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

GREAT BEND — While Barton County would love to see every landowner pay their
property taxes yearly, there are always a number of owners that get behind.
After three years of not paying property taxes, a residential house gets listed
on the county’s tax sale and auctioned off to the highest bidder. 

There were
158 notices delivered to owners this year notifying them that they have until
October to pay their late taxes. 
Barton County Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said the county only takes the money owed to them
in taxes and fees. The rest of the money is handled by the court to potentially
give back to the owner or lienholder. 
"It's never the county's intent to sell a house out from under 
somebody," said Schartz. "We make every concession we can. All we want 
is for people to pay their fair share of taxes. We surely don't want to 
put anyone out on the street. We have enough safeguards to make sure 
that doesn't happen." 
As the tax sale deadline gets closer, many owners pay the taxes they 
owe.
Barton County Counselor Patrick Hoffman estimated there will be 50 or 
fewer properties in the tax sale by the time the Oct. 11 date rolls
around. 
With very few houses on the market at the moment, Hoffman did express the
advantage of possibly getting 50 houses in the hands of people that actually
want the property. 
"The main goal is to get the taxes collected," said Hoffman. "If the 
owner doesn't want it or maintain it, we'd love someone else to buy it 
to put it to productive use and add valuation. We all know there is a 
housing crisis, so we'd love for these properties to get to somebody 
that wants to live there." 
Barton County Treasurer Jim Jordan said a $100,000 home that is three years
late on property taxes will pay between $2,000 and $3,000 in back taxes and
fees.&nbsp;

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>GREAT BEND — While Barton County would love to see every landowner pay their
property taxes yearly, there are always a number of owners that get behind.
After three years of not paying property taxes, a residential house gets listed
on the county’s tax sale and auctioned off to the highest bidder. There were
158 notices delivered to owners this year notifying them that they have until
October to pay their late taxes. 
Barton County Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said the county only takes the money owed to them
in taxes and fees. The rest of the money is handled by the court to potentially
give back to the owner or lienholder. 
"It's never the county's intent to sell a house out from under 
somebody," said Schartz. "We make every concession we can. All we want 
is for people to pay their fair share of taxes. We surely don't want to 
put anyone out on the street. We have enough safeguards to make sure 
that doesn't happen." 
As the tax sale deadline gets closer, many owners pay the taxes they 
owe.
Barton County Counselor Patrick Hoffman estimated there will be 50 or 
fewer properties in the tax sale by the time the Oct. 11 date rolls
around. 
With very few houses on the market at the moment, Hoffman did express the
advantage of possibly getting 50 houses in the hands of people that actually
want the property. 
"The main goal is to get the taxes collected," said Hoffman. "If the 
owner doesn't want it or maintain it, we'd love someone else to buy it 
to put it to productive use and add valuation. We all know there is a 
housing crisis, so we'd love for these properties to get to somebody 
that wants to live there." 
Barton County Treasurer Jim Jordan said a $100,000 home that is three years
late on property taxes will pay between $2,000 and $3,000 in back taxes and
fees.&nbsp;

County official: Tax sale could help ease housing shortage

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration faced bipartisan fury from House lawmakers Wednesday over months of delays investigating problems at the nation’s largest baby formula plant that prompted an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">ongoing shortage</a>.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?520252-1/baby-formula-manufacturers-fda-commissioner-testify-shortage&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the hearing

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf laid out a series of setbacks in congressional testimony that slowed his agency’s response, including a COVID-19 outbreak at the plant and a whistleblower complaint that didn’t reach FDA leadership because it was apparently lost in the mail.

Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe.

The shortage largely stems from Abbott’s Michigan plant, which the FDA shut down in February due to contamination issues. Under fire from Congress, parents and the media, Califf gave the first detailed account Wednesday of why his agency took months to inspect and shutter the plant despite learning of potential problems as early as September.

The FDA’s response was: “Too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,” Califf told lawmakers.

The FDA and President Joe Biden face mounting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">political pressure</a>&nbsp;to explain why they didn’t intervene sooner to head off the supply crisis.

“Why did it take an onslaught of national media attention for the Biden administration to act with a sense of urgency required to address an infant formula shortage?” asked Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, the committee’s ranking Republican.

Califf said the agency had been trying to monitor formula supplies since 2020 when COVID-related disruptions first emerged, but regulators have limited visibility into company supply chains.

The House panel also heard from three formula manufacturers, including a top Abbott Nutrition executive who apologized to parents for the shortage.

“We let you down,” said Abbott vice president Christopher Calamari. “We are deeply sorry.”

Calamari repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether any employees were disciplined or fired over the problems at the plant, which included standing water, a leaky roof and damaged equipment.

FDA staff began honing in on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.

The FDA planned to begin inspecting the Sturgis, Michigan, plant on Dec. 30, according to Califf’s testimony. But Abbott warned that about a dozen plant employees had tested positive for COVID-19 and requested a delay. As a result, the FDA didn’t begin its inspection until Jan. 31.

After detecting positive samples of a rare-but-dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.

“We knew that ceasing plant operations would create supply problems but we had no choice given the insanitary conditions,” said Califf, calling the problems “shocking” and “unacceptable.”

Abbott and the FDA have reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week, under which the company must regularly undergo outside safety audits.

Califf also struggled to explain delays in following up on a whistleblower complaint alleging numerous safety violations at Abbott’s plant, including employees falsifying records and failing to test formula before shipment.

Several FDA staffers reviewed the complaint in late October when it was sent to a regional FDA office, but an interview didn’t take place until two months later, in part due to the whistleblower’s scheduling conflicts.

Senior FDA officials eventually received the complaint via email, but not until February due to “an isolated failure in FDA’s mailroom, likely due to COVID-19 staffing issues,” according to the FDA testimony. A mailed copy addressed to then-acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock has still not been located.

Political outrage over the shortage has landed squarely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">the FDA and Califf</a>, who was confirmed to the FDA role for a second time in February. The problems have escalated into a political firestorm for the White House, which has invoked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;and emergency import measures.

The FDA contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 11. about a potential shortage, just days before Abbott’s recall, according to FDA’s timeline.

Califf said the FDA requested new authorities, funding and staff to track supply chain data that could have helped get ahead of the problem, but noted Congress has not provided them.

Several lawmakers raised longstanding concerns that the FDA’s food program — which oversees most U.S. foods except meat, poultry and eggs — is underfunded and needs restructuring.

The program has a convoluted leadership structure in which there is a director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor field staff who inspect company plants.

Both officials testified Wednesday, along with Califf.

When Rep. Nanette Diaz-Barragan, D-Calif., asked who is in charge of food safety, Califf and food center director Susan Mayne gave extended answers, describing different roles and responsibilities.

“I don’t think there’s one person that is responsible,” Diaz-Barragan responded. “I just think it goes to show there needs to be restructuring and it needs to be more clear who’s ultimately responsible.”

Later Wednesday afternoon, Abbott’s Calamari told lawmakers his company plans to build extra capacity and redundancies into its supply chain to avoid future disruptions. He reiterated the company’s point that the FDA has not drawn a direct link between the illnesses reported in infants and bacteria samples collected from its plant.

After the company restarts production next month it will be able to produce more formula than before the recall, he noted.

“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better as a result of this,” Calamari said.

Executives from Reckitt and Gerber also testified on their efforts to boost production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653503720164.png" alt="Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration faced bipartisan fury from House lawmakers Wednesday over months of delays investigating problems at the nation’s largest baby formula plant that prompted an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">ongoing shortage</a>.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?520252-1/baby-formula-manufacturers-fda-commissioner-testify-shortage&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch</a> a replay of the hearingFDA Commissioner Robert Califf laid out a series of setbacks in congressional testimony that slowed his agency’s response, including a COVID-19 outbreak at the plant and a whistleblower complaint that didn’t reach FDA leadership because it was apparently lost in the mail.Califf testified before a House subcommittee investigating the shortage, which has snowballed into a national political controversy and forced the U.S. military to begin airlifting supplies from Europe.The shortage largely stems from Abbott’s Michigan plant, which the FDA shut down in February due to contamination issues. Under fire from Congress, parents and the media, Califf gave the first detailed account Wednesday of why his agency took months to inspect and shutter the plant despite learning of potential problems as early as September.The FDA’s response was: “Too slow and there were decisions that were suboptimal along the way,” Califf told lawmakers.The FDA and President Joe Biden face mounting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">political pressure</a>&nbsp;to explain why they didn’t intervene sooner to head off the supply crisis.“Why did it take an onslaught of national media attention for the Biden administration to act with a sense of urgency required to address an infant formula shortage?” asked Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, the committee’s ranking Republican.Califf said the agency had been trying to monitor formula supplies since 2020 when COVID-related disruptions first emerged, but regulators have limited visibility into company supply chains.The House panel also heard from three formula manufacturers, including a top Abbott Nutrition executive who apologized to parents for the shortage.“We let you down,” said Abbott vice president Christopher Calamari. “We are deeply sorry.”Calamari repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether any employees were disciplined or fired over the problems at the plant, which included standing water, a leaky roof and damaged equipment.FDA staff began honing in on Abbott’s plant last fall while tracking several bacterial infections in infants who had consumed formula from the facility. The four cases occurred between September and January, causing hospitalizations and two deaths.The FDA planned to begin inspecting the Sturgis, Michigan, plant on Dec. 30, according to Califf’s testimony. But Abbott warned that about a dozen plant employees had tested positive for COVID-19 and requested a delay. As a result, the FDA didn’t begin its inspection until Jan. 31.After detecting positive samples of a rare-but-dangerous bacteria in multiple parts of the plant, the FDA closed the facility and Abbott announced a massive recall of its formula on Feb. 17.“We knew that ceasing plant operations would create supply problems but we had no choice given the insanitary conditions,” said Califf, calling the problems “shocking” and “unacceptable.”Abbott and the FDA have reached an agreement to reopen the plant next week, under which the company must regularly undergo outside safety audits.Califf also struggled to explain delays in following up on a whistleblower complaint alleging numerous safety violations at Abbott’s plant, including employees falsifying records and failing to test formula before shipment.Several FDA staffers reviewed the complaint in late October when it was sent to a regional FDA office, but an interview didn’t take place until two months later, in part due to the whistleblower’s scheduling conflicts.Senior FDA officials eventually received the complaint via email, but not until February due to “an isolated failure in FDA’s mailroom, likely due to COVID-19 staffing issues,” according to the FDA testimony. A mailed copy addressed to then-acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock has still not been located.Political outrage over the shortage has landed squarely on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227">the FDA and Califf</a>, who was confirmed to the FDA role for a second time in February. The problems have escalated into a political firestorm for the White House, which has invoked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-government-and-politics-df586c2e52b5e5865ea9f8091d4d1f80">the Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;and emergency import measures.The FDA contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 11. about a potential shortage, just days before Abbott’s recall, according to FDA’s timeline.Califf said the FDA requested new authorities, funding and staff to track supply chain data that could have helped get ahead of the problem, but noted Congress has not provided them.Several lawmakers raised longstanding concerns that the FDA’s food program — which oversees most U.S. foods except meat, poultry and eggs — is underfunded and needs restructuring.The program has a convoluted leadership structure in which there is a director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor field staff who inspect company plants.Both officials testified Wednesday, along with Califf.When Rep. Nanette Diaz-Barragan, D-Calif., asked who is in charge of food safety, Califf and food center director Susan Mayne gave extended answers, describing different roles and responsibilities.“I don’t think there’s one person that is responsible,” Diaz-Barragan responded. “I just think it goes to show there needs to be restructuring and it needs to be more clear who’s ultimately responsible.”Later Wednesday afternoon, Abbott’s Calamari told lawmakers his company plans to build extra capacity and redundancies into its supply chain to avoid future disruptions. He reiterated the company’s point that the FDA has not drawn a direct link between the illnesses reported in infants and bacteria samples collected from its plant.After the company restarts production next month it will be able to produce more formula than before the recall, he noted.“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to get better as a result of this,” Calamari said.Executives from Reckitt and Gerber also testified on their efforts to boost production.

🎥 FDA chief struggles to explain slow response on baby formula

Craig Allen Helzer, 65, passed away May 24, 2022, at his home in Larned.

He was born January 14, 1957, in Larned, KS, the son of Wiley Dean 
Helzer and Marcialee Lawrence.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, he was a truck
 driver.

He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and the Bob’s 
Bikes group.&nbsp; He enjoyed tinkering with cars, motorcycles, different 
woods and metals, going fishing and glass blowing.

On October 31, 2015, he married Jacqueline Laune Hignett in Larned.&nbsp; She survives.

Other survivors include: mother, Marcialee Lawrence, Lewis; two 
sisters, Sherry (John) Castaneda, Lewis, Janice Perez, Great Bend; two 
aunts, Elsie (David) Helget, Hugoton, Mary Ellen Smith, Belton, TX; two 
cousins, Randy Lawrence, Lewis, Marletta Shelton, Larned; numerous 
other, aunts, uncles, cousins,s nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wiley Helzer; beloved uncle, Marvin “Bud” Lawrence and a nephew, Aaron Boese.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for family and 
friends will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the First 
Southern Baptist Church, Larned.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Wayne 
Cemetery, Lewis at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Craig Helzer Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653582104310.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Craig Allen Helzer, 65, passed away May 24, 2022, at his home in Larned.He was born January 14, 1957, in Larned, KS, the son of Wiley Dean 
Helzer and Marcialee Lawrence.&nbsp; A longtime area resident, he was a truck
 driver.He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and the Bob’s 
Bikes group.&nbsp; He enjoyed tinkering with cars, motorcycles, different 
woods and metals, going fishing and glass blowing.On October 31, 2015, he married Jacqueline Laune Hignett in Larned.&nbsp; She survives.Other survivors include: mother, Marcialee Lawrence, Lewis; two 
sisters, Sherry (John) Castaneda, Lewis, Janice Perez, Great Bend; two 
aunts, Elsie (David) Helget, Hugoton, Mary Ellen Smith, Belton, TX; two 
cousins, Randy Lawrence, Lewis, Marletta Shelton, Larned; numerous 
other, aunts, uncles, cousins,s nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, Wiley Helzer; beloved uncle, Marvin “Bud” Lawrence and a nephew, Aaron Boese.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for family and 
friends will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the First 
Southern Baptist Church, Larned.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Wayne 
Cemetery, Lewis at a later date.Memorials may be given to the Craig Helzer Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Craig Allen Helzer

Taxpayers can now track refunds for past two years

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service made an important 
enhancement to the Where's My Refund? online tool this week, introducing
 a new feature that allows taxpayers to check the status of their 
current tax year and two previous years' refunds.

Taxpayers can select any of the three most recent tax years to check 
their refund status. They'll need their Social Security number or ITIN, 
filing status and expected refund amount from the original filed tax 
return for the tax year they're checking.

Previously, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;only
 displayed the status of the most recently filed tax return within the 
past two tax years.&nbsp;Information available to those calling the refund 
hotline will be limited to the 2021 tax return.

Using <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">Where's My Refund?</a>, taxpayers can start checking the status of their refund within:

The IRS reminds taxpayers that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 continues to be the best option for finding their prior year adjusted 
gross income, balance due or other type of account information.

"We encourage those who expect a refund, but requested an extension, 
to file as soon as they're ready. We process returns on a first-in 
basis, so the sooner the better," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. 
"There's really no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have the 
relevant information to file now. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> is still available for extension recipients to use to prepare and file their federal tax return for free."

Electronic filing is open 24/7 and the IRS continues to receive 
returns and issue refunds. Once taxpayers have filed, they can track 
their refund with Where's My Refund?

This helpful tool, accessible on IRS.gov or the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> mobile app, allows taxpayers to track their refund through three stages:

The tool is updated once a day, usually overnight, and gives 
taxpayers a projected refund issuance date as soon as it's approved.

It's also one of the most popular online features available from IRS.
 The Where's My Refund? tool was developed in 2002 and was used by 
taxpayers more than 776 million times in 2021.

Enhancing taxpayer experience &amp; IT modernization

The IRS continues to enhance the customer experience by enhancing and
 expanding digital tools that deliver improved services to taxpayers.

"The IRS is committed to identifying opportunities to make 
improvements in real time for taxpayers and the tax professional 
community," said Rettig. "This enhancement to Where's My Refund? is just
 one of many."

There's no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it 
has been more than 21 days since the return was filed or the tool says 
the IRS can provide more information.

If the IRS needs more information to process the return, the taxpayer will be contacted by mail.

For more information about checking the status of a tax refund, please visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Taxpayers can now track refunds for past two years</h2>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service made an important 
enhancement to the Where's My Refund? online tool this week, introducing
 a new feature that allows taxpayers to check the status of their 
current tax year and two previous years' refunds.Taxpayers can select any of the three most recent tax years to check 
their refund status. They'll need their Social Security number or ITIN, 
filing status and expected refund amount from the original filed tax 
return for the tax year they're checking.Previously, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;only
 displayed the status of the most recently filed tax return within the 
past two tax years.&nbsp;Information available to those calling the refund 
hotline will be limited to the 2021 tax return.Using <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">Where's My Refund?</a>, taxpayers can start checking the status of their refund within:<ul>
 <li>24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2021 return.</li><li>Three or four days after e-filing a tax year 2019 or 2020 return.</li><li>Four weeks after mailing a return.</li>
 </ul>The IRS reminds taxpayers that <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 continues to be the best option for finding their prior year adjusted 
gross income, balance due or other type of account information."We encourage those who expect a refund, but requested an extension, 
to file as soon as they're ready. We process returns on a first-in 
basis, so the sooner the better," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. 
"There's really no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have the 
relevant information to file now. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> is still available for extension recipients to use to prepare and file their federal tax return for free."Electronic filing is open 24/7 and the IRS continues to receive 
returns and issue refunds. Once taxpayers have filed, they can track 
their refund with Where's My Refund?<h2>About the Where's My Refund? tool</h2>This helpful tool, accessible on IRS.gov or the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> mobile app, allows taxpayers to track their refund through three stages:<ol>
 <li>Return received.</li><li>Refund approved.</li><li>Refund sent.</li>
 </ol>The tool is updated once a day, usually overnight, and gives 
taxpayers a projected refund issuance date as soon as it's approved.It's also one of the most popular online features available from IRS.
 The Where's My Refund? tool was developed in 2002 and was used by 
taxpayers more than 776 million times in 2021.<h2>Enhancing taxpayer experience &amp; IT modernization</h2>The IRS continues to enhance the customer experience by enhancing and
 expanding digital tools that deliver improved services to taxpayers."The IRS is committed to identifying opportunities to make 
improvements in real time for taxpayers and the tax professional 
community," said Rettig. "This enhancement to Where's My Refund? is just
 one of many."<h2>Additional refund status information</h2>There's no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it 
has been more than 21 days since the return was filed or the tool says 
the IRS can provide more information.If the IRS needs more information to process the return, the taxpayer will be contacted by mail.For more information about checking the status of a tax refund, please visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>

IRS updates feature on Where’s My Refund?

MARION –A Kansas&nbsp; man has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.

Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, was sentenced Monday in Marion County District Court to 228 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility on one count of voluntary manslaughter and 43 months for one count of aggravated battery. 

Senior Judge Mark S. Braun sentenced Mans to serve the sentences consecutively, and required him to register as a violent offender. Mans pleaded guilty to the charges on April 18.

Mans was convicted of the charges in connection with the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.

A second defendant associated with the case, Jack Kirkby, 39, of Wichita, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of criminal desecration and was sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme, of Schmidt’s office, and Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604005781596.png" alt="Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail." />
 <figcaption>Mans has previous convictions for burglary, theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was being held in the Marion County, Kansas jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION –A Kansas&nbsp; man has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison in connection with the disappearance and death of a Sedgwick County woman in April 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;Derek Schmidt.Robert Bruce Mans Jr., 50, of Wichita, was sentenced Monday in Marion County District Court to 228 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility on one count of voluntary manslaughter and 43 months for one count of aggravated battery. Senior Judge Mark S. Braun sentenced Mans to serve the sentences consecutively, and required him to register as a violent offender. Mans pleaded guilty to the charges on April 18.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Niccole Gannon photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Mans was convicted of the charges in connection with the death of Shalan Niccole Gannon, 27, of Wichita. Authorities allege Gannon was killed on or about April 8, 2020. She was reported missing on April 11, and her body was found in June 2020 in the Ninnescah River in rural Sumner County. Mans was formally charged in October 2020.A second defendant associated with the case, Jack Kirkby, 39, of Wichita, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of criminal desecration and was sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation.The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Wichita Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme, of Schmidt’s office, and Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey.

Murder: Man sentenced for woman's body found in Kan. river

TOKYO (AP) — President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan, declaring the commitment to protect the island is “even stronger” after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>. It was one of the most forceful presidential statements in support of Taiwan’s self-governing in decades.

Biden, at a news conference in Tokyo, said “yes” when asked if he was willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded. “That’s the commitment we made,” he added.

The U.S. traditionally has avoided making such an explicit security guarantee to Taiwan, with which it no longer has a mutual defense treaty, instead maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity” about how far it would be willing to go. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which has governed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-beijing-united-nations-0f27ca946b9fa97487af1ba8e80c3682">U.S. relations with the island</a>, does not require the U.S. to step in militarily if China invades, but makes it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent any unilateral change of status by Beijing.

A White House official said Biden’s comments did not reflect a policy shift for the United States, a point echoed more firmly by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, asked by reporters if Biden’s answer indicated the U.S. would do more to help Taiwan than it has done to help Ukraine and whether the U.S. was making a commitment to send troops to help Taiwan in the event of an invasion.

“As the president said our One China policy has not changed,” Austin said at the Pentagon. “He reiterated that policy and our commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also highlighted our commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to help provide Taiwan the means to defend itself. So, again, our policy is not changed.”

But Biden’s words drew a sharp response from mainland China, which has claimed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;to be a rogue province.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to Biden’s comments. “China has no room for compromise or concessions on issues involving China’s core interests such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He added, “China will take firm action to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, and we will do what we say.”

Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden said any effort by China to use force against Taiwan would “just not be appropriate,” adding that it would “dislocate the entire region and be another action similar to what happened in Ukraine.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-army-taiwan-air-force-df5ce025994309b138a015c8e0526a1f">China has stepped up its military provocations</a>&nbsp;against democratic Taiwan in recent years, aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland.

“They’re already flirting with danger right now by flying so close and all the maneuvers that are undertaken,” Biden said of China.

Under the “one China” policy, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, the U.S. maintains unofficial contacts including a de facto embassy in Taipei, the capital, and supplies military equipment for the island’s defense.

Biden said it was his “expectation” that China would not try to seize Taiwan by force, but he also said that “depends upon just how strong the world makes clear that that kind of action is going to result in long-term disapprobation by the rest of the community.”

He added that deterring China from attacking Taiwan was one reason why it’s important that Russian President Vladimir Putin “pay a dear price for his barbarism in Ukraine,” lest China and other nations get the idea that such action is acceptable.

Wanting no escalation with nuclear-armed Russia, Biden quickly ruled out putting U.S. forces into direct conflict with Russia. But the U.S. has shipped billions of dollars in military assistance that has helped Ukraine put up a stiffer-than-expected resistance to Russia’s onslaught.

Taipei cheered Biden’s remarks, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou expressing “sincere welcome and gratitude.”

“The challenge posed by China to the security of the Taiwan Strait has drawn great concern in the international community,” said Ou. “Taiwan will continue to improve its self-defense capabilities, and deepen cooperation with the United States and Japan and other like-minded countries to jointly defend the security of the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order, while promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”

It’s not the first time Biden has pledged to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, followed by administration officials contending there had been no change to American policy. In a CNN town hall in October, Biden was asked about using the U.S. military to defend Taiwan and replied, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.”

Taiwan isn’t the only foreign policy issue on which the White House has clarified or walked back Biden’s comments. When he declared in March that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-united-nations-jen-psaki-40e21508055f7ff65424afe2d8e406d8">Putin was a war criminal, J</a>&nbsp;en Psaki, then the press secretary, said the president was “speaking from his heart” even though a legal conclusion hadn’t been reached on the issue.

During a March speech in Poland, Biden said of Putin: “This man cannot remain in power.” White House officials raced to say that Biden was not calling for regime change in Russia.

Biden’s latest comments on Taiwan came just before he formally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-asia-united-states-c6878c7d14112e45a870a3e8735f7e71">launched a long-anticipated Indo-Pacific trade pact</a>&nbsp;that excludes Taiwan.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Sunday that Taiwan isn’t among the governments signed up for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which is meant to allow the U.S. to work more closely with key Asian economies on issues like supply chains, digital trade, clean energy and anticorruption.

Inclusion of Taiwan would have irked China.

Sullivan said the U.S. wants to deepen its economic partnership with Taiwan on a one-to-one basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653334090110.png" alt="President Biden’s words drew a sharp response from mainland China, which has claimed&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;to be a rogue province-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden’s words drew a sharp response from mainland China, which has claimed&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;to be a rogue province-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOKYO (AP) — President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan, declaring the commitment to protect the island is “even stronger” after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine?utm_source=apnewsnav&amp;utm_medium=featured">Russia’s invasion of Ukraine</a>. It was one of the most forceful presidential statements in support of Taiwan’s self-governing in decades.Biden, at a news conference in Tokyo, said “yes” when asked if he was willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded. “That’s the commitment we made,” he added.The U.S. traditionally has avoided making such an explicit security guarantee to Taiwan, with which it no longer has a mutual defense treaty, instead maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity” about how far it would be willing to go. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which has governed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-beijing-united-nations-0f27ca946b9fa97487af1ba8e80c3682">U.S. relations with the island</a>, does not require the U.S. to step in militarily if China invades, but makes it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent any unilateral change of status by Beijing.A White House official said Biden’s comments did not reflect a policy shift for the United States, a point echoed more firmly by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, asked by reporters if Biden’s answer indicated the U.S. would do more to help Taiwan than it has done to help Ukraine and whether the U.S. was making a commitment to send troops to help Taiwan in the event of an invasion.“As the president said our One China policy has not changed,” Austin said at the Pentagon. “He reiterated that policy and our commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also highlighted our commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to help provide Taiwan the means to defend itself. So, again, our policy is not changed.”But Biden’s words drew a sharp response from mainland China, which has claimed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;to be a rogue province.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to Biden’s comments. “China has no room for compromise or concessions on issues involving China’s core interests such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.”He added, “China will take firm action to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, and we will do what we say.”Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden said any effort by China to use force against Taiwan would “just not be appropriate,” adding that it would “dislocate the entire region and be another action similar to what happened in Ukraine.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-army-taiwan-air-force-df5ce025994309b138a015c8e0526a1f">China has stepped up its military provocations</a>&nbsp;against democratic Taiwan in recent years, aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland.“They’re already flirting with danger right now by flying so close and all the maneuvers that are undertaken,” Biden said of China.Under the “one China” policy, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, the U.S. maintains unofficial contacts including a de facto embassy in Taipei, the capital, and supplies military equipment for the island’s defense.Biden said it was his “expectation” that China would not try to seize Taiwan by force, but he also said that “depends upon just how strong the world makes clear that that kind of action is going to result in long-term disapprobation by the rest of the community.”He added that deterring China from attacking Taiwan was one reason why it’s important that Russian President Vladimir Putin “pay a dear price for his barbarism in Ukraine,” lest China and other nations get the idea that such action is acceptable.Wanting no escalation with nuclear-armed Russia, Biden quickly ruled out putting U.S. forces into direct conflict with Russia. But the U.S. has shipped billions of dollars in military assistance that has helped Ukraine put up a stiffer-than-expected resistance to Russia’s onslaught.Taipei cheered Biden’s remarks, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou expressing “sincere welcome and gratitude.”“The challenge posed by China to the security of the Taiwan Strait has drawn great concern in the international community,” said Ou. “Taiwan will continue to improve its self-defense capabilities, and deepen cooperation with the United States and Japan and other like-minded countries to jointly defend the security of the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order, while promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”It’s not the first time Biden has pledged to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, followed by administration officials contending there had been no change to American policy. In a CNN town hall in October, Biden was asked about using the U.S. military to defend Taiwan and replied, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.”Taiwan isn’t the only foreign policy issue on which the White House has clarified or walked back Biden’s comments. When he declared in March that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-united-nations-jen-psaki-40e21508055f7ff65424afe2d8e406d8">Putin was a war criminal, J</a>&nbsp;en Psaki, then the press secretary, said the president was “speaking from his heart” even though a legal conclusion hadn’t been reached on the issue.During a March speech in Poland, Biden said of Putin: “This man cannot remain in power.” White House officials raced to say that Biden was not calling for regime change in Russia.Biden’s latest comments on Taiwan came just before he formally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-asia-united-states-c6878c7d14112e45a870a3e8735f7e71">launched a long-anticipated Indo-Pacific trade pact</a>&nbsp;that excludes Taiwan.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Sunday that Taiwan isn’t among the governments signed up for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which is meant to allow the U.S. to work more closely with key Asian economies on issues like supply chains, digital trade, clean energy and anticorruption.Inclusion of Taiwan would have irked China.Sullivan said the U.S. wants to deepen its economic partnership with Taiwan on a one-to-one basis.___

Biden threatens China with military action to defend Taiwan

Robert Paul Temple, age 80, of Fair Play, Missouri passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022.&nbsp;

Bob was born January 4, 1942, to Edward and Patricia (Ryan) Temple in 
Emerson, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob grew up in Emerson and graduated from Sacred 
Heart Catholic High School.&nbsp; Bob served in the U.S. Army.&nbsp; He attended 
the drafting program at the Northwest Kansas Technical School in 
Goodland. &nbsp;On October 2, 1976, he married Aurelia May Rice in Goodland, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Bob worked as a linehaul driver for Yellow Freight for 31 
years, retiring in 1999.&nbsp; He was a member of the Catholic Church, Elks, 
VFW and Teamster/Steward.&nbsp; He enjoyed driving a semi-truck, reading, 
spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, telling jokes 
and stories.&nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his wife, Aurelia; parents, Edward and Patricia; and brother, Edward Jr.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Jackie Traverson of Bolivar, MO and
 Connie (Ken) Richards of Moundridge, KS; sons, Jim (Shelley) Traverson 
of Kearney, MO and Tony (Becky) Traverson of Arvada, CO; sisters, Judy 
(Larry) McDonald, Jackie Waterman of Loveland, CO and Suzie Boyle of 
Windsor, CO; brothers, Mike Temple of Brandon, NE and Dan Temple of 
Loveland, CO; 7 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren; and many more 
family and friends.&nbsp;

The family suggests that memorials be designated to a charity of your
 choice in honor of Bob Temple.&nbsp; Information and online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653084097603.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Paul Temple, age 80, of Fair Play, Missouri passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022.&nbsp;Bob was born January 4, 1942, to Edward and Patricia (Ryan) Temple in 
Emerson, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob grew up in Emerson and graduated from Sacred 
Heart Catholic High School.&nbsp; Bob served in the U.S. Army.&nbsp; He attended 
the drafting program at the Northwest Kansas Technical School in 
Goodland. &nbsp;On October 2, 1976, he married Aurelia May Rice in Goodland, 
Kansas.&nbsp; Bob worked as a linehaul driver for Yellow Freight for 31 
years, retiring in 1999.&nbsp; He was a member of the Catholic Church, Elks, 
VFW and Teamster/Steward.&nbsp; He enjoyed driving a semi-truck, reading, 
spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, telling jokes 
and stories.&nbsp;He is preceded in death by his wife, Aurelia; parents, Edward and Patricia; and brother, Edward Jr.Bob is survived by his daughters, Jackie Traverson of Bolivar, MO and
 Connie (Ken) Richards of Moundridge, KS; sons, Jim (Shelley) Traverson 
of Kearney, MO and Tony (Becky) Traverson of Arvada, CO; sisters, Judy 
(Larry) McDonald, Jackie Waterman of Loveland, CO and Suzie Boyle of 
Windsor, CO; brothers, Mike Temple of Brandon, NE and Dan Temple of 
Loveland, CO; 7 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren; and many more 
family and friends.&nbsp;The family suggests that memorials be designated to a charity of your
 choice in honor of Bob Temple.&nbsp; Information and online condolences www.batemanfuneral.com

Robert Paul Temple

If you have a child or children that will be entering the Fall 2022 school year as a 3rd through 6th grader, registration is now open to have your child join the Hays Oilers football teams. If your child or children are in the USD 489 or Holy Family/TMP school system, they should have received a registration form at school.

Registration deadline is July 8th, 2022. Early bird registration is open now and can be mailed and postmarked on or before June 17th, 2022 for registration discounts.

The Hays Oilers is a Hays area youth tackle football program having multiple teams in 3 age divisions, 3rd/4th, 5th, and 6th grade. The Hays Oilers compete in the Pride of Kansas Football League, PKFL. League deadlines for teams and rosters are posted on the PKFL website as well as all other information related to the league. Games set to begin in early September and run through October. 6 regular season games followed by the Tournament of Champions playoffs. Most playoff games are held at FHSU.

This is a tremendous opportunity for your child to learn and to develop skills to play and participate in the ultimate team sport of tackle football. The values and work ethic learned here will carry beyond the playing field.

On behalf of the Hays Football Association Board of Directors, we want to thank all the past and present players, parents, volunteer coaches, and the Hays community for the ongoing support for the Hays Oilers football program.

If you did not receive the registration form from your child or if you have a child interested in joining the Hays Oilers teams, email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysfootballassociation@gmail.com">haysfootballassociation@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;to request a registration form or to inquire for more information regarding Hays Oilers football. Look for additional dates and information on our Facebook page, Hays Football Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653061150083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Football AssociationIf you have a child or children that will be entering the Fall 2022 school year as a 3rd through 6th grader, registration is now open to have your child join the Hays Oilers football teams. If your child or children are in the USD 489 or Holy Family/TMP school system, they should have received a registration form at school.Registration deadline is July 8th, 2022. Early bird registration is open now and can be mailed and postmarked on or before June 17th, 2022 for registration discounts.The Hays Oilers is a Hays area youth tackle football program having multiple teams in 3 age divisions, 3rd/4th, 5th, and 6th grade. The Hays Oilers compete in the Pride of Kansas Football League, PKFL. League deadlines for teams and rosters are posted on the PKFL website as well as all other information related to the league. Games set to begin in early September and run through October. 6 regular season games followed by the Tournament of Champions playoffs. Most playoff games are held at FHSU.This is a tremendous opportunity for your child to learn and to develop skills to play and participate in the ultimate team sport of tackle football. The values and work ethic learned here will carry beyond the playing field.On behalf of the Hays Football Association Board of Directors, we want to thank all the past and present players, parents, volunteer coaches, and the Hays community for the ongoing support for the Hays Oilers football program.If you did not receive the registration form from your child or if you have a child interested in joining the Hays Oilers teams, email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:haysfootballassociation@gmail.com">haysfootballassociation@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;to request a registration form or to inquire for more information regarding Hays Oilers football. Look for additional dates and information on our Facebook page, Hays Football Association.

Hays Oilers Youth Football registration announced

The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work on a reconstruction project on approximately 11 miles of U.S. 281 in Russell County the week of May 23.

The project will widen the roadway to a 30-foot paved surface with 3-foot turf shoulders, starting near Land Road and extending north to the west K-18 junction. The box bridge structure over Boswell Creek will also be replaced.

Work will be phased across three construction seasons with most activity occurring off road during 2022 and 2023. Daily lane closures may be necessary at times, and traffic will be directed by flaggers. KDOT plans to close the highway during the 2024 construction season with an anticipated reopening in mid-October 2024. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025.

The 11-mile portion is the final part of the delayed T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the U.S. 281 corridor between Russell and K-18. KDOT completed reconstruction of the first 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road in late 2021.

Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the $36 million project. F

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin work on a reconstruction project on approximately 11 miles of U.S. 281 in Russell County the week of May 23.The project will widen the roadway to a 30-foot paved surface with 3-foot turf shoulders, starting near Land Road and extending north to the west K-18 junction. The box bridge structure over Boswell Creek will also be replaced.Work will be phased across three construction seasons with most activity occurring off road during 2022 and 2023. Daily lane closures may be necessary at times, and traffic will be directed by flaggers. KDOT plans to close the highway during the 2024 construction season with an anticipated reopening in mid-October 2024. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025.The 11-mile portion is the final part of the delayed T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the U.S. 281 corridor between Russell and K-18. KDOT completed reconstruction of the first 4 miles from 15th&nbsp;Street in Russell to Land Road in late 2021.Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the $36 million project. F

Second portion of U.S. 281 in Russell Co. to be reconstructed

Elizabeth "Betty" J. Davis, 86, passed away on May 14, 2022, at The 
Dorset Place, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born March 4, 1936, in 
Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Forest and Elizabeth (Korf) 
Newkirk.&nbsp;

She married Emerson J. Davis on October 8, 1953. He died January 2, 2015.

She grew up in the Barton County area.&nbsp; She was a cook for St. John’s
 Catholic School and Hoisington Dairy Queen for several years.&nbsp; She 
worked at Central Kansas Medical Center as a CNA and later joined 
Central Kansas Family Practice in 1975 where she retired in 1998 as 
their practice bookkeeper. She later joined her daughter’s business, 
Employee Benefit Professionals in Edmond, Oklahoma, as their agency 
bookkeeper until 2019.

Survivors include two sons; Jeff (Lisa) Davis of Omaha, NE; and Dave 
(Carla Rodie) Davis of Great Bend; one daughter, Rebecca Vonfeldt of 
Edmond, OK; five grandchildren; Amanda (Chris) Wyatt of Omaha, NE; Jacob
 (Sarah) Wilson of Great Bend; Jake (Karla) Wilkins of Hoisington; 
Brandon Vonfeldt of Edmond, OK and Megan Vonfeldt of Edmond, OK; nine 
great-grandchildren; Sean and Hannah Wyatt of Omaha, NE; Emery and Ryker
 of Great Bend; Jack, Jase, and Olivia Mann of Edmond, OK; Kinley and 
Adler Wilkins of Hoisington; one surviving brother, Don “Mouse” (Diane) 
Newkirk of Great Bend; her beloved dog, “Mitzi.”&nbsp; and many nieces and 
nephews.

&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lucille 
Stout, and Georgia Dyer; three brothers, Gene Newkirk, Jim Newkirk, and 
Frank Newkirk.

Friends may sign the book at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home from 9 am to 8 pm on Friday, May 27th.&nbsp; Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp; There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 28th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.

Memorials may be made to the Hoisington Volunteer Fire Department or 
Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652898347134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elizabeth "Betty" J. Davis, 86, passed away on May 14, 2022, at The 
Dorset Place, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born March 4, 1936, in 
Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Forest and Elizabeth (Korf) 
Newkirk.&nbsp;She married Emerson J. Davis on October 8, 1953. He died January 2, 2015.She grew up in the Barton County area.&nbsp; She was a cook for St. John’s
 Catholic School and Hoisington Dairy Queen for several years.&nbsp; She 
worked at Central Kansas Medical Center as a CNA and later joined 
Central Kansas Family Practice in 1975 where she retired in 1998 as 
their practice bookkeeper. She later joined her daughter’s business, 
Employee Benefit Professionals in Edmond, Oklahoma, as their agency 
bookkeeper until 2019.Survivors include two sons; Jeff (Lisa) Davis of Omaha, NE; and Dave 
(Carla Rodie) Davis of Great Bend; one daughter, Rebecca Vonfeldt of 
Edmond, OK; five grandchildren; Amanda (Chris) Wyatt of Omaha, NE; Jacob
 (Sarah) Wilson of Great Bend; Jake (Karla) Wilkins of Hoisington; 
Brandon Vonfeldt of Edmond, OK and Megan Vonfeldt of Edmond, OK; nine 
great-grandchildren; Sean and Hannah Wyatt of Omaha, NE; Emery and Ryker
 of Great Bend; Jack, Jase, and Olivia Mann of Edmond, OK; Kinley and 
Adler Wilkins of Hoisington; one surviving brother, Don “Mouse” (Diane) 
Newkirk of Great Bend; her beloved dog, “Mitzi.”&nbsp; and many nieces and 
nephews.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lucille 
Stout, and Georgia Dyer; three brothers, Gene Newkirk, Jim Newkirk, and 
Frank Newkirk.Friends may sign the book at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home from 9 am to 8 pm on Friday, May 27th.&nbsp; Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp; There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 28th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.Memorials may be made to the Hoisington Volunteer Fire Department or 
Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, 
Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Elizabeth 'Betty' J. Davis

Jennifer Lea Dohl, age 57, of Chicago, Illinois, died on May 17, 2022. 
She was born on October 6, 1964, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of 
Herman and Arlene (Blase) Dohl. 
 She attended Bethlehem Lutheran Grade School in Sylvan Grove, KS, 
and graduated from Sylvan Unified High School in 1982. She attended 
Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, and graduated with a BA degree in 
English Literature. In 1988, she went to work as a graduate assistant at
 Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS, and studied Theatre 
Performance.
 Jennifer met her future husband, Donald Olsen, while at K-State. 
They were married on February 2, 2002 (02-02-02) at Emmaus Lutheran 
Church in Bonner Springs, KS, during an epic ice storm. However, their 
marriage was always warm. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary
 on February 2, 2022 (02-02-22).
 Jennifer worked for 27 years at a toy invention company in Chicago, 
IL. She was the office manager and served in many capacities. Jennifer 
enjoyed cooking and the entire family delighted in the wonderful parties
 she and Don hosted on their trips to Sylvan Grove. Events were always 
filled with good food, fellowship and a wide variety of their current 
favorite beers. They had a shared passion for motorcycle riding and went
 on numerous road trips. They put many miles on their Harley Davidson in
 the USA and also rode in Canada and Italy. They loved to travel and 
took several trips to Europe and a trip to Hawaii. Neither of them ever 
met a stranger and they made friends quickly in the pubs and bars they 
visited while traveling. Jennifer had a very generous spirit. Whether 
she was treating the nieces and nephews to the latest toys or the latest
 fashions, they always looked forward to her gifts. Jennifer especially 
enjoyed reading and always had boxes of books to lend or give to family 
and friends. 
 In July of 2021, Jennifer became ill with cancer. Despite a 
courageous fight, the cancer quickly overtook her body and life. After a
 brief period on hospice in Chicago, she traveled to Sylvan Grove for 
her remaining days. Don and Jennifer’s family thank Solomon Valley 
Hospice, Beloit, KS, for their compassionate care of Jennifer. Jennifer
 died in the family farmhouse surrounded by her loving husband, her 
family and closest friends.
 Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Arlene 
Dohl; infant sister, Erica Dohl; and older brother, Arthur Dohl; 
father-in-law, Fred D. Olsen; and Don’s half siblings, Mike Albright and
 Gay Cole.
 Jennifer is survived by her husband, Donald Olsen, of Chicago, IL; 
mother-in-law, Betty Olsen, of Rehoboth Beach, DE; Gerald (Barbara) 
Howard of Rehoboth Beach, DE; and Doris Duvall of Millsboro, DE. 
Sisters, Marjorie (Alfred) Aufdemberge of Lincoln, KS; Mary Dohl of 
Wichita, KS; Lorelei Dohl of Sylvan Grove, KS; brother, Edward Dohl of 
Sylvan Grove, KS; sister-in-law, Justine Dohl, of Sylvan Grove, KS. 
Also, nieces and nephews: Christopher (Kristi) Dohl of Netawaka, KS; 
Jason (Anne) Dohl of Sylvan Grove, KS; Chesley Dohl of San Diego, CA; 
Lyle Dohl of Los Angeles, CA; Madelyn (Devin) Henderson of Shawnee, KS; 
Esther (Eric) Spooner of Kansas City, MO; Megan (Charlie) Huehl of 
Sylvan Grove, KS; Ian (Alicia) Dohl of Russell, KS; Cedric (Bethany) 
Schofield of Kansas City, MO; Sophia Schofield of Sylvan Grove, KS; 
Genevieve Schofield of Kansas City, MO; Broderick Schofield of Kansas 
City, MO; Adelyn, Brayden, Felicity and Caitlyn Dohl of Sylvan Grove, 
KS; and Michael (Shannon) Ulrich of Senoia, GA. Also, great nieces and 
nephews: Braden, Kylie and Brantley Dohl; Valden, Vance and Tevis Dohl; 
Claire, Charlotte, Cambry, Elsie, Eva, Emmaus and Haven Henderson; 
Elizabeth Spooner; Codie and Cael Huehl; Kamryn and Krew Dohl. And she 
leaves behind extended family and many dear friends, including Kelli 
Wondra and Mike Spicer.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Jennifer-Lea-Dohl?obId=24874203#/celebrationWall">HERE</a>&nbsp;for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652898248316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer Lea Dohl, age 57, of Chicago, Illinois, died on May 17, 2022. 
She was born on October 6, 1964, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of 
Herman and Arlene (Blase) Dohl. 
 She attended Bethlehem Lutheran Grade School in Sylvan Grove, KS, 
and graduated from Sylvan Unified High School in 1982. She attended 
Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, and graduated with a BA degree in 
English Literature. In 1988, she went to work as a graduate assistant at
 Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS, and studied Theatre 
Performance.
 Jennifer met her future husband, Donald Olsen, while at K-State. 
They were married on February 2, 2002 (02-02-02) at Emmaus Lutheran 
Church in Bonner Springs, KS, during an epic ice storm. However, their 
marriage was always warm. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary
 on February 2, 2022 (02-02-22).
 Jennifer worked for 27 years at a toy invention company in Chicago, 
IL. She was the office manager and served in many capacities. Jennifer 
enjoyed cooking and the entire family delighted in the wonderful parties
 she and Don hosted on their trips to Sylvan Grove. Events were always 
filled with good food, fellowship and a wide variety of their current 
favorite beers. They had a shared passion for motorcycle riding and went
 on numerous road trips. They put many miles on their Harley Davidson in
 the USA and also rode in Canada and Italy. They loved to travel and 
took several trips to Europe and a trip to Hawaii. Neither of them ever 
met a stranger and they made friends quickly in the pubs and bars they 
visited while traveling. Jennifer had a very generous spirit. Whether 
she was treating the nieces and nephews to the latest toys or the latest
 fashions, they always looked forward to her gifts. Jennifer especially 
enjoyed reading and always had boxes of books to lend or give to family 
and friends. 
 In July of 2021, Jennifer became ill with cancer. Despite a 
courageous fight, the cancer quickly overtook her body and life. After a
 brief period on hospice in Chicago, she traveled to Sylvan Grove for 
her remaining days. Don and Jennifer’s family thank Solomon Valley 
Hospice, Beloit, KS, for their compassionate care of Jennifer. Jennifer
 died in the family farmhouse surrounded by her loving husband, her 
family and closest friends.
 Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Arlene 
Dohl; infant sister, Erica Dohl; and older brother, Arthur Dohl; 
father-in-law, Fred D. Olsen; and Don’s half siblings, Mike Albright and
 Gay Cole.
 Jennifer is survived by her husband, Donald Olsen, of Chicago, IL; 
mother-in-law, Betty Olsen, of Rehoboth Beach, DE; Gerald (Barbara) 
Howard of Rehoboth Beach, DE; and Doris Duvall of Millsboro, DE. 
Sisters, Marjorie (Alfred) Aufdemberge of Lincoln, KS; Mary Dohl of 
Wichita, KS; Lorelei Dohl of Sylvan Grove, KS; brother, Edward Dohl of 
Sylvan Grove, KS; sister-in-law, Justine Dohl, of Sylvan Grove, KS. 
Also, nieces and nephews: Christopher (Kristi) Dohl of Netawaka, KS; 
Jason (Anne) Dohl of Sylvan Grove, KS; Chesley Dohl of San Diego, CA; 
Lyle Dohl of Los Angeles, CA; Madelyn (Devin) Henderson of Shawnee, KS; 
Esther (Eric) Spooner of Kansas City, MO; Megan (Charlie) Huehl of 
Sylvan Grove, KS; Ian (Alicia) Dohl of Russell, KS; Cedric (Bethany) 
Schofield of Kansas City, MO; Sophia Schofield of Sylvan Grove, KS; 
Genevieve Schofield of Kansas City, MO; Broderick Schofield of Kansas 
City, MO; Adelyn, Brayden, Felicity and Caitlyn Dohl of Sylvan Grove, 
KS; and Michael (Shannon) Ulrich of Senoia, GA. Also, great nieces and 
nephews: Braden, Kylie and Brantley Dohl; Valden, Vance and Tevis Dohl; 
Claire, Charlotte, Cambry, Elsie, Eva, Emmaus and Haven Henderson; 
Elizabeth Spooner; Codie and Cael Huehl; Kamryn and Krew Dohl. And she 
leaves behind extended family and many dear friends, including Kelli 
Wondra and Mike Spicer.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Jennifer-Lea-Dohl?obId=24874203#/celebrationWall">HERE</a>&nbsp;for service details.

Jennifer Lea Dohl

Lowell D. Whitlock III, 76, Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Larksfield Place, Wichita, Kansas.

The oldest of four boys born to Dr. Lowell D. Whitlock, Jr. and Oneta
 Nadine (Moore) Whitlock, of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Lowell was born on July 
23, 1945, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He was a resident of Wichita, 
Kansas, for three years, moving there from Hesston, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a 
1963 graduate of Altus High School, Altus, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Lowell was a 1968 
graduate of Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, majoring in
 marketing with a minor in psychology.&nbsp;

After graduation from Oklahoma State University, Lowell was employed 
as a buyer at Foley’s Department Store in Houston, Texas, prior to 
owning and operating a men’s clothing store, The Surrey Shop of 
Weatherford, Oklahoma, for eight years.

In 1978, Lowell began his career with Southwestern Bell 
Corporation/AT&amp;T.&nbsp; After retirement from AT&amp;T, he accepted a 
position in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as President of Vanion, a Koch 
Industries investment for three years.

After retirement, Lowell volunteered at Fort Hays State University, 
Hays, Kansas, as Advisor to the Dean of Business and Executive in 
Residence for several years.

He was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard for eight years.

On October 25, 1980, he married Rebecca Stejskal at Shangr-la, Oklahoma.

A devout Christian, Lowell was born and raised in the Baptist faith.&nbsp;
 Later, honoring Rebecca’s Roman Catholic faith, and his respect of 
Catholicism, he and his wife, Rebecca, were confirmed and attended the 
Episcopal Church.&nbsp; He was a former member of St. Martin’s Episcopal 
Church Vestry Board, Houston, Texas; and the San Antonio Symphony Board,
 San Antonio, Texas.&nbsp; He was also a former member of Rotary Clubs in the
 various cities in which they resided.

Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Rebecca Whitlock, Wichita, Kansas; two 
daughters, Wende Wayne, and her husband, Peter, Houston, Texas, and 
Stacy Miller, and her husband, Roddrick, Atlanta, Georgia; six 
grandchildren, Madelyn, Parker, and Travis Wayne, all of Houston, Texas,
 and Karston, Gracyn, and Braxton Miller, all of Atlanta, Georgia; and 
two brothers, Mark Whitlock, and his wife, Joy, Altus, Oklahoma, and 
Reverend Dr. David B. Whitlock, and his wife, Lori, Lebanon, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Dougie Whitlock.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. &nbsp;A remembrance service and
 rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;

Graveside service will be Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at La
 Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas, with Reverend Dr. David B. 
Whitlock officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery,
 La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the MD
 Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (memorial donations may be made 
in Lowell’s name online), or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, 
Kansas.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652882250567.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lowell D. Whitlock III, 76, Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Larksfield Place, Wichita, Kansas.The oldest of four boys born to Dr. Lowell D. Whitlock, Jr. and Oneta
 Nadine (Moore) Whitlock, of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Lowell was born on July 
23, 1945, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.&nbsp; He was a resident of Wichita, 
Kansas, for three years, moving there from Hesston, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a 
1963 graduate of Altus High School, Altus, Oklahoma.&nbsp; Lowell was a 1968 
graduate of Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, majoring in
 marketing with a minor in psychology.&nbsp;After graduation from Oklahoma State University, Lowell was employed 
as a buyer at Foley’s Department Store in Houston, Texas, prior to 
owning and operating a men’s clothing store, The Surrey Shop of 
Weatherford, Oklahoma, for eight years.In 1978, Lowell began his career with Southwestern Bell 
Corporation/AT&amp;T.&nbsp; After retirement from AT&amp;T, he accepted a 
position in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as President of Vanion, a Koch 
Industries investment for three years.After retirement, Lowell volunteered at Fort Hays State University, 
Hays, Kansas, as Advisor to the Dean of Business and Executive in 
Residence for several years.He was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard for eight years.On October 25, 1980, he married Rebecca Stejskal at Shangr-la, Oklahoma.A devout Christian, Lowell was born and raised in the Baptist faith.&nbsp;
 Later, honoring Rebecca’s Roman Catholic faith, and his respect of 
Catholicism, he and his wife, Rebecca, were confirmed and attended the 
Episcopal Church.&nbsp; He was a former member of St. Martin’s Episcopal 
Church Vestry Board, Houston, Texas; and the San Antonio Symphony Board,
 San Antonio, Texas.&nbsp; He was also a former member of Rotary Clubs in the
 various cities in which they resided.Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Rebecca Whitlock, Wichita, Kansas; two 
daughters, Wende Wayne, and her husband, Peter, Houston, Texas, and 
Stacy Miller, and her husband, Roddrick, Atlanta, Georgia; six 
grandchildren, Madelyn, Parker, and Travis Wayne, all of Houston, Texas,
 and Karston, Gracyn, and Braxton Miller, all of Atlanta, Georgia; and 
two brothers, Mark Whitlock, and his wife, Joy, Altus, Oklahoma, and 
Reverend Dr. David B. Whitlock, and his wife, Lori, Lebanon, Kentucky.He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Dougie Whitlock.Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. &nbsp;A remembrance service and
 rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;Graveside service will be Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at La
 Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas, with Reverend Dr. David B. 
Whitlock officiating.&nbsp; Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery,
 La Crosse, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the MD
 Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (memorial donations may be made 
in Lowell’s name online), or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, 
Kansas.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Lowell D. Whitlock III

Leona Bell, 94, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Hays 
Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born December 24, 1927, in rural 
Graham County to Wallace Frederick and Lena Alice (Kaufman) Kerbaugh. 
She attended the Miller District 52 Country School until the summer of 
1936. Then the family moved to Loveland, Colorado, hoping that her 
father could find work. The summer of 1937 their family returned to 
Graham County where Leona again attended the Miller School. In 1939 they
 moved to Hill City and in 1942 they returned to Morland where Leona 
finished school. She graduated from Morland High School in 1946.
 On October 10, 1948, Leona was united in marriage to Lawrence Bell. 
Following her high school graduation Leona had worked in a post office, 
as a waitress, cook and grocery store clerk, before she became a 
full-time partner and farm wife. Three children were born to this union:
 Larry Wayne, Carol Jane and Janet Kay. They raised their family on a 
farm north of Morland. 
 Leona drove the tractor, hauled grain to the elevator, tended to the
 cattle, was the chief cook and parts runner, and did everything else 
that was needed. And she still found time to raise a huge garden! She 
always said if you had meat and potatoes, you didn’t need much else to 
feed a family. 
 Loving to cook, she hosted many family holiday dinners. You never 
left her house hungry. She was her children and grandchildren’s biggest
 fan, no matter what sport they were participating in. She was an avid 
Chiefs, Royals and KU Jayhawks fan. Leona watched her beloved Jayhawks 
win the national championship game and then quit watching TV because all
 they ever did was advertise. 
 After Lawrence passed away January 2, 1989, Leona continued to run 
the farm. She had no desire to leave that farm to seek a city job. She
 stated many times, there was no better place to die than in her garden 
under her tomato plants. She almost got her wish, as she was still 
living alone on the farm until she went into the hospital on Mother’s 
Day, May 8, 2022.
 She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her parents, her
 two brothers, Wayne and Rex Kerbaugh, and two sisters, Bernita Bell and
 Jean Nickelson. 
 Surviving is her son, Larry Wayne Bell, Morland; daughters Carol 
Jane Bedore, Hill City and Janet Kay and Ace Billips, Hill City; a 
sister-in-law, Delores Kerbaugh, Hill City; nine grandchildren: Lynette 
and Mike King, Lance Bedore (Julie Brown), Layne and Katie Bedore, Bruce
 and Roseanne Billips, Brett and Michelle Billips, Roger Billips 
(Chelsie Wolf), Dr. Jordan Bell, Kayla and Tyler Waggoner, and Chase 
Bell; 21 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. 
 Although we are sad she left us, she had told us several times, and 
again on Mother’s Day, “I am tired and just want to go to sleep and not 
wake up. After all, I am almost one hundred years old, and no one lives
 forever.” But she will forever live in our hearts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Leona-Bell?obId=24834149#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652796341736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Leona Bell, 94, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Hays 
Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born December 24, 1927, in rural 
Graham County to Wallace Frederick and Lena Alice (Kaufman) Kerbaugh. 
She attended the Miller District 52 Country School until the summer of 
1936. Then the family moved to Loveland, Colorado, hoping that her 
father could find work. The summer of 1937 their family returned to 
Graham County where Leona again attended the Miller School. In 1939 they
 moved to Hill City and in 1942 they returned to Morland where Leona 
finished school. She graduated from Morland High School in 1946.
 On October 10, 1948, Leona was united in marriage to Lawrence Bell. 
Following her high school graduation Leona had worked in a post office, 
as a waitress, cook and grocery store clerk, before she became a 
full-time partner and farm wife. Three children were born to this union:
 Larry Wayne, Carol Jane and Janet Kay. They raised their family on a 
farm north of Morland. 
 Leona drove the tractor, hauled grain to the elevator, tended to the
 cattle, was the chief cook and parts runner, and did everything else 
that was needed. And she still found time to raise a huge garden! She 
always said if you had meat and potatoes, you didn’t need much else to 
feed a family. 
 Loving to cook, she hosted many family holiday dinners. You never 
left her house hungry. She was her children and grandchildren’s biggest
 fan, no matter what sport they were participating in. She was an avid 
Chiefs, Royals and KU Jayhawks fan. Leona watched her beloved Jayhawks 
win the national championship game and then quit watching TV because all
 they ever did was advertise. 
 After Lawrence passed away January 2, 1989, Leona continued to run 
the farm. She had no desire to leave that farm to seek a city job. She
 stated many times, there was no better place to die than in her garden 
under her tomato plants. She almost got her wish, as she was still 
living alone on the farm until she went into the hospital on Mother’s 
Day, May 8, 2022.
 She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her parents, her
 two brothers, Wayne and Rex Kerbaugh, and two sisters, Bernita Bell and
 Jean Nickelson. 
 Surviving is her son, Larry Wayne Bell, Morland; daughters Carol 
Jane Bedore, Hill City and Janet Kay and Ace Billips, Hill City; a 
sister-in-law, Delores Kerbaugh, Hill City; nine grandchildren: Lynette 
and Mike King, Lance Bedore (Julie Brown), Layne and Katie Bedore, Bruce
 and Roseanne Billips, Brett and Michelle Billips, Roger Billips 
(Chelsie Wolf), Dr. Jordan Bell, Kayla and Tyler Waggoner, and Chase 
Bell; 21 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. 
 Although we are sad she left us, she had told us several times, and 
again on Mother’s Day, “I am tired and just want to go to sleep and not 
wake up. After all, I am almost one hundred years old, and no one lives
 forever.” But she will forever live in our hearts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Leona-Bell?obId=24834149#/obituaryInfo">HERE</a> for service details.

Leona Bell

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under fire from parents and politicians, President Joe Biden is offering formula manufacturers and retailers transportation and logistics support to ease the nationwide shortage of baby formula, as the administration works to bring the largest domestic plant back on line after it was shut down early this year due to safety issues.

The<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/"> White House said </a>it is working with all major formula producers to boost production, including reaching out to their suppliers to encourage them to prioritize production and delivery of formula ingredients. It comes as the Biden administration has come under intense pressure over the last week to do more to ease&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">the shortage of formula</a>&nbsp;that has forced parents of infants to go to significant lengths to feed their children.

The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott, the nation’s largest formula maker, that shuttered the company’s Michigan plant and exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on stores shelves across much of the country. The shortage has led retailers like CVS and Target to limit how many containers customers can purchase per visit and forced some parents to swap and sell formula online.

<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html">Click here to view </a>the government infant formula web site.

On Monday, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” that the federal agency is “working really closely with Abbott” to reopen the closed Michigan factory and he expects that “in a very short period of time we’re going to have an announcement about the path forward.”

Califf said an announcement is forthcoming about importing baby formula from abroad, noting that the key is making sure the instructions for the formula are in languages that mothers and caregivers can understand.

The FDA warned families against making their own baby formula because it has 30 distinct constituents that have to be in the right amount, otherwise the formula can possibly be dangerous to consume.

Abbott’s voluntary recall was triggered by four illnesses reported in babies who had consumed powdered formula from the Michigan plant. All four infants were hospitalized with a rare type of bacterial infection and two died.

Abbott is one of just four companies that produce roughly 90% of U.S. formula, so its shutdown squeezed already tight supplies.

After a six-week inspection, FDA investigators published&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-a4205025fc781b1fb902cdd9e1264b41">a list of problems</a>&nbsp;in March, including lax safety and sanitary standards and a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant.

But Chicago-based Abbott has emphasized that its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children. Samples of the bacteria found at its plant did not match the strains collected from the babies by federal investigators. The company has repeatedly stated it is ready to resume manufacturing, pending an FDA decision.

Former FDA officials say fixing the type of problems uncovered at Abbott’s plant takes time, and infant formula facilities receive more scrutiny than other food facilities. Companies need to exhaustively clean the facility and equipment, retrain staff, repeatedly test and document there is no contamination.

Even if the facility reopens soon, the FDA will still face scrutiny for its handling of the issues at the plant.

FDA inspectors visited the factory in September for a routine inspection, around the time that the first bacterial infection was reported in an infant. Although inspectors uncovered several violations— including standing water and unsanitary conditions— the FDA did not shut down the plant or issue any formal warning.

Only after several more illnesses were reported did the FDA return to the plant in January, this time finding a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant. Abbott then shut down the facility and recalled several powdered formulas in mid-February.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro reported last month that a whistleblower had contacted the FDA in October about unsafe conditions and practices at the plant, including falsifying plant records and failing to properly test formula for contamination.

She and other lawmakers are set to question FDA Commissioner Califf about that issue and others at a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652447550275.png" alt="On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways to do more to help families access infant formula." />
 <figcaption>On Thursday, President Biden spoke with retailers and manufacturers to discuss ways to do more to help families access infant formula.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Under fire from parents and politicians, President Joe Biden is offering formula manufacturers and retailers transportation and logistics support to ease the nationwide shortage of baby formula, as the administration works to bring the largest domestic plant back on line after it was shut down early this year due to safety issues.The<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/"> White House said </a>it is working with all major formula producers to boost production, including reaching out to their suppliers to encourage them to prioritize production and delivery of formula ingredients. It comes as the Biden administration has come under intense pressure over the last week to do more to ease&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baby-formula-shortage-what-to-know-735cef06e68ed9c5a46233bdfcf0573d">the shortage of formula</a>&nbsp;that has forced parents of infants to go to significant lengths to feed their children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648164055231.png" alt="In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image" />
 <figcaption>In February Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers announced a recall of Similac-FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>The shortage stems from a February recall by Abbott, the nation’s largest formula maker, that shuttered the company’s Michigan plant and exacerbated ongoing supply chain disruptions among formula makers, leaving fewer options on stores shelves across much of the country. The shortage has led retailers like CVS and Target to limit how many containers customers can purchase per visit and forced some parents to swap and sell formula online.<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html">Click here to view </a>the government infant formula web site.On Monday, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” that the federal agency is “working really closely with Abbott” to reopen the closed Michigan factory and he expects that “in a very short period of time we’re going to have an announcement about the path forward.”Califf said an announcement is forthcoming about importing baby formula from abroad, noting that the key is making sure the instructions for the formula are in languages that mothers and caregivers can understand.The FDA warned families against making their own baby formula because it has 30 distinct constituents that have to be in the right amount, otherwise the formula can possibly be dangerous to consume.Abbott’s voluntary recall was triggered by four illnesses reported in babies who had consumed powdered formula from the Michigan plant. All four infants were hospitalized with a rare type of bacterial infection and two died.Abbott is one of just four companies that produce roughly 90% of U.S. formula, so its shutdown squeezed already tight supplies.After a six-week inspection, FDA investigators published&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-michigan-a4205025fc781b1fb902cdd9e1264b41">a list of problems</a>&nbsp;in March, including lax safety and sanitary standards and a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant.But Chicago-based Abbott has emphasized that its products have not been directly linked to the bacterial infections in children. Samples of the bacteria found at its plant did not match the strains collected from the babies by federal investigators. The company has repeatedly stated it is ready to resume manufacturing, pending an FDA decision.Former FDA officials say fixing the type of problems uncovered at Abbott’s plant takes time, and infant formula facilities receive more scrutiny than other food facilities. Companies need to exhaustively clean the facility and equipment, retrain staff, repeatedly test and document there is no contamination.Even if the facility reopens soon, the FDA will still face scrutiny for its handling of the issues at the plant.FDA inspectors visited the factory in September for a routine inspection, around the time that the first bacterial infection was reported in an infant. Although inspectors uncovered several violations— including standing water and unsanitary conditions— the FDA did not shut down the plant or issue any formal warning.Only after several more illnesses were reported did the FDA return to the plant in January, this time finding a history of bacterial contamination in several parts of the plant. Abbott then shut down the facility and recalled several powdered formulas in mid-February.Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro reported last month that a whistleblower had contacted the FDA in October about unsafe conditions and practices at the plant, including falsifying plant records and failing to properly test formula for contamination.She and other lawmakers are set to question FDA Commissioner Califf about that issue and others at a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

Biden offers logistics support to ease baby formula shortage

The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 1 million on Monday, a once-unimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.

The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out.

“It is hard to imagine a million people plucked from this earth,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, who leads a new pandemic center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. “It’s still happening and we are letting it happen.”

Some of those left behind say they cannot return to normal. They replay their loved ones’ voicemail messages. Or watch old videos to see them dance. When other people say they are done with the virus, they bristle with anger or ache in silence.

“‘Normal.’ I hate that word,” said Julie Wallace, 55, of Elyria, Ohio, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in 2020. “All of us never get to go back to normal.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-native-americans-hispanics-d2234e9d7df7ca8026faf9f88c7baeac">Three out of every four deaths</a>&nbsp;were people 65 and older. More men died than women. White people made up most of the deaths overall. But Black, Hispanic and Native American people have been roughly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 as their white counterparts.

Most deaths happened in urban areas, but rural places — where opposition to masks and vaccinations tends to run high — paid a heavy price at times.

The death toll less than 2 1/2 years into the outbreak is based on death certificate data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But the real number of lives lost to COVID-19, either directly or indirectly, as a result the disruption of the health care system in the world’s richest country, is believed to be far higher.

The milestone comes more than three months after the U.S. reached 900,000 dead. The pace has slowed since a harrowing winter surge fueled by the omicron variant. The U.S. is averaging about 300 COVID-19 deaths per day, compared with a peak of about 3,400 a day in January 2021.

The largest bell at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital tolled 1,000 times a week ago, once for every 1,000 deaths. President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called each life “an irreplaceable loss.”

“As a nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow,” he said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-one-million-american-lives-lost-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">statement</a>. “To heal, we must remember.”

More than half the deaths occurred since vaccines became available in December of 2020. Two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly half of them have had at least one booster dose. But demand for the vaccine has plummeted, and the campaign to put shots in arms has been plagued by misinformation, distrust and political polarization.

Unvaccinated people have a 10 times greater risk of dying of COVID-19 than the fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

“To me, that is what is just so particularly heartbreaking,” Nuzzo said. Vaccines are safe and greatly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, she said. They “largely take the possibility of death off the table.”

Angelina Proia, 36, of New York, lost her father to COVID-19 in April 2020. She runs a support group for grieving families on Facebook and has seen it divided over vaccinations. She has booted people from the group for spreading misinformation.

“I don’t want to hear conspiracy theories. I don’t want to hear anti-science,” said Proia, who wishes her father could have been vaccinated.

Sara Atkins, 42, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, channels her grief into fighting for global vaccination and better access to health care to honor her father, Andy Rotman-Zaid, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020.

“My father gave me marching orders to end it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Atkins said of the pandemic. “He told me, ‘Politicize the hell out of my death if I die of this.’”

Julie Wallace and her husband, Lewis Dunlap, had cellphone numbers one digit apart. She continues paying to keep his number. She calls it just to hear his voice.

“It’s just so important to hear that sometimes,” she said. “It gives you a little bit of reassurance while also tearing your heart out.”

Some have offered solace in poetry. In Philadelphia, poet and social worker Trapeta Mayson, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://philadelphiacontemporary.org/projects/healing-verse-poetry-line" target="_blank">24-hour poetry hotline called Healing Verse</a>. Traffic to the Academy of American Poets’&nbsp;<a href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">poets.org website</a>&nbsp;rose during the pandemic.

Brian Sonia-Wallace, poet laureate of West Hollywood, California, has traveled the country&nbsp;<a href="https://rentpoet.com/" target="_blank">writing poems for hire</a>. He imagines a memorial of a million poems, written by people who don’t normally write poetry. They would talk to those who are grieving and listen for points of connection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652709604973.png" alt="COVID deaths by county. Not all states report the same information on COVID -Map courtesy John Hopkins Covid Research Center&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>COVID deaths by county. Not all states report the same information on COVID -Map courtesy John Hopkins Covid Research Center&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressThe U.S. death toll from COVID-19 hit 1 million on Monday, a once-unimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out.“It is hard to imagine a million people plucked from this earth,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, who leads a new pandemic center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. “It’s still happening and we are letting it happen.”Some of those left behind say they cannot return to normal. They replay their loved ones’ voicemail messages. Or watch old videos to see them dance. When other people say they are done with the virus, they bristle with anger or ache in silence.“‘Normal.’ I hate that word,” said Julie Wallace, 55, of Elyria, Ohio, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in 2020. “All of us never get to go back to normal.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652709580859.png" alt="Map courtesy John Hopkins " />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy John Hopkins </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-native-americans-hispanics-d2234e9d7df7ca8026faf9f88c7baeac">Three out of every four deaths</a>&nbsp;were people 65 and older. More men died than women. White people made up most of the deaths overall. But Black, Hispanic and Native American people have been roughly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 as their white counterparts.Most deaths happened in urban areas, but rural places — where opposition to masks and vaccinations tends to run high — paid a heavy price at times.The death toll less than 2 1/2 years into the outbreak is based on death certificate data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But the real number of lives lost to COVID-19, either directly or indirectly, as a result the disruption of the health care system in the world’s richest country, is believed to be far higher.The milestone comes more than three months after the U.S. reached 900,000 dead. The pace has slowed since a harrowing winter surge fueled by the omicron variant. The U.S. is averaging about 300 COVID-19 deaths per day, compared with a peak of about 3,400 a day in January 2021.The largest bell at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital tolled 1,000 times a week ago, once for every 1,000 deaths. President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called each life “an irreplaceable loss.”“As a nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow,” he said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-one-million-american-lives-lost-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">statement</a>. “To heal, we must remember.”More than half the deaths occurred since vaccines became available in December of 2020. Two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly half of them have had at least one booster dose. But demand for the vaccine has plummeted, and the campaign to put shots in arms has been plagued by misinformation, distrust and political polarization.Unvaccinated people have a 10 times greater risk of dying of COVID-19 than the fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.“To me, that is what is just so particularly heartbreaking,” Nuzzo said. Vaccines are safe and greatly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, she said. They “largely take the possibility of death off the table.”Angelina Proia, 36, of New York, lost her father to COVID-19 in April 2020. She runs a support group for grieving families on Facebook and has seen it divided over vaccinations. She has booted people from the group for spreading misinformation.“I don’t want to hear conspiracy theories. I don’t want to hear anti-science,” said Proia, who wishes her father could have been vaccinated.Sara Atkins, 42, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, channels her grief into fighting for global vaccination and better access to health care to honor her father, Andy Rotman-Zaid, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020.“My father gave me marching orders to end it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Atkins said of the pandemic. “He told me, ‘Politicize the hell out of my death if I die of this.’”Julie Wallace and her husband, Lewis Dunlap, had cellphone numbers one digit apart. She continues paying to keep his number. She calls it just to hear his voice.“It’s just so important to hear that sometimes,” she said. “It gives you a little bit of reassurance while also tearing your heart out.”Some have offered solace in poetry. In Philadelphia, poet and social worker Trapeta Mayson, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://philadelphiacontemporary.org/projects/healing-verse-poetry-line" target="_blank">24-hour poetry hotline called Healing Verse</a>. Traffic to the Academy of American Poets’&nbsp;<a href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">poets.org website</a>&nbsp;rose during the pandemic.Brian Sonia-Wallace, poet laureate of West Hollywood, California, has traveled the country&nbsp;<a href="https://rentpoet.com/" target="_blank">writing poems for hire</a>. He imagines a memorial of a million poems, written by people who don’t normally write poetry. They would talk to those who are grieving and listen for points of connection.“What we need as a nation is empathy,” said Tanya Alves, 35, of Weston, Florida, who lost her 24-year-old sister to COVID-19 in October. “Over two years into the pandemic, with all the cases and lives lost, we should be more compassionate and respectful when talking about COVID. Thousands of families changed forever. This virus is not just a cold.”___