Cheryl Urbanek, 79, of Colby, died Monday, July 18, 2022, in Colby. She 
was born September 19, 1943, in Stafford, Kansas, to Howard and Verda 
(Staley) Jimison. She graduated from Lorraine High School in 1961 and on
 October 17, 1964, she married James Urbanek. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry Jimison, James
 Jimison, and Michael Jimison, and sister, Cathy Preston. 
She is survived by her husband, James of Colby; children, Jamie (Paul) 
Heskett, of Oakley, KS; and Mitch Urbanek, of Plainville, KS; brother, 
Kyle (Debbie) Jimison, of Bushton, KS; seven grandchildren; 10 great 
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 
There will be no visitation. A Rosary will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed
 by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2022, at Sacred Heart
 Catholic Church, in Colby, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby.

Memorials may be made to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope, and 
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.  Online 
condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658422999358.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Urbanek, 79, of Colby, died Monday, July 18, 2022, in Colby. She 
was born September 19, 1943, in Stafford, Kansas, to Howard and Verda 
(Staley) Jimison. She graduated from Lorraine High School in 1961 and on
 October 17, 1964, she married James Urbanek. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry Jimison, James
 Jimison, and Michael Jimison, and sister, Cathy Preston. 
She is survived by her husband, James of Colby; children, Jamie (Paul) 
Heskett, of Oakley, KS; and Mitch Urbanek, of Plainville, KS; brother, 
Kyle (Debbie) Jimison, of Bushton, KS; seven grandchildren; 10 great 
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 
There will be no visitation. A Rosary will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed
 by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2022, at Sacred Heart
 Catholic Church, in Colby, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope, and 
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online 
condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cheryl Kay Urbanek (Jimison)

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LOLITA%20C.%20BALDOR%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-tom-cruise-jerry-bruckheimer-california-74bbbb5552c75cb268ae8298e4fe1379">“Top Gun: Maverick”</a>&nbsp;roared into theaters in late May, the Air Force was ready.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-movies-north-america-steven-spielberg-bb005f1efd6a5de2ef40acd4c588214e">smash hit movie</a>&nbsp;may feature Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-gun-maverick-film-review-dfe987ecf3250c3f0103da09b3dc76dc">a hotshot Navy aviator</a>, but to much of the movie-going public, the distinction between Air Force and Navy fighter jets is lost. So Air Force recruiters struggling to meet their enlistment goals took boxes of free mugs and lanyards, and fanned out to movie theaters for the premiere, determined to capitalize on the jet-fueled excitement surrounding the film.

These are tough times for military recruiters. With COVID-19 complicating their work and low unemployment reducing the number of potential recruits, all services are having problems finding young people who want to join and can meet the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements.html#:~:text=Enlisted%20Soldiers,-Enlisted%20Soldiers%20are&amp;text=Age%3A%20Between%2017%2D35%20years,high%20school%20graduate%20or%20equivalent">physical, mental and moral requirements.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-politics-health-army-dc5db721e3270e0e92a0210daa890860">The Army especially is struggling</a>. On Tuesday, it said it will cut the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years. If those trends continue, that could present challenges as it tries to meet future national security and warfighting missions.

The situation is somewhat less dire for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Leaders of those branches say they hope to meet or just slightly miss their recruiting goals for this year. But they say they will have to dip into their pool of delayed entry applicants, which will put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year.

So recruiters are offering bigger bonuses and other incentives to those who sign up. And they are seizing on the boost that Hollywood may offer – such as the buzz over the sequel to the 1986 hit “Top Gun.”

“When the original ‘Top Gun’ was released, the Navy and Air Force received a pretty good recruiting bump,” said Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas, head of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recruiting.af.mil/">Air Force Recruiting Service.</a>&nbsp;"Frankly, we hope people get excited all over again about what we do. Whether they want to aim high or fly Navy, we just want them to come join us. We want them to be excited about military service.”

The Air Force said it usually goes into each year with about 25% of its recruiting goal already locked in, but this year will have about half of that. The Navy and Marine Corps often have as much as 50% of their goals at the start of the year, but also will see their percentage slashed.

Gen. Eric Smith, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps., said the Marines are focusing more on retention than recruiting. He said the Marine Corps “will make or come very close to making” its recruiting goals this year, but at the expense of the 2023 pool. And when recruits have less time to prepare before reporting to boot camp, more fail to complete their training, he said.

The situation is more dire for the Army, which a top general says faces “unprecedented challenges” in recruitments.

Gen. Joseph Martin, vice chief of staff for the Army, said the service will have a total force of 466,400 this year, down from the expected 476,000. It could end 2023 with between 445,000 and 452,000 soldiers, depending on how well recruiting and retention go.

With just 2 1/2 months to go in the budget year ending Sept. 30, the Army has met just 50% of its recruiting goal of 60,000 soldiers, and based on those trends will likely miss that goal by nearly 25% as of Oct. 1.

An array of factors has made recruiting more difficult across the services.

Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools and other large public events that the military relies on to meet young people face to face.

The low unemployment rate means fewer people are looking for jobs. Private companies often pay more and are more nimble in responding to a tight labor market by raising salaries. Military salaries vary widely and are determined by Congress.

Across the country, fewer people are familiar with the military. Many do not know anyone who served and do not have bases in their regions. As political and cultural divisions over race, abortion, vaccines and other issues tear through the nation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-technology-health-government-and-politics-new-york-cfb56a95aec23dddbabcf3ebbe839f05">trust in the government</a>&nbsp;— including the military — has declined.

At the same time, only about 23% of young adults are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver. Moral behavior issues include drug use, gang ties or a criminal record.

“We look at it as the toughest recruiting environment that we’ve had in decades,” said Rear Adm. Lex Walker, who heads Navy Recruiting Command. “Companies are also offering great pay, they’re offering sign-on bonuses, help with college. They’re offering many of the same benefits the Navy has historically used to recruit."

One short-term solution is money. The Air Force and Navy commanders both said they had to request more money for bonuses this year as they began to see the recruiting struggle worsen.

For the first time in a decade, the Air Force approved two rounds of additional bonuses this budget year. Last October the service budgeted $17.5 million for enlistment bonuses, but in April service leaders added another $14 million, and in July they put in $7 million more.

The Navy, said Walker, has also increased bonuses by about $100 million. It also has also relaxed some restrictions to make it possible to enlist some who may not have qualified before. He said the Navy expanded its waiver policy for some prior marijuana use and for tattoos — allowing recruits to have visible ones in more places, such as the neck. A new pilot program allows single parents with up to two children over a year old to seek a waiver to enlist as long as the recruits have someone who can care for the children in case of a deployment.

The recruiting officials also said it's crucial to increase the public's awareness of the military and the benefits available for serving. They said recruiters and all members of the military need to get out into their communities, connect with people and tell their stories.

Air Force Sgt. Eric Way did just that at the Regal Cinema in Waterford, Connecticut, during the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick." Standing in the lobby, surrounded by Air Force swag and banners, he captured the attention of a 22-year-old from Old Lyme, who later told him the movie convinced him that he should enlist.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gervacio Maldonado, who helped organize the New England recruiting campaign centered on the movie’s premiere, said recruiters spoke to the young man before the film and gave him social media information to contact them later.

It worked. The man has already done his first interview.

Maldonado said the man later told a recruiter that he had been debating the enlistment idea for some time and said that "after watching the movie, that was my tipping point and I want to start the process.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LOLITA%20C.%20BALDOR%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — When&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-tom-cruise-jerry-bruckheimer-california-74bbbb5552c75cb268ae8298e4fe1379">“Top Gun: Maverick”</a>&nbsp;roared into theaters in late May, the Air Force was ready.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-movies-north-america-steven-spielberg-bb005f1efd6a5de2ef40acd4c588214e">smash hit movie</a>&nbsp;may feature Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-gun-maverick-film-review-dfe987ecf3250c3f0103da09b3dc76dc">a hotshot Navy aviator</a>, but to much of the movie-going public, the distinction between Air Force and Navy fighter jets is lost. So Air Force recruiters struggling to meet their enlistment goals took boxes of free mugs and lanyards, and fanned out to movie theaters for the premiere, determined to capitalize on the jet-fueled excitement surrounding the film.These are tough times for military recruiters. With COVID-19 complicating their work and low unemployment reducing the number of potential recruits, all services are having problems finding young people who want to join and can meet the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements.html#:~:text=Enlisted%20Soldiers,-Enlisted%20Soldiers%20are&amp;text=Age%3A%20Between%2017%2D35%20years,high%20school%20graduate%20or%20equivalent">physical, mental and moral requirements.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-politics-health-army-dc5db721e3270e0e92a0210daa890860">The Army especially is struggling</a>. On Tuesday, it said it will cut the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years. If those trends continue, that could present challenges as it tries to meet future national security and warfighting missions.The situation is somewhat less dire for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Leaders of those branches say they hope to meet or just slightly miss their recruiting goals for this year. But they say they will have to dip into their pool of delayed entry applicants, which will put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year.So recruiters are offering bigger bonuses and other incentives to those who sign up. And they are seizing on the boost that Hollywood may offer – such as the buzz over the sequel to the 1986 hit “Top Gun.”“When the original ‘Top Gun’ was released, the Navy and Air Force received a pretty good recruiting bump,” said Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas, head of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recruiting.af.mil/">Air Force Recruiting Service.</a>&nbsp;"Frankly, we hope people get excited all over again about what we do. Whether they want to aim high or fly Navy, we just want them to come join us. We want them to be excited about military service.”The Air Force said it usually goes into each year with about 25% of its recruiting goal already locked in, but this year will have about half of that. The Navy and Marine Corps often have as much as 50% of their goals at the start of the year, but also will see their percentage slashed.Gen. Eric Smith, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps., said the Marines are focusing more on retention than recruiting. He said the Marine Corps “will make or come very close to making” its recruiting goals this year, but at the expense of the 2023 pool. And when recruits have less time to prepare before reporting to boot camp, more fail to complete their training, he said.The situation is more dire for the Army, which a top general says faces “unprecedented challenges” in recruitments.Gen. Joseph Martin, vice chief of staff for the Army, said the service will have a total force of 466,400 this year, down from the expected 476,000. It could end 2023 with between 445,000 and 452,000 soldiers, depending on how well recruiting and retention go.With just 2 1/2 months to go in the budget year ending Sept. 30, the Army has met just 50% of its recruiting goal of 60,000 soldiers, and based on those trends will likely miss that goal by nearly 25% as of Oct. 1.An array of factors has made recruiting more difficult across the services.Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools and other large public events that the military relies on to meet young people face to face.The low unemployment rate means fewer people are looking for jobs. Private companies often pay more and are more nimble in responding to a tight labor market by raising salaries. Military salaries vary widely and are determined by Congress.Across the country, fewer people are familiar with the military. Many do not know anyone who served and do not have bases in their regions. As political and cultural divisions over race, abortion, vaccines and other issues tear through the nation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-technology-health-government-and-politics-new-york-cfb56a95aec23dddbabcf3ebbe839f05">trust in the government</a>&nbsp;— including the military — has declined.At the same time, only about 23% of young adults are physically, mentally and morally qualified to serve without receiving some type of waiver. Moral behavior issues include drug use, gang ties or a criminal record.“We look at it as the toughest recruiting environment that we’ve had in decades,” said Rear Adm. Lex Walker, who heads Navy Recruiting Command. “Companies are also offering great pay, they’re offering sign-on bonuses, help with college. They’re offering many of the same benefits the Navy has historically used to recruit."One short-term solution is money. The Air Force and Navy commanders both said they had to request more money for bonuses this year as they began to see the recruiting struggle worsen.For the first time in a decade, the Air Force approved two rounds of additional bonuses this budget year. Last October the service budgeted $17.5 million for enlistment bonuses, but in April service leaders added another $14 million, and in July they put in $7 million more.The Navy, said Walker, has also increased bonuses by about $100 million. It also has also relaxed some restrictions to make it possible to enlist some who may not have qualified before. He said the Navy expanded its waiver policy for some prior marijuana use and for tattoos — allowing recruits to have visible ones in more places, such as the neck. A new pilot program allows single parents with up to two children over a year old to seek a waiver to enlist as long as the recruits have someone who can care for the children in case of a deployment.The recruiting officials also said it's crucial to increase the public's awareness of the military and the benefits available for serving. They said recruiters and all members of the military need to get out into their communities, connect with people and tell their stories.Air Force Sgt. Eric Way did just that at the Regal Cinema in Waterford, Connecticut, during the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick." Standing in the lobby, surrounded by Air Force swag and banners, he captured the attention of a 22-year-old from Old Lyme, who later told him the movie convinced him that he should enlist.Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gervacio Maldonado, who helped organize the New England recruiting campaign centered on the movie’s premiere, said recruiters spoke to the young man before the film and gave him social media information to contact them later.It worked. The man has already done his first interview.Maldonado said the man later told a recruiter that he had been debating the enlistment idea for some time and said that "after watching the movie, that was my tipping point and I want to start the process.”

As recruiters struggle, Air Force seeks lift from 'Top Gun'

Agnes Finger, 94, Passed away July 20, 2022, at Country Living Senior Plus, Larned.

Agnes Vondracek was born October 24, 1927, at Timken, Kansas, the 
daughter of Joseph A. and Ludmila Pechanec Vondracek.&nbsp; She attended the 
Timken Grade School, Bison High School, graduating with the class of 
1945.&nbsp; She also attended Fort Hays State College. Agnes taught in the 
Timken Grade School for the years of 1946 and 1947.&nbsp; She worked in the 
Farmers and Merchants State Bank of La Crosse for a short period of time
 before her marriage.

Leonard A. Finger and Agnes Vondracek were married on May 11, 1948, 
in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas.&nbsp; This was in a 
double wedding ceremony with Helen Pechanec, Agnes’ cousin, and 
Leonard’s brother, Marvin.&nbsp; Father Emil J. Kapaun, who later was a 
Korean War Chaplain, was Pastor of the Timken Parish and witnessed their
 marriage as well as Father Norbert Staab of Larned, and Father Frank 
Huslig of La Crosse, assisting.

Leonard and Agnes began their married life on the Finger home place 
north of Larned before moving to a farm eleven miles west of Larned in 
1950 that was to be their home for the next 50 years before retiring to 
Larned.&nbsp; Agnes enjoyed gardening, yard work, refinishing furniture, 
researching family history and quilting.&nbsp; Working with young people was 
also her joy and she was the Tiny Toilers 4-H club foods leader for many
 years when her daughters were in 4-H.&nbsp; She taught religious education 
classes for her church and formerly served on the Education Committee as
 well as the Endowment Board.&nbsp; She served on the Pawnee County 4-H 
Foundation and assisted with the 4-H Fair and later with the Pawnee 
County Open Fair.&nbsp; She felt privileged to visit the homebound members of
 her church and was active on the Funeral Dinner Group of the Altar 
Society for many years.

Survivors include three sons: Mark and wife Jonnie, Lawrence, Greg, 
Garfield; Tom and wife, Connie, Augusta; son-in-law, Dave Vickery, 
daughters Margaret and husband Lee Scheufler, Sterling; Susan Latimore, 
Larned; Julie and husband Scott Borchardt, Walpole, Massachusetts.&nbsp; 
Nineteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leonard, her 
two brothers Frank and Rudy and their wives, her daughter Mary Ellen, 
daughter-in-law Jennifer Otte Finger and a grandson Garrett Finger.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Vigil 
service and Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 22nd, at 
Beckwith Mortuary.&nbsp; Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 
with family present from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary.&nbsp; 
Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Pawnee 
County 4-H Foundation, both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, 
Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658354684758.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Agnes Finger, 94, Passed away July 20, 2022, at Country Living Senior Plus, Larned.Agnes Vondracek was born October 24, 1927, at Timken, Kansas, the 
daughter of Joseph A. and Ludmila Pechanec Vondracek.&nbsp; She attended the 
Timken Grade School, Bison High School, graduating with the class of 
1945.&nbsp; She also attended Fort Hays State College. Agnes taught in the 
Timken Grade School for the years of 1946 and 1947.&nbsp; She worked in the 
Farmers and Merchants State Bank of La Crosse for a short period of time
 before her marriage.Leonard A. Finger and Agnes Vondracek were married on May 11, 1948, 
in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas.&nbsp; This was in a 
double wedding ceremony with Helen Pechanec, Agnes’ cousin, and 
Leonard’s brother, Marvin.&nbsp; Father Emil J. Kapaun, who later was a 
Korean War Chaplain, was Pastor of the Timken Parish and witnessed their
 marriage as well as Father Norbert Staab of Larned, and Father Frank 
Huslig of La Crosse, assisting.Leonard and Agnes began their married life on the Finger home place 
north of Larned before moving to a farm eleven miles west of Larned in 
1950 that was to be their home for the next 50 years before retiring to 
Larned.&nbsp; Agnes enjoyed gardening, yard work, refinishing furniture, 
researching family history and quilting.&nbsp; Working with young people was 
also her joy and she was the Tiny Toilers 4-H club foods leader for many
 years when her daughters were in 4-H.&nbsp; She taught religious education 
classes for her church and formerly served on the Education Committee as
 well as the Endowment Board.&nbsp; She served on the Pawnee County 4-H 
Foundation and assisted with the 4-H Fair and later with the Pawnee 
County Open Fair.&nbsp; She felt privileged to visit the homebound members of
 her church and was active on the Funeral Dinner Group of the Altar 
Society for many years.Survivors include three sons: Mark and wife Jonnie, Lawrence, Greg, 
Garfield; Tom and wife, Connie, Augusta; son-in-law, Dave Vickery, 
daughters Margaret and husband Lee Scheufler, Sterling; Susan Latimore, 
Larned; Julie and husband Scott Borchardt, Walpole, Massachusetts.&nbsp; 
Nineteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leonard, her 
two brothers Frank and Rudy and their wives, her daughter Mary Ellen, 
daughter-in-law Jennifer Otte Finger and a grandson Garrett Finger.Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church with Father Bernard Felix presiding.&nbsp; Vigil 
service and Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 22nd, at 
Beckwith Mortuary.&nbsp; Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 
with family present from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary.&nbsp; 
Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Pawnee 
County 4-H Foundation, both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, 
Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Personal condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Agnes Finger

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

GREAT BEND — Housing Opportunities Inc. publicly announced last October a new
housing development that was going to create a four-phase project directly east
of The University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus and south of
Walmart.

HOI announced receiving nearly $6 million from the Kansas
 Housing Resources Corporation for the project, referred to as Cambridge
 Park. 
Phase one of the development includes a 28-unit, low-income project that would
give Sunflower Diversified Services first rights to rent the apartments for
their clients. Sunflower helps children and adults with developmental disabilities. 
HOI purchased 24 acres of land from a group of local doctors that currently
sits out of city limits. Receiving funds and tax credits from the Kansas
Housing Resources Corporation, HOI recognized the tax rebate program is more
beneficial to stay within the county and not be annexed into Great Bend city
limits.&nbsp;

HOI Executive Director Callie Miller said HOI is
 not opposed to being annexed into the city limits but would prefer to 
stay in the township.

At a Great Bend City Council work session 
Monday night, there was question from the city council on developing 
housing from HOI, which receives discounted tax rates, meaning the city 
or county would not receive the full amount of property taxes.

Currently,
 the property is zoned for agriculture and brings in approximately 
$2,500 from property taxes each year. Once developed, the first phase of
 the project would generate more than $14,000 in property taxes if the 
lot is annexed into the city. A large pond used for drainage, roughly 
eight acres, would also collect taxes.

Miller discussed possibly tapping into the city’s utilities. One pushback
Miller received was a housing study for Great Bend showed more low-income
housing was not needed, but moderate-income housing was. "The 
moderate-income roles are a lot different," said Miller. "We can apply 
for and administer the low-income awards all on our own. Moderate income
 is required to go through a city or a county and you're capped at 
$600,000. It's not enough for an entire project. We may get two 
buildings out of that. We'd have to secure some other financing to make 
it work."

Miller noted potentially turning the second and third phases of development on the property into moderate-income housing. 
Another issue, is the lift station nearby the property pumping sewage
that the Cambridge Park development would need to connect to.
With a good portion of the west side of Great Bend connected to this lift station,
city officials were not certain the station could withstand the new
development. Great Bend agreed to spend $8,000 for a controller to be placed on
the pump to perform a study on its usage. 
Sunflower Interim Executive Director Shelby Zuniga said by Sunflower clients
moving into the low-income complex, the move would free up 15 rental houses in
town, including two large group homes on Eisenhower Avenue. 
"In the group home setting, the homes we own right now are two-story," 
said Zuniga. "A lot of the individuals are wheelchair bound. Having new 
facilities on one level is a huge benefit. The other homes in the 
community, some of the clients are living in very substandard 
conditions."

If Sunflower clients do not fill all the occupancies, other low-income qualifying community members could rent the units. The parties left the work session Monday night waiting to find out results from
the sanitary sewer study for the lift station.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Listen below to the full discussion from the Great Bend City Council work session on HOI Cambridge Park on July 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658350787153.jpeg" alt="Twenty-four acres, east of The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, is planned to turn into low-income housing developed by Housing Opportunities Inc." />
 <figcaption>Twenty-four acres, east of The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, is planned to turn into low-income housing developed by Housing Opportunities Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — Housing Opportunities Inc. publicly announced last October a new
housing development that was going to create a four-phase project directly east
of The University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus and south of
Walmart.HOI announced receiving nearly $6 million from the Kansas
 Housing Resources Corporation for the project, referred to as Cambridge
 Park. 
Phase one of the development includes a 28-unit, low-income project that would
give Sunflower Diversified Services first rights to rent the apartments for
their clients. Sunflower helps children and adults with developmental disabilities. 
HOI purchased 24 acres of land from a group of local doctors that currently
sits out of city limits. Receiving funds and tax credits from the Kansas
Housing Resources Corporation, HOI recognized the tax rebate program is more
beneficial to stay within the county and not be annexed into Great Bend city
limits.&nbsp;HOI Executive Director Callie Miller said HOI is
 not opposed to being annexed into the city limits but would prefer to 
stay in the township.At a Great Bend City Council work session 
Monday night, there was question from the city council on developing 
housing from HOI, which receives discounted tax rates, meaning the city 
or county would not receive the full amount of property taxes.Currently,
 the property is zoned for agriculture and brings in approximately 
$2,500 from property taxes each year. Once developed, the first phase of
 the project would generate more than $14,000 in property taxes if the 
lot is annexed into the city. A large pond used for drainage, roughly 
eight acres, would also collect taxes.Miller discussed possibly tapping into the city’s utilities. One pushback
Miller received was a housing study for Great Bend showed more low-income
housing was not needed, but moderate-income housing was. "The 
moderate-income roles are a lot different," said Miller. "We can apply 
for and administer the low-income awards all on our own. Moderate income
 is required to go through a city or a county and you're capped at 
$600,000. It's not enough for an entire project. We may get two 
buildings out of that. We'd have to secure some other financing to make 
it work."Miller noted potentially turning the second and third phases of development on the property into moderate-income housing. 
Another issue, is the lift station nearby the property pumping sewage
that the Cambridge Park development would need to connect to.
With a good portion of the west side of Great Bend connected to this lift station,
city officials were not certain the station could withstand the new
development. Great Bend agreed to spend $8,000 for a controller to be placed on
the pump to perform a study on its usage. 
Sunflower Interim Executive Director Shelby Zuniga said by Sunflower clients
moving into the low-income complex, the move would free up 15 rental houses in
town, including two large group homes on Eisenhower Avenue. 
"In the group home setting, the homes we own right now are two-story," 
said Zuniga. "A lot of the individuals are wheelchair bound. Having new 
facilities on one level is a huge benefit. The other homes in the 
community, some of the clients are living in very substandard 
conditions."If Sunflower clients do not fill all the occupancies, other low-income qualifying community members could rent the units. The parties left the work session Monday night waiting to find out results from
the sanitary sewer study for the lift station.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Listen below to the full discussion from the Great Bend City Council work session on HOI Cambridge Park on July 18.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/vqllh0n4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

🎧Questions arise for low-income housing project in Great Bend

Holly Lynn Pommerehn, 42, departed this life July 15, 2022, in Wichita, 
Kansas. She was born December 25, 1979, in Hoxie, Kansas. She grew up 
surrounded with love from her parents, James and Kris (Beynon) 
Pommerehn, and her younger siblings: sister, Rebecca and brother, 
Jeffrey. They had a close bond that has lasted through the years. Like 
most, Holly engaged in wrestling with her sister and “fighting like 
siblings," to watching Jeffrey, usually with friends that he irritated 
to no end.  It was this type of bond Holly also had with her parents. 
Dad was constantly saving her from “the biggest spiders." And mom always
 trying to get her to play inside. 

But that was seldom where Holly 
wanted to be. She was an outdoor girl. Holly loved swimming, spending 
time at the lake, and car rides to Watertown, South Dakota to see 
family. On these trips she tested her parent’s patience, not stopping 
until their buttons were pushed. In later years she enjoyed camping any 
time she could get away. Although Holly loved spending time outdoors, 
she was always particular about her beautiful hair. In fact, before her 
flight to Wichita she told Ryan that all she needed to take was her 
shampoo.
 	Holly attended Hill City Grade and Middle School and graduated from
 Hill City High School. While in high school she participated in band, 
volleyball, track, and was the wrestling manager. She enjoyed playing 
softball during the summer. Throughout high school she worked at the 
Graham County Hospital as a nurse’s aide. For most of her life after 
high school she worked as a retail clerk.
 	October 13, 2001, Holly married William Ashbaugh and the couple had
 two daughters: Jacelynn and Braelynn. They later divorced. Holly met 
Joel Lemon, and they were married September 18, 2010. Joel adopted 
Holly’s daughters. In 2020, their marriage ended.
 	Holly’s daughters were her world and the joy of her life. She 
made each Christmas and birthday so very special. Holly was the mother 
all her daughter’s friends wished they had. At Christmas she made 
reindeer food with the girls which included oatmeal and lots of glitter.
 One Christmas the girls were surprised with new bikes. Holly barricaded
 their bedroom door so they would find them when they got up. Random 
texts and notes on their mirror were always a reminder of her love and 
constant support. 
 	Holly was preceded in death by her grandparents: Joyce McIntyre and
 Cleona and Gale “Boomer” Pommerehn.

Left to cherish her memory include 
her parents, Kris and James Pommerehn of Hill City; her significant 
other, Ryan Shaw of Oakley, Kansas; two daughters: Braelynn Lemon (Brent 
Kelley) of Hill City and Jacelynn Lemon of Bogue; a granddaughter Elly 
Kelley; her sister Rebecca Wilkie (Jesse) of Hays; her brother Jeffrey 
Pommerehn (Caci) of Hays; one nephew and three nieces. Although Holly is
 no longer with us, she will live forever in the hearts of those who 
loved her.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Holly-Lynn-Pommerehn?obId=25373930#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658347548940.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Holly Lynn Pommerehn, 42, departed this life July 15, 2022, in Wichita, 
Kansas. She was born December 25, 1979, in Hoxie, Kansas. She grew up 
surrounded with love from her parents, James and Kris (Beynon) 
Pommerehn, and her younger siblings: sister, Rebecca and brother, 
Jeffrey. They had a close bond that has lasted through the years. Like 
most, Holly engaged in wrestling with her sister and “fighting like 
siblings," to watching Jeffrey, usually with friends that he irritated 
to no end. It was this type of bond Holly also had with her parents. 
Dad was constantly saving her from “the biggest spiders." And mom always
 trying to get her to play inside. But that was seldom where Holly 
wanted to be. She was an outdoor girl. Holly loved swimming, spending 
time at the lake, and car rides to Watertown, South Dakota to see 
family. On these trips she tested her parent’s patience, not stopping 
until their buttons were pushed. In later years she enjoyed camping any 
time she could get away. Although Holly loved spending time outdoors, 
she was always particular about her beautiful hair. In fact, before her 
flight to Wichita she told Ryan that all she needed to take was her 
shampoo.
 	Holly attended Hill City Grade and Middle School and graduated from
 Hill City High School. While in high school she participated in band, 
volleyball, track, and was the wrestling manager. She enjoyed playing 
softball during the summer. Throughout high school she worked at the 
Graham County Hospital as a nurse’s aide. For most of her life after 
high school she worked as a retail clerk.
 	October 13, 2001, Holly married William Ashbaugh and the couple had
 two daughters: Jacelynn and Braelynn. They later divorced. Holly met 
Joel Lemon, and they were married September 18, 2010. Joel adopted 
Holly’s daughters. In 2020, their marriage ended.
 	Holly’s daughters were her world and the joy of her life. She 
made each Christmas and birthday so very special. Holly was the mother 
all her daughter’s friends wished they had. At Christmas she made 
reindeer food with the girls which included oatmeal and lots of glitter.
 One Christmas the girls were surprised with new bikes. Holly barricaded
 their bedroom door so they would find them when they got up. Random 
texts and notes on their mirror were always a reminder of her love and 
constant support. 
 	Holly was preceded in death by her grandparents: Joyce McIntyre and
 Cleona and Gale “Boomer” Pommerehn. Left to cherish her memory include 
her parents, Kris and James Pommerehn of Hill City; her significant 
other, Ryan Shaw of Oakley, Kansas; two daughters: Braelynn Lemon (Brent 
Kelley) of Hill City and Jacelynn Lemon of Bogue; a granddaughter Elly 
Kelley; her sister Rebecca Wilkie (Jesse) of Hays; her brother Jeffrey 
Pommerehn (Caci) of Hays; one nephew and three nieces. Although Holly is
 no longer with us, she will live forever in the hearts of those who 
loved her.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Holly-Lynn-Pommerehn?obId=25373930#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Holly Lynn Pommerehn

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.

In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:

The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.

The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.

The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission is sending payments
 to 244,745 consumers in the U.S. and abroad who were defrauded by the 
Next-Gen sweepstakes scheme that affected consumers in dozens of 
countries, including the United States and Canada.In total, the FTC is returning almost $25 million to affected consumers including many seniors. The FTC is sending:<ul>
 <li>221,687 checks totaling $19,180,753 to U.S. and Canadian consumers;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>3,516 prepaid Mastercard debit cards totaling $631,322 to 
consumers in the United Kingdom, which will be hand-delivered by U.K. 
National Trading Standards, a consumer protection and business 
safeguards organization; and</li><li>19,542 letters to consumers in 
more than 50 different countries explaining how they can claim their 
payments via PayPal, which total $4,696,242.</li>
 </ul>The deadline for 
consumers to cash their checks or claim their PayPal payments is October
 17, 2022. Debit cards have a two-year expiration date and can be 
reissued without charge. Recipients
 who have questions about their refund should contact the refund 
administrator, Rust Consulting, at 1-833-721-2728 or 1-612-509-2644 or 
admin@nextgenrefund.com. The Commission never requires people to pay 
money or provide account information to get a refund.<a></a>The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/next-gen_amended_complaint_9-25-18.pdf">2018 complaint</a> against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/172-3133-x180023-next-gen-inc">the Next-Gen defendants</a>, filed jointly with the State of Missouri,
 charged Kevin Brandes, William Graham, C. Floyd Anderson, and 
corporations under their control with sending tens of millions of 
deceptive personalized mailers to consumers around the world since 2013.
 The defendants’ mailers falsely told recipients they had won or were 
likely to win a substantial cash prize, as much as $2 million, in 
exchange for a fee ranging from $9.00 to $139.99. Many consumers, 
including seniors, paid the defendants several times before realizing 
they had been scammed, according to the complaint.The FTC appreciates the 
support provided in this case by the U.K. National Trading Standards 
Scams Team and our other international partners. Their assistance 
contributed to the success of the FTC’s case and helped ensure that 
victims worldwide benefit from this refund program. The FTC relied on 
key provisions of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act, which allows the FTC to share 
information with foreign counterparts to combat deceptive and unfair 
practices that cross national borders.The FTC’s <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2022%2F06%2Ffederal-trade-commission-returns-more-54-million-consumers">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 country and state level data about refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, 
Commission actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers
 across the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved
 before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks 
authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court 
going forward. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a>&nbsp;to restore the Commission’s ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC: Sweepstakes scheme victims being sent $25M worldwide

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding the estimated 
19 million taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2021 tax 
return that they don't have to wait until mid-October to file. If a 
taxpayer has all the necessary information to file an accurate return, 
they can file electronically at any time before the October deadline and
 avoid a last-minute rush to file.

Taxpayers who requested more time to file an accurate return have 
until October 17, 2022. Those who have what they need to file, however, 
should file as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing their 
return.

Taxpayers who have questions can get help with most tax issues online or by phone. The IRS.gov website has free and easy to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools and resources</a>
 to help taxpayers get answers 24 hours a day. Voice bots help callers 
navigate interactive voice responses to simple payment or notice 
questions, and quickly get responses to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a>.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific 
to individual circumstances based on input. It can determine if an 
individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can 
claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility 
to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.

The IRS advises individuals who still need to file a 2021 tax return to&nbsp;file electronically&nbsp;and, if due a refund, to choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

Filing electronically is fast, accurate and secure, and when an 
individual chooses direct deposit, their refund goes directly from the 
IRS into their bank or financial account getting them their refund in 
the fastest time possible. If they have a prepaid debit card, they may 
be able to have their refund applied to the card by providing the 
account and routing number to the IRS. The IRS processes most e-filed 
returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.

Eligible individuals can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>
 to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers 
can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best 
for them. Some even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who 
earned more than $73,000 have the option to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>.

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">MilTax online software</a>&nbsp;is
 also available for members of the military and certain veterans, 
regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of
 Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to prepare and 
electronically file their federal tax returns and up to three state 
returns for free.

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free 
basic tax return preparation to people who generally make $58,000 or 
less and people with disabilities or limited English-speaking taxpayers.
 While the majority of these sites are only open through the end of the 
filing season, taxpayers can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">VITA Site Locator</a> tool to see if there's a community-based site staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers still open near them.

There are also various types of tax return preparers who can help, 
including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and 
others who don't have a professional credential.

Taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a> wisely. For individuals who want help with their taxes, the IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">online directory</a> can assist in finding a tax professional in their area.

The IRS sends correspondence to a taxpayer's last known address, 
usually the address from their most recently filed tax return. If the 
taxpayer moves and does not send a change of address to the IRS, they 
may not receive an IRS notice and could miss the deadline to respond.

There's no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but 
there's also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting 
taxes due if no return has been filed.

Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and 
will accrue until paid in full. Individual taxpayers are charged the 
federal short-term interest rate plus 3 percentage points, currently 5% 
per year, compounded daily. Penalties will accrue for each month tax 
remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.

Submitting a tax return and paying any amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.

Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options online</a>. These include paying taxes through an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a> or paying by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">options for people who can't pay their taxes</a>, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">applying for a payment plan</a> on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding the estimated 
19 million taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2021 tax 
return that they don't have to wait until mid-October to file. If a 
taxpayer has all the necessary information to file an accurate return, 
they can file electronically at any time before the October deadline and
 avoid a last-minute rush to file.Taxpayers who requested more time to file an accurate return have 
until October 17, 2022. Those who have what they need to file, however, 
should file as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing their 
return.Taxpayers who have questions can get help with most tax issues online or by phone. The IRS.gov website has free and easy to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools and resources</a>
 to help taxpayers get answers 24 hours a day. Voice bots help callers 
navigate interactive voice responses to simple payment or notice 
questions, and quickly get responses to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a>.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific 
to individual circumstances based on input. It can determine if an 
individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can 
claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility 
to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.<h2>Electronic filing options</h2>The IRS advises individuals who still need to file a 2021 tax return to&nbsp;file electronically&nbsp;and, if due a refund, to choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.Filing electronically is fast, accurate and secure, and when an 
individual chooses direct deposit, their refund goes directly from the 
IRS into their bank or financial account getting them their refund in 
the fastest time possible. If they have a prepaid debit card, they may 
be able to have their refund applied to the card by providing the 
account and routing number to the IRS. The IRS processes most e-filed 
returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.Eligible individuals can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>
 to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers 
can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best 
for them. Some even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who 
earned more than $73,000 have the option to use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">MilTax online software</a>&nbsp;is
 also available for members of the military and certain veterans, 
regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of
 Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to prepare and 
electronically file their federal tax returns and up to three state 
returns for free.<h2>Volunteer Income Tax Assistance</h2>The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free 
basic tax return preparation to people who generally make $58,000 or 
less and people with disabilities or limited English-speaking taxpayers.
 While the majority of these sites are only open through the end of the 
filing season, taxpayers can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">VITA Site Locator</a> tool to see if there's a community-based site staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers still open near them.<h2>Tax professionals</h2>There are also various types of tax return preparers who can help, 
including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and 
others who don't have a professional credential.Taxpayers should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a> wisely. For individuals who want help with their taxes, the IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">online directory</a> can assist in finding a tax professional in their area.<h2>Get current on taxes</h2>The IRS sends correspondence to a taxpayer's last known address, 
usually the address from their most recently filed tax return. If the 
taxpayer moves and does not send a change of address to the IRS, they 
may not receive an IRS notice and could miss the deadline to respond.There's no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but 
there's also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting 
taxes due if no return has been filed.Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and 
will accrue until paid in full. Individual taxpayers are charged the 
federal short-term interest rate plus 3 percentage points, currently 5% 
per year, compounded daily. Penalties will accrue for each month tax 
remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.Submitting a tax return and paying any amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options online</a>. These include paying taxes through an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a> or paying by <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit card, credit card or digital wallet</a>. The IRS has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes">options for people who can't pay their taxes</a>, including <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">applying for a payment plan</a> on IRS.gov.

File a federal tax extension? Don't wait until Oct. 17, IRS urges

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARK%20PRATT%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARK PRATT Associated Press</a>

The company that makes some of the world's most iconic board games including Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue is developing a new one based on Wordle, the obsessively popular digital word-guessing game.

Hasbro Inc. and The New York Times —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-times-buys-wordle-c1e77bd65f21464f98f8cf4246457d6b">which purchased Wordle earlier this year</a>&nbsp;— announced Thursday that Wordle: The Party Game will be available for purchase in North America in October, with preorders already being accepted.

“Since Wordle burst onto the scene, it’s undoubtedly been a staple in social and pop culture vocabulary,” Adam Biehl, Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based Hasbro's general manager of gaming said in a statement. “We’re beyond thrilled to work with New York Times Games to bring our gaming worlds together and extend Wordle in new ways.”

In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html">free online version</a>, players get six tries to guess a five-letter word with only the previous guess providing clues.

The appeal is its ease of play. Start by typing in a five-letter word. If a square turns green, it's the right letter in the right place. If it turns yellow, the letter is in the word but in the incorrect spot. Gray squares mean the letters are not in that day's word.

The drawback is that it can only be played once per day.

The board game will give players the opportunity to play against others, and play as much as they want.

One player picks a random five-letter word, and the others try to guess it.

There will also be multiple play options, including classic, fast, timed, or teams, Hasbro and New York Times Games said.

Wordle was created by Josh Wardle, a Brooklyn software engineer. He originally made it for his partner, but released it to the public in October. On Nov. 1, only 90 people had played it. Within two months, that number had grown to 300,000 as the addictive phenomenon spread rapidly on social media.

New York Times Games announced in January that it had purchased the game for an undisclosed price it described as the “low-seven figures,” and it now has millions of players per day.

“Wordle truly brought us all together and that’s what makes it so special," said Jonathan Knight, head of Games for The New York Times.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARK%20PRATT%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARK PRATT Associated Press</a>The company that makes some of the world's most iconic board games including Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue is developing a new one based on Wordle, the obsessively popular digital word-guessing game.Hasbro Inc. and The New York Times —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-times-buys-wordle-c1e77bd65f21464f98f8cf4246457d6b">which purchased Wordle earlier this year</a>&nbsp;— announced Thursday that Wordle: The Party Game will be available for purchase in North America in October, with preorders already being accepted.“Since Wordle burst onto the scene, it’s undoubtedly been a staple in social and pop culture vocabulary,” Adam Biehl, Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based Hasbro's general manager of gaming said in a statement. “We’re beyond thrilled to work with New York Times Games to bring our gaming worlds together and extend Wordle in new ways.”In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html">free online version</a>, players get six tries to guess a five-letter word with only the previous guess providing clues.The appeal is its ease of play. Start by typing in a five-letter word. If a square turns green, it's the right letter in the right place. If it turns yellow, the letter is in the word but in the incorrect spot. Gray squares mean the letters are not in that day's word.The drawback is that it can only be played once per day.The board game will give players the opportunity to play against others, and play as much as they want.One player picks a random five-letter word, and the others try to guess it.There will also be multiple play options, including classic, fast, timed, or teams, Hasbro and New York Times Games said.Wordle was created by Josh Wardle, a Brooklyn software engineer. He originally made it for his partner, but released it to the public in October. On Nov. 1, only 90 people had played it. Within two months, that number had grown to 300,000 as the addictive phenomenon spread rapidly on social media.New York Times Games announced in January that it had purchased the game for an undisclosed price it described as the “low-seven figures,” and it now has millions of players per day.“Wordle truly brought us all together and that’s what makes it so special," said Jonathan Knight, head of Games for The New York Times.

5-letter word for fun? Hasbro, NYT create Wordle board game

Paul E. Pletcher, 98, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS. 
 Paul was born to William F (Bill) and Emma (Barcus) Pletcher on 
October 5, 1923, in the Crystal Plains area.&nbsp; He was number nine of ten 
children.&nbsp; After serving in World War II, he married the love of his 
life Ginger Gregory on September 28, 1948. &nbsp;Four children were born to 
them. Paul accepted the Lord and was baptized at the Grace 
Brethren Church in Portis, Kansas in 1953.&nbsp; He loved the Lord and 
serving God.&nbsp; Paul attended Central Community Church up until his 
death.&nbsp; He loved attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school and sporting events. 
 After Paul retired from farming he and Ginger loved to travel with 
their 5th wheel trailer.&nbsp; They were members of the US Center and Picnic 
Ants camping clubs.&nbsp; He was very involved in church and many community 
organizations.&nbsp; Paul loved woodworking and spent many hours building 
projects with his grandchildren and built cedar chests for his 
granddaughters.&nbsp; He built tables, kitchen islands and many other things 
for his children.&nbsp; He was very skilled and built pieces for furniture 
for Ginger. Paul had farming in his blood so after retirement
 he worked for the Doane family in Downs helping with harvest.&nbsp; He loved
 driving truck for them and only stopped when he said “his brain said he
 could drive but his body said he couldn’t." Paul is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings. 
 He is survived in death by his wife Ginger of 72 years, his children 
Robert and wife Sharon of Mount Vernon, TX, Vicki Hutchison and husband 
Mike of Cedar, KS, Gayle Pletcher of Topeka, KS and Sandi Tucker and 
husband Gregg of Portis, KS, eleven grandchildren, nine 
great-grandchildren and his sister Roma (Pletcher) Caldwell of Portis, 
KS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 
July 19, 2022, at New Covenant Church, 117 W. Kansas St., Smith Center, 
KS, with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on 
Monday, July 18, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to
 greet friends and family from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths 
Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, and Tuesday, July 
19th, 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.&nbsp; Burial with Military 
honors will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp;


Memorials may be given to Central Community Church of Smith Center 
and/or Grace Brethren Church of Portis and can be sent in care of the 
funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657992256250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Paul E. Pletcher, 98, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS. 
 Paul was born to William F (Bill) and Emma (Barcus) Pletcher on 
October 5, 1923, in the Crystal Plains area.&nbsp; He was number nine of ten 
children.&nbsp; After serving in World War II, he married the love of his 
life Ginger Gregory on September 28, 1948. &nbsp;Four children were born to 
them. Paul accepted the Lord and was baptized at the Grace 
Brethren Church in Portis, Kansas in 1953.&nbsp; He loved the Lord and 
serving God.&nbsp; Paul attended Central Community Church up until his 
death.&nbsp; He loved attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school and sporting events. 
 After Paul retired from farming he and Ginger loved to travel with 
their 5th wheel trailer.&nbsp; They were members of the US Center and Picnic 
Ants camping clubs.&nbsp; He was very involved in church and many community 
organizations.&nbsp; Paul loved woodworking and spent many hours building 
projects with his grandchildren and built cedar chests for his 
granddaughters.&nbsp; He built tables, kitchen islands and many other things 
for his children.&nbsp; He was very skilled and built pieces for furniture 
for Ginger. Paul had farming in his blood so after retirement
 he worked for the Doane family in Downs helping with harvest.&nbsp; He loved
 driving truck for them and only stopped when he said “his brain said he
 could drive but his body said he couldn’t." Paul is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings. 
 He is survived in death by his wife Ginger of 72 years, his children 
Robert and wife Sharon of Mount Vernon, TX, Vicki Hutchison and husband 
Mike of Cedar, KS, Gayle Pletcher of Topeka, KS and Sandi Tucker and 
husband Gregg of Portis, KS, eleven grandchildren, nine 
great-grandchildren and his sister Roma (Pletcher) Caldwell of Portis, 
KS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 
July 19, 2022, at New Covenant Church, 117 W. Kansas St., Smith Center, 
KS, with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on 
Monday, July 18, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with family present to
 greet friends and family from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths 
Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, and Tuesday, July 
19th, 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.&nbsp; Burial with Military 
honors will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS.&nbsp; 
Memorials may be given to Central Community Church of Smith Center 
and/or Grace Brethren Church of Portis and can be sent in care of the 
funeral chapel.

Paul E. Pletcher

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

We have turned the calendar to July, and that means different things to different people. For students and teachers July means summer is at the halfway point, and the first day of school is near. For those of us in agriculture it means haying season and watching fall crops grow. In the Farm Bureau world, July is the start of county Farm Bureau annual meetings.

County Farm Bureau meetings in Kansas are as unique as the counties themselves. They are held anytime from July until October; the only stipulation is that they have to be done in time to get the voting delegates for that county registered for the Kansas Farm Bureau annual meeting in December. The meetings vary in the type of meal served – anything from catered affairs to hotdog and hamburger feeds or even ice cream socials. Some have entertainment, others feature educational speakers while some are bare bones, business-only gatherings. Recently some counties have gone with more family friendly activities with their annual meeting tagged on at the end.

Yes, there is no cookie-cutter county Farm Bureau Annual meeting template. That is the beauty of Kansas Farm Bureau, each county organization is its own unique entity. That is what makes me proud to be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau and the Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau specifically. I have never been involved with an organization that was so grassroots driven and responsive to its members.

Every annual meeting reflects the unique personality of an individual county and the members on the board. I have seen traditions developed over many years in some counties and other counties like to mix it up with something new each year. The COVID-19 years saw a lot of change in our county annual meeting with many being held virtual, thank goodness that isn’t the case anymore. One thing that all county annual meetings share is great fellowship among the members.

That is where I want to make the plea to you. If you are a member and you have not been to one of your annual meetings, please change that this year. You should receive notice of the meeting from your respective county. Some will be a simple postcard while others will be a newsletter touting what your county has done during the year. If you have not received your notice yet or think you might have missed it, just call your local office and they will be happy to give you the details.

I hope you will consider attending, this is a good way to get your toes wet and see what your organization has to offer. I don’t know of a single county that isn’t looking for members who want to be active and this is a good way to find out what it is all about. Who knows you might at least have a great meal or some other experience?

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Bunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Bunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWe have turned the calendar to July, and that means different things to different people. For students and teachers July means summer is at the halfway point, and the first day of school is near. For those of us in agriculture it means haying season and watching fall crops grow. In the Farm Bureau world, July is the start of county Farm Bureau annual meetings.County Farm Bureau meetings in Kansas are as unique as the counties themselves. They are held anytime from July until October; the only stipulation is that they have to be done in time to get the voting delegates for that county registered for the Kansas Farm Bureau annual meeting in December. The meetings vary in the type of meal served – anything from catered affairs to hotdog and hamburger feeds or even ice cream socials. Some have entertainment, others feature educational speakers while some are bare bones, business-only gatherings. Recently some counties have gone with more family friendly activities with their annual meeting tagged on at the end.Yes, there is no cookie-cutter county Farm Bureau Annual meeting template. That is the beauty of Kansas Farm Bureau, each county organization is its own unique entity. That is what makes me proud to be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau and the Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau specifically. I have never been involved with an organization that was so grassroots driven and responsive to its members.Every annual meeting reflects the unique personality of an individual county and the members on the board. I have seen traditions developed over many years in some counties and other counties like to mix it up with something new each year. The COVID-19 years saw a lot of change in our county annual meeting with many being held virtual, thank goodness that isn’t the case anymore. One thing that all county annual meetings share is great fellowship among the members.That is where I want to make the plea to you. If you are a member and you have not been to one of your annual meetings, please change that this year. You should receive notice of the meeting from your respective county. Some will be a simple postcard while others will be a newsletter touting what your county has done during the year. If you have not received your notice yet or think you might have missed it, just call your local office and they will be happy to give you the details.I hope you will consider attending, this is a good way to get your toes wet and see what your organization has to offer. I don’t know of a single county that isn’t looking for members who want to be active and this is a good way to find out what it is all about. Who knows you might at least have a great meal or some other experience?"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Summits of summer

WASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax 
returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take 
advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.

Summer may be a busy time for many, but it's a great time to start 
tax planning - whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start
 planning for next year's tax season.&nbsp;The IRS website&nbsp;is the fastest and
 most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online
 tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their 
convenience.

Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.

Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.

Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year

Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to 
avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, 
divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.

The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will 
provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer 
either online or by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc153">Taxpayers who requested an extension to October 17 or missed the April 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;can still prepare and e-file returns for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, if they qualify. The IRS accepts <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically filed returns</a>
 24/7. There's no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have all the
 information and documentation they need to file an accurate return 
today. They can get their refund faster by choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.

Taxpayers who missed the April 18 deadline and owe should file and 
pay electronically as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
 Taxpayers can make payments or set up <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment plans online</a>.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool</a>
 has a new look and feel, featuring a dynamic map, a directions button 
and two tabs for inputting search criteria. It's important to remember 
that Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment only. Taxpayers 
can make an appointment by calling the number for the office they want 
to visit.

Many IRS webpages are now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole and Chinese. Some of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">multilingual resources</a> include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file resources</a> and many tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">forms and publications</a>.

At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a> (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">accessible products</a>
 to help with the use of assistive technology such as screen reading 
software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. 
These products include tax forms, instructions and publications that can
 be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 compliant PDFs, HTML, 
eBraille, text and large print.

Please note that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML. To request paper copies of
 tax forms or instructions or publications in Braille or large print, 
taxpayers can call the tax form telephone number at <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>. Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, 
audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional 
taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with 
their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or they can 
call <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.

Taxpayers can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/subscribe-to-irs-tax-tips">subscribe</a> to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-tax-tips">IRS Tax Tips</a>
 to get easy-to-read articles sent directly to their e-mail from the 
IRS. Tax Tips are brief, to the point and cover various tax topics, like
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/year-round-tax-planning-all-taxpayers-should-understand-eligibility-for-credits-and-deductions">year-round tax planning</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-taxpayer-rights-everyone-has-the-right-to-finality">understanding taxpayer rights</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax 
returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take 
advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.Summer may be a busy time for many, but it's a great time to start 
tax planning - whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start
 planning for next year's tax season.&nbsp;The IRS website&nbsp;is the fastest and
 most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online
 tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their 
convenience.Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.<h2>Get tax information 24/7</h2>Taxpayers can use IRS.gov to:<ul>
 <li>View the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">filing page</a> to get information on most federal income tax topics.</li><li>Access the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> tool for answers to many tax law questions.</li><li>Sign into their individual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS online account</a> to view their balance an tax records, manage communication preferences, make payments and more.</li><li>Find the most up-to-date information about their tax refunds using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> tool. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return.</li>
 </ul>Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.<h2>Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year</h2>Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to 
avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, 
divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will 
provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer 
either online or by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.<h2>File electronically</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc153">Taxpayers who requested an extension to October 17 or missed the April 18 deadline</a>&nbsp;can still prepare and e-file returns for free with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>, if they qualify. The IRS accepts <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically filed returns</a>
 24/7. There's no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have all the
 information and documentation they need to file an accurate return 
today. They can get their refund faster by choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.Taxpayers who missed the April 18 deadline and owe should file and 
pay electronically as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest.
 Taxpayers can make payments or set up <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment plans online</a>.<h2>Find a taxpayer assistance center</h2>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool</a>
 has a new look and feel, featuring a dynamic map, a directions button 
and two tabs for inputting search criteria. It's important to remember 
that Taxpayer Assistance Centers operate by appointment only. Taxpayers 
can make an appointment by calling the number for the office they want 
to visit.<h2>Read information in other languages</h2>Many IRS webpages are now available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole and Chinese. Some of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">multilingual resources</a> include the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file resources</a> and many tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">forms and publications</a>.<h2>Access the Alternative Media Center</h2>At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a> (AMC), taxpayers will find a variety of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products">accessible products</a>
 to help with the use of assistive technology such as screen reading 
software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. 
These products include tax forms, instructions and publications that can
 be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 compliant PDFs, HTML, 
eBraille, text and large print.Please note that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML. To request paper copies of
 tax forms or instructions or publications in Braille or large print, 
taxpayers can call the tax form telephone number at <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-829-3676</a>. Taxpayers can complete <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9000.pdf">Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference</a>PDF,
 to choose to receive their IRS tax notices in Braille, large print, 
audio or electronic formats. This includes notices about additional 
taxes or penalties owed. Taxpayers can include the completed form with 
their tax return, mail it as a standalone form to the IRS or they can 
call <a href="tel:800-829-1040">800-829-1040</a>.<h2>Keep current with IRS Tax Tips</h2>Taxpayers can <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/subscribe-to-irs-tax-tips">subscribe</a> to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-tax-tips">IRS Tax Tips</a>
 to get easy-to-read articles sent directly to their e-mail from the 
IRS. Tax Tips are brief, to the point and cover various tax topics, like
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/year-round-tax-planning-all-taxpayers-should-understand-eligibility-for-credits-and-deductions">year-round tax planning</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-taxpayer-rights-everyone-has-the-right-to-finality">understanding taxpayer rights</a>.<h2>More helpful links:</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">Gig Economy Tax Center</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-503">Child and Dependent Care Credit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2">About Form W-2</a></li>
 </ul>

File a tax extension? IRS advises taking these steps soon

Phillipsburg resident Jack Siglinger Jr. passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, in the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 93.

He was born April 5, 1929, in Phillipsburg the son of John Paul and Ethel I. (Nay) Siglinger.  He worked for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Phillipsburg for 47 years.

He was united in marriage to Mickey Jackson on October 7, 1950, in Great Bend, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on December 5, 2016.

Jack was also preceded in death by his parents; a son Marlin Ray Siglinger; a brother Donald Wayne; a sister Menta Margaret Bickle; and granddaughter Stacy Siglinger.

Survivors include sons Stanley J. Siglinger and wife Bonita of WaKeeney and Paul Reid Siglinger of Phillipsburg; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating.  The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mr. Siglinger will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday evening for visitation.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg.

Phillipsburg resident Jack Siglinger Jr. passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, in the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 93.He was born April 5, 1929, in Phillipsburg the son of John Paul and Ethel I. (Nay) Siglinger. He worked for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Phillipsburg for 47 years.He was united in marriage to Mickey Jackson on October 7, 1950, in Great Bend, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 5, 2016.Jack was also preceded in death by his parents; a son Marlin Ray Siglinger; a brother Donald Wayne; a sister Menta Margaret Bickle; and granddaughter Stacy Siglinger.Survivors include sons Stanley J. Siglinger and wife Bonita of WaKeeney and Paul Reid Siglinger of Phillipsburg; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.Mr. Siglinger will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday evening for visitation.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg.

Jack Siglinger Jr.

Charles Lee Welch passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Logan 
County Manor in Oakley, Kansas at the age of 72. He was born on February
 28, 1950, to Arthur and Joan (White) Welch in Covington, Virginia.
 Charles grew up in Globe, Arizona and graduated from Globe High 
School in 1968. He furthered his education at Northern Arizona 
University majoring in English. Charles was a talented singer and sang 
in a choir as well as bowled competitively in several leagues. He met 
and married Wilma Welch on October 3, 1998, at the Methodist Church in 
Woodston, Kansas. The couple made their home in Winkleman, Arizona until
 he retired from ASARCO mining as a chemist in 2003. They returned to 
Rooks County where they resided in Woodston and later relocated to 
Stockton, and finally, Plainville.
 Charles was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. He 
loved what he did and did what he loved. Although he will be greatly 
missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of
 his family and friends. In the words of his favorite Gospel singer Bill
 Gaither, “I’ve been blessed. This has been a great journey and a great 
trip.” 
 He is survived by his children, James and Pamela of AZ; sister, Shae
 (Dan) Mercado of Oracle, AZ; brother-in-law, Garold (Judy) Holcombe of 
Maud, OK; nieces, Melissa (John) Weidow of Geronimo, OK, Christina 
(Robert) Henson, Danielle (Mark) Peterson; nephew, John (Dr. Brianne) 
Holcombe of Madison, AL; great-nephews, John Weidow, Trenton Holcombe, 
Rhylan Holcombe, Cody Ollson, JJ Paxton, Anthony Henson; great-nieces, 
Alyssa Ollson, Amya Peterson, Hayley Henson; great-great-nephews Zander 
Ollson, Zaedyn Ollson, Mario Henson; as well as cousins in the 
surrounding Rooks County Area.
 Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Joan Welch; 
wife, Wilma Welch; and a brother and sister-in-law, David Leon and Carol
 Jean Holcombe.
 A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, starting at 10 AM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to the High Plains Humane Society and may be
 sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, 
Stockton, KS 67663.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657658897623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charles Lee Welch passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Logan 
County Manor in Oakley, Kansas at the age of 72. He was born on February
 28, 1950, to Arthur and Joan (White) Welch in Covington, Virginia.
 Charles grew up in Globe, Arizona and graduated from Globe High 
School in 1968. He furthered his education at Northern Arizona 
University majoring in English. Charles was a talented singer and sang 
in a choir as well as bowled competitively in several leagues. He met 
and married Wilma Welch on October 3, 1998, at the Methodist Church in 
Woodston, Kansas. The couple made their home in Winkleman, Arizona until
 he retired from ASARCO mining as a chemist in 2003. They returned to 
Rooks County where they resided in Woodston and later relocated to 
Stockton, and finally, Plainville.
 Charles was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. He 
loved what he did and did what he loved. Although he will be greatly 
missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of
 his family and friends. In the words of his favorite Gospel singer Bill
 Gaither, “I’ve been blessed. This has been a great journey and a great 
trip.” 
 He is survived by his children, James and Pamela of AZ; sister, Shae
 (Dan) Mercado of Oracle, AZ; brother-in-law, Garold (Judy) Holcombe of 
Maud, OK; nieces, Melissa (John) Weidow of Geronimo, OK, Christina 
(Robert) Henson, Danielle (Mark) Peterson; nephew, John (Dr. Brianne) 
Holcombe of Madison, AL; great-nephews, John Weidow, Trenton Holcombe, 
Rhylan Holcombe, Cody Ollson, JJ Paxton, Anthony Henson; great-nieces, 
Alyssa Ollson, Amya Peterson, Hayley Henson; great-great-nephews Zander 
Ollson, Zaedyn Ollson, Mario Henson; as well as cousins in the 
surrounding Rooks County Area.
 Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Joan Welch; 
wife, Wilma Welch; and a brother and sister-in-law, David Leon and Carol
 Jean Holcombe.
 A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, starting at 10 AM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to the High Plains Humane Society and may be
 sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, 
Stockton, KS 67663.&nbsp;

Charles Lee Welch

Marilyn Mae Kendrick, age 81, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022, 
at Parklane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on November
 3, 1940, in Boise, Idaho, the daughter of Martin Earl and Mildred 
Jurldean Hammond Spellman. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas from
 her youth.

She was a member of the Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas, and was a member of Women on Mission.

On October 5, 1958, she married E. Earl Kendrick in Scott City, Kansas. He passed away on January 25, 2021.

Survivors include One Daughter - Annette &amp; Chris Shultz of Paola,
 Kansas, one daughter-in-law - Kendra Kendrick of Scott City, Kansas, 
One sister - Mary Lou &amp; Jim Redfern of Pueblo, Colorado, three 
brothers - Max &amp; Jerri McQuitty of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mike 
&amp; Teresa McQuitty of Pueblo, Colorado, Robert &amp; Tracy McQuitty 
of Colorado, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother - Tommy, one son - Brett, and one Grandson - Ryan

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 
2022, at Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with 
pastor Chris Shultz presiding.

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

Memorial in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Immanuel Southern 
Baptist Church or the Park Lane Nursing home in care of Price and Sons 
Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas 67871.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 
12, 2022, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657544167953.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Mae Kendrick, age 81, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022, 
at Parklane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on November
 3, 1940, in Boise, Idaho, the daughter of Martin Earl and Mildred 
Jurldean Hammond Spellman. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas from
 her youth.She was a member of the Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas, and was a member of Women on Mission.On October 5, 1958, she married E. Earl Kendrick in Scott City, Kansas. He passed away on January 25, 2021.Survivors include One Daughter - Annette &amp; Chris Shultz of Paola,
 Kansas, one daughter-in-law - Kendra Kendrick of Scott City, Kansas, 
One sister - Mary Lou &amp; Jim Redfern of Pueblo, Colorado, three 
brothers - Max &amp; Jerri McQuitty of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mike 
&amp; Teresa McQuitty of Pueblo, Colorado, Robert &amp; Tracy McQuitty 
of Colorado, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother - Tommy, one son - Brett, and one Grandson - RyanFuneral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 
2022, at Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with 
pastor Chris Shultz presiding.Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.Memorial in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Immanuel Southern 
Baptist Church or the Park Lane Nursing home in care of Price and Sons 
Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas 67871.Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 
12, 2022, at Price &amp; Sons Funeral home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp;

Marilyn Mae Kendrick

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/kansas-report-on-evictions-highlights-ignorance-of-legal-system-confusion-over-rent-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A new judicial committee <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kscourts.org/kscourts/media/kscourts/court%20administration/Committees/eviction/best-practices-eviction-proceedings.pdf">report on evictions</a> in Kansas points to multiple problems with a complex, fast-paced legal system for ousting tenants who fail to pay their rent.

Three-fourths of eviction filings are resolved through procedural 
errors, an indicator of the ignorance tenants and landlords have with 
the legal process, the report found.&nbsp;Under the strain of the pandemic, 
courts failed to mitigate widespread confusion and misunderstanding 
about the availability of $300 million in federal aid administered by 
the state, half of which went unused.

The report recommended judges tell tenants early in the process that 
they can fight their eviction and that rental aid may be available to 
them. Other recommendations include targeting high schoolers with 
programs designed to educate them about the landlord-tenant relationship
 before they sign their first lease.

The committee also applied for a grant to install a program in 
Sedgwick County, which accounts for one-third of the state’s eviction 
filings, where an evictions facilitator could try to resolve disputes 
outside of the legal system.

The Kansas Supreme Court established the committee to examine best practices in anticipation of a spike in evictions after <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/28/legislative-leadership-extends-disaster-declaration-through-june-15-ends-block-on-evictions/">state</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/biden-urges-state-and-local-leaders-to-postpone-evictions-while-rental-aid-is-distributed/">federal</a>
 moratoriums expired in October 2021. Judge Sarah Warner, of the Kansas 
Court of Appeals, led the committee, which included judges, trial 
clerks, attorneys who routinely represent tenants and property owners, 
and representatives of landlords in Wichita and Hays. The 29-page 
report, dated April 20, was released on Wednesday.

The committee examined the evictions process and court filings going 
back to the 12-month fiscal year that ended in June 2017. The panel 
found that tenants didn’t respond to half the filings, resulting in an 
automatic judgment for the landlords. A quarter of the cases were 
dismissed because property owners had not provided a three-day notice 
required under state law for a tenant to come up with overdue rent.

Courts reported about 14,500 eviction filings per year in the three 
years before the pandemic, but no more than 150 cases went to trial in 
any of those years.

“The committee questions the wisdom and equity of this judicial 
model, which relies, at least in part, on litigants’ ignorance to stay 
afloat,” the report said.

Vince Munoz, of Rent Zero Kansas, a coalition that advocates for 
tenants,&nbsp;questioned the findings and recommendations of the committee 
because its members didn’t include a tenant, or anybody who has been 
evicted.

“It’s really hard to understate how significant of an oversight that 
is,” Munoz said. “For people who experience an eviction, when the court 
case is done, that’s when the impact starts on their life. For all the 
attorneys involved, it’s all over when the judge bangs the gavel or 
releases the opinion.”

He also said the report misses a broader point about the number of 
informal evictions that happen in Kansas by landlords who disconnect 
utilities or otherwise harass tenants into leaving. Many landlords 
declined to renew leases as they expired during the pandemic, or refused
 to accept federal aid — loopholes in state and federal orders banning 
evictions, Munoz said. Those factors could help explain why most of 
Kansas didn’t see a spike in eviction filings after the moratoriums 
expired.

The data presented in the committee’s report also shows that Kansas 
courts continued to handle thousands of eviction cases while the 
moratoriums were in place.

“The courts don’t really serve tenants’ interests,” Munoz said. “They
 serve those who are already powerful in the situation, and they just 
kind of sanitize and formalize landlord power over tenants.”

The judicial committee report, however, is critical of how some 
courts handle evictions and sympathetic to the challenges presented to 
tenants throughout a legal process that is designed to last no more than
 six weeks.

After a landlord provides a three-day notice for overdue rent, and 
the three days lapse without payment, the landlord can file an eviction 
petition in district court. The tenant has 14 days to respond. If the 
tenant disputes the allegation, a trial is set within 14 days. If the 
property owner prevails at trial, the court will order the tenant to be 
removed within 14 days.

Tenants may choose not to contest an eviction because they know they 
are unable to pay rent, the report found, or because they feel 
overwhelmed and don’t understand that they have the right to contest the
 eviction.

Tenants also didn’t know the rental assistance was available, or that
 it could be used even after the landlord had filed an eviction. Some 
judges asked the parties at trial if they had considered trying to get 
rental aid, but attorneys said that information needed to be presented 
early in the process — especially since so few cases reach trial.

One judge balked at the idea of notifying parties that funds were 
available, because it could be viewed as providing legal advice. Others 
on the committee rejected the concern.

The committee took interest in a program in Monroe County, Indiana, 
where the district court employs an evictions facilitator who answers 
questions for property owners and tenants, provides information about 
federal aid, and is available to act as a mediator if the two sides are 
willing to resolve the case outside of court.

“As one committee member who manages rental properties observed, it 
is in everyone’s best interest if a tenant continues to live in the 
property and a property owner continues to be paid under the lease,” the
 report said.

The committee applied for grant through National Center for State 
Courts to establish a similar program in Sedgwick County that could 
serve as a toolkit across the state.

Unlike other areas of the state, eviction filings significantly 
increased in Sedgwick County after moratoriums were lifted. While the 
rest of the state saw filings last fall merely return to pre-pandemic 
levels, there was a 25% increase from pre-pandemic eviction cases in 
Sedgwick County. More cases in Sedgwick County result in default 
judgment for the property owner, and fewer cases go to trial.

Munoz said Sedgwick County established its own rental assistance 
program with federal aid, while the rest of the state was served by 
the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

Under the KHRC program, tenants and landlords <a target="_blank" href="http://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">can apply</a>
 jointly for up to 18 months of assistance. Eligible households also may
 receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance.

The organization’s general counsel served on the committee, and a 
spokeswoman said KHRC has now dispersed $196 million in rental aid.

“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have 
struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” 
said Ryan Vincent, executive director of KHRC, in a news release in 
March. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most 
vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep 
Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657385468684.png" alt="Organizers for Rent Zero Kansas gather April 1, 2021, on the south steps of the Statehouse to warn legislators of potential fallout of inadequate housing policy. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Organizers for Rent Zero Kansas gather April 1, 2021, on the south steps of the Statehouse to warn legislators of potential fallout of inadequate housing policy. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/08/kansas-report-on-evictions-highlights-ignorance-of-legal-system-confusion-over-rent-assistance/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A new judicial committee <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kscourts.org/kscourts/media/kscourts/court%20administration/Committees/eviction/best-practices-eviction-proceedings.pdf">report on evictions</a> in Kansas points to multiple problems with a complex, fast-paced legal system for ousting tenants who fail to pay their rent.Three-fourths of eviction filings are resolved through procedural 
errors, an indicator of the ignorance tenants and landlords have with 
the legal process, the report found.&nbsp;Under the strain of the pandemic, 
courts failed to mitigate widespread confusion and misunderstanding 
about the availability of $300 million in federal aid administered by 
the state, half of which went unused.The report recommended judges tell tenants early in the process that 
they can fight their eviction and that rental aid may be available to 
them. Other recommendations include targeting high schoolers with 
programs designed to educate them about the landlord-tenant relationship
 before they sign their first lease.The committee also applied for a grant to install a program in 
Sedgwick County, which accounts for one-third of the state’s eviction 
filings, where an evictions facilitator could try to resolve disputes 
outside of the legal system.The Kansas Supreme Court established the committee to examine best practices in anticipation of a spike in evictions after <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/28/legislative-leadership-extends-disaster-declaration-through-june-15-ends-block-on-evictions/">state</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/biden-urges-state-and-local-leaders-to-postpone-evictions-while-rental-aid-is-distributed/">federal</a>
 moratoriums expired in October 2021. Judge Sarah Warner, of the Kansas 
Court of Appeals, led the committee, which included judges, trial 
clerks, attorneys who routinely represent tenants and property owners, 
and representatives of landlords in Wichita and Hays. The 29-page 
report, dated April 20, was released on Wednesday.The committee examined the evictions process and court filings going 
back to the 12-month fiscal year that ended in June 2017. The panel 
found that tenants didn’t respond to half the filings, resulting in an 
automatic judgment for the landlords. A quarter of the cases were 
dismissed because property owners had not provided a three-day notice 
required under state law for a tenant to come up with overdue rent.Courts reported about 14,500 eviction filings per year in the three 
years before the pandemic, but no more than 150 cases went to trial in 
any of those years.“The committee questions the wisdom and equity of this judicial 
model, which relies, at least in part, on litigants’ ignorance to stay 
afloat,” the report said.Vince Munoz, of Rent Zero Kansas, a coalition that advocates for 
tenants,&nbsp;questioned the findings and recommendations of the committee 
because its members didn’t include a tenant, or anybody who has been 
evicted.“It’s really hard to understate how significant of an oversight that 
is,” Munoz said. “For people who experience an eviction, when the court 
case is done, that’s when the impact starts on their life. For all the 
attorneys involved, it’s all over when the judge bangs the gavel or 
releases the opinion.”He also said the report misses a broader point about the number of 
informal evictions that happen in Kansas by landlords who disconnect 
utilities or otherwise harass tenants into leaving. Many landlords 
declined to renew leases as they expired during the pandemic, or refused
 to accept federal aid — loopholes in state and federal orders banning 
evictions, Munoz said. Those factors could help explain why most of 
Kansas didn’t see a spike in eviction filings after the moratoriums 
expired.The data presented in the committee’s report also shows that Kansas 
courts continued to handle thousands of eviction cases while the 
moratoriums were in place.“The courts don’t really serve tenants’ interests,” Munoz said. “They
 serve those who are already powerful in the situation, and they just 
kind of sanitize and formalize landlord power over tenants.”The judicial committee report, however, is critical of how some 
courts handle evictions and sympathetic to the challenges presented to 
tenants throughout a legal process that is designed to last no more than
 six weeks.After a landlord provides a three-day notice for overdue rent, and 
the three days lapse without payment, the landlord can file an eviction 
petition in district court. The tenant has 14 days to respond. If the 
tenant disputes the allegation, a trial is set within 14 days. If the 
property owner prevails at trial, the court will order the tenant to be 
removed within 14 days.Tenants may choose not to contest an eviction because they know they 
are unable to pay rent, the report found, or because they feel 
overwhelmed and don’t understand that they have the right to contest the
 eviction.Tenants also didn’t know the rental assistance was available, or that
 it could be used even after the landlord had filed an eviction. Some 
judges asked the parties at trial if they had considered trying to get 
rental aid, but attorneys said that information needed to be presented 
early in the process — especially since so few cases reach trial.One judge balked at the idea of notifying parties that funds were 
available, because it could be viewed as providing legal advice. Others 
on the committee rejected the concern.The committee took interest in a program in Monroe County, Indiana, 
where the district court employs an evictions facilitator who answers 
questions for property owners and tenants, provides information about 
federal aid, and is available to act as a mediator if the two sides are 
willing to resolve the case outside of court.“As one committee member who manages rental properties observed, it 
is in everyone’s best interest if a tenant continues to live in the 
property and a property owner continues to be paid under the lease,” the
 report said.The committee applied for grant through National Center for State 
Courts to establish a similar program in Sedgwick County that could 
serve as a toolkit across the state.Unlike other areas of the state, eviction filings significantly 
increased in Sedgwick County after moratoriums were lifted. While the 
rest of the state saw filings last fall merely return to pre-pandemic 
levels, there was a 25% increase from pre-pandemic eviction cases in 
Sedgwick County. More cases in Sedgwick County result in default 
judgment for the property owner, and fewer cases go to trial.Munoz said Sedgwick County established its own rental assistance 
program with federal aid, while the rest of the state was served by 
the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615921648040.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the KHRC program, tenants and landlords <a target="_blank" href="http://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance">can apply</a>
 jointly for up to 18 months of assistance. Eligible households also may
 receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance.The organization’s general counsel served on the committee, and a 
spokeswoman said KHRC has now dispersed $196 million in rental aid.“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have 
struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” 
said Ryan Vincent, executive director of KHRC, in a news release in 
March. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most 
vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep 
Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”

Kan. eviction report: Ignorance of legal system, confusion over rent assistance

Rita Jan Hartman, of Hays, Kansas, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi-St Francis Hospital, Wichita. She was born October 11, 1955, in Oakley, Kansas, to James Harley and Mildred Elaine (Eiring) Briard. Rita married Cliff Jamison in 1974 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Studly Kansas; they had 3 children Cherie, Kris, and Jackie.&nbsp;&nbsp;They later divorced, and he preceded her in death in February 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;She later met and married Ray Hartman, who also preceded her in death in May 2021.

Rita was a giving soul who enjoyed sharing her talents and gifts with her friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was a licensed CNA and CMA and worked for many years as a Senior Companion and for the Good Samaritan Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was a lover of animals and a hobby of hers was microbiology and using her microscope.

She is survived by her daughters: Cherie Pfannenstiel and husband Eric of Munjor, Kansas; Jackie Diaz and husband Elias of Farmington, New Mexico; a son: Kris Jamison and fiancé&nbsp;Krista Tice, Hutchinson, Kansas; stepdaughter: Erica Rae Towne of Hays, Kansas; sisters: Monica Porter of Hays, Kansas; and Roxie Skeers and husband Ed of Oakley, Kansas; grandchildren: Dawson Jamison, Tobias Diaz, Tavius Diaz, Payton and Parker Barnes, and a step grandson: Matthew Towne of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was preceded by her parents; a sister: Joyce Skeers; and her husband: Ray.

A celebration of life for Rita, Ray and Ray’s sister Alice Hartman will be held on Friday, Aug. 12th, from 4:30-7:30 PM at the Hays VFW.&nbsp;&nbsp;A private joint inurnment of Ray and Rita will be held in the Oakley Cemetery that morning.&nbsp;

Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Senior Companion program in care of the funeral chapel.

Services in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 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>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657289765171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rita Jan Hartman, of Hays, Kansas, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi-St Francis Hospital, Wichita. She was born October 11, 1955, in Oakley, Kansas, to James Harley and Mildred Elaine (Eiring) Briard. Rita married Cliff Jamison in 1974 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Studly Kansas; they had 3 children Cherie, Kris, and Jackie.&nbsp;&nbsp;They later divorced, and he preceded her in death in February 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;She later met and married Ray Hartman, who also preceded her in death in May 2021.Rita was a giving soul who enjoyed sharing her talents and gifts with her friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was a licensed CNA and CMA and worked for many years as a Senior Companion and for the Good Samaritan Society.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was a lover of animals and a hobby of hers was microbiology and using her microscope.She is survived by her daughters: Cherie Pfannenstiel and husband Eric of Munjor, Kansas; Jackie Diaz and husband Elias of Farmington, New Mexico; a son: Kris Jamison and fiancé&nbsp;Krista Tice, Hutchinson, Kansas; stepdaughter: Erica Rae Towne of Hays, Kansas; sisters: Monica Porter of Hays, Kansas; and Roxie Skeers and husband Ed of Oakley, Kansas; grandchildren: Dawson Jamison, Tobias Diaz, Tavius Diaz, Payton and Parker Barnes, and a step grandson: Matthew Towne of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was preceded by her parents; a sister: Joyce Skeers; and her husband: Ray.A celebration of life for Rita, Ray and Ray’s sister Alice Hartman will be held on Friday, Aug. 12th, from 4:30-7:30 PM at the Hays VFW.&nbsp;&nbsp;A private joint inurnment of Ray and Rita will be held in the Oakley Cemetery that morning.&nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Senior Companion program in care of the funeral chapel.Services in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 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>

Rita Jan Hartman

Trevor E. McLaughlin, 36, Hays, died 
Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis of 
injuries from an oilfield accident.

He was born October 7, 1985, in Hays the
 son of Craig and Chris (Miller) McLaughlin.&nbsp; On July 21, 2012, he was 
united in marriage to Kara Norris.&nbsp; Trevor worked as a roughneck for 
Murfin Drilling Company and was a member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist
 Church.&nbsp; He enjoyed playing guitar, listening to music, and was an avid
 sports fan.&nbsp; Trevor possessed a generous spirit, fun sense of humor, 
and love for babies.&nbsp; Most of all, he loved his children.

Survivors include his parents: Craig 
and Chris McLaughlin of Hays, wife: Kara McLaughlin of Armour, SD, four 
sons: Taj, Kingston, and Kamden McLaughlin, all of Hays and Tai Riot of 
Ellis, a daughter: Kynleigh McLaughlin of Hays, a brother: Trent 
McLaughlin and wife Amber of Ogallah, a sister: Jessie Meyers and 
husband Alex of Aurora, CO, grandparents: Frank and Deanna Miller of 
Victoria, five uncles: Galen McLaughlin, Mark Wilson, and Monte Wilson, 
all of Hays, Terry Wilson and wife Dana of Hot Springs, AR, and Gerald 
Miller and wife Carla of Dodge City, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Charles and Loretta Wilson and two uncles: Dennis McLaughlin and Randy Wilson.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on
 Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church with 
Pastor Gary Simon and Pastor Jason Murray officiating.&nbsp; The family will 
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; 

In lieu 
of flowers, memorials may be made payable to:&nbsp; Craig McLaughlin to be 
used for an education fund for Trevor’s children.&nbsp; Services are in care 
of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of 
Trevor may be shared with the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657024051152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trevor E. McLaughlin, 36, Hays, died 
Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis of 
injuries from an oilfield accident.He was born October 7, 1985, in Hays the
 son of Craig and Chris (Miller) McLaughlin.&nbsp; On July 21, 2012, he was 
united in marriage to Kara Norris.&nbsp; Trevor worked as a roughneck for 
Murfin Drilling Company and was a member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist
 Church.&nbsp; He enjoyed playing guitar, listening to music, and was an avid
 sports fan.&nbsp; Trevor possessed a generous spirit, fun sense of humor, 
and love for babies.&nbsp; Most of all, he loved his children.Survivors include his parents: Craig 
and Chris McLaughlin of Hays, wife: Kara McLaughlin of Armour, SD, four 
sons: Taj, Kingston, and Kamden McLaughlin, all of Hays and Tai Riot of 
Ellis, a daughter: Kynleigh McLaughlin of Hays, a brother: Trent 
McLaughlin and wife Amber of Ogallah, a sister: Jessie Meyers and 
husband Alex of Aurora, CO, grandparents: Frank and Deanna Miller of 
Victoria, five uncles: Galen McLaughlin, Mark Wilson, and Monte Wilson, 
all of Hays, Terry Wilson and wife Dana of Hot Springs, AR, and Gerald 
Miller and wife Carla of Dodge City, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Charles and Loretta Wilson and two uncles: Dennis McLaughlin and Randy Wilson.Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on
 Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church with 
Pastor Gary Simon and Pastor Jason Murray officiating.&nbsp; The family will 
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; In lieu 
of flowers, memorials may be made payable to:&nbsp; Craig McLaughlin to be 
used for an education fund for Trevor’s children.&nbsp; Services are in care 
of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of 
Trevor may be shared with the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;