artifacts.”While he saved some of the most unique items, stacks of everyday newspapers from decades gone by — many damaged beyond saving — were discarded.“We recycled a lot of paper — to say the least. We actually
ended up taking, I think, 27 truckloads of recycled materials of papers that
have just been from the past 20 years that didn't really have any value,”
Haselhorst said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218108460.jpeg" alt="Among the items left behind were stacks of editions of the Hays Daily News. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Among the items left behind were stacks of editions of the Hays Daily News. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219151939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For the materials that were saved, he said finding ways to
showcase that history for the community is in the works.<h2>STEM Harvest</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219093437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now moving the building away from the past, with an eye
toward the future, a large portion of the building will be dedicated to STEM Harvest, designed as a center for STEM education.“STEM Harvest is something that honestly is about 10 years
in the making,” Haselhorst said. “And so it's going to have a heavy tech
slant, obviously, with me being involved with it. So coding, programming, 3D
printing, prototyping, fast-track prototyping is something that we've talked
about — to where you kind of get all of those skills together, you now start
producing products and start creating ideas.”He said the center could provide after-school learning opportunities,
as well as camps, where youth can learn about the skills needed
for jobs in the future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645219242630.png" alt="An architectural drawing shows the vision for the STEM Harvest space. -Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>An architectural drawing shows the vision for the STEM Harvest space. -Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure>“And really, it kind of goes back to you teach the
fundamentals, and then see what a kid can create,” Haselhorst said.“We can also bring in some mentors,” he said. “I have kind
of friends all over the place in the tech field. … We've also talked with
bringing in some different experts, at least on a monthly basis.”Those experts span a wide range of fields and positions who Haselhorst said would be happy to share their experiences with the next generation.“I think it has the chance, the possibility, to be really,
really special for the area,” he said.As the space continues to develop, Haselhorst said the search
for funding is underway, to help him achieve his goal of a free-to-use facility.“One of probably the most exciting things for me is
we are currently working for trying to get grants, sponsorships and things like
that,” he said. “I, ultimately, I want it to be free. … What I really, really
want to do is to keep that free so every kid that really has access to it.”And ultimately, Haselhorst said, bringing high-tech
educational opportunities could strengthen and grow the local workforce.“The the idea is to get kids to really learn those skills,
and then stay right here,” he said. “Whether that means that they're working
remotely for some other company, or whether they're generating new businesses,
new ideas for this area, there's absolutely zero reason that we can't be a tech
(center). Maybe we're not going to be a Denver, we're not going to be a Kansas
City, but Hays is a very attractive place to live and there's no reason why we
can't keep people here.”While he hopes for a summer opening for STEM Harvest, as work
continues inside the building, other businesses, including his own TreeTop Security,
could soon be located there as well. A new façade is planned for March, which will break the front of the building up into separate offices.“So it's revisioning, dividing that up a little bit, for
some other businesses to come in and add to the vibrancy of downtown,”
Haselhorst said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218017967.jpeg" alt="Several pieces of leftover furniture are being rehabbed for use in the new space. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst." />
 <figcaption>Several pieces of leftover furniture are being rehabbed for use in the new space. -&nbsp;Photos courtesy Dallas Haselhorst.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>TreeTop Security and more</h2>Haselhorst will also turn the building into a home for his cybersecurity
company, TreeTop Security, along with office space for other area enterprises.“For the last few years, we've been looking for space for
the kids’ area, as well as TreeTop,” Haselhorst said. “And so I knew going in
that we were needing about 6,000 square feet.”That large a space in Hays has been hard to come by, he
said, but when the former Hays Daily News building came up for sale, he knew it
would be a fit, but also there would be ample space left over.“It was kind of the idea that, well, what else can we do
with this?” Haselhorst said. “What other ideas? Could we make it kind of a — not gonna say a centerpiece, beautiful downtown Hays is already there and very
well established — but how can we make it kind of its own unique blend?”He hopes that along with what is already located in downtown
Hays, the facility can be another draw with the right combination of businesses.“There's already a lot of fantastic businesses, fantastic
things to do,” Haselhorst said. “You have the pool right there. You have a
lot of festivities and activities in downtown. So (it will) just to try and
promote that area, even just a little bit more.”And while he works toward those long-term plans, he knows
the process will be a long one.“Phase one, really, is to have the front 60 percent of the
building … hopefully have it 100 percent used,” Haselhorst said. For the remainder of the space, currently in the form of a warehouse
space that housed the paper’s printing press and circulation operations, finding
the right operation to move in remains up in the air.“So it's really, get the front half going because, well,
honestly, that's easiest,” Haselhorst said. “But then also, kind of that back
half, that's where the artifacts, hopefully, eventually play into that.”But he is also open to other ideas for the space.“I've had a number of other ideas, business owners pitch
ideas I should say, for different things that that could be transformed into,”
Haselhorst said. “So yeah, we'll see. It's a space there and available that we
can try some different things with.”For more about STEM Harvest, visit <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org.</a>For more about TreeTop Security, visit <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">treetopsecurity.com.</a>

🎙 TURN THE PAGE: Icon of Hays' past to become beacon to future

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, Buckingham Palace said, adding that the famously stoic 95-year-old monarch still plans to carry on working. The diagnosis prompted concern and get-well wishes from across Britain’s political spectrum.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a fixture in the life of the nation, the queen reached the milestone of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-europe-arts-and-entertainment-prince-charles-85988dc8f2b109ded943169dfc18fa27">70 years on the throne on Feb. 6,</a>&nbsp;the anniversary of the 1952 death of her father, King George VI. She will turn 96 on April 21.

The palace said the queen, who has been fully vaccinated and had a booster shot, would continue with “light” duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.

People in the U.K. who test positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are required to self-isolate for at least five days, although the British government says it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-pandemics-2a717a276b483431f30622f7fa7602cb">plans to lift that requirement for England</a>&nbsp;this week.

Both the queen’s eldest son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-queen-elizabeth-ii-health-king-felipe-vi-british-museum-9cf9c919c194398968bdbee381c07a28">Prince Charles</a>, 73, and her 74-year-old daughter-in-law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-coronavirus-pandemic-health-arts-and-entertainment-europe-e8ffffb2dd3a0b2ca4631938dc89325d">Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall</a>&nbsp;contracted COVID-19 earlier this month. Charles has since returned to work. There are also thought to be several recent virus cases among staff at Windsor Castle, where the queen is staying.

A host of senior British politicians sent get-well messages. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from COVID and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid wrote that he was “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a quick recovery,” while opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wished the queen “good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.”

Elizabeth has been in robust health for most of her reign and has been photographed riding a horse as recently as 2020. In the past year she has been seen using a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-princess-anne-royalty-arts-and-entertainment-64794d87da24ab3f61675b523000ab97">walking stick</a>, and in October she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-london-royalty-c9e4d83169f38fcff329adc02f969704">spent a night in a London hospital</a>&nbsp;for unspecified tests.

The queen’s doctors ordered her to rest after that and she was forced to cancel appearances at several key events, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-back-spring-remembrance-day-3b90d882719307bcb0c815091ceb53f8">Remembrance Sunday</a>&nbsp;services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-environment-and-nature-london-b00e0b26dd216974aa59fe957fc438c5">COP26 climate conference</a>&nbsp;in Glasgow, Scotland in November.

This month she returned to public duties and has held audiences both virtually and in person with diplomats, politicians and senior military officers. During one exchange caught on camera last week, she walked slowly with a stick and said “as you can see I can’t move” in apparent reference to her leg.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said members of the royal family would be very concerned by the COVID-19 diagnosis.

“I would guess that she will be matter-of-fact about the diagnosis in a way perhaps that the people around her are less matter-of-fact,” he said.

The queen has a busy schedule over the next few months of her Platinum Jubilee year, and is scheduled to attend in-person public engagements in the coming weeks, including a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2 and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.

On March 29, she has a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at 99.

Public celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee are scheduled over a long weekend June 2-5, with festivities including a military parade, a day of horse racing and neighborhood parties.

The queen is the latest monarch from around the world to catch COVID-19. Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 82, and Spain’s King Felipe VI, 54,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-spain-europe-arts-and-entertainment-62f6dc8c38afc40b20d7059a910ddf0e">both tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the illness earlier in February and had mild symptoms.

Her diagnosis comes after a difficult week for Britain’s royal family.

On Tuesday the queen’s second son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">Prince Andrew, settled a U.S. lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by a woman who claimed he had sexually abused with her when she was 17 and traveling with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew strenuously denied the claim by Virginia Giuffre. He agreed in a settlement to make a substantial donation to his accuser’s charity.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-police-london-philanthropy-6573c05f26a12cebe15de1940536587c">London’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations that people associated with one of Prince Charles’ charities offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure honors and citizenship in return for donations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634738473421.png" alt="Queen Elizabeth at the G7 conference in June -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Queen Elizabeth at the G7 conference in June -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, Buckingham Palace said, adding that the famously stoic 95-year-old monarch still plans to carry on working. The diagnosis prompted concern and get-well wishes from across Britain’s political spectrum.Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a fixture in the life of the nation, the queen reached the milestone of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-europe-arts-and-entertainment-prince-charles-85988dc8f2b109ded943169dfc18fa27">70 years on the throne on Feb. 6,</a>&nbsp;the anniversary of the 1952 death of her father, King George VI. She will turn 96 on April 21.The palace said the queen, who has been fully vaccinated and had a booster shot, would continue with “light” duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week.“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.People in the U.K. who test positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are required to self-isolate for at least five days, although the British government says it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-pandemics-2a717a276b483431f30622f7fa7602cb">plans to lift that requirement for England</a>&nbsp;this week.Both the queen’s eldest son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-queen-elizabeth-ii-health-king-felipe-vi-british-museum-9cf9c919c194398968bdbee381c07a28">Prince Charles</a>, 73, and her 74-year-old daughter-in-law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-coronavirus-pandemic-health-arts-and-entertainment-europe-e8ffffb2dd3a0b2ca4631938dc89325d">Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall</a>&nbsp;contracted COVID-19 earlier this month. Charles has since returned to work. There are also thought to be several recent virus cases among staff at Windsor Castle, where the queen is staying.A host of senior British politicians sent get-well messages. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from COVID and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”Health Secretary Sajid Javid wrote that he was “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a quick recovery,” while opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wished the queen “good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.”Elizabeth has been in robust health for most of her reign and has been photographed riding a horse as recently as 2020. In the past year she has been seen using a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-princess-anne-royalty-arts-and-entertainment-64794d87da24ab3f61675b523000ab97">walking stick</a>, and in October she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-london-royalty-c9e4d83169f38fcff329adc02f969704">spent a night in a London hospital</a>&nbsp;for unspecified tests.The queen’s doctors ordered her to rest after that and she was forced to cancel appearances at several key events, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-back-spring-remembrance-day-3b90d882719307bcb0c815091ceb53f8">Remembrance Sunday</a>&nbsp;services and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-entertainment-europe-environment-and-nature-london-b00e0b26dd216974aa59fe957fc438c5">COP26 climate conference</a>&nbsp;in Glasgow, Scotland in November.This month she returned to public duties and has held audiences both virtually and in person with diplomats, politicians and senior military officers. During one exchange caught on camera last week, she walked slowly with a stick and said “as you can see I can’t move” in apparent reference to her leg.Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said members of the royal family would be very concerned by the COVID-19 diagnosis.“I would guess that she will be matter-of-fact about the diagnosis in a way perhaps that the people around her are less matter-of-fact,” he said.The queen has a busy schedule over the next few months of her Platinum Jubilee year, and is scheduled to attend in-person public engagements in the coming weeks, including a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2 and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.On March 29, she has a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at 99.Public celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee are scheduled over a long weekend June 2-5, with festivities including a military parade, a day of horse racing and neighborhood parties.The queen is the latest monarch from around the world to catch COVID-19. Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 82, and Spain’s King Felipe VI, 54,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-spain-europe-arts-and-entertainment-62f6dc8c38afc40b20d7059a910ddf0e">both tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the illness earlier in February and had mild symptoms.Her diagnosis comes after a difficult week for Britain’s royal family.On Tuesday the queen’s second son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-virginia-giuffre-lawsuit-settlement-8b04c775aa46f761d81c05ef12e3a94f">Prince Andrew, settled a U.S. lawsuit</a>&nbsp;brought by a woman who claimed he had sexually abused with her when she was 17 and traveling with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew strenuously denied the claim by Virginia Giuffre. He agreed in a settlement to make a substantial donation to his accuser’s charity.On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-police-london-philanthropy-6573c05f26a12cebe15de1940536587c">London’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation</a>&nbsp;into allegations that people associated with one of Prince Charles’ charities offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure honors and citizenship in return for donations.___

Fully vaccinated Queen Elizabeth II tests positive for COVID

Greta Marie (Waggoner) Paxson, 86, Penokee, Kansas died Tuesday, 
February 15, 2022, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City. She was 
born December 14, 1935, to Galen and Agnes (Hildebrand) Waggoner at the 
family farm home south of Morland, the second of three children. She had
 an older sister Anita, and a younger brother Tim.
 	Greta went to Shiloh School in rural Graham County, from first 
through eighth grade. After her dad’s first heart attack, when Greta was
 in seventh grade, she did chores and fed cattle before going to school.
 She attended high school in Hill City. When Greta was a freshman and 
Anita a senior, they roomed together during the school week. After 
Anita’s graduation, she stayed the next three years with Cora Trexler, a
 very sweet lady, who had just lost her husband.
 	 Greta loved music. She played the baritone saxophone and was a 
member of the Hill City High School Dinner Band. Her most memorable 
music experience was playing a concert for the Topeka Correctional 
Facility. That band received a one rating at the Kansas High School 
Music Contest. She always received ones for her state saxophone solos. 
 	 Greta began dating Bob Paxson their sophomore year. What a great 
time they had! Bob drove a 1941 blue Ford four-door car. When school was
 dismissed, Greta loaded up all her girlfriends and paraded through the 
streets in that ’41 Ford while Bob was at sports practices. After Friday
 night games, Bob always took her home, no matter how late his games 
lasted. In April of their senior year Bob gave her an engagement ring. 
She and Bob graduated from Hill City High School in May of 1953. Bob’s 
dad had told Bob he couldn’t get married until all the fall farm work 
was done. When it was completed, they were married October 31, 1953, in 
Penokee at the Methodist Church.
 	The couple rented a small, four room farmhouse with a half 
basement. Greta took a great deal of pride in keeping her house just so.
 They milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed some with his parents. 
Their first daughter, Laurie was born April 11, 1957, just after a huge 
blizzard which produced between 36 and 40 inches of snow. The farm was 
without electricity for 23 days. Water and heat were available, but 
there was no way to cook. They survived though, along with their new 
daughter and 300 baby chicks they kept in the house! Their second 
daughter, Audrey was born May 26, 1958. 
 	In August of 1963 Bob and Greta started building their dream home. 
Greta cooked and fed lunch to all the carpenters. They never missed 
taking a break in the afternoon to enjoy Greta’s pies or cinnamon rolls.
 The family moved into their new home November 22, 1963. They always 
remembered that date because it was the day President Kennedy was 
assassinated, a very happy day for them, but a sad day, too.
 	The family was complete with the birth of their third daughter, 
Roberta, December 4, 1969. From 1970 to 2000 Greta drove a school bus 
for Morland USD 280. She had many stories to tell through the years as 
she picked up three generations of school children. Her homemade banana 
bread was always a hit when she handed it out as an after-school snack 
while the children were heading home. Greta liked farming with her 
husband and could run almost every piece of equipment. She drove a 
tractor and truck with the best of them. Greta had many talents. She was
 an excellent seamstress and a great cook. Her theory was, “It’s always 
better to have lots of leftovers than not enough food.”
 	Greta enjoyed dancing. It was very important that all her 
grandchildren learned to dance. There were always dancing lessons in the
 kitchen, from the waltz to the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. She was a 
long-time member of the Helping Hands Club. Greta never missed an 
opportunity to play cards whether it was with neighbors, grandchildren, 
or friends. She also liked gambling in Topeka and Dodge City, and she 
was extremely lucky. She did share her winnings with Bob who was always 
around to help spend part of it.
 	You never had to second guess Greta. She always told it like it was
 and sometimes where to get off. She was Bob’s best friend and always a 
part of any decision making. 
 	Greta was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Audrey, 
her granddaughter Amber, and her brother Tim. Survivors left to cherish 
her memory include her husband Robert “Bob” Paxson of the home; her 
daughters Laurie Ketterl and husband Bernard of Eagle, Nebraska, and 
Roberta Oborny of Hays; her sister Anita Middleton of Hill City; 10 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 	 “God bless you, Honey. Now you are home. May you rest in peace.”

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Greta-Marie-Paxson?obId=24024209#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645106302279.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greta Marie (Waggoner) Paxson, 86, Penokee, Kansas died Tuesday, 
February 15, 2022, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City. She was 
born December 14, 1935, to Galen and Agnes (Hildebrand) Waggoner at the 
family farm home south of Morland, the second of three children. She had
 an older sister Anita, and a younger brother Tim.
 	Greta went to Shiloh School in rural Graham County, from first 
through eighth grade. After her dad’s first heart attack, when Greta was
 in seventh grade, she did chores and fed cattle before going to school.
 She attended high school in Hill City. When Greta was a freshman and 
Anita a senior, they roomed together during the school week. After 
Anita’s graduation, she stayed the next three years with Cora Trexler, a
 very sweet lady, who had just lost her husband.
 	 Greta loved music. She played the baritone saxophone and was a 
member of the Hill City High School Dinner Band. Her most memorable 
music experience was playing a concert for the Topeka Correctional 
Facility. That band received a one rating at the Kansas High School 
Music Contest. She always received ones for her state saxophone solos. 
 	 Greta began dating Bob Paxson their sophomore year. What a great 
time they had! Bob drove a 1941 blue Ford four-door car. When school was
 dismissed, Greta loaded up all her girlfriends and paraded through the 
streets in that ’41 Ford while Bob was at sports practices. After Friday
 night games, Bob always took her home, no matter how late his games 
lasted. In April of their senior year Bob gave her an engagement ring. 
She and Bob graduated from Hill City High School in May of 1953. Bob’s 
dad had told Bob he couldn’t get married until all the fall farm work 
was done. When it was completed, they were married October 31, 1953, in 
Penokee at the Methodist Church.
 	The couple rented a small, four room farmhouse with a half 
basement. Greta took a great deal of pride in keeping her house just so.
 They milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed some with his parents. 
Their first daughter, Laurie was born April 11, 1957, just after a huge 
blizzard which produced between 36 and 40 inches of snow. The farm was 
without electricity for 23 days. Water and heat were available, but 
there was no way to cook. They survived though, along with their new 
daughter and 300 baby chicks they kept in the house! Their second 
daughter, Audrey was born May 26, 1958. 
 	In August of 1963 Bob and Greta started building their dream home. 
Greta cooked and fed lunch to all the carpenters. They never missed 
taking a break in the afternoon to enjoy Greta’s pies or cinnamon rolls.
 The family moved into their new home November 22, 1963. They always 
remembered that date because it was the day President Kennedy was 
assassinated, a very happy day for them, but a sad day, too.
 	The family was complete with the birth of their third daughter, 
Roberta, December 4, 1969. From 1970 to 2000 Greta drove a school bus 
for Morland USD 280. She had many stories to tell through the years as 
she picked up three generations of school children. Her homemade banana 
bread was always a hit when she handed it out as an after-school snack 
while the children were heading home. Greta liked farming with her 
husband and could run almost every piece of equipment. She drove a 
tractor and truck with the best of them. Greta had many talents. She was
 an excellent seamstress and a great cook. Her theory was, “It’s always 
better to have lots of leftovers than not enough food.”
 	Greta enjoyed dancing. It was very important that all her 
grandchildren learned to dance. There were always dancing lessons in the
 kitchen, from the waltz to the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. She was a 
long-time member of the Helping Hands Club. Greta never missed an 
opportunity to play cards whether it was with neighbors, grandchildren, 
or friends. She also liked gambling in Topeka and Dodge City, and she 
was extremely lucky. She did share her winnings with Bob who was always 
around to help spend part of it.
 	You never had to second guess Greta. She always told it like it was
 and sometimes where to get off. She was Bob’s best friend and always a 
part of any decision making. 
 	Greta was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Audrey, 
her granddaughter Amber, and her brother Tim. Survivors left to cherish 
her memory include her husband Robert “Bob” Paxson of the home; her 
daughters Laurie Ketterl and husband Bernard of Eagle, Nebraska, and 
Roberta Oborny of Hays; her sister Anita Middleton of Hill City; 10 
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 	 “God bless you, Honey. Now you are home. May you rest in peace.”Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Greta-Marie-Paxson?obId=24024209#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Greta Marie Paxson

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. 

The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.

The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser-Photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser-Photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

Kan. state hospital employee sentenced for sex offender's escape

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a
pharmacist with one count of tampering with a consumer product, one count of possession of
Tramadol by deception and subterfuge, one count of possession of Zolpidem by deception and
subterfuge, and one count of possession of oxycodone hydrochloride by deception and subterfuge.


According to court documents, from July 2020 to October 2020, Benjamin Dandurand, 34, of
Shawnee Mission is accused of allegedly using his fingerprint at a pharmacy in Lenexa to remove
oxycodone hydrochloride from a safe. He allegedly removed the controlled substance from the
bottle and replaced it with an alternate liquid substance before returning the bottle to the safe.
Dandurand also allegedly took Tramadol, oxycodone hydrochloride, and Zolpidem from the
pharmacy between September 2020 and October 2020.


The Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the
case.


Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.


U.S. Attorney's OfficeKANSAS CITY, Kan. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a
pharmacist with one count of tampering with a consumer product, one count of possession of
Tramadol by deception and subterfuge, one count of possession of Zolpidem by deception and
subterfuge, and one count of possession of oxycodone hydrochloride by deception and subterfuge.
According to court documents, from July 2020 to October 2020, Benjamin Dandurand, 34, of
Shawnee Mission is accused of allegedly using his fingerprint at a pharmacy in Lenexa to remove
oxycodone hydrochloride from a safe. He allegedly removed the controlled substance from the
bottle and replaced it with an alternate liquid substance before returning the bottle to the safe.
Dandurand also allegedly took Tramadol, oxycodone hydrochloride, and Zolpidem from the
pharmacy between September 2020 and October 2020.
The Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the
case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.

Grand jury indicts Kan. pharmacist on multiple drug allegations

Cheryl D. O’Connell, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 11, 
2022, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
She was born on October 21, 1953, in Kansas City,&nbsp; Missouri, the 
daughter of Louis Freeland and Patricia A. Casper.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2006 moving from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she was a 
Radiologist Technologist for 25 years.

She was a member of the Baptist Faith and Abate of Kansas Chapter 13 and Highway Guardians.

On June 6, 2008, she married Neil O’Connell in Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.

Survivors include her Husband - Neil O’Connell of Scott City, Kansas,
 One Son - John “Jake” &amp; Amy Jones of Scott City, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Suzan Gilbert of Garden City, Kansas, Shirkara Lumpkins of 
Newton, Kansas, One Brother - David Freeland of Illinois, Nine 
Grandchildren, and Two Great Grandchildren. &nbsp; &nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Lonnie 
“Ratty” Freeland, and Two Grandchildren - Trent Truax and Hunter Truax.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 
2022, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding.

Memorials may be written to the Cheryl O’Connell Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645051064355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl D. O’Connell, age 68, passed away on Friday, February 11, 
2022, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
She was born on October 21, 1953, in Kansas City,&nbsp; Missouri, the 
daughter of Louis Freeland and Patricia A. Casper.&nbsp; A resident of Scott 
City, Kansas since 2006 moving from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she was a 
Radiologist Technologist for 25 years.She was a member of the Baptist Faith and Abate of Kansas Chapter 13 and Highway Guardians.On June 6, 2008, she married Neil O’Connell in Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.Survivors include her Husband - Neil O’Connell of Scott City, Kansas,
 One Son - John “Jake” &amp; Amy Jones of Scott City, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Suzan Gilbert of Garden City, Kansas, Shirkara Lumpkins of 
Newton, Kansas, One Brother - David Freeland of Illinois, Nine 
Grandchildren, and Two Great Grandchildren. &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers - Lonnie 
“Ratty” Freeland, and Two Grandchildren - Trent Truax and Hunter Truax.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 
2022, at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle 
Evans presiding.There will be no calling times.Memorials may be written to the Cheryl O’Connell Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Cheryl D. O’Connell

Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served&nbsp;as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct Medal.&nbsp;

He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.&nbsp;

Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri,&nbsp;Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca of Carroll, Iowa, and&nbsp;by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.

Edwin’s&nbsp;funeral&nbsp;will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the&nbsp;North Lutheran Cemetery&nbsp;north of Natoma. &nbsp;Military honors will be provided by the&nbsp;Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service. &nbsp;

Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries 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/2022/2/1644974687190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edwin Carl Hofstetter, 100 years 8 months, passed away February 11, 2022, at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas. Edwin was born June 10, 1921, to Henry and Williamina (Beisner) Hofstetter at their home in rural Osborne County north of Natoma, Kansas. He graduated from Natoma High School. He joined the United States Army in 1942 and served&nbsp;as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He left the military at the end of the war in October 1945. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; and a Good Conduct Medal.&nbsp;He married Neita Luhman August 28, 1948. They lived at their farm north of Natoma where they raised their two sons. Edwin was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and over the years served the congregation in several positions. He belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, served on the Round Mound Township Board, and the Natoma School Board. After retiring from farming, Ed and Neita moved to their home in Natoma. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. Edwin enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing basketball, playing pitch and pinochle, hunting, and watching K. U. sports. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren and laughing uncontrollably at a good joke.&nbsp;Edwin is survived by his sons, Darrel Hofstetter and wife Nancy of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Roy Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas; and by seven grandchildren: Corbin Hofstetter and wife Barb of Shawnee, Kansas, Rachael Hofstetter of Smithville, Missouri,&nbsp;Andrea Hofstetter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janelle Martinelli and husband Byron of Parkville, Missouri, Chad Hofstetter of Cummings, Kansas, Kristyn Sweeney and husband Sean of Spring Hill, Kansas, Joshua Hofstetter and wife Rebecca of Carroll, Iowa, and&nbsp;by 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Paul Hofstetter (96) and wife Deloris of Hill City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neita, brother Ernest Hofstetter, and sister Frieda Pfortmiller.Edwin’s&nbsp;funeral&nbsp;will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the&nbsp;North Lutheran Cemetery&nbsp;north of Natoma. &nbsp;Military honors will be provided by the&nbsp;Russell V.F.W. Post 6240. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church the day of the service. &nbsp;Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries and sent in care of the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.