Vella Mae Jane (Schroeder) Strecker, 98, died Friday, October 22, 
2021, at Cedar Village Long Term Care in Ness City where she had been 
residing since 2014. She was born on July 20, 1923, at her parent’s farm 
near Yorktown, Texas, the daughter of Hertha (Audilet) and Otto G. 
Schroeder.

She married Waldimore “Dick” Strecker April 18, 1947, in Cuero, Texas,&nbsp; at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. During their marriage they lived in 
Bazine, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 8, 2004. Also 
preceding her in death were her parents and five sisters, Marguerite 
Schmidt, Annie Bell Clark, Bernice Schendel, Elaine Luddeke, and Venecia
 Spellman.

Vella is survived by a son, Stanley Strecker and Carol Dowell of 
Dodge City and daughter, Barbara Rupp and husband Perry of Ness City, 
five grandchildren, Tammy Mattison of Topeka, Kansas, Tracy Strecker of 
Overland Park, Kansas, Thais Schmitz of Charlotte, North Carolina, 
Jeremy Rupp of Wichita, Kansas, Spencer Rupp and his wife Jen of Topeka;
 seven great grandchildren, Kort and Jett Mattison, Kylianne and 
Julianne Rupp, Eva and Lola Schmitz, and Beckett Rupp; and many 
relatives and friends.

Vella was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church and
 the United Methodist Women of Bazine.&nbsp; She graduated from Yorktown High
 School and Brown Mackie Business School. Vella worked various jobs 
during her life, a mechanics helper at Kelly Field, Texas, typist, 
bookkeeper, receptionist, teacher’s aide and Sunday School teacher for 
many years. She loved working in her flower garden and yard.&nbsp; Later in 
life she took art lessons and painted over 100 paintings ...l andscape, 
still life and portraits. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother 
and always looked forward to spending time with family and friends.

Services will be announced and held at a later date. Cremation has taken place, there will be no public viewing.

The family suggests memorials to the Ness City Library or the United 
Methodist Church of Bazine both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 
N. 14th&nbsp;Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099330935.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vella Mae Jane (Schroeder) Strecker, 98, died Friday, October 22, 
2021, at Cedar Village Long Term Care in Ness City where she had been 
residing since 2014. She was born on July 20, 1923, at her parent’s farm 
near Yorktown, Texas, the daughter of Hertha (Audilet) and Otto G. 
Schroeder.She married Waldimore “Dick” Strecker April 18, 1947, in Cuero, Texas,&nbsp; at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. During their marriage they lived in 
Bazine, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 8, 2004. Also 
preceding her in death were her parents and five sisters, Marguerite 
Schmidt, Annie Bell Clark, Bernice Schendel, Elaine Luddeke, and Venecia
 Spellman.Vella is survived by a son, Stanley Strecker and Carol Dowell of 
Dodge City and daughter, Barbara Rupp and husband Perry of Ness City, 
five grandchildren, Tammy Mattison of Topeka, Kansas, Tracy Strecker of 
Overland Park, Kansas, Thais Schmitz of Charlotte, North Carolina, 
Jeremy Rupp of Wichita, Kansas, Spencer Rupp and his wife Jen of Topeka;
 seven great grandchildren, Kort and Jett Mattison, Kylianne and 
Julianne Rupp, Eva and Lola Schmitz, and Beckett Rupp; and many 
relatives and friends.Vella was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church and
 the United Methodist Women of Bazine.&nbsp; She graduated from Yorktown High
 School and Brown Mackie Business School. Vella worked various jobs 
during her life, a mechanics helper at Kelly Field, Texas, typist, 
bookkeeper, receptionist, teacher’s aide and Sunday School teacher for 
many years. She loved working in her flower garden and yard.&nbsp; Later in 
life she took art lessons and painted over 100 paintings ...l andscape, 
still life and portraits. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother 
and always looked forward to spending time with family and friends.Services will be announced and held at a later date. Cremation has taken place, there will be no public viewing.The family suggests memorials to the Ness City Library or the United 
Methodist Church of Bazine both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 
N. 14th&nbsp;Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.

Vella Mae Jane (Schroeder) Strecker

Fern Jeanette Funk Mishler, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, 
great grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away Friday, October 22, 
2021.&nbsp; She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, her
 brother, Ray Funk,&nbsp; her husband, John Mishler, her son, Greg Mishler, 
her grandson, Tanner Mishler, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Mishler. 
She is survived by her sons, Bruce Mishler, and Alan Mishler, her 
daughter-in-law, Willa Mishler, her grandchildren, Tanci Mishler, Beau 
Mishler, Brandi Hawkins, Brianna Hall, and Chad Mishler, and her great 
grandchildren, Jack Hawkins, Nathan Restrepo, Christopher Restrepo, Alex
 Hawkins, Dominic Mishler, Norah Hall, Jayden Mishler, and Ada Hall.&nbsp;

Fern was born on October 12, 1926 and grew up on a farm in 
Hillsborough, Kansas with her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, and her 
brother Ray Funk.&nbsp; After time on the farm, they moved to town and opened
 the Gambles Store, and the local bowling alley.&nbsp;

She went to Bethel College, where she studied nursing, and met John 
Mishler.&nbsp; Upon graduating, they were married and moved to Ransom, 
Kansas, where they worked on the Mishler family farm, fixed up their new
 home, and raised chickens.&nbsp; They had three sons, Greg, Bruce, and Alan,
 who were loved and spoken of often.&nbsp; Large family dinners and 
celebrations always included amusing stories about the brothers.&nbsp;

Fern was a life-long learner and educator.&nbsp; She was a school nurse at
 the Ransom High School for many years.&nbsp; She earned a degree in art from
 Fort Hays State University and later became an art instructor for 
Ransom High School.&nbsp; After many years working with the school, she 
became the administrator for the Grissell Memorial Hospital, where she 
finished her career.&nbsp;

Traveling was an interest and hobby for both John and Fern.&nbsp; In 
retirement, you would often see them heading out of town in their 
motorhome, off on an adventure with the grandkids, taking a peaceful 
break somewhere by a lake, or exploring the United States.&nbsp; They 
traveled overseas and visited many European countries.&nbsp; Upon arrival 
back home, Fern would share her many slide pictures with the family.&nbsp;

Fern had many interests and loved teaching herself new skills.&nbsp; She 
was a seamstress, a knitter, a painter, a gardener, a card player, and 
domino expert to name a few of her hobbies.&nbsp; She loved to entertain and 
socialize with friends and family over a nice meal and, of course, a 
game or two.&nbsp; When meals were completed, Fern would be the first to 
break out the board games and entice everyone to play, with the promise 
of dessert after.&nbsp; She loved to dance and would convince John to take 
her to big band dances.&nbsp; Later in life, Fern was interested in antiques 
and collected many “chicken on a basket'' ceramics.&nbsp;

Fern and John were devout Mennonites and belonged to the First 
Mennonite Church of Ransom where they went to church every Sunday.&nbsp; 
Fern’s commitment to kindness and caring for her family, friends, 
neighbors, and fellow man was evident in everything she did.&nbsp; Her 
enthusiasm and love for life will be dearly missed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099246479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fern Jeanette Funk Mishler, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, 
great grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away Friday, October 22, 
2021.&nbsp; She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, her
 brother, Ray Funk,&nbsp; her husband, John Mishler, her son, Greg Mishler, 
her grandson, Tanner Mishler, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Mishler. 
She is survived by her sons, Bruce Mishler, and Alan Mishler, her 
daughter-in-law, Willa Mishler, her grandchildren, Tanci Mishler, Beau 
Mishler, Brandi Hawkins, Brianna Hall, and Chad Mishler, and her great 
grandchildren, Jack Hawkins, Nathan Restrepo, Christopher Restrepo, Alex
 Hawkins, Dominic Mishler, Norah Hall, Jayden Mishler, and Ada Hall.&nbsp;Fern was born on October 12, 1926 and grew up on a farm in 
Hillsborough, Kansas with her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, and her 
brother Ray Funk.&nbsp; After time on the farm, they moved to town and opened
 the Gambles Store, and the local bowling alley.&nbsp;She went to Bethel College, where she studied nursing, and met John 
Mishler.&nbsp; Upon graduating, they were married and moved to Ransom, 
Kansas, where they worked on the Mishler family farm, fixed up their new
 home, and raised chickens.&nbsp; They had three sons, Greg, Bruce, and Alan,
 who were loved and spoken of often.&nbsp; Large family dinners and 
celebrations always included amusing stories about the brothers.&nbsp;Fern was a life-long learner and educator.&nbsp; She was a school nurse at
 the Ransom High School for many years.&nbsp; She earned a degree in art from
 Fort Hays State University and later became an art instructor for 
Ransom High School.&nbsp; After many years working with the school, she 
became the administrator for the Grissell Memorial Hospital, where she 
finished her career.&nbsp;Traveling was an interest and hobby for both John and Fern.&nbsp; In 
retirement, you would often see them heading out of town in their 
motorhome, off on an adventure with the grandkids, taking a peaceful 
break somewhere by a lake, or exploring the United States.&nbsp; They 
traveled overseas and visited many European countries.&nbsp; Upon arrival 
back home, Fern would share her many slide pictures with the family.&nbsp;Fern had many interests and loved teaching herself new skills.&nbsp; She 
was a seamstress, a knitter, a painter, a gardener, a card player, and 
domino expert to name a few of her hobbies.&nbsp; She loved to entertain and 
socialize with friends and family over a nice meal and, of course, a 
game or two.&nbsp; When meals were completed, Fern would be the first to 
break out the board games and entice everyone to play, with the promise 
of dessert after.&nbsp; She loved to dance and would convince John to take 
her to big band dances.&nbsp; Later in life, Fern was interested in antiques 
and collected many “chicken on a basket'' ceramics.&nbsp;Fern and John were devout Mennonites and belonged to the First 
Mennonite Church of Ransom where they went to church every Sunday.&nbsp; 
Fern’s commitment to kindness and caring for her family, friends, 
neighbors, and fellow man was evident in everything she did.&nbsp; Her 
enthusiasm and love for life will be dearly missed.

Fern Jeanette Funk Mishler

Betty Jean (Liester) Treu was born in Hoxie, Kansas on August, 25th, 
1925, to Clyde M. Liester and Wilma Brown Liester. Betty was a bit of a 
tomboy and loved going to the swimming hole, and playing with her 
brothers on the streets of Hoxie. One of her escapades with her brothers
 involved sling shots. An ornery brother dared her to shoot out a street
 light. She took aim, thinking she would never hit it, but guess what, 
she broke it! She remembered the opening of Hoxie Swimming Pool as one 
of the happiest days of her young life. Even though her childhood 
involved fun times, it was very important to her to excel in her 
schoolwork. Betty attended the Hoxie schools, and graduated from 
Sheridan County High School as Valedictorian in 1943. During her high 
school and young adult years, she worked at the Hoxie Sentinel as a 
type-setter and writer. One of the editors she worked for was W. E. 
Rogers who, coincidentally, was the father of Jim Rogers, who became 
Betty’s son-in-law. During this period of her life, she met the man who 
would become her husband, John Willard Treu. While he served in World 
War II, they wed on March 5th, 1945. 
 Upon returning, they moved to the farm to begin their lives 
together, where they raised three daughters, and they built her beloved 
farm home. Since they lived so far from town, Betty made sure her three 
daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren shared her love of 
swimming. Even though Betty knew the girls couldn’t be involved in 
everything because they lived so far from town, she made sure that they 
participated in music and swimming, to the chagrin of her father-in-law 
and husband! Betty was a hard-working farm wife, who raised chickens, 
grew a big garden, canned the vegetables, put up corn, and also took 
care of the financial side of the farm. 
 A huge passion of hers was watching and listening to Kansas City 
Royals baseball games and University of Kansas basketball games! Her 
passions also included family, crossword puzzles, and her love of words.
 Even though she didn’t have a snobby bone in her body, Betty was a 
grammar and spelling perfectionist. She was quietly kind, generous, 
loving, humble, and she made the best noodles and cinnamon twists. 
Additionally, anyone who helped out on the Treu farm enjoyed her 
world-famous hamburger buns! Some of her greatest qualities included her
 ability to make everyone feel like part of her family, her common-sense
 way of looking at life, as well as her quick-witted zingers thrown in 
at the perfect time!
 She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willard, and all of her siblings and their spouses.
 She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Treu) Rogers and her 
husband, Jim, of Hoxie, KS; grandchildren Brent Rogers and wife, Jodi, 
and Brooke (Rogers) Hill; great-grandchildren Paiton and Kinley Rogers, 
and Quinlynn Hill; Shelley (Treu) Nondorf and her husband, Bill, of 
Hoxie, KS; grandchildren Samantha (Nondorf) Thibodeau, and Cole Nondorf 
and wife, Allison; great-grandchildren Ava Thibodeau, and Kenzie and 
Kooper Nondorf; Carole (Treu) Clark and her husband, Pete, of Parker, 
CO; grandchildren Caitlin Clark and Connor Clark. 
 A funeral service will be held at the Hoxie United Methodist Church 
on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. Interment in the Hoxie City 
Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be at the 
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. 
until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 
P.M. Family suggests memorials for the Main Street Arts Council or the
 Hoxie United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent in care of 
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Share 
words of comfort for the family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com 
 Those attending the funeral service are asked to wear a KU or Kansas
 City Royals attire in honor of the passion Betty had for KU basketball 
and the Kansas City Royals baseball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099162417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Jean (Liester) Treu was born in Hoxie, Kansas on August, 25th, 
1925, to Clyde M. Liester and Wilma Brown Liester. Betty was a bit of a 
tomboy and loved going to the swimming hole, and playing with her 
brothers on the streets of Hoxie. One of her escapades with her brothers
 involved sling shots. An ornery brother dared her to shoot out a street
 light. She took aim, thinking she would never hit it, but guess what, 
she broke it! She remembered the opening of Hoxie Swimming Pool as one 
of the happiest days of her young life. Even though her childhood 
involved fun times, it was very important to her to excel in her 
schoolwork. Betty attended the Hoxie schools, and graduated from 
Sheridan County High School as Valedictorian in 1943. During her high 
school and young adult years, she worked at the Hoxie Sentinel as a 
type-setter and writer. One of the editors she worked for was W. E. 
Rogers who, coincidentally, was the father of Jim Rogers, who became 
Betty’s son-in-law. During this period of her life, she met the man who 
would become her husband, John Willard Treu. While he served in World 
War II, they wed on March 5th, 1945. 
 Upon returning, they moved to the farm to begin their lives 
together, where they raised three daughters, and they built her beloved 
farm home. Since they lived so far from town, Betty made sure her three 
daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren shared her love of 
swimming. Even though Betty knew the girls couldn’t be involved in 
everything because they lived so far from town, she made sure that they 
participated in music and swimming, to the chagrin of her father-in-law 
and husband! Betty was a hard-working farm wife, who raised chickens, 
grew a big garden, canned the vegetables, put up corn, and also took 
care of the financial side of the farm. 
 A huge passion of hers was watching and listening to Kansas City 
Royals baseball games and University of Kansas basketball games! Her 
passions also included family, crossword puzzles, and her love of words.
 Even though she didn’t have a snobby bone in her body, Betty was a 
grammar and spelling perfectionist. She was quietly kind, generous, 
loving, humble, and she made the best noodles and cinnamon twists. 
Additionally, anyone who helped out on the Treu farm enjoyed her 
world-famous hamburger buns! Some of her greatest qualities included her
 ability to make everyone feel like part of her family, her common-sense
 way of looking at life, as well as her quick-witted zingers thrown in 
at the perfect time!
 She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willard, and all of her siblings and their spouses.
 She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Treu) Rogers and her 
husband, Jim, of Hoxie, KS; grandchildren Brent Rogers and wife, Jodi, 
and Brooke (Rogers) Hill; great-grandchildren Paiton and Kinley Rogers, 
and Quinlynn Hill; Shelley (Treu) Nondorf and her husband, Bill, of 
Hoxie, KS; grandchildren Samantha (Nondorf) Thibodeau, and Cole Nondorf 
and wife, Allison; great-grandchildren Ava Thibodeau, and Kenzie and 
Kooper Nondorf; Carole (Treu) Clark and her husband, Pete, of Parker, 
CO; grandchildren Caitlin Clark and Connor Clark. 
 A funeral service will be held at the Hoxie United Methodist Church 
on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. Interment in the Hoxie City 
Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be at the 
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. 
until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 
P.M. Family suggests memorials for the Main Street Arts Council or the
 Hoxie United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent in care of 
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Share 
words of comfort for the family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com 
 Those attending the funeral service are asked to wear a KU or Kansas
 City Royals attire in honor of the passion Betty had for KU basketball 
and the Kansas City Royals baseball.

Betty Jean (Liester) Treu

Viola Ruth Ummen, 96, passed away on October 21, 2021, at Diversicare of
 Larned. She was born on March 4, 1925, at Claflin, to Henry &amp; Anna 
(Christians) Riemann. She married Lester J. Ummen on February 14, 1960, 
at Great Bend. He died December 29, 2000.&nbsp; A lifetime Great Bend 
resident, Ruth was a homemaker for many years.&nbsp;She was a member of 
Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp;At 18 she moved to Kansas City to become a 
"Rosie the Riveter" at the North American Aviation plant during WWII. 
She supported the war effort by sanding airplane wings and delivering 
parts. She returned to the area and worked at various local businesses, 
including Scheufler Supply, as a secretary and bookkeeper. Her pastimes 
included bowling, traveling, water skiing, and quilting. She became a 
full time farm wife and added&nbsp;gardening, genealogy, and painting to her 
hobbies. Ruth especially loved spending time with her family and 
traveling with them to share new adventures. She spent endless hours 
involved with school and church activities, scout activities, and 4-H 
activities to support her children's interests.&nbsp; Survivors 
include, a son, Mark Ummen and wife Tracy (Bellendir) Ummen of 
Springfield, Va.; a daughter, Dr. Karla Eisele of Flatwoods, Ky.; four 
grandchildren, Jessica (Damm) Lamphere, Paul Damm, Christopher Ummen and
 wife Helenna Cunha, and Sarah Ummen; and 3 great grandchildren, Delilah
 Damm, Paul Damm Jr., and Onyx Lamphere. She was preceded in death by 
her parents; her husband, Lester Ummen; and her siblings, Willis 
Riemann, Albert Riemann, Opal Cox, and Mabel Bender.&nbsp; There will 
be no visitation and a Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 
a.m.,&nbsp;Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery 
with&nbsp;Reverend Merle Brockhoff presiding. Memorials have been designated 
to Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099109003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Ruth Ummen, 96, passed away on October 21, 2021, at Diversicare of
 Larned. She was born on March 4, 1925, at Claflin, to Henry &amp; Anna 
(Christians) Riemann. She married Lester J. Ummen on February 14, 1960, 
at Great Bend. He died December 29, 2000.&nbsp; A lifetime Great Bend 
resident, Ruth was a homemaker for many years.&nbsp;She was a member of 
Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp;At 18 she moved to Kansas City to become a 
"Rosie the Riveter" at the North American Aviation plant during WWII. 
She supported the war effort by sanding airplane wings and delivering 
parts. She returned to the area and worked at various local businesses, 
including Scheufler Supply, as a secretary and bookkeeper. Her pastimes 
included bowling, traveling, water skiing, and quilting. She became a 
full time farm wife and added&nbsp;gardening, genealogy, and painting to her 
hobbies. Ruth especially loved spending time with her family and 
traveling with them to share new adventures. She spent endless hours 
involved with school and church activities, scout activities, and 4-H 
activities to support her children's interests.&nbsp; Survivors 
include, a son, Mark Ummen and wife Tracy (Bellendir) Ummen of 
Springfield, Va.; a daughter, Dr. Karla Eisele of Flatwoods, Ky.; four 
grandchildren, Jessica (Damm) Lamphere, Paul Damm, Christopher Ummen and
 wife Helenna Cunha, and Sarah Ummen; and 3 great grandchildren, Delilah
 Damm, Paul Damm Jr., and Onyx Lamphere. She was preceded in death by 
her parents; her husband, Lester Ummen; and her siblings, Willis 
Riemann, Albert Riemann, Opal Cox, and Mabel Bender.&nbsp; There will 
be no visitation and a Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 
a.m.,&nbsp;Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery 
with&nbsp;Reverend Merle Brockhoff presiding. Memorials have been designated 
to Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Viola Ruth Ummen

Anthony Henry “Tony” Witt Jr., 90, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021.

Born in Hays, Kansas on September 23, 1931, to parents, Anthony 
Henry, Sr. and Ethel Mae (Waudby) Witt, Tony grew up in Russell, Kansas 
and graduated from Russell High School in 1949. &nbsp;Following high school, 
he received his Bachelor of Science in Business and ROTC training at the
 University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tony served in the United States Army
 from 1953 to 1955. He met, fell in love and married, Rosanna Berryhill 
on August 9, 1952, in Russell, Kansas. They were blessed with five 
children, Debbie, Julie, Anthony III, Stephen and Rebecca. He worked as a
 farmer on the family’s farm and as an operator and investor in the oil 
and gas industry. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Queen of Angels 
Catholic Church in Russell and was a third degree Knights of Columbus 
member. He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge and past president of 
the USD #407 Board of Education. Tony’s wife Rosanna, passed away 
November 6, 2001. He found love a second time in longtime companion, 
Susan Neil. Tony enjoyed farming, reading, golfing, watching the stock 
market, traveling, gardening and KU basketball. Above all, he enjoyed 
spending time with his family.

Tony is survived by his daughters, Julie Witt of Russell, Kansas and 
Debbie (Collins) Tuley of Leawood, Kansas; sons Stephen Witt (Jay 
Andrew) of Houston, Texas, and Anthony Witt III of Russell, Kansas; 
brother Cecil Witt (Karen) of Russell, Kansas; companion Susan Neil of 
Russell, Kansas; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rosanna, daughter 
Rebecca Jo, four sisters and grandson Mark Moore. A funeral mass to 
celebrate Tony’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 
2021, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. 
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M., Tuesday, October 27, 2021, at 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with a vigil and rosary 
service held at 7:15 P.M., Tuesday night at the mortuary. In lieu of 
customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions in 
Tony’s honor be directed to the RCACF-Tony Witt Memorial Fund, sent in 
care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple St., Russell, KS 
67665. Arrangements under the care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 
Russell, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635099049409.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anthony Henry “Tony” Witt Jr., 90, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021.Born in Hays, Kansas on September 23, 1931, to parents, Anthony 
Henry, Sr. and Ethel Mae (Waudby) Witt, Tony grew up in Russell, Kansas 
and graduated from Russell High School in 1949. &nbsp;Following high school, 
he received his Bachelor of Science in Business and ROTC training at the
 University of Kansas in Lawrence. Tony served in the United States Army
 from 1953 to 1955. He met, fell in love and married, Rosanna Berryhill 
on August 9, 1952, in Russell, Kansas. They were blessed with five 
children, Debbie, Julie, Anthony III, Stephen and Rebecca. He worked as a
 farmer on the family’s farm and as an operator and investor in the oil 
and gas industry. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Queen of Angels 
Catholic Church in Russell and was a third degree Knights of Columbus 
member. He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge and past president of 
the USD #407 Board of Education. Tony’s wife Rosanna, passed away 
November 6, 2001. He found love a second time in longtime companion, 
Susan Neil. Tony enjoyed farming, reading, golfing, watching the stock 
market, traveling, gardening and KU basketball. Above all, he enjoyed 
spending time with his family.Tony is survived by his daughters, Julie Witt of Russell, Kansas and 
Debbie (Collins) Tuley of Leawood, Kansas; sons Stephen Witt (Jay 
Andrew) of Houston, Texas, and Anthony Witt III of Russell, Kansas; 
brother Cecil Witt (Karen) of Russell, Kansas; companion Susan Neil of 
Russell, Kansas; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rosanna, daughter 
Rebecca Jo, four sisters and grandson Mark Moore. A funeral mass to 
celebrate Tony’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 
2021, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. 
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M., Tuesday, October 27, 2021, at 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with a vigil and rosary 
service held at 7:15 P.M., Tuesday night at the mortuary. In lieu of 
customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions in 
Tony’s honor be directed to the RCACF-Tony Witt Memorial Fund, sent in 
care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple St., Russell, KS 
67665. Arrangements under the care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 
Russell, Kansas.

Anthony Henry 'Tony' Witt Jr.

Judith A. Peavey passed away on October 21, 2021, at the Hays Medical 
Center in Hays, Kansas, at the age of 79. She was born on May 13, 1942, 
to Delmer and Virginia (Thompson) Carmichael in Hays. She was united in 
marriage to her High School sweetheart, Ronald J. Peavey on August 21, 
1960, at the United Methodist Church in Plainville, Kansas. The couple 
was blessed with three children: Mike, Kelly, and Shelly.
 Judith grew up near the Saline River and attended Turkville School 
up until her 8th grade year when she moved to Plainville and graduated 
with the class of 1960. She attended Fort Hays State for one year before
 returning home and began raising her family and being a big part of the
 ranch operation with her husband. She was a “good work mate” as Ron 
would say, making sure the bills were paid, accounting work was done, 
and the cattle were worked all while raising her three children and 
taking care of the home. She was a hard worker but enjoyed other things 
like knitting and sewing, reading, going on golf trips with her friends 
and attending dances with Ron. Judith also loved shopping, especially 
for new shoes, and visiting with friends and family. Judy was a member 
of the First Christian Church of Plainville and will be remembered as a 
strong, hardworking woman of faith and love for her family.
 She is survived by her husband, Ronald Peavey of the home in 
Plainville; children, Mike (Patti) Peavey of Plainville, KS, Kelly 
(Darrel) Sell of Westminster, MD, and Shelly Westhusin of Hays, KS; 
brother, Wayne (Lynn) Carmichael of Plainville, KS; seven grandchildren,
 Christopher (Nicole) Peavey, Scott (Erin) Peavey, Anna (Blake) 
Schonthaler, Jonathan Westhusin, Stephen (Maura) Sell, Connor (Debbie) 
Sell, and Carolyn (Xavier) Guzman; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
 Judith is preceded in death by her parents, Delmer and Virginia Carmichael; and grandson, Tyler Sell.
 A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 1 PM 
at the First Christian Church in Plainville. Visitation will be held on 
Monday, at the funeral home from 3 PM until 8 PM with Family Receiving 
Friends from 6 PM until 7 PM. 
 Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or the Rooks 
County Health Center and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
 Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. Online condolences can be 
left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635098891683.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judith A. Peavey passed away on October 21, 2021, at the Hays Medical 
Center in Hays, Kansas, at the age of 79. She was born on May 13, 1942, 
to Delmer and Virginia (Thompson) Carmichael in Hays. She was united in 
marriage to her High School sweetheart, Ronald J. Peavey on August 21, 
1960, at the United Methodist Church in Plainville, Kansas. The couple 
was blessed with three children: Mike, Kelly, and Shelly.
 Judith grew up near the Saline River and attended Turkville School 
up until her 8th grade year when she moved to Plainville and graduated 
with the class of 1960. She attended Fort Hays State for one year before
 returning home and began raising her family and being a big part of the
 ranch operation with her husband. She was a “good work mate” as Ron 
would say, making sure the bills were paid, accounting work was done, 
and the cattle were worked all while raising her three children and 
taking care of the home. She was a hard worker but enjoyed other things 
like knitting and sewing, reading, going on golf trips with her friends 
and attending dances with Ron. Judith also loved shopping, especially 
for new shoes, and visiting with friends and family. Judy was a member 
of the First Christian Church of Plainville and will be remembered as a 
strong, hardworking woman of faith and love for her family.
 She is survived by her husband, Ronald Peavey of the home in 
Plainville; children, Mike (Patti) Peavey of Plainville, KS, Kelly 
(Darrel) Sell of Westminster, MD, and Shelly Westhusin of Hays, KS; 
brother, Wayne (Lynn) Carmichael of Plainville, KS; seven grandchildren,
 Christopher (Nicole) Peavey, Scott (Erin) Peavey, Anna (Blake) 
Schonthaler, Jonathan Westhusin, Stephen (Maura) Sell, Connor (Debbie) 
Sell, and Carolyn (Xavier) Guzman; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
 Judith is preceded in death by her parents, Delmer and Virginia Carmichael; and grandson, Tyler Sell.
 A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 1 PM 
at the First Christian Church in Plainville. Visitation will be held on 
Monday, at the funeral home from 3 PM until 8 PM with Family Receiving 
Friends from 6 PM until 7 PM. 
 Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or the Rooks 
County Health Center and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
 Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663. Online condolences can be 
left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Judith A. Peavey

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">the Texas law that bans most abortions</a>&nbsp;to remain in place, but has agreed to hear arguments in the case in early November.

The justices said Friday they will decide whether the Justice Department and abortion providers can sue in federal court over a law that Justice Sonia Sotomayor said was “enacted in open disregard of the constitutional rights of women seeking abortion care in Texas.”

Answering that question will help determine whether the law should be blocked while legal challenges continue. The court is moving at an unusually fast pace that suggests it plans to make a decision quickly. Arguments are set for Nov. 1.

The court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a85_5h25.pdf" target="_blank">action</a>&nbsp;leaves in place for the time being a law that clinics say has led to an 80% reduction in abortions in the nation’s second-largest state.

The justices said in their order that they were deferring action on a request from the Justice Department to put the law on hold. Sotomayor wrote that she would have blocked the law now.

“The promise of future adjudication offers cold comfort, however, for Texas women seeking abortion care, who are entitled to relief now,” Sotomayor wrote.

Sotomayor was the only justice to make her views clear, but it seems there were not five votes on the nine-member court to immediately block the law Friday. It takes just four justices to decide to hear a case.

The court first declined to block the law in September, in response to an emergency filing by the abortion providers. The vote was 5-4 vote, with the three appointees of former President Donald Trump joining two other conservatives in the majority. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Sotomayor and the other two liberal justices in voting to keep the law on hold while the legal fight goes on in lower courts.

Now, though, the justices, in a rare move, have decided to weigh in before lower courts definitively decide the issues.

Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Texas Right to Life, said she was happy the law remains in effect. “This is a great development for the Pro-Life movement because the law will continue to save an estimated 100 babies per day, and because the justices will actually discuss whether these lawsuits are valid in the first place,” Schwartz said in a statement.

Amy Hagstrom Miller, the chief executive of Whole Woman’s Health, said Friday’s order means patients will continue to be denied care at her four clinics in Texas, on top of the hundreds who already have been turned away. Providers say the ability of Texas’ nearly two dozen clinics to stay open is threatened the longer the law stays in effect, although Hagstrom Miller said she was not aware of any imminent closures.

But she said clinics are trying “to band together and get resources” to keep doors open. In 2013, another restrictive Texas anti-abortion law led to the closing of half the state’s 40-plus clinics. The Supreme Court ultimately struck down that law in 2016, but some clinics never reopened.

“It’s a matter of time if this law continues to be enforced,” Hagstrom Miller said. “It will cause clinics to close and further decimate the fabric of care that is needed to take care of people across the state.”

The law has been in effect since September, aside from a district court-ordered pause that lasted just 48 hours, and bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.

That’s well before the Supreme Court’s major abortion decisions allow states to prohibit abortion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">although the court has agreed to hear an appeal from Mississippi asking it to overrule those decisions, in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey</a>.

But the Texas law was written to evade early federal court review by putting enforcement of it into the hands of private citizens, rather than state officials.

The focus of the high court arguments will not be on the abortion ban, but whether the Justice Department and the providers can sue and obtain a court order that effectively prevents the law from being enforced, the Supreme Court said in its brief order.

If the law stays in effect, “no decision of this Court is safe. States need not comply with, or even challenge, precedents with which they disagree. They may simply outlaw the exercise of whatever rights they disfavor,” the Biden administration wrote in a brief filed earlier in the day.

Other state-enforced bans on abortion before the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks, have been blocked by courts because they conflict with Supreme Court precedents.

“Texas should not obtain a different result simply by pairing its unconstitutional law with an unprecedented enforcement scheme designed to evade the traditional mechanisms for judicial review,” the administration wrote.

A day earlier, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/21/21A85/197064/20211021113524436_21A85_United%20States%20v.%20Texas_Opposition.pdf" target="_blank">state urged the court to leave the law in place</a>, saying the federal government lacked the authority to file its lawsuit challenging the Texas ban.

The Justice Department filed suit over the law after the Supreme Court rejected the earlier effort by abortion providers to put the measure on hold temporarily.

In early October, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled for the administration, putting the law on hold and allowing abortions to resume.

Two days later, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put the law back into effect.

The court already is hearing arguments on Dec. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">the Mississippi case</a>&nbsp;in which that state is calling for the court to overrule the Roe and Casey decisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634041318695.png" alt="Abortion protesters in Kansas City in September 2021-photo Planned Parenthood" />
 <figcaption>Abortion protesters in Kansas City in September 2021-photo Planned Parenthood</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-health-abortion-government-and-politics-ba02cd7c3f02b1eb5c87094257ee4db2">the Texas law that bans most abortions</a>&nbsp;to remain in place, but has agreed to hear arguments in the case in early November.The justices said Friday they will decide whether the Justice Department and abortion providers can sue in federal court over a law that Justice Sonia Sotomayor said was “enacted in open disregard of the constitutional rights of women seeking abortion care in Texas.”Answering that question will help determine whether the law should be blocked while legal challenges continue. The court is moving at an unusually fast pace that suggests it plans to make a decision quickly. Arguments are set for Nov. 1.The court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21a85_5h25.pdf" target="_blank">action</a>&nbsp;leaves in place for the time being a law that clinics say has led to an 80% reduction in abortions in the nation’s second-largest state.The justices said in their order that they were deferring action on a request from the Justice Department to put the law on hold. Sotomayor wrote that she would have blocked the law now.“The promise of future adjudication offers cold comfort, however, for Texas women seeking abortion care, who are entitled to relief now,” Sotomayor wrote.Sotomayor was the only justice to make her views clear, but it seems there were not five votes on the nine-member court to immediately block the law Friday. It takes just four justices to decide to hear a case.The court first declined to block the law in September, in response to an emergency filing by the abortion providers. The vote was 5-4 vote, with the three appointees of former President Donald Trump joining two other conservatives in the majority. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Sotomayor and the other two liberal justices in voting to keep the law on hold while the legal fight goes on in lower courts.Now, though, the justices, in a rare move, have decided to weigh in before lower courts definitively decide the issues.Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Texas Right to Life, said she was happy the law remains in effect. “This is a great development for the Pro-Life movement because the law will continue to save an estimated 100 babies per day, and because the justices will actually discuss whether these lawsuits are valid in the first place,” Schwartz said in a statement.Amy Hagstrom Miller, the chief executive of Whole Woman’s Health, said Friday’s order means patients will continue to be denied care at her four clinics in Texas, on top of the hundreds who already have been turned away. Providers say the ability of Texas’ nearly two dozen clinics to stay open is threatened the longer the law stays in effect, although Hagstrom Miller said she was not aware of any imminent closures.But she said clinics are trying “to band together and get resources” to keep doors open. In 2013, another restrictive Texas anti-abortion law led to the closing of half the state’s 40-plus clinics. The Supreme Court ultimately struck down that law in 2016, but some clinics never reopened.“It’s a matter of time if this law continues to be enforced,” Hagstrom Miller said. “It will cause clinics to close and further decimate the fabric of care that is needed to take care of people across the state.”The law has been in effect since September, aside from a district court-ordered pause that lasted just 48 hours, and bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.That’s well before the Supreme Court’s major abortion decisions allow states to prohibit abortion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">although the court has agreed to hear an appeal from Mississippi asking it to overrule those decisions, in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey</a>.But the Texas law was written to evade early federal court review by putting enforcement of it into the hands of private citizens, rather than state officials.The focus of the high court arguments will not be on the abortion ban, but whether the Justice Department and the providers can sue and obtain a court order that effectively prevents the law from being enforced, the Supreme Court said in its brief order.If the law stays in effect, “no decision of this Court is safe. States need not comply with, or even challenge, precedents with which they disagree. They may simply outlaw the exercise of whatever rights they disfavor,” the Biden administration wrote in a brief filed earlier in the day.Other state-enforced bans on abortion before the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks, have been blocked by courts because they conflict with Supreme Court precedents.“Texas should not obtain a different result simply by pairing its unconstitutional law with an unprecedented enforcement scheme designed to evade the traditional mechanisms for judicial review,” the administration wrote.A day earlier, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/21/21A85/197064/20211021113524436_21A85_United%20States%20v.%20Texas_Opposition.pdf" target="_blank">state urged the court to leave the law in place</a>, saying the federal government lacked the authority to file its lawsuit challenging the Texas ban.The Justice Department filed suit over the law after the Supreme Court rejected the earlier effort by abortion providers to put the measure on hold temporarily.In early October, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled for the administration, putting the law on hold and allowing abortions to resume.Two days later, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put the law back into effect.The court already is hearing arguments on Dec. 1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-b2399021aa925d655be3942c8e2edd2b">the Mississippi case</a>&nbsp;in which that state is calling for the court to overrule the Roe and Casey decisions.___

Court fast tracks showdown on nation's most restrictive abortion law

The debt ceiling debate in Washington seems distant from average Kansans, but it affects your finances more than you think.&nbsp;

The debt ceiling is the limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow. Congress invented it in 1917 to simplify creating debt and issuing bonds. It has been raised through various means 78 times since 1960, per Treasury Departments records, typically with bipartisan support and more frequently under Republican presidents. &nbsp;

The debt ceiling itself doesn’t authorize new spending. Rather, it allows government to finance commitments it already made. Today, that still includes many expenditures on debt that Donald Trump authorized while president.&nbsp;

Politics being theater, the debt ceiling is suddenly controversial and partisan again. Many Republican politicians who consented to raising the debt ceiling under Trump are clutching their proverbial pearls at doing it now, raising the specter of financial default.&nbsp;

First, federal dollars directly impact Kansas pocketbooks.&nbsp;

Default could leave the government unable to pay its bills. That could mean stoppages or delays in Social Security checks, Child Tax Credit payments, farm subsidies, military pay, veterans’ benefits, and postal worker paychecks. Medicare and Medicaid would be threatened. &nbsp;

Second, uncertainty over the debt ceiling affects your retirement and other investments.&nbsp;

Kansans with retirement or investment accounts probably own government debt via Treasury bonds. Default would undermine the value of those typically safe investments, jeopardizing your financial security and net worth.&nbsp;

Even risking default hurts your investments short term. When debt ceiling political theatrics create financial uncertainty and make markets fall, that directly decreases your net worth. Kansans who checked a 401k or Roth IRA around October 1 might remember this pain.&nbsp;

Bluntly, the politics industry often lies and misleads about debt. Many politicians, paid spokespeople, and infotainment “news” personalities profit from selling you half-baked, victimhood-wallowing political narratives, hoping to rile you up for votes, donations, and ratings.&nbsp;

Debt sounds bad. It’s easy anger fodder for sexy and distracting lies like: China owns most American debt and can bankrupt us anytime, welfare and foreign aid drive the debt, or only one party creates debt.&nbsp;

In reality, Americans own over 70% of the national debt, per the Treasury. Foreign investors cannot simply demand payment. Social Security is the biggest government expenditure; that plus Medicare and defense are about half the federal budget in many years. &nbsp;

The last president to sign a balanced budget was Bill Clinton. And both parties happily deficit spend while pretending that they don’t.&nbsp;

Under Trump, the debt ceiling increased three times without controversy. Most recently, he suspended the debt ceiling in 2019. Both of our current Kansas U.S. Senators supported Trump on his debt extensions at least once. Trump’s presidency added $7.8 trillion to the national debt, bringing it to $28 trillion, per Federal Reserve data.&nbsp;

Basic economics: for the country, there are pros and cons to the debt ceiling and debt itself. But, for the financial bottom line for individual Kansans trying to survive economically and save for retirement, even the risk of debt default is a financial harm. Maybe many politicians don’t realize that. Or maybe they do but they hope you don’t. &nbsp;

Ideally, mature politicians could get America’s long term financial act together without jeopardizing our individual financial security today. Sadly, that seems too responsible a hope.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The debt ceiling debate in Washington seems distant from average Kansans, but it affects your finances more than you think.&nbsp;The debt ceiling is the limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow. Congress invented it in 1917 to simplify creating debt and issuing bonds. It has been raised through various means 78 times since 1960, per Treasury Departments records, typically with bipartisan support and more frequently under Republican presidents. &nbsp;The debt ceiling itself doesn’t authorize new spending. Rather, it allows government to finance commitments it already made. Today, that still includes many expenditures on debt that Donald Trump authorized while president.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Politics being theater, the debt ceiling is suddenly controversial and partisan again. Many Republican politicians who consented to raising the debt ceiling under Trump are clutching their proverbial pearls at doing it now, raising the specter of financial default.&nbsp;How does this affect Kansans?&nbsp;First, federal dollars directly impact Kansas pocketbooks.&nbsp;Default could leave the government unable to pay its bills. That could mean stoppages or delays in Social Security checks, Child Tax Credit payments, farm subsidies, military pay, veterans’ benefits, and postal worker paychecks. Medicare and Medicaid would be threatened. &nbsp;Second, uncertainty over the debt ceiling affects your retirement and other investments.&nbsp;Kansans with retirement or investment accounts probably own government debt via Treasury bonds. Default would undermine the value of those typically safe investments, jeopardizing your financial security and net worth.&nbsp;Even risking default hurts your investments short term. When debt ceiling political theatrics create financial uncertainty and make markets fall, that directly decreases your net worth. Kansans who checked a 401k or Roth IRA around October 1 might remember this pain.&nbsp;Bluntly, the politics industry often lies and misleads about debt. Many politicians, paid spokespeople, and infotainment “news” personalities profit from selling you half-baked, victimhood-wallowing political narratives, hoping to rile you up for votes, donations, and ratings.&nbsp;Debt sounds bad. It’s easy anger fodder for sexy and distracting lies like: China owns most American debt and can bankrupt us anytime, welfare and foreign aid drive the debt, or only one party creates debt.&nbsp;In reality, Americans own over 70% of the national debt, per the Treasury. Foreign investors cannot simply demand payment. Social Security is the biggest government expenditure; that plus Medicare and defense are about half the federal budget in many years. &nbsp;The last president to sign a balanced budget was Bill Clinton. And both parties happily deficit spend while pretending that they don’t.&nbsp;Under Trump, the debt ceiling increased three times without controversy. Most recently, he suspended the debt ceiling in 2019. Both of our current Kansas U.S. Senators supported Trump on his debt extensions at least once. Trump’s presidency added $7.8 trillion to the national debt, bringing it to $28 trillion, per Federal Reserve data.&nbsp;Basic economics: for the country, there are pros and cons to the debt ceiling and debt itself. But, for the financial bottom line for individual Kansans trying to survive economically and save for retirement, even the risk of debt default is a financial harm. Maybe many politicians don’t realize that. Or maybe they do but they hope you don’t. &nbsp;Ideally, mature politicians could get America’s long term financial act together without jeopardizing our individual financial security today. Sadly, that seems too responsible a hope.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The debt ceiling and your financial bottom line

By LUCIE KRISMAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/20/safer-classrooms-workgroup-talks-mental-health-covid-19-precautions-in-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas schools need mental health resources and continued precautions such as masking and testing, according to Wednesday’s<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGSY5Pka8g"> Safer Classrooms Workgroup</a> meeting.

Marci Nielsen, chief COVID-19 
coordination adviser to Gov. Laura Kelly, told the group the state’s 
daily COVID-19 cases have declined through October, along with testing 
and vaccinations. As of Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment <a target="_blank" href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">reports</a> 426,923 total COVID-19 cases, 14,521 hospitalizations and 6,185 statewide deaths.

Through participation in KDHE’s 
provided school-based COVID-19 testing, Nielsen said, 595 positive cases
 have been reported across 102 districts. Active outbreaks decreased 
from last week’s total of 84 to 56 this week, and Nielsen said there 
were significantly fewer positive students in schools with&nbsp; mask 
mandates. The vaccination rate for Kansas youth currently trails the 
national rate by 7 percentage points, but pending vaccine approval for 
5- to 11-year-olds could help those numbers rise, she said.&nbsp;

“There are preventative measures that
 can help protect your children in school settings and keep those 
schools open safely, and it does start with vaccination,” Nielsen said. 
“Good news for Kansas and good news for keeping our schools open, given 
that this is really our top priority.”

Randy Watson, Kansas commissioner of 
education, said keeping students in schools takes a three-pronged 
approach, emphasizing vaccinations, masking and testing. When it comes 
to student success throughout the pandemic, Watson said the largest 
losses on a state level have been decreases in academic achievement 
(specifically in mathematics), social skills, and numbers of students 
opting for secondary education after graduation. Federal funds have been
 set aside to offset those losses, he said, with more than 90% of 
federal and state relief dollars going directly to school districts.

“We’re still in the hurricane,” 
Watson said. “But we’re starting to respond for what does it look like 
when the sun comes out after the hurricane, and what we do to mitigate 
the loss that we’re having so far.”&nbsp;

During a facilitated discussion period, group members discussed the declaration of a national <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/child-and-adolescent-healthy-mental-development/aap-aacap-cha-declaration-of-a-national-emergency-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health/">mental health emergency</a> and how it affects Kansas, following the U.S. Department of Education’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/documents/students/supporting-child-student-social-emotional-behavioral-mental-health.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">guide</a> for how schools can implement mental health resources.&nbsp;

Dena Hubbard of Children’s Mercy 
hospital in Kansas City said this is an opportunity for Kansas to invest
 in the mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the 
pandemic, such as neglect and abuse of children. As a mother, she said, 
she has seen the effects of mental health challenges firsthand and 
schools would benefit from partnering with state providers to implement 
mental health services.&nbsp;

“It is real, and we are all 
experiencing a collective trauma,” she said. “I hope that one of the 
silver linings from the pandemic is that we are going to treat the brain
 as any other organ, and we are going to invest in our children and 
their emotional well being as part of their overall health.”

Kelli Netson-Amore of the University 
of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita said the pandemic has shown how 
communities rely on schools for vital services, such as communicating 
with children face-to-face, monitoring for child abuse and providing 
children with food. Wichita has recently seen new programs for 
psychologists to work with children and health care systems in schools, 
she said, and these programs help normalize seeking mental health 
assistance while minimizing the distance a student has to travel.&nbsp;

“I think continuing to do some of 
those things helps in the short-term and the long-term,” Netson-Amore 
said. “Everybody’s doing the best they can, but we absolutely have to 
prioritize keeping these kids alive.”&nbsp;

When it comes to easing restrictions 
such as masking throughout the state’s schools, Hubbard said it would be
 wise for Kansas schools to wait for vaccine approval for younger 
students first. She noted that while public health guidance around 
COVID-19 has changed over time as more information has become available,
 keeping students protected will keep them from experiencing more 
challenges from the pandemic.&nbsp;

“With a novel virus like this, in 
leadership, you have to act with speed and not precision,” Hubbard said.
 “If we want to keep kids safe and healthy, protect them, and improve 
their development and their academic work, we have to get a handle on 
this pandemic. And the way to do it are the things that you outline at 
the very beginning and end of every one of these: vaccines, masks and 
testing.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634824446483.png" alt="In its Wednesday meeting, the Safer Classrooms Workgroup highlighted mental health resources and ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. (Screen capture from YouTube video by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>In its Wednesday meeting, the Safer Classrooms Workgroup highlighted mental health resources and ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. (Screen capture from YouTube video by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LUCIE KRISMAN <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/20/safer-classrooms-workgroup-talks-mental-health-covid-19-precautions-in-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas schools need mental health resources and continued precautions such as masking and testing, according to Wednesday’s<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuGSY5Pka8g"> Safer Classrooms Workgroup</a> meeting.Marci Nielsen, chief COVID-19 
coordination adviser to Gov. Laura Kelly, told the group the state’s 
daily COVID-19 cases have declined through October, along with testing 
and vaccinations. As of Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment <a target="_blank" href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">reports</a> 426,923 total COVID-19 cases, 14,521 hospitalizations and 6,185 statewide deaths.Through participation in KDHE’s 
provided school-based COVID-19 testing, Nielsen said, 595 positive cases
 have been reported across 102 districts. Active outbreaks decreased 
from last week’s total of 84 to 56 this week, and Nielsen said there 
were significantly fewer positive students in schools with&nbsp; mask 
mandates. The vaccination rate for Kansas youth currently trails the 
national rate by 7 percentage points, but pending vaccine approval for 
5- to 11-year-olds could help those numbers rise, she said.&nbsp;“There are preventative measures that
 can help protect your children in school settings and keep those 
schools open safely, and it does start with vaccination,” Nielsen said. 
“Good news for Kansas and good news for keeping our schools open, given 
that this is really our top priority.”Randy Watson, Kansas commissioner of 
education, said keeping students in schools takes a three-pronged 
approach, emphasizing vaccinations, masking and testing. When it comes 
to student success throughout the pandemic, Watson said the largest 
losses on a state level have been decreases in academic achievement 
(specifically in mathematics), social skills, and numbers of students 
opting for secondary education after graduation. Federal funds have been
 set aside to offset those losses, he said, with more than 90% of 
federal and state relief dollars going directly to school districts.“We’re still in the hurricane,” 
Watson said. “But we’re starting to respond for what does it look like 
when the sun comes out after the hurricane, and what we do to mitigate 
the loss that we’re having so far.”&nbsp;During a facilitated discussion period, group members discussed the declaration of a national <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/child-and-adolescent-healthy-mental-development/aap-aacap-cha-declaration-of-a-national-emergency-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health/">mental health emergency</a> and how it affects Kansas, following the U.S. Department of Education’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.ed.gov/documents/students/supporting-child-student-social-emotional-behavioral-mental-health.pdf?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=">guide</a> for how schools can implement mental health resources.&nbsp;Dena Hubbard of Children’s Mercy 
hospital in Kansas City said this is an opportunity for Kansas to invest
 in the mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the 
pandemic, such as neglect and abuse of children. As a mother, she said, 
she has seen the effects of mental health challenges firsthand and 
schools would benefit from partnering with state providers to implement 
mental health services.&nbsp;“It is real, and we are all 
experiencing a collective trauma,” she said. “I hope that one of the 
silver linings from the pandemic is that we are going to treat the brain
 as any other organ, and we are going to invest in our children and 
their emotional well being as part of their overall health.”Kelli Netson-Amore of the University 
of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita said the pandemic has shown how 
communities rely on schools for vital services, such as communicating 
with children face-to-face, monitoring for child abuse and providing 
children with food. Wichita has recently seen new programs for 
psychologists to work with children and health care systems in schools, 
she said, and these programs help normalize seeking mental health 
assistance while minimizing the distance a student has to travel.&nbsp;“I think continuing to do some of 
those things helps in the short-term and the long-term,” Netson-Amore 
said. “Everybody’s doing the best they can, but we absolutely have to 
prioritize keeping these kids alive.”&nbsp;When it comes to easing restrictions 
such as masking throughout the state’s schools, Hubbard said it would be
 wise for Kansas schools to wait for vaccine approval for younger 
students first. She noted that while public health guidance around 
COVID-19 has changed over time as more information has become available,
 keeping students protected will keep them from experiencing more 
challenges from the pandemic.&nbsp;“With a novel virus like this, in 
leadership, you have to act with speed and not precision,” Hubbard said.
 “If we want to keep kids safe and healthy, protect them, and improve 
their development and their academic work, we have to get a handle on 
this pandemic. And the way to do it are the things that you outline at 
the very beginning and end of every one of these: vaccines, masks and 
testing.”

Workgroup focuses on mental health, COVID precaution in Kan. schools

Lewis Lee "Cracker" Martin, 79, of Manhattan, passed away Saturday, October 16th. He was retired as an Underwriter with Farm Bureau Financial Services in Manhattan.

Lewis was born in Hill City, Kansas, on July 29, 1942, a son of the late Elsie (Schoolcraft) and William H. Martin.  He graduated for Hill City High School, Hill City, and Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science.  Lewis also served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

Lewis is  survived by his son, Mike L Martin, of Leawood, KS; three grandchildren, Tag, Merit and Gray Martin; a sister, Bobbie Cameron, of Hill City, KS; three brothers, Willie (Neeann) Martin, of Overland Park, KS;  Tommie Martin, of Excelsior Springs, MO;  Randy Martin, of Indonesia. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kenny Martin.

Memorial service arrangements will be announced by the Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, KS.  Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.  To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.irvinparkview.com

Lewis Lee "Cracker" Martin, 79, of Manhattan, passed away Saturday, October 16th. He was retired as an Underwriter with Farm Bureau Financial Services in Manhattan.Lewis was born in Hill City, Kansas, on July 29, 1942, a son of the late Elsie (Schoolcraft) and William H. Martin. He graduated for Hill City High School, Hill City, and Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science. Lewis also served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.Lewis is survived by his son, Mike L Martin, of Leawood, KS; three grandchildren, Tag, Merit and Gray Martin; a sister, Bobbie Cameron, of Hill City, KS; three brothers, Willie (Neeann) Martin, of Overland Park, KS; Tommie Martin, of Excelsior Springs, MO; Randy Martin, of Indonesia. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kenny Martin.Memorial service arrangements will be announced by the Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, KS. Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.irvinparkview.com

Lewis Lee 'Cracker' Martin

Fort Hays State (3-4) at Central Missouri (2-5) Saturday, October 23 - 1:30 pm Warrensburg, Mo. - Walton Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Football travels to Central Missouri on Saturday (Oct. 23) for a 1:30 pm kickoff at Walton Stadium. The Tigers are looking to get back on the winning track, entering the game on a two-game losing skid. FHSU is 3-4, while UCM is 2-5 on the season. Fort Hays State has won four of the last six meetings between the teams. However, the Tigers have lost their last two contests played in Warrensburg, looking for their first win at Walton Stadium since 2014. In 2019, Fort Hays State opened the season at Central Missouri and saw UCM come back to win 34-30 with a late fourth quarter rally. UCM leads the all-time series with FHSU 10-6. Fort Hays State owns the 11th-best total offense production in NCAA Division II, averaging 469.6 yards per game. FHSU ranks 12th&nbsp;nationally and second in the MIAA in passing yards at 312.3 per game. Central Missouri is not far behind in passing production at 306 yards per game through the air. Central Missouri has struggled this season defensively, allowing 499.4 yards per game. That ranks 159th&nbsp;out of 163 teams in NCAA Division II. Only Lincoln University allows more yards per game in the MIAA, ranking last in the nation at 560.2 allowed per game. UCM has allowed at least 29 points in all but one contest this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;continues to elevate on the national charts in rushing yards per carry and all-purpose yards per game. He ranks fourth nationally in yards per rush (7.7) and fifth in all-purpose yards per game (176.7). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;continues to rank 10th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for passing yards, now with 2,043 on the season. He is now just three touchdown passes shy of the FHSU career record of 60 held by Jacob Mezera. Four passing touchdowns would push him into the all-time lead. On the defensive side of the ball,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 49.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>&nbsp;has racked up 26 tackles over the last two weeks with 14 at Washburn and 12 against Central Oklahoma.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6199">Devin White</a>&nbsp;has the team's only interception this season, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;lead in sacks each with three.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634921245732.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Mark Shalken)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Mark Shalken)</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State (3-4) at Central Missouri (2-5) Saturday, October 23 - 1:30 pm Warrensburg, Mo. - Walton Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Football travels to Central Missouri on Saturday (Oct. 23) for a 1:30 pm kickoff at Walton Stadium. The Tigers are looking to get back on the winning track, entering the game on a two-game losing skid. FHSU is 3-4, while UCM is 2-5 on the season. Fort Hays State has won four of the last six meetings between the teams. However, the Tigers have lost their last two contests played in Warrensburg, looking for their first win at Walton Stadium since 2014. In 2019, Fort Hays State opened the season at Central Missouri and saw UCM come back to win 34-30 with a late fourth quarter rally. UCM leads the all-time series with FHSU 10-6. Fort Hays State owns the 11th-best total offense production in NCAA Division II, averaging 469.6 yards per game. FHSU ranks 12th&nbsp;nationally and second in the MIAA in passing yards at 312.3 per game. Central Missouri is not far behind in passing production at 306 yards per game through the air. Central Missouri has struggled this season defensively, allowing 499.4 yards per game. That ranks 159th&nbsp;out of 163 teams in NCAA Division II. Only Lincoln University allows more yards per game in the MIAA, ranking last in the nation at 560.2 allowed per game. UCM has allowed at least 29 points in all but one contest this season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;continues to elevate on the national charts in rushing yards per carry and all-purpose yards per game. He ranks fourth nationally in yards per rush (7.7) and fifth in all-purpose yards per game (176.7). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;continues to rank 10th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for passing yards, now with 2,043 on the season. He is now just three touchdown passes shy of the FHSU career record of 60 held by Jacob Mezera. Four passing touchdowns would push him into the all-time lead. On the defensive side of the ball,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in tackles with 49.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>&nbsp;has racked up 26 tackles over the last two weeks with 14 at Washburn and 12 against Central Oklahoma.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6199">Devin White</a>&nbsp;has the team's only interception this season, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;lead in sacks each with three.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏈📻 LISTEN LIVE - FHSU looks to bounce back at UCM

Delores J. Hughes, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 
2021, at the Valley Manor Center in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.&nbsp; She 
was born on September 5, 1939, in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of 
Lee L. And Gertrude V. Cauthon Brown.&nbsp; Delores graduated from Scott 
Community High School in&nbsp;1957 and Moved to Kansas City, Missouri until 
1975, moving to Excelsior Springs, Missouri.&nbsp; She was a Dental 
Hygienist.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.

On December 29, 1960, she married Paul R. Hughes in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on June 5, 2004, in Liberty, Missouri.

Survivors include her One Brother - Larry &amp; Susan Brown of Scott 
City, Kansas, and Two Nieces - Cherie &amp; Tony Kardelis of Lakewood, 
Colorado and Kori &amp; Sage Davis of Scott City, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her Parents and Husband.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 
2021, at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor 
Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials can be made to the Scott Community Foundation in care of 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 
29, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott
 City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635001140912.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Delores J. Hughes, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 
2021, at the Valley Manor Center in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.&nbsp; She 
was born on September 5, 1939, in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of 
Lee L. And Gertrude V. Cauthon Brown.&nbsp; Delores graduated from Scott 
Community High School in&nbsp;1957 and Moved to Kansas City, Missouri until 
1975, moving to Excelsior Springs, Missouri.&nbsp; She was a Dental 
Hygienist.She was a member of the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas.On December 29, 1960, she married Paul R. Hughes in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He passed away on June 5, 2004, in Liberty, Missouri.Survivors include her One Brother - Larry &amp; Susan Brown of Scott 
City, Kansas, and Two Nieces - Cherie &amp; Tony Kardelis of Lakewood, 
Colorado and Kori &amp; Sage Davis of Scott City, Kansas.She was preceded in death by her Parents and Husband.Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 
2021, at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor 
Steve Payne presiding.Memorials can be made to the Scott Community Foundation in care of 
Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 
29, 2021, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott
 City, Kansas.

Delores J. Hughes

Sandra Elaine Robinson, 72, passed away October 22, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt, Kansas.

She was born February 19, 1949, in Las Animas, Colorado; the daughter 
of Ellsworth J. and Vivian L. Buhrer (Davidson) Miller. A longtime area 
resident; she was a supervisor custodian at the Larned State Hospital.

She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.&nbsp; &nbsp;She enjoyed 
playing on her computer watching the monkeys and sewing.&nbsp; She was 
especially proud of Lucas and his woodworking; Viktor and Jayde for 
becoming great parents to her great grandkids and always enjoyed 
spending time with Coltin.

On November 3, 1968, she married Keith W. Robinson in Commerce City, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.

Other survivors include; three brothers, Larry Miller, Springfield, 
Colorado, Lyle Miller, Globe Arizona, Terry Miller, La Junta, Colorado; 
four sisters, Cheryl Adkins, La Junta, Colorado, Carol Helphingstein, La
 Junta, Colorado, Kathryn Johnson, Texas, Linda Smith, Las Animas, 
Colorado; three grandchildren, Viktor (Jayde Beck) Robinson, Coltin 
Robinson and Lucas Robinson and two great grandchildren, Bella and 
Ryelee Robinson.

She was preceded in death by; a son, Keith Robinson Jr.; a daughter, 
Sandie Elaine Robinson Kigar and a grandson, Keith Aaron McKinney.

Private family graveside service with Robert Sallee presiding will be
 in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.&nbsp; Public visitation will be 1:00
 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24th at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of 
Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal condolences
 may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635001048101.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sandra Elaine Robinson, 72, passed away October 22, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt, Kansas.She was born February 19, 1949, in Las Animas, Colorado; the daughter 
of Ellsworth J. and Vivian L. Buhrer (Davidson) Miller. A longtime area 
resident; she was a supervisor custodian at the Larned State Hospital.She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.&nbsp; &nbsp;She enjoyed 
playing on her computer watching the monkeys and sewing.&nbsp; She was 
especially proud of Lucas and his woodworking; Viktor and Jayde for 
becoming great parents to her great grandkids and always enjoyed 
spending time with Coltin.On November 3, 1968, she married Keith W. Robinson in Commerce City, Colorado.&nbsp; He survives.Other survivors include; three brothers, Larry Miller, Springfield, 
Colorado, Lyle Miller, Globe Arizona, Terry Miller, La Junta, Colorado; 
four sisters, Cheryl Adkins, La Junta, Colorado, Carol Helphingstein, La
 Junta, Colorado, Kathryn Johnson, Texas, Linda Smith, Las Animas, 
Colorado; three grandchildren, Viktor (Jayde Beck) Robinson, Coltin 
Robinson and Lucas Robinson and two great grandchildren, Bella and 
Ryelee Robinson.She was preceded in death by; a son, Keith Robinson Jr.; a daughter, 
Sandie Elaine Robinson Kigar and a grandson, Keith Aaron McKinney.Private family graveside service with Robert Sallee presiding will be
 in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.&nbsp; Public visitation will be 1:00
 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24th at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of 
Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal condolences
 may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Sandra Elaine Robinson

The Rev. Roger Meitl passed away peacefully on Friday, October 22, 2021 
at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, KS where he resided since 2014.
 He was born April 3, 1933 to John and Bertha (Ypma) Meitl in Leoville,
 KS and was baptized by the late Father Martin J. Schmitt.
 Roger’s grade and high school education was received in the Leoville
 parochial schools in which the Sisters of the Congregation of St. 
Joseph of Concordia taught. He was encouraged to study for the 
priesthood in the Diocese of Salina by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor John Wolf 
and he began studies at Conception Seminary, Conception, MO, in 
September, 1951. There he followed the regimen of priesthood studies 
under the guidance of the Benedictine Fathers of Conception Abbey.
 The last three years of his priestly training were spent at Kenrick 
Seminary, St. Louis, MO, where he was taught by the Vincentian Fathers. 
 As a student of Kenrick Seminary, Roger continued his interest in choir
 and glee club work. He was secretary of the Kenrick Mission Society 
and took part in activities of the Rural Life Society.
 The Rev. Roger Meitl was ordained into the priesthood at the 
Immaculate Conception Church in Leoville, KS on Saturday, March 14, 
1959. His First Solemn Mass was at the Immaculate Conception Church, 
Leoville, KS on Saturday morning, March 21, 1959.
 After Roger’s ordination, he served in the following capacities:
 • 1959-61, assistant at St. Mary, Queen of the Universe, Salina, KS and taught at Sacred heart High School
 • 1961-62, assistant at Sacred Heart, Plainville, KS
 • 1962-63, administrator at St. Wenceslaus, Wilson, KS
 • 1963-67, administrator at Sacred Heart, Esbon, KS and St. Mary’s, Smith Center, KS
 • 1967-73, administrator at St. Mary the Assumption, Clifton, KS and
 St. Bernard’s, Clara, as well as administrator of the mission, St. 
Michael parish, Kimeo, KS
 • 1973-82, pastor at Sacred Heart, Colby, KS
 • 1982-84, pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays, KS and pastor 
of the mission church, Our Lady, Help of Christians, Antonino, KS
 • 1984-87, pastor at St. Mary’s, Russell, KS
 • 1987-93, assistant at St. John the Baptist, Beloit, KS; pastor at 
the mission parish St. Mary Church, Jamestown, KS (until it closed in 
1989), and chaplain at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS; St. 
Joseph’s Hospital and Mount Joseph Senior Village in Concordia, KS
 • 1993-2005, pastor at St. Joseph’s, Oakley, KS; Immaculate Conception, Grinnell, KS and St. Paul’s, Angelus, KS
 • 2000-2002, canonical pastor at St. Frances Cabrini, Hoxie, KS and 
St. Martin of Tours, Seguin, KS (oversight of international priests)
 • 2002-2003, canonical pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Goodland, KS (substituting for pastor on sabbatical)
 • 2003-2006, canonical pastor at Sacred Heart, Oberlin, KS; Sacred 
Heart, Selden, KS; and Immaculate Conception, Leoville, KS (oversight 
for international priests)
 • 2005-2012, pastor at St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis, KS and St. Joseph’s, Bird City, KS
 Roger celebrated his 50th year Jubilee in 2009. After 53 years of 
service, he retired to the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, KS.
 Roger enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to travel internationally 
several times. He enjoyed researching the genealogy of the Ypma’s and 
Meitl’s.
 Roger was pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters, Genevieve 
(Meitl) Campbell, Sister John Bosco (Jackie (Meitl) Kenney), brothers 
Sylvester, Gerald, Elmer, Ernest and Walter. He is survived by one 
brother Harold and many nieces and nephews.

Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Father-Roger-K--Meitl?obId=22735326#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635000965481.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Rev. Roger Meitl passed away peacefully on Friday, October 22, 2021 
at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, KS where he resided since 2014.
 He was born April 3, 1933 to John and Bertha (Ypma) Meitl in Leoville,
 KS and was baptized by the late Father Martin J. Schmitt.
 Roger’s grade and high school education was received in the Leoville
 parochial schools in which the Sisters of the Congregation of St. 
Joseph of Concordia taught. He was encouraged to study for the 
priesthood in the Diocese of Salina by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor John Wolf 
and he began studies at Conception Seminary, Conception, MO, in 
September, 1951. There he followed the regimen of priesthood studies 
under the guidance of the Benedictine Fathers of Conception Abbey.
 The last three years of his priestly training were spent at Kenrick 
Seminary, St. Louis, MO, where he was taught by the Vincentian Fathers. 
 As a student of Kenrick Seminary, Roger continued his interest in choir
 and glee club work. He was secretary of the Kenrick Mission Society 
and took part in activities of the Rural Life Society.
 The Rev. Roger Meitl was ordained into the priesthood at the 
Immaculate Conception Church in Leoville, KS on Saturday, March 14, 
1959. His First Solemn Mass was at the Immaculate Conception Church, 
Leoville, KS on Saturday morning, March 21, 1959.
 After Roger’s ordination, he served in the following capacities:
 • 1959-61, assistant at St. Mary, Queen of the Universe, Salina, KS and taught at Sacred heart High School
 • 1961-62, assistant at Sacred Heart, Plainville, KS
 • 1962-63, administrator at St. Wenceslaus, Wilson, KS
 • 1963-67, administrator at Sacred Heart, Esbon, KS and St. Mary’s, Smith Center, KS
 • 1967-73, administrator at St. Mary the Assumption, Clifton, KS and
 St. Bernard’s, Clara, as well as administrator of the mission, St. 
Michael parish, Kimeo, KS
 • 1973-82, pastor at Sacred Heart, Colby, KS
 • 1982-84, pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays, KS and pastor 
of the mission church, Our Lady, Help of Christians, Antonino, KS
 • 1984-87, pastor at St. Mary’s, Russell, KS
 • 1987-93, assistant at St. John the Baptist, Beloit, KS; pastor at 
the mission parish St. Mary Church, Jamestown, KS (until it closed in 
1989), and chaplain at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS; St. 
Joseph’s Hospital and Mount Joseph Senior Village in Concordia, KS
 • 1993-2005, pastor at St. Joseph’s, Oakley, KS; Immaculate Conception, Grinnell, KS and St. Paul’s, Angelus, KS
 • 2000-2002, canonical pastor at St. Frances Cabrini, Hoxie, KS and 
St. Martin of Tours, Seguin, KS (oversight of international priests)
 • 2002-2003, canonical pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Goodland, KS (substituting for pastor on sabbatical)
 • 2003-2006, canonical pastor at Sacred Heart, Oberlin, KS; Sacred 
Heart, Selden, KS; and Immaculate Conception, Leoville, KS (oversight 
for international priests)
 • 2005-2012, pastor at St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis, KS and St. Joseph’s, Bird City, KS
 Roger celebrated his 50th year Jubilee in 2009. After 53 years of 
service, he retired to the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, KS.
 Roger enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to travel internationally 
several times. He enjoyed researching the genealogy of the Ypma’s and 
Meitl’s.
 Roger was pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters, Genevieve 
(Meitl) Campbell, Sister John Bosco (Jackie (Meitl) Kenney), brothers 
Sylvester, Gerald, Elmer, Ernest and Walter. He is survived by one 
brother Harold and many nieces and nephews.Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Father-Roger-K--Meitl?obId=22735326#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

The Rev. Roger Meitl

TOPEKA— District Judge Steve Johnson will sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear and help decide one case on the court’s October 29 docket that will take place by videoconference.

After hearing oral arguments, Johnson&nbsp;will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.

"The Supreme Court looks forward to Judge Johnson hearing a case with us. He will read the case materials, prepare for oral argument, and deliberate with the court on its decision," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We thank Judge Johnson for helping us, especially because we know he already has a significant caseload in district court to handle."

Judge Johnson was appointed the chief judge of the 20th Judicial District in January 2021.

“As a district judge, it is an honor to be selected to sit with the Supreme Court,” Johnson said. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and will cherish the experience.”

Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University, and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012. Johnson took the position of district judge in 2013 in the 20th Judicial District and was appointed chief judge for the 20th in January of 2021.

Johnson will hear one case at 11 a.m. on the October 29 docket.

All cases on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-zssNlx0aQ4sFwFNhwLNVM0U">October 25–29 docket</a><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-zr_VrKpwiqLexD-2YxFnx5E"></a>&nbsp;will be heard by videoconference and livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-znl6fsoS_8UA3K_q9vgM8uk">Supreme Court YouTube channel</a>.

Appeal No: 121,866: State of Kansas v. Luqman Yusuf Keys

Shawnee County: (Criminal) Keys shot a man once in the chest while purchasing marijuana. At his first trial, the jury acquitted Keys of burglary and hung on felony murder and robbery. A second jury convicted Keys of both felony murder and aggravated robbery. The court sentenced Keys to a hard-25 life sentence for felony murder and then consecutive and concurrent sentences for aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Keys’ case in May 2021. In August 2021, the Court ordered supplement briefing. The issues on review are whether: 1) a district court should determine whether a defendant is being charged with or is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a forcible felony rendering self-defense unavailable to defendant pursuant to K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 21-5226(a); 2) if yes, what test should the district court employ to make that determination; 3) on appeal, what standard of review should the appellate court employ to review such determination; 4) if a court determines that a defendant is being charged with or is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a forcible felony, but the defendant alleges the State’s evidence is insufficient for a jury to find beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant in fact committed or attempted to omit the forcible felony, is a self-defense instruction legally appropriate; and 5) if yes, what standard should a district court employ to determine if a self-defense instruction is factually appropriate?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847652319.jpeg" alt="Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Judicial AdministrationTOPEKA— District Judge Steve Johnson will sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear and help decide one case on the court’s October 29 docket that will take place by videoconference.After hearing oral arguments, Johnson&nbsp;will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting."The Supreme Court looks forward to Judge Johnson hearing a case with us. He will read the case materials, prepare for oral argument, and deliberate with the court on its decision," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We thank Judge Johnson for helping us, especially because we know he already has a significant caseload in district court to handle."Judge Johnson was appointed the chief judge of the 20th Judicial District in January 2021.“As a district judge, it is an honor to be selected to sit with the Supreme Court,” Johnson said. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and will cherish the experience.”Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University, and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012. Johnson took the position of district judge in 2013 in the 20th Judicial District and was appointed chief judge for the 20th in January of 2021.Johnson will hear one case at 11 a.m. on the October 29 docket.All cases on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-zssNlx0aQ4sFwFNhwLNVM0U">October 25–29 docket</a><a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-zr_VrKpwiqLexD-2YxFnx5E"></a>&nbsp;will be heard by videoconference and livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/_ZjZp5-JQzSBvcPzv18-znl6fsoS_8UA3K_q9vgM8uk">Supreme Court YouTube channel</a>.Appeal No: 121,866: State of Kansas v. Luqman Yusuf KeysShawnee County: (Criminal) Keys shot a man once in the chest while purchasing marijuana. At his first trial, the jury acquitted Keys of burglary and hung on felony murder and robbery. A second jury convicted Keys of both felony murder and aggravated robbery. The court sentenced Keys to a hard-25 life sentence for felony murder and then consecutive and concurrent sentences for aggravated robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Keys’ case in May 2021. In August 2021, the Court ordered supplement briefing. The issues on review are whether: 1) a district court should determine whether a defendant is being charged with or is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a forcible felony rendering self-defense unavailable to defendant pursuant to K.S.A. 2020 Supp. 21-5226(a); 2) if yes, what test should the district court employ to make that determination; 3) on appeal, what standard of review should the appellate court employ to review such determination; 4) if a court determines that a defendant is being charged with or is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a forcible felony, but the defendant alleges the State’s evidence is insufficient for a jury to find beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant in fact committed or attempted to omit the forcible felony, is a self-defense instruction legally appropriate; and 5) if yes, what standard should a district court employ to determine if a self-defense instruction is factually appropriate?

Gove Co. native, FHSU alum to sit with Kan. Supreme Court

Service honored placement of additional seven names

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/22/kansas-attorney-general-criticizes-governor-for-missing-law-enforcement-memorial-event/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt believes Gov. 
Laura Kelly should have attended the October memorial ceremony at the 
Capitol honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

Schmidt, a Republican who serves at the state’s attorney general, 
spoke at the event along with Jeff Zmuda, secretary of the Kansas 
Department of Corrections. Three of the seven names added to the 
memorial this year had been employees of the state corrections 
department.

Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2022, was in Santa Fe, New 
Mexico, to attend the Democratic Governors Association fall policy 
conference.

“Governor Kelly’s disappointing decision to 
skip their annual memorial service, which this year recognized the 
sacrifice of seven more fallen Kansas officers, in order to attend a 
partisan political meeting poorly represents our state’s priorities and 
values,” Schmidt said. “Kansans love and respect the men and women who 
serve honorably in law enforcement.”

Schmidt, who is considered the top law enforcement officer in the 
state as attorney general, has attended the memorial services since 
sworn into office as attorney general in 2011.

The 2021 observance was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed
 to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 service honoring 
Kansas law enforcement officers was cancelled, but Kelly placed a wreath
 at the outdoor memorial.

“We must recognize the continued commitment of all our law 
enforcement officers,” she said last year in a video message. “Their 
bravery, dedication and professionalism warrants our sincere praise and 
gratitude.”

Kelly was the first governor to miss the service at the limestone 
memorial on the northeast corner of the statehouse grounds since Gov. 
Sam Brownback was absent in 2011. In her place Oct. 8, Zmuda of the 
state Department of Corrections addressed the crowd along with Schmidt.

The memorial was established in 1987 and includes names of 293 men 
and women, including 190 who died of gunfire and 27 who perished in 
vehicle accidents.

Sam Coleman, a spokesman for Kelly, said 
partisan attacks by Schmidt in terms of the law enforcement memorial 
“only serve to wrongfully politicize an important issue.”

“Governor Kelly supports our law 
enforcement and their families, which is why she fought for pay 
increases for members of state law enforcement, and this year she signed
 the Michael Wells Memorial Act which increases benefits for the 
families of first responders that die from a work-related condition,” he
 said.

Col. Herman Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said 
Kelly had been a dedicated advocate of Kansas law enforcement officers.

“In the last year alone, she has supported everything from the Kansas
 Highway Patrol’s officer recruitment and new academy class efforts, to 
upgrading equipment and providing new tools to keep our patrol men and 
women safe,” he said.

The three state corrections officers included on the memorial this 
year were George Bernard Robare, Olufela Adebiyi and Gabe Morales. Each 
died last year of COVID-19. Sheriff Allan Weber of Gove County, who also
 had COVID-19, was added to the memorial.

Other law enforcement officers to die in the line of duty in 2020 and
 placed on the Kansas memorial were Michael Mosher, an Overland Park 
police officer shot by a hit-and-run suspect in Johnson County, and 
Daniel Abramovitz, a deputy corporal with the Leavenworth County 
sheriff’s office killed in a traffic accident. In addition, historical 
records prompted inclusion of Charles McKinney, who was assistant police
 chief in Independence, Kansas, when shot and killed in 1920.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634923537060.png" alt="Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor in 2022, is criticizing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for missing the October memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers. (Screen capture of Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor in 2022, is criticizing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for missing the October memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers. (Screen capture of Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Service honored placement of additional seven names</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/22/kansas-attorney-general-criticizes-governor-for-missing-law-enforcement-memorial-event/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt believes Gov. 
Laura Kelly should have attended the October memorial ceremony at the 
Capitol honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.Schmidt, a Republican who serves at the state’s attorney general, 
spoke at the event along with Jeff Zmuda, secretary of the Kansas 
Department of Corrections. Three of the seven names added to the 
memorial this year had been employees of the state corrections 
department.Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2022, was in Santa Fe, New 
Mexico, to attend the Democratic Governors Association fall policy 
conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634923608554.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly set a wreath at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in 2020 when the public service honoring officers killed in the line of duty in Kansas was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Screen capture from office of the governor/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly set a wreath at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in 2020 when the public service honoring officers killed in the line of duty in Kansas was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Screen capture from office of the governor/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Governor Kelly’s disappointing decision to 
skip their annual memorial service, which this year recognized the 
sacrifice of seven more fallen Kansas officers, in order to attend a 
partisan political meeting poorly represents our state’s priorities and 
values,” Schmidt said. “Kansans love and respect the men and women who 
serve honorably in law enforcement.”Schmidt, who is considered the top law enforcement officer in the 
state as attorney general, has attended the memorial services since 
sworn into office as attorney general in 2011.The 2021 observance was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed
 to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 service honoring 
Kansas law enforcement officers was cancelled, but Kelly placed a wreath
 at the outdoor memorial.“We must recognize the continued commitment of all our law 
enforcement officers,” she said last year in a video message. “Their 
bravery, dedication and professionalism warrants our sincere praise and 
gratitude.”Kelly was the first governor to miss the service at the limestone 
memorial on the northeast corner of the statehouse grounds since Gov. 
Sam Brownback was absent in 2011. In her place Oct. 8, Zmuda of the 
state Department of Corrections addressed the crowd along with Schmidt.The memorial was established in 1987 and includes names of 293 men 
and women, including 190 who died of gunfire and 27 who perished in 
vehicle accidents.Sam Coleman, a spokesman for Kelly, said 
partisan attacks by Schmidt in terms of the law enforcement memorial 
“only serve to wrongfully politicize an important issue.”“Governor Kelly supports our law 
enforcement and their families, which is why she fought for pay 
increases for members of state law enforcement, and this year she signed
 the Michael Wells Memorial Act which increases benefits for the 
families of first responders that die from a work-related condition,” he
 said.Col. Herman Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said 
Kelly had been a dedicated advocate of Kansas law enforcement officers.“In the last year alone, she has supported everything from the Kansas
 Highway Patrol’s officer recruitment and new academy class efforts, to 
upgrading equipment and providing new tools to keep our patrol men and 
women safe,” he said.The three state corrections officers included on the memorial this 
year were George Bernard Robare, Olufela Adebiyi and Gabe Morales. Each 
died last year of COVID-19. Sheriff Allan Weber of Gove County, who also
 had COVID-19, was added to the memorial.Other law enforcement officers to die in the line of duty in 2020 and
 placed on the Kansas memorial were Michael Mosher, an Overland Park 
police officer shot by a hit-and-run suspect in Johnson County, and 
Daniel Abramovitz, a deputy corporal with the Leavenworth County 
sheriff’s office killed in a traffic accident. In addition, historical 
records prompted inclusion of Charles McKinney, who was assistant police
 chief in Independence, Kansas, when shot and killed in 1920.

Schmidt criticizes Kan. governor for missing law enforcement memorial event

Nina Geraldine “Jerry” Westfall, 91, died Thursday, October 21, 2021, at
 Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses, Kansas. She was born 
February 01, 1930, in Goodland, Kansas, the youngest of twelve children,
 to Henry and Edna (Gardner) Johnson. 
Jerry grew up on a farm near Goodland and graduated from Goodland High 
School. She married Joseph Wayne Westfall on September 26, 1954, in 
Raton, New Mexico. Jerry enjoyed many years of being a housewife and 
devoted mother to her two sons. She supported them in all their 
endeavors and attended all their activities. Jerry spent many hours at 
the baseball field keeping score for her son’s games. Jerry and Wayne 
enjoyed traveling with a bowling league, a hobby she began after his 
retirement. She was also an avid sports fan of the Kansas City Royals, 
Kansas City Chiefs, and the KU basketball team and never missed a game 
on TV. 
Jerry is survived by her two sons, Louis Westfall of Olathe, and Lowell 
Westfall and wife Paige of Abilene, Kansas; three grandchildren, Brodie 
Wayne Westfall, Jerod Brett Westfall, and Brooke Ashley Cornell; and two
 great-grandchildren, Ayden and Gavin Cornell. 
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne in 2018; and six
 brothers, Bob, Harold, Morris, Sherman, Wayne and Jack; and five 
sisters, Vonna, Max, Fern, Hazel and Vera. 
A private family funeral service will be held with interment at the 
Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant 
County Recreation for the Little League Baseball program in care of 
Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences 
may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634930895124.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nina Geraldine “Jerry” Westfall, 91, died Thursday, October 21, 2021, at
 Western Prairie Senior Living in Ulysses, Kansas. She was born 
February 01, 1930, in Goodland, Kansas, the youngest of twelve children,
 to Henry and Edna (Gardner) Johnson. 
Jerry grew up on a farm near Goodland and graduated from Goodland High 
School. She married Joseph Wayne Westfall on September 26, 1954, in 
Raton, New Mexico. Jerry enjoyed many years of being a housewife and 
devoted mother to her two sons. She supported them in all their 
endeavors and attended all their activities. Jerry spent many hours at 
the baseball field keeping score for her son’s games. Jerry and Wayne 
enjoyed traveling with a bowling league, a hobby she began after his 
retirement. She was also an avid sports fan of the Kansas City Royals, 
Kansas City Chiefs, and the KU basketball team and never missed a game 
on TV. 
Jerry is survived by her two sons, Louis Westfall of Olathe, and Lowell 
Westfall and wife Paige of Abilene, Kansas; three grandchildren, Brodie 
Wayne Westfall, Jerod Brett Westfall, and Brooke Ashley Cornell; and two
 great-grandchildren, Ayden and Gavin Cornell. 
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne in 2018; and six
 brothers, Bob, Harold, Morris, Sherman, Wayne and Jack; and five 
sisters, Vonna, Max, Fern, Hazel and Vera. 
A private family funeral service will be held with interment at the 
Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant 
County Recreation for the Little League Baseball program in care of 
Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences 
may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nina Geraldine 'Jerry' Westfall

Charlotte Marie Desair, 71, died October 21, 2021, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born April 28, 1950, to Victor and Ruth (Brown) Rohr in Hays, Kansas. 

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Desair of Damar; daughters: Roberta Normandin (Neil), Salina, Rebecca (Ryan) Wells, Damar, Rhonda (Galen) Ludlow, Ness City.

A complete obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Charlotte-Marie-Desair?obId=22732390#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Charlotte Marie Desair, 71, died October 21, 2021, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born April 28, 1950, to Victor and Ruth (Brown) Rohr in Hays, Kansas. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Desair of Damar; daughters: Roberta Normandin (Neil), Salina, Rebecca (Ryan) Wells, Damar, Rhonda (Galen) Ludlow, Ness City.A complete obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Charlotte-Marie-Desair?obId=22732390#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Charlotte Marie Desair

Frank Leo Schwarzenberger, age 92, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.

 Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Frank Leo Schwarzenberger, age 92, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter. Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Frank Leo Schwarzenberger

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.

<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 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634922293572.png" alt="Friday October 22, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 22, 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: 1,893 new cases, 26 more COVID deaths

Kansas Wheat joins wheat producers and farm advocates from across the state in expressing our condolences to the family of David Radenberg, who passed away on October&nbsp;9, 2021, ending his 21-year battle against a rare form of brain cancer.&nbsp;

“David was passionate about continuous innovations for Kansas wheat farmers through work at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “His dedication&nbsp;to our mission will be missed, as will his joyful demeanor whenever he was in the office, especially when accompanied by his family.”&nbsp;

Radenberg was a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin, where his family has farmed for more than 100 years. He served as a board member for the Barton County Farm Bureau Association and the Sterling Coop in addition to membership in the Masonic Lodge.&nbsp;

He represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference&nbsp;in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better quality product.&nbsp;

Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation. Established in 2011, the foundation helps fund scholarships for students conducting research.&nbsp;

Celebration of Life Service will be held October 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul's United Church of Christ located at 309 E Nassau, Holyrood, Kansas,&nbsp;with Reverend Debra Rains officiating.&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to the&nbsp;<a href="https://fieldsforward.org/donate-today/" target="_blank">Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation</a>, 1990 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, or the Claflin Fire and EMS Services, PO Box 383, Claflin, KS 67525.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634850280920.png" alt="David Radenberg" />
 <figcaption>David Radenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat joins wheat producers and farm advocates from across the state in expressing our condolences to the family of David Radenberg, who passed away on October&nbsp;9, 2021, ending his 21-year battle against a rare form of brain cancer.&nbsp;“David was passionate about continuous innovations for Kansas wheat farmers through work at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “His dedication&nbsp;to our mission will be missed, as will his joyful demeanor whenever he was in the office, especially when accompanied by his family.”&nbsp;Radenberg was a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin, where his family has farmed for more than 100 years. He served as a board member for the Barton County Farm Bureau Association and the Sterling Coop in addition to membership in the Masonic Lodge.&nbsp;He represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference&nbsp;in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better quality product.&nbsp;Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation. Established in 2011, the foundation helps fund scholarships for students conducting research.&nbsp;Celebration of Life Service will be held October 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul's United Church of Christ located at 309 E Nassau, Holyrood, Kansas,&nbsp;with Reverend Debra Rains officiating.&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the&nbsp;<a href="https://fieldsforward.org/donate-today/" target="_blank">Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation</a>, 1990 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, or the Claflin Fire and EMS Services, PO Box 383, Claflin, KS 67525.

Kansas Wheat recognizes passing of Claflin farmer

Cheryl Rachel Mendenhall, 56, passed away on October 11, 2021, at 
Azria Health after being a special part of Rosewood Services since 
2005.&nbsp; She was born on September 11, 1968, at Wichita, Kan. and blessed 
in joining her parents, James N. &amp; Elvera (Serbin) Riemann.

A long-time resident of Barton County, Cheryl was a very cheerful, 
fun loving, person who enjoyed socializing with her peers.&nbsp; From her 
time working at Pizza Hut, which she was very proud of, clear thru her 
time at Rosewood Services NextDoor, after her failing health, she was 
very upbeat and social.&nbsp; She was well known for her joking, ornery 
personality and big smile.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enriched others’ lives in the good 
times and in the bad; she loved to be around others in the community or 
at her home.&nbsp; Cheryl enjoyed going out and about, whether that was to 
play Bingo, go shopping, going out to eat, or getting her hair done. She
 developed many friendships through her years and enjoyed her time with 
company around her, watching movies, listening to music, or playing card
 games.&nbsp; She rode horses out at the Rosewood Ranch and was a participant
 in the annual Rodeo.&nbsp; She enjoyed being outdoors in the garden tending 
to the tomatoes, or at the Ranch in the orchard, harvesting the apples, 
grapes, and berries.&nbsp; She had a very bright, shining personality and 
will be greatly missed, by all those that were blessed in knowing her.

Survivors include her 3 children, son, Lonnie Mendenhall and 
grandchildren of Atchinson, KS; daughter, Geraldine (Matthew) Beals, and
 grandchildren, Rachael, Elliott, and Elaine of Clatskanie, OR; twin 
sister Carol (Henry) Rowe of Salina, KS; brother, James (Leah) Riemann, 
Jr., of Bismark, SD and sister Tammy. &nbsp;&nbsp;She was preceded in passing by 
her parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with Pastor Larry Schumacher
 presiding. &nbsp;A dinner for her family and friends will be held after in 
celebration of Cheryl’s life. A private family inurnment will be held at
 a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634909416932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Rachel Mendenhall, 56, passed away on October 11, 2021, at 
Azria Health after being a special part of Rosewood Services since 
2005.&nbsp; She was born on September 11, 1968, at Wichita, Kan. and blessed 
in joining her parents, James N. &amp; Elvera (Serbin) Riemann.A long-time resident of Barton County, Cheryl was a very cheerful, 
fun loving, person who enjoyed socializing with her peers.&nbsp; From her 
time working at Pizza Hut, which she was very proud of, clear thru her 
time at Rosewood Services NextDoor, after her failing health, she was 
very upbeat and social.&nbsp; She was well known for her joking, ornery 
personality and big smile.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enriched others’ lives in the good 
times and in the bad; she loved to be around others in the community or 
at her home.&nbsp; Cheryl enjoyed going out and about, whether that was to 
play Bingo, go shopping, going out to eat, or getting her hair done. She
 developed many friendships through her years and enjoyed her time with 
company around her, watching movies, listening to music, or playing card
 games.&nbsp; She rode horses out at the Rosewood Ranch and was a participant
 in the annual Rodeo.&nbsp; She enjoyed being outdoors in the garden tending 
to the tomatoes, or at the Ranch in the orchard, harvesting the apples, 
grapes, and berries.&nbsp; She had a very bright, shining personality and 
will be greatly missed, by all those that were blessed in knowing her.Survivors include her 3 children, son, Lonnie Mendenhall and 
grandchildren of Atchinson, KS; daughter, Geraldine (Matthew) Beals, and
 grandchildren, Rachael, Elliott, and Elaine of Clatskanie, OR; twin 
sister Carol (Henry) Rowe of Salina, KS; brother, James (Leah) Riemann, 
Jr., of Bismark, SD and sister Tammy. &nbsp;&nbsp;She was preceded in passing by 
her parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with Pastor Larry Schumacher
 presiding. &nbsp;A dinner for her family and friends will be held after in 
celebration of Cheryl’s life. A private family inurnment will be held at
 a later date.

Cheryl Rachel Mendenhall

Carl R. Munoz, 77, died October 20, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, 
Hoisington.&nbsp; He was born February 21, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, the 
son of Frank and Katherine (Pyles) Munoz. Carl graduated from Great Bend
 High School and then received his degree in drafting from Pittsburg 
State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.

On September 10, 1966, he married Virginia Kay Courange in Hoisington, Kansas. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2018.

Carl worked in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning business
 and also as a tin bender for Hickey Sheet Metal.&nbsp; He was a member of 
the Church of the Nazarene of&nbsp; Hoisington. Carl enjoyed biking, bending 
metal, his dogs, and especially spending time with his granddaughter, 
Taylor and his great granchildren.

He is survived by; a son, Bryan Munoz of Russell; a daughter, Karla 
Bard and husband Paul of Clackamas, Oregon; four grandchildren, Taylor 
Munoz, Kaylie Boley, Emmilie McInnis, and Airiana Bard; and three great 
grandchildren, Blake McInnis, Kallum Allen, and Willow Munoz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a brother, Dennis Munoz.

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 </figure>Carl R. Munoz, 77, died October 20, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, 
Hoisington.&nbsp; He was born February 21, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, the 
son of Frank and Katherine (Pyles) Munoz. Carl graduated from Great Bend
 High School and then received his degree in drafting from Pittsburg 
State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.On September 10, 1966, he married Virginia Kay Courange in Hoisington, Kansas. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2018.Carl worked in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning business
 and also as a tin bender for Hickey Sheet Metal.&nbsp; He was a member of 
the Church of the Nazarene of&nbsp; Hoisington. Carl enjoyed biking, bending 
metal, his dogs, and especially spending time with his granddaughter, 
Taylor and his great granchildren.He is survived by; a son, Bryan Munoz of Russell; a daughter, Karla 
Bard and husband Paul of Clackamas, Oregon; four grandchildren, Taylor 
Munoz, Kaylie Boley, Emmilie McInnis, and Airiana Bard; and three great 
grandchildren, Blake McInnis, Kallum Allen, and Willow Munoz.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a brother, Dennis Munoz.Visitation will be 1 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. 
Burial will follow in Hoisington Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the 
Church of the Nazarene in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 
146, Hoisington, KS 67544.“He was the last of the Mohicans.”