CLEVELAND (AP) — Von Miller's ankle didn't hurt as much as his pride.

The Broncos' surprising start has become a troubling slide.

Miller, who all but guaranteed a Denver win earlier this week, sprained his ankle in the first half and could only watch in the second as the Broncos lost their fourth straight, 17-14 to the banged-up Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

One of the NFL’s top defensive players, Miller banged his leg into teammate Dre’Mont Jones as he was rushing Browns quarterback Case Keenum with less than two minutes remaining before halftime.

Miller’s leg slammed into Jones and buckled inward. He dropped to one knee and asked for medical assistance. Miller, who missed all of 2020 with an ankle injury, left the field under his own power, walking very gingerly to the sideline.

Afterward, Miller said his ankle “is good” and X-rays were “clean.” He thought he could have played in the second half, but the team's medical staff encouraged him to stay as out as a precaution.

The pain of losing seemed more severe than any injury.

“I talked a lot of (smack) before this game and I made it personal and I wanted the animosity,” Miller said. "I wanted this to be that game. And I wanted to win it. I was going to leave it all out there today.

"I was comfortable with everything I said. I want to continue to make it personal.”

In the buildup to the game, Miller proclaimed he would record multiple sacks, and he jokingly warned he would “kill” any of the tackles Cleveland put in front of him. The 32-year-old Miller couldn't back up his words as the Broncos (3-4) lost again, completely erasing their promising start to 2021.

Broncos coach Vic Fangio would not use Miller's injury or quarterback Teddy Bridgewater playing hurt as reasons for his team's October slide.

“We've got to rally and overcome our injuries,” Fangio said. “Not use them as an excuse. We've got to make it good enough.”

Earlier this week, the Broncos placed starting linebackers Alexander Johnson and Andre Mintze on injured reserve and they're also missing wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (ankle sprain) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle surgery), who is about a month away from returning.

Bridgewater threw a pair of TD passes and gutted it out while playing with foot and quadriceps injuries. He came into the game listed as questionable, but didn't miss a play and finished 23 of 33 for 187 yards with one interception.

“Tough loss today, man,” Bridgeater said. “It sucks. We've got to turn this thing around. We can't wait until the second half. There's definitely a sense of urgency to save the season. We can't look 10 weeks down from now.”

Denver's offense sputtered in the first half, picking up just 76 yards. But Bridgewater led a 13-play, 79-yard scoring drive he capped with an 8-yard TD pass to Melvin Gordon to open the second half that gave the Broncos life.

“We can't take three quarters to get going,” Gordon said.

The Broncos were able to close within 17-14 on Bridgewater's 10-yard pass to Javonte Williams with 5:17 left.

But missing Miller, Denver's defense couldn't stop the Browns, who handed the ball to third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson seven times and he picked up 52 yards while Cleveland ran the clock out.

"The last drive was very frustrating,” Fangio said. “We loaded up against the run and we couldn’t stop them.”

It's not the only thing the Broncos can't stop.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Von Miller's ankle didn't hurt as much as his pride.The Broncos' surprising start has become a troubling slide.Miller, who all but guaranteed a Denver win earlier this week, sprained his ankle in the first half and could only watch in the second as the Broncos lost their fourth straight, 17-14 to the banged-up Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.One of the NFL’s top defensive players, Miller banged his leg into teammate Dre’Mont Jones as he was rushing Browns quarterback Case Keenum with less than two minutes remaining before halftime.Miller’s leg slammed into Jones and buckled inward. He dropped to one knee and asked for medical assistance. Miller, who missed all of 2020 with an ankle injury, left the field under his own power, walking very gingerly to the sideline.Afterward, Miller said his ankle “is good” and X-rays were “clean.” He thought he could have played in the second half, but the team's medical staff encouraged him to stay as out as a precaution.The pain of losing seemed more severe than any injury.“I talked a lot of (smack) before this game and I made it personal and I wanted the animosity,” Miller said. "I wanted this to be that game. And I wanted to win it. I was going to leave it all out there today."I was comfortable with everything I said. I want to continue to make it personal.”In the buildup to the game, Miller proclaimed he would record multiple sacks, and he jokingly warned he would “kill” any of the tackles Cleveland put in front of him. The 32-year-old Miller couldn't back up his words as the Broncos (3-4) lost again, completely erasing their promising start to 2021.Broncos coach Vic Fangio would not use Miller's injury or quarterback Teddy Bridgewater playing hurt as reasons for his team's October slide.“We've got to rally and overcome our injuries,” Fangio said. “Not use them as an excuse. We've got to make it good enough.”Earlier this week, the Broncos placed starting linebackers Alexander Johnson and Andre Mintze on injured reserve and they're also missing wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (ankle sprain) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle surgery), who is about a month away from returning.Bridgewater threw a pair of TD passes and gutted it out while playing with foot and quadriceps injuries. He came into the game listed as questionable, but didn't miss a play and finished 23 of 33 for 187 yards with one interception.“Tough loss today, man,” Bridgeater said. “It sucks. We've got to turn this thing around. We can't wait until the second half. There's definitely a sense of urgency to save the season. We can't look 10 weeks down from now.”Denver's offense sputtered in the first half, picking up just 76 yards. But Bridgewater led a 13-play, 79-yard scoring drive he capped with an 8-yard TD pass to Melvin Gordon to open the second half that gave the Broncos life.“We can't take three quarters to get going,” Gordon said.The Broncos were able to close within 17-14 on Bridgewater's 10-yard pass to Javonte Williams with 5:17 left.But missing Miller, Denver's defense couldn't stop the Browns, who handed the ball to third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson seven times and he picked up 52 yards while Cleveland ran the clock out."The last drive was very frustrating,” Fangio said. “We loaded up against the run and we couldn’t stop them.”It's not the only thing the Broncos can't stop.

🏈 Miller injures ankle, Broncos slide to 4th straight loss

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced plans to expand the Kansas Main Street Program by up to three additional communities this Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Phillipsburg, Russell and Hoisington are current members of the program.&nbsp;

“When our main street businesses succeed, our whole economy succeeds,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “That’s why my administration restarted the Kansas Main Street Program in 2019 – to help our communities reinvest in our small businesses, recruit new families to our state, and grow our economy. The expansion of the program is further proof of its success, and I look forward to welcoming three additional communities this winter.”

Originally launched in 1985, Kansas Main Street has helped dozens of mostly rural communities work toward ensuring the viability of their downtown districts. During the first 27 years of the Kansas Main Street program, more than $600 million in redevelopment was invested in designated Main Street communities statewide. During that same time nearly 4,000 small businesses were started, creating over 8,600 new jobs.&nbsp;

The program was closed by the Brownback administration in 2012 and brought back in late 2019 under the directive of Governor Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers’ Office of Rural Prosperity.

“Quality of life is key to the Kelly Administration’s economic development efforts, and we know vibrant downtowns are a key indicator of community’s overall health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Since Governor Kelly brought the state Main Street program back, Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”

Earlier this year, the governor announced the addition of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City, which brought the total number of designated Main Street communities in Kansas to 28. The program will now add up to three more designated communities, which are eligible for training and technical assistance designed to help them become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization, through a competitive application process.

The competitive process to become a Main Street community will begin on December 1, 2021, when online applications will be available. Those applications will be due no later than January 31, 2022, and the new communities will be announced in mid-February.

“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,”&nbsp;Scott Sewell, director of the Kansas Main Street program, said.&nbsp;“Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is yet another positive step forward for our state.”

Kansas Main Street has planned a workshop for any community interested in learning how to become a designated member of the downtown revitalization program. 

The Kansas Department of Commerce will host the virtual application workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 27. Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.

To register for this workshop, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTkuNDc1NjY5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDJ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9tZWV0aW5nL3JlZ2lzdGVyL3RaMGxjdTZ2cXpzdUdOYW5rSzNBQktxdU5nS1pYdC1CM2pqcCJ9.RmrVkdZeeT6GbTuXxtM0LvSmRyy0XxxzryYkaOpwaek/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcu6vqzsuGNankK3ABKquNgKZXt-B3jjp</a>

The Kansas Main Street program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy based on the four points of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. See more details of current Kansas Main Street membership here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.6hxtLVTtwFL94HN-is9mOKHlFx6pMjLBknRZ6pTpjoE/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/</a>

For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, contact Scott Sewell, Director of Kansas Main Street, at (785) 296-7288, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:scott.sewell@ks.gov" target="_blank">scott.sewell@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634664342623.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced plans to expand the Kansas Main Street Program by up to three additional communities this Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillipsburg, Russell and Hoisington are current members of the program.&nbsp;“When our main street businesses succeed, our whole economy succeeds,”&nbsp;said Governor Kelly. “That’s why my administration restarted the Kansas Main Street Program in 2019 – to help our communities reinvest in our small businesses, recruit new families to our state, and grow our economy. The expansion of the program is further proof of its success, and I look forward to welcoming three additional communities this winter.”Originally launched in 1985, Kansas Main Street has helped dozens of mostly rural communities work toward ensuring the viability of their downtown districts. During the first 27 years of the Kansas Main Street program, more than $600 million in redevelopment was invested in designated Main Street communities statewide. During that same time nearly 4,000 small businesses were started, creating over 8,600 new jobs.&nbsp;The program was closed by the Brownback administration in 2012 and brought back in late 2019 under the directive of Governor Kelly and former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers’ Office of Rural Prosperity.“Quality of life is key to the Kelly Administration’s economic development efforts, and we know vibrant downtowns are a key indicator of community’s overall health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Since Governor Kelly brought the state Main Street program back, Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”Earlier this year, the governor announced the addition of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City, which brought the total number of designated Main Street communities in Kansas to 28. The program will now add up to three more designated communities, which are eligible for training and technical assistance designed to help them become self-sufficient in downtown revitalization, through a competitive application process.The competitive process to become a Main Street community will begin on December 1, 2021, when online applications will be available. Those applications will be due no later than January 31, 2022, and the new communities will be announced in mid-February.“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,”&nbsp;Scott Sewell, director of the Kansas Main Street program, said.&nbsp;“Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is yet another positive step forward for our state.”Kansas Main Street has planned a workshop for any community interested in learning how to become a designated member of the downtown revitalization program. The Kansas Department of Commerce will host the virtual application workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 27. Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.To register for this workshop, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTkuNDc1NjY5NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDJ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9tZWV0aW5nL3JlZ2lzdGVyL3RaMGxjdTZ2cXpzdUdOYW5rSzNBQktxdU5nS1pYdC1CM2pqcCJ9.RmrVkdZeeT6GbTuXxtM0LvSmRyy0XxxzryYkaOpwaek/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcu6vqzsuGNankK3ABKquNgKZXt-B3jjp</a>The Kansas Main Street program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy based on the four points of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. See more details of current Kansas Main Street membership here:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.6hxtLVTtwFL94HN-is9mOKHlFx6pMjLBknRZ6pTpjoE/s/1303161001/br/114238834031-l" target="_blank">https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/</a>For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, contact Scott Sewell, Director of Kansas Main Street, at (785) 296-7288, or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:scott.sewell@ks.gov" target="_blank">scott.sewell@ks.gov</a>.

Three Kansas Main Street towns to be added through competitive process

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced members of his 2021 Service Academy Selection Board. The board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.

“Nominating Kansas students to attend service academies is one of my greatest responsibilities as a United States Senator,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I am proud of these students for their desire to serve our nation, and I am grateful to my Service Academy Selection Board for the thoughtful consideration and time they put into the interview and selection process. These students represent Kansas’ best qualities – hardworking, dedicated and humble – and I look forward to receiving the selection board’s recommendations and meeting with these students in-person.”

Applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on October 30 in Hutchinson. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy&nbsp;and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Media are invited to attend the interview selection event on October 30. Questions about the event may be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Angela_Lingg@moran.senate.gov" target="_blank">Angela_Lingg@moran.senate.gov</a>.

Sen. Moran’s 2021 Service Academy Selection Board:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634594702375.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. Moran WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced members of his 2021 Service Academy Selection Board. The board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.“Nominating Kansas students to attend service academies is one of my greatest responsibilities as a United States Senator,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I am proud of these students for their desire to serve our nation, and I am grateful to my Service Academy Selection Board for the thoughtful consideration and time they put into the interview and selection process. These students represent Kansas’ best qualities – hardworking, dedicated and humble – and I look forward to receiving the selection board’s recommendations and meeting with these students in-person.”Applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on October 30 in Hutchinson. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy&nbsp;and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.Media are invited to attend the interview selection event on October 30. Questions about the event may be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Angela_Lingg@moran.senate.gov" target="_blank">Angela_Lingg@moran.senate.gov</a>.Sen. Moran’s 2021 Service Academy Selection Board:<ul>
 <li>Leslie Alford of Manhattan&nbsp;– Owner, Destiny Real Estate, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel;</li><li>Jill Arensdorf, Ph.D. of Hays&nbsp;– Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor, Leadership Studies, Fort Hays State University;</li><li>Judy Bauer of Leavenworth&nbsp;– Vice President, Henry Leavenworth Chapter Association of the U.S. Army;</li><li>Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka&nbsp;– Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. Air Force veteran;</li><li>Myca Bunch of Garden City&nbsp;– President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Air Force veteran;</li><li>Dennis Butler of Manhattan&nbsp;– Director, Riley County Police Department;</li><li>Jean Clifford of Garden City&nbsp;– Member, Kansas State Board of Education, retired U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate;</li><li>Bill Ebel of Overland Park&nbsp;– City Manager, City of Overland Park, U.S. Military Academy graduate;</li><li>Mike Heldstab of Wichita&nbsp;– Owner, Michael Morgan Investments, Honorary Commander, McConnell Air Force Base;</li><li>Brian Kessens of Overland Park&nbsp;– Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager – Energy, TortoiseEcofin, U.S. Military Academy graduate;</li><li>Ryan Kriegshauser of Olathe&nbsp;– Partner, Kriegshauser Ney Law Group, Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve;</li><li>Marri Krupco of Blue Mound&nbsp;– Commander, Kansas American Legion;</li><li>Sara Lewis of Fairway&nbsp;– Former Naval Aviator and former USNA Adjunct Professor, U.S. Naval Academy graduate;</li><li>Martin Miller of Great Bend&nbsp;– Manager, Great Bend Municipal Airport, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;</li><li>Jason Pomeroy of Hesston&nbsp;– Farmer, Director of Operations for&nbsp;Something Outta Nothing, Bronze Star for Valor recipient, U.S. Military Academy graduate;</li><li>Sean Ritchie of Wichita&nbsp;– Cargill North American Operations Lead, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate;</li><li>Halley Roberson of Oberlin&nbsp;– City Administrator, City of Oberlin, U.S. Army veteran;</li><li>Greg Smith of Overland Park&nbsp;– Executive Director, The Kelsey Smith Foundation, Inc., U.S. Navy veteran;</li><li>Laah Tucker of Natoma&nbsp;– Community volunteer and veterans advocate;</li><li>Ron Whitney of Emporia&nbsp;– American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran;</li><li>Jacob Wood of Salina&nbsp;– Deputy City Manager, City of Salina, Major U.S. Army Reserves. (Wood is the former Hays assistant city manager.)</li>
 </ul>

NW Kan. residents named to Moran's Service Academy Selection Board

Douglas Fredrick Michaelis, 69, of Salina, KS passed
 away on October 19, 2021, with his loving family by his side.&nbsp; Doug was 
born November 9, 1951, in Russell, KS. to Oscar C. Michaelis and 
Elizabeth D. (Koppel) Michaelis.&nbsp; Doug married Nancy Neaderhiser on June
 16, 1974, at the Methodist church, Manchester, Ks.&nbsp; To this union was 
born two children, Derek and Erin. &nbsp;

Doug is a Veteran who served as a mechanic in the US Army stationed 
in Germany and Vietnam.&nbsp; After leaving the service he worked for a local
 concrete company and then became a superintendent for Nelson 
Construction.&nbsp; He then started his own company, Michaelis Construction, 
in 1978. He remodeled and built custom homes and developed land in 
Salina and surrounding areas. He loved playing with his real life “Tonka
 Toys,” digging basements, doing dirt work and installing septic 
systems. He also had a life long love for horses and started “Painted 
Acres” in the 1990’s. Doug and his wife, Nancy, traveled to horse sales,
 making friends wherever they went.

Doug was an extremely loving and devoted husband and father always 
making sure his family had fun and was busy making memories.&nbsp; He lit a 
room with his signature grin and contagious laughter. He loved boating, 
camping at the lake, and hot-rodding and reminiscing at car shows. 
Wether it was Doug’s personal or professional life, he improved 
everything he touched and made a lasting imprint, wether in a heart or a
 home. &nbsp;

Doug is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his two children, Derek and 
Erin Michaelis, brother Virgil (Judy) Michaelis, and multiple nieces and
 nephews. Doug is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold 
Michaelis.

His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 10:30 am, 
at Central Baptist Church, 2026 Starlight Drive, Salina, Ks.&nbsp; In lieu of
 flowers, memorials may be given to the local charity, Salina Shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634849491049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Douglas Fredrick Michaelis, 69, of Salina, KS passed
 away on October 19, 2021, with his loving family by his side.&nbsp; Doug was 
born November 9, 1951, in Russell, KS. to Oscar C. Michaelis and 
Elizabeth D. (Koppel) Michaelis.&nbsp; Doug married Nancy Neaderhiser on June
 16, 1974, at the Methodist church, Manchester, Ks.&nbsp; To this union was 
born two children, Derek and Erin. &nbsp;Doug is a Veteran who served as a mechanic in the US Army stationed 
in Germany and Vietnam.&nbsp; After leaving the service he worked for a local
 concrete company and then became a superintendent for Nelson 
Construction.&nbsp; He then started his own company, Michaelis Construction, 
in 1978. He remodeled and built custom homes and developed land in 
Salina and surrounding areas. He loved playing with his real life “Tonka
 Toys,” digging basements, doing dirt work and installing septic 
systems. He also had a life long love for horses and started “Painted 
Acres” in the 1990’s. Doug and his wife, Nancy, traveled to horse sales,
 making friends wherever they went.Doug was an extremely loving and devoted husband and father always 
making sure his family had fun and was busy making memories.&nbsp; He lit a 
room with his signature grin and contagious laughter. He loved boating, 
camping at the lake, and hot-rodding and reminiscing at car shows. 
Wether it was Doug’s personal or professional life, he improved 
everything he touched and made a lasting imprint, wether in a heart or a
 home. &nbsp;Doug is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his two children, Derek and 
Erin Michaelis, brother Virgil (Judy) Michaelis, and multiple nieces and
 nephews. Doug is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold 
Michaelis.His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, 10:30 am, 
at Central Baptist Church, 2026 Starlight Drive, Salina, Ks.&nbsp; In lieu of
 flowers, memorials may be given to the local charity, Salina Shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Douglas Fredrick Michaelis

John Alan Reiling, 55, passed away on October 18, 2021, at his home 
in Great Bend. He was born on July 27, 1966, to Harold and Elsie (Weeks)
 Reiling. John married Nancy Slattery on April 13, 1995, in Dodge City. 
She survives.

John was a resident of Great Bend, moving from Dodge City in 2006. 
Previously an engineer for the Dodge City Fire Department, he worked as 
Warehouse Manager at Clarke Well and Equipment in Great Bend prior to 
his retirement. He enjoyed rock ’n roll music, loved his pets, playing 
chess, the Denver Broncos, and teaching his children how to drive, 
change a tire, balance a checkbook, and many other things needed to be a
 successful adult. John was constantly creating new dishes for his 
family and his talents never ceased.

Survivors include wife, Nancy Slattery, of the home; one son, Blake 
(Tracy) Reiling of Kinsley; daughters, Branagan Reiling of Kinsley, 
Megan Hinderliter of Dodge City, and Tandy (Jason) Boese of Great Bend; 
and eight grandchildren, Tiara Bollig, Alexis Hinderliter, Rylan 
Michael, Declan Zink, Ashtyn Reiling, Kasey Boese, Ronnie Boese, and 
Chelsea Boese. He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been 
designated to the Dodge City Fire Department or Golden Belt Humane 
Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847122899.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Alan Reiling, 55, passed away on October 18, 2021, at his home 
in Great Bend. He was born on July 27, 1966, to Harold and Elsie (Weeks)
 Reiling. John married Nancy Slattery on April 13, 1995, in Dodge City. 
She survives.John was a resident of Great Bend, moving from Dodge City in 2006. 
Previously an engineer for the Dodge City Fire Department, he worked as 
Warehouse Manager at Clarke Well and Equipment in Great Bend prior to 
his retirement. He enjoyed rock ’n roll music, loved his pets, playing 
chess, the Denver Broncos, and teaching his children how to drive, 
change a tire, balance a checkbook, and many other things needed to be a
 successful adult. John was constantly creating new dishes for his 
family and his talents never ceased.Survivors include wife, Nancy Slattery, of the home; one son, Blake 
(Tracy) Reiling of Kinsley; daughters, Branagan Reiling of Kinsley, 
Megan Hinderliter of Dodge City, and Tandy (Jason) Boese of Great Bend; 
and eight grandchildren, Tiara Bollig, Alexis Hinderliter, Rylan 
Michael, Declan Zink, Ashtyn Reiling, Kasey Boese, Ronnie Boese, and 
Chelsea Boese. He is preceded in death by his parents.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been 
designated to the Dodge City Fire Department or Golden Belt Humane 
Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

John Alan Reiling

Larry Gene Schenk, 57, died October 17, 2021, at his home in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born February 10, 1964, in Hoisington, Kansas, the
 son of Donald D. “Shorty” and Karlene K. (Kraus) Schenk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry 
graduated from Great Bend High School.

A Great Bend resident, formerly of Olmitz, Larry had worked for 
Stoneridge Golf Course. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church of 
Olmitz.

He is survived by his mother, Karlene K. Schenk of Ellinwood; sister,
 Sheryl Hickel and husband Jim of Claflin; brother, Randy Schenk of 
Great Bend; and nephew, Dylan Hickel of Claflin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Shorty Schenk, and brothers, Darrell and Ronald Schenk.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 29, 
2020, at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Olmitz. Friends may sign the book now until
 service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has 
taken place.Memorials may be made to the Larry Schenk Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634841251196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Gene Schenk, 57, died October 17, 2021, at his home in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born February 10, 1964, in Hoisington, Kansas, the
 son of Donald D. “Shorty” and Karlene K. (Kraus) Schenk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry 
graduated from Great Bend High School.A Great Bend resident, formerly of Olmitz, Larry had worked for 
Stoneridge Golf Course. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church of 
Olmitz.He is survived by his mother, Karlene K. Schenk of Ellinwood; sister,
 Sheryl Hickel and husband Jim of Claflin; brother, Randy Schenk of 
Great Bend; and nephew, Dylan Hickel of Claflin.He was preceded in death by his father, Shorty Schenk, and brothers, Darrell and Ronald Schenk.A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 29, 
2020, at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Olmitz. Friends may sign the book now until
 service at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has 
taken place.Memorials may be made to the Larry Schenk Memorial Fund in 
care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Larry Gene Schenk

Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz, 82, passed away on October 19, 2021, at the 
Sun Porch of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 10, 
1939, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, the son of Epigmenio and Diega (Munoz)
 Chacón-Muñoz.

On May 16, 1966, he married Estela Jimenez in Madera, Chihuahua, 
Mexico. He was a farmer and had lived and worked in Ness City for many 
years.

Mr. Chacon is survived by his wife, Estela Chacón-Muñoz; three sons, 
Javier Chacón, Rigo Chacón, and Oscar Chacón; three daughters, Araceli 
Chacón, Maria Chacón, and Nora Chacón; two brothers, Manuel Jesus 
Chacón, Armando Chacón; three sisters, Manuela Martinez, Lupe Prieto, 
Berta Silva; 21 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded
 in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

A private family funeral service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness 
City, Kansas. Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634827061721.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz, 82, passed away on October 19, 2021, at the 
Sun Porch of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on June 10, 
1939, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, the son of Epigmenio and Diega (Munoz)
 Chacón-Muñoz.On May 16, 1966, he married Estela Jimenez in Madera, Chihuahua, 
Mexico. He was a farmer and had lived and worked in Ness City for many 
years.Mr. Chacon is survived by his wife, Estela Chacón-Muñoz; three sons, 
Javier Chacón, Rigo Chacón, and Oscar Chacón; three daughters, Araceli 
Chacón, Maria Chacón, and Nora Chacón; two brothers, Manuel Jesus 
Chacón, Armando Chacón; three sisters, Manuela Martinez, Lupe Prieto, 
Berta Silva; 21 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded
 in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.A private family funeral service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness 
City, Kansas. Burial in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas.Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Epigmenio Chacón-Muñoz

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the2021 Week 7 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted byMonday, October 18. This is the final week of rankings for the 2021 season.

Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Rank

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 36-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 31-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 26-8 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 29-8 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 37-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 22-10 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 22-9 (7) 8. Hutchinson 29-5 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 20-14 (9) 10. Derby 24-11 (10)

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 30-1 (2) 3. Spring Hill 27-6 (7) 4. St. James Academy 24-9 (3) 5. Mill Valley 29-7 (4) 6. Maize South 26-8 (5) 7. Seaman 23-10 (6) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 23-9 (8) 9. Basehor-Linwood 23-9 (9) 10. Emporia 24-7 (NR)

Class 4A 1. Andale 32-2 (1) 2. McPherson 29-6 (2) 3. Baldwin 26-3 (4) 4. Circle 29-6 (3) 5. Clay Center 23-5 (5) 6. Ottawa 18-16 (9) 7. Bishop Miege 12-23 (8) 8. Louisburg 18-16 (7) 9. Labette County 34-3 (10) 10. Abilene 23-13 (NR)

Class 3A 1. Cheney 32-2 (1) 2. Smoky Valley 32-3 (2) 3. Heritage Christian 30-2 (3) 4. Hiawatha 34-3 (5) 5. Nemaha Central 31-6 (4) 6. Goodland 34-3 (6) 7. Silver Lake 25-8 (9) 8. Wichita-Trinity Academy 27-6 (NR) 9. Riverton 33-3 (7) 10. Eureka 31-1 (8)

Class 2A 1. Smith Center 33-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 31-3 (2) 3. Ellinwood 31-4 (4) 4. Garden Plain 25-8 (3) 5. Hillsboro 27-8 (5) 6. Sterling 27-7 (6) 7. Wabaunsee 28-7 (7) 8. Inman 24-10 (9) 9. Meade/Fowler 31-1 (8) 10. Jefferson County North 29-6 (10)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 32-5 (1) 2. Pretty Prairie 34-4 (4) 3. Little River 31-4 (2) 4. Victoria 26-5 (3) 5. Kiowa County 27-5 (5) 6. Spearville 27-6 (6) 7. Burlingame 23-7 (8) 8. St. Paul 28-4 (7) 9. St. John-Hudson 20-12 (10) 10. Goessel 24-11 (NR)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 32-5 (1) 2. Lebo 26-4 (2) 3. Attica 31-3 (3) 4. Central Plains 24-8 (4) 5. Wheatland-Grinnell 26-9 (7) 6. Central Christian 23-9 (8) 7. Golden Plains 30-6 (6) 8. Linn 24-12 (5) 9. Dighton 23-9 (9) 10. Argonia 25-6 (10)

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the2021 Week 7 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted byMonday, October 18. This is the final week of rankings for the 2021 season.Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s RankClass 6A 1. Washburn Rural 36-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 31-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 26-8 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 29-8 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 37-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 22-10 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 22-9 (7) 8. Hutchinson 29-5 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 20-14 (9) 10. Derby 24-11 (10)Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 30-1 (2) 3. Spring Hill 27-6 (7) 4. St. James Academy 24-9 (3) 5. Mill Valley 29-7 (4) 6. Maize South 26-8 (5) 7. Seaman 23-10 (6) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 23-9 (8) 9. Basehor-Linwood 23-9 (9) 10. Emporia 24-7 (NR)Class 4A 1. Andale 32-2 (1) 2. McPherson 29-6 (2) 3. Baldwin 26-3 (4) 4. Circle 29-6 (3) 5. Clay Center 23-5 (5) 6. Ottawa 18-16 (9) 7. Bishop Miege 12-23 (8) 8. Louisburg 18-16 (7) 9. Labette County 34-3 (10) 10. Abilene 23-13 (NR)Class 3A 1. Cheney 32-2 (1) 2. Smoky Valley 32-3 (2) 3. Heritage Christian 30-2 (3) 4. Hiawatha 34-3 (5) 5. Nemaha Central 31-6 (4) 6. Goodland 34-3 (6) 7. Silver Lake 25-8 (9) 8. Wichita-Trinity Academy 27-6 (NR) 9. Riverton 33-3 (7) 10. Eureka 31-1 (8)Class 2A 1. Smith Center 33-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 31-3 (2) 3. Ellinwood 31-4 (4) 4. Garden Plain 25-8 (3) 5. Hillsboro 27-8 (5) 6. Sterling 27-7 (6) 7. Wabaunsee 28-7 (7) 8. Inman 24-10 (9) 9. Meade/Fowler 31-1 (8) 10. Jefferson County North 29-6 (10)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 32-5 (1) 2. Pretty Prairie 34-4 (4) 3. Little River 31-4 (2) 4. Victoria 26-5 (3) 5. Kiowa County 27-5 (5) 6. Spearville 27-6 (6) 7. Burlingame 23-7 (8) 8. St. Paul 28-4 (7) 9. St. John-Hudson 20-12 (10) 10. Goessel 24-11 (NR)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 32-5 (1) 2. Lebo 26-4 (2) 3. Attica 31-3 (3) 4. Central Plains 24-8 (4) 5. Wheatland-Grinnell 26-9 (7) 6. Central Christian 23-9 (8) 7. Golden Plains 30-6 (6) 8. Linn 24-12 (5) 9. Dighton 23-9 (9) 10. Argonia 25-6 (10)

🏐 Week seven KVA rankings

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."

"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."

Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.

H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.

Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.

Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him. Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan &amp; American hero. <a href="https://t.co/3PnLtcCXaE">pic.twitter.com/3PnLtcCXaE</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1450919724221673473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951." />
 <figcaption>Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

🎥 U.S. House passes resolution to honor revered Kansas priest

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.

Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. 

The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. 

The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634744229557.png" alt="Dishner KBI offener registry" />
 <figcaption>Dishner KBI offener registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

Kansas man sentenced for sex crimes involving 10-year-old

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.

The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;

Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.

Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.

As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers.

"(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement.

"The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained.

"So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;

Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.

The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;

The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621979683487.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAfter a three-week break, Hays city commissioners will meet in a work session Thursday night.The next step - setting a public hearing - will be discussed in <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90c93372-2fbd-46d9-9156-f1b1352c38cf">establishing an RHID </a>(Rural Housing Improvement District) for the former St. Joseph School,&nbsp;210 W. 13th Street.&nbsp;Commissioners will also look ahead with Erin Giebler, human resources director, to the 2022 city employee health insurance plan.Two quotes have been received from the city's current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, but there is a wide gap in the costs, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mBwfiy5Yytc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As improvements continue at the intersection of 230th and 55th Avenues preparing for a new travel center and completion of the Northwest Business Corridor, the city will gain four new water customers."(The improvements) created a conflict with an existing Rural Water District #2 water main, and it would have been a costly replacement."The city's water main infrastructure is now up there due to the truck plaza. So the Rural Water District and the city and the four customers that are going to be impacted have agreed to switch from rural water district territory to city territory," Bielser explained."So we'll be taking on four new customers and some minor infrastructure that serves those customers."&nbsp;Other agenda items include discussion of replacing a 25-year-old reuse pump house and a request from the Kiwanis Club for a city flag pole dedication.The complete October 21 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212021-1303">here</a>.&nbsp;The work session starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

 🎥 Improvements for travel plaza will move customers to city water

Richard M. Lowenthal, age 71, passed away on Monday, October 18, 
2021, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born 
on July 29, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Alfred Jr. &amp; Ruth 
Hueftle Lowenthal.&nbsp; He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 
moving from Colby, Kansas, and retired from Midwest Energy as a Field 
Service Representative in 2014.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakley &amp; Colby,
 Kansas and a Past President and Member of the Scott City County Club.

On April 20, 1985, he married Kathy Unrein in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Kathy Lowenthal of Scott City, Kansas, 
One Son - Blake &amp; Rhiannon Lowenthal of Topeka, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Jackie &amp; Toby Eastland of Prosper, Texas, Janessa 
Lowenthal of Overland Park, Kansas, One Brother - David Lowenthal of 
Lawrence, Kansas, One Sister - Deb &amp; Ron Teeter of Lawrence, Kansas,
 Two Granddaughters - Taylor Eastland of Prosper, Texas, and Katelyn 
Eastland of Prosper, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, and One Brother - Jeff Lowenthal.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to the Richard M. Lowenthal Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Inurnment will be in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634758900063.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard M. Lowenthal, age 71, passed away on Monday, October 18, 
2021, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born 
on July 29, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Alfred Jr. &amp; Ruth 
Hueftle Lowenthal.&nbsp; He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1972 
moving from Colby, Kansas, and retired from Midwest Energy as a Field 
Service Representative in 2014.He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oakley &amp; Colby,
 Kansas and a Past President and Member of the Scott City County Club.On April 20, 1985, he married Kathy Unrein in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; She survives.Survivors include his Wife - Kathy Lowenthal of Scott City, Kansas, 
One Son - Blake &amp; Rhiannon Lowenthal of Topeka, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Jackie &amp; Toby Eastland of Prosper, Texas, Janessa 
Lowenthal of Overland Park, Kansas, One Brother - David Lowenthal of 
Lawrence, Kansas, One Sister - Deb &amp; Ron Teeter of Lawrence, Kansas,
 Two Granddaughters - Taylor Eastland of Prosper, Texas, and Katelyn 
Eastland of Prosper, Texas.He was preceded in death by his Parents, and One Brother - Jeff Lowenthal.Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas.Memorials can be made to the Richard M. Lowenthal Memorial Fund in 
care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.Inurnment will be in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Kansas.There will be no calling times.

Richard M. Lowenthal

Reva L. Leech, 78, passed away October 19, 2021, at Clara Barton 
Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on April 7, 1943, at Aline, Okla. 
to Loren &amp; Vona (Haight) Sacket. She was raised by her father and 
stepmother, Loren and Dale Sacket. She married Morris F. Leech, Jr. on 
May 19, 1963, at Alva, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He died May 20, 2019.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Reva was a homemaker. She was a 
member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford. She 
especially loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Tyler Leech and Todd Leech, both of 
Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Daniels of Montrose, Colo. and Christy
 Leech of Great Bend; two brothers, Richard Sacket and Wayne Sacket, 
both of Okla.; fifteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris Leech, 
Jr.; two sons, Toby J. Leech and Terry Leech; and two daughters, Cindy 
Leech and Carla Leech.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 26, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. 
Memorials have been designated to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634758793861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reva L. Leech, 78, passed away October 19, 2021, at Clara Barton 
Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on April 7, 1943, at Aline, Okla. 
to Loren &amp; Vona (Haight) Sacket. She was raised by her father and 
stepmother, Loren and Dale Sacket. She married Morris F. Leech, Jr. on 
May 19, 1963, at Alva, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He died May 20, 2019.A longtime Great Bend resident, Reva was a homemaker. She was a 
member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Stafford. She 
especially loved spending time with her family.Survivors include, two sons, Tyler Leech and Todd Leech, both of 
Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Daniels of Montrose, Colo. and Christy
 Leech of Great Bend; two brothers, Richard Sacket and Wayne Sacket, 
both of Okla.; fifteen grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris Leech, 
Jr.; two sons, Toby J. Leech and Terry Leech; and two daughters, Cindy 
Leech and Carla Leech.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 26, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. 
Memorials have been designated to Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant 
Funeral Home.

Reva L. Leech

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) to host the fourth annual Kansas Prevention Conference October 21-22, 2021, with a pre-conference session October 20. This year’s conference, “Strong for the Next Generation,” is a virtual event and welcomes two nationally recognized keynote speakers. Last year, the conference drew more than 175 virtual attendees who joined for educational opportunities designed to help them in their prevention work throughout the state.

The KPC Conference will provide attendees with educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends in prevention, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and advocate for best practices. Participants in the conference will also learn ways to connect and network with their community and advocate for best practices in prevention.

“Each year this conference attracts people across that state who understand that the work we do around prevention is a fundamental part of the larger public health conversation we must have in our state,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Bringing everyone together is one of the ways we can share our knowledge with coalitions and communities across the state in an effort to empower them to move forward with some of the strategies presented in the diverse breakout sessions offered.”

The conference will kick off October 21 with opening remarks by Secretary Howard followed by a keynote address by speaker Dr. Wanda Boone, founder of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). Dr. Boone’s presentation will reveal how traumatic events and experiences impact prevention as she also takes a dive into the importance of identifying trauma as a social determinant of health and how to apply a resilience-based, equity informed, and community driven lens to prevention.

National Director of Children’s Programs at Betty Ford Center, Jerry Moe, MA, will also give a keynote presentation, “Through a Child’s Eyes,” on the second day of the conference. He will discuss how children are impacted in a family with alcoholism and drug addiction and uncover specific prevention strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.

KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission and the KPC are excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. To learn more about the conference, view the schedule and read more about the keynote speakers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTMuNDczMDUwMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3ByZXZlbnRpb25jb2xsYWJvcmF0aXZlLm9yZy9jb25mZXJlbmNlLyJ9.ejtgaglswcmR7cPWIR59n8C-At40AnFgpfrgcxVurvo/s/1303161001/br/113852068779-l" target="_blank">kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/conference</a>.

KPC is a group of eight partner organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need to prevent underage drinking, substance misuse, problem gambling and suicide. Partner organizations are KDADS, Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, DCCCA, Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, and Life Span Institute University of Kansas.

These eight partner organizations along with these nine conference sponsors make this year’s event possible: Aire Recovery Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, United Behavioral Health, Mirror, Opioid Response Network, Valeo, C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc., Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery, Norton.

About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative:&nbsp;The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 in an effort to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different state, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KPCTeam@wichita.edu" target="_blank">KPCTeam@wichita.edu</a>.

KDADSTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) to host the fourth annual Kansas Prevention Conference October 21-22, 2021, with a pre-conference session October 20. This year’s conference, “Strong for the Next Generation,” is a virtual event and welcomes two nationally recognized keynote speakers. Last year, the conference drew more than 175 virtual attendees who joined for educational opportunities designed to help them in their prevention work throughout the state.The KPC Conference will provide attendees with educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends in prevention, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and advocate for best practices. Participants in the conference will also learn ways to connect and network with their community and advocate for best practices in prevention.“Each year this conference attracts people across that state who understand that the work we do around prevention is a fundamental part of the larger public health conversation we must have in our state,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Bringing everyone together is one of the ways we can share our knowledge with coalitions and communities across the state in an effort to empower them to move forward with some of the strategies presented in the diverse breakout sessions offered.”The conference will kick off October 21 with opening remarks by Secretary Howard followed by a keynote address by speaker Dr. Wanda Boone, founder of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). Dr. Boone’s presentation will reveal how traumatic events and experiences impact prevention as she also takes a dive into the importance of identifying trauma as a social determinant of health and how to apply a resilience-based, equity informed, and community driven lens to prevention.National Director of Children’s Programs at Betty Ford Center, Jerry Moe, MA, will also give a keynote presentation, “Through a Child’s Eyes,” on the second day of the conference. He will discuss how children are impacted in a family with alcoholism and drug addiction and uncover specific prevention strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Commission and the KPC are excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. To learn more about the conference, view the schedule and read more about the keynote speakers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTMuNDczMDUwMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3ByZXZlbnRpb25jb2xsYWJvcmF0aXZlLm9yZy9jb25mZXJlbmNlLyJ9.ejtgaglswcmR7cPWIR59n8C-At40AnFgpfrgcxVurvo/s/1303161001/br/113852068779-l" target="_blank">kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/conference</a>.KPC is a group of eight partner organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need to prevent underage drinking, substance misuse, problem gambling and suicide. Partner organizations are KDADS, Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, DCCCA, Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, and Life Span Institute University of Kansas.These eight partner organizations along with these nine conference sponsors make this year’s event possible: Aire Recovery Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, United Behavioral Health, Mirror, Opioid Response Network, Valeo, C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc., Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc., Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery, Norton.About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative:&nbsp;The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 in an effort to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different state, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KPCTeam@wichita.edu" target="_blank">KPCTeam@wichita.edu</a>.

Norton's Valley Hope part of online Kansas Prevention Conference 

Sandie E. Robinson Kigar, 44, passed away October 19, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt.

She was born August 1, 1977, in Larned; the daughter of Keith W. and 
Sandra E. Miller Robinson.&nbsp; A lifetime Larned resident; she was a 
Librarian for USD #495 Larned High School.

Survivors include; her parents of Larned; her son Lucas Robinson, of 
Larned, who was her whole life with God’s blessing; two nephews, Victor 
Robinson, Dorrance and Colton Robinson, Wilson and her beloved dog 
Bosco.

She was preceded in death by; her son, Keith Aaron McKinney and her brother Keith Robinson Jr.

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.

Memorial may be given too the USD #495 Larned High School Library, 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/2021/10/1634749554453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sandie E. Robinson Kigar, 44, passed away October 19, 2021, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt.She was born August 1, 1977, in Larned; the daughter of Keith W. and 
Sandra E. Miller Robinson.&nbsp; A lifetime Larned resident; she was a 
Librarian for USD #495 Larned High School.She was of the Christian Faith.Survivors include; her parents of Larned; her son Lucas Robinson, of 
Larned, who was her whole life with God’s blessing; two nephews, Victor 
Robinson, Dorrance and Colton Robinson, Wilson and her beloved dog 
Bosco.She was preceded in death by; her son, Keith Aaron McKinney and her brother Keith Robinson Jr.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.Memorial may be given too the USD #495 Larned High School Library, 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>.

Sandie E. Robinson Kigar

James Alton Anderson, 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas

James was born on May 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Alton and Nadene Anderson.&nbsp; He enjoyed riding the Russell Public Transportation bus to run errands, watching television, playing bingo and card games.

A private burial will take place at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

James Alton Anderson, 75, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, KansasJames was born on May 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Alton and Nadene Anderson.&nbsp; He enjoyed riding the Russell Public Transportation bus to run errands, watching television, playing bingo and card games.A private burial will take place at a later date.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

James Alton Anderson

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.

<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 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749192521.png" alt="Wednesday October 20,2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday October 20,2021 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: 2,100 new cases, 15 more COVID deaths

Richard Marion Weltmer, 90, passed away on October 16, 2021 at SunPorch 
of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas. He was born at home in Banner 
Township, Smith County, Kansas, on January 20, 1931, the fourth child of
 Charley Lawrence and Gertrude Marion Duer Weltmer.
 The family moved up to a rented farm one and a half miles south of 
Thornburg where Richard and Robert started to the one room school at the
 same time in August of 1935. Charley wanted to take 2 boys by 
horseback to and from school. The boys were classmates and best 
friends.
 In April of 1939 a little sister, Norma Kay Joined their family. 
Richard was close to his sister Kay and proud to be one of her big 
brothers.
 The family moved a house from Bellaire to Park Street in Smith 
Center in 1945 when Charley started work for Hardman Lumberyard. The 
boys started to school in Smith Center. Richard worked for Ormal Martin
 helping feed cattle before and after school thru high school. Ormal 
let Richard off in the afternoons in the fall of 1947 to play football 
since it was his senior year. Richard and Robert graduated from Smith 
Center High School in 1948. Richard then went to Business School in 
Chillicothe, Missouri for six months studying business and also learned 
teletyping.
 Richard started going to the Nazarene Youth Group. It seems a nice 
young lady named Avis Sprague caught his eye. Richard and Avis were 
married on December 3, 1950 in the Smith Center Nazarene Church.
 Richard was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and when 
they learned he knew how to teletype and read morse code, he was 
stationed in Germany. While he was in basic training in Pennsylvania, 
Avis was with him, then she came home to Smith Center while he was 
overseas.
 After Richard was discharged he got a job with the Santa Fe Railroad
 as a teletypist in Newton, Kansas. While Richard and Avis were in 
Newton older Son, Kenton LeRoy was born in 1954.
 Richard missed Smith Center and living and working on a farm, so in 
1955 they purchased their little farmstead east of Smith Center where 
Kenton and Deb live today. Richard and Avis’s father Dewey Sprague went
 into farming together as Weltmer and Sprague. Richard had milk cows, a
 sow herd, a cow/calf operation and raised wheat, milo and hay. In 1956
 son Michael Brent joined the family. When Kenton and Mike got old 
enough to start farming with their dad, Dewey backed out of the 
operation. The W &amp; S brand would now stand for Weltmer and Sons. 
In 1976 Richard and Avis incorporated with their sons to form W &amp; S 
Ranch, Inc. In 1977 Kenton married Deborah Zabel and in 1978 Mike 
married Ladonna Lytle, making 6 active members of the ranch. In 1980 
grandsons, Simeon and Philip were born and in 1983 Timothy and Steven 
were born. Richard and Avis loved watching their family expand. Not 
only were they farming together, they all went to the Nazarene Church 
together. Richard was blessed to go to church with his 
great-grandchildren also.
 Richard started working in the 1970’s for Chandler Livestock 
Auction. After the death of Chan’s brother, Hugh, Richard became Chan’s
 partner. In 1983 Chan was ready to retire and Richard and Avis bought 
the sale barn and called it Weltmer Livestock Auction, Inc. He would 
own and operate the sale barn for 22 years. Mike, Ladonna and Philip 
worked with Richard at some point during those years.
 In October of 2001 Avis got the devastating news she had lung 
cancer. Richard would lose the love of his life on December 30, 2001.
 Richard was a member of the Smith Center Nazarene Church, Gideons, 
61 year member of the American Legion, and was on the Fairview Cemetery 
board for 24 years.
 Richard was preceded in death by his wife Avis Lee; his parents; 
infant siblings, Willard LaRue and Doris Arlene; brother Robert 
Winfield; sister Norma Kay Schultz; and grandson Dr. Simeon George 
Weltmer.
 Left to cherish his memory are his sons. Kenton and wife Deborah and
 Michael and wife Ladonna all of Smith Center; grandsons, Philip and 
wife Jessica, Timothy and wife Dayna and Steven and wife Vanessa, all of
 Smith Center; and granddaughter-in-law Jennie Weltmer Collins and 
husband Adam of Kearney, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaden, Korey 
and Kaylee Weltmer, Deklynn, Drake, Darris and Dayvie Weltmer, Tessa, 
Micah, Cora and Clara Weltmer all of Smith Center; Austin Weltmer 
Collins, Aaron and Anderson Richard Collins all of Kearney, Missouri; 
along with many relatives and friends.

Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Richard-Dick-M-Weltmer?obId=22681687#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634740300197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard Marion Weltmer, 90, passed away on October 16, 2021 at SunPorch 
of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas. He was born at home in Banner 
Township, Smith County, Kansas, on January 20, 1931, the fourth child of
 Charley Lawrence and Gertrude Marion Duer Weltmer.
 The family moved up to a rented farm one and a half miles south of 
Thornburg where Richard and Robert started to the one room school at the
 same time in August of 1935. Charley wanted to take 2 boys by 
horseback to and from school. The boys were classmates and best 
friends.
 In April of 1939 a little sister, Norma Kay Joined their family. 
Richard was close to his sister Kay and proud to be one of her big 
brothers.
 The family moved a house from Bellaire to Park Street in Smith 
Center in 1945 when Charley started work for Hardman Lumberyard. The 
boys started to school in Smith Center. Richard worked for Ormal Martin
 helping feed cattle before and after school thru high school. Ormal 
let Richard off in the afternoons in the fall of 1947 to play football 
since it was his senior year. Richard and Robert graduated from Smith 
Center High School in 1948. Richard then went to Business School in 
Chillicothe, Missouri for six months studying business and also learned 
teletyping.
 Richard started going to the Nazarene Youth Group. It seems a nice 
young lady named Avis Sprague caught his eye. Richard and Avis were 
married on December 3, 1950 in the Smith Center Nazarene Church.
 Richard was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and when 
they learned he knew how to teletype and read morse code, he was 
stationed in Germany. While he was in basic training in Pennsylvania, 
Avis was with him, then she came home to Smith Center while he was 
overseas.
 After Richard was discharged he got a job with the Santa Fe Railroad
 as a teletypist in Newton, Kansas. While Richard and Avis were in 
Newton older Son, Kenton LeRoy was born in 1954.
 Richard missed Smith Center and living and working on a farm, so in 
1955 they purchased their little farmstead east of Smith Center where 
Kenton and Deb live today. Richard and Avis’s father Dewey Sprague went
 into farming together as Weltmer and Sprague. Richard had milk cows, a
 sow herd, a cow/calf operation and raised wheat, milo and hay. In 1956
 son Michael Brent joined the family. When Kenton and Mike got old 
enough to start farming with their dad, Dewey backed out of the 
operation. The W &amp; S brand would now stand for Weltmer and Sons. 
In 1976 Richard and Avis incorporated with their sons to form W &amp; S 
Ranch, Inc. In 1977 Kenton married Deborah Zabel and in 1978 Mike 
married Ladonna Lytle, making 6 active members of the ranch. In 1980 
grandsons, Simeon and Philip were born and in 1983 Timothy and Steven 
were born. Richard and Avis loved watching their family expand. Not 
only were they farming together, they all went to the Nazarene Church 
together. Richard was blessed to go to church with his 
great-grandchildren also.
 Richard started working in the 1970’s for Chandler Livestock 
Auction. After the death of Chan’s brother, Hugh, Richard became Chan’s
 partner. In 1983 Chan was ready to retire and Richard and Avis bought 
the sale barn and called it Weltmer Livestock Auction, Inc. He would 
own and operate the sale barn for 22 years. Mike, Ladonna and Philip 
worked with Richard at some point during those years.
 In October of 2001 Avis got the devastating news she had lung 
cancer. Richard would lose the love of his life on December 30, 2001.
 Richard was a member of the Smith Center Nazarene Church, Gideons, 
61 year member of the American Legion, and was on the Fairview Cemetery 
board for 24 years.
 Richard was preceded in death by his wife Avis Lee; his parents; 
infant siblings, Willard LaRue and Doris Arlene; brother Robert 
Winfield; sister Norma Kay Schultz; and grandson Dr. Simeon George 
Weltmer.
 Left to cherish his memory are his sons. Kenton and wife Deborah and
 Michael and wife Ladonna all of Smith Center; grandsons, Philip and 
wife Jessica, Timothy and wife Dayna and Steven and wife Vanessa, all of
 Smith Center; and granddaughter-in-law Jennie Weltmer Collins and 
husband Adam of Kearney, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaden, Korey 
and Kaylee Weltmer, Deklynn, Drake, Darris and Dayvie Weltmer, Tessa, 
Micah, Cora and Clara Weltmer all of Smith Center; Austin Weltmer 
Collins, Aaron and Anderson Richard Collins all of Kearney, Missouri; 
along with many relatives and friends.Click <a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Richard-Dick-M-Weltmer?obId=22681687#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Richard 'Dick' Weltmer

Pammie Rose Shank, 58, passed away October 18, 2021, at her home in Larned.

She was born February 7, 1963, in Aransas Pass, TX, the daughter of 
Clinton Harold and Iona “Betty” Bethine Norris Lauber. A longtime area 
resident, she was the Assistant Cashier for 32 years at the Fusion Bank 
(First State Bank) in Larned.

She was a member of the Larned Area Chamber Ambassadors and a past 
member of the Jaycees Club.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, hunting and loved to 
travel.

On May 1, 1989, she married Jan Arlyn Shank in Las Vegas, N.V. He survives.

Other survivors include: brother, David (Martha) Lauber, Cheney, WA; 
sister, Tammie (Jimmy) McClaren, Kinsley; two nieces, Kaitlyn (Joby) 
Reisenauer and their children, Quintin and Tobin, Mackenzie (Cory) 
Dilport and their daughter, Ember and a nephew, Cole (Kristin) McClaren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Terry Lauber and a sister, Sandra Davis.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Pammie Rose Shank, 58, passed away October 18, 2021, at her home in Larned.She was born February 7, 1963, in Aransas Pass, TX, the daughter of 
Clinton Harold and Iona “Betty” Bethine Norris Lauber. A longtime area 
resident, she was the Assistant Cashier for 32 years at the Fusion Bank 
(First State Bank) in Larned.She was a member of the Larned Area Chamber Ambassadors and a past 
member of the Jaycees Club.&nbsp; She enjoyed fishing, hunting and loved to 
travel.On May 1, 1989, she married Jan Arlyn Shank in Las Vegas, N.V. He survives.Other survivors include: brother, David (Martha) Lauber, Cheney, WA; 
sister, Tammie (Jimmy) McClaren, Kinsley; two nieces, Kaitlyn (Joby) 
Reisenauer and their children, Quintin and Tobin, Mackenzie (Cory) 
Dilport and their daughter, Ember and a nephew, Cole (Kristin) McClaren.She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Terry Lauber and a sister, Sandra Davis.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date.Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Pammie Rose Shank

Jerome Fredrick Gormley, 81, of Grinnell, died Monday, October 18, 2021.
 He was born February 7, 1940, in Grinnell, KS, to Chester and Reba 
(Schroeder) Gormley. Jerry was a lifelong farmer, who never stopped 
working. He devoted his life to his work and was a perfectionist in 
whatever he did, never quitting until the job was done right. If he 
wasn’t in the field, you could find him in his shop where he always had a
 project going and was often inventing or creating things. When he did 
take a break from work, Jerry kept busy watching sports on TV and doing 
crossword and jigsaw puzzles. On April 11, 1961, Jerry married Jeanie 
Stephens and to this union three children were born. 
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anita Huelsmann and brother Randall Struckhoff. 
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanie; children, Sharon (Don) 
Burks, Steven (Melissa Shupe) and James; sister Judy (Roger) Hartman; 
brother-in-law Charlie Huelsman; ten grandchildren and nine 
great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Immaculate
 Conception Parish Center, Grinnell, KS, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. 
Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. 
Memorials may be made for Masses or the Immaculate Conception Cemetery 
Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634735896227.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome Fredrick Gormley, 81, of Grinnell, died Monday, October 18, 2021.
 He was born February 7, 1940, in Grinnell, KS, to Chester and Reba 
(Schroeder) Gormley. Jerry was a lifelong farmer, who never stopped 
working. He devoted his life to his work and was a perfectionist in 
whatever he did, never quitting until the job was done right. If he 
wasn’t in the field, you could find him in his shop where he always had a
 project going and was often inventing or creating things. When he did 
take a break from work, Jerry kept busy watching sports on TV and doing 
crossword and jigsaw puzzles. On April 11, 1961, Jerry married Jeanie 
Stephens and to this union three children were born. 
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Anita Huelsmann and brother Randall Struckhoff. 
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanie; children, Sharon (Don) 
Burks, Steven (Melissa Shupe) and James; sister Judy (Roger) Hartman; 
brother-in-law Charlie Huelsman; ten grandchildren and nine 
great-grandchildren. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Immaculate
 Conception Parish Center, Grinnell, KS, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. 
Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. 
Memorials may be made for Masses or the Immaculate Conception Cemetery 
Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 
67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jerome Frederick Gormley

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Negotiations stretched into a fourth day seeking the return of 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group kidnapped over the weekend by a violent gang that is demanding $1 million ransom per person.

The group includes five children whose ages range from 8 months to 15 years, although authorities were not clear whether the ransom amount included them, a top Haitian official said Tuesday. Sixteen of the abductees are Americans and one Canadian.

The abduction is one of at least 119 kidnappings recorded in Haiti for the first half of October, according to the Center of Analysis and Research of Human Rights, a local nonprofit group. It said a Haitian driver was abducted along with the missionaries, bringing the total to 18 people taken by the gang.

The Haitian official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, told The Associated Press that someone from the 400 Mawozo gang made the ransom demand Saturday in a call to a leader of the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries shortly after the abduction.

“This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti,” the Ohio group said, adding that the missionaries worked most recently on a project to help rebuild homes lost in a magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti on Aug. 14.

The group was returning from visiting an orphanage when it was abducted, the organization said.

Responding to the recent wave of kidnappings, workers staged a protest strike that shuttered businesses, schools and public transportation starting Monday. The work stoppage was a new blow to Haiti’s anemic economy. Unions and other groups vowed to continue the shutdown indefinitely.

In a peaceful demonstration Tuesday north of Port-au-Prince, dozens of people walked through the streets of Titanyen demanding the release of the missionaries. Some carried signs that read “Free the Americans” and “No to Kidnapping!” and explained that the missionaries helped pay bills and build roads and schools.

“They do a lot for us,” said Beatrice Jean.

Meanwhile, the country’s fuel shortage worsened, with businesses blaming gangs for blocking roads and gas distribution terminals.

Hundreds of motorcycles zoomed through the streets of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday as the drivers yelled, “If there’s no fuel, we’re going to burn it all down!”

One protest took place near the prime minister’s residence, where police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd demanding fuel.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the FBI was “part of a coordinated U.S. government effort” to free the missionaries. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince was coordinating with local officials and the hostages’ families.

“We know these groups target U.S. citizens who they assume have the resources and finances to pay ransoms, even if that is not the case,” Psaki said, noting that the government has urged U.S. citizens not to visit Haiti.

It is longstanding U.S. policy not to negotiate with hostage takers, and Psaki declined to discuss details of the operation.

The kidnapping was the largest of its kind reported in recent years. Haitian gangs have grown more brazen as the country tries to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the earthquake that killed more than 2,200 people.

Christian Aid Ministries said the kidnapped group included six women, six men and five children. A sign on the door at the organization’s headquarters in Berlin, Ohio, said it was closed due to the kidnapping situation.

News of the kidnappings spread swiftly in and around Holmes County, Ohio, hub of one of the largest populations of Amish and conservative Mennonites in the United States, said Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish &amp; Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Millersburg, Ohio.

Christian Aid Ministries is supported by conservative Mennonite, Amish and related groups that are part of the Anabaptist tradition.

The organization was founded in the early 1980s and began working in Haiti later that decade, said Steven Nolt, professor of history and Anabaptist studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. The group has year-round mission staff in Haiti and several countries, he said, and it ships religious, school and medical supplies throughout the world.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Negotiations stretched into a fourth day seeking the return of 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group kidnapped over the weekend by a violent gang that is demanding $1 million ransom per person.The group includes five children whose ages range from 8 months to 15 years, although authorities were not clear whether the ransom amount included them, a top Haitian official said Tuesday. Sixteen of the abductees are Americans and one Canadian.The abduction is one of at least 119 kidnappings recorded in Haiti for the first half of October, according to the Center of Analysis and Research of Human Rights, a local nonprofit group. It said a Haitian driver was abducted along with the missionaries, bringing the total to 18 people taken by the gang.The Haitian official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, told The Associated Press that someone from the 400 Mawozo gang made the ransom demand Saturday in a call to a leader of the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries shortly after the abduction.“This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti,” the Ohio group said, adding that the missionaries worked most recently on a project to help rebuild homes lost in a magnitude-7.2 earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti on Aug. 14.The group was returning from visiting an orphanage when it was abducted, the organization said.Responding to the recent wave of kidnappings, workers staged a protest strike that shuttered businesses, schools and public transportation starting Monday. The work stoppage was a new blow to Haiti’s anemic economy. Unions and other groups vowed to continue the shutdown indefinitely.In a peaceful demonstration Tuesday north of Port-au-Prince, dozens of people walked through the streets of Titanyen demanding the release of the missionaries. Some carried signs that read “Free the Americans” and “No to Kidnapping!” and explained that the missionaries helped pay bills and build roads and schools.“They do a lot for us,” said Beatrice Jean.Meanwhile, the country’s fuel shortage worsened, with businesses blaming gangs for blocking roads and gas distribution terminals.Hundreds of motorcycles zoomed through the streets of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday as the drivers yelled, “If there’s no fuel, we’re going to burn it all down!”One protest took place near the prime minister’s residence, where police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd demanding fuel.In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the FBI was “part of a coordinated U.S. government effort” to free the missionaries. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince was coordinating with local officials and the hostages’ families.“We know these groups target U.S. citizens who they assume have the resources and finances to pay ransoms, even if that is not the case,” Psaki said, noting that the government has urged U.S. citizens not to visit Haiti.It is longstanding U.S. policy not to negotiate with hostage takers, and Psaki declined to discuss details of the operation.The kidnapping was the largest of its kind reported in recent years. Haitian gangs have grown more brazen as the country tries to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the earthquake that killed more than 2,200 people.Christian Aid Ministries said the kidnapped group included six women, six men and five children. A sign on the door at the organization’s headquarters in Berlin, Ohio, said it was closed due to the kidnapping situation.News of the kidnappings spread swiftly in and around Holmes County, Ohio, hub of one of the largest populations of Amish and conservative Mennonites in the United States, said Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish &amp; Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Millersburg, Ohio.Christian Aid Ministries is supported by conservative Mennonite, Amish and related groups that are part of the Anabaptist tradition.The organization was founded in the early 1980s and began working in Haiti later that decade, said Steven Nolt, professor of history and Anabaptist studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. The group has year-round mission staff in Haiti and several countries, he said, and it ships religious, school and medical supplies throughout the world.

Negotiations drag on to free U.S. missionaries kidnapped in Haiti

Webinar to be conducted on October 28, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. EDT

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 </figure>FCCWebinar to be conducted on October 28, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. EDT In partnership with the Hawai’i Attorney General, the Federal Communications Commission will host a virtual public webinar on spoofing and robocalls. The event will follow up on the Hawai’i Attorney General’s spoofing alert issued last month, and will feature state government officials and other Hawai’i-based partners. It will provide tips consumers can use to protect themselves from scams. The Webinar will begin at 11:30 a.m. Hawai’i time / 5:30 p.m. Eastern time and stream live on www.fcc.gov/live. It is a free virtual event and does not require advanced registration.Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to the recipient’s caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use “neighbor spoofing” so it appears that an incoming call is from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that consumers may know and trust. Spoofing is often used in concert with a robocall by fraudsters seeking to steal consumers’ money and/or identity.Questions can be submitted during or in advance of this event by sending an email to Outreach@fcc.gov. Open captioning will be provided for this event. Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer &amp; Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice). Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way for the FCC to contact the requester if more information is needed to fill the request. Last minute requests will be accepted, but it may not be possible to accommodate the request.