WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of October.

This fourth batch of advance monthly payments, totaling about $15 
billion, is reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority of payments will be issued by direct deposit.

Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received 
payments dated July 15, August 13 and September 15. Future payments are 
scheduled for November 15 and December 15. For these families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. The vast majority 
will be issued by direct deposit.

The IRS is currently sending letters to some Americans reminding
 them it is not too late for families who haven't filed a 2020 income 
tax return — including those who are not normally required to file 
because their incomes are too low — to sign up for advance CTC payments.
 Most low-income families can get these monthly payments. The IRS urges 
families who normally aren't required to file a tax return to visit 
IRS.gov for more information on how to file a return and receive their 
credit.

Update on September advance Child Tax Credit payments

In September, the IRS successfully delivered a third monthly round of
 approximately 36 million Child Tax Credit payments, totaling more than 
$15 billion. Given the new components of this program, the IRS continues
 to work hard to make improvements and deliver payments timely.

After the September payment was issued, the IRS resolved a technical 
issue, which the agency estimates caused fewer than 2% of CTC recipients
 not to receive their September payment on the scheduled payment date. 
Payments have since gone out to affected individuals.

The impacted group primarily included taxpayers who recently made an 
update to their bank account or address information using the IRS Child 
Tax Credit Update Portal. In particular, the issue affected payments to 
married taxpayers filing jointly where only one spouse made a bank 
account or address change, which usually results in payments being split
 into two (between the existing account or address and the new account 
or address).

In some of these cases, the split payment caused a delay in making 
payments, and further caused individuals to receive slightly more than 
the correct payment in September. To address this, the payment that each
 spouse receives in October, November and December will be reduced 
slightly to adjust for the overpayment. For each taxpayer receiving a 
payment, the typical overpayment was $31.25 per child between 6 and 17 
years old and $37.50 per child under 6 years old. This will result in 
about a $10 to $13 reduction per child in the three remaining monthly 
payments.

The IRS will send letters to affected individuals with this 
information. The IRS continues to closely monitor this program and the 
agency appreciates the patience of those whose payments were affected.

The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive these benefits.

Links to online tools, a step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer 
Sign-up Tool, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful 
resources are available on the IRS' special advance CTC 2021 page. It's 
at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families are now receiving 
their advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of October.This fourth batch of advance monthly payments, totaling about $15 
billion, is reaching about 36 million families today across the 
country.&nbsp;The majority of payments will be issued by direct deposit.Under the American Rescue Plan, most eligible families received 
payments dated July 15, August 13 and September 15. Future payments are 
scheduled for November 15 and December 15. For these families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. The vast majority 
will be issued by direct deposit.Here are more details on those payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting October 15. Like the prior payments, the vast majority of 
families will receive them by direct deposit.</li><li>For those receiving payments by paper check, be sure to allow extra
 time, through the end of October, for delivery by mail. Those wishing 
to receive future payments by direct deposit can make this change using 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">Child Tax Credit Update Portal</a>, available only on IRS.gov. To access the portal or to get a new step-by-step guide for using it, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.</li><li>Payments went to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 income 
tax return. Returns processed by October 4 are reflected in these 
payments. This includes people who don't typically file a return but 
during 2020 successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using 
the IRS Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov or in 2021 successfully used the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool for advance CTC</a>, also available only on IRS.gov.</li><li>Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, including a
 simplified return from the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, families don't have 
to do anything if they are eligible to receive monthly payments.</li><li>Families who did not get a July, August or September payment and 
are getting their first monthly payment this month will still receive 
their total advance payment for the year. This means that the total 
payment will be spread over three months, rather than six, making each 
monthly payment larger.</li>
 </ul>The IRS is currently sending letters to some Americans reminding
 them it is not too late for families who haven't filed a 2020 income 
tax return — including those who are not normally required to file 
because their incomes are too low — to sign up for advance CTC payments.
 Most low-income families can get these monthly payments. The IRS urges 
families who normally aren't required to file a tax return to visit 
IRS.gov for more information on how to file a return and receive their 
credit.<h2>Update on September advance Child Tax Credit payments</h2>In September, the IRS successfully delivered a third monthly round of
 approximately 36 million Child Tax Credit payments, totaling more than 
$15 billion. Given the new components of this program, the IRS continues
 to work hard to make improvements and deliver payments timely.After the September payment was issued, the IRS resolved a technical 
issue, which the agency estimates caused fewer than 2% of CTC recipients
 not to receive their September payment on the scheduled payment date. 
Payments have since gone out to affected individuals.The impacted group primarily included taxpayers who recently made an 
update to their bank account or address information using the IRS Child 
Tax Credit Update Portal. In particular, the issue affected payments to 
married taxpayers filing jointly where only one spouse made a bank 
account or address change, which usually results in payments being split
 into two (between the existing account or address and the new account 
or address).In some of these cases, the split payment caused a delay in making 
payments, and further caused individuals to receive slightly more than 
the correct payment in September. To address this, the payment that each
 spouse receives in October, November and December will be reduced 
slightly to adjust for the overpayment. For each taxpayer receiving a 
payment, the typical overpayment was $31.25 per child between 6 and 17 
years old and $37.50 per child under 6 years old. This will result in 
about a $10 to $13 reduction per child in the three remaining monthly 
payments.The IRS will send letters to affected individuals with this 
information. The IRS continues to closely monitor this program and the 
agency appreciates the patience of those whose payments were affected.The IRS encourages partners and community groups to share information and use available <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">online tools and toolkits</a> to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive these benefits.Links to online tools, a step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer 
Sign-up Tool, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful 
resources are available on the IRS' special advance CTC 2021 page. It's 
at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

October Child Tax Credit payments sent to American families

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Men's Soccer routed Newman 5-1 in Hays on Saturday (Oct. 18). The Tigers put up three scores before halftime and followed with two more in the second before allowing one goal at the end of the match. Sophomore midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6239">Taisei Arima</a>&nbsp;netted two goals in the match, his second multi-goal performance this season. The Tigers' sweep of the Jets this week improved their record&nbsp;to 8-4-1 overall and 5-2 in the GAC, while Newman remains winless at 0-11-1 and 0-6-1 in conference action.

The first of the three first-half goals&nbsp;came from&nbsp;senior defender&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6241">Alec Bevis</a>&nbsp;when he received a corner kick from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6245">Nicolas Cortes</a>&nbsp;and headed it past the keeper for his first score of the season. The Tigers wasted no time as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6261">Viktor Robertsson</a>&nbsp;found the net less than five minutes later, having the ball drop in his lap right outside the middle of the box. As time ticked down in the first half, Arima found himself wide open in front of the box after receiving a nice pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6262">Ivan Villalba</a>&nbsp;and put the ball through for his fourth goal of the season. The Tigers went into the locker room&nbsp;boasting a 3-0 lead, with the&nbsp;defense managing to hold Newman shotless in the first half.

Less than eight minutes into the second half, Arima netted his second goal which he dribbled himself from about midfield all the way to the left side of the box and struck the ball sending it past the keeper for his fifth goal of the season. The Tigers were not done yet as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6268">Jonathan Facio</a>&nbsp;maneuvered&nbsp;between two Newman defenders inside the box after receiving an over-the-shoulder pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6272">Michael Samuel</a>, giving the Tigers a 5-0 lead with about 17 minutes left in the match. The Tiger defense managed to hold Newman to three total shots in the match, including their goal in the 88th&nbsp;minute as the Jets were able to sneak a shot by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6248">Ben Dixon</a>&nbsp;at the bottom right of the net. The Tigers finished with 26 shots, putting 14 on target.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;played the first half and Dixon played the second in goal. Neither made any saves, while the Jets keeper made nine including seven in the first half.

The Tigers play only one match next week. They host the Hillcats of Rogers State at home on Thursday October 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Men's Soccer routed Newman 5-1 in Hays on Saturday (Oct. 18). The Tigers put up three scores before halftime and followed with two more in the second before allowing one goal at the end of the match. Sophomore midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6239">Taisei Arima</a>&nbsp;netted two goals in the match, his second multi-goal performance this season. The Tigers' sweep of the Jets this week improved their record&nbsp;to 8-4-1 overall and 5-2 in the GAC, while Newman remains winless at 0-11-1 and 0-6-1 in conference action.The first of the three first-half goals&nbsp;came from&nbsp;senior defender&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6241">Alec Bevis</a>&nbsp;when he received a corner kick from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6245">Nicolas Cortes</a>&nbsp;and headed it past the keeper for his first score of the season. The Tigers wasted no time as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6261">Viktor Robertsson</a>&nbsp;found the net less than five minutes later, having the ball drop in his lap right outside the middle of the box. As time ticked down in the first half, Arima found himself wide open in front of the box after receiving a nice pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6262">Ivan Villalba</a>&nbsp;and put the ball through for his fourth goal of the season. The Tigers went into the locker room&nbsp;boasting a 3-0 lead, with the&nbsp;defense managing to hold Newman shotless in the first half.Less than eight minutes into the second half, Arima netted his second goal which he dribbled himself from about midfield all the way to the left side of the box and struck the ball sending it past the keeper for his fifth goal of the season. The Tigers were not done yet as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6268">Jonathan Facio</a>&nbsp;maneuvered&nbsp;between two Newman defenders inside the box after receiving an over-the-shoulder pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6272">Michael Samuel</a>, giving the Tigers a 5-0 lead with about 17 minutes left in the match. The Tiger defense managed to hold Newman to three total shots in the match, including their goal in the 88th&nbsp;minute as the Jets were able to sneak a shot by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6248">Ben Dixon</a>&nbsp;at the bottom right of the net. The Tigers finished with 26 shots, putting 14 on target.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;played the first half and Dixon played the second in goal. Neither made any saves, while the Jets keeper made nine including seven in the first half.The Tigers play only one match next week. They host the Hillcats of Rogers State at home on Thursday October 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.FHSU Athletics

⚽ Tiger men complete sweep of Jets

Arleta Faye Bland, 99, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021.&nbsp; She was born in Luray to Frank &amp; Edith (Duell) Schurr.

Arleta retired from the postal service at both Luray and Waldo and 
later worked at the Luray cafeteria for USD 407.&nbsp; She had a love for 
gardening, baking, canning and was active in her church and Senior 
Center in Luray.&nbsp; She loved playing the piano and played for many church
 services, weddings and funerals.&nbsp; She and Gordon enjoyed many years of 
square dancing, traveling and time spent socializing with friends.

Gordon, her husband of 78 years, preceded her in death in 2019.

Arleta is survived by her daughters, Linda Foran (Darrell) of Tucson,
 AZ, Celia Curl (Larry) of St. Louis, Carma Bland of Salina; 
grandchildren, Wes Foran of Los Angeles, Kevin Foran of Tucson, Aaron 
Curl of St. Louis, Adam Barkley of Salina, Heather Barkley of 
Bennington; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, October 29, 
2021.&nbsp; A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. all at Ryan Mortuary, 
Salina.&nbsp; A private inurnment will be held in Luray Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to the Luray United Methodist Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634417123200.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Arleta Faye Bland, 99, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021.&nbsp; She was born in Luray to Frank &amp; Edith (Duell) Schurr.Arleta retired from the postal service at both Luray and Waldo and 
later worked at the Luray cafeteria for USD 407.&nbsp; She had a love for 
gardening, baking, canning and was active in her church and Senior 
Center in Luray.&nbsp; She loved playing the piano and played for many church
 services, weddings and funerals.&nbsp; She and Gordon enjoyed many years of 
square dancing, traveling and time spent socializing with friends.Gordon, her husband of 78 years, preceded her in death in 2019.Arleta is survived by her daughters, Linda Foran (Darrell) of Tucson,
 AZ, Celia Curl (Larry) of St. Louis, Carma Bland of Salina; 
grandchildren, Wes Foran of Los Angeles, Kevin Foran of Tucson, Aaron 
Curl of St. Louis, Adam Barkley of Salina, Heather Barkley of 
Bennington; and four great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, October 29, 
2021.&nbsp; A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. all at Ryan Mortuary, 
Salina.&nbsp; A private inurnment will be held in Luray Cemetery.Memorial may be made to the Luray United Methodist Church.

Arleta Faye Bland

Marshall G. Rodenberg, age 77, of Southaven, Mississippi, died 
Monday, October 3, 2021, after a short bout with Covid.&nbsp; Visitation will
 be from 10am to 11am on Monday, October 18 at Citygate Community 
Church, 7140 Getwell Rd, Southaven, MS.&nbsp; The funeral will follow at 11am
 to 12pm, followed by a meal at the church.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the 
family suggests memorial contributions be made to Marshall Rodenberg 
Memorial Fund for the Chiang Rai Children c/o Cornerstone Church – 
https://pushpay.com/g/cornerstonesouthaven for donations.

Marshall was born December 20, 1943, in Scott City, KS to Marian and 
Lester Rodenberg. He grew up on a wheat farm and started school at an 
early age (too early) in a two-room rural school in Manning, KS.&nbsp; His 
dad spent many evenings trying to help him read and spell CAT to no 
avail.&nbsp; He flunked 1st grade as he saw no reason to spell CAT or read.&nbsp; 
Still having trouble reading in 3rd grade, he wanted a chemistry set for
 Christmas, not a baking soda volcano like today, but one with 40 
bottles of chemicals, beakers, graduated cylinders, flasks, a Bunsen 
burner, and instructions that would be a good start for an Al-Qaeda bomb
 maker.&nbsp; His mom told him that he wouldn’t be able to do anything 
because he couldn’t read the instructions.&nbsp; However, they got the 
chemistry set anyway!&nbsp; He taught himself to read in a month and moved 
from the bottom of the class to the top, not too hard, there were only 
four boys in the class!

That’s the way he was “all or nothing”.&nbsp; He was a pretty good 
magician, a licensed ham radio operator (K0MOR) by 7th grade and an 
Eagle Scout by early high school.&nbsp; He graduated from Scott Community 
High School in 1962.

He attended the University of Colorado and Fort Hays State University
 before joining the Army; serving two years on the Korean DMZ during the
 Vietnam War.

He said the only good thing about his service was finding Chong, the 
love of his life.&nbsp; He married her in Korea and after months of wrangling
 with the Army, the US government and help from Senator Bob Dole, he got
 Chong into the US so they could start their new life together.

After several jobs in Kansas, he got a job with the IRS in 
Washington, DC.&nbsp; After several years in DC, they were transferred to 
Memphis, TN.&nbsp; There his life changed dramatically. &nbsp; Through Chong’s 
work with an adoption agency, Marshall and Chong welcomed Matthew from 
Korea to their family.

After retirement from the IRS, Marshall’s priorities in life 
changed.&nbsp; He started taking politics and Jesus seriously!&nbsp; He changed 
from a passive Christian to an active Christian.&nbsp; He supported his 
church with work, prayer, and donations.

He went on mission trips to Kenya, Nicaragua, two times to Haiti with
 the Convoy of Hope organization, and numerous trips to Thailand to the 
Chiang Rai Children’s Home.&nbsp; He also was active in Kairos Prison 
Ministry International, Discipleship Walk and Ride for Him, Urban 
Bicycle Food Ministry, and Heartland Hands Food Pantry.&nbsp; Recently 
Marshall, Chong and Matthew enjoyed a trip to Korea to visit Chong’s 
relatives.

Marshall is proceeded in death by his parents.&nbsp; He leaves behind his 
wife, Chong, of the home; Matthew, Walls, MS; brother Malcolm (Rozann) 
Rodenberg, Salina, KS; and sister Robin (Joe) Rodriguez, Philadelphia, 
PA.

Marshall was one of a kind and everyone had a Marshall Story to tell because “We loved us some Marshall”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634416961748.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marshall G. Rodenberg, age 77, of Southaven, Mississippi, died 
Monday, October 3, 2021, after a short bout with Covid.&nbsp; Visitation will
 be from 10am to 11am on Monday, October 18 at Citygate Community 
Church, 7140 Getwell Rd, Southaven, MS.&nbsp; The funeral will follow at 11am
 to 12pm, followed by a meal at the church.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, the 
family suggests memorial contributions be made to Marshall Rodenberg 
Memorial Fund for the Chiang Rai Children c/o Cornerstone Church – 
https://pushpay.com/g/cornerstonesouthaven for donations.Marshall was born December 20, 1943, in Scott City, KS to Marian and 
Lester Rodenberg. He grew up on a wheat farm and started school at an 
early age (too early) in a two-room rural school in Manning, KS.&nbsp; His 
dad spent many evenings trying to help him read and spell CAT to no 
avail.&nbsp; He flunked 1st grade as he saw no reason to spell CAT or read.&nbsp; 
Still having trouble reading in 3rd grade, he wanted a chemistry set for
 Christmas, not a baking soda volcano like today, but one with 40 
bottles of chemicals, beakers, graduated cylinders, flasks, a Bunsen 
burner, and instructions that would be a good start for an Al-Qaeda bomb
 maker.&nbsp; His mom told him that he wouldn’t be able to do anything 
because he couldn’t read the instructions.&nbsp; However, they got the 
chemistry set anyway!&nbsp; He taught himself to read in a month and moved 
from the bottom of the class to the top, not too hard, there were only 
four boys in the class!That’s the way he was “all or nothing”.&nbsp; He was a pretty good 
magician, a licensed ham radio operator (K0MOR) by 7th grade and an 
Eagle Scout by early high school.&nbsp; He graduated from Scott Community 
High School in 1962.He attended the University of Colorado and Fort Hays State University
 before joining the Army; serving two years on the Korean DMZ during the
 Vietnam War.He said the only good thing about his service was finding Chong, the 
love of his life.&nbsp; He married her in Korea and after months of wrangling
 with the Army, the US government and help from Senator Bob Dole, he got
 Chong into the US so they could start their new life together.After several jobs in Kansas, he got a job with the IRS in 
Washington, DC.&nbsp; After several years in DC, they were transferred to 
Memphis, TN.&nbsp; There his life changed dramatically. &nbsp; Through Chong’s 
work with an adoption agency, Marshall and Chong welcomed Matthew from 
Korea to their family.After retirement from the IRS, Marshall’s priorities in life 
changed.&nbsp; He started taking politics and Jesus seriously!&nbsp; He changed 
from a passive Christian to an active Christian.&nbsp; He supported his 
church with work, prayer, and donations.He went on mission trips to Kenya, Nicaragua, two times to Haiti with
 the Convoy of Hope organization, and numerous trips to Thailand to the 
Chiang Rai Children’s Home.&nbsp; He also was active in Kairos Prison 
Ministry International, Discipleship Walk and Ride for Him, Urban 
Bicycle Food Ministry, and Heartland Hands Food Pantry.&nbsp; Recently 
Marshall, Chong and Matthew enjoyed a trip to Korea to visit Chong’s 
relatives.Marshall is proceeded in death by his parents.&nbsp; He leaves behind his 
wife, Chong, of the home; Matthew, Walls, MS; brother Malcolm (Rozann) 
Rodenberg, Salina, KS; and sister Robin (Joe) Rodriguez, Philadelphia, 
PA.Marshall was one of a kind and everyone had a Marshall Story to tell because “We loved us some Marshall”.

Marshall G. Rodenberg

William Clark Carey Jr., 87, of Searcy, passed away October 3, 2021,&nbsp; at The Crossing at Riverside.&nbsp; He was born September 1, 1934, at 
Springfield, Massachusetts to the late William Sr. and Antoinette Rogers
 Carey.

He married Anita Faye Carey April 9, 1975, at Leoti, Kansas; she preceded
 him in death November 5, 1997.&nbsp; He was also preceded in death by a&nbsp; 
daughter, Jeannie Carey; granddaughter, Kayla Rose Glerup; grandson, 
Cameron Carey; a brother, Pete Carey; and a sister, Elizabeth Carey.

Survivors include three daughters, Carmen Carey of London, England, 
Jerri Bangerter (Brad) of Leoti, Kansas, and Terri Eligh (Mark) of 
Searcy, Arkansas; one son, Michael Carey (Jamie) of Woodard, Oklahoma; 
one brother, Bob Carey (Pat) of New York City; six grandchildren; ten 
great grandchildren; as well as many extended family and friends.

The family will have private services at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634416892254.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Clark Carey Jr., 87, of Searcy, passed away October 3, 2021,&nbsp; at The Crossing at Riverside.&nbsp; He was born September 1, 1934, at 
Springfield, Massachusetts to the late William Sr. and Antoinette Rogers
 Carey. 
He married Anita Faye Carey April 9, 1975, at Leoti, Kansas; she preceded
 him in death November 5, 1997.&nbsp; He was also preceded in death by a&nbsp; 
daughter, Jeannie Carey; granddaughter, Kayla Rose Glerup; grandson, 
Cameron Carey; a brother, Pete Carey; and a sister, Elizabeth Carey.Survivors include three daughters, Carmen Carey of London, England, 
Jerri Bangerter (Brad) of Leoti, Kansas, and Terri Eligh (Mark) of 
Searcy, Arkansas; one son, Michael Carey (Jamie) of Woodard, Oklahoma; 
one brother, Bob Carey (Pat) of New York City; six grandchildren; ten 
great grandchildren; as well as many extended family and friends.The family will have private services at a later date.

William Clark Carey Jr.

Karl "Sir-G" Gordon (Major USMCR ret.) passed away tragically in 
Scott County, S.W. Kansas, on 04October 2021&nbsp;seven weeks ahead of what 
would've been his 50th birthday - the result of a motor vehicle 
accident.&nbsp; He was born on 20 November 1971, in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
 the third son of Ewart &amp; Valerie Gordon.&nbsp;

At the time, he was a resident of Castle Rock, Colorado &amp; an 
active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, &amp; worked as
 a commercial freight pilot for Planemasters Jet Charter Ltd. flying 
Cessna Grand Caravans.&nbsp; Sir-G spent his early years growing up in May 
Pen, Jamaica, attended boarding School at Munro College &amp; 
subsequently Glenmuir High School.&nbsp; He initially attended Embry-Riddle 
Aeronautical University &amp; later the University of Notre Dame where 
he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.&nbsp; 
He was a retired US Marine Corps combat Veteran (USMCR) with over 
20-years of faithful &amp; honorable service to his country.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

He is survived by his mother Mrs. Valerie Reese, three brothers: 
Andrew "Chen" Gordon &amp; Robert "Suco" Gordon of Kingston, Jamaica 
&amp; his twin brother Kurt of Olathe, Kansas; One nephew: Isaac Gordon 
of Kingston, Jamaica; Aunts Beryl McCarthy &amp; Kay Smith of London, 
England &amp; Kingston, Jamaica respectively; Cousins: Darryl &amp; 
Michelle McCarthy of London, England, &amp; Wadia, Earl, Eddie, Lester, 
&amp; Kerona Spence of Jamaica. He was preceded in death by his 
grandparents Lester &amp; Ruby Spence, his father Ewart Hastings Gordon,
 his Uncle Richard Spence &amp; his youngest Aunt, Rose King of Jamaica.

A Memorial service followed by reception will be held at the Christ 
Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, Colorado on 21 October 2021 at a time 
TBC. Additionally, at a date TBD, Sir-G's ashes will be lifted aloft 
&amp; returned to the same mountains &amp; forests he fought valiantly 
to preserve as an airborne firefighter with the Colorado Division of 
Fire Prevention &amp; Control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634416828670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Karl "Sir-G" Gordon (Major USMCR ret.) passed away tragically in 
Scott County, S.W. Kansas, on 04October 2021&nbsp;seven weeks ahead of what 
would've been his 50th birthday - the result of a motor vehicle 
accident.&nbsp; He was born on 20 November 1971, in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
 the third son of Ewart &amp; Valerie Gordon.&nbsp;At the time, he was a resident of Castle Rock, Colorado &amp; an 
active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, &amp; worked as
 a commercial freight pilot for Planemasters Jet Charter Ltd. flying 
Cessna Grand Caravans.&nbsp; Sir-G spent his early years growing up in May 
Pen, Jamaica, attended boarding School at Munro College &amp; 
subsequently Glenmuir High School.&nbsp; He initially attended Embry-Riddle 
Aeronautical University &amp; later the University of Notre Dame where 
he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.&nbsp; 
He was a retired US Marine Corps combat Veteran (USMCR) with over 
20-years of faithful &amp; honorable service to his country.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He is survived by his mother Mrs. Valerie Reese, three brothers: 
Andrew "Chen" Gordon &amp; Robert "Suco" Gordon of Kingston, Jamaica 
&amp; his twin brother Kurt of Olathe, Kansas; One nephew: Isaac Gordon 
of Kingston, Jamaica; Aunts Beryl McCarthy &amp; Kay Smith of London, 
England &amp; Kingston, Jamaica respectively; Cousins: Darryl &amp; 
Michelle McCarthy of London, England, &amp; Wadia, Earl, Eddie, Lester, 
&amp; Kerona Spence of Jamaica. He was preceded in death by his 
grandparents Lester &amp; Ruby Spence, his father Ewart Hastings Gordon,
 his Uncle Richard Spence &amp; his youngest Aunt, Rose King of Jamaica.A Memorial service followed by reception will be held at the Christ 
Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, Colorado on 21 October 2021 at a time 
TBC. Additionally, at a date TBD, Sir-G's ashes will be lifted aloft 
&amp; returned to the same mountains &amp; forests he fought valiantly 
to preserve as an airborne firefighter with the Colorado Division of 
Fire Prevention &amp; Control.

Karl 'Sir-G' Gordon (Major USMCR ret.)

Francis B. Schaffer was born on September 27, 1928, in his family’s 
farmhouse near Loretto, KS, on a farm&nbsp;that&nbsp;he loved to visit on his 
subsequent birthdays. He left us&nbsp;on Saturday, October 9,&nbsp;just two weeks 
after a family celebration of his 93rd birthday.&nbsp;His wife of 71 years 
Alverna was by his side when he took his last breath on this side of heaven. 
She survives.

Francis&nbsp;was born to Frank and Barbara (Urban) Schaffer and he&nbsp;was a 
lifelong farmer,&nbsp;carpenter, welder,&nbsp;inventor,&nbsp;intuitive engineer, 
comedian/jokester, and a boisterous connoisseur of polka music and good 
beer.

Francis grew up on the family farm at Loretto and learned his 
many "Jack-of-all-trades" skills from his father.&nbsp; He attended grade 
school in and graduated high school from Bison, KS.&nbsp;He met his wife 
Alverna at a dance, which was to be a lifelong passion for both of 
them.&nbsp; Francis was a devout Catholic and was a Fourth Degree member of 
the Knights of Columbus.&nbsp;

Farming in Lane County, Francis and Alverna raised six children, 
wheat and angus cattle.&nbsp; During these years, they also avidly pursued 
their dancing pleasure following several favorite bands in Nebraska and 
beginning what is probably the greatest polka music library ever 
collected, including LP records, 8-tracks, cassettes and cds!&nbsp; After 25 
years, they retired from the farm and moved to Garden City, KS, where 
Francis was often the Top Salesman at Burtis Motor Company. In 1984 
Francis and Alverna decided to follow several of their siblings to Round
 Rock, Texas, where Francis and his brother Raymond began "The Handy 
Pair" business, doing odd jobs during the construction boom that was 
happening in Austin at that time. &nbsp;If Raymond could not join Francis on 
the job, Alverna was the other half of the Handy Pair!&nbsp;

In 1991 Kansas was calling them back and they returned to their 
roots, landing in La Crosse, KS, where they have been living ever 
since.&nbsp; Francis loved being back in Rush County where he and Alverna 
began collecting family history.&nbsp; Being bilingual, they were able to 
interview many to seek the history of their German heritage. Never one 
to "retire", Francis also worked in La Crosse, with Leland Bisterfeldt 
doing his handy work for many years.

Francis was preceded in death by an infant sister, Eleanor, his 
parents, Frank and Barbara, a sister, Mary (Schaffer) Jones, two 
brothers, Clarence and John Schaffer, grandson, Trevor Messenger, and 
son-in-law, Van Brighton. &nbsp;He leaves behind his wife, Alverna, children, 
Jan Brighton of La Crosse, KS, Colette (Burton) Schauf of Columbia, MO, 
Jill (Mike) Bogard of Lawrence, KS, Rory (Janis) Schaffer of Topeka, KS,
 Eric Schaffer of Topeka, KS, and Gina (Warren) Cannon of Georgetown, 
TX, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and one 
brother, Raymond Schaffer of La Crosse, KS.&nbsp;

The family will greet friends on Sunday, October 17, from 3-7 p.m. at
 St Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse, KS. The Knights of Columbus 
will lead the rosary at 4 pm. The polka mass celebration of life at St. 
Michael’s will be held at 10:30 on Monday morning, followed by inurnment
 at the La Crosse City Cemetery.&nbsp;

The family respectfully requests all visitation and memorial service attendees wear masks.

Due to Covid 19, if you have a fever, cough, or are not feeling well,&nbsp;please send condolences via the on line guestbook, or mail.

In remembrance of Francis, the family asks that you pay a kindness forward.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634137044127.jpeg" alt="Francis B. Schaffer" />
 <figcaption>Francis B. Schaffer</figcaption>
 </figure>Francis B. Schaffer was born on September 27, 1928, in his family’s 
farmhouse near Loretto, KS, on a farm&nbsp;that&nbsp;he loved to visit on his 
subsequent birthdays. He left us&nbsp;on Saturday, October 9,&nbsp;just two weeks 
after a family celebration of his 93rd birthday.&nbsp;His wife of 71 years 
Alverna was by his side when he took his last breath on this side of heaven. 
She survives.Francis&nbsp;was born to Frank and Barbara (Urban) Schaffer and he&nbsp;was a 
lifelong farmer,&nbsp;carpenter, welder,&nbsp;inventor,&nbsp;intuitive engineer, 
comedian/jokester, and a boisterous connoisseur of polka music and good 
beer. Francis grew up on the family farm at Loretto and learned his 
many "Jack-of-all-trades" skills from his father.&nbsp; He attended grade 
school in and graduated high school from Bison, KS.&nbsp;He met his wife 
Alverna at a dance, which was to be a lifelong passion for both of 
them.&nbsp; Francis was a devout Catholic and was a Fourth Degree member of 
the Knights of Columbus.&nbsp;Farming in Lane County, Francis and Alverna raised six children, 
wheat and angus cattle.&nbsp; During these years, they also avidly pursued 
their dancing pleasure following several favorite bands in Nebraska and 
beginning what is probably the greatest polka music library ever 
collected, including LP records, 8-tracks, cassettes and cds!&nbsp; After 25 
years, they retired from the farm and moved to Garden City, KS, where 
Francis was often the Top Salesman at Burtis Motor Company. In 1984 
Francis and Alverna decided to follow several of their siblings to Round
 Rock, Texas, where Francis and his brother Raymond began "The Handy 
Pair" business, doing odd jobs during the construction boom that was 
happening in Austin at that time. &nbsp;If Raymond could not join Francis on 
the job, Alverna was the other half of the Handy Pair!&nbsp;In 1991 Kansas was calling them back and they returned to their 
roots, landing in La Crosse, KS, where they have been living ever 
since.&nbsp; Francis loved being back in Rush County where he and Alverna 
began collecting family history.&nbsp; Being bilingual, they were able to 
interview many to seek the history of their German heritage. Never one 
to "retire", Francis also worked in La Crosse, with Leland Bisterfeldt 
doing his handy work for many years.Francis was preceded in death by an infant sister, Eleanor, his 
parents, Frank and Barbara, a sister, Mary (Schaffer) Jones, two 
brothers, Clarence and John Schaffer, grandson, Trevor Messenger, and 
son-in-law, Van Brighton. &nbsp;He leaves behind his wife, Alverna, children, 
Jan Brighton of La Crosse, KS, Colette (Burton) Schauf of Columbia, MO, 
Jill (Mike) Bogard of Lawrence, KS, Rory (Janis) Schaffer of Topeka, KS,
 Eric Schaffer of Topeka, KS, and Gina (Warren) Cannon of Georgetown, 
TX, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and one 
brother, Raymond Schaffer of La Crosse, KS.&nbsp;The family will greet friends on Sunday, October 17, from 3-7 p.m. at
 St Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse, KS. The Knights of Columbus 
will lead the rosary at 4 pm. The polka mass celebration of life at St. 
Michael’s will be held at 10:30 on Monday morning, followed by inurnment
 at the La Crosse City Cemetery.&nbsp;The family respectfully requests all visitation and memorial service attendees wear masks.Social distancing is recommended.Due to Covid 19, if you have a fever, cough, or are not feeling well,&nbsp;please send condolences via the on line guestbook, or mail.In remembrance of Francis, the family asks that you pay a kindness forward.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Francis B. Schaffer

Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick of Plainville, Kansas passed away 
unexpectedly on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her mother’s home in 
Hoxie, Kansas. She was born into the family of Donald and Janet 
(Diederich) Laevenstein on February 12, 1974. She was joined by a baby 
sister Shelly, nine months later. Don and Janet loved and welcomed 
their daughters into their hearts. They made their home in Hoxie, 
Kansas. Jeannie attended Hoxie Grade School and Hoxie High School 
graduating with the class of 1992. After graduation, Jeannie attended 
Cloud County Community College. Jeannie earned an Associate’s Degree in
 Hospitatlity and Hotel Management. During her course of study, she 
went to several large cities including New York City which was a 
highlight in her life. Jeannie was baptized at the St. Frances Cabrini 
Catholic Church, Hoxie where she was confirmed and took her first 
communion.
 Jeannie worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex in the kitchen 
and housekeeping departments. Most of her life she spent as a 
homemaker. She loved her house plants and flowers. She had a green 
thumb and could grow most anything. Jeannie had many health conditions,
 but she was so caring, she worried more about other people and how they
 were doing. Jeannie’s family, including her puppy, Clyde was so 
important to her. 
 Jeannie is survived by her sister, Shelly Kuhn and husband Keith of 
Hoxie, Kansas; niece, Ashley Kuhn of Hoxie, Kansas ; nephew, Andrew Kuhn
 of Hoxie, Kansas; puppy, Clyde; and many relatives and friends.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Janet Laevenstein;
 grandparents, Gabe and Elizabeth Laevenstein, Julius and Mae Diederich.
 A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 2:00 
P.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:45 P.M. at the 
funeral home with Family receiving friends from 1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M. 
with a Rosary to be held at 1:45 prior to the service. Interment will be
 in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery following the service. 
The family suggests memorials to the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic 
Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home,
 PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of Comfort and caring may be 
left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Jeannie’s life was not always easy. Now, she has made the journey 
home and is resting in the arms of her Lord and savior. She has no more
 pain, sadness or sorrow and will never hurt again. She has earned her 
wings, and God is taking care of her now. She is remembered with love.

Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Jeannie-Marie-Laevenstein-Hamrick?obId=22679646#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick of Plainville, Kansas passed away 
unexpectedly on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her mother’s home in 
Hoxie, Kansas. She was born into the family of Donald and Janet 
(Diederich) Laevenstein on February 12, 1974. She was joined by a baby 
sister Shelly, nine months later. Don and Janet loved and welcomed 
their daughters into their hearts. They made their home in Hoxie, 
Kansas. Jeannie attended Hoxie Grade School and Hoxie High School 
graduating with the class of 1992. After graduation, Jeannie attended 
Cloud County Community College. Jeannie earned an Associate’s Degree in
 Hospitatlity and Hotel Management. During her course of study, she 
went to several large cities including New York City which was a 
highlight in her life. Jeannie was baptized at the St. Frances Cabrini 
Catholic Church, Hoxie where she was confirmed and took her first 
communion.
 Jeannie worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex in the kitchen 
and housekeeping departments. Most of her life she spent as a 
homemaker. She loved her house plants and flowers. She had a green 
thumb and could grow most anything. Jeannie had many health conditions,
 but she was so caring, she worried more about other people and how they
 were doing. Jeannie’s family, including her puppy, Clyde was so 
important to her. 
 Jeannie is survived by her sister, Shelly Kuhn and husband Keith of 
Hoxie, Kansas; niece, Ashley Kuhn of Hoxie, Kansas ; nephew, Andrew Kuhn
 of Hoxie, Kansas; puppy, Clyde; and many relatives and friends.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Janet Laevenstein;
 grandparents, Gabe and Elizabeth Laevenstein, Julius and Mae Diederich.
 A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 2:00 
P.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Visitation will be held 
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:45 P.M. at the 
funeral home with Family receiving friends from 1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M. 
with a Rosary to be held at 1:45 prior to the service. Interment will be
 in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery following the service. 
The family suggests memorials to the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic 
Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home,
 PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of Comfort and caring may be 
left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
 Jeannie’s life was not always easy. Now, she has made the journey 
home and is resting in the arms of her Lord and savior. She has no more
 pain, sadness or sorrow and will never hurt again. She has earned her 
wings, and God is taking care of her now. She is remembered with love.Click <a href="https://www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com/obituaries/Jeannie-Marie-Laevenstein-Hamrick?obId=22679646#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Jeannie Marie (Laevenstein) Hamrick

Carlene Landis passed into her loving Savior’s arms on Wednesday, 
October 6th, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her family and friends were blessed to have 
Carlene's love and support for 72 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although heartbroken, her 
family rejoices in knowing she is at peace in her heavenly home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carlene&nbsp;&nbsp;was the beloved daughter of Leonard and Esther (Mai) 
Stettinger who&nbsp;preceded her in death, along with a precious infant 
daughter, Lori Landis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlene is&nbsp;survived by her husband Larry Landis 
of 54 years, her sons Chris (Missy) of Olathe, KS,&nbsp;Chad (Carolynn) of 
Severna Park, MD, and her 4 cherished grandchildren, Christine, 
Iain,&nbsp;Jeffrey, and Grace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, she is survived by her sister, 
Linda Dodson (Arnel) of&nbsp;Olathe, KS and her brother, John Stettinger 
(Sherry) of Great Bend, KS as well as many&nbsp;wonderful nieces and 
nephews.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carlene's passions centered on family, faith, 
and treasured moments including time at&nbsp;the beach or traveling with her 
husband and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;She enjoyed volunteering at church on&nbsp;the praise 
&amp; worship team and the children's ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her professional 
life, Carlene&nbsp;worked for over 20 years in the healthcare field serving 
others in the medical laboratory at&nbsp;Halstead Hospital and Lancaster 
General Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carlene’s deep abiding faith sustained 
her during two battles with breast cancer (2000 &amp;&nbsp;2018).&nbsp;&nbsp;Both 
times, she was healed, God is good!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing the fight against 
cancer, the&nbsp;family plans on walking in their 22nd year of Relay For Life
 and driving cancer patients to&nbsp;their treatments (Road to Recovery).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carlene's life at a 
memorial service on&nbsp;October 23rd, 2 PM at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her remains will be interred at the&nbsp;family plot in Hoisington 
Cemetery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carlene’s 
memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's 
Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS 67544.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634416454231.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carlene Landis passed into her loving Savior’s arms on Wednesday, 
October 6th, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her family and friends were blessed to have 
Carlene's love and support for 72 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although heartbroken, her 
family rejoices in knowing she is at peace in her heavenly home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlene&nbsp;&nbsp;was the beloved daughter of Leonard and Esther (Mai) 
Stettinger who&nbsp;preceded her in death, along with a precious infant 
daughter, Lori Landis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlene is&nbsp;survived by her husband Larry Landis 
of 54 years, her sons Chris (Missy) of Olathe, KS,&nbsp;Chad (Carolynn) of 
Severna Park, MD, and her 4 cherished grandchildren, Christine, 
Iain,&nbsp;Jeffrey, and Grace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, she is survived by her sister, 
Linda Dodson (Arnel) of&nbsp;Olathe, KS and her brother, John Stettinger 
(Sherry) of Great Bend, KS as well as many&nbsp;wonderful nieces and 
nephews.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlene's passions centered on family, faith, 
and treasured moments including time at&nbsp;the beach or traveling with her 
husband and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;She enjoyed volunteering at church on&nbsp;the praise 
&amp; worship team and the children's ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;In her professional 
life, Carlene&nbsp;worked for over 20 years in the healthcare field serving 
others in the medical laboratory at&nbsp;Halstead Hospital and Lancaster 
General Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Carlene’s deep abiding faith sustained 
her during two battles with breast cancer (2000 &amp;&nbsp;2018).&nbsp;&nbsp;Both 
times, she was healed, God is good!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing the fight against 
cancer, the&nbsp;family plans on walking in their 22nd year of Relay For Life
 and driving cancer patients to&nbsp;their treatments (Road to Recovery).&nbsp;&nbsp;Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carlene's life at a 
memorial service on&nbsp;October 23rd, 2 PM at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her remains will be interred at the&nbsp;family plot in Hoisington 
Cemetery.&nbsp;&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carlene’s 
memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's 
Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS 67544.&nbsp;

Carlene Landis

February 24, 1938
 -
 October 15, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

February 24, 1938
 -
 October 15, 2021An obituary and services are pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Dorothy Sprenkel

Johnny Lee “John” Ireland, age 72 of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Hays Medical Center. He was born September 3, 1949, in Concordia, Kansas, to John A. and Marjorie F. (Beaushaw) Ireland. John graduated from Natoma High School in 1967. Played football at Butler County Community College, and later graduated from Fort Hays State. John worked for several companies in sales positions throughout his career. They included Baker Oilfield Tools, RayBestos, Standard Automotive, and Crawford Supply. John was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era and taught for the SERE program at Fairchild AFB. He enjoyed Golf and was a long-time member of Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays as well as an avid K-State football fan. John is survived by a son, Tanner Ireland of Ohio; a step daughter , Sara Sharpe of Hays; a step son, Scott Sharpe of Topeka, KS ; a brother, Gregg Ireland and wife Carol of Topeka; and two nieces, Jackie Ireland of Wichita and Jessie Ireland of Topeka. John was preceded in death by his parents and Nephew Ezekiel Ireland. Memorial contributions are suggested to HaysMed Hospice. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes, PO Box 86, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a> Services are to be announced by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634416016889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnny Lee “John” Ireland, age 72 of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Hays Medical Center. He was born September 3, 1949, in Concordia, Kansas, to John A. and Marjorie F. (Beaushaw) Ireland. John graduated from Natoma High School in 1967. Played football at Butler County Community College, and later graduated from Fort Hays State. John worked for several companies in sales positions throughout his career. They included Baker Oilfield Tools, RayBestos, Standard Automotive, and Crawford Supply. John was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam Era and taught for the SERE program at Fairchild AFB. He enjoyed Golf and was a long-time member of Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays as well as an avid K-State football fan. John is survived by a son, Tanner Ireland of Ohio; a step daughter , Sara Sharpe of Hays; a step son, Scott Sharpe of Topeka, KS ; a brother, Gregg Ireland and wife Carol of Topeka; and two nieces, Jackie Ireland of Wichita and Jessie Ireland of Topeka. John was preceded in death by his parents and Nephew Ezekiel Ireland. Memorial contributions are suggested to HaysMed Hospice. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes, PO Box 86, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a> Services are to be announced by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Johnny Lee 'John' Ireland

Sharlett Jill Webster, age 60, of Hanston, KS died Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at HaysMed - Hays.&nbsp; She was born on March 18th, 1961 to Dewey and Lee Webster in Larned, KS.

Sharlett moved with her parents and brothers as a toddler to Tucson, Arizona where she started school and graduated from Flowing Wells Schools. She attended the University of Arizona and had a career as a Real Estate Agent. Sharlett made friends with her best friends in School and the “Wild Bunch” have supported each other through thick and thin throughout their lives.

Sharlett moved back to her hometown with her 2 younger children and started a new life in her maternal grandparents’ marital home. Sharlett cared for many of the people in the Hanston area that knew or took care of Sharlett as a child. She provided much love and hospice caregiving for some of Hanston’s most treasured residents.

Sharlett endured many medical issues and setbacks in the later part of her life. In spite of these issues there became a great need for one of her relatives who needed a good home and family to grow up with, this is when cousin Jay Morgan came to live with Sharlett and Marc at the age of 6 and is 14 at this writing.

A small private family service was held in Jetmore on October 7th. In lieu of flowers or a public service, the family has requested donations be made to the Hanston State Bank in Hanston, KS where a fund has been setup for Jay to access when he comes of age. A service will be held for the rest of the family in Tucson upon the return of her ashes.

Sharlett is survived by her 4 children Chelsey Bishop of Tucson; Zach Bishop of Manhattan, KS; Jacey Bishop of Portland, Oregon and Jay Morgan of Hanston, KS. Sharlett left behind her husband of 14 years, Marc Reed of Hanston, KS. Sharlett leaves her 4 brothers, Randy Webster of Tucson, AZ; Rocky Webster of Tucson, AZ; Darby Webster, of Pearce, AZ and Shannon Webster of Pearce, AZ.

Cremation services provided by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634415959099.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharlett Jill Webster, age 60, of Hanston, KS died Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at HaysMed - Hays.&nbsp; She was born on March 18th, 1961 to Dewey and Lee Webster in Larned, KS.Sharlett moved with her parents and brothers as a toddler to Tucson, Arizona where she started school and graduated from Flowing Wells Schools. She attended the University of Arizona and had a career as a Real Estate Agent. Sharlett made friends with her best friends in School and the “Wild Bunch” have supported each other through thick and thin throughout their lives.Sharlett moved back to her hometown with her 2 younger children and started a new life in her maternal grandparents’ marital home. Sharlett cared for many of the people in the Hanston area that knew or took care of Sharlett as a child. She provided much love and hospice caregiving for some of Hanston’s most treasured residents.Sharlett endured many medical issues and setbacks in the later part of her life. In spite of these issues there became a great need for one of her relatives who needed a good home and family to grow up with, this is when cousin Jay Morgan came to live with Sharlett and Marc at the age of 6 and is 14 at this writing.A small private family service was held in Jetmore on October 7th. In lieu of flowers or a public service, the family has requested donations be made to the Hanston State Bank in Hanston, KS where a fund has been setup for Jay to access when he comes of age. A service will be held for the rest of the family in Tucson upon the return of her ashes.Sharlett is survived by her 4 children Chelsey Bishop of Tucson; Zach Bishop of Manhattan, KS; Jacey Bishop of Portland, Oregon and Jay Morgan of Hanston, KS. Sharlett left behind her husband of 14 years, Marc Reed of Hanston, KS. Sharlett leaves her 4 brothers, Randy Webster of Tucson, AZ; Rocky Webster of Tucson, AZ; Darby Webster, of Pearce, AZ and Shannon Webster of Pearce, AZ.Cremation services provided by Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Sharlett Jill Webster

Roberta Humphreys, 60, of Topeka, Kan., went to be with the Lord on 
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, due to issues with COPD. She was born in 
1961, in Salina, to Everett and Wanda (Crook) Humphreys.

Roberta worked for the State of Kansas for many years, including the 
Kansas Neurological Institute. She was a believer and loved to testify 
and give praises to the Lord.

She is survived by her sister, Peggy Amon; nieces, Misty Tersiner and
 her daughter, Ashlyn, and Julie Bretado (Alfonso) and her children, 
Mariana and Elian; nephew, Zachariah Humphreys.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Walter; and nephew, Christopher Tersiner.

A memorial service will be at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at
 Ryan Mortuary, Salina. A private burial will be in Heart Land Prairie 
Cemetery, Niles, Kan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midland Care Connection,
 Salvation Army or the Rescue Mission, in care of Ryan Mortuary.

Roberta Humphreys, 60, of Topeka, Kan., went to be with the Lord on 
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, due to issues with COPD. She was born in 
1961, in Salina, to Everett and Wanda (Crook) Humphreys.Roberta worked for the State of Kansas for many years, including the 
Kansas Neurological Institute. She was a believer and loved to testify 
and give praises to the Lord.She is survived by her sister, Peggy Amon; nieces, Misty Tersiner and
 her daughter, Ashlyn, and Julie Bretado (Alfonso) and her children, 
Mariana and Elian; nephew, Zachariah Humphreys.She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Walter; and nephew, Christopher Tersiner.A memorial service will be at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at
 Ryan Mortuary, Salina. A private burial will be in Heart Land Prairie 
Cemetery, Niles, Kan.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midland Care Connection,
 Salvation Army or the Rescue Mission, in care of Ryan Mortuary.

Roberta Humphreys

Central Oklahoma (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) Saturday, October 16 - 7 pm Hays, Kan. - Lewis Field Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State is set to host Central Oklahoma on Saturday night in Hays at 7 pm. Both teams enter the contest 3-3 on the season. The Tigers are looking to extend their win streak against the Bronchos, which currently sits at five in a row. A fireworks show will follow 10 minutes after the end of the game. Game Sponsor:&nbsp;High Plains Farm Credit Promotion:&nbsp;Postgame Fireworks Show (sponsored by Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and J Day Fireworks) Fort Hays State is coming off a tough 23-20 overtime loss at Washburn last week in Topeka. The Tigers scored first in overtime with a field goal, only to see the Ichabods win the game with a touchdown on their overtime possession. Central Oklahoma enters the game winners of its last two contests, downing Lincoln 69-28 and then Northeastern State 49-9. The Bronchos lost three straight games in Weeks 2-4, falling to Emporia State on the road, Missouri Southern at home, and then Northwest Missouri State on the road. UCO opened the year with a 24-20 win over Missouri Western in Edmond. Fort Hays State won the 2019 meeting with Central Oklahoma by a score of 35-7 in Edmond. In that game,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;tied the school record for passing touchdowns in a game with 5, completing 23-of-30 passes for 310 yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;had two of the receiving touchdowns in that game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in tackles with 11. The Tigers own the sixth-best offense in the nation, averaging 490 yards per game to lead the MIAA. The Tigers also have the top red-zone offense in the MIAA, scoring 92.9 percent of the time when they enter the area (26 out of 28 chances, which includes 23 touchdowns and 3 field goals). Fuller ranks 10th&nbsp;nationally in passing yards entering Saturday with 1,829. He now has 56 passing touchdowns in his career, just four shy of the FHSU school record of 60 held by Jacob Mezera. Fuller set the single-season passing touchdowns record in 2019 at 35, and he has 14 so far this year. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;continues to be an all-around force for the Tigers. He ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards per carry (7.45) and seventh nationally in all-purpose yards per game (174.3). He has a total of 1,046 all-purpose yards this season (477 rushing, 275 receiving, 294 kick return). On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>&nbsp;are coming off career-high performances in tackles. Both had 14 tackles in the game at Washburn last week.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6173">Jhimon Preston</a>&nbsp;had 10 tackles in the game and has reached double figures in each of the last two contests. The Tigers as a team had a season-high six sacks at Washburn last week, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6163">Naszir Mallory</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6190">Sterling Swopes</a>, and Menges all had one each. Kuhn and Sanders are tied for the team lead this season, each with three. The Bronchos own the third-best rushing attack in the MIAA at 170 yards per game. However, they rank last in the conference in passing yards per game at 168.8. Though the Bronchos are 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA in total offense, they make up for it with the fifth-best total defense in the conference (366 yards per game).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Oklahoma (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) Saturday, October 16 - 7 pm Hays, Kan. - Lewis Field Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State is set to host Central Oklahoma on Saturday night in Hays at 7 pm. Both teams enter the contest 3-3 on the season. The Tigers are looking to extend their win streak against the Bronchos, which currently sits at five in a row. A fireworks show will follow 10 minutes after the end of the game. Game Sponsor:&nbsp;High Plains Farm Credit Promotion:&nbsp;Postgame Fireworks Show (sponsored by Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Horizon Appliance and Electronics, and J Day Fireworks) Fort Hays State is coming off a tough 23-20 overtime loss at Washburn last week in Topeka. The Tigers scored first in overtime with a field goal, only to see the Ichabods win the game with a touchdown on their overtime possession. Central Oklahoma enters the game winners of its last two contests, downing Lincoln 69-28 and then Northeastern State 49-9. The Bronchos lost three straight games in Weeks 2-4, falling to Emporia State on the road, Missouri Southern at home, and then Northwest Missouri State on the road. UCO opened the year with a 24-20 win over Missouri Western in Edmond. Fort Hays State won the 2019 meeting with Central Oklahoma by a score of 35-7 in Edmond. In that game,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;tied the school record for passing touchdowns in a game with 5, completing 23-of-30 passes for 310 yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;had two of the receiving touchdowns in that game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6188">Jordan Starks</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers in tackles with 11. The Tigers own the sixth-best offense in the nation, averaging 490 yards per game to lead the MIAA. The Tigers also have the top red-zone offense in the MIAA, scoring 92.9 percent of the time when they enter the area (26 out of 28 chances, which includes 23 touchdowns and 3 field goals). Fuller ranks 10th&nbsp;nationally in passing yards entering Saturday with 1,829. He now has 56 passing touchdowns in his career, just four shy of the FHSU school record of 60 held by Jacob Mezera. Fuller set the single-season passing touchdowns record in 2019 at 35, and he has 14 so far this year. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;continues to be an all-around force for the Tigers. He ranks fifth nationally in rushing yards per carry (7.45) and seventh nationally in all-purpose yards per game (174.3). He has a total of 1,046 all-purpose yards this season (477 rushing, 275 receiving, 294 kick return). On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6167">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6157">John Johnson</a>&nbsp;are coming off career-high performances in tackles. Both had 14 tackles in the game at Washburn last week.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6173">Jhimon Preston</a>&nbsp;had 10 tackles in the game and has reached double figures in each of the last two contests. The Tigers as a team had a season-high six sacks at Washburn last week, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6180">Javaris Sanders</a>&nbsp;with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6160">Dalton Kuhn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6163">Naszir Mallory</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6190">Sterling Swopes</a>, and Menges all had one each. Kuhn and Sanders are tied for the team lead this season, each with three. The Bronchos own the third-best rushing attack in the MIAA at 170 yards per game. However, they rank last in the conference in passing yards per game at 168.8. Though the Bronchos are 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA in total offense, they make up for it with the fifth-best total defense in the conference (366 yards per game).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈📻 LISTEN LIVE Tigers host Bronchos, Fireworks to follow game

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/brian-grimmett">Brian Grimmett</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service</a>

Your natural gas bill will increase this winter as supply issues drive up market prices.

WICHITA, Kansas&nbsp;— Your natural gas bill is going to go up this winter.

Natural gas prices run nearly double what they did a year ago and experts predict the increased prices to last at least through the winter.

Utility companies pass the cost of natural gas directly on to their customers. As the price of wholesale natural gas increases, so will the fee your utility charges every month.

For Kansas Gas Service customers, that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasgasservice.com//media/KGS/Tariffs/current_cog.pdf" target="_blank">fee this month</a>&nbsp;is $5.67 per thousand cubic feet of gas used. Last October it was only $3.76.

Other large gas utilities have made similar increases.

The Atmos Energy gas purchase fee this month is nearly $1.50 more than last year. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/ksg_pga.pdf" target="_blank">Black Hills Energy</a>&nbsp;it’s more than $3 more.

“Right now, what we see is a relatively tight market, and higher prices signalling that more (gas) supplies are needed on the market,” said Richard Meyer, vice-president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aga.org/" target="_blank">American Gas Association</a>&nbsp;that represents natural gas utilities.

The U.S. Energy Information Agency said a few things are<a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/prices.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;causing strain on natural gas supply</a>&nbsp;that contribute to higher-than-normal natural gas prices.

First, the amount of gas in underground storage is lower than normal. That’s partly caused by February’s winter storm that set record cold temperatures for much of the central U.S. It’s also caused by increased usage by gas-fired power plants during a particularly hot August.

Hurricane Ida also&nbsp;cut natural gas production and supplies.

While the EIA expects many of those supply issues to get resolved, it said the price will likely remain high all winter.

If it does, the average Kansan could see a monthly bill increase as much as $100 higher than last year.

Kansas Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company has several tools to help keep the cost of gas down even as market prices rise.

The company has purchased and stored large amounts of gas this summer when prices were generally lower. It also will enter into long- and medium-term contracts to try to lock a price in and hedge against future increases.

“By doing that, we’re able to place a price cap on a portion of our winter supply,” Tripp said.

Increased natural gas prices will also greatly impact Kansas farmers. Natural gas is the main ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers. When the price of gas goes up, so does the price of fertilizer.

“Fertilizer is the largest direct cost (for farmers),” said Mark Nelson with the Kansas Farm Bureau.

Higher fertilizer prices will mean thinner profit margins, he said.

Last year the price to put fertilizer on no-till corn was $60 an acre. Nelson said many people are preparing for that cost to double.

“That’s a lot of money just for that one cost input,” Nelson said.

Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service.&nbsp;</a>

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/brian-grimmett">Brian Grimmett</a>, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service</a><h2>Your natural gas bill will increase this winter as supply issues drive up market prices.</h2>WICHITA, Kansas&nbsp;— Your natural gas bill is going to go up this winter.Natural gas prices run nearly double what they did a year ago and experts predict the increased prices to last at least through the winter.Utility companies pass the cost of natural gas directly on to their customers. As the price of wholesale natural gas increases, so will the fee your utility charges every month.For Kansas Gas Service customers, that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasgasservice.com//media/KGS/Tariffs/current_cog.pdf" target="_blank">fee this month</a>&nbsp;is $5.67 per thousand cubic feet of gas used. Last October it was only $3.76.Other large gas utilities have made similar increases.The Atmos Energy gas purchase fee this month is nearly $1.50 more than last year. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/sites/blackhillsenergy.com/files/ksg_pga.pdf" target="_blank">Black Hills Energy</a>&nbsp;it’s more than $3 more.“Right now, what we see is a relatively tight market, and higher prices signalling that more (gas) supplies are needed on the market,” said Richard Meyer, vice-president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aga.org/" target="_blank">American Gas Association</a>&nbsp;that represents natural gas utilities.The U.S. Energy Information Agency said a few things are<a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/prices.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;causing strain on natural gas supply</a>&nbsp;that contribute to higher-than-normal natural gas prices.First, the amount of gas in underground storage is lower than normal. That’s partly caused by February’s winter storm that set record cold temperatures for much of the central U.S. It’s also caused by increased usage by gas-fired power plants during a particularly hot August.Hurricane Ida also&nbsp;cut natural gas production and supplies.While the EIA expects many of those supply issues to get resolved, it said the price will likely remain high all winter.If it does, the average Kansan could see a monthly bill increase as much as $100 higher than last year.Kansas Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company has several tools to help keep the cost of gas down even as market prices rise.The company has purchased and stored large amounts of gas this summer when prices were generally lower. It also will enter into long- and medium-term contracts to try to lock a price in and hedge against future increases.“By doing that, we’re able to place a price cap on a portion of our winter supply,” Tripp said.Increased natural gas prices will also greatly impact Kansas farmers. Natural gas is the main ingredient in nitrogen fertilizers. When the price of gas goes up, so does the price of fertilizer.“Fertilizer is the largest direct cost (for farmers),” said Mark Nelson with the Kansas Farm Bureau.Higher fertilizer prices will mean thinner profit margins, he said.Last year the price to put fertilizer on no-till corn was $60 an acre. Nelson said many people are preparing for that cost to double.“That’s a lot of money just for that one cost input,” Nelson said.Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-10-13/kansans-will-pay-more-for-natural-gas-this-winter">Kansas News Service.&nbsp;</a>

Expect to pay much more for natural gas this winter in Kansas

BARBER COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for a July 2020 murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Clinton Wayne Rogers, 35, of Medicine Lodge, was sentenced by Barber County District Court Judge Francis Meisenheimer. Rogers was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 653 months on one count of first degree murder. Rogers pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1.

Rogers was convicted for the July 26, 2020, murder of Joyce A. Foulkrod in Medicine Lodge. A family member found Foulkrod deceased inside her home at 3 Whitney Lane in Medicine Lodge.&nbsp;Deputies in Montana arrested Rogers on August 11, 2020, on a warrant for theft out of Kingman County, Kansas, according to the KBI. Investigators believe Rogers stole a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro in Kingman County on August 2 on his way to Montana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597423172012.png" alt="Rogers after his arrest in Dawson County Montana" />
 <figcaption>Rogers after his arrest in Dawson County Montana</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for a July 2020 murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Clinton Wayne Rogers, 35, of Medicine Lodge, was sentenced by Barber County District Court Judge Francis Meisenheimer. Rogers was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 653 months on one count of first degree murder. Rogers pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1.Rogers was convicted for the July 26, 2020, murder of Joyce A. Foulkrod in Medicine Lodge. A family member found Foulkrod deceased inside her home at 3 Whitney Lane in Medicine Lodge.&nbsp;Deputies in Montana arrested Rogers on August 11, 2020, on a warrant for theft out of Kingman County, Kansas, according to the KBI. Investigators believe Rogers stole a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro in Kingman County on August 2 on his way to Montana.

Kansas man captured in Montana sentenced for woman's murder

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.

Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.

Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633901481923.png" alt="Dilley photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dilley photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

Kan. mother charged with abuse, murder of infant daughter

RICE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities arrested a Sterling man Thursday morning after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents served an arrest warrant at the residence of 2020 Avenue R in Sterling, Kansas. The Rice County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted during the arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.

Jonathan A. Braden, 43, also known as Jonathan Behnke, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Rice County Jail for two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 25 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. The crimes allege Braden engaged in sexual conduct with a juvenile, and possessed and manufactured child pornography.

In September 2019, a report was made to the Grandview Plaza Police Department when a subject discovered images of child pornography that were suspected to be Braden’s. The Grandview Plaza Police Department began investigating. They requested KBI assistance in October of 2019.

On Dec. 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Braden’s residence in Sterling, and evidence was located and seized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634246081483.png" alt="Braden -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Braden -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities arrested a Sterling man Thursday morning after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents served an arrest warrant at the residence of 2020 Avenue R in Sterling, Kansas. The Rice County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted during the arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.Jonathan A. Braden, 43, also known as Jonathan Behnke, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Rice County Jail for two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 25 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. The crimes allege Braden engaged in sexual conduct with a juvenile, and possessed and manufactured child pornography.In September 2019, a report was made to the Grandview Plaza Police Department when a subject discovered images of child pornography that were suspected to be Braden’s. The Grandview Plaza Police Department began investigating. They requested KBI assistance in October of 2019.On Dec. 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Braden’s residence in Sterling, and evidence was located and seized.

KBI: Kansas man jailed for alleged child sex crimes 

IRVING, Texas&nbsp;– Kansas has been voted by the league’s head coaches as the preseason favorite to win the 2021-22 Big 12 men’s basketball regular-season championship, the conference announced Thursday.&nbsp; Kansas has been the coaches’ choice in 10 of the last 11 seasons and 19 times in the 26-year history of the Big 12. At season’s end, KU has outright or tied the conference regular-season championship 19 times, including an NCAA-record 14 consecutive from 2005-18. A coaches’ preseason poll was not conducted in the Big 12’s first season of 1996-97. “Preseason polls don’t mean anything other than the fact we hope to have a team that has a great chance to have a great season,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “I’m excited about this group and I’m really excited about the competitiveness of what we consider to be the best league in America.”&nbsp; For the 2021-22 poll, the Jayhawks collected eight first-place votes and finished with a total of 80 points. Texas received the other two first-place nods to land at second with 70 points. Baylor was third with 67 points, with Texas Tech fourth with 51 points. Oklahoma State and West Virginia tied for fifth with 49 points, followed No. 7 Oklahoma (29), No. 8 TCU (24), No. 9 Kansas State (22) and No. 10 Iowa State (9). Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team. Head coaches and student-athletes from each team will appear at the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tipoff in Kansas City on October 20. Interviews from the event will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ from 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT. 2021-22 BIG 12 PRESEASON POLL Team (First-place votes) - Points 1. KANSAS (8) - 80 2. Texas (2) - 70 3. Baylor - 67 4. Texas Tech - 51 5. Oklahoma State - 49 5. West Virginia - 49 7. Oklahoma - 29 8. TCU - 24 9. Kansas State - 22 10. Iowa State - 9 Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team. Big 12 Preseason Poll History Season – Preseason Selection (actual finish); Big 12 Champion (preseason) 2020-21 – Baylor (1st); Baylor (1st) 2019-20 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2018-19 – Kansas (3rd); Kansas State (2nd), Texas Tech (7th) 2017-18 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2016-17 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2015-16 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2014-15 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2013-14 – Kansas (1st), Oklahoma State (8th); Kansas (1st) 2012-13 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st), Kansas State (5th) 2011-12 – Kansas (1st), Texas A&amp;M (9th); Kansas (1st) 2010-11 – Kansas State (T3rd); Kansas (2nd) 2009-10 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2008-09 – Oklahoma (2nd); Kansas (3rd) 2007-08 – Kansas (T1st); Kansas (1st), Texas (2nd) 2006-07 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2005-06 – Texas (T1st); Kansas (3rd), Texas (1st) 2004-05 – Kansas (T1st), Oklahoma State (3rd); Kansas (T1st), Oklahoma (4th) 2003-04 – Missouri (T5th); Oklahoma State (5th) 2002-03 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2001-02 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2000-01 – Kansas (T2nd); Iowa State (4th) 1999-00 – Kansas (5th); Iowa State (6th) 1998-99 – Oklahoma State (T5th); Texas (5th) 1997-98 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 1996-97 – No coaches poll; Kansas&nbsp;&nbsp;

IRVING, Texas&nbsp;– Kansas has been voted by the league’s head coaches as the preseason favorite to win the 2021-22 Big 12 men’s basketball regular-season championship, the conference announced Thursday.&nbsp; Kansas has been the coaches’ choice in 10 of the last 11 seasons and 19 times in the 26-year history of the Big 12. At season’s end, KU has outright or tied the conference regular-season championship 19 times, including an NCAA-record 14 consecutive from 2005-18. A coaches’ preseason poll was not conducted in the Big 12’s first season of 1996-97. “Preseason polls don’t mean anything other than the fact we hope to have a team that has a great chance to have a great season,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “I’m excited about this group and I’m really excited about the competitiveness of what we consider to be the best league in America.”&nbsp; For the 2021-22 poll, the Jayhawks collected eight first-place votes and finished with a total of 80 points. Texas received the other two first-place nods to land at second with 70 points. Baylor was third with 67 points, with Texas Tech fourth with 51 points. Oklahoma State and West Virginia tied for fifth with 49 points, followed No. 7 Oklahoma (29), No. 8 TCU (24), No. 9 Kansas State (22) and No. 10 Iowa State (9). Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team. Head coaches and student-athletes from each team will appear at the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tipoff in Kansas City on October 20. Interviews from the event will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ from 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT. 2021-22 BIG 12 PRESEASON POLL Team (First-place votes) - Points 1. KANSAS (8) - 80 2. Texas (2) - 70 3. Baylor - 67 4. Texas Tech - 51 5. Oklahoma State - 49 5. West Virginia - 49 7. Oklahoma - 29 8. TCU - 24 9. Kansas State - 22 10. Iowa State - 9 Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team. Big 12 Preseason Poll History Season – Preseason Selection (actual finish); Big 12 Champion (preseason) 2020-21 – Baylor (1st); Baylor (1st) 2019-20 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2018-19 – Kansas (3rd); Kansas State (2nd), Texas Tech (7th) 2017-18 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2016-17 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2015-16 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2014-15 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2013-14 – Kansas (1st), Oklahoma State (8th); Kansas (1st) 2012-13 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st), Kansas State (5th) 2011-12 – Kansas (1st), Texas A&amp;M (9th); Kansas (1st) 2010-11 – Kansas State (T3rd); Kansas (2nd) 2009-10 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2008-09 – Oklahoma (2nd); Kansas (3rd) 2007-08 – Kansas (T1st); Kansas (1st), Texas (2nd) 2006-07 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2005-06 – Texas (T1st); Kansas (3rd), Texas (1st) 2004-05 – Kansas (T1st), Oklahoma State (3rd); Kansas (T1st), Oklahoma (4th) 2003-04 – Missouri (T5th); Oklahoma State (5th) 2002-03 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2001-02 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 2000-01 – Kansas (T2nd); Iowa State (4th) 1999-00 – Kansas (5th); Iowa State (6th) 1998-99 – Oklahoma State (T5th); Texas (5th) 1997-98 – Kansas (1st); Kansas (1st) 1996-97 – No coaches poll; Kansas&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Athletics

🏀 Jayhawks are the Big 12 preseason favorite in coaches’ poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer continues to receive votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll. The Tigers currently sit at 6-4-1 overall on the season. The Tigers will play a pair of games against Newman University this week, both away and home. Southern Nazarene is the only school from the GAC/MIAA currently in the Top 25 at No. 22, holding a record of 8-3 overall. Rogers State joins FHSU in the receiving votes list. Below is the Top 25 Poll for October 12, 2021. Rank School Prev W-L-T 1. Franklin Pierce University (1) 11-0-0 2. University Of Indianapolis (2) 8-0-1 3. Lynn University (3) 9-1-0 4. Davis &amp; Elkins College (4) 10-0-0 5. Young Harris College (5) 11-0-0 6. University Of Charleston (7) 9-1-0 7. Seattle Pacific University (8) 9-1-0 8. Midwestern State University (11) 9-1-0 9. Limestone University (12) 8-1-0 10. Palm Beach Atlantic University (16) 7-1-0 11. Maryville University of St. Louis (14) 8-2-1 12. Colorado Mesa University (15) 10-2-0 13. California State University-Los Angeles (19) 6-2-1 14. American International College (18) 9-0-1 15. Gannon University (17) 9-1-0 16. University Of Tampa (23) 8-2-0 17. Wilmington University (9) 10-1-1 18. West Texas A&amp;M University (6) 7-2-0 19. Chowan University (21) 7-2-0 20. California State University-Dominguez Hills (25) 6-1-1 21. Lake Erie College (NR) 7-2-1 22. Southern Nazarene University (20) 8-3-0 23. Azusa Pacific University (10) 6-2-2 24. University of Montevallo (RV) 8-2-1 25. Colorado School Of Mines (NR) 9-3-0&nbsp; Receiving votes: Georgian Court University,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, Auburn University Montgomery, Anderson University (S.C.), Lee University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Nova Southeastern University, Rogers State University&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer continues to receive votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll. The Tigers currently sit at 6-4-1 overall on the season. The Tigers will play a pair of games against Newman University this week, both away and home. Southern Nazarene is the only school from the GAC/MIAA currently in the Top 25 at No. 22, holding a record of 8-3 overall. Rogers State joins FHSU in the receiving votes list. Below is the Top 25 Poll for October 12, 2021. Rank School Prev W-L-T 1. Franklin Pierce University (1) 11-0-0 2. University Of Indianapolis (2) 8-0-1 3. Lynn University (3) 9-1-0 4. Davis &amp; Elkins College (4) 10-0-0 5. Young Harris College (5) 11-0-0 6. University Of Charleston (7) 9-1-0 7. Seattle Pacific University (8) 9-1-0 8. Midwestern State University (11) 9-1-0 9. Limestone University (12) 8-1-0 10. Palm Beach Atlantic University (16) 7-1-0 11. Maryville University of St. Louis (14) 8-2-1 12. Colorado Mesa University (15) 10-2-0 13. California State University-Los Angeles (19) 6-2-1 14. American International College (18) 9-0-1 15. Gannon University (17) 9-1-0 16. University Of Tampa (23) 8-2-0 17. Wilmington University (9) 10-1-1 18. West Texas A&amp;M University (6) 7-2-0 19. Chowan University (21) 7-2-0 20. California State University-Dominguez Hills (25) 6-1-1 21. Lake Erie College (NR) 7-2-1 22. Southern Nazarene University (20) 8-3-0 23. Azusa Pacific University (10) 6-2-2 24. University of Montevallo (RV) 8-2-1 25. Colorado School Of Mines (NR) 9-3-0&nbsp; Receiving votes: Georgian Court University,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, Auburn University Montgomery, Anderson University (S.C.), Lee University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Nova Southeastern University, Rogers State University&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ Tiger men continue to receive votes top 25 poll

The east leg of the 22nd and Vine intersection in Hays will be closed to traffic on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for pavement maintenance. 

Traffic control devices will be in place to direct the traveling public. 

We regret any inconvenience this may cause the traveling public. Any questions, contact the public works 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe east leg of the 22nd and Vine intersection in Hays will be closed to traffic on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for pavement maintenance. Traffic control devices will be in place to direct the traveling public. We regret any inconvenience this may cause the traveling public. Any questions, contact the public works 785-628-7350.

East side of 22nd and Vine intersection temporarily closes Friday

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;football team takes on Central Oklahoma this Saturday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.

There will be a fireworks show approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game! 

Brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/j.dayfireworks/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">J.Day Fireworks LLC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/horizonappliance/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Horizon Appliance &amp; Electronics</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau</a>.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/roartigers?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=*NK*F">#roartigers</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/defendthefort?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=*NK*F">#defendthefort</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625170279133.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays CVB The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;football team takes on Central Oklahoma this Saturday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. There will be a fireworks show approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game! Brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/j.dayfireworks/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">J.Day Fireworks LLC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/horizonappliance/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Horizon Appliance &amp; Electronics</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysCVB/?__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=kK*F">Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau</a>.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/roartigers?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=*NK*F">#roartigers</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/defendthefort?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW3MI56jn96288IiCuqOAlNYXhK3PQDJUdyrNbAPwPhgbShW-tIa_SVVDsvzJt6Wbg-O5LaZqy4RAaenDFP4NtmSY81-PZ_KCRikMClfPp4WXDw_EDDUWfdvzAf5SBlx2apJ9BG4cZVz7v-qn7I_3gbMUIbMBcwbH54JOViD-JYse6NdixG7AKKoVZSOjkXDiC7xUJMVrp98MWTxLT3d9Dc2vG0Cru5pgi2uW4oFLZGtQ&amp;__tn__=*NK*F">#defendthefort</a>

FHSU football and fireworks Saturday at Lewis Field Stadium

WASHINGTON (AP) –Thousands of public servants who were rejected from a student loan forgiveness program will get their cases reviewed by the Education Department as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by one of the nation’s largest teachers unions.

The settlement announced Wednesday aims to resolve a 2019 suit accusing the department of mismanaging its Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — a troubled initiative that the agency is separately working to fix through an overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-student-loans-education-cecef88ebeebe2f524022f603f22a83b">announced last week</a>.

The suit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers on behalf of eight members who said they were wrongly denied debt cancellation through the program.

Created in 2007, the program promises that college graduates who take jobs in public service can have their federal student debt forgiven after making 10 years of monthly payments. But the vast majority of applicants have been rejected, often for failing to meet complicated eligibility rules.

According to the lawsuit, the Education Department routinely made errors while processing applications yet offered no appeals process. It argued that borrowers were illegally being denied their right to due process. The suit targeted the department and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

As part of the settlement, the department said it will automatically review applications for all borrowers who were rejected prior to Nov. 1, 2020, as long as they had made 10 years of payments. If the department finds that a rejection was justified, it will email borrowers to explain the decision and how they can become eligible.

It goes a step further than a temporary expansion announced last week, which allows some previously ineligible borrowers to get loan forgiveness if they submit an application by the end of October 2022.

A new appeals process also will be created by April 30, 2022, for anyone whose application is denied. All eight plaintiffs in the suit will also get their loan balances erased, estimated at nearly $400,000.

Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, called it a “game-changing victory” for educators, nurses and other public workers who were wrongly rejected.

“We just ensured that a promise made is a promise kept,” Weingarten said in a call with reporters. “The settlement unravels the Gordian knot of PSLF’s botched implementation.”

Kelly Leon, a department spokesperson, said the Biden administration is committed to improving the program, which she said has failed to live up to its promise.

“We are pleased to settle this litigation and look forward to working with organizations including AFT to further improve the PSLF Program,” she said in a statement.

Among the plaintiffs is Debbie Baker, an Oklahoma teacher who made 10 years of payments before learning she had a type of loan that isn’t eligible under the program’s rules. She will now get more than $80,000 in student debt erased.

“This is just lifechanging — to be able to go to school and teach every day, and not have to deal with the anxiety and the anguish and the guilt and the feeling of just being trapped by debt,” she told reporters. “This is truly, truly lifechanging.”

Some other plaintiffs said their student loan servicers incorrectly told them they were eligible for the program, only to find out later that they had an ineligible loan or repayment plan. They also will see their loans cleared.

The department also agreed to email borrowers who may be eligible for loan forgiveness and explain how to submit the right paperwork.

The program has been a subject of debate for years amid criticism that it failed to deliver its promise to public servants. It was created to steer more college graduates into jobs that serve the public good but often have modest pay. It’s open to government workers at all levels and employees of nonprofit groups.

After finding that most applications were being rejected, Congress added $700 million to the program and temporarily expanded its rules in 2018. But even after that change, just 1% of applications were approved, according to a federal report a year later.

Thousands of applicants have been denied because they had loans through a now-defunct program that gave federally backed student loans through banks. Those loans are ineligible under the program’s original rules, as are some repayment plans.

Last week, the Education Department announced it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-student-loans-education-e7ddbd51e67e7e0ffb0f833f3ef02c42">temporarily lift some rules</a>&nbsp;to expand eligibility while it works on permanent improvements.

Under the change, past payments can be counted toward the required 10 years of payments even if they were made on loans or through payment plans that were previously ineligible. Borrowers have until Oct. 30, 2022, to get those payments counted.

The department is lifting the rules by invoking the HEROES Act of 2003, a federal law that allows the agency to waive certain rules during a national emergency. The move was applauded by Democrats and student advocates but blasted by Republicans, who say any changes should be made by Congress.

The Biden administration vowed to make permanent improvements through a federal rulemaking process. Hearings for that process started last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) –Thousands of public servants who were rejected from a student loan forgiveness program will get their cases reviewed by the Education Department as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by one of the nation’s largest teachers unions.The settlement announced Wednesday aims to resolve a 2019 suit accusing the department of mismanaging its Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — a troubled initiative that the agency is separately working to fix through an overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-student-loans-education-cecef88ebeebe2f524022f603f22a83b">announced last week</a>.The suit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers on behalf of eight members who said they were wrongly denied debt cancellation through the program.Created in 2007, the program promises that college graduates who take jobs in public service can have their federal student debt forgiven after making 10 years of monthly payments. But the vast majority of applicants have been rejected, often for failing to meet complicated eligibility rules.According to the lawsuit, the Education Department routinely made errors while processing applications yet offered no appeals process. It argued that borrowers were illegally being denied their right to due process. The suit targeted the department and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.As part of the settlement, the department said it will automatically review applications for all borrowers who were rejected prior to Nov. 1, 2020, as long as they had made 10 years of payments. If the department finds that a rejection was justified, it will email borrowers to explain the decision and how they can become eligible.It goes a step further than a temporary expansion announced last week, which allows some previously ineligible borrowers to get loan forgiveness if they submit an application by the end of October 2022.A new appeals process also will be created by April 30, 2022, for anyone whose application is denied. All eight plaintiffs in the suit will also get their loan balances erased, estimated at nearly $400,000.Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, called it a “game-changing victory” for educators, nurses and other public workers who were wrongly rejected.“We just ensured that a promise made is a promise kept,” Weingarten said in a call with reporters. “The settlement unravels the Gordian knot of PSLF’s botched implementation.”Kelly Leon, a department spokesperson, said the Biden administration is committed to improving the program, which she said has failed to live up to its promise.“We are pleased to settle this litigation and look forward to working with organizations including AFT to further improve the PSLF Program,” she said in a statement.Among the plaintiffs is Debbie Baker, an Oklahoma teacher who made 10 years of payments before learning she had a type of loan that isn’t eligible under the program’s rules. She will now get more than $80,000 in student debt erased.“This is just lifechanging — to be able to go to school and teach every day, and not have to deal with the anxiety and the anguish and the guilt and the feeling of just being trapped by debt,” she told reporters. “This is truly, truly lifechanging.”Some other plaintiffs said their student loan servicers incorrectly told them they were eligible for the program, only to find out later that they had an ineligible loan or repayment plan. They also will see their loans cleared.The department also agreed to email borrowers who may be eligible for loan forgiveness and explain how to submit the right paperwork.The program has been a subject of debate for years amid criticism that it failed to deliver its promise to public servants. It was created to steer more college graduates into jobs that serve the public good but often have modest pay. It’s open to government workers at all levels and employees of nonprofit groups.After finding that most applications were being rejected, Congress added $700 million to the program and temporarily expanded its rules in 2018. But even after that change, just 1% of applications were approved, according to a federal report a year later.Thousands of applicants have been denied because they had loans through a now-defunct program that gave federally backed student loans through banks. Those loans are ineligible under the program’s original rules, as are some repayment plans.Last week, the Education Department announced it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-student-loans-education-e7ddbd51e67e7e0ffb0f833f3ef02c42">temporarily lift some rules</a>&nbsp;to expand eligibility while it works on permanent improvements.Under the change, past payments can be counted toward the required 10 years of payments even if they were made on loans or through payment plans that were previously ineligible. Borrowers have until Oct. 30, 2022, to get those payments counted.The department is lifting the rules by invoking the HEROES Act of 2003, a federal law that allows the agency to waive certain rules during a national emergency. The move was applauded by Democrats and student advocates but blasted by Republicans, who say any changes should be made by Congress.The Biden administration vowed to make permanent improvements through a federal rulemaking process. Hearings for that process started last week.

Borrowers denied student loan relief will get a 2nd look

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 Week 6 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday, October 11.

Locally, TMP-Marian (23-8) fell two spots to No. 10 in 3A. Victoria (23-3) slipped two spots to No. 3 in 1A Division I. Both the Knights losses last week were to ranked teams Ellinwood (No. 4 in 2A) and Central Plains (No. 4 in 1A Division II). Smith Center stays at No. 1 in 2A and Wheatland-Grinnell; is seventh in 1A Division II.

Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s Rank

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 27-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 24-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 23-7 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 27-7 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 35-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 17-8 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 19-8 (7) 8. Hutchinson 28-4 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 16-10 (9) 10. Derby 22-11 (10)

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 27-1 (2) 3. St. James Academy 19-9 (3) 4. Mill Valley 27-6 (4) 5. Maize South 21-6 (5) 6. Seaman 18-8 (6) 7. Spring Hill 21-6 (7) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 20-7 (10) 9. Basehor-Linwood 21-8 (8) 10. Bishop Carroll 20-10 (9)

Class 4A 1. Andale 26-1 (1) 2. McPherson 27-6 (2) 3. Circle 23-5 (4) 4. Baldwin 23-3 (3) 5. Clay Center 21-5 (5) 6. Augusta 22-4 (6) 7. Louisburg 18-10 (8) 8. Bishop Miege 9-19 (7) 9. Ottawa 15-16 (10) 10. Labette County 27-3 (NR)

Class 3A 1. Cheney 26-1 (3) 2. Smoky Valley 25-3 (1) 3. Heritage Christian 26-2 (2) 4. Nemaha Central 26-3 (4) 5. Hiawatha 26-3 (5) 6. Goodland 26-3 (9) 7. Riverton 27-3 (6) 8. Eureka 28-1 (7) 9. Silver Lake 23-8 (NR) 10. Thomas More Prep-Marian 23-8 (8)

Class 2A 1. Smith Center 28-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 27-3 (3) 3. Garden Plain 20-6 (2) 4. Ellinwood 24-4 (5) 5. Hillsboro 21-7 (4) 6. Sterling 25-7 (7) 7. Wabaunsee 26-5 (6) 8. Meade/Fowler 28-1 (8) 9. Inman 24-8 (10) 10. Jefferson County North 23-5 (9)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 28-3 (3) 2. Little River 25-3 (2) 3. Victoria 21-3 (1) 4. Pretty Prairie 26-4 (4) 5. Kiowa County 25-5 (5) 6. Spearville 25-6 (8) 7. St. Paul 27-4 (7) 8. Burlingame 17-6 (6) 9. Doniphan West 20-9 (NR) 10. St. John-Hudson 15-9 (NR)

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2021 Week 6 Volleyball Rankings. Records listed reflect information that was submitted by Monday, October 11.Locally, TMP-Marian (23-8) fell two spots to No. 10 in 3A. Victoria (23-3) slipped two spots to No. 3 in 1A Division I. Both the Knights losses last week were to ranked teams Ellinwood (No. 4 in 2A) and Central Plains (No. 4 in 1A Division II). Smith Center stays at No. 1 in 2A and Wheatland-Grinnell; is seventh in 1A Division II.Rank – School – Record – Last Week’s RankClass 6A 1. Washburn Rural 27-0 (1) 2. Blue Valley North 24-2 (2) 3. Blue Valley West 23-7 (3) 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest 27-7 (4) 5. Wichita Northwest 35-1 (5) 6. Olathe Northwest 17-8 (6) 7. Lawrence-Free State 19-8 (7) 8. Hutchinson 28-4 (8) 9. Blue Valley Northwest 16-10 (9) 10. Derby 22-11 (10)Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 31-3 (1) 2. Lansing 27-1 (2) 3. St. James Academy 19-9 (3) 4. Mill Valley 27-6 (4) 5. Maize South 21-6 (5) 6. Seaman 18-8 (6) 7. Spring Hill 21-6 (7) 8. Goddard-Eisenhower 20-7 (10) 9. Basehor-Linwood 21-8 (8) 10. Bishop Carroll 20-10 (9)Class 4A 1. Andale 26-1 (1) 2. McPherson 27-6 (2) 3. Circle 23-5 (4) 4. Baldwin 23-3 (3) 5. Clay Center 21-5 (5) 6. Augusta 22-4 (6) 7. Louisburg 18-10 (8) 8. Bishop Miege 9-19 (7) 9. Ottawa 15-16 (10) 10. Labette County 27-3 (NR)Class 3A 1. Cheney 26-1 (3) 2. Smoky Valley 25-3 (1) 3. Heritage Christian 26-2 (2) 4. Nemaha Central 26-3 (4) 5. Hiawatha 26-3 (5) 6. Goodland 26-3 (9) 7. Riverton 27-3 (6) 8. Eureka 28-1 (7) 9. Silver Lake 23-8 (NR) 10. Thomas More Prep-Marian 23-8 (8)Class 2A 1. Smith Center 28-2 (1) 2. Sedgwick 27-3 (3) 3. Garden Plain 20-6 (2) 4. Ellinwood 24-4 (5) 5. Hillsboro 21-7 (4) 6. Sterling 25-7 (7) 7. Wabaunsee 26-5 (6) 8. Meade/Fowler 28-1 (8) 9. Inman 24-8 (10) 10. Jefferson County North 23-5 (9)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Centralia 28-3 (3) 2. Little River 25-3 (2) 3. Victoria 21-3 (1) 4. Pretty Prairie 26-4 (4) 5. Kiowa County 25-5 (5) 6. Spearville 25-6 (8) 7. St. Paul 27-4 (7) 8. Burlingame 17-6 (6) 9. Doniphan West 20-9 (NR) 10. St. John-Hudson 15-9 (NR)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 24-5 (1) 2. Lebo 24-4 (2) 3. Attica 24-2 (3) 4. Central Plains 19-7 (5) 5. Linn 20-8 (6) 6. Golden Plains 24-4 (4) 7. Wheatland-Grinnell 19-8 (7) 8. Central Christian 17-7 (9) 9. Dighton 18-6 (10) 10. Argonia 17-5 (8)