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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970958420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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

Creepy music and creepy fun for Hays Symphony children's Halloween concert

Edgar H. Bienhoff, 92 years old, Brookdale at Shawnee, KS, died and
 went to meet his Lord and Savior on October 24, 2021. He was born 
February 7, 1929, at rural Kensington Kansas to Albert and Emma (Norden) 
Bienhoff. He was baptized on February 10, 1929, and confirmed on August 
16, 1942, at Saint John Lutheran Church in Kensington, Kansas. He 
graduated from Kensington High School in May of 1946. He graduated from 
Kansas State University with dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and 
Aeronautical Engineering in May of 1951. After college, he was 
commissioned into the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant and
 started active duty on May 26, 1951. Most of his military service was 
spent in England. After his honorable discharge in October of 1953 he 
began his career as an engineer.
 Edgar worked most of his professional career for Farmland Industries
 in their Refinery and Natural Gas Plants at Phillipsburg, KS, 
Coffeyville, KS, Scottsbluff, NE, Midland, TX, and Tulsa, OK. In 1991, 
Edgar retired from Farmland Industries and began working as a consultant
 engineer until 1997.
 Edgar was united in marriage to Norma Jean Brueggemann on December 
17, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, Kansas. To this union was born
 three children: Katherine, Marcia, and Stephen. Edgar and Norma were 
married for more than 68 years, being separated when Norma died on April
 16, 2019.
 Edgar was involved with his church, family, work and community. 
After retirement, Edgar and Norma transferred to Christ the King 
Lutheran Church in Salina, KS on September 7, 1997. He served the 
Lutheran church as a Sunday School teacher, council member/Elder, and 
Usher. He was a teacher for Kansas Hunter Safety and achieved the level 
of Master Instructor. He loved traveling, camping, fishing, boating, 
woodworking, hunting, taxidermy, custom gun building, and driving truck 
for harvest. He often enjoyed doing these things with his wife, 
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Attending church and 
family meals together was the highlight of his day. 
 Edgar is preceded in death by his parents (Albert and Emma), his 
brother (Gerald) and sister-in-law (Ruth), Wife (Norma Jean), and two 
nieces (Mary and Sara). He is survived by his children: Katherine (John)
 Douglass of Overland Park, KS, Marcia (Tom) Bose of Cedar, KS and 
Stephen (Mercedes) Bienhoff of Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Eleven 
grandchildren (spouses), 18 great-grandchildren, five nephews (spouses) 
and a niece (spouse) also survive. One sister-in-law, Nola (Bob) Brown 
of Wichita, KS also survives.
 In lieu of flowers, a memorial is designated for Christ the King 
Lutheran Church in Salina, KS and Saint John Lutheran Church in 
Kensington, KS.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Edgar-H--Bienhoff?obId=22759799#/celebrationWall">Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635264024545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edgar H. Bienhoff, 92 years old, Brookdale at Shawnee, KS, died and
 went to meet his Lord and Savior on October 24, 2021. He was born 
February 7, 1929, at rural Kensington Kansas to Albert and Emma (Norden) 
Bienhoff. He was baptized on February 10, 1929, and confirmed on August 
16, 1942, at Saint John Lutheran Church in Kensington, Kansas. He 
graduated from Kensington High School in May of 1946. He graduated from 
Kansas State University with dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and 
Aeronautical Engineering in May of 1951. After college, he was 
commissioned into the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant and
 started active duty on May 26, 1951. Most of his military service was 
spent in England. After his honorable discharge in October of 1953 he 
began his career as an engineer.
 Edgar worked most of his professional career for Farmland Industries
 in their Refinery and Natural Gas Plants at Phillipsburg, KS, 
Coffeyville, KS, Scottsbluff, NE, Midland, TX, and Tulsa, OK. In 1991, 
Edgar retired from Farmland Industries and began working as a consultant
 engineer until 1997.
 Edgar was united in marriage to Norma Jean Brueggemann on December 
17, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, Kansas. To this union was born
 three children: Katherine, Marcia, and Stephen. Edgar and Norma were 
married for more than 68 years, being separated when Norma died on April
 16, 2019.
 Edgar was involved with his church, family, work and community. 
After retirement, Edgar and Norma transferred to Christ the King 
Lutheran Church in Salina, KS on September 7, 1997. He served the 
Lutheran church as a Sunday School teacher, council member/Elder, and 
Usher. He was a teacher for Kansas Hunter Safety and achieved the level 
of Master Instructor. He loved traveling, camping, fishing, boating, 
woodworking, hunting, taxidermy, custom gun building, and driving truck 
for harvest. He often enjoyed doing these things with his wife, 
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Attending church and 
family meals together was the highlight of his day. 
 Edgar is preceded in death by his parents (Albert and Emma), his 
brother (Gerald) and sister-in-law (Ruth), Wife (Norma Jean), and two 
nieces (Mary and Sara). He is survived by his children: Katherine (John)
 Douglass of Overland Park, KS, Marcia (Tom) Bose of Cedar, KS and 
Stephen (Mercedes) Bienhoff of Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Eleven 
grandchildren (spouses), 18 great-grandchildren, five nephews (spouses) 
and a niece (spouse) also survive. One sister-in-law, Nola (Bob) Brown 
of Wichita, KS also survives.
 In lieu of flowers, a memorial is designated for Christ the King 
Lutheran Church in Salina, KS and Saint John Lutheran Church in 
Kensington, KS.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Edgar-H--Bienhoff?obId=22759799#/celebrationWall">Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Edgar H. Bienhoff

Brian L. Martin, 39, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, in Phillipsburg, KS. 
 Brian was born March 23, 1982, in Red Cloud, NE, the son of Merry 
(Kingsbury) VanderGiesen and Rick Martin.&nbsp; Brian graduated from Smith 
Center High School, class of 2000. On June 17, 2005, Brian married 
Lynnae Hudson in Smith Center, KS. To this union, they were blessed with
 four children: Holden, Breeley, Taryn, and Emery.&nbsp; Brian worked as the 
Information Technology Director for Landmark Implement, where he had 
worked since 2007. Brian had many hobbies throughout his life. 
He enjoyed pheasant hunting, golfing, fishing, moonlighting as an event 
DJ, and being the quintessential conversationalist. Brian loved singing,
 playing, and listening to music (albeit sometimes only the first 30 
seconds of each song). Brian lived life to the fullest and had an 
infectious personality; he put a smile on your face each and every time 
you would see him.&nbsp; He had a knack for making everyone laugh and he 
never knew a stranger.&nbsp; He loved spending time with his friends and 
family and enjoyed teaching his kids how to shoot firearms. &nbsp;He was a 
certified pilot and had a budding passion for piloting small aircraft. 
Brian also had a fondness for cooking with a special affinity for all 
things barbeque. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Sharon Kingsbury and Beverly Martin. 
 Brian is survived by his wife Lynnae Martin of Smith Center; four 
children, Holden, Breeley, Taryn, and Emery Martin all of Smith Center; 
parents, Rick (Tishia) Martin of Derby, Merry (Glen) VanderGiesen of 
Gaylord; grandfather Eldon “Stub” Martin of Smith Center; siblings, Eric
 (Becca) Martin of Overland Park, Brenda (Jason) McCartney of Smith 
Center, Alex (Tasha) Martin of Olathe; sister-in-law Sonya (Jesse) 
Buchholz of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law Tracy Hudson of Chamberlain, SD;
 step-sister Tessa (Dustin) Wilkes of Derby; step-brother Brodie Beckman
 of Wichita; eleven nieces and nephews, Mickalee, Abby, Allyiah, Dalton,
 Georgiah, Reis, Lynkin, DaMarcus, Audrey, Marianna, and Jesse, 
countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of Brian's 
life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at All 
Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, with Pastor
 Jeremy Carr officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 
26, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends 
from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial will take 
place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to
 Brian L. Martin Memorial Fund to be used for his children's education 
and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635253674787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brian L. Martin, 39, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, in Phillipsburg, KS. 
 Brian was born March 23, 1982, in Red Cloud, NE, the son of Merry 
(Kingsbury) VanderGiesen and Rick Martin.&nbsp; Brian graduated from Smith 
Center High School, class of 2000. On June 17, 2005, Brian married 
Lynnae Hudson in Smith Center, KS. To this union, they were blessed with
 four children: Holden, Breeley, Taryn, and Emery.&nbsp; Brian worked as the 
Information Technology Director for Landmark Implement, where he had 
worked since 2007. Brian had many hobbies throughout his life. 
He enjoyed pheasant hunting, golfing, fishing, moonlighting as an event 
DJ, and being the quintessential conversationalist. Brian loved singing,
 playing, and listening to music (albeit sometimes only the first 30 
seconds of each song). Brian lived life to the fullest and had an 
infectious personality; he put a smile on your face each and every time 
you would see him.&nbsp; He had a knack for making everyone laugh and he 
never knew a stranger.&nbsp; He loved spending time with his friends and 
family and enjoyed teaching his kids how to shoot firearms. &nbsp;He was a 
certified pilot and had a budding passion for piloting small aircraft. 
Brian also had a fondness for cooking with a special affinity for all 
things barbeque. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Sharon Kingsbury and Beverly Martin. 
 Brian is survived by his wife Lynnae Martin of Smith Center; four 
children, Holden, Breeley, Taryn, and Emery Martin all of Smith Center; 
parents, Rick (Tishia) Martin of Derby, Merry (Glen) VanderGiesen of 
Gaylord; grandfather Eldon “Stub” Martin of Smith Center; siblings, Eric
 (Becca) Martin of Overland Park, Brenda (Jason) McCartney of Smith 
Center, Alex (Tasha) Martin of Olathe; sister-in-law Sonya (Jesse) 
Buchholz of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law Tracy Hudson of Chamberlain, SD;
 step-sister Tessa (Dustin) Wilkes of Derby; step-brother Brodie Beckman
 of Wichita; eleven nieces and nephews, Mickalee, Abby, Allyiah, Dalton,
 Georgiah, Reis, Lynkin, DaMarcus, Audrey, Marianna, and Jesse, 
countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of Brian's 
life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at All 
Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, with Pastor
 Jeremy Carr officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 
26, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends 
from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial will take 
place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to
 Brian L. Martin Memorial Fund to be used for his children's education 
and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

Brian L. Martin

An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Melba-Winter">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635253570992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>April 21, 1935 ~ October 24, 2021An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Melba-Winter">HERE</a> for service details.

Melba Jean (Coons) Winter

Donna Nadine Marbut, 67, passed away October 24, 2021 at home in 
Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on August 26, 1954, at Smith Center, 
Kansas, to Donald Eugene &amp; Myrna (Yenne) Sheets.

Coming from Smith Center in 1962, Donna was a Great Bend resident. 
She was a nurse at Hoisington’s Cheyenne Meadows Living Center, Cherry 
Village, Great Bend Manor, and Ellinwood Country Living, retiring in 
2019. She especially loved to spend time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Jason Marbut and wife Mandy of 
McPherson, and Trevor Marbut and wife Sam of Lenexa; a brother, John 
Sheets and wife Vicki of Great Bend; a step brother, Steve Skeels of 
Oklahoma City, Okla.; three step sisters, Vicki Schamaun and husband 
Mike of New Braunfels, Tex., Cathy Winters of Phillipsburg, and Sheila 
Stocker and husband Randy of Shelton, Neb.; three grandchildren, Tyler 
Marbut and wife Taylor, Makenzie Marbut, and Kaleigh Marbut; and three 
great grandchildren, Brantlie Marbut, Adlie Marbut and Carter Marbut. 
She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrna Sheets; her father and 
stepmother, Donald Sheets and Carolyn Showalter Skeels Sheets; and her 
beloved English bulldog, Rowdy.

Visitation will take place 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Kindred Hospice, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635253528983.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Nadine Marbut, 67, passed away October 24, 2021 at home in 
Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on August 26, 1954, at Smith Center, 
Kansas, to Donald Eugene &amp; Myrna (Yenne) Sheets.Coming from Smith Center in 1962, Donna was a Great Bend resident. 
She was a nurse at Hoisington’s Cheyenne Meadows Living Center, Cherry 
Village, Great Bend Manor, and Ellinwood Country Living, retiring in 
2019. She especially loved to spend time with her family.Survivors include, two sons, Jason Marbut and wife Mandy of 
McPherson, and Trevor Marbut and wife Sam of Lenexa; a brother, John 
Sheets and wife Vicki of Great Bend; a step brother, Steve Skeels of 
Oklahoma City, Okla.; three step sisters, Vicki Schamaun and husband 
Mike of New Braunfels, Tex., Cathy Winters of Phillipsburg, and Sheila 
Stocker and husband Randy of Shelton, Neb.; three grandchildren, Tyler 
Marbut and wife Taylor, Makenzie Marbut, and Kaleigh Marbut; and three 
great grandchildren, Brantlie Marbut, Adlie Marbut and Carter Marbut. 
She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrna Sheets; her father and 
stepmother, Donald Sheets and Carolyn Showalter Skeels Sheets; and her 
beloved English bulldog, Rowdy.Visitation will take place 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving guests from 5:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Kindred Hospice, in care 
of Bryant Funeral Home.

Donna Nadine Marbut

Lucille May (Miller) Martin, age 68, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away
 Friday, October 22, 2021, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.

Lucille was born on May 2, 1953, in Hoxie, Kansas, to Virgil O. and 
Pearl M. (Brown) Miller. She grew up in Hoxie, where she graduated from 
High School in 1971. Lucille was united in marriage to Anthony W. Martin
 on April 11, 1975 in Hoxie. It was at this time that they moved to 
WaKeeney and resided there until her passing.

Lucille enjoyed being a housewife and mother of two children, Richard
 and Kimberly. She worked as a cook, motel housekeeper, and for the last
 16 years as a dietary aide at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in 
WaKeeney. Lucille was a very loving, caring, passionate lady. She was a 
charter member of the Eagle’s Club 3774 of WaKeeney. She enjoyed playing
 and calling bingo at the Eagle’s Club, and watching football games.

Lucille is survived by her husband Tony of the family home; son 
Richard W. Martin (Mackenzie) of WaKeeney; daughter Kimberly S. Jukes 
(Terry) of Denver, Colorado; sisters Carol Trice of WaKeeney, and Meg 
Muir, of Fort Collins, Colorado; many nieces, nephews, and 
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Virgil, Earl, and Philip Miller; sister Louise Craft; and 3 nieces.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 30, 2021, 
at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, with Pastor Jon Anderson officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Trego County Lemke Memorial 
Hospital or Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed. Donations may 
be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St. WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635253427586.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lucille May (Miller) Martin, age 68, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away
 Friday, October 22, 2021, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.Lucille was born on May 2, 1953, in Hoxie, Kansas, to Virgil O. and 
Pearl M. (Brown) Miller. She grew up in Hoxie, where she graduated from 
High School in 1971. Lucille was united in marriage to Anthony W. Martin
 on April 11, 1975 in Hoxie. It was at this time that they moved to 
WaKeeney and resided there until her passing.Lucille enjoyed being a housewife and mother of two children, Richard
 and Kimberly. She worked as a cook, motel housekeeper, and for the last
 16 years as a dietary aide at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in 
WaKeeney. Lucille was a very loving, caring, passionate lady. She was a 
charter member of the Eagle’s Club 3774 of WaKeeney. She enjoyed playing
 and calling bingo at the Eagle’s Club, and watching football games.Lucille is survived by her husband Tony of the family home; son 
Richard W. Martin (Mackenzie) of WaKeeney; daughter Kimberly S. Jukes 
(Terry) of Denver, Colorado; sisters Carol Trice of WaKeeney, and Meg 
Muir, of Fort Collins, Colorado; many nieces, nephews, and 
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Virgil, Earl, and Philip Miller; sister Louise Craft; and 3 nieces.Visitation will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.A memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 30, 2021, 
at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, with Pastor Jon Anderson officiating.Memorial contributions are suggested to Trego County Lemke Memorial 
Hospital or Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed. Donations may 
be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th St. WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.

Lucille May Martin

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The near-month light sweet crude contract in New York settled at $83.76 Friday, above $83 per barrel for only the second time in seven years. In London, Brent crude was also on the rise, approaching $86. Kansas Common crude at CHS was priced at $74 per barrel on Monday, the best price in McPherson since October 9, 2014. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows a ten percent increase in drilling activity. There are 19 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up four from a week earlier. The count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 23 active rigs. Drilling continued on leases in Russell and Stafford counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Based solely on the number of wells spudded, Independent reports drilling activity in Kansas increasing more than 142% from a year ago. The number of operators searching for oil and gas is up 36% year over year. Baker Hughes reported 542 active U.S. drilling rigs Friday, marking a decline of two oil rigs but a gain of one exploring for natural gas. The count in Wyoming was down three rigs, New Mexico was up two, and Texas was down one. Kansas regulators authorized 24 new drilling locations last week, ten of them east of Wichita and 14 in the western half of the state including one new permit each in Barton and Stafford counties. That's 869 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 358 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 new well completions for the week. That's 697 newly-completed wells statewide so far this year, just three wells ahead of that total a year ago. Operators in Ellis and Stafford counties completed wells among the 14 in Western Kansas. The sole trade group representing producers, operators and owners of marginally-producing wells announced five new board members including four from Kansas. Nicole Koelsch of Adams/Brown in Great Bend joins the board of directors of the National Stripper Well Association. In a news release, Koelsch said the association has proven to be a valuable resource for their industry. Other new board members include Nick Powell of Mission, Kansas, Dave Murfin and Will Darrah of Wichita, and Sam Bradley of Loveland, Colorado. U.S. operators produced over eleven million barrels of crude oil per day for the fourth week in a row. For the week through October 15th, The Energy Information Administration reports output of just over 11.3 million barrels per day, a slight decrease from the week before. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped slightly last week. The government reports stockpiles of 426.5 million barrels of crude oil as of October 15th, down 400,000 barrels from a week earlier, and about six percent below the five year average for this time of year. Crude imports dropped by 169,000 barrels per day last week to about 5.8 million. Imports over the last four weeks averaged nearly 20% more than during the same period a year ago. A Canadian company is planning to build North Dakota's first factory designed to turn natural gas into liquid fuels. Supporters say the new plant will produce low-sulfur diesel fuel and military-grade jet fuel. It will also help curb the venting or flaring of natural gas at oil wells. State officials say the $2.8 billion project in Trenton, North Dakota will convert natural gas into about 1 million gallons of liquid fuels per day. Compared to a year ago, Americans are paying about $17 more to fill up our vehicles with gasoline. Analysts at Triple-A say it doesn't look like we'll find relief at the gas pump any time soon. The national average price for a gallon of regular is now just over $3.38. That's up a six cents from a week ago and more than $1.20 higher than a year ago. The average here in Kansas is up nearly eight cents from a week ago.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic is on the increase across the U.S. and Canada. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports 9,901 American petroleum carloads for the week ending October 16th. That's up 506 tankers from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada are up more than 18% year over year according to weekly AAR data. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is debating whether to continue with several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the energy giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of many future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders. With crude prices surging, oil output in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico is getting closer to levels seen before the pandemic-driven market crash. While total production in the U.S. is still lagging, The government reports the Permian is increasing output to an average of over 4.8 million barrels a day in October. That’s close to the record set in March of 2020. Bloomberg reports a global supply deficit and high prices are prompting rising production. Private drillers in the basin have been seeking to capitalize on the surge in oil prices, ramping up volumes steadily, while public companies are under shareholder pressure to keep spending in check. In other shale plays, the recovery has been slow. In the Bakken of North Dakota, where the shale boom began, and in the Eagle Ford of southern Texas, the number of wells drilled but uncompleted are at their lowest on record.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR The near-month light sweet crude contract in New York settled at $83.76 Friday, above $83 per barrel for only the second time in seven years. In London, Brent crude was also on the rise, approaching $86. Kansas Common crude at CHS was priced at $74 per barrel on Monday, the best price in McPherson since October 9, 2014. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows a ten percent increase in drilling activity. There are 19 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up four from a week earlier. The count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 23 active rigs. Drilling continued on leases in Russell and Stafford counties, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Based solely on the number of wells spudded, Independent reports drilling activity in Kansas increasing more than 142% from a year ago. The number of operators searching for oil and gas is up 36% year over year. Baker Hughes reported 542 active U.S. drilling rigs Friday, marking a decline of two oil rigs but a gain of one exploring for natural gas. The count in Wyoming was down three rigs, New Mexico was up two, and Texas was down one. Kansas regulators authorized 24 new drilling locations last week, ten of them east of Wichita and 14 in the western half of the state including one new permit each in Barton and Stafford counties. That's 869 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 358 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 new well completions for the week. That's 697 newly-completed wells statewide so far this year, just three wells ahead of that total a year ago. Operators in Ellis and Stafford counties completed wells among the 14 in Western Kansas. The sole trade group representing producers, operators and owners of marginally-producing wells announced five new board members including four from Kansas. Nicole Koelsch of Adams/Brown in Great Bend joins the board of directors of the National Stripper Well Association. In a news release, Koelsch said the association has proven to be a valuable resource for their industry. Other new board members include Nick Powell of Mission, Kansas, Dave Murfin and Will Darrah of Wichita, and Sam Bradley of Loveland, Colorado. U.S. operators produced over eleven million barrels of crude oil per day for the fourth week in a row. For the week through October 15th, The Energy Information Administration reports output of just over 11.3 million barrels per day, a slight decrease from the week before. Domestic crude-oil inventories dropped slightly last week. The government reports stockpiles of 426.5 million barrels of crude oil as of October 15th, down 400,000 barrels from a week earlier, and about six percent below the five year average for this time of year. Crude imports dropped by 169,000 barrels per day last week to about 5.8 million. Imports over the last four weeks averaged nearly 20% more than during the same period a year ago. A Canadian company is planning to build North Dakota's first factory designed to turn natural gas into liquid fuels. Supporters say the new plant will produce low-sulfur diesel fuel and military-grade jet fuel. It will also help curb the venting or flaring of natural gas at oil wells. State officials say the $2.8 billion project in Trenton, North Dakota will convert natural gas into about 1 million gallons of liquid fuels per day. Compared to a year ago, Americans are paying about $17 more to fill up our vehicles with gasoline. Analysts at Triple-A say it doesn't look like we'll find relief at the gas pump any time soon. The national average price for a gallon of regular is now just over $3.38. That's up a six cents from a week ago and more than $1.20 higher than a year ago. The average here in Kansas is up nearly eight cents from a week ago.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic is on the increase across the U.S. and Canada. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports 9,901 American petroleum carloads for the week ending October 16th. That's up 506 tankers from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments in Canada are up more than 18% year over year according to weekly AAR data. The newly-remade board of directors at Exxon Mobil is debating whether to continue with several major oil and gas projects. People familiar with the matter say the energy giant is reconsidering its investment strategy amid the quickly-changing energy landscape. The Wall Street Journal reports Exxon board members, many installed last year by an activist investor, are weighing the fate of many future projects. The company is facing pressure from investors to restrain fossil-fuel investment to limit carbon emissions and return more cash to shareholders. With crude prices surging, oil output in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico is getting closer to levels seen before the pandemic-driven market crash. While total production in the U.S. is still lagging, The government reports the Permian is increasing output to an average of over 4.8 million barrels a day in October. That’s close to the record set in March of 2020. Bloomberg reports a global supply deficit and high prices are prompting rising production. Private drillers in the basin have been seeking to capitalize on the surge in oil prices, ramping up volumes steadily, while public companies are under shareholder pressure to keep spending in check. In other shale plays, the recovery has been slow. In the Bakken of North Dakota, where the shale boom began, and in the Eagle Ford of southern Texas, the number of wells drilled but uncompleted are at their lowest on record.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices from London to McPherson at 7-year highs

Do you like to read history? Are you curious about how things were done or how people lived? Do you ever wonder what people in the future will ask about our times? By participating in the Ellis County Historical Society Essays for Archives,  you have a chance to speak to future generations about what it is like for you and your family to live during this first global COVID pandemic. You can be the voice of your generation by telling your experiences of life during this time. The essays will held at the ECHS archives as primary resources.

Ellis County Historical Society would like to extend an invitation to all Ellis County high schools and their students to participate in submitting essays to be used as a primary resource in our archives.

The society is looking for documentation for future generations to utilize in understanding the level the 2020 pandemic affected the citizens of Ellis County.

The society been collaborating with Lisa Renz at HHS this past month and they have chosen to host a contest in conjunction with the completely voluntary essays. Hays High School students have a deadline of the end of October  for their entry to the school’s contest. After the judging,  all essays will be released to ECHS archives. It is our hope that the other high schools in the area will participate to some extent and be a meaningful part of our efforts to Save Our Pasts Future. 

We ask that participants have a released signed by a guardian to submit the essay to our archives with the students name and school.

For more information, call 785-628-2624 or email <a href="mailto:director@echshays.org">director@echshays.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614296143487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDo you like to read history? Are you curious about how things were done or how people lived? Do you ever wonder what people in the future will ask about our times? By participating in the Ellis County Historical Society Essays for Archives, you have a chance to speak to future generations about what it is like for you and your family to live during this first global COVID pandemic. You can be the voice of your generation by telling your experiences of life during this time. The essays will held at the ECHS archives as primary resources.Ellis County Historical Society would like to extend an invitation to all Ellis County high schools and their students to participate in submitting essays to be used as a primary resource in our archives.The society is looking for documentation for future generations to utilize in understanding the level the 2020 pandemic affected the citizens of Ellis County.The society been collaborating with Lisa Renz at HHS this past month and they have chosen to host a contest in conjunction with the completely voluntary essays. Hays High School students have a deadline of the end of October for their entry to the school’s contest. After the judging, all essays will be released to ECHS archives. It is our hope that the other high schools in the area will participate to some extent and be a meaningful part of our efforts to Save Our Pasts Future. We ask that participants have a released signed by a guardian to submit the essay to our archives with the students name and school.For more information, call 785-628-2624 or email <a href="mailto:director@echshays.org">director@echshays.org</a>.

Ellis Co. high schools invited to share their pandemic stories

Concordia resident Damon J. W. Beckman passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the age of 20.

He was born October 22, 2000, the son of Thane Beckman and Janna Powers.

He was preceded in death by his mother Janna Lea Constable and a brother Trenton Brinkman.

Survivors include his father Thane Beckman of Concordia and his sister Daria Beckman of Phillipsburg.

Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held Friday, 
October 29, 2021, at the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stuttgart,
 KS, with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in the
 Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 28, 2021,&nbsp; from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg, for visitation.

Memorial contributions in memory of Damon may be made to his nephew McKennan John's education fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635258618076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Concordia resident Damon J. W. Beckman passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the age of 20.He was born October 22, 2000, the son of Thane Beckman and Janna Powers.He was preceded in death by his mother Janna Lea Constable and a brother Trenton Brinkman.Survivors include his father Thane Beckman of Concordia and his sister Daria Beckman of Phillipsburg.Cremation was planned.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held Friday, 
October 29, 2021, at the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stuttgart,
 KS, with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in the
 Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.The family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 28, 2021,&nbsp; from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg, for visitation.Memorial contributions in memory of Damon may be made to his nephew McKennan John's education fund.

Damon J. W. Beckman

Twenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas 
Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on October 22nd at a ceremony 
held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Officer Justin Atchison of the Wellsville Police Department was the 
graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Jeff 
Hooper, Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department. James 
Buettgenbach, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class 
Coordinator for the 284th Basic Training Class.

Deputy Francisco Guerrero of the Meade County Sheriff’s Office was 
honored with KLETC’s Fitness Award. Officer Justin Dutcher of the Sac 
&amp; Fox Tribal Police Department was also recognized during the 
ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 
 
About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in July 2021, represented 19 
municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across 
Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Brown 
Justin Dutcher - Sac &amp; Fox Tribal Police Department

Butler 
Neil Kline - Andover Police Department 
James Nelson - Andover Police Department 
Barbara Altier-Riera - El Dorado Police Department

Cherokee 
Saul Farfan-Ulloa - Columbus Police Department

Coffey 
Alliccia Breeze - Coffey County Sheriff's Office

Crawford 
Seirra Roberts - Arma Police Department

Douglas 
John Matthews - Eudora Police Department

Ellis 
Erin Lokke - Hays Police Department

Finney 
Crystal Lopez - Finney County Sheriff’s Office 
Edwardo Valdez - Garden City Police Department 
Randy Cole - Garden City Police Department 
Jacob Erickson - Garden City Police Department

Franklin 
Justin Atchison - Wellsville Police Department

Jackson 
Maverick Ohlde - Prairie Band Pottawatomi Tribal Police

Lyon 
Collin Brozek - Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Meade 
Francisco Guerrero - Meade County Sheriff’s Office

Pratt 
Dennis Zoglmann - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Reno 
Dalton Leonard - Hutchinson Police Department 
Stephen Jackson - Hutchinson Police Department

Riley 
Jennifer Pepe - Riley County Police Department 
Gage Whitmore - Riley County Police Department

Trego 
Liam Kieft- WaKeeney Police Department

Wilson 
Louis Cottrell-D’Esposito - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625261126965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KLETCTwenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas 
Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on October 22nd at a ceremony 
held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Officer Justin Atchison of the Wellsville Police Department was the 
graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Jeff 
Hooper, Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department. James 
Buettgenbach, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class 
Coordinator for the 284th Basic Training Class.Deputy Francisco Guerrero of the Meade County Sheriff’s Office was 
honored with KLETC’s Fitness Award. Officer Justin Dutcher of the Sac 
&amp; Fox Tribal Police Department was also recognized during the 
ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and 
Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace
 Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing
 authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law 
enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help 
train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in 
the line of duty. 
 
Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority
 of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and 
oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and 
certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies 
and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 
 
About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training 
programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to 
over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west 
and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the 
University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in July 2021, represented 19 
municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across 
Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Brown 
Justin Dutcher - Sac &amp; Fox Tribal Police DepartmentButler 
Neil Kline - Andover Police Department 
James Nelson - Andover Police Department 
Barbara Altier-Riera - El Dorado Police DepartmentCherokee 
Saul Farfan-Ulloa - Columbus Police DepartmentCoffey 
Alliccia Breeze - Coffey County Sheriff's OfficeCrawford 
Seirra Roberts - Arma Police DepartmentDouglas 
John Matthews - Eudora Police DepartmentEllis 
Erin Lokke - Hays Police DepartmentFinney 
Crystal Lopez - Finney County Sheriff’s Office 
Edwardo Valdez - Garden City Police Department 
Randy Cole - Garden City Police Department 
Jacob Erickson - Garden City Police DepartmentFranklin 
Justin Atchison - Wellsville Police DepartmentJackson 
Maverick Ohlde - Prairie Band Pottawatomi Tribal PoliceLyon 
Collin Brozek - Lyon County Sheriff’s OfficeMeade 
Francisco Guerrero - Meade County Sheriff’s OfficePratt 
Dennis Zoglmann - Kansas Department of Wildlife and ParksReno 
Dalton Leonard - Hutchinson Police Department 
Stephen Jackson - Hutchinson Police DepartmentRiley 
Jennifer Pepe - Riley County Police Department 
Gage Whitmore - Riley County Police DepartmentTrego 
Liam Kieft- WaKeeney Police DepartmentWilson 
Louis Cottrell-D’Esposito - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

NW Kan. officers among newest police academy graduates

WASHINGTON (AP) — Children under 18 and people from dozens of countries with a shortage of vaccines will be exempt from new rules that will require most travelers to the United States be vaccinated against COVID-19, the Biden administration announced Monday.

The government will require airlines to collect contact information on passengers regardless of whether they have been vaccinated to help with contact tracing, if that becomes necessary.

Beginning Nov. 8, foreign, non-immigrant adults traveling to the United States will need to be fully vaccinated, with only limited exceptions, and all travelers will need to be tested for the virus before boarding a plane to the U.S. There will be tightened restrictions for American and foreign citizens who are not fully vaccinated.

The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves away from restrictions that ban non-essential travel from several dozen countries — most of Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa, India and Iran — and instead focuses on classifying individuals by the risk they pose to others.

It also reflects the White House’s embrace of vaccination requirements as a tool to push more Americans to get the shots by making it inconvenient to remain unvaccinated.

Under the policy, those who are vaccinated will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of travel, while the unvaccinated must present a test taken within one day of travel.

Children under 18 will not be required to be fully vaccinated because of delays in making them eligible for vaccines in many places. They will still need to take a COVID-19 test unless they are 2 or younger.

Others who will be exempt from the vaccination requirement include people who participated in COVID-19 clinical trials, who had severe allergic reactions to the vaccines, or are from a country where shots are not widely available.

That latter category will cover people from countries with vaccination rates below 10% of adults. They may be admitted to the U.S. with a government letter authorizing travel for a compelling reason and not just for tourism, a senior administration official said. The official estimated that there are about 50 such countries.

The U.S. will accept any vaccine approved for regular or emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. That includes Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca and China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. Mixing-and-matching of approved shots will be permitted.

The Biden administration has been working with airlines, who will be required to enforce the new procedures. Airlines will be required to verify vaccine records and match them against identity information.

Quarantine officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will spot-check passengers who arrive in the U.S. for compliance, according to an administration official. Airlines that don’t enforce the requirements could be subject to penalties of up to nearly $35,000 per violation.

The new rules will replace restrictions that began in January 2020, when President Donald Trump banned most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-virus-outbreak-9e22f8aabe2f454593b9f9b4c67eb31f">non-U.S. citizens coming from China</a>. The Trump administration expanded that to cover Brazil, Iran, the United Kingdom, Ireland and most of continental Europe. President Joe Biden left those bans in place and expanded them to South Africa and India.

Biden came under pressure from European allies to drop the restrictions, particularly after many European countries eased limits on American visitors.

“The United States is open for business with all the promise and potential America has to offer,” Transportation Secretary Gina Raimondo said after Monday’s announcement.

The main trade group for the U.S. airline industry praised the administration’s decision.

“We have seen an increase in ticket sales for international travel over the past weeks, and are eager to begin safely reuniting the countless families, friends and colleagues who have not seen each other in nearly two years, if not longer,” Airlines for America said in a statement.

The pandemic and resulting travel restrictions have caused international travel to plunge. U.S. and foreign airlines plan to operate about 14,000 flights across the Atlantic this month, just over half the 29,000 flights they operated during October 2019, according to data from aviation-research firm Cirium.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel-industry analyst in San Francisco, said the lifting of country-specific restrictions will help, but it will be tempered by the vaccination and testing requirements.

“Anyone hoping for an explosion of international inbound visitors will be disappointed,” he said. “Nov. 8 will be the start of the international travel recovery in the U.S., but I don’t believe we see full recovery until 2023 at the earliest.”

The Biden administration has not proposed a vaccination requirement for domestic travel, which the airlines oppose fiercely, saying it would be impractical because of the large number of passengers who fly within the U.S. every day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925513372.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Children under 18 and people from dozens of countries with a shortage of vaccines will be exempt from new rules that will require most travelers to the United States be vaccinated against COVID-19, the Biden administration announced Monday.The government will require airlines to collect contact information on passengers regardless of whether they have been vaccinated to help with contact tracing, if that becomes necessary.Beginning Nov. 8, foreign, non-immigrant adults traveling to the United States will need to be fully vaccinated, with only limited exceptions, and all travelers will need to be tested for the virus before boarding a plane to the U.S. There will be tightened restrictions for American and foreign citizens who are not fully vaccinated.The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves away from restrictions that ban non-essential travel from several dozen countries — most of Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa, India and Iran — and instead focuses on classifying individuals by the risk they pose to others.It also reflects the White House’s embrace of vaccination requirements as a tool to push more Americans to get the shots by making it inconvenient to remain unvaccinated.Under the policy, those who are vaccinated will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of travel, while the unvaccinated must present a test taken within one day of travel.Children under 18 will not be required to be fully vaccinated because of delays in making them eligible for vaccines in many places. They will still need to take a COVID-19 test unless they are 2 or younger.Others who will be exempt from the vaccination requirement include people who participated in COVID-19 clinical trials, who had severe allergic reactions to the vaccines, or are from a country where shots are not widely available.That latter category will cover people from countries with vaccination rates below 10% of adults. They may be admitted to the U.S. with a government letter authorizing travel for a compelling reason and not just for tourism, a senior administration official said. The official estimated that there are about 50 such countries.The U.S. will accept any vaccine approved for regular or emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. That includes Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca and China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. Mixing-and-matching of approved shots will be permitted.The Biden administration has been working with airlines, who will be required to enforce the new procedures. Airlines will be required to verify vaccine records and match them against identity information.Quarantine officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will spot-check passengers who arrive in the U.S. for compliance, according to an administration official. Airlines that don’t enforce the requirements could be subject to penalties of up to nearly $35,000 per violation.The new rules will replace restrictions that began in January 2020, when President Donald Trump banned most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-virus-outbreak-9e22f8aabe2f454593b9f9b4c67eb31f">non-U.S. citizens coming from China</a>. The Trump administration expanded that to cover Brazil, Iran, the United Kingdom, Ireland and most of continental Europe. President Joe Biden left those bans in place and expanded them to South Africa and India.Biden came under pressure from European allies to drop the restrictions, particularly after many European countries eased limits on American visitors.“The United States is open for business with all the promise and potential America has to offer,” Transportation Secretary Gina Raimondo said after Monday’s announcement.The main trade group for the U.S. airline industry praised the administration’s decision.“We have seen an increase in ticket sales for international travel over the past weeks, and are eager to begin safely reuniting the countless families, friends and colleagues who have not seen each other in nearly two years, if not longer,” Airlines for America said in a statement.The pandemic and resulting travel restrictions have caused international travel to plunge. U.S. and foreign airlines plan to operate about 14,000 flights across the Atlantic this month, just over half the 29,000 flights they operated during October 2019, according to data from aviation-research firm Cirium.Henry Harteveldt, a travel-industry analyst in San Francisco, said the lifting of country-specific restrictions will help, but it will be tempered by the vaccination and testing requirements.“Anyone hoping for an explosion of international inbound visitors will be disappointed,” he said. “Nov. 8 will be the start of the international travel recovery in the U.S., but I don’t believe we see full recovery until 2023 at the earliest.”The Biden administration has not proposed a vaccination requirement for domestic travel, which the airlines oppose fiercely, saying it would be impractical because of the large number of passengers who fly within the U.S. every day.

US details new international COVID-19 travel requirements

Frank Leo Schwarzenberger, 92, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away on October 22, 2021, at the Gove County Medical Center. Frank was born October 12, 1929, at the family farmstead southeast of Quinter to Alexander and Walburga (Ziegler) Schwarzenberger, Sr. He was the eighth of nine children. Frank attended the Harmony Country School just a half mile from his home. He completed the eighth grade and then his help was needed on the farm. Frank enlisted in the Navy in the early 1950's and served as an airplane mechanic on the aircraft carrier, USS Kersarge. Frank was deployed three times to the South Pacific during the Korean War. 
 
Frank was united in marriage to Darlene Dinkel on April 26, 1955, in Grainfield, Kansas. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Darlene's passing in 2011. Frank lived his entire life in Quinter on the farm on which he was born. Frank and Darlene worked side by side on the farm raising various crops and operating a dairy for 35 years. 
 
Frank served his community at various times by being a St. Michael's parish council member, a board member of various cooperatives in Collyer and Quinter, and as a Gove County Commissioner. Frank was also a member of the American Legion and Kansas Farm Bureau. 
 
Frank enjoyed visiting and reading, but most of all farming. He was recently recognized by the Salina Diocese Catholic Rural Life Commission for owning/operating the same land for one hundred years or more by being awarded the Monsignor John George Weber Century Farm Award. He was very proud of this accomplishment. 
 
Frank is survived by daughter Sandy Jacobs and husband Jim, and son Larry Schwarzenberger, all of Phillipsburg, Kansas; grandchildren Jari Jacobs and Karen of Neosho, Missouri, Kellen Jacobs and Emily of Norton, Kansas, and Jennifer McClintock of Buhler, Kansas; and nine great grandchildren, Sydney and Brooklyn Jacobs, Teyah, Oakleigh, Quinten, and Lilah Jacobs, and Olivia, Kendall, and Kaidyn McClintock. 
 
Frank is preceded in death by his parents; wife Darlene; sisters Margaret (Peg) Selensky, Philomena (Phil) Dreher, Mary Hoch, Alex Schwarzenberger Jr., Cecilia Werth, Dorothy Schneider, Agnes Berens, and Albert Schwarzenberger; numerous in laws and relatives. 
 
Thursday, October 28, 2021 a visitation will be held at the Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter from 5-7 p.m. with a wake service to follow.&nbsp; Funeral services will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Collyer, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. with Father Charles Steier officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael's cemetery. 
 
The family requests no flowers please. Memorials are suggested to St. Michael's Catholic Church at Collyer, Gove County Long Term Care or Jay Johnson Public Library. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, Wakeeney, Kansas 67672.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635197971495.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Frank Leo Schwarzenberger, 92, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away on October 22, 2021, at the Gove County Medical Center. Frank was born October 12, 1929, at the family farmstead southeast of Quinter to Alexander and Walburga (Ziegler) Schwarzenberger, Sr. He was the eighth of nine children. Frank attended the Harmony Country School just a half mile from his home. He completed the eighth grade and then his help was needed on the farm. Frank enlisted in the Navy in the early 1950's and served as an airplane mechanic on the aircraft carrier, USS Kersarge. Frank was deployed three times to the South Pacific during the Korean War. 
 
Frank was united in marriage to Darlene Dinkel on April 26, 1955, in Grainfield, Kansas. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Darlene's passing in 2011. Frank lived his entire life in Quinter on the farm on which he was born. Frank and Darlene worked side by side on the farm raising various crops and operating a dairy for 35 years. 
 
Frank served his community at various times by being a St. Michael's parish council member, a board member of various cooperatives in Collyer and Quinter, and as a Gove County Commissioner. Frank was also a member of the American Legion and Kansas Farm Bureau. 
 
Frank enjoyed visiting and reading, but most of all farming. He was recently recognized by the Salina Diocese Catholic Rural Life Commission for owning/operating the same land for one hundred years or more by being awarded the Monsignor John George Weber Century Farm Award. He was very proud of this accomplishment. 
 
Frank is survived by daughter Sandy Jacobs and husband Jim, and son Larry Schwarzenberger, all of Phillipsburg, Kansas; grandchildren Jari Jacobs and Karen of Neosho, Missouri, Kellen Jacobs and Emily of Norton, Kansas, and Jennifer McClintock of Buhler, Kansas; and nine great grandchildren, Sydney and Brooklyn Jacobs, Teyah, Oakleigh, Quinten, and Lilah Jacobs, and Olivia, Kendall, and Kaidyn McClintock. 
 
Frank is preceded in death by his parents; wife Darlene; sisters Margaret (Peg) Selensky, Philomena (Phil) Dreher, Mary Hoch, Alex Schwarzenberger Jr., Cecilia Werth, Dorothy Schneider, Agnes Berens, and Albert Schwarzenberger; numerous in laws and relatives. 
 
Thursday, October 28, 2021 a visitation will be held at the Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter from 5-7 p.m. with a wake service to follow.&nbsp; Funeral services will be held Friday, October 29, 2021, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Collyer, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. with Father Charles Steier officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael's cemetery. 
 
The family requests no flowers please. Memorials are suggested to St. Michael's Catholic Church at Collyer, Gove County Long Term Care or Jay Johnson Public Library. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, Wakeeney, Kansas 67672.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.

Frank Leo Schwarzenberger

Lyla Carolyn (Noffsinger) Legg was born July 31, 1930, to RuthAnn 
(Galley) &amp; Lyle Clifford Noffsinger on the family farm southeast of 
Osborne. &nbsp;She was the 6th of 7 children. &nbsp;Lyla went to be with the Lord 
on October 22, 2021, at the age of 91.

Lyla attended grades 1 - 8 at Mount Hope School District #6 &amp; graduated from Osborne High School with the class of 1948. &nbsp;

Following graduation, she worked as a telephone operator for United 
Telephone Co. &nbsp;On July 3, 1949, she married Merwin Dee Legg at the 
United Methodist Church Parsonage with a dinner &amp; family gathering 
at her family's country home. &nbsp;The couple made their home in &amp; 
around Osborne. &nbsp;To this union was born two children: Daniel Eugene 
&amp; Beverly Ann. &nbsp;As her children grew, Lyla returned to the work 
force at the Osborne County Treasurer's Office before becoming the 
secretary for the Osborne County Highway Department until her 
retirement.

Lyla was baptized at the Osborne Christian Church by Reverend 
Clarence Zimmerman. &nbsp;Lyla was a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, &amp; 
junior choir director there. &nbsp;At the time of her passing she was part of
 the Free Methodist Church congregation. &nbsp;

Lyla had been a leader in the Penn 4-H Club, a Brownie Scout leader, a
 member of the Be Better EHU, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 
&amp; a member of the Osborne County Saddle Club. &nbsp;Her family's hobby 
was spending weekends showing horses over the state of Kansas.

The love of her life passed away May 5, 2000, from lung cancer. &nbsp;Lyla
 continued to live on the south edge of Osborne where she enjoyed 
watching the wildlife roam the bottom brome field &amp; even stroll 
through the yard.

Lyla is survived by her daughter Beverly &amp; her son Dan &amp; wife
 Jan; 4 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother Dr. Clifford 
Noffsinger &amp; wife Dee; numerous nieces &amp; nephews plus a host of 
friends.

Lyla was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth &amp; Lyle 
Noffsinger; her siblings Clyde Noffsiner, Marjorie Jackson, Dorothy 
Detwiler, Wayne Noffsinger, &amp; Marietta Goering; her grandparents.

<a href="https://www.clarkgashawfh.com/obituary/Lyla-Legg">Clark-Gashaw Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Lyla Carolyn (Noffsinger) Legg was born July 31, 1930, to RuthAnn 
(Galley) &amp; Lyle Clifford Noffsinger on the family farm southeast of 
Osborne. &nbsp;She was the 6th of 7 children. &nbsp;Lyla went to be with the Lord 
on October 22, 2021, at the age of 91.Lyla attended grades 1 - 8 at Mount Hope School District #6 &amp; graduated from Osborne High School with the class of 1948. &nbsp;Following graduation, she worked as a telephone operator for United 
Telephone Co. &nbsp;On July 3, 1949, she married Merwin Dee Legg at the 
United Methodist Church Parsonage with a dinner &amp; family gathering 
at her family's country home. &nbsp;The couple made their home in &amp; 
around Osborne. &nbsp;To this union was born two children: Daniel Eugene 
&amp; Beverly Ann. &nbsp;As her children grew, Lyla returned to the work 
force at the Osborne County Treasurer's Office before becoming the 
secretary for the Osborne County Highway Department until her 
retirement.Lyla was baptized at the Osborne Christian Church by Reverend 
Clarence Zimmerman. &nbsp;Lyla was a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, &amp; 
junior choir director there. &nbsp;At the time of her passing she was part of
 the Free Methodist Church congregation. &nbsp;Lyla had been a leader in the Penn 4-H Club, a Brownie Scout leader, a
 member of the Be Better EHU, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 
&amp; a member of the Osborne County Saddle Club. &nbsp;Her family's hobby 
was spending weekends showing horses over the state of Kansas.The love of her life passed away May 5, 2000, from lung cancer. &nbsp;Lyla
 continued to live on the south edge of Osborne where she enjoyed 
watching the wildlife roam the bottom brome field &amp; even stroll 
through the yard.Lyla is survived by her daughter Beverly &amp; her son Dan &amp; wife
 Jan; 4 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother Dr. Clifford 
Noffsinger &amp; wife Dee; numerous nieces &amp; nephews plus a host of 
friends.Lyla was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth &amp; Lyle 
Noffsinger; her siblings Clyde Noffsiner, Marjorie Jackson, Dorothy 
Detwiler, Wayne Noffsinger, &amp; Marietta Goering; her grandparents.<a href="https://www.clarkgashawfh.com/obituary/Lyla-Legg">Clark-Gashaw Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Lyla Carolyn (Noffsinger) Legg

Edwin Eugene Holsman Sr., 93, passed away on October 19, 2021, at his 
home in Pinedale, WY. He was born on October 10, 1928, in Bogue, KS to 
Charley and Cora (Merrel) Holsman. While growing up, he lived in Horton,
 Atwood, Colby and Oberlin, Kansas.
 On December 6, 1953, Edwin united with Lila Withington in Atwood, KS.
 To this union they had two sons and one daughter. Edwin served in the
 Army for 2 years. He worked at Texico gas station, Good Sam’s, nursing
 homes, and Colby Community College. His hobbies were woodworking, 
camping and fishing.
 Edwin is survived by son: Kevin (Tammy) Holsman of Pinedale WY; 
daughter: Brenda Anderson of Bismarck, ND; brothers: C.F. (Dorene) 
Holsman of Topeka, KS and Gerald (Mary) Holsman of Horton, KS; 
grandchildren: Abigail Anderson, Angela Anderson, Kelly Hake, Kayla 
(Jeremy) Williams, Amanda (Granite) McMartin, Chase Holsman; 13 great 
grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in 
death by his parents; wife, Lila Holsman; son: Edwin (Kathy) Holsman, 
Jr. and sister Evelyn Peters; brother-in-laws: Harlan Withington, Harold
 Withington, Melvin Withington, and Royal Chessmore; sister-in-laws: 
Mary Kay Holsman, Hilda Chessmore, Irene Withington, Judy Withington, 
and Hazel Withington.

Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Edwin-Eugene-Holsman-Sr?obId=22721698#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635194215749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edwin Eugene Holsman Sr., 93, passed away on October 19, 2021, at his 
home in Pinedale, WY. He was born on October 10, 1928, in Bogue, KS to 
Charley and Cora (Merrel) Holsman. While growing up, he lived in Horton,
 Atwood, Colby and Oberlin, Kansas.
 On December 6, 1953, Edwin united with Lila Withington in Atwood, KS.
 To this union they had two sons and one daughter. Edwin served in the
 Army for 2 years. He worked at Texico gas station, Good Sam’s, nursing
 homes, and Colby Community College. His hobbies were woodworking, 
camping and fishing.
 Edwin is survived by son: Kevin (Tammy) Holsman of Pinedale WY; 
daughter: Brenda Anderson of Bismarck, ND; brothers: C.F. (Dorene) 
Holsman of Topeka, KS and Gerald (Mary) Holsman of Horton, KS; 
grandchildren: Abigail Anderson, Angela Anderson, Kelly Hake, Kayla 
(Jeremy) Williams, Amanda (Granite) McMartin, Chase Holsman; 13 great 
grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in 
death by his parents; wife, Lila Holsman; son: Edwin (Kathy) Holsman, 
Jr. and sister Evelyn Peters; brother-in-laws: Harlan Withington, Harold
 Withington, Melvin Withington, and Royal Chessmore; sister-in-laws: 
Mary Kay Holsman, Hilda Chessmore, Irene Withington, Judy Withington, 
and Hazel Withington.Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Edwin-Eugene-Holsman-Sr?obId=22721698#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Edwin Eugene Holsman Sr.

KANSAS CITY —Severe weather including damaging winds, flooding rains and tornadoes. hit the Kansas City area Sunday.

The National Weather Service preliminary damage survey results indicated&nbsp; the Purdin, Missouri tornado&nbsp; rated an EF-2 with estimated max winds of 120 mph. The tornado started at 4:31p.m. and ended at 5:18p.m. Purdin is located northeast of Kansas City.

The preliminary damage survey results dfor the two tornadoes that impacted Sedalia Sunday night indicated they were both&nbsp;EF-0 tornadoes. One south-southeast of Sedalia and the other just east along Highway 50, 90 minutes southeast of Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY —Severe weather that included damaging winds, heavy rain and tornadoes hit the Kansas City area on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The last time tornadoes him the Kansas City area in October was in October of 2018 affecting the towns of Pickering in Nodaway County and Judson in Sullivan County, Knoxville in Ray County, Polo in Caldwell County and Spickard in Grundy County, according to the National Weather Service.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635158443594.png" alt="Damage from Sunday's storms -photo courtesy Caldwell County, Missouri sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Damage from Sunday's storms -photo courtesy Caldwell County, Missouri sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Severe weather including damaging winds, flooding rains and tornadoes. hit the Kansas City area Sunday.The National Weather Service preliminary damage survey results indicated&nbsp; the Purdin, Missouri tornado&nbsp; rated an EF-2 with estimated max winds of 120 mph. The tornado started at 4:31p.m. and ended at 5:18p.m. Purdin is located northeast of Kansas City.The preliminary damage survey results dfor the two tornadoes that impacted Sedalia Sunday night indicated they were both&nbsp;EF-0 tornadoes. One south-southeast of Sedalia and the other just east along Highway 50, 90 minutes southeast of Kansas City.There were no injuries or deaths.-------KANSAS CITY —Severe weather that included damaging winds, heavy rain and tornadoes hit the Kansas City area on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.There were no injuries reported.The last time tornadoes him the Kansas City area in October was in October of 2018 affecting the towns of Pickering in Nodaway County and Judson in Sullivan County, Knoxville in Ray County, Polo in Caldwell County and Spickard in Grundy County, according to the National Weather Service.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

UPDATE: EF2 tornado northeast of Kansas City Sunday

Sharon Louise Smolik, 74, passed away October 23, 2021, at 
Medicalodges of Great Bend. She was born on November 18, 1946, at Great 
Bend to Bill &amp; Hilda (Ehrlich) Galliart. She married Robert Smolik 
on November 28, 1963, at Great Bend.&nbsp;

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Sharon was a hostess and cook for 
various places in town, including, USD 428 Central Kitchen, Kiowa 
Kitchen, Great Bend Learning Center and the Dominican Sisters of Peace. 
She most recently retired from True Value. She was a member of Prince of
 Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, VFW 
Post #3111, and the American Legion Post #180 Auxiliary. Sharon loved to
 cook and especially spend time with family.

Survivors include, her husband Robert Smolik of the home; a daughter,
 Darla Stroud and husband Huie of Great Bend; two granddaughters, Jamie 
Johnson and husband Scott, and Jessika Stroud; and two great 
grandchildren, Hunter and Kolton. She was preceded in death by her 
father, Bill Galliart, and her mother, Hilda Meisner.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 
October 28, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 
4:00 p.m. and Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will 
be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 29, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima 
Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. 
Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 

Memorials have
 been designated to Kindred Hospice or Shriner's Travel Fund, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635185121355.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Louise Smolik, 74, passed away October 23, 2021, at 
Medicalodges of Great Bend. She was born on November 18, 1946, at Great 
Bend to Bill &amp; Hilda (Ehrlich) Galliart. She married Robert Smolik 
on November 28, 1963, at Great Bend.&nbsp;A lifetime Great Bend resident, Sharon was a hostess and cook for 
various places in town, including, USD 428 Central Kitchen, Kiowa 
Kitchen, Great Bend Learning Center and the Dominican Sisters of Peace. 
She most recently retired from True Value. She was a member of Prince of
 Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, VFW 
Post #3111, and the American Legion Post #180 Auxiliary. Sharon loved to
 cook and especially spend time with family.Survivors include, her husband Robert Smolik of the home; a daughter,
 Darla Stroud and husband Huie of Great Bend; two granddaughters, Jamie 
Johnson and husband Scott, and Jessika Stroud; and two great 
grandchildren, Hunter and Kolton. She was preceded in death by her 
father, Bill Galliart, and her mother, Hilda Meisner.Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 
October 28, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 
4:00 p.m. and Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will 
be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 29, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima 
Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. 
Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials have
 been designated to Kindred Hospice or Shriner's Travel Fund, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

Sharon Louise Smolik

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,477 to a total of 430,293, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 31 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,242.

<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 1,477 to a total of 430,293, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 31 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,242.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635183030494.png" alt="Monday October 25, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday October 25, 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: 1,477 new cases, 31 more COVID deaths

Raymond Schaffer was born to Frank and Barbara (Urban) Schaffer, on 
February 27, 1931, on the family farm near Loretto, KS.&nbsp; Raymond passed 
from this world on October 23, 2021.

He spent his childhood years going to the Catholic Grade School in 
Loretto, helping with farm chores and spent many Sunday afternoons 
playing baseball. Being the youngest in the family, he learned many 
useful life skills from his parents and siblings.

He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Schuckman on July 29, 1952.
 Together they moved around and worked at many jobs supporting each 
other and their love.&nbsp; They lived in and worked in La Crosse, KS, 
Denver, CO, Dodge City, KS, on the farm at Alamota, KS, Montezuma, KS, 
Ulysses, KS, Garden City, KS, and Round Rock, Texas, before returning 
full circle, back to La Crosse in 1991.&nbsp; During this moving about&nbsp;they 
also raised two children, Tamra and Troy.

Some of the jobs Raymond held&nbsp; through the years were carpentry, 
mechanics, sales, and factory production of mobile homes and customized 
vans. He was also half of the Handy Pair with his brother Francis in 
Round Rock.

Raymond and Mary Lou also shared a love and the creative skills of 
remodeling many of the homes in which they lived. They remodeled and 
repurposed homes, which was a fine tribute to their German roots and 
heritage. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and
 Barbara, an infant sister, Eleanor, a sister, Mary Jones, four 
brothers, Clarence, Aloyius, John, and Francis, and a son-in-law, Brad 
Sligar.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Lou, his children, Tamra
 Sligar, of Garden City, KS, and son Troy and wife Janet of Waco, TX, 
nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.

Services will be on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at St. Michael’s 
Catholic Church in La Crosse. The family will greet friends from 9:30 
a.m. to 10:30 a.m.&nbsp; A rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral 
mass celebrating Raymond’s life will begin at 10:30, followed by 
inurnment at La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse.

In remembrance of Raymond’s life, memorial contributions may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635179319634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Raymond Schaffer was born to Frank and Barbara (Urban) Schaffer, on 
February 27, 1931, on the family farm near Loretto, KS.&nbsp; Raymond passed 
from this world on October 23, 2021.He spent his childhood years going to the Catholic Grade School in 
Loretto, helping with farm chores and spent many Sunday afternoons 
playing baseball. Being the youngest in the family, he learned many 
useful life skills from his parents and siblings.He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Schuckman on July 29, 1952.
 Together they moved around and worked at many jobs supporting each 
other and their love.&nbsp; They lived in and worked in La Crosse, KS, 
Denver, CO, Dodge City, KS, on the farm at Alamota, KS, Montezuma, KS, 
Ulysses, KS, Garden City, KS, and Round Rock, Texas, before returning 
full circle, back to La Crosse in 1991.&nbsp; During this moving about&nbsp;they 
also raised two children, Tamra and Troy.Some of the jobs Raymond held&nbsp; through the years were carpentry, 
mechanics, sales, and factory production of mobile homes and customized 
vans. He was also half of the Handy Pair with his brother Francis in 
Round Rock.Raymond and Mary Lou also shared a love and the creative skills of 
remodeling many of the homes in which they lived. They remodeled and 
repurposed homes, which was a fine tribute to their German roots and 
heritage. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and
 Barbara, an infant sister, Eleanor, a sister, Mary Jones, four 
brothers, Clarence, Aloyius, John, and Francis, and a son-in-law, Brad 
Sligar.He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Lou, his children, Tamra
 Sligar, of Garden City, KS, and son Troy and wife Janet of Waco, TX, 
nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.Services will be on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at St. Michael’s 
Catholic Church in La Crosse. The family will greet friends from 9:30 
a.m. to 10:30 a.m.&nbsp; A rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral 
mass celebrating Raymond’s life will begin at 10:30, followed by 
inurnment at La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse.In remembrance of Raymond’s life, memorial contributions may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Raymond Schaffer

Brian L. Martin, 39, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, in Phillipsburg, KS. 
 Brian was born March 23, 1982 in Red Cloud, NE, the son of Merry 
(Kingsbury) VanderGiesen and Rick Martin.&nbsp; On June 17, 2005, Brian 
married Lynnae Hudson in Smith Center, Kansas. A celebration 
of Brian's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021,
 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, 
with Pastor Jeremy Carr officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on 
Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to 
greet friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial 
will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may 
be given to Brian L. Martin Memorial Fund to be used for his children's 
education and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel. A full obituary is pending with All Faiths Funeral Chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635167235996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brian L. Martin, 39, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, in Phillipsburg, KS. 
 Brian was born March 23, 1982 in Red Cloud, NE, the son of Merry 
(Kingsbury) VanderGiesen and Rick Martin.&nbsp; On June 17, 2005, Brian 
married Lynnae Hudson in Smith Center, Kansas. A celebration 
of Brian's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021,
 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, 
with Pastor Jeremy Carr officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on 
Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to 
greet friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.&nbsp; Burial 
will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may 
be given to Brian L. Martin Memorial Fund to be used for his children's 
education and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel. A full obituary is pending with All Faiths Funeral Chapel.

October 10, 1928
 -
 October 19, 2021

An obituary is pending with Pauls Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Edwin-Gene-Holsman-Sr?obId=22721698#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

October 10, 1928
 -
 October 19, 2021An obituary is pending with Pauls Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Edwin-Gene-Holsman-Sr?obId=22721698#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Edwin Gene Holsman Sr.

Margie Marie (Broeckelman) Schoenfeld was born March 5, 1958, in Oakley, 
Kansas, to Bill and Emelyn (Moellering) Broeckelman. She died on Oct. 21,
 2021, at KU Med Center in Kansas City. 
Margie grew up on a farm just north of Oakley. She was the only sister 
that filled in with farm chores, including milking cows, after most of 
the boys moved on. She attended grade school and high school in Oakley 
and later attended Colby Community College. 
She got to know lots of people in towns in northwest Kansas when she 
worked in grocery stores as a meat cutter. She was active for several 
years in Jaycees. She took a turn as the director of the Logan County 
Healthcare Foundation. She was later employed by the Oakley Chamber as 
director and was in part, responsible for getting the Buffalo Bill 
sculpture on the west side of Oakley planned and completed. 
On June 3, 2006, she married Jerry Schoenfeld in Oakley, Kansas, where 
they lived at the time of her death. With that marriage came children 
and grandchildren that she loved as her own. 
She and Jerry were active in the music provided at St. Joseph’s Catholic
 Church and active in other community groups. They made many trips to 
Branson and enjoyed the music and other activities there. Her love of 
music included singing at many weddings and funerals; singing to little 
children to put them to sleep, and giving guitar lessons. 
Margie was an avid gardener, giving away lots of produce and canned 
goods to friends and family. She enjoyed crocheting and tatting and 
entered some of her work at fairs. 
She and Jerry were avid golfers. Their first kiss was on #3 green in 
Oakley after a great golf shot by Margie to birdie the hole. Together 
they enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities, traveling many 
miles in a week’s time. 
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Emelyn Broeckelman, 
brother-in-law Buddy Van Horn and a sister Mary Ann Sahlfeld. 
Survivors include her husband Jerry; their children: Jerry (Edie) 
Schoenfeld, Salida, CO; Richard (Lori) Schoenfeld, St. Mary’s, KS; and 
Bridgit (Ken) Bockwinkel, Oakley. Grandchildren: Jake, Jesse, Taegan, 
Kiera, and Cassidy Schoenfeld, and Allison, Corbin, Kaylie, and 
Alexander Bockwinkel. Brothers: Greg (Jane) of Colorado Springs, Mike 
(Cindy) of Lakin, Bob (Bunny) of Wichita, Tom (Roxy) of Quinter, Joe 
(Cathy) of Selden, and Jim (Tami) of Norton; sisters: Kathy Kuntz (Bob) 
of Quinter, Linda Van Horn of Colby, Susan Taylor of Grand Prairie, TX, 
Donna Gonzalez of Wichita; and brother-in-law Jerry Sahlfeld of Salina. 
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26 at St. Joseph’s 
Catholic Church, Oakley with Fr. Luke Thielen officiating and interment 
in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, October 25 from 5
 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a rosary/wake service at
 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Logan 
County Healthcare Foundation, or the Band Program at Oakley High School 
and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. Condolences: 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/2021/10/1635166987143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margie Marie (Broeckelman) Schoenfeld was born March 5, 1958, in Oakley, 
Kansas, to Bill and Emelyn (Moellering) Broeckelman. She died on Oct. 21,
 2021, at KU Med Center in Kansas City. 
Margie grew up on a farm just north of Oakley. She was the only sister 
that filled in with farm chores, including milking cows, after most of 
the boys moved on. She attended grade school and high school in Oakley 
and later attended Colby Community College. 
She got to know lots of people in towns in northwest Kansas when she 
worked in grocery stores as a meat cutter. She was active for several 
years in Jaycees. She took a turn as the director of the Logan County 
Healthcare Foundation. She was later employed by the Oakley Chamber as 
director and was in part, responsible for getting the Buffalo Bill 
sculpture on the west side of Oakley planned and completed. 
On June 3, 2006, she married Jerry Schoenfeld in Oakley, Kansas, where 
they lived at the time of her death. With that marriage came children 
and grandchildren that she loved as her own. 
She and Jerry were active in the music provided at St. Joseph’s Catholic
 Church and active in other community groups. They made many trips to 
Branson and enjoyed the music and other activities there. Her love of 
music included singing at many weddings and funerals; singing to little 
children to put them to sleep, and giving guitar lessons. 
Margie was an avid gardener, giving away lots of produce and canned 
goods to friends and family. She enjoyed crocheting and tatting and 
entered some of her work at fairs. 
She and Jerry were avid golfers. Their first kiss was on #3 green in 
Oakley after a great golf shot by Margie to birdie the hole. Together 
they enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities, traveling many 
miles in a week’s time. 
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Emelyn Broeckelman, 
brother-in-law Buddy Van Horn and a sister Mary Ann Sahlfeld. 
Survivors include her husband Jerry; their children: Jerry (Edie) 
Schoenfeld, Salida, CO; Richard (Lori) Schoenfeld, St. Mary’s, KS; and 
Bridgit (Ken) Bockwinkel, Oakley. Grandchildren: Jake, Jesse, Taegan, 
Kiera, and Cassidy Schoenfeld, and Allison, Corbin, Kaylie, and 
Alexander Bockwinkel. Brothers: Greg (Jane) of Colorado Springs, Mike 
(Cindy) of Lakin, Bob (Bunny) of Wichita, Tom (Roxy) of Quinter, Joe 
(Cathy) of Selden, and Jim (Tami) of Norton; sisters: Kathy Kuntz (Bob) 
of Quinter, Linda Van Horn of Colby, Susan Taylor of Grand Prairie, TX, 
Donna Gonzalez of Wichita; and brother-in-law Jerry Sahlfeld of Salina. 
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26 at St. Joseph’s 
Catholic Church, Oakley with Fr. Luke Thielen officiating and interment 
in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, October 25 from 5
 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a rosary/wake service at
 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Logan 
County Healthcare Foundation, or the Band Program at Oakley High School 
and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. Condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Margie Marie (Broeckelman) Schoenfeld

John Leon Brannick, 89, of Colby, met his personal Lord and Savior face 
to face in the early morning hours of Friday, October 22, 2021. Though 
facing numerous health challenges, he peacefully went to sleep and woke 
in the Presence of God. 
John was the second to last of 13 children born to Michael and Lizzie 
(Wingfield) Brannick in Goodland, Kansas on November 30, 1931. 
He spent his childhood years growing up in the Goodland area and in 
Colorado Springs. He loved the mountains and open spaces. In his youth 
he loved being a part of the church orchestra and playing the saxophone.
 Music has always been a big part of his life. 
John met his beloved Beverly Harper while working at the Duckwalls in 
Colby. They were married May 12, 1950. Not long after their marriage, 
they moved to California where John became a proud member of the United 
States Marine Corps. Soon after arriving in the sunshine state, they 
started a family and welcomed their daughter Susan and sons John, 
Michael, and Steven. 
Upon being honorably discharged from the Marines in 1954, he held a 
variety of jobs in retail and agriculture. Their family returned to 
Kansas in 1972. 
No matter how anyone was acquainted with John, be at church, socially in
 community, or just driving by and waving as he sat in the sunshine of 
the front yard, he never knew a stranger or someone he wouldn’t sing to.
 He especially loved singing hymns at the nursing homes. 
He was an avid poet who was proudly published. He was known for his 
poems about his Savior and the beauty of nature. He often wrote poems 
for those he didn’t even know if they were experiencing grief or for 
those celebrating life’s milestones. 
His faith was the foundation of his life. Each year he would read the 
Bible cover to cover anywhere between three and four times. Over the 
course of his life, he completed God‘s word over 60+ times. Wearing out 
Bibles as he sat at his desk each morning in the Holy Scriptures was his
 daily act of service to his Savior and brought him tremendous pleasure.
 He truly hid God’s word in his heart. 
He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, in 1979; his second wife 
Norma (Gardner); his parents; brothers, sisters and his grandson Shathen
 Sawyer. 
He is survived by his daughter Susan (Larry) Hawkins, of Colby; sons, 
John (Margarita) Brannick, of San Diego, CA, Michael (Tia) Brannick, of 
Goodland and Steven (Rodena) Brannick, of McAlester, OK; grandchildren, 
Michelle (Daniel) Morris, of Colby, Michael (Kelsey) Hawkins, of Colby, 
Lexus (Russell) Mordecai, of McAlester, OK, Milan (Drew) Dautel, of 
Goodland, Cienna (Parker) Wells, of St. Francis, and nine 
great-grandchildren, Hadlie, Kash, Annie, Geoff, Harry, Ellie, 
Brycelynn, Luka and Baby Wells due April 2022. 
Services will be held at Celebration Community Church in Colby on 
Friday, October 29, 2021, at 10:30 CDT. Military Graveside services will
 be at the Goodland Cemetery at 1:00 pm MDT. 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/2021/10/1635166911989.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Leon Brannick, 89, of Colby, met his personal Lord and Savior face 
to face in the early morning hours of Friday, October 22, 2021. Though 
facing numerous health challenges, he peacefully went to sleep and woke 
in the Presence of God. 
John was the second to last of 13 children born to Michael and Lizzie 
(Wingfield) Brannick in Goodland, Kansas on November 30, 1931. 
He spent his childhood years growing up in the Goodland area and in 
Colorado Springs. He loved the mountains and open spaces. In his youth 
he loved being a part of the church orchestra and playing the saxophone.
 Music has always been a big part of his life. 
John met his beloved Beverly Harper while working at the Duckwalls in 
Colby. They were married May 12, 1950. Not long after their marriage, 
they moved to California where John became a proud member of the United 
States Marine Corps. Soon after arriving in the sunshine state, they 
started a family and welcomed their daughter Susan and sons John, 
Michael, and Steven. 
Upon being honorably discharged from the Marines in 1954, he held a 
variety of jobs in retail and agriculture. Their family returned to 
Kansas in 1972. 
No matter how anyone was acquainted with John, be at church, socially in
 community, or just driving by and waving as he sat in the sunshine of 
the front yard, he never knew a stranger or someone he wouldn’t sing to.
 He especially loved singing hymns at the nursing homes. 
He was an avid poet who was proudly published. He was known for his 
poems about his Savior and the beauty of nature. He often wrote poems 
for those he didn’t even know if they were experiencing grief or for 
those celebrating life’s milestones. 
His faith was the foundation of his life. Each year he would read the 
Bible cover to cover anywhere between three and four times. Over the 
course of his life, he completed God‘s word over 60+ times. Wearing out 
Bibles as he sat at his desk each morning in the Holy Scriptures was his
 daily act of service to his Savior and brought him tremendous pleasure.
 He truly hid God’s word in his heart. 
He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, in 1979; his second wife 
Norma (Gardner); his parents; brothers, sisters and his grandson Shathen
 Sawyer. 
He is survived by his daughter Susan (Larry) Hawkins, of Colby; sons, 
John (Margarita) Brannick, of San Diego, CA, Michael (Tia) Brannick, of 
Goodland and Steven (Rodena) Brannick, of McAlester, OK; grandchildren, 
Michelle (Daniel) Morris, of Colby, Michael (Kelsey) Hawkins, of Colby, 
Lexus (Russell) Mordecai, of McAlester, OK, Milan (Drew) Dautel, of 
Goodland, Cienna (Parker) Wells, of St. Francis, and nine 
great-grandchildren, Hadlie, Kash, Annie, Geoff, Harry, Ellie, 
Brycelynn, Luka and Baby Wells due April 2022. 
Services will be held at Celebration Community Church in Colby on 
Friday, October 29, 2021, at 10:30 CDT. Military Graveside services will
 be at the Goodland Cemetery at 1:00 pm MDT. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

John Leon Brannick

Wednesday, January 7th, 1953-Friday, October 22nd, 2021

An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/randall-ladenburger/4758451/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635166809229.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday, January 7th, 1953-Friday, October 22nd, 2021An obituary is pending with Baalmann Mortuary.Click <a href="https://memorials.baalmannmortuary.com/randall-ladenburger/4758451/index.php">HERE</a> for service details.

Randall Ladenburger

WASHINGTON — To help address COVID-related labor shortages, the 
Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers that they generally 
will not jeopardize the tax status of their pension plans if they rehire
 retirees or permit distributions of retirement benefits to current 
employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal retirement age.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers, including governmental 
employers (such as public school districts), are looking for ways to 
encourage retirees to return to the workforce to fill open positions and
 experienced employees to stay on the job.

The IRS is providing help to these employers in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers#rehires">two new frequently asked questions (FAQs)</a>,
 designed to offer technical guidance to public and private employers 
who sponsor pension plans for their employees. The FAQs highlight 
existing ways that employers can meet their employment objectives and 
still comply with the plan qualification rules.

Under the FAQs, an employer can generally choose to address 
unforeseen hiring needs by rehiring former employees, even if those 
employees have already retired and begun receiving pension benefit 
payments. Also, if permitted under plan terms, those employees may 
continue receiving the benefits after they are rehired. Moreover, an 
employer can generally choose to make retirement distributions available
 to existing employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal 
retirement age. This may assist in the retention of employees eligible 
for retirement.

Further details can be found in the two new FAQs now posted on 
IRS.gov. Also, next Wednesday and Thursday (October 27 and 28) from 4-5 
p.m. ET, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education 
will be holding webinars for education leaders and other stakeholders to
 discuss approaches to addressing school staff labor shortages, 
including a discussion about these new FAQs.

Webinar 1: Teacher and substitute teacher shortages&nbsp;

Webinar 2: Staff shortages, such as school bus drivers and food service workers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — To help address COVID-related labor shortages, the 
Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers that they generally 
will not jeopardize the tax status of their pension plans if they rehire
 retirees or permit distributions of retirement benefits to current 
employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal retirement age.With the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers, including governmental 
employers (such as public school districts), are looking for ways to 
encourage retirees to return to the workforce to fill open positions and
 experienced employees to stay on the job.The IRS is providing help to these employers in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers#rehires">two new frequently asked questions (FAQs)</a>,
 designed to offer technical guidance to public and private employers 
who sponsor pension plans for their employees. The FAQs highlight 
existing ways that employers can meet their employment objectives and 
still comply with the plan qualification rules.Under the FAQs, an employer can generally choose to address 
unforeseen hiring needs by rehiring former employees, even if those 
employees have already retired and begun receiving pension benefit 
payments. Also, if permitted under plan terms, those employees may 
continue receiving the benefits after they are rehired. Moreover, an 
employer can generally choose to make retirement distributions available
 to existing employees who have reached age 59 ½ or the plan's normal 
retirement age. This may assist in the retention of employees eligible 
for retirement.Further details can be found in the two new FAQs now posted on 
IRS.gov. Also, next Wednesday and Thursday (October 27 and 28) from 4-5 
p.m. ET, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education 
will be holding webinars for education leaders and other stakeholders to
 discuss approaches to addressing school staff labor shortages, 
including a discussion about these new FAQs.<h2>Webinars:</h2><h2>Webinar 1: Teacher and substitute teacher shortages&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li>October 27, 2021, 4&nbsp;p.m. Eastern Time</li><li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-2sqzkpH2KJhWPp_Vv7Iy7vjInHSBM">Participants should pre-register</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Webinar 2: Staff shortages, such as school bus drivers and food service workers</h2><ul>
 <li>October 28, 2021 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time</li><li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-2sqzkpH2KJhWPp_Vv7Iy7vjInHSBM">Participants should pre-register</a></li>
 </ul>

Employers get help from feds rehiring retired workers, retaining older workers

Traci Lynn (Lundin) Gurtner, age 52, of Wichita, 
Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021. She was born August 14, 
1969, in St. Francis, Kansas. In 1995, Traci married LynDon Gurtner in 
Colby, Kansas. Traci graduated from Salina Central High School in 1988.

She is survived by her parents Dale and Carolyn Lundin, sister Kindi 
Bauman (Chris), children Amanda VanBrimmer, Tanner Gurtner (Ashley), 
Tanzia Wilson (Morgan) and grandchildren Dominic, NovaLyn, Landon, 
Heinrich, SparrowLyn and Raven.

She was preceded in death by her husband LynDon Gurtner and two 
children Katelyn and Bryce. Joy was brought to her life through her 
children, grandchildren, and fishing.

Condolences and memorials may be made to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N Eighth St., Salina 67401.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099415550.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Traci Lynn (Lundin) Gurtner, age 52, of Wichita, 
Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021. She was born August 14, 
1969, in St. Francis, Kansas. In 1995, Traci married LynDon Gurtner in 
Colby, Kansas. Traci graduated from Salina Central High School in 1988.She is survived by her parents Dale and Carolyn Lundin, sister Kindi 
Bauman (Chris), children Amanda VanBrimmer, Tanner Gurtner (Ashley), 
Tanzia Wilson (Morgan) and grandchildren Dominic, NovaLyn, Landon, 
Heinrich, SparrowLyn and Raven.She was preceded in death by her husband LynDon Gurtner and two 
children Katelyn and Bryce. Joy was brought to her life through her 
children, grandchildren, and fishing.Condolences and memorials may be made to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N Eighth St., Salina 67401.