By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-28/picking-health-insurance-is-hard-experts-offer-these-5-tips">Kansas News Service</a>

Choosing the right health insurance plan each year is an anxiety filled, complicated and overwhelming process.

You
 get a couple of weeks or, if you’re lucky, a few months to go over 
multiple options either provided through your employer or on the federal
 marketplace. That means sorting through terms like deductible, co-insurance and HSA that even experts have a hard time comprehending.

So
 you might just go with what you had last year, even if it might mean 
you end up spending more money than necessary or leave yourself open to a
 huge financial risk in the event of an unforeseen emergency.

We can’t make the process any less complicated. But the Kansas News Service spoke with a few experts for tips.

The first, and most basic step, is to know when your open enrollment period begins.

Many private employer-based health insurance plans open enrollment around October.

For
 those who get their health insurance from the federal marketplace, the 
open enrollment period begins Nov. 1 and runs through January 15.

Julia Voss is a certified application counselor with <a href="http://centralplainshealthcarepartnership.org/index.php/project-access/" target="_blank">Project Access</a> in Sedgwick County. She said it’s important to begin looking at healthcare.gov plans as soon as you can.

“You
 may have some questions that you need to investigate and do some more 
research on, so the earlier you do that the sooner you’re going to be 
able to make a good decision about meeting your needs,” she said.

It’s
 also important to recognize that choosing a health insurance plan will 
take effort. It might help to think about making health insurance 
selections the same way as you think about doing your taxes every year.

“Except
 you can pay someone to do your taxes for you,” said Emily Vardell, an 
assistant professor at Emporia State University who studies health 
insurance literacy. “You really can’t pay someone to pick your health 
insurance.”

Sure, both are a chore, she said, but with a little effort or some outside help, you can end up saving yourself a lot of money.

Before knowing what coverage will be best moving forward, it’s good to know how you’re already using the coverage you have.

Do you go to the doctor often? Is there a specialist you need to see? How many prescriptions do you need filled?

Vardell
 said looking at your previous usage will give you a better 
understanding of how much you actually spend, which could influence 
whether you choose a plan with a higher deductible and lower monthly 
premium or vice-versa.

She said you can find the information at 
your online health insurance account, looking at the statements sent to 
you in the mail, or even just back at your calendar.

Next, ask yourself if there’s any medical procedures you can plan.

Do you have a chronic condition? Are you planning on having a baby? Or knee surgery?

If
 so, you might consider changing to a plan with a lower deductible or 
coinsurance, even if it means paying a higher monthly premium.

“That’s
 kind of the beauty and the pain of health insurance,” Vardell said. 
“You have to pick every year, but at least you can change it to fit your
 needs.”

Voss, the application counselor, said it’s also important to look at the details of plans, especially really low-cost coverage.

Some plans only
 allow you to see a doctor once every three months, she said, and if you
 have three or four doctors you see regularly that’s probably not going 
to be the best plan.

All of the experts we spoke with said don’t be afraid to use any and all resources available.

If
 you’re on an employer-sponsored plan, reach out to your human resources
 manager. At larger companies, they’ll often have events or webinars 
that will explain the options and give people the opportunity to ask 
questions. They’re worth your time. The wrong call on an insurance plan 
can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

If you’re selecting a plan through the federal marketplace, Healthcare.gov has a <a href="https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/" target="_blank">find-a-navigator tool</a>.
 This will allow you to find people in your area, like Voss, who are 
trained to help people through the application and selection process.

Many
 other local and state agencies and nonprofits can answer questions 
about Medicaid and Medicare eligibility and application processes.

There are also several online tools, including <a href="https://www.justplainclear.com/en" target="_blank">JustPlainClear.com</a> which allows you to look up the meaning of terms such as deductible, coinsurance and HMO.

Voss
 also suggested asking people in your trusted circle, including friends 
and family members, about how they make health insurance choices and 
whether they’ve liked a certain aspect of a plan or not.

Katherine
 Baicker is a health economist and the dean of the Harris School of 
Public Policy at the University of Chicago. She said whatever you end up
 deciding, just do something.

“Being insured is much better than being uninsured,” she said.

Even
 if you have a high deductible plan that leaves you paying out of pocket
 for most of your health care costs, it’s better than not having 
insurance at all. It could be your last defense against financial ruin.

For instance, Insurers
 will often negotiate discounts with providers. That means the price 
you’ll pay, even if you still haven’t met your deductible, would be less
 than the non-insured rate the provider charges.

For young, 
healthy people, she said that choice can be hard because spending any 
money on a health premium can seem like a waste.

“But It wasn’t 
wasted, you might have gotten sick.” Baicker said. “And you had that 
protection whether you ended up using it or not in the same way that I 
have homeowners insurance and every year that my house doesn’t burn 
down, that’s a good year.”

Ultimately, even a low-cost plan can 
protect against catastrophically high expenses that can come from an 
accident or a surprise diagnosis such as cancer.

In the end, the 
experts all said that the system is probably a lot more complicated than
 necessary, but until that changes, it’s worth it to try to understand 
how you can make it work best for you.

“It can be empowering to 
say I’m not going to let the insurance company take advantage of me,” 
Vardell said. “I’m going to make a decision that’s going to help my 
family save money.”

Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, 
energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635445902970.png" alt="Health insurance plan information often provides an alphabet soup of terms and abbreviations. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Health insurance plan information often provides an alphabet soup of terms and abbreviations. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-28/picking-health-insurance-is-hard-experts-offer-these-5-tips">Kansas News Service</a>Choosing the right health insurance plan each year is an anxiety filled, complicated and overwhelming process.You
 get a couple of weeks or, if you’re lucky, a few months to go over 
multiple options either provided through your employer or on the federal
 marketplace. That means sorting through terms like deductible, co-insurance and HSA that even experts have a hard time comprehending.So
 you might just go with what you had last year, even if it might mean 
you end up spending more money than necessary or leave yourself open to a
 huge financial risk in the event of an unforeseen emergency.We can’t make the process any less complicated. But the Kansas News Service spoke with a few experts for tips.<h2>Prepare</h2>The first, and most basic step, is to know when your open enrollment period begins.Many private employer-based health insurance plans open enrollment around October.For
 those who get their health insurance from the federal marketplace, the 
open enrollment period begins Nov. 1 and runs through January 15.Julia Voss is a certified application counselor with <a href="http://centralplainshealthcarepartnership.org/index.php/project-access/" target="_blank">Project Access</a> in Sedgwick County. She said it’s important to begin looking at healthcare.gov plans as soon as you can.“You
 may have some questions that you need to investigate and do some more 
research on, so the earlier you do that the sooner you’re going to be 
able to make a good decision about meeting your needs,” she said.It’s
 also important to recognize that choosing a health insurance plan will 
take effort. It might help to think about making health insurance 
selections the same way as you think about doing your taxes every year.“Except
 you can pay someone to do your taxes for you,” said Emily Vardell, an 
assistant professor at Emporia State University who studies health 
insurance literacy. “You really can’t pay someone to pick your health 
insurance.”Sure, both are a chore, she said, but with a little effort or some outside help, you can end up saving yourself a lot of money.<h2>Reflect back</h2>Before knowing what coverage will be best moving forward, it’s good to know how you’re already using the coverage you have.Do you go to the doctor often? Is there a specialist you need to see? How many prescriptions do you need filled?Vardell
 said looking at your previous usage will give you a better 
understanding of how much you actually spend, which could influence 
whether you choose a plan with a higher deductible and lower monthly 
premium or vice-versa.She said you can find the information at 
your online health insurance account, looking at the statements sent to 
you in the mail, or even just back at your calendar.<h2>Plan ahead</h2>Next, ask yourself if there’s any medical procedures you can plan.Do you have a chronic condition? Are you planning on having a baby? Or knee surgery?If
 so, you might consider changing to a plan with a lower deductible or 
coinsurance, even if it means paying a higher monthly premium.“That’s
 kind of the beauty and the pain of health insurance,” Vardell said. 
“You have to pick every year, but at least you can change it to fit your
 needs.”Voss, the application counselor, said it’s also important to look at the details of plans, especially really low-cost coverage.Some plans only
 allow you to see a doctor once every three months, she said, and if you
 have three or four doctors you see regularly that’s probably not going 
to be the best plan.<h2>Get help</h2>All of the experts we spoke with said don’t be afraid to use any and all resources available.If
 you’re on an employer-sponsored plan, reach out to your human resources
 manager. At larger companies, they’ll often have events or webinars 
that will explain the options and give people the opportunity to ask 
questions. They’re worth your time. The wrong call on an insurance plan 
can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.If you’re selecting a plan through the federal marketplace, Healthcare.gov has a <a href="https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/" target="_blank">find-a-navigator tool</a>.
 This will allow you to find people in your area, like Voss, who are 
trained to help people through the application and selection process.Many
 other local and state agencies and nonprofits can answer questions 
about Medicaid and Medicare eligibility and application processes.There are also several online tools, including <a href="https://www.justplainclear.com/en" target="_blank">JustPlainClear.com</a> which allows you to look up the meaning of terms such as deductible, coinsurance and HMO.Voss
 also suggested asking people in your trusted circle, including friends 
and family members, about how they make health insurance choices and 
whether they’ve liked a certain aspect of a plan or not.<h2>Anything is better than nothing</h2>Katherine
 Baicker is a health economist and the dean of the Harris School of 
Public Policy at the University of Chicago. She said whatever you end up
 deciding, just do something.“Being insured is much better than being uninsured,” she said.Even
 if you have a high deductible plan that leaves you paying out of pocket
 for most of your health care costs, it’s better than not having 
insurance at all. It could be your last defense against financial ruin.For instance, Insurers
 will often negotiate discounts with providers. That means the price 
you’ll pay, even if you still haven’t met your deductible, would be less
 than the non-insured rate the provider charges.For young, 
healthy people, she said that choice can be hard because spending any 
money on a health premium can seem like a waste.“But It wasn’t 
wasted, you might have gotten sick.” Baicker said. “And you had that 
protection whether you ended up using it or not in the same way that I 
have homeowners insurance and every year that my house doesn’t burn 
down, that’s a good year.”Ultimately, even a low-cost plan can 
protect against catastrophically high expenses that can come from an 
accident or a surprise diagnosis such as cancer.In the end, the 
experts all said that the system is probably a lot more complicated than
 necessary, but until that changes, it’s worth it to try to understand 
how you can make it work best for you.“It can be empowering to 
say I’m not going to let the insurance company take advantage of me,” 
Vardell said. “I’m going to make a decision that’s going to help my 
family save money.”Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, 
energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News 
Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Picking health insurance is hard. Experts offer these 5 tips

George Eldon Shupe, age 74, of Manhattan, died October 16, 2021, at the Good Shepherd Homecare &amp; Hospice House in Manhattan. 
 He was born April 5, 1947, in Manhattan, the son of John W. and Elizabeth M. (Mendenhall) Shupe. 
 George attended local schools and graduated from Manhattan High School
 in 1965. He attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1969, 
and then later earned his MBA from San Diego State University in 1974. 
 Mr. Shupe served in the United States Air Force from September 1969 to April 1972 as 1st. LT. 
 He was an Accounting/Business Instructor at Cuyamaca Community College in El Cajon, CA. 
 George attended Grace Baptist Church, enjoyed stamp collecting, 
playing golf in his younger years and was a student of Biblical 
Prophecy. 
 Survivors include his six children: George “Keoki” Shupe, Jr. of 
Honolulu, HI, Jason Shupe, Lianna Shupe (Leo Ruiz), Bradley Shupe, 
Christopher Shupe and Darrin Shupe all of El Cajon, CA; two 
grandchildren: Maddox and Lex Spieldenner; and three siblings: John 
Shupe of Centennial, CO, Steven Shupe of India, and Christine Wagner 
(Gerald) of Hays, KS. 
 Cremation is planned with graveside services with military honors to 
be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 3rd, at the Kansas Veterans’ 
Cemetery at Fort Riley, with Bill Gasser officiating. 
 Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Homecare and 
Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the 
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS
 66502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635609856447.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>George Eldon Shupe, age 74, of Manhattan, died October 16, 2021, at the Good Shepherd Homecare &amp; Hospice House in Manhattan. 
 He was born April 5, 1947, in Manhattan, the son of John W. and Elizabeth M. (Mendenhall) Shupe. 
 George attended local schools and graduated from Manhattan High School
 in 1965. He attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1969, 
and then later earned his MBA from San Diego State University in 1974. 
 Mr. Shupe served in the United States Air Force from September 1969 to April 1972 as 1st. LT. 
 He was an Accounting/Business Instructor at Cuyamaca Community College in El Cajon, CA. 
 George attended Grace Baptist Church, enjoyed stamp collecting, 
playing golf in his younger years and was a student of Biblical 
Prophecy. 
 Survivors include his six children: George “Keoki” Shupe, Jr. of 
Honolulu, HI, Jason Shupe, Lianna Shupe (Leo Ruiz), Bradley Shupe, 
Christopher Shupe and Darrin Shupe all of El Cajon, CA; two 
grandchildren: Maddox and Lex Spieldenner; and three siblings: John 
Shupe of Centennial, CO, Steven Shupe of India, and Christine Wagner 
(Gerald) of Hays, KS. 
 Cremation is planned with graveside services with military honors to 
be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 3rd, at the Kansas Veterans’ 
Cemetery at Fort Riley, with Bill Gasser officiating. 
 Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Homecare and 
Hospice. Contributions may be left in care of the 
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS
 66502.

George Eldon Shupe

Margaret "Peggy" Allen was born to Ben and Nellie Richards on September 
23, 1921, at their farm South of Tasco, Kansas. She passed away on 
October 27, 2021, and entered into her eternal life in Heaven at the age 
of 100 years and 1 month.
 Peggy survived three husbands. She married Lorenzo (Boe) Deibert in
 1938 and they were blessed with five children; Kenneth, Nettie, 
Barbara, Terry and Sandra. She married Everett Neal in 1988 and Glenn 
Allen in 1999.
 Peggy was well loved and respected by her family and friends. She 
will be remembered as a great cook among other things. She was a hard 
worker and she didn't believe in idle time.
 For 17 years, she managed her own creamery business, Deibert Produce.
 She was the first cook and managed the kitchen at the newly formed 
Hoxie Elks Lodge and various food establishments including the Old 
Sheridan Inn and the hospital in Hoxie.
 In her younger days she raised a huge garden and chickens. She 
canned lots of garden produce and fed her family well come winter. She 
loved family visits, especially from grandchildren and she was noted for
 her toy box, candy dish and games. No matter how many people stopped 
in at meal time, she could and did feed them all. Friends of her 
children looked forward to visiting because the top of the deep freeze 
was often covered with her home made cinnamon rolls and long johns.
 In her spare time, which wasn't often, she liked to embroidery and 
do textile painting. She loved sending greeting cards and continued 
that tradition after entering the nursing home. Thank you cards were a 
must. Many of you probably received one after her 100th birthday party.
 Peggy was extremely light on her feet and she and Boe often graced the dance floor to the envy of other dancers.
 Peggy's children honored her with a 100 year birthday party and she 
thoroughly enjoyed seeing and visiting with friends and family. She 
remembered and enjoyed sharing stories from days gone by. The "Dust 
Storms" of the 30's were some of her favorites.
 She was a quiet but devoted Christian and a member of the Hoxie 
Christian Church. Before retiring for the night she made it a practice 
to read her devotions and have a talk with Jesus. This note was in one 
of her journals. She wrote "I remember the day I found the lord. The 
song was, "In The Garden" and the preacher was Preacher Robb. It was 
at the Bethel Church and it was a happy day. I think it was in 1933".
 She is survived by daughters, Barbara Sample and Sandra (Gary) 
Reitcheck, both of Hoxie, a son, Terry Deibert, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 
sister, Juanita Andregg, Hoxie, 12 grandchildren, many great 
grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. She was 
preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Nellie Richards, husbands, 
Lorenzo (Boe) Deibert, Everett Neal, Glenn Allen, sister, Marjorie 
Hilburn, brothers in law, Jim Hilburn and Jack Andregg, son, Kenneth 
Deibert, daughter, Nettie Richmeier, son in law, Leon Sample, daughter 
in law, Cyndi Deibert, grandsons, Todd Deibert and Darin Richmeier and 
great grandson, Jesse Farber.
 100 years is quite a legacy so RIP until we meet again on heavens shore. You will be missed!

Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-Peggy-Ruby-Allen?obId=22837063#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635609597052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret "Peggy" Allen was born to Ben and Nellie Richards on September 
23, 1921, at their farm South of Tasco, Kansas. She passed away on 
October 27, 2021, and entered into her eternal life in Heaven at the age 
of 100 years and 1 month.
 Peggy survived three husbands. She married Lorenzo (Boe) Deibert in
 1938 and they were blessed with five children; Kenneth, Nettie, 
Barbara, Terry and Sandra. She married Everett Neal in 1988 and Glenn 
Allen in 1999.
 Peggy was well loved and respected by her family and friends. She 
will be remembered as a great cook among other things. She was a hard 
worker and she didn't believe in idle time.
 For 17 years, she managed her own creamery business, Deibert Produce.
 She was the first cook and managed the kitchen at the newly formed 
Hoxie Elks Lodge and various food establishments including the Old 
Sheridan Inn and the hospital in Hoxie.
 In her younger days she raised a huge garden and chickens. She 
canned lots of garden produce and fed her family well come winter. She 
loved family visits, especially from grandchildren and she was noted for
 her toy box, candy dish and games. No matter how many people stopped 
in at meal time, she could and did feed them all. Friends of her 
children looked forward to visiting because the top of the deep freeze 
was often covered with her home made cinnamon rolls and long johns.
 In her spare time, which wasn't often, she liked to embroidery and 
do textile painting. She loved sending greeting cards and continued 
that tradition after entering the nursing home. Thank you cards were a 
must. Many of you probably received one after her 100th birthday party.
 Peggy was extremely light on her feet and she and Boe often graced the dance floor to the envy of other dancers.
 Peggy's children honored her with a 100 year birthday party and she 
thoroughly enjoyed seeing and visiting with friends and family. She 
remembered and enjoyed sharing stories from days gone by. The "Dust 
Storms" of the 30's were some of her favorites.
 She was a quiet but devoted Christian and a member of the Hoxie 
Christian Church. Before retiring for the night she made it a practice 
to read her devotions and have a talk with Jesus. This note was in one 
of her journals. She wrote "I remember the day I found the lord. The 
song was, "In The Garden" and the preacher was Preacher Robb. It was 
at the Bethel Church and it was a happy day. I think it was in 1933".
 She is survived by daughters, Barbara Sample and Sandra (Gary) 
Reitcheck, both of Hoxie, a son, Terry Deibert, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 
sister, Juanita Andregg, Hoxie, 12 grandchildren, many great 
grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. She was 
preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Nellie Richards, husbands, 
Lorenzo (Boe) Deibert, Everett Neal, Glenn Allen, sister, Marjorie 
Hilburn, brothers in law, Jim Hilburn and Jack Andregg, son, Kenneth 
Deibert, daughter, Nettie Richmeier, son in law, Leon Sample, daughter 
in law, Cyndi Deibert, grandsons, Todd Deibert and Darin Richmeier and 
great grandson, Jesse Farber.
 100 years is quite a legacy so RIP until we meet again on heavens shore. You will be missed!Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-Peggy-Ruby-Allen?obId=22837063#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Margaret 'Peggy' Ruby Allen

Vernon Joseph Rietcheck, Seguin, Kansas passed away on Sunday, October 
24, 2021, at the age of seventy-nine. He was born in Rural Sheridan 
County February 3, 1942, to John and Rose K. (Geerdes) Rietcheck. Vernon
 grew up on a farm in the Seguin area. He attended elementary school in 
Seguin and graduated from Sheridan County High School in 1960. After 
graduation he attended electrical school in Denver, Colorado, before 
enlisting in the United States Army in October of 1962, serving 
overseas. On August 19, 1967, he married Roberta Richmeier in Great 
Bend, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Jennifer, Christina,
 Michael, and Angie. 
 Vernon had a custom harvesting business and was a farmer/rancher. He
 traveled many miles harvesting the crops. He also farmed, grew mostly 
wheat, and raised cattle. He enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. 
When he was not harvesting, he drove truck for others and farmed. He 
enjoyed playing pool and competing in pool tournaments. He was a member 
of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Seguin, Kansas, Knights of Columbus, 
and The Hoxie Elks Lodge. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
 Vernon is survived by his son Michael Rietcheck and wife Jennette of
 Gardner, Kansas; daughters, Jennifer Carson and husband Rob of Garden 
City, Kansas; Christina Kuhn and husband Brian of Hays, Kansas, Angie 
Cook and husband Justin of Hays, Kansas; grandchildren Camden, Allyson, 
Brennan and Corissa Rietcheck, Logan, Emma and Anna Kuhn, and Hunter 
Carson (Rachel); sisters, Phyllis Melenson of Hot Springs, Arkansas and 
Carolyn Gatschet and husband Paul of Hays, Kansas; many relatives and 
friends. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Rietcheck; 
sister, Dorothy Ostmeyer; brothers, Alfred Rietcheck and wife Barbara, 
Elmer Rietcheck and wife Bernadine and Robert Rietcheck.
 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 1, 
2021, 10:00 A.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Interment will 
follow the service in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Wakeeney, Kansas at 
12:30 P.M. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 1:30 
P.M. until 4:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 2:00 P.M. until 
4:00 P.M., with a rosary being said at 3:30 P.M. all at Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Sheridan County 
Benefit Walk and Masses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635609536524.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vernon Joseph Rietcheck, Seguin, Kansas passed away on Sunday, October 
24, 2021, at the age of seventy-nine. He was born in Rural Sheridan 
County February 3, 1942, to John and Rose K. (Geerdes) Rietcheck. Vernon
 grew up on a farm in the Seguin area. He attended elementary school in 
Seguin and graduated from Sheridan County High School in 1960. After 
graduation he attended electrical school in Denver, Colorado, before 
enlisting in the United States Army in October of 1962, serving 
overseas. On August 19, 1967, he married Roberta Richmeier in Great 
Bend, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Jennifer, Christina,
 Michael, and Angie. 
 Vernon had a custom harvesting business and was a farmer/rancher. He
 traveled many miles harvesting the crops. He also farmed, grew mostly 
wheat, and raised cattle. He enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. 
When he was not harvesting, he drove truck for others and farmed. He 
enjoyed playing pool and competing in pool tournaments. He was a member 
of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Seguin, Kansas, Knights of Columbus, 
and The Hoxie Elks Lodge. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
 Vernon is survived by his son Michael Rietcheck and wife Jennette of
 Gardner, Kansas; daughters, Jennifer Carson and husband Rob of Garden 
City, Kansas; Christina Kuhn and husband Brian of Hays, Kansas, Angie 
Cook and husband Justin of Hays, Kansas; grandchildren Camden, Allyson, 
Brennan and Corissa Rietcheck, Logan, Emma and Anna Kuhn, and Hunter 
Carson (Rachel); sisters, Phyllis Melenson of Hot Springs, Arkansas and 
Carolyn Gatschet and husband Paul of Hays, Kansas; many relatives and 
friends. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Rietcheck; 
sister, Dorothy Ostmeyer; brothers, Alfred Rietcheck and wife Barbara, 
Elmer Rietcheck and wife Bernadine and Robert Rietcheck.
 A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 1, 
2021, 10:00 A.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Interment will 
follow the service in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Wakeeney, Kansas at 
12:30 P.M. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 31, 2021, from 1:30 
P.M. until 4:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 2:00 P.M. until 
4:00 P.M., with a rosary being said at 3:30 P.M. all at Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Sheridan County 
Benefit Walk and Masses.

Vernon Joseph Rietcheck

Chase Latham Anderson was taken from us far too early at the age of 
22.&nbsp; Our beautiful, sweet boy was born August 31,1999, and died October 
27, 2021. Chase loved the rain, maybe because his dad introduced it on 
the day he was born, poignantly, it was raining on the morning he died.

We have many great memories of Chase, from the smiling happy baby, to
 the hopeful mature young man he was becoming.&nbsp;Chase had a kind and 
playful nature.&nbsp; He was trusting and generous to a fault.&nbsp;

Some things Chase loved were amusement parks, family vacations, and 
gaming. He loved Buffalo Wild Wings, and asking Mama for homemade 
Chocolate Chip cookies, his favorite cologne, Acqua Di Gio and working 
in the food service industry.&nbsp; Chase dreamed of becoming a Chef and 
already made the best meatloaf.

He brightened the lives of all he knew.&nbsp; Everyone was drawn to his amazing personality and beautiful soul that knew no bounds.

We will forever miss his love and kindness, his friendship, wisdom, 
and compassion, his laughter, his smile, and his light. We will miss his
 voice, and never again hear him call us Mama, Dad and Sister. Chase 
will not grow into the fantastic husband and father we knew he was 
destined to become.&nbsp;

Chase is survived by many loving family members; including his 
father, Ronnie W. Anderson of Wichita; and mother, Cindy M. (Brungardt) 
Anderson of Hoisington; sister, Hailey Wright and companion, Randie 
Schlichting of Kansas City, Kansas; niece and nephew, Jacqulynn and 
Hayden Schlichting; paternal grandmother, Nancy Regis and husband David;
 and great grandmother, Beverly Peterson, all of of Calumet, Michigan; 
uncle, Jeremy Regis of Stafford, Virginia; aunts, Lorrie High and 
husband Dale of Washington, Pennslyvania; and Bonnie Brungardt and 
companion Calvin Fox of Hoisington; Great Uncles and Aunts; and numerous
 cousins;&nbsp;&nbsp;and his loving dog and cat, Buddy and Jekyll.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Clayton and Linda Spires and paternal great grandfather, Donald Peterson.

Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Sharon Spaans 
presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chase Anderson's name may be made 
either to any youth group home, or the Chase Anderson Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635609399322.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chase Latham Anderson was taken from us far too early at the age of 
22.&nbsp; Our beautiful, sweet boy was born August 31,1999, and died October 
27, 2021. Chase loved the rain, maybe because his dad introduced it on 
the day he was born, poignantly, it was raining on the morning he died.We have many great memories of Chase, from the smiling happy baby, to
 the hopeful mature young man he was becoming.&nbsp;Chase had a kind and 
playful nature.&nbsp; He was trusting and generous to a fault.&nbsp;Some things Chase loved were amusement parks, family vacations, and 
gaming. He loved Buffalo Wild Wings, and asking Mama for homemade 
Chocolate Chip cookies, his favorite cologne, Acqua Di Gio and working 
in the food service industry.&nbsp; Chase dreamed of becoming a Chef and 
already made the best meatloaf.He brightened the lives of all he knew.&nbsp; Everyone was drawn to his amazing personality and beautiful soul that knew no bounds.We will forever miss his love and kindness, his friendship, wisdom, 
and compassion, his laughter, his smile, and his light. We will miss his
 voice, and never again hear him call us Mama, Dad and Sister. Chase 
will not grow into the fantastic husband and father we knew he was 
destined to become.&nbsp;Chase is survived by many loving family members; including his 
father, Ronnie W. Anderson of Wichita; and mother, Cindy M. (Brungardt) 
Anderson of Hoisington; sister, Hailey Wright and companion, Randie 
Schlichting of Kansas City, Kansas; niece and nephew, Jacqulynn and 
Hayden Schlichting; paternal grandmother, Nancy Regis and husband David;
 and great grandmother, Beverly Peterson, all of of Calumet, Michigan; 
uncle, Jeremy Regis of Stafford, Virginia; aunts, Lorrie High and 
husband Dale of Washington, Pennslyvania; and Bonnie Brungardt and 
companion Calvin Fox of Hoisington; Great Uncles and Aunts; and numerous
 cousins;&nbsp;&nbsp;and his loving dog and cat, Buddy and Jekyll.He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Clayton and Linda Spires and paternal great grandfather, Donald Peterson.Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Sharon Spaans 
presiding.In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chase Anderson's name may be made 
either to any youth group home, or the Chase Anderson Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Chase Latham Anderson

Emporia State (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) Saturday, October 30 – 1 pm Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Game Sponsor:&nbsp;City of Hays &amp; KSU Watershed Game Promotions:&nbsp;Kids (K-12th grade) wearing a Halloween costume get into the game&nbsp;FREE Costume Parade Lap - Kids in costume will meet by the videoboard at halftime to walk a parade lap around the track Trunk or Treat - After the parade lap, kids can participate in Trunk or Treat provided by various FHSU student organizations and game sponsors City of Hays/KSU Watershed Fort Hays State Football is back at home this week to take on in-state rival Emporia State on Saturday (Oct. 30) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Both teams enter the contest at 4-4 on the season. Kickoff is set for 1 pm. Fort Hays State and Emporia State meet for the 94th&nbsp;time. Fort Hays State has met Emporia State in football more than any other opponent in program history. The Hornets lead the all-time series 54-37-2, but the teams are perfectly split 7-7 in MIAA meetings since FHSU joined the conference in 2006. Both are 6-1 on their home field in the MIAA series between the teams. FHSU won the last meeting 19-3 during the 2019 season in Hays. The Tigers are coming off a 21-17 win on the road at Central Missouri. The Tigers began their game-winning touchdown drive with 3:04 remaining on the clock and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 26 seconds remaining, a 3-yard pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6202">Hayden Wiltfong</a>. That touchdown pass brought Fuller within one of the school record of 60, held by Jacob Mezera, his predecessor at quarterback who played from 2015-2018. Fuller is also nearing the top of the all-time passing yards list at FHSU, chasing down a record also set by Mezera in 2018. Fuller is currently fourth on the list, but can move up to second with 97 passing yards on Saturday. He currently has 6,918 yards in his career and looks to become the fourth Tiger quarterback in history to reach the 7,000-yard mark. He has the opportunity to pass Robert Long (7,002) and Mike Garrison (7,014) on Saturday. Mezera's record is 7,682. This game features the top two passing offenses in the MIAA. Emporia State leads the conference at 324.3 yards per game through the air, while FHSU is right behind at 320.6. Braden Gleason of ESU averages 316.5 yards per game, while Fuller averages 298.6 per game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is one of the most reliable receiving targets in the nation, averaging 6.9 receptions per game to lead the MIAA and rank ninth in NCAA Division II. His 55 receptions top the MIAA and he's second in receiving yards (692) and receiving yards per game (86.5).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;has also been a big asset in Fuller's list of receiving options, leading MIAA tight ends in receiving yards with 514. He is averaging 14.7 yards per catch on his 35 receptions this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 57, averaging 7.1 per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6173">Jhimon Preston</a>&nbsp;is second on the team with 46 stops, while still providing pass coverage at cornerback with a team-best four pass breakups.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;is right behind Preston in tackles with 45 and has one of the team's two interceptions this season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>, the reigning MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, has 34 tackles over the last three weeks at linebacker. Up front on the line,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6163">Naszir Mallory</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;all have a team-leading three sacks this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635521347318.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Fort Hays State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Fort Hays State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Emporia State (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) Saturday, October 30 – 1 pm Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Game Sponsor:&nbsp;City of Hays &amp; KSU Watershed Game Promotions:&nbsp;Kids (K-12th grade) wearing a Halloween costume get into the game&nbsp;FREE Costume Parade Lap - Kids in costume will meet by the videoboard at halftime to walk a parade lap around the track Trunk or Treat - After the parade lap, kids can participate in Trunk or Treat provided by various FHSU student organizations and game sponsors City of Hays/KSU Watershed Fort Hays State Football is back at home this week to take on in-state rival Emporia State on Saturday (Oct. 30) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Both teams enter the contest at 4-4 on the season. Kickoff is set for 1 pm. Fort Hays State and Emporia State meet for the 94th&nbsp;time. Fort Hays State has met Emporia State in football more than any other opponent in program history. The Hornets lead the all-time series 54-37-2, but the teams are perfectly split 7-7 in MIAA meetings since FHSU joined the conference in 2006. Both are 6-1 on their home field in the MIAA series between the teams. FHSU won the last meeting 19-3 during the 2019 season in Hays. The Tigers are coming off a 21-17 win on the road at Central Missouri. The Tigers began their game-winning touchdown drive with 3:04 remaining on the clock and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 26 seconds remaining, a 3-yard pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6202">Hayden Wiltfong</a>. That touchdown pass brought Fuller within one of the school record of 60, held by Jacob Mezera, his predecessor at quarterback who played from 2015-2018. Fuller is also nearing the top of the all-time passing yards list at FHSU, chasing down a record also set by Mezera in 2018. Fuller is currently fourth on the list, but can move up to second with 97 passing yards on Saturday. He currently has 6,918 yards in his career and looks to become the fourth Tiger quarterback in history to reach the 7,000-yard mark. He has the opportunity to pass Robert Long (7,002) and Mike Garrison (7,014) on Saturday. Mezera's record is 7,682. This game features the top two passing offenses in the MIAA. Emporia State leads the conference at 324.3 yards per game through the air, while FHSU is right behind at 320.6. Braden Gleason of ESU averages 316.5 yards per game, while Fuller averages 298.6 per game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is one of the most reliable receiving targets in the nation, averaging 6.9 receptions per game to lead the MIAA and rank ninth in NCAA Division II. His 55 receptions top the MIAA and he's second in receiving yards (692) and receiving yards per game (86.5).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;has also been a big asset in Fuller's list of receiving options, leading MIAA tight ends in receiving yards with 514. He is averaging 14.7 yards per catch on his 35 receptions this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 57, averaging 7.1 per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6173">Jhimon Preston</a>&nbsp;is second on the team with 46 stops, while still providing pass coverage at cornerback with a team-best four pass breakups.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;is right behind Preston in tackles with 45 and has one of the team's two interceptions this season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>, the reigning MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, has 34 tackles over the last three weeks at linebacker. Up front on the line,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6163">Naszir Mallory</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;all have a team-leading three sacks this season.&nbsp;&nbsp; FHSU Athletics

🏈 LISTEN Tigers host rival Hornets Saturday

Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.

On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021 at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.

Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635540540221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021 at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Donita P. Buerkle

Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser passed away on October 27, 2021, at the 
Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 84. She 
was born on February 28, 1937, to Edgar and Helen (Spiehs) Stevenson in 
Grand Island, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Allen Lee Gosser 
on September 13, 1958, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple were 
blessed with three children: Connie Jo, Lorrie and Robert.
 Donna grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island High School.
 She started working as a waitress at the Milnes Café in Nebraska before
 she was married in 1958 to Allen. The couple moved to Plainville where 
they started their family. Then the family moved to Hays where they 
farmed with Allen’s father. In May of 1965 they settled in Codell. When 
they moved to Codell she worked for Daylight Donuts then C.O. Mammels 
Grocery until 1981. She then retired and became a full-time wife and 
mother. Donna loved to cook; the kids’ most memorable dishes where 
cranberry salad, potato salad, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, and a
 green Oreo mint salad that was made one too many times…in abundance.&nbsp;

She was even the creator of “the Donna Special” at Taco Express in 
Plainville. She loved being a farmer’s wife, and their large family 
gatherings. It was important to her to entertain during the summer for 
her many nieces and nephews out at the farm. Outside of her love for the
 family she enjoyed gambling on $2 scratch cards and holding two spots 
at quarter machines and playing bingo, along with card games like Pitch 
and Pinochle. Donna was also fond of things like the color purple, 
angels, and interacting with friends and family through Facebook. She 
was a member of the Codell Community Church.
 She is survived by her husband, Allen Gosser of Codell, KS; 
children, Connie Austin of Codell, and Lorrie Bland of Plainville and 
Robert Gosser of Plainville; sister, Shirley Spencer of St. Paul, NE; 
brother-in-law, Jim Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren, 
Alan (Lori) Austin, Jennifer (Dan) Gibbons, Lance Gosser, Traci (Logan) 
Burns, and Rachel (Blake) Lundstrom; thirteen great-grandchildren, 
Trevor, Thomas, Cale, Lana, Emmitt, Sutton, Jacob, Nora, Katy, Lucas, 
Hudson, Anniston, and Greta; and other family members and many friends.
 Donna is preceded in death by her parents; Edgar and Helen Stevenson; sister, Fern Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Spencer.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the Codell Community Church on 
Monday, November 1, 2021, at 10AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, at
 the funeral home in Plainville from 2 PM until 6PM with Family 
Receiving Friends from 4PM to 5:30PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Codell Community Church, Rooks County
 Health Center, or the Codell Community Center and may be sent in care 
of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. 
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635540381587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser passed away on October 27, 2021, at the 
Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 84. She 
was born on February 28, 1937, to Edgar and Helen (Spiehs) Stevenson in 
Grand Island, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Allen Lee Gosser 
on September 13, 1958, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple were 
blessed with three children: Connie Jo, Lorrie and Robert.
 Donna grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island High School.
 She started working as a waitress at the Milnes Café in Nebraska before
 she was married in 1958 to Allen. The couple moved to Plainville where 
they started their family. Then the family moved to Hays where they 
farmed with Allen’s father. In May of 1965 they settled in Codell. When 
they moved to Codell she worked for Daylight Donuts then C.O. Mammels 
Grocery until 1981. She then retired and became a full-time wife and 
mother. Donna loved to cook; the kids’ most memorable dishes where 
cranberry salad, potato salad, mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, and a
 green Oreo mint salad that was made one too many times…in abundance.&nbsp; She was even the creator of “the Donna Special” at Taco Express in 
Plainville. She loved being a farmer’s wife, and their large family 
gatherings. It was important to her to entertain during the summer for 
her many nieces and nephews out at the farm. Outside of her love for the
 family she enjoyed gambling on $2 scratch cards and holding two spots 
at quarter machines and playing bingo, along with card games like Pitch 
and Pinochle. Donna was also fond of things like the color purple, 
angels, and interacting with friends and family through Facebook. She 
was a member of the Codell Community Church.
 She is survived by her husband, Allen Gosser of Codell, KS; 
children, Connie Austin of Codell, and Lorrie Bland of Plainville and 
Robert Gosser of Plainville; sister, Shirley Spencer of St. Paul, NE; 
brother-in-law, Jim Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren, 
Alan (Lori) Austin, Jennifer (Dan) Gibbons, Lance Gosser, Traci (Logan) 
Burns, and Rachel (Blake) Lundstrom; thirteen great-grandchildren, 
Trevor, Thomas, Cale, Lana, Emmitt, Sutton, Jacob, Nora, Katy, Lucas, 
Hudson, Anniston, and Greta; and other family members and many friends.
 Donna is preceded in death by her parents; Edgar and Helen Stevenson; sister, Fern Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Spencer.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the Codell Community Church on 
Monday, November 1, 2021, at 10AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, at
 the funeral home in Plainville from 2 PM until 6PM with Family 
Receiving Friends from 4PM to 5:30PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Codell Community Church, Rooks County
 Health Center, or the Codell Community Center and may be sent in care 
of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. 
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Donna Jean (Stevenson) Gosser

ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;

During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;

 Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”

After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. 

The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514031020.png" alt="First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513708354.png" alt="President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure> Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on whether the issue of abortion came up during his meeting with Pope Francis: &quot;No, it didn&#39;t … We just talked about the fact he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj">https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj</a> <a href="https://t.co/8XWTGXv3ah">pic.twitter.com/8XWTGXv3ah</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1454110513848270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Pres. Biden, Pope discuss Communion during lengthy meeting

Maebeth Walter, 97, Downs, KS. passed away October 28, 2021, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Maebeth was born to Gideon and Ruth (Goheen) Walter on April 13, 1924, in the Rose Valley community northwest of Downs. 

She attended the Rose Valley one-room school and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1941. Her college education began at Fort Hays College with years of teaching at Elm Creek, Rose Valley, and Union #4 country schools.  Next she studied a business course at Westmar College, a college associated with her church. She worked at the Downs National Bank for a few years then resumed her career teaching at Oak Creek and later, the 2nd grade in Downs completing her education degree from Fort Hays, retiring in 1986. 

Maebeth was a lifelong member of the Rose Valley United Methodist Church and was active in leadership roles in the youth programs and the United Methodist Women. Opportunities to serve in mission at Red Bird, KY, and a life-time auxiliary membership of Gideons International were close to her heart. This generous spirit led her to be involved in the local American Red Cross chapter and numerous other community organizations.

During retirement she enlarged her doll collection and her hobby of growing flowers. She and family members also enjoyed traveling far and wide to such places as Russia, Europe, and Alaska, and to football bowl games.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, Chet and Lloyd (both killed in World War II), sister, Lucile Freeborn and husband, Harold, and sister, Eileen Doane and husband, Ralph. 

Surviving her are nieces and nephews, Kent (Barbara) Freeborn, Keith (Marsha) Doane, Brent (Linda) Doane, Kathryn (Ron, deceased) McCary, Gary (Glennys) Doane, Karol (Jim) Gregory, Steve (Heidi) Doane; 16 great nieces and nephews and more family and friends to treasure her memory.  

Services for Maebeth Walter will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 am at the Rose Valley UMC, 2 miles west and 3 miles north of Downs. Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Monday, November 1, 2021, 7-8:30 pm. 

Suggested memorials are to the Rose Valley UMC, or The Gideons International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635533745869.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maebeth Walter, 97, Downs, KS. passed away October 28, 2021, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Maebeth was born to Gideon and Ruth (Goheen) Walter on April 13, 1924, in the Rose Valley community northwest of Downs. She attended the Rose Valley one-room school and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1941. Her college education began at Fort Hays College with years of teaching at Elm Creek, Rose Valley, and Union #4 country schools. Next she studied a business course at Westmar College, a college associated with her church. She worked at the Downs National Bank for a few years then resumed her career teaching at Oak Creek and later, the 2nd grade in Downs completing her education degree from Fort Hays, retiring in 1986. Maebeth was a lifelong member of the Rose Valley United Methodist Church and was active in leadership roles in the youth programs and the United Methodist Women. Opportunities to serve in mission at Red Bird, KY, and a life-time auxiliary membership of Gideons International were close to her heart. This generous spirit led her to be involved in the local American Red Cross chapter and numerous other community organizations.During retirement she enlarged her doll collection and her hobby of growing flowers. She and family members also enjoyed traveling far and wide to such places as Russia, Europe, and Alaska, and to football bowl games.Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, Chet and Lloyd (both killed in World War II), sister, Lucile Freeborn and husband, Harold, and sister, Eileen Doane and husband, Ralph. Surviving her are nieces and nephews, Kent (Barbara) Freeborn, Keith (Marsha) Doane, Brent (Linda) Doane, Kathryn (Ron, deceased) McCary, Gary (Glennys) Doane, Karol (Jim) Gregory, Steve (Heidi) Doane; 16 great nieces and nephews and more family and friends to treasure her memory. Services for Maebeth Walter will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 am at the Rose Valley UMC, 2 miles west and 3 miles north of Downs. Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Monday, November 1, 2021, 7-8:30 pm. Suggested memorials are to the Rose Valley UMC, or The Gideons International.

Maebeth Walter

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635527384554.png" alt="Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,900 new cases, 70 more COVID deaths

David Lee “Dave” Legleiter, 63, Hays, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at his home.

He was born February 6, 1958, in Hays, 
the son of Wilfred “Fritz” and Deltha (Werth) Legleiter.&nbsp; He worked for 
Dreher Guttering and was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; Dave enjoyed fishing, 
trains, flower gardening, landscaping, tinkering, and spending time 
remodeling his shed into a tiny house.&nbsp;

Survivors include two brothers: 
Terrence Legleiter of Hays, Darrel Legleiter and wife Nadine of Frisco, 
TX, three sisters: Kathleen Dreher of Hays, Sheryl Hayslip and husband 
Jerry of Frisco, TX, and Sandra Bradshaw and husband Marc of Jetmore, 
and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Troy Legleiter, and a brother-in-law: Ron Dreher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Elias Chinzara officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow
 in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested for masses or to 
Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Dave may be 
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635518646705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>David Lee “Dave” Legleiter, 63, Hays, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at his home.He was born February 6, 1958, in Hays, 
the son of Wilfred “Fritz” and Deltha (Werth) Legleiter.&nbsp; He worked for 
Dreher Guttering and was a farmer and stockman.&nbsp; Dave enjoyed fishing, 
trains, flower gardening, landscaping, tinkering, and spending time 
remodeling his shed into a tiny house.&nbsp;Survivors include two brothers: 
Terrence Legleiter of Hays, Darrel Legleiter and wife Nadine of Frisco, 
TX, three sisters: Kathleen Dreher of Hays, Sheryl Hayslip and husband 
Jerry of Frisco, TX, and Sandra Bradshaw and husband Marc of Jetmore, 
and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Troy Legleiter, and a brother-in-law: Ron Dreher.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Catholic Church with Fr. Elias Chinzara officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow
 in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on 
Friday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial 
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on 
Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested for masses or to 
Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Dave may be 
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

David Lee 'Dave' Legleiter

Tina M. McMichael, age 61, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, 
at her home in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on May 31, 1960, in 
Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Tom Ellis and Ruth Marie William Irwin.&nbsp; A
 resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1964 moving from Hoxie, Kansas, 
she was a caretaker for adults &amp; children with disabilities.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas.

On May 26, 1979, she married Terry McMichael in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;
 He passed away on November 8, 2000, in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - Dustin McMichael of Garden City, 
Kansas, One Daughter - Kristi McMichael, Two Brothers - Stuart &amp; 
Venus Irwin of Johnson, Kansas, Shaun Irwin of Garden City, Kansas, 
Three Sisters - Renie Irwin of Scott City, Kansas, Veronica &amp; Steve 
Courchesne of Fletcher, Oklahoma, Brenda &amp; John Streckfus of Garden 
City, Kansas, Six Grandchildren - Madison &amp; Julio&nbsp;(Ortiz) Santoyo of
 Springfield, Colorado, Abigail Ortiz of Garden City, Kansas, Alex Ortiz
 of Garden City, Kansas, Chloe Flores of Garden City, Kansas, Zach 
Strong of Garden City, Kansas, Kaitlyn Hardesty of Garden City, Kansas, 
Two Great Grandchildren - Mila Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado, and 
Rafael Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by Parents, and Husband.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021,&nbsp; at the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas, with the Rev. Jon 
Sanders presiding.

Memorials may be written to the Tina M. McMichael Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, 
Kansas, 67846.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514775757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tina M. McMichael, age 61, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, 
at her home in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on May 31, 1960, in 
Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Tom Ellis and Ruth Marie William Irwin.&nbsp; A
 resident of Garden City, Kansas since 1964 moving from Hoxie, Kansas, 
she was a caretaker for adults &amp; children with disabilities.She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas.On May 26, 1979, she married Terry McMichael in Garden City, Kansas.&nbsp;
 He passed away on November 8, 2000, in Garden City, Kansas.Survivors include her One Son - Dustin McMichael of Garden City, 
Kansas, One Daughter - Kristi McMichael, Two Brothers - Stuart &amp; 
Venus Irwin of Johnson, Kansas, Shaun Irwin of Garden City, Kansas, 
Three Sisters - Renie Irwin of Scott City, Kansas, Veronica &amp; Steve 
Courchesne of Fletcher, Oklahoma, Brenda &amp; John Streckfus of Garden 
City, Kansas, Six Grandchildren - Madison &amp; Julio&nbsp;(Ortiz) Santoyo of
 Springfield, Colorado, Abigail Ortiz of Garden City, Kansas, Alex Ortiz
 of Garden City, Kansas, Chloe Flores of Garden City, Kansas, Zach 
Strong of Garden City, Kansas, Kaitlyn Hardesty of Garden City, Kansas, 
Two Great Grandchildren - Mila Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado, and 
Rafael Santoyo of Springfield, Colorado.She was preceded in death by Parents, and Husband.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021,&nbsp; at the First Baptist Church in Holcomb, Kansas, with the Rev. Jon 
Sanders presiding.There will be no calling times.Memorials may be written to the Tina M. McMichael Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St., Garden City, 
Kansas, 67846.

Tina M. McMichael

September 23, 1921
 -
 October 28, 2021

An obituary is pending with Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.

September 23, 1921
 -
 October 28, 2021An obituary is pending with Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Margaret-Peggy-Ruby-Allen?obId=22837063#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

James Philip “Jim” Steitz, 80, passed away October 28, 2021, at his 
home in Great Bend. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Ness County to 
Richard and Emilie (Mateyec) Steitz. He married Ruth Van Winkle August 
21, 1964, at Byers.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Jim was the owner of J&amp;S Cash 
Register Sales and Service. He also farmed and sold Aloe Vera in his 
spare time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the 
Building and Grounds Committee, as well as the Stewardship Board. He was
 a proud supporter of 4-H, loved attending his coffee group, and 
especially cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a 
veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1963-1967, having made 
two West Pac cruises aboard the U.S.S. Gurke.

Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Steitz of the home; daughters. Kim 
Kummer (Steve) of Great Bend; Vicki Tucker (Brad) of Pleasant Dale, Neb.
 and their children, Bailee Tucker, Miranda Tucker and Cason Tucker, and
 Brenda French (John) of Council Grove and their children, Brendan 
Steitz, Emilie French, Hawk French, Natalie French, Blaise French and 
Grace French; sisters in law, Lynda Steitz and Gail Drotts; brother in 
law, Ken Van Winkle (Paula); and nieces and nephews, Jaime, Nicole, 
Jorja, Mikel, Kandee, Kathy, Kerrie, Kristy, and Todd; and family at 
heart, Martha Wondra, Tiffany (Tim), Tamara (Mark), Jessi, Abi (Chris) 
and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, 
Bill Steitz and Dan Steitz.

According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Bryant
 Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, 
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Merle Brockhoff 
presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Ness City Cemetery, 
with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. 


Memorials have been designated to Barton County Food Bank or Barton 
County Emergency Aid, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514571761.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Philip “Jim” Steitz, 80, passed away October 28, 2021, at his 
home in Great Bend. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Ness County to 
Richard and Emilie (Mateyec) Steitz. He married Ruth Van Winkle August 
21, 1964, at Byers.A longtime Great Bend resident, Jim was the owner of J&amp;S Cash 
Register Sales and Service. He also farmed and sold Aloe Vera in his 
spare time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the 
Building and Grounds Committee, as well as the Stewardship Board. He was
 a proud supporter of 4-H, loved attending his coffee group, and 
especially cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a 
veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1963-1967, having made 
two West Pac cruises aboard the U.S.S. Gurke.Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Steitz of the home; daughters. Kim 
Kummer (Steve) of Great Bend; Vicki Tucker (Brad) of Pleasant Dale, Neb.
 and their children, Bailee Tucker, Miranda Tucker and Cason Tucker, and
 Brenda French (John) of Council Grove and their children, Brendan 
Steitz, Emilie French, Hawk French, Natalie French, Blaise French and 
Grace French; sisters in law, Lynda Steitz and Gail Drotts; brother in 
law, Ken Van Winkle (Paula); and nieces and nephews, Jaime, Nicole, 
Jorja, Mikel, Kandee, Kathy, Kerrie, Kristy, and Todd; and family at 
heart, Martha Wondra, Tiffany (Tim), Tamara (Mark), Jessi, Abi (Chris) 
and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, 
Bill Steitz and Dan Steitz.According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Bryant
 Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, 
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Merle Brockhoff 
presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Ness City Cemetery, 
with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. 
Memorials have been designated to Barton County Food Bank or Barton 
County Emergency Aid, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

James Philip 'Jim' Steitz

November 28, 1934
 -
 October 6, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635792595402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>November 28, 1934
 -
 October 6, 2021 An obituary and services are pending with Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home.

Walter Franklin McCormick

SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.

Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635464790310.jpeg" alt="Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick" />
 <figcaption>Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here&#39;s a look at some of the higher wind reports from across the area today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/uc65uI8Gp9">pic.twitter.com/uc65uI8Gp9</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1453882469548113920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

60-mph wind gusts cause damage across Kansas

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's will be in Hays this weekend

• October 30, Municipal Park, Downtown HaysWalk route is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Promise Garden Flower Ceremony is at 10 a.m.

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's will be in Hays this weekend• October 30, Municipal Park, Downtown HaysWalk route is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Promise Garden Flower Ceremony is at 10 a.m.<a href="http://act.alz.org/hays">act.alz.org/hays</a>— Submitted

Walk to End Alzheimer's is Saturday in Hays

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021, at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Donita P. Buerkle, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021,&nbsp; at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
December 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Lucy Kidwell Hagler.&nbsp; A 
resident of Holcomb, Kansas since 1946 moving from Kearny County, 
Kansas, she was a homemaker.She was a member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas and a member of EHU &amp; ESA.On August 12, 1945, she married Robert Buerkle in Deerfield, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on October 12, 2020, in Scott City, Kansas.Survivors include her Two Daughters - Anita &amp; Dennis Miller of 
Wilson, Kansas, Christine &amp; Gregg Joy of Garden City, Kansas, One 
Sons - Gail &amp; Karen Buerkle of Azel, Texas, Eight Grandchildren - 
Lisa &amp; Todd Scott of Holcomb, Kansas, Brett &amp; Wendy Pollman of 
Wichita, Kansas, Rachel &amp; John Schmit of Valrico, Florida, Kenton 
Pollman of Augusta, Kansas, Tammy Miller of Russell, Kansas, Pam &amp; 
Bobby Funk of Alabama, Terry Miller of Beaver, Kansas, Garry Lee &amp; 
Kylene Miller of Ellsworth, Kansas, Twenty One Great grandchildren, 31 
Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Two Sons - Alan 
Buerkle and Gary Lee Buerkle, One Sister - Dorothy Williams-Yakel, Four 
Brothers - Loren Hagler, Olin “Short” Hagler, Kenneth Hagler, and 
Maurice Hagler.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 
2021, at the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Friend, Kansas with 
Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed by clicking 
the Livestream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;starting at 1:55 
p.m.Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or the Prairie 
View Church of the Brethren or the Masonic Lodge in care of Price &amp; 
Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.Interment will be in the Prairie View Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Friend, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November
 4, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott 
City, Kansas.

Mary Louise Mapps was born June 14, 1926, to Robert and Virginia Dockery 
in Los Angeles, CA. She met and married the love of her life, her 
next-door neighbor, Frank Mapps Jr. To this 36-year union was born their
 two daughters, Rachel and Leah.
 Frank and Mary became committed Christians. They attended and 
graduated from the Los Angeles Bible Training School. They joined 
Evangelical Baptist Church where they and their daughters attended all 
services faithfully for many years. Frank Mapps became the assistant 
Pastor and Mary was on the Trustee Board.
 After Frank’s death in 1986, Mary moved in with her oldest daughter,
 Rachel. Within the last 12 or so years of Mary's life, she and Rachel 
moved to Kansas. They joined Lenora Church of God where she attended 
faithfully until her health no longer permitted.
 Her gentle, sweet spirit made her a beloved member of the church.
 On October 23, with her daughter at her side, she slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 Absent from the body, present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8b
 The service for Mary Louise Mapps will be held at Lenora Church of 
God on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12 noon, 120 West Iowa Ave, Lenora,
 KS 67645. Private Burial will be held at a later date at the Riverside 
National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635455357821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Louise Mapps was born June 14, 1926, to Robert and Virginia Dockery 
in Los Angeles, CA. She met and married the love of her life, her 
next-door neighbor, Frank Mapps Jr. To this 36-year union was born their
 two daughters, Rachel and Leah.
 Frank and Mary became committed Christians. They attended and 
graduated from the Los Angeles Bible Training School. They joined 
Evangelical Baptist Church where they and their daughters attended all 
services faithfully for many years. Frank Mapps became the assistant 
Pastor and Mary was on the Trustee Board.
 After Frank’s death in 1986, Mary moved in with her oldest daughter,
 Rachel. Within the last 12 or so years of Mary's life, she and Rachel 
moved to Kansas. They joined Lenora Church of God where she attended 
faithfully until her health no longer permitted.
 Her gentle, sweet spirit made her a beloved member of the church.
 On October 23, with her daughter at her side, she slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 Absent from the body, present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8b
 The service for Mary Louise Mapps will be held at Lenora Church of 
God on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12 noon, 120 West Iowa Ave, Lenora,
 KS 67645. Private Burial will be held at a later date at the Riverside 
National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Condolences may be left at 
www.plumergobber.com

Mary Louise Mapps

Ronald David Walz, 85, of Colby, KS died, as a result of a fall, on 
October 26, 2021, at Swedish Hospital in Denver, CO. He was born July 22,
 1936, in Wichita, KS to Henry David and Hattie Simons Walz. 
Ron grew up in El Dorado, KS where he graduated from El Dorado High 
School in 1954. He went into the Navy and served for four years after 
which he attended El Dorado Junior College and later graduated from 
Kansas State University with a BS in social studies in secondary 
education and a MS in counseling and administration. 
Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Abraham on July 30, 1961, and 
celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer. Ron spent his years 
in education as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and GED tester in 
Westmoreland, Beloit, Colby, and Norton, KS. He loved working with his 
students and wherever we went, people would come up and identify 
themselves as former students. Many thanked him for being there for them
 or helping them believe in themselves when they needed support. 
He had a good sense of humor and liked sharing a good laugh or story. 
Ron was a people person and was always glad to help you if he could. He 
served Meals on Wheels for twelve years and volunteered at the Colby 
Visitor Center. He helped teach Financial Stewardship classes at his 
church for 17 years. Ron claimed the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, 
and his goal was to walk out his faith. Serving the Lord in our church 
was important to him and he served as board member, treasurer, greeter, 
and usher. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and 
loved being a part of their lives and following their progress. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Lela Jantz, Doyle Walz, and sister-in-law, Alice Walz. 
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home, daughters; Beth 
Snodgrass, Marcy DeKoning (Rod) and Christi Gordon (Jason), and son; 
Bryan Walz; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
A cremation memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 
10:30am at College Drive Assembly of God Church, Colby, KS. Burial will 
be at Walnut Valley Memorial Park in El Dorado, KS on November 6, 2021, 
at 4:00pm.

Memorials may be made to Genesis-Thomas County, Inc. Food 
Pantry in Colby, KS and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635446275337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald David Walz, 85, of Colby, KS died, as a result of a fall, on 
October 26, 2021, at Swedish Hospital in Denver, CO. He was born July 22,
 1936, in Wichita, KS to Henry David and Hattie Simons Walz. 
Ron grew up in El Dorado, KS where he graduated from El Dorado High 
School in 1954. He went into the Navy and served for four years after 
which he attended El Dorado Junior College and later graduated from 
Kansas State University with a BS in social studies in secondary 
education and a MS in counseling and administration. 
Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Abraham on July 30, 1961, and 
celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer. Ron spent his years 
in education as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and GED tester in 
Westmoreland, Beloit, Colby, and Norton, KS. He loved working with his 
students and wherever we went, people would come up and identify 
themselves as former students. Many thanked him for being there for them
 or helping them believe in themselves when they needed support. 
He had a good sense of humor and liked sharing a good laugh or story. 
Ron was a people person and was always glad to help you if he could. He 
served Meals on Wheels for twelve years and volunteered at the Colby 
Visitor Center. He helped teach Financial Stewardship classes at his 
church for 17 years. Ron claimed the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, 
and his goal was to walk out his faith. Serving the Lord in our church 
was important to him and he served as board member, treasurer, greeter, 
and usher. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren and 
loved being a part of their lives and following their progress. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Lela Jantz, Doyle Walz, and sister-in-law, Alice Walz. 
Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home, daughters; Beth 
Snodgrass, Marcy DeKoning (Rod) and Christi Gordon (Jason), and son; 
Bryan Walz; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
A cremation memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 
10:30am at College Drive Assembly of God Church, Colby, KS. Burial will 
be at Walnut Valley Memorial Park in El Dorado, KS on November 6, 2021, 
at 4:00pm. Memorials may be made to Genesis-Thomas County, Inc. Food 
Pantry in Colby, KS and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ron Walz

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.

On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.

On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635416096432.png" alt="Smith photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult.On October 26, Osage County Investigators and Jefferson County Deputies arrested Marcus L. Smith, 39, of Effingham, in Ozawkie on an Osage County arrest warrant, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.Smith was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was held on the warrant.On Wednesday, Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail Facility where he is being held on requested charges of electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a minor.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of online child sex crime

Loarn Leo Bucl, 69, of Sublette, died Monday, October 25, 2021, in 
hospice in Kansas City, after a long battle with cancer. He was born 
October 11, 1952, in La Crosse, KS, to Ernest and Hedy Bucl.

He graduated from Otis-Bison High School and attended Kansas State 
University, earning a bachelor's degree in Crop Protection. On April 16,
 1977, he married Janet Sullivan in Holton. They made their home in 
Sublette, where he established and ran a business as a crop consultant 
in the Southwest Kan. region.

Loarn had a passion for all things related to agriculture, including 
crop production and entomology.&nbsp; He loved to teach and share his 
knowledge with others.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter and enjoyed sharing these 
experiences with family and friends.&nbsp;

He was an active member and served on the boards of the National 
Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, Kansas Association of 
Independent Crop Consultants, and the Foundation for Environmental 
Agriculture Education. Survivors include his four sons, Casper 
(Jenni) of McKinney, TX, Lucas (Lindsay) of Overland Park, KS, Sheldon 
of Overland Park, KS, and Colby of Lenexa, KS; three brothers, Craig, 
Bradley, &amp; Bryan; one sister, Diana Sunley; and five grandchildren, 
Mackenzie, Owen, Carter, Jackson and Leo. He was preceded in death by 
his wife, Janet; mother Hedy and father Ernest. Visitation will 
be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Bryant 
Funeral Home in Great Bend, with prayer service and time of sharing at 
7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, 
November 5, 2021, at&nbsp;Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken.&nbsp;Interment 
will be in Bohemian National Cemetery, Timken. The family is planning a 
celebration of life in Sublette, KS, at a later date.

Memorial gifts can
 be made to&nbsp;the Loarn Bucl Memorial Scholarship or the Bohemian National
 Cemetery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635438428650.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loarn Leo Bucl, 69, of Sublette, died Monday, October 25, 2021, in 
hospice in Kansas City, after a long battle with cancer. He was born 
October 11, 1952, in La Crosse, KS, to Ernest and Hedy Bucl.He graduated from Otis-Bison High School and attended Kansas State 
University, earning a bachelor's degree in Crop Protection. On April 16,
 1977, he married Janet Sullivan in Holton. They made their home in 
Sublette, where he established and ran a business as a crop consultant 
in the Southwest Kan. region.Loarn had a passion for all things related to agriculture, including 
crop production and entomology.&nbsp; He loved to teach and share his 
knowledge with others.&nbsp; He was an avid hunter and enjoyed sharing these 
experiences with family and friends.&nbsp;He was an active member and served on the boards of the National 
Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, Kansas Association of 
Independent Crop Consultants, and the Foundation for Environmental 
Agriculture Education. Survivors include his four sons, Casper 
(Jenni) of McKinney, TX, Lucas (Lindsay) of Overland Park, KS, Sheldon 
of Overland Park, KS, and Colby of Lenexa, KS; three brothers, Craig, 
Bradley, &amp; Bryan; one sister, Diana Sunley; and five grandchildren, 
Mackenzie, Owen, Carter, Jackson and Leo. He was preceded in death by 
his wife, Janet; mother Hedy and father Ernest. Visitation will 
be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Bryant 
Funeral Home in Great Bend, with prayer service and time of sharing at 
7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, 
November 5, 2021, at&nbsp;Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken.&nbsp;Interment 
will be in Bohemian National Cemetery, Timken. The family is planning a 
celebration of life in Sublette, KS, at a later date. Memorial gifts can
 be made to&nbsp;the Loarn Bucl Memorial Scholarship or the Bohemian National
 Cemetery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Loarn Leo Bucl

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

The Hays Symphony at Fort Hays State University will be presenting&nbsp;Creepy Classics: A Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring loud noises, creepy sounds and the scary stories music can tell, on Sunday, October 31, 2021, 2:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

The program features&nbsp;Danse Macabre&nbsp;by Camille Saint-Saens,&nbsp;Night on Bald Mountain, by Modest Mussorgsky,&nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, by Edward Grieg,&nbsp;Suite from Psycho, by Bernard Herrmann,&nbsp;March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, and&nbsp;Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, by John Williams.

In addition, a host of music and Halloween themed pre-concert activities will be offered starting at 1:30 p.m.

 “We think it’s important for kids to get their hands on instruments and to make connections between the music they’re hearing and how it’s created,” said Buckstead.

Symphony musicians and members of the FHSU Chapter of the National Association for Music Education will assist with pre-concert activities which include:

· &nbsp;Spooky Music Tour—costumed statues come to life playing clips of the scariest sounds and music kids will hear in the concert

· &nbsp;Drumming Circle—bongos, tam-tams, and other rhythm devices for making lots of loud noise

· &nbsp;String Instrument Petting Zoo—hands-on guided experimenting with violins, violas and cellos

· &nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King—tiptoe past the troll….run for your life in this retelling of the Mountain King story full of music, story and action

· &nbsp;Meet the Family: Winds &amp; Brass—flutes, trumpets, tubas, clarinets and more. FHSU students demonstrate their instruments from the wind and brass families

· &nbsp;Creepy Arts and Crafts—create a variety of Halloween characters and props with a treasure box of arts supplies

· &nbsp;Halloween Costume Parade—follow the brass leaders as costumed children parade around Beach-Schmidt and into the auditorium for the start of the concert

· &nbsp;Free Trick-or-Treat Bags to the first 250 kids

The concert and treats are sponsored by a generous donation from Werth Wealth Management.

All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. 

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

<div><iframe title="Creepy Classics concert from the Hays Symphony to celebrate Halloween" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=6twc4-1118256-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>SubmittedThe Hays Symphony at Fort Hays State University will be presenting&nbsp;Creepy Classics: A Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring loud noises, creepy sounds and the scary stories music can tell, on Sunday, October 31, 2021, 2:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.The program features&nbsp;Danse Macabre&nbsp;by Camille Saint-Saens,&nbsp;Night on Bald Mountain, by Modest Mussorgsky,&nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, by Edward Grieg,&nbsp;Suite from Psycho, by Bernard Herrmann,&nbsp;March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, and&nbsp;Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite, by John Williams.In addition, a host of music and Halloween themed pre-concert activities will be offered starting at 1:30 p.m. “We think it’s important for kids to get their hands on instruments and to make connections between the music they’re hearing and how it’s created,” said Buckstead.Symphony musicians and members of the FHSU Chapter of the National Association for Music Education will assist with pre-concert activities which include:· &nbsp;Spooky Music Tour—costumed statues come to life playing clips of the scariest sounds and music kids will hear in the concert· &nbsp;Drumming Circle—bongos, tam-tams, and other rhythm devices for making lots of loud noise· &nbsp;String Instrument Petting Zoo—hands-on guided experimenting with violins, violas and cellos· &nbsp;In the Hall of the Mountain King—tiptoe past the troll….run for your life in this retelling of the Mountain King story full of music, story and action· &nbsp;Meet the Family: Winds &amp; Brass—flutes, trumpets, tubas, clarinets and more. FHSU students demonstrate their instruments from the wind and brass families· &nbsp;Creepy Arts and Crafts—create a variety of Halloween characters and props with a treasure box of arts supplies· &nbsp;Halloween Costume Parade—follow the brass leaders as costumed children parade around Beach-Schmidt and into the auditorium for the start of the concert· &nbsp;Free Trick-or-Treat Bags to the first 250 kidsThe concert and treats are sponsored by a generous donation from Werth Wealth Management.All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635433097819.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙Post Podcast: Creepy Classics concert from the Hays Symphony to celebrate Halloween 

A Memorial Mass 
for Marietta L. Dreiling will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 
11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with
 Father Thomas Lux as Celebrant.&nbsp; Rosary will be recited prior to the 
Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private inurnment will be
 held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Marietta 
Lee (Munk) Dreiling passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021 
surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Marietta was 76 years young and spent the 
last 16 years of her life fighting a hard fight against breast cancer. 
Marietta was born in Quinter, Kansas on October 21, 1945 to Joseph and 
Mary Esther (Schmidt) Munk. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up 
on a farm in Oakley, Kansas where she graduated from high school and 
then attended one year of college at Fort Hays State University. 
Marietta wanted to be a nurse, but after one year of college, met the 
love of her life and married Clarence (Butch) Dreiling on August 21, 
1965. Butch and Marietta were blessed with 56 years of marriage, three 
children:&nbsp; Kelly, Leslee, and Matt, and their seven grandchildren. 
They’ve shared their last 44 years of marriage in Holdrege.&nbsp;

Marietta 
stayed home with the kids until all of them were in school and then 
worked at Home Federal Bank for many years, until retiring in 1996.&nbsp; 
After retiring, Marietta was eager to be a full-time grandma, being 
present for as many of their special events and activities as possible.&nbsp;
 She was always the first one to help when a new grandbaby arrived! All 
seven were her pride and joy!

Marietta was
 a role model of service to her community, church, and hospital.&nbsp; For 
many years, she helped decorate the hospital for Christmas and other 
special events.&nbsp; She was a member of the Alter Society at the All Saints
 Catholic Church in Holdrege, a member of Chapter HM P.E.O., and the 
Hospital Service League. Marietta was a loyal member of the Prairie 
Quilt Guild and made countless visits to quilt shops all over the 
Midwest with her fellow members.&nbsp; She put endless love into designing 
and making personalized quilts for her grandchildren and other family 
members, as well as donating her beautiful creations for various 
fundraisers. Along with her quilting, Marietta was a Master Gardener and
 created so many beautiful masterpieces, in her garden and wherever she 
found potential for another masterpiece.

Marietta was 
an avid golfer in her day and loved being a part of the ladies league. 
She even managed the golf course for a short time. Marietta also loved 
playing Bridge and played for years, teaching others how to play along 
the way. She always looked forward to her time with her friends.&nbsp; 
Lastly, Marietta never let a good glass (or bottle) of Cabernet go to 
waste. She loved her glass of wine, especially when she was with friends
 and family.

Marietta was 
preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings:&nbsp; Naydene Spresser; 
Billie Jean Ostemeyer; Gerrie Munk; and Keith Munk.

Marietta is 
survived by her husband, Clarence “Butch” Dreiling of Holdrege; two 
daughters: &nbsp;Kelly (Clinton) Ratliff of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and Leslee
 (Brian) Valenta of Grimes, Iowa; son, Matt (Tiffany) Dreiling of 
Destrehan, Louisiana; seven grandchildren:&nbsp; &nbsp;Jarrett Ratliff, Jakob 
Ratliff, Zoey Valenta, Wyatt Valenta, Tate Valenta, Brayden Dreiling and
 Emma Dreiling; two sisters: Eloise Tholen of Hays, Kansas; Barbara Voth
 of Oakley, Kansas; four brothers:&nbsp; Richard (Connie) Munk of Bassett, 
Nebraska; Frank (Lona) Munk of Oakley, Kansas; Jodie Munk of Oakley, 
Kansas; and Craig Munk of Taylor, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Marilyn 
Munk of Russell, Kansas; and Mary (Dwight) York of Oakley, Kansas; two 
brothers-in-law, Harry Spresser of Hoxie, Kansas; and Jackie (Anne) 
Ostemeyer of Oakley, Kansas; along with many nieces, nephews and 
extended family members.&nbsp;

A memorial 
book signing will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 
3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family 
greeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Marietta’s family wanted to thank everyone who has assisted in her care these past 16 years.

A memorial 
has been established in Marietta’s honor and will be forwarded to Phelps
 Memorial Health Center and the American Cancer Society.&nbsp; Expressions of
 caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635431237832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Memorial Mass 
for Marietta L. Dreiling will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 
11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with
 Father Thomas Lux as Celebrant.&nbsp; Rosary will be recited prior to the 
Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church.&nbsp; &nbsp;A private inurnment will be
 held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.Marietta 
Lee (Munk) Dreiling passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021 
surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Marietta was 76 years young and spent the 
last 16 years of her life fighting a hard fight against breast cancer. 
Marietta was born in Quinter, Kansas on October 21, 1945 to Joseph and 
Mary Esther (Schmidt) Munk. She was the 5th of 11 children and grew up 
on a farm in Oakley, Kansas where she graduated from high school and 
then attended one year of college at Fort Hays State University. 
Marietta wanted to be a nurse, but after one year of college, met the 
love of her life and married Clarence (Butch) Dreiling on August 21, 
1965. Butch and Marietta were blessed with 56 years of marriage, three 
children:&nbsp; Kelly, Leslee, and Matt, and their seven grandchildren. 
They’ve shared their last 44 years of marriage in Holdrege.&nbsp;Marietta 
stayed home with the kids until all of them were in school and then 
worked at Home Federal Bank for many years, until retiring in 1996.&nbsp; 
After retiring, Marietta was eager to be a full-time grandma, being 
present for as many of their special events and activities as possible.&nbsp;
 She was always the first one to help when a new grandbaby arrived! All 
seven were her pride and joy!Marietta was
 a role model of service to her community, church, and hospital.&nbsp; For 
many years, she helped decorate the hospital for Christmas and other 
special events.&nbsp; She was a member of the Alter Society at the All Saints
 Catholic Church in Holdrege, a member of Chapter HM P.E.O., and the 
Hospital Service League. Marietta was a loyal member of the Prairie 
Quilt Guild and made countless visits to quilt shops all over the 
Midwest with her fellow members.&nbsp; She put endless love into designing 
and making personalized quilts for her grandchildren and other family 
members, as well as donating her beautiful creations for various 
fundraisers. Along with her quilting, Marietta was a Master Gardener and
 created so many beautiful masterpieces, in her garden and wherever she 
found potential for another masterpiece.Marietta was 
an avid golfer in her day and loved being a part of the ladies league. 
She even managed the golf course for a short time. Marietta also loved 
playing Bridge and played for years, teaching others how to play along 
the way. She always looked forward to her time with her friends.&nbsp; 
Lastly, Marietta never let a good glass (or bottle) of Cabernet go to 
waste. She loved her glass of wine, especially when she was with friends
 and family.Marietta was 
preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings:&nbsp; Naydene Spresser; 
Billie Jean Ostemeyer; Gerrie Munk; and Keith Munk.Marietta is 
survived by her husband, Clarence “Butch” Dreiling of Holdrege; two 
daughters: &nbsp;Kelly (Clinton) Ratliff of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and Leslee
 (Brian) Valenta of Grimes, Iowa; son, Matt (Tiffany) Dreiling of 
Destrehan, Louisiana; seven grandchildren:&nbsp; &nbsp;Jarrett Ratliff, Jakob 
Ratliff, Zoey Valenta, Wyatt Valenta, Tate Valenta, Brayden Dreiling and
 Emma Dreiling; two sisters: Eloise Tholen of Hays, Kansas; Barbara Voth
 of Oakley, Kansas; four brothers:&nbsp; Richard (Connie) Munk of Bassett, 
Nebraska; Frank (Lona) Munk of Oakley, Kansas; Jodie Munk of Oakley, 
Kansas; and Craig Munk of Taylor, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Marilyn 
Munk of Russell, Kansas; and Mary (Dwight) York of Oakley, Kansas; two 
brothers-in-law, Harry Spresser of Hoxie, Kansas; and Jackie (Anne) 
Ostemeyer of Oakley, Kansas; along with many nieces, nephews and 
extended family members.&nbsp;A memorial 
book signing will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 
3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family 
greeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Marietta’s family wanted to thank everyone who has assisted in her care these past 16 years.A memorial 
has been established in Marietta’s honor and will be forwarded to Phelps
 Memorial Health Center and the American Cancer Society.&nbsp; Expressions of
 caring and kindness can be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.nelsonbauerfh.com">www.nelsonbauerfh.com</a>The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.