Fort Hays State Athletics will welcome six new members into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 30, 2021. The class going in to the Hall of Fame this fall was scheduled to be inducted in 2020, but the annual ceremony was pushed to this year due to complications with the COVID-19 pandemic. The inductees going into the Hall of Fame this year include David McLeland (Track &amp; Field, 1968-71), JR Hartig (Football, 1977-80), Richard Lowe (Football, 1982-83), Edgar Eason (Men's Basketball, 1983-85), Trevell Smittick (Wrestling, 1996-2000), and Jesus Villarreal (Baseball, 1999-2000). The induction ceremony will take place the morning of Saturday, October 30 inside the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Registration for the invitation only event begins at 8:30 am and the ceremony begins at 9:30 am. The new Hall of Fame class will then be recognized publicly at halftime of the Fort Hays State vs. Emporia State football game, which begins at 1 pm. David McLeland - Track and Field/Cross Country (1968-71) David McLeland, native of Great Bend, Kansas, was the 3000-meter steeplechase national champion in 1971, running a time of 9:26.6. McLeland was the second of three consecutive national champions in the event for FHSU. Larbi Oukada was the national champion in the event in 1970 and Jim Birnbaum won the event in 1972 (both are in the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame as well). McLeland was also the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion in 1971 and the runner-up in the event as a freshman and sophomore in 1968 and 1969. He helped the 1970 cross country team to a national runner-up finish and was a member of the 1969 national championship team, contributing to the team scoring in multiple events though he did not run at the national meet. He contributed to a fifth-place finish for the team at the 1967 cross country championships. He was the runner-up at the NAIA District 10 meet for cross country in the fall of 1971. McLeland went on to serve 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and was deployed to Iraq in 1990-91. As a high school coach, he has been recognized as the Kansas Class 4A and 2A Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. JR Hartig - Football (1977-80) JR Hartig, native of Ellinwood, Kan., was one of the top linebackers in school history, earning NAIA All-America Honorable Mention honors in 1979 as a junior. Hartig set the school record for tackles in a season with 150 in 1979, which stood for 32 years until 2011 when Alex Whitehill recorded 164. Hartig also recorded 125 tackles as a senior in 1980. Hartig finished his four-year career from 1977-80 with 379 tackles. He was a three-time all-conference performer and a two-time all-district performer. He signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins following his senior season. Richard Lowe - Football (1982-83) Richard Lowe, native of Lubbock, Texas, played football at Fort Hays State from 1982-83 after transferring from New Mexico Military Institute. Lowe was an All-America Honorable Mention selection as an offensive lineman in 1983 and a two-time All-District 10 and All-CSIC First Team selection. The Tigers had a record of 14-6-1 overall in his two seasons on the field, while he helped protect All-America quarterback Robert Long in 1983 who threw for a then school-record 2,600 yards. He helped the Tigers go 8-3 overall in 1983, which tied the program's single-season record for wins at the time. Lowe helped the Tigers set single-season school records in pass completions (190) and passing yards per game (247.5). Edgar Eason - Men's Basketball (1983-85) Edgar Eason, native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, played basketball at Fort Hays State from 1983-1985. Eason was a first-team All-America selection as a senior in 1984-85 and a two-time All-CSIC selection, helping the Tigers to back-to-back NAIA National Championships. Transferring to FHSU for the second semester of the 1983-84 season from Southern Mississippi, Eason provided an instant impact as the team's second-leading scorer at 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He helped the team finish 35-2 overall, winning the national semifinal and final games in overtime by just two points over Chicago State and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. As a senior in 1984-85, Eason averaged 19.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game to help the Tigers go 35-3 overall, earning not only All-America First Team honors, but also the MVP of the NAIA Championship. Eason scored a career-high 32 points in his final game as a Tiger, helping the team win another overtime thriller by two points over Wayland Baptist for their second-straight NAIA title. Eason set FHSU single-season records for total points (745), field goals made (322), and field goals attempted (601) during his senior year. Even in just three semesters played at FHSU, Eason scored 1,134 points, one of 22 1,000-point scorers in the program's storied history. Trevell Smittick - Wrestling/Football (1996-2000) Trevell Smittick, a native of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was a standout two-sport athlete at Fort Hays State, competing in wrestling and football. Smittick was a two-time All-American at 197 pounds in wrestling finishing 6th in 1999 as a junior, then was the national runner-up in 2000 as a senior. To reach the national championship match in 2000, Smittick recorded three straight decisions, winning the quarterfinal match by sudden victory in overtime and then the semifinal match by one point. He helped the team to a 9th place finish at the NCAA Championships with his performance. Over four years with the program, Smittick won 70 matches, recording at least 16 victories each season after playing football each fall. He was a tremendous player on the defensive line for the Tigers in football, setting the single-season school record for sacks in 1998 with 12, while also producing 50 tackles (including 18 for loss). He earned All-West Region honors that year. As a senior in 1999, Smittick finished with 52 tackles (18 for loss for a second straight season) along with 8.5 sacks. He set the career record for sacks at FHSU with 21.5, only matched by All-America defensive end Sie Doe 17 years later in 2016. Doe broke Smittick's single-season record in 2016. Smittick finished his four-year career with 115 tackles and 37 tackles for loss (ranks 3rd in career tackles for loss at FHSU). Jesus Villarreal - Baseball (1999-2000) A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Villarreal was an All-America Third Team selection in 2000 as a senior at second base, while also garnering RMAC Player of the Year honors. He was a two-time All-RMAC selection and was an All-West Region selection his senior year after transferring from Cochise College. He helped the Tigers to their best season in program history, finishing national runner-up in 2000 with a record of 54-12. He was also named to the All-World Series Team that year, hitting .438 at the national championship site. An outstanding defensive player with a career fielding percentage of .987 (just 6 errors in 451 chances over two years), Villarreal had a great senior year at the plate finishing with a .393 batting average, 32 extra-base hits (24 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs), 71 runs scored, 44 runs batted in, and 13 stolen bases. He had 94 hits in 2000, which ranked second most for a season in program history at the time. In his two-year career at FHSU, Villarreal batted .376 with 41 extra-base hits (30 doubles, 8 triples, 3 home runs), 97 runs, and 73 RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633468754875.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State Athletics will welcome six new members into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 30, 2021. The class going in to the Hall of Fame this fall was scheduled to be inducted in 2020, but the annual ceremony was pushed to this year due to complications with the COVID-19 pandemic. The inductees going into the Hall of Fame this year include David McLeland (Track &amp; Field, 1968-71), JR Hartig (Football, 1977-80), Richard Lowe (Football, 1982-83), Edgar Eason (Men's Basketball, 1983-85), Trevell Smittick (Wrestling, 1996-2000), and Jesus Villarreal (Baseball, 1999-2000). The induction ceremony will take place the morning of Saturday, October 30 inside the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Registration for the invitation only event begins at 8:30 am and the ceremony begins at 9:30 am. The new Hall of Fame class will then be recognized publicly at halftime of the Fort Hays State vs. Emporia State football game, which begins at 1 pm. David McLeland - Track and Field/Cross Country (1968-71) David McLeland, native of Great Bend, Kansas, was the 3000-meter steeplechase national champion in 1971, running a time of 9:26.6. McLeland was the second of three consecutive national champions in the event for FHSU. Larbi Oukada was the national champion in the event in 1970 and Jim Birnbaum won the event in 1972 (both are in the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame as well). McLeland was also the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion in 1971 and the runner-up in the event as a freshman and sophomore in 1968 and 1969. He helped the 1970 cross country team to a national runner-up finish and was a member of the 1969 national championship team, contributing to the team scoring in multiple events though he did not run at the national meet. He contributed to a fifth-place finish for the team at the 1967 cross country championships. He was the runner-up at the NAIA District 10 meet for cross country in the fall of 1971. McLeland went on to serve 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and was deployed to Iraq in 1990-91. As a high school coach, he has been recognized as the Kansas Class 4A and 2A Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. JR Hartig - Football (1977-80) JR Hartig, native of Ellinwood, Kan., was one of the top linebackers in school history, earning NAIA All-America Honorable Mention honors in 1979 as a junior. Hartig set the school record for tackles in a season with 150 in 1979, which stood for 32 years until 2011 when Alex Whitehill recorded 164. Hartig also recorded 125 tackles as a senior in 1980. Hartig finished his four-year career from 1977-80 with 379 tackles. He was a three-time all-conference performer and a two-time all-district performer. He signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins following his senior season. Richard Lowe - Football (1982-83) Richard Lowe, native of Lubbock, Texas, played football at Fort Hays State from 1982-83 after transferring from New Mexico Military Institute. Lowe was an All-America Honorable Mention selection as an offensive lineman in 1983 and a two-time All-District 10 and All-CSIC First Team selection. The Tigers had a record of 14-6-1 overall in his two seasons on the field, while he helped protect All-America quarterback Robert Long in 1983 who threw for a then school-record 2,600 yards. He helped the Tigers go 8-3 overall in 1983, which tied the program's single-season record for wins at the time. Lowe helped the Tigers set single-season school records in pass completions (190) and passing yards per game (247.5). Edgar Eason - Men's Basketball (1983-85) Edgar Eason, native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, played basketball at Fort Hays State from 1983-1985. Eason was a first-team All-America selection as a senior in 1984-85 and a two-time All-CSIC selection, helping the Tigers to back-to-back NAIA National Championships. Transferring to FHSU for the second semester of the 1983-84 season from Southern Mississippi, Eason provided an instant impact as the team's second-leading scorer at 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He helped the team finish 35-2 overall, winning the national semifinal and final games in overtime by just two points over Chicago State and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. As a senior in 1984-85, Eason averaged 19.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game to help the Tigers go 35-3 overall, earning not only All-America First Team honors, but also the MVP of the NAIA Championship. Eason scored a career-high 32 points in his final game as a Tiger, helping the team win another overtime thriller by two points over Wayland Baptist for their second-straight NAIA title. Eason set FHSU single-season records for total points (745), field goals made (322), and field goals attempted (601) during his senior year. Even in just three semesters played at FHSU, Eason scored 1,134 points, one of 22 1,000-point scorers in the program's storied history. Trevell Smittick - Wrestling/Football (1996-2000) Trevell Smittick, a native of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was a standout two-sport athlete at Fort Hays State, competing in wrestling and football. Smittick was a two-time All-American at 197 pounds in wrestling finishing 6th in 1999 as a junior, then was the national runner-up in 2000 as a senior. To reach the national championship match in 2000, Smittick recorded three straight decisions, winning the quarterfinal match by sudden victory in overtime and then the semifinal match by one point. He helped the team to a 9th place finish at the NCAA Championships with his performance. Over four years with the program, Smittick won 70 matches, recording at least 16 victories each season after playing football each fall. He was a tremendous player on the defensive line for the Tigers in football, setting the single-season school record for sacks in 1998 with 12, while also producing 50 tackles (including 18 for loss). He earned All-West Region honors that year. As a senior in 1999, Smittick finished with 52 tackles (18 for loss for a second straight season) along with 8.5 sacks. He set the career record for sacks at FHSU with 21.5, only matched by All-America defensive end Sie Doe 17 years later in 2016. Doe broke Smittick's single-season record in 2016. Smittick finished his four-year career with 115 tackles and 37 tackles for loss (ranks 3rd in career tackles for loss at FHSU). Jesus Villarreal - Baseball (1999-2000) A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Villarreal was an All-America Third Team selection in 2000 as a senior at second base, while also garnering RMAC Player of the Year honors. He was a two-time All-RMAC selection and was an All-West Region selection his senior year after transferring from Cochise College. He helped the Tigers to their best season in program history, finishing national runner-up in 2000 with a record of 54-12. He was also named to the All-World Series Team that year, hitting .438 at the national championship site. An outstanding defensive player with a career fielding percentage of .987 (just 6 errors in 451 chances over two years), Villarreal had a great senior year at the plate finishing with a .393 batting average, 32 extra-base hits (24 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs), 71 runs scored, 44 runs batted in, and 13 stolen bases. He had 94 hits in 2000, which ranked second most for a season in program history at the time. In his two-year career at FHSU, Villarreal batted .376 with 41 extra-base hits (30 doubles, 8 triples, 3 home runs), 97 runs, and 73 RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Sports Information

FHSU Athletics welcomes six Hall of Fame inductees on Oct. 30

&nbsp;Fort Hays State (8-7, 2-4 MIAA) vs #14 Nebraska-Kearney (12-3, 3-3 MIAA) Tuesday, October 5 • 6 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Promotion:&nbsp;Dig Pink Night The Fort Hays State volleyball team will wrap up a three-match homestand on Tuesday (Oct. 4) when the Tigers host rival Nebraska-Kearney. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The match will serve as the annual Dig Pink Night. All fans wearing pink will receive free admission to the contest, limited edition pink Tiger volleyball t-shirts will be available for purchase and a one-of-a-kind quilt made up of previous renditions of the annual pink t-shirt will be raffled off. Raffle tickets will be available at a cost of one ticket for $5 and five tickets for $20. This year's t-shirts cost $12. All proceeds from the t-shirt and raffle ticket sales go directly to the Dig Pink Scholarship, an annual scholarship supporting a Fort Hays State University student that has been affected by cancer. Fort Hays State enters the contest 8-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play, while the 14th-ranked Lopers are 12-3 this season and 3-3 against MIAA opponents. The Tigers are 2.18 blocks per set, second-most in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;ranks fourth in the conference with 1.07 blocks per set, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;one spot behind with 1.00 blocks each frame. UNK's Anna Squiers is not far behind, ranking seventh with 0.93 blocks per set. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;has the top attack percentage on the team at .288, good for 13th-best in the conference. The Lopers have a pair of players in the top five, including Bailee Sterling in fourth at .351 and Anna Squiers in fifth at .344. Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;ranks 11th in the league with an average of 5.49 assists per set, while UNK's Maddie Squiers leads the league and is fourth in the country with 11.51 assists per set. Fort Hays State has three players ranked in the top 20 in the league in digs, including&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;in 11th with 3.71 per set,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>&nbsp;in 16th with 3.15 per set and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;in 18th with 2.96 per set. The Lopers are led by Lindsay Nottlemann, who averages 5.10 digs per set to rank fourth in the league.

&nbsp;Fort Hays State (8-7, 2-4 MIAA) vs #14 Nebraska-Kearney (12-3, 3-3 MIAA) Tuesday, October 5 • 6 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum Promotion:&nbsp;Dig Pink Night The Fort Hays State volleyball team will wrap up a three-match homestand on Tuesday (Oct. 4) when the Tigers host rival Nebraska-Kearney. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The match will serve as the annual Dig Pink Night. All fans wearing pink will receive free admission to the contest, limited edition pink Tiger volleyball t-shirts will be available for purchase and a one-of-a-kind quilt made up of previous renditions of the annual pink t-shirt will be raffled off. Raffle tickets will be available at a cost of one ticket for $5 and five tickets for $20. This year's t-shirts cost $12. All proceeds from the t-shirt and raffle ticket sales go directly to the Dig Pink Scholarship, an annual scholarship supporting a Fort Hays State University student that has been affected by cancer. Fort Hays State enters the contest 8-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play, while the 14th-ranked Lopers are 12-3 this season and 3-3 against MIAA opponents. The Tigers are 2.18 blocks per set, second-most in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6104">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;ranks fourth in the conference with 1.07 blocks per set, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6106">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;one spot behind with 1.00 blocks each frame. UNK's Anna Squiers is not far behind, ranking seventh with 0.93 blocks per set. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6208">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;has the top attack percentage on the team at .288, good for 13th-best in the conference. The Lopers have a pair of players in the top five, including Bailee Sterling in fourth at .351 and Anna Squiers in fifth at .344. Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6108">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;ranks 11th in the league with an average of 5.49 assists per set, while UNK's Maddie Squiers leads the league and is fourth in the country with 11.51 assists per set. Fort Hays State has three players ranked in the top 20 in the league in digs, including&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6105">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;in 11th with 3.71 per set,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6111">Isabelle Reynolds</a>&nbsp;in 16th with 3.15 per set and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6112">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;in 18th with 2.96 per set. The Lopers are led by Lindsay Nottlemann, who averages 5.10 digs per set to rank fourth in the league.FHSU Sports Information

🏐Fort Hays Hosts Annual Dig Pink Night Against UNK Tuesday

Richard Lynn Werth, 77, passed away on October 3, 2021, at Hospice 
House in Hutchinson, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on January 7, 1944, in Ransom, 
Kansas the son of Constantine "CG" and Celeste (Jacobs) Werth.

He was the Owner and President of Werth Oil Co., Inc. He attended 
Fort Hays State University, was a member of Sacred Heart Church and had 
served as a councilman for the City of Ness City for a number of years. 
On Saturday, June 3, 1978, he married Sharon K. Schneidewind Gabel, in 
Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on May 4, 2008.

Survivors include his son, Darren Werth and his wife, Kerri, of 
Hutchinson, Kansas; sister, Connette Eckels and her husband Bill of 
Junction City, Kansas; two grandchildren, Ashley and Kyle Werth and 
nephew, Zachary wife, Jessica Eckels.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his 
parents and his wife.

Rosary followed by the Parish Vigil will be on Wednesday, October 6, 
2021, beginning at 6:30 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Funeral 
service will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred 
Heart Church, Ness City.&nbsp; Burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness 
City, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Wednesday,
 October 6, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Cemetery or Hospice and Home Care of Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633465868624.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Richard Lynn Werth, 77, passed away on October 3, 2021, at Hospice 
House in Hutchinson, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on January 7, 1944, in Ransom, 
Kansas the son of Constantine "CG" and Celeste (Jacobs) Werth.He was the Owner and President of Werth Oil Co., Inc. He attended 
Fort Hays State University, was a member of Sacred Heart Church and had 
served as a councilman for the City of Ness City for a number of years. 
On Saturday, June 3, 1978, he married Sharon K. Schneidewind Gabel, in 
Ness City, Kansas.&nbsp; She preceded him in death on May 4, 2008.Survivors include his son, Darren Werth and his wife, Kerri, of 
Hutchinson, Kansas; sister, Connette Eckels and her husband Bill of 
Junction City, Kansas; two grandchildren, Ashley and Kyle Werth and 
nephew, Zachary wife, Jessica Eckels.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his 
parents and his wife.Rosary followed by the Parish Vigil will be on Wednesday, October 6, 
2021, beginning at 6:30 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Funeral 
service will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred 
Heart Church, Ness City.&nbsp; Burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness 
City, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Wednesday,
 October 6, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Cemetery or Hospice and Home Care of Reno County.

Richard Lynn Werth

Michelle Renee Boisse, 47, passed away October 2, 2021, at Clara 
Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on October 29, 1973, at 
Whittier, Calif., to Gene &amp; Mary Jo (Dalton) Boisse.

Although struggling with a lifelong disability, very little slowed 
her down. She loved to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada, visiting 
family and friends. She loved to swim and spend time with her pets 
throughout her lifetime. She loved music and food. Michelle was loved by
 all, feared by a few but was sweet to everyone.

She greeted every morning with the biggest smile in spite of 
everything she endured. She inspired many, especially her brother who 
loves and misses her. She was always surrounded by love.

Survivors include, her brother, Michael Boisse (Sheri Williams) of 
Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents; and an infant 
sister, Mikeala Boisse.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 
p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Union Highland Cemetery in 
Florence, Colo. Memorials have been designated to the Michelle Boisse 
Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633463796283.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michelle Renee Boisse, 47, passed away October 2, 2021, at Clara 
Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born on October 29, 1973, at 
Whittier, Calif., to Gene &amp; Mary Jo (Dalton) Boisse.Although struggling with a lifelong disability, very little slowed 
her down. She loved to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada, visiting 
family and friends. She loved to swim and spend time with her pets 
throughout her lifetime. She loved music and food. Michelle was loved by
 all, feared by a few but was sweet to everyone.She greeted every morning with the biggest smile in spite of 
everything she endured. She inspired many, especially her brother who 
loves and misses her. She was always surrounded by love.Survivors include, her brother, Michael Boisse (Sheri Williams) of 
Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents; and an infant 
sister, Mikeala Boisse.Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 
2021, at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 
p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Union Highland Cemetery in 
Florence, Colo. Memorials have been designated to the Michelle Boisse 
Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Michelle Renee Boisse

Three thousand barrels of crude oil leaked from an underwater pipeline in southern California, closing beaches and offshore production. The spill is believed to have originated Friday in a 17-mile pipe connecting drilling platforms owned by Amplify Energy. The pipeline was drained and divers were hoping to find the source and cause of the spill. With oil prices surging 50% this year, the OPEC-Plus alliance has faced calls for additional crude supplies from big consumers including the U.S. and India. But the export alliance announced it is holding steady with the gradual production increases announced earlier, and prices jumped more than two percent to levels not seen since November of 2014. By lunchtime Monday, the benchmark Nymex futures contract was up nearly two dollars to $77.81 per barrel, after settling Friday at $75.88. That's an increase of more than two-and-a-half percent. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.25 per barrel after gaining a dollar on Friday. Kansas crude prices ended September on a high note, after starting the month under $59. The average for the month was just over $61.&nbsp; Total crude production in Kansas in July increased more than 50,000 barrels over June, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. But when measured in barrels per day the monthly average is slightly lower, at 77,000 barrels per day. EIA reports Kansas July production was down nearly six percent from a year earlier. Monthly crude production nationwide topped 11 million barrels per day once again, increasing slightly over June and up more than three percent over July of last year. EIA says Texas continues to lead the way, pumping roughly 42% of the U.S. total. The Rig Count in Kansas was down one west of Wichita at 25 rigs, while in the eastern half of the state the count was up two at fourteen active rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 528 active drilling rigs across the U.S. Friday, an increase of seven oil rigs. The count in Louisiana is up three. New Mexico is up two. Texas and Oklahoma are each up one. Regulators approved 21 new drilling locations across the state of Kansas for the week, 784 so far this year. That's more than double last year's total by the beginning of October. There are nine new permits east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one permit in Barton County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports three newly-completed wells in Ellis County, and another in Barton County. Statewide, operators completed 18 wells this week, eight in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita. That's 648 new completions so far this year, down from 669 at this point last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 123 new intent-to-drill notices filed across Kansas last month. That's 868 new intents so far this year, compared to 393 by the end of the third quarter last year. There's one new notice in Barton County, four in Ellis County, two in Russell County, and seven in Stafford County. The 27th Edition of the Independent Oil &amp; Gas Directory of Kansas, the 2021-22 “Red Book”, is now available. You can find detailed information and order your copy at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.iogsi.com/">www.iogsi.com</a>. The Energy Information Administration notes more than 418 million barrels in crude stockpiles on September 24. That's up 4.6 million barrels from a week earlier, the first weekly increase since July. Stockpiles are about seven percent below the five-year average for this time of year. U.S. refiners imported an average of 6.6 million barrels of crude per day last week, up 87,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is up nearly 19-percent a year ago. U.S. crude-production topped 11 million barrels per day last week for the first time in a month. The Energy Information Administration weekly balance sheet shows production of 11.138 million barrels per day for the week through September 24. That's up more than half a million barrels per day from the week before and almost 400,000 barrels per day more than the same week a year ago. Average output was over eleven million barrels per day every week since June. But Hurricane Ida shut in more than 95% of offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico. Gasoline prices reached a seven-year high last week according to Triple-A. Since then, the national average price for regular gasoline has dropped slightly, to $3.19 per gallon. Gasoline stockpiles increased by 200,000 barrels last week, according to the latest government data, but higher crude prices continue to prop up prices at the gas pump. The Kansas average is up slightly to just over $2.92 per gallon. Shop around in Hays to save up to a dime a gallon, with some stations still below three dollars. In Great Bend its going for $2.89 at most outlets. Natural gas prices last week reached their highest levels since February of 2014, brought on by tight supplies in Europe and a slow restart in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida. The benchmark Henry Hub prompt-month contract briefly topped six dollars per million BTUs, a first in seven years. Oil-by-rail traffic is down slightly. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,444 tanker cars hauling petroleum last week, down 50 tankers from the week before. In Canada, the totals are more than 500 tankers higher than last week, and up 23% over last year.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThree thousand barrels of crude oil leaked from an underwater pipeline in southern California, closing beaches and offshore production. The spill is believed to have originated Friday in a 17-mile pipe connecting drilling platforms owned by Amplify Energy. The pipeline was drained and divers were hoping to find the source and cause of the spill. With oil prices surging 50% this year, the OPEC-Plus alliance has faced calls for additional crude supplies from big consumers including the U.S. and India. But the export alliance announced it is holding steady with the gradual production increases announced earlier, and prices jumped more than two percent to levels not seen since November of 2014. By lunchtime Monday, the benchmark Nymex futures contract was up nearly two dollars to $77.81 per barrel, after settling Friday at $75.88. That's an increase of more than two-and-a-half percent. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.25 per barrel after gaining a dollar on Friday. Kansas crude prices ended September on a high note, after starting the month under $59. The average for the month was just over $61.&nbsp; Total crude production in Kansas in July increased more than 50,000 barrels over June, according to a report from the Energy Information Administration. But when measured in barrels per day the monthly average is slightly lower, at 77,000 barrels per day. EIA reports Kansas July production was down nearly six percent from a year earlier. Monthly crude production nationwide topped 11 million barrels per day once again, increasing slightly over June and up more than three percent over July of last year. EIA says Texas continues to lead the way, pumping roughly 42% of the U.S. total. The Rig Count in Kansas was down one west of Wichita at 25 rigs, while in the eastern half of the state the count was up two at fourteen active rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 528 active drilling rigs across the U.S. Friday, an increase of seven oil rigs. The count in Louisiana is up three. New Mexico is up two. Texas and Oklahoma are each up one. Regulators approved 21 new drilling locations across the state of Kansas for the week, 784 so far this year. That's more than double last year's total by the beginning of October. There are nine new permits east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one permit in Barton County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports three newly-completed wells in Ellis County, and another in Barton County. Statewide, operators completed 18 wells this week, eight in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita. That's 648 new completions so far this year, down from 669 at this point last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 123 new intent-to-drill notices filed across Kansas last month. That's 868 new intents so far this year, compared to 393 by the end of the third quarter last year. There's one new notice in Barton County, four in Ellis County, two in Russell County, and seven in Stafford County. The 27th Edition of the Independent Oil &amp; Gas Directory of Kansas, the 2021-22 “Red Book”, is now available. You can find detailed information and order your copy at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.iogsi.com/">www.iogsi.com</a>. The Energy Information Administration notes more than 418 million barrels in crude stockpiles on September 24. That's up 4.6 million barrels from a week earlier, the first weekly increase since July. Stockpiles are about seven percent below the five-year average for this time of year. U.S. refiners imported an average of 6.6 million barrels of crude per day last week, up 87,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is up nearly 19-percent a year ago. U.S. crude-production topped 11 million barrels per day last week for the first time in a month. The Energy Information Administration weekly balance sheet shows production of 11.138 million barrels per day for the week through September 24. That's up more than half a million barrels per day from the week before and almost 400,000 barrels per day more than the same week a year ago. Average output was over eleven million barrels per day every week since June. But Hurricane Ida shut in more than 95% of offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico. Gasoline prices reached a seven-year high last week according to Triple-A. Since then, the national average price for regular gasoline has dropped slightly, to $3.19 per gallon. Gasoline stockpiles increased by 200,000 barrels last week, according to the latest government data, but higher crude prices continue to prop up prices at the gas pump. The Kansas average is up slightly to just over $2.92 per gallon. Shop around in Hays to save up to a dime a gallon, with some stations still below three dollars. In Great Bend its going for $2.89 at most outlets. Natural gas prices last week reached their highest levels since February of 2014, brought on by tight supplies in Europe and a slow restart in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida. The benchmark Henry Hub prompt-month contract briefly topped six dollars per million BTUs, a first in seven years. Oil-by-rail traffic is down slightly. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,444 tanker cars hauling petroleum last week, down 50 tankers from the week before. In Canada, the totals are more than 500 tankers higher than last week, and up 23% over last year.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices reach 7-year highs

Loyal Allen “Corky” Vincent, 85 years of age of Omaha, NE died on 
October 1, 2021, at his home in Omaha.&nbsp; Loyal was born at home 2.5 miles 
southwest of Long Island, KS on a very cold stormy night. The second of 
three children, born to Alvin V. and Marian E. (Parker) Vincent Loyal 
attended school at Long Island where he was given the nickname of 
“Corky." He graduated from the Long Island High School in 1953. Loyal 
attended Ft. Hays State University earning a degree in Industrial 
Technology in 1957 and another degree in Elementary Education in 1961. 
Stated his 40-year educational career at Culver Rural High School near 
Salina, KS. Drafted into the Army in 1958 where he taught GED school and
 was company clerk. Worked on Missile Bases in the Salina area after his
 discharge from the service. Beginning in 1959 taught 4th, 6th and Jr 
High at Norton, KS. where met Vesta DeBoer Haney. They married in 1960 
and enjoyed the years in Norton where their youngest son, Cameeron was 
born in 1965, which delighted his brothers Steven and Clayton. They 
taught in Norton until 1966, which Loyal also worked at the Norton State
 Hospital with mentally handicapped clients. From this experience he was
 offered a position at the Parsons State Hospital. The family moved to 
Parsons, KS in 1966 where Loyal worked as Vocational Coordinator for 
Parsons Training Center for the Mentally Handicapped. During this time 
Loyal earned a Master Degree at Pittsburg State University in 
Educational Administration. He taught one year in the Parsons School 
System before he was employed in 1969 at K-8 principal at Wamego, KS., 
for the next 14 years, where his school grew to 820 students prior to 
new facilities being built. During this period, he earned a Ph.D. at 
Kansas State University in Education Administration and Instruction in 
1978.

Loyal was fairly active in several professional and service 
originations over the years. He was elected as president of the Kansas 
Assoc. of Elem. Admin. in 1978; Also, in 1978 the Wamego Elementary 
School and Principal was selected as the Outstanding School and 
Principal in the State of Kansas and the South Central Assoc. of 
Elementary Schools; Elected Lions International club president in 1977, 
District Governor in 1986; Served as President of the Ft Hays State 
Univ. Half Century Club 2008-09; Member of the Board Director of 
“Experience Unlimited” in Omaha for unemployed professionals; On the 
Board of Directors of the National 24th Inf Division 2009-2011; Served 
on the Kansas State Board of Education Certification 1987-89. Loyal 
served in many capacities in his church in Wamego and Omaha and has 
enjoyed the fellowship of the Men’s study groups and Gideons.

During these years the older sons, Steven and Clayton both graduated 
from Wamego High School, Steven attended McPherson College and earned a 
Degree in Dentistry and taught at Iowa Univ of 35 years; Clayton was an 
outstanding basketball player at Emporia State University and worked as a
 County Supervisor in Havre, Mt of over 35 years.

Loyal was employed at Inman, KS in 1982 as Superintendent of Schools 
where son Cameron graduated and then from Ft. Hays University. He is a 
chemist and is employed in Hutchinson at KS. Foods.

Loyal also served as Superintendent at Bird City, KS. During this 
time, he and his wife, Vesta divorced in 1989-90. In 1992 Loyal 
completed 35 years of educational service in Kansas and retired.&nbsp; He 
remarried to Linda Casper Koreck in June of 1992 and moved to Omaha. 
After a couple years of retirement and public service he was employed as
 Superintend of Schools at Scribner, NE., he retired from education in 
1997-1998. Since that time, he has been very active in Gideons 
International and other service organizations. After Linda retired in 
1998, they both have traveled extensively on five continents except the 
cold one. Also, try to enjoy southern states during the winter months.

Loyal was preceded in death by his parents; Loyal is survived by his 
wife of 29 years, Linda Louise Casper Vincent of Omaha; four sons; 
Steven and wife Paula of Sagle, Idaho; Clayton and wife Chris of Havre, 
MT; Cameron and wife Megan of Sterling, KS; Douglas Korcek of Omaha, 
NE;&nbsp; Eight Grandchildren; Tyler Vincent and wife Alyssa; Aaron Vincent 
and wife Molly; Aurora Vincent; Michael Vincent; Matthew Vincent and 
wife Julie; Mitchell Vincent; Mckala Vincent; Adam Vincent; one sister 
LaRita Vincent Archibald; one brother Rodney Vincent and wife Julee;&nbsp; 
three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 8th
 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE.&nbsp; Burial with military
 honors will follow at 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 8th in the Long Island 
Cemetery, Long Island, KS.

Memorials to Covenant Presbyterian Church or The Gideons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633448199785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loyal Allen “Corky” Vincent, 85 years of age of Omaha, NE died on 
October 1, 2021, at his home in Omaha.&nbsp; Loyal was born at home 2.5 miles 
southwest of Long Island, KS on a very cold stormy night. The second of 
three children, born to Alvin V. and Marian E. (Parker) Vincent Loyal 
attended school at Long Island where he was given the nickname of 
“Corky." He graduated from the Long Island High School in 1953. Loyal 
attended Ft. Hays State University earning a degree in Industrial 
Technology in 1957 and another degree in Elementary Education in 1961. 
Stated his 40-year educational career at Culver Rural High School near 
Salina, KS. Drafted into the Army in 1958 where he taught GED school and
 was company clerk. Worked on Missile Bases in the Salina area after his
 discharge from the service. Beginning in 1959 taught 4th, 6th and Jr 
High at Norton, KS. where met Vesta DeBoer Haney. They married in 1960 
and enjoyed the years in Norton where their youngest son, Cameeron was 
born in 1965, which delighted his brothers Steven and Clayton. They 
taught in Norton until 1966, which Loyal also worked at the Norton State
 Hospital with mentally handicapped clients. From this experience he was
 offered a position at the Parsons State Hospital. The family moved to 
Parsons, KS in 1966 where Loyal worked as Vocational Coordinator for 
Parsons Training Center for the Mentally Handicapped. During this time 
Loyal earned a Master Degree at Pittsburg State University in 
Educational Administration. He taught one year in the Parsons School 
System before he was employed in 1969 at K-8 principal at Wamego, KS., 
for the next 14 years, where his school grew to 820 students prior to 
new facilities being built. During this period, he earned a Ph.D. at 
Kansas State University in Education Administration and Instruction in 
1978.Loyal was fairly active in several professional and service 
originations over the years. He was elected as president of the Kansas 
Assoc. of Elem. Admin. in 1978; Also, in 1978 the Wamego Elementary 
School and Principal was selected as the Outstanding School and 
Principal in the State of Kansas and the South Central Assoc. of 
Elementary Schools; Elected Lions International club president in 1977, 
District Governor in 1986; Served as President of the Ft Hays State 
Univ. Half Century Club 2008-09; Member of the Board Director of 
“Experience Unlimited” in Omaha for unemployed professionals; On the 
Board of Directors of the National 24th Inf Division 2009-2011; Served 
on the Kansas State Board of Education Certification 1987-89. Loyal 
served in many capacities in his church in Wamego and Omaha and has 
enjoyed the fellowship of the Men’s study groups and Gideons.During these years the older sons, Steven and Clayton both graduated 
from Wamego High School, Steven attended McPherson College and earned a 
Degree in Dentistry and taught at Iowa Univ of 35 years; Clayton was an 
outstanding basketball player at Emporia State University and worked as a
 County Supervisor in Havre, Mt of over 35 years.Loyal was employed at Inman, KS in 1982 as Superintendent of Schools 
where son Cameron graduated and then from Ft. Hays University. He is a 
chemist and is employed in Hutchinson at KS. Foods.Loyal also served as Superintendent at Bird City, KS. During this 
time, he and his wife, Vesta divorced in 1989-90. In 1992 Loyal 
completed 35 years of educational service in Kansas and retired.&nbsp; He 
remarried to Linda Casper Koreck in June of 1992 and moved to Omaha. 
After a couple years of retirement and public service he was employed as
 Superintend of Schools at Scribner, NE., he retired from education in 
1997-1998. Since that time, he has been very active in Gideons 
International and other service organizations. After Linda retired in 
1998, they both have traveled extensively on five continents except the 
cold one. Also, try to enjoy southern states during the winter months.Loyal was preceded in death by his parents; Loyal is survived by his 
wife of 29 years, Linda Louise Casper Vincent of Omaha; four sons; 
Steven and wife Paula of Sagle, Idaho; Clayton and wife Chris of Havre, 
MT; Cameron and wife Megan of Sterling, KS; Douglas Korcek of Omaha, 
NE;&nbsp; Eight Grandchildren; Tyler Vincent and wife Alyssa; Aaron Vincent 
and wife Molly; Aurora Vincent; Michael Vincent; Matthew Vincent and 
wife Julie; Mitchell Vincent; Mckala Vincent; Adam Vincent; one sister 
LaRita Vincent Archibald; one brother Rodney Vincent and wife Julee;&nbsp; 
three great grandchildren.Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 8th
 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE.&nbsp; Burial with military
 honors will follow at 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 8th in the Long Island 
Cemetery, Long Island, KS.Memorials to Covenant Presbyterian Church or The Gideons.

Loyal Allen 'Corky' Vincent

James Daniel "Dan" Kohl, age 56, of Schoenchen, KS died Sunday, October 3, 2021. He was born June 14, 1965, in Hays, KS to James Kohl and Doris (Herrman) Winslow. He married Tina (Mask) in Hays, KS on June 14, 1996. Dan always had a smile on his face. He was one of those people that everyone loved. He was genuinely genuine. Dan didn’t have secrets. He wasn’t two-faced. What you saw is what you got. Dan was a genuine person inside and out. Dan was a patient person and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He was honest, generous, and kind to everyone. He was devoted to God and volunteered at his church whenever they needed an extra set of hands. Family meant the world to Dan. He loved telling everyone about his kids. He was immensely proud of them and all of his family. He oftentimes would go out of his way to be an integral part of family gatherings and made sure to keep in touch with family near and far. Dan was a devoted father and husband. He married his first true love, Tina. He cherished spending time with his son Russ and daughter Faith, and Dan’s best friends were his brothers. Dan was thrilled to host family gatherings at his home. When his house was no longer big enough to host the family, he bought a bigger house! In fact, he was in the midst of expanding the current home to accommodate his ever-expanding circle of close friends and family. Dan was the common link between his close and extended family. If someone needed a phone number or reminded of a family link or the name of a distant cousin or even someone’s birthday… He always had it. Dan took on a deep interest in genealogy and actively sought to learn family history and connect with cousins who are generations removed. Dan was always well grounded. He didn’t take unnecessary risks. He didn’t borrow big chunks of money or use credit cards to buy this or that. He lived within his means. If he needed something that he couldn’t afford then he took a second job to make it work. Dan always did his best to provide for his family, made sure to share in household chores, and undertook projects to improve the house as he could find time. Dan graduated from TMP-Marian in 1984 then studied and completed his certificate to operate heavy equipment at North Central Kansas Area VoTech in Beloit, KS. He then worked as a machinist building components for hydraulic pumps and cylinders at Cross Manufacturing in Hays for 36 years. He was an immensely hard worker and was unmatched in effort, commitment, determination, and loyalty. Dan was a lifelong fan of the Chiefs and Royals, even during the lean years. Whether it was the annual journey to Kansas City for the Chiefs or at the local school to see nieces and nephews playing, Dan enjoyed attending sporting events. He recently started a love affair with travel, having taken the entire family to Ireland and then Grand Canyon the following year. Dan also enjoyed going to the gym. He worked hard to push himself to improve his times and overall fitness. Dan had plans for the next chapters of his life. Travel. Watching his kids start their next chapters. Spending more time with Tina and sharing her next chapters. Dan will be missed by many Dan is survived by his wife Tina (Mask) Kohl of Schoenchen, KS, son Russ of Hays, KS, daughter Faith of Kansas City, KS; brother Rick Kohl and wife Kelly of Moundridge, KS and their two sons Trevor and Collin; brother Scott Kohl of Saint George, KS; and step-brother Sean Passmore of Fort Collins, CO and son Nick. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James Kohl and Doris (Herrman) Winslow and his step-parents, Jackie Kohl and David Winslow. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, October 7, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery in Antonino, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM until service time at the church in Schoenchen. Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Elementary or TMP-Marian. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633447475823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Daniel "Dan" Kohl, age 56, of Schoenchen, KS died Sunday, October 3, 2021. He was born June 14, 1965, in Hays, KS to James Kohl and Doris (Herrman) Winslow. He married Tina (Mask) in Hays, KS on June 14, 1996. Dan always had a smile on his face. He was one of those people that everyone loved. He was genuinely genuine. Dan didn’t have secrets. He wasn’t two-faced. What you saw is what you got. Dan was a genuine person inside and out. Dan was a patient person and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He was honest, generous, and kind to everyone. He was devoted to God and volunteered at his church whenever they needed an extra set of hands. Family meant the world to Dan. He loved telling everyone about his kids. He was immensely proud of them and all of his family. He oftentimes would go out of his way to be an integral part of family gatherings and made sure to keep in touch with family near and far. Dan was a devoted father and husband. He married his first true love, Tina. He cherished spending time with his son Russ and daughter Faith, and Dan’s best friends were his brothers. Dan was thrilled to host family gatherings at his home. When his house was no longer big enough to host the family, he bought a bigger house! In fact, he was in the midst of expanding the current home to accommodate his ever-expanding circle of close friends and family. Dan was the common link between his close and extended family. If someone needed a phone number or reminded of a family link or the name of a distant cousin or even someone’s birthday… He always had it. Dan took on a deep interest in genealogy and actively sought to learn family history and connect with cousins who are generations removed. Dan was always well grounded. He didn’t take unnecessary risks. He didn’t borrow big chunks of money or use credit cards to buy this or that. He lived within his means. If he needed something that he couldn’t afford then he took a second job to make it work. Dan always did his best to provide for his family, made sure to share in household chores, and undertook projects to improve the house as he could find time. Dan graduated from TMP-Marian in 1984 then studied and completed his certificate to operate heavy equipment at North Central Kansas Area VoTech in Beloit, KS. He then worked as a machinist building components for hydraulic pumps and cylinders at Cross Manufacturing in Hays for 36 years. He was an immensely hard worker and was unmatched in effort, commitment, determination, and loyalty. Dan was a lifelong fan of the Chiefs and Royals, even during the lean years. Whether it was the annual journey to Kansas City for the Chiefs or at the local school to see nieces and nephews playing, Dan enjoyed attending sporting events. He recently started a love affair with travel, having taken the entire family to Ireland and then Grand Canyon the following year. Dan also enjoyed going to the gym. He worked hard to push himself to improve his times and overall fitness. Dan had plans for the next chapters of his life. Travel. Watching his kids start their next chapters. Spending more time with Tina and sharing her next chapters. Dan will be missed by many Dan is survived by his wife Tina (Mask) Kohl of Schoenchen, KS, son Russ of Hays, KS, daughter Faith of Kansas City, KS; brother Rick Kohl and wife Kelly of Moundridge, KS and their two sons Trevor and Collin; brother Scott Kohl of Saint George, KS; and step-brother Sean Passmore of Fort Collins, CO and son Nick. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James Kohl and Doris (Herrman) Winslow and his step-parents, Jackie Kohl and David Winslow. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, October 7, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery in Antonino, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM until service time at the church in Schoenchen. Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Elementary or TMP-Marian. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;

James Daniel 'Dan' Kohl

Lavera Mae Towns, age 95, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born June 22, 1926, in Medford, Oklahoma to Peter M. and Susie (Janzen) Reimer. On January 1, 1947, she married Robert Dale Towns. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1989. Lavera grew up on a farm near Medford, OK where she attended country grade and high school. In 1955, she and Robert moved to Palco, Kansas to farm, living there until moving to Ellis, KS in 2007 then to Hays, KS in 2013. She enjoyed being a homemaker, sewing, baking and especially her family. She had been a member of the Canaan Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Palco. Survivors include a son, Dennis (Karen) Towns of Stratton, Colorado, two daughters, Susan (Bob) Schonthaler of Hays and Brenda (Randy) Gaines of Olathe, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Chad (Jessica) Towns, Megan (Clay) Tallmadge, Byron (Diana) Schonthaler, Alison (Bret) Elley, Stephanie Calvery, Ryan (Andrea) Gaines, Leah (Jeremy) Kirchoff, Robby (Brittany) Gaines; 19 great grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild as well as one great great-grandchild on the way and a brother, Elmer Reimer of Enid, Oklahoma. Preceding her in death, her husband, Robert; her parents; two brothers, Herman Reimer and an infant brother, John Marvin Reimer; four sisters, Clara Neuman, Martha Hedrick, Laura Ball, Gladys Taylor and their spouses. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, October 8, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church, Ellis, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery near Palco, Kansas. Services will be Livestreamed on the Keithley Funeral Homes Facebook Page. To choose this option, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;and select the Facebook Live tab at the top of the page.&nbsp; Visitation will be Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Friday visitation will be 1:00 PM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry, 338 N. 7th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633460353722.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lavera Mae Towns, age 95, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born June 22, 1926, in Medford, Oklahoma to Peter M. and Susie (Janzen) Reimer. On January 1, 1947, she married Robert Dale Towns. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1989. Lavera grew up on a farm near Medford, OK where she attended country grade and high school. In 1955, she and Robert moved to Palco, Kansas to farm, living there until moving to Ellis, KS in 2007 then to Hays, KS in 2013. She enjoyed being a homemaker, sewing, baking and especially her family. She had been a member of the Canaan Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Palco. Survivors include a son, Dennis (Karen) Towns of Stratton, Colorado, two daughters, Susan (Bob) Schonthaler of Hays and Brenda (Randy) Gaines of Olathe, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Chad (Jessica) Towns, Megan (Clay) Tallmadge, Byron (Diana) Schonthaler, Alison (Bret) Elley, Stephanie Calvery, Ryan (Andrea) Gaines, Leah (Jeremy) Kirchoff, Robby (Brittany) Gaines; 19 great grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild as well as one great great-grandchild on the way and a brother, Elmer Reimer of Enid, Oklahoma. Preceding her in death, her husband, Robert; her parents; two brothers, Herman Reimer and an infant brother, John Marvin Reimer; four sisters, Clara Neuman, Martha Hedrick, Laura Ball, Gladys Taylor and their spouses. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, October 8, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church, Ellis, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery near Palco, Kansas. Services will be Livestreamed on the Keithley Funeral Homes Facebook Page. To choose this option, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;and select the Facebook Live tab at the top of the page.&nbsp; Visitation will be Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Friday visitation will be 1:00 PM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry, 338 N. 7th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>.

Lavera Mae Towns

Dennis "Joe" Lemon passed away at Salina Regional Health Center on Friday, October 1, 2021.

He was born to Clyde D. Lemon and Mary Revo Lemon on March 28, 1935, in Portis, Kansas.

Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years Ila Faye Lawson Lemon; 
daughters Michelle Worcester and Tia Lemon; two grandsons and two great 
grandchildren.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the National Greyhound Hall of Fame, Scholarship Fund, Abilene KS.

Dennis "Joe" Lemon passed away at Salina Regional Health Center on Friday, October 1, 2021.He was born to Clyde D. Lemon and Mary Revo Lemon on March 28, 1935, in Portis, Kansas.He was a loving husband and father.Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years Ila Faye Lawson Lemon; 
daughters Michelle Worcester and Tia Lemon; two grandsons and two great 
grandchildren.Private services will be held at a later date.Memorials may be made to the National Greyhound Hall of Fame, Scholarship Fund, Abilene KS.

Dennis 'Joe' Lemon

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Captain Kirk is rocketing into space next week — boldly going where no other sci-fi stars have gone.

Jeff Bezos’ space travel company, Blue Origin, announced Monday that “Star Trek” actor William Shatner will blast off from West Texas on Oct. 12.

“Yes, it’s true; I’m going to be a ‘rocket man!’” the 90-year-old tweeted. He added: “It’s never too late to experience new things.”

Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is a huge fan of the sci-fi series and even had a cameo as a high-ranking alien in the 2016 film “Star Trek Beyond.” His rocket company invited Shatner to fly as its guest.

Shatner will become the oldest person to go to space. He’ll join three others — two of them paying customers — aboard a Blue Origin capsule. He’ll wind up being the second actor to reach space this month: Russia is launching an actress and a film director to the International Space Station on Tuesday for almost two weeks of moviemaking.

Shatner’s flight, by comparison, will last just 10 minutes and reach no higher than about 66 miles (106 kilometers). The capsule will parachute back to the desert floor, not far from where it took off.

With flights short or long, space tourism is picking up steam fast.

Virgin Galactic carried founder Richard Branson to the edge of space with five others in July, followed nine days later by Bezos’ space hop. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, meanwhile, launched its first private crew last month — a Pennsylvania entrepreneur who bought the three-day flight and took along two contest winners and a cancer survivor.

Virgin Galactic’s ship launches from an airplane and requires two pilots. Blue Origin and SpaceX’s capsules are fully automated, but the passengers must pass medical screenings and, among other things, be able to quickly climb several flights of steps at the launch tower to get to the capsule — or out of it in an emergency.

This will be Blue Origin’s second launch of a crew.

Bezos was on the debut flight on July 20. He took along his brother, an 18-year-old from the Netherlands and 82-year-old aviation pioneer Wally Funk — the youngest and oldest to fly in space. Shatner will break that upper threshold by eight years.

“I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle,” Shatner said in a statement.

Shatner played the role of the USS Starship Enterprise’s commander for three seasons, from 1966 to 1969. He also portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in seven movies, directing one of them. He’s currently the host and executive producer of a History Channel show, “The UnXplained.”

The ashes of two other “Star Trek” powerhouses — creator Gene Roddenberry and actor James Doohan, who played Scotty — rocketed into space years ago following their deaths.

Also launching with Shatner: a former NASA engineer who founded a nanosatellite company and the co-founder of a software company specializing in clinical research. The two took part in the auction for a seat on the first flight. That seat cost $28 million; Blue Origin isn’t divulging any other ticket prices.

A fourth seat on the flight is going to Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations, who used to work for NASA as a space station flight controller.

A Blue Origin spokeswoman said Shatner, like the others, met all the company’s health and physical requirements.

Last week, more than 20 current and former Blue Origin employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-lifestyle-elon-musk-jeff-bezos-ccb58b2b24f43b1820f18496c19bc1a9">accused&nbsp;</a>the Kent, Washington-based company of having a toxic work environment and not adhering to proper safety protocols. Blue Origin said it doesn’t tolerate harassment or discrimination and stood by its safety record.

Bezos’ company is also challenging a NASA contract award to SpaceX for providing a lunar lander that will return astronauts to the moon in a few years. Blue Origin was unsuccessful in its bid for the job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633435884866.png" alt="Shatner will become the oldest person to go to space.-photo courtesy Blue Origin" />
 <figcaption>Shatner will become the oldest person to go to space.-photo courtesy Blue Origin</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Captain Kirk is rocketing into space next week — boldly going where no other sci-fi stars have gone.Jeff Bezos’ space travel company, Blue Origin, announced Monday that “Star Trek” actor William Shatner will blast off from West Texas on Oct. 12.“Yes, it’s true; I’m going to be a ‘rocket man!’” the 90-year-old tweeted. He added: “It’s never too late to experience new things.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So now I can say something. Yes, it’s true; I’m going to be a “rocket man!” 😝🤣 <a href="https://t.co/B2jFeXrr6L">https://t.co/B2jFeXrr6L</a>&mdash; William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamShatner/status/1445023239105703946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is a huge fan of the sci-fi series and even had a cameo as a high-ranking alien in the 2016 film “Star Trek Beyond.” His rocket company invited Shatner to fly as its guest.Shatner will become the oldest person to go to space. He’ll join three others — two of them paying customers — aboard a Blue Origin capsule. He’ll wind up being the second actor to reach space this month: Russia is launching an actress and a film director to the International Space Station on Tuesday for almost two weeks of moviemaking.Shatner’s flight, by comparison, will last just 10 minutes and reach no higher than about 66 miles (106 kilometers). The capsule will parachute back to the desert floor, not far from where it took off.With flights short or long, space tourism is picking up steam fast.Virgin Galactic carried founder Richard Branson to the edge of space with five others in July, followed nine days later by Bezos’ space hop. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, meanwhile, launched its first private crew last month — a Pennsylvania entrepreneur who bought the three-day flight and took along two contest winners and a cancer survivor.Virgin Galactic’s ship launches from an airplane and requires two pilots. Blue Origin and SpaceX’s capsules are fully automated, but the passengers must pass medical screenings and, among other things, be able to quickly climb several flights of steps at the launch tower to get to the capsule — or out of it in an emergency.This will be Blue Origin’s second launch of a crew.Bezos was on the debut flight on July 20. He took along his brother, an 18-year-old from the Netherlands and 82-year-old aviation pioneer Wally Funk — the youngest and oldest to fly in space. Shatner will break that upper threshold by eight years.“I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle,” Shatner said in a statement.Shatner played the role of the USS Starship Enterprise’s commander for three seasons, from 1966 to 1969. He also portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in seven movies, directing one of them. He’s currently the host and executive producer of a History Channel show, “The UnXplained.”The ashes of two other “Star Trek” powerhouses — creator Gene Roddenberry and actor James Doohan, who played Scotty — rocketed into space years ago following their deaths.Also launching with Shatner: a former NASA engineer who founded a nanosatellite company and the co-founder of a software company specializing in clinical research. The two took part in the auction for a seat on the first flight. That seat cost $28 million; Blue Origin isn’t divulging any other ticket prices.A fourth seat on the flight is going to Blue Origin’s vice president of mission and flight operations, who used to work for NASA as a space station flight controller.A Blue Origin spokeswoman said Shatner, like the others, met all the company’s health and physical requirements.Last week, more than 20 current and former Blue Origin employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-lifestyle-elon-musk-jeff-bezos-ccb58b2b24f43b1820f18496c19bc1a9">accused&nbsp;</a>the Kent, Washington-based company of having a toxic work environment and not adhering to proper safety protocols. Blue Origin said it doesn’t tolerate harassment or discrimination and stood by its safety record.Bezos’ company is also challenging a NASA contract award to SpaceX for providing a lunar lander that will return astronauts to the moon in a few years. Blue Origin was unsuccessful in its bid for the job.___

Beam him up: William Shatner will fly to space aboard Blue Origin rocket

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Senior Center has a new manager and is trying to relaunch its slate of programs.

Ray Makings was named the new part-time manager at the end of September. Prior to his hiring, Makings was a volunteer delivery driver for the center's meal service.

The senior center, 2450 E. Eighth, was closed except for meal service from March 2020 through October 2020. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is geared toward residents 60 and older.

Makings said the hours could be expanded if the number of participates and activities increase.

The center follows COVID guidelines as released by the Ellis County Health Department.

"We want to open this place up," Guy Windholz, board president, said. "There is a high demand for socialization. People want to mingle with their friends. They want to play cards."

Before the pandemic, the center had 40 to 60 people who were attending events on a regular basis. Today, they have about 15.

The pandemic has isolated many seniors, Windholz said.

"Socialization is a mentally healthy thing to do, and people are desperate for that," Windholz said.

Jane Dopheid, board secretary, said she knows what it's like to feel alone.

"We want people to feel like they have a place to go and visit with people and get out of their homes," she said. 

"I know what it's like because my husband passed away last year in January, not from COVID, but when you're all alone ... I don't suffer from it that much, but I know people who do. They're just heartsick."

The center already has a variety of activities in which seniors can participate, including bingo, bridge, dominoes and pinochle. It has the ability to accommodate other card and board games. General activities like card games or bingo don't require reservations. Special events may require an RSVP.

The center has a pool table and tables set up for puzzles.

In the past the center has had regular celebrations, including parties for St. Patrick's Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Makings said he hopes to invite musical groups to play or sing at the center, offer a class on using technology or dance classes.

The center in the past has also invited children to read with the adults.

Makings and the senior center board is seeking ideas of what activities their peers would like to see at the senior center. You can contact Makings at 785-628-6644.

The center has had volunteers visit the center to provide blood pressure checks. Makings said he would like to see that expanded to a regular offering or perhaps a larger health fair for seniors.

The center is seeking volunteers who may want to host other activities or classes for the seniors.

The Hays Senior Center participates in a hot meals program through the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. However, the meals are prepared in Russell. 

The senior center board would like to be able to prepare the meals at and distribute them from the Hays Senior Center. However, Ray said the program would need more volunteers to do so.

Meals cost $3.50 per senior, but seniors will not be refused meals for inability to pay. Seniors can have meals delivered or eat at the center. You will need to call a day in advance to reserve your meal. Guests younger than 60 can eat with seniors. Cost is $6.50.

The center is averaging about 16 people eating on site Mondays through Fridays. Another 80 meals are being delivered in the community.

Menus are read daily on the KAYS Morning Show 1400 AM or 94.3 FM. Monthly menus are also available at the senior center.

The senior center is a non-profit. It receives funds from the United Way of Ellis County, the City of Hays and Ellis County. Beyond that, the center has a limited ability to raise funds, Windholz said. 

Local businesses have donated small gifts to be used as bingo door prizes, and the center always welcomes other donations.

The center board members have considered renting the facility for events.

The Hays Senior Center board has been in discussions with Grow Hays, which is looking for an investor for a housing development for retirees near HaysMed.

One option would be to move the senior center from its current building on Old Highway 40 to the more central location on Canterbury.

The senior center has a yearly lease for the building it's in now.

Windholz said the current location is not ideal because it isn't centrally located and its located off a busy highway, which can be an issue for some older drivers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377036199.jpeg" alt="Seniors playing dominoes at the Hays Area Senior Center. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Seniors playing dominoes at the Hays Area Senior Center. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Senior Center has a new manager and is trying to relaunch its slate of programs.Ray Makings was named the new part-time manager at the end of September. Prior to his hiring, Makings was a volunteer delivery driver for the center's meal service. The senior center, 2450 E. Eighth, was closed except for meal service from March 2020 through October 2020. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is geared toward residents 60 and older.Makings said the hours could be expanded if the number of participates and activities increase. The center follows COVID guidelines as released by the Ellis County Health Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633376863161.jpeg" alt="Hays Senior Center school pride day. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Hays Senior Center school pride day. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>"We want to open this place up," Guy Windholz, board president, said. "There is a high demand for socialization. People want to mingle with their friends. They want to play cards."Before the pandemic, the center had 40 to 60 people who were attending events on a regular basis. Today, they have about 15.The pandemic has isolated many seniors, Windholz said. "Socialization is a mentally healthy thing to do, and people are desperate for that," Windholz said.Jane Dopheid, board secretary, said she knows what it's like to feel alone."We want people to feel like they have a place to go and visit with people and get out of their homes," she said. "I know what it's like because my husband passed away last year in January, not from COVID, but when you're all alone ... I don't suffer from it that much, but I know people who do. They're just heartsick."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633376966042.jpeg" alt="Bingo at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Bingo at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The center already has a variety of activities in which seniors can participate, including bingo, bridge, dominoes and pinochle. It has the ability to accommodate other card and board games. General activities like card games or bingo don't require reservations. Special events may require an RSVP. The center has a pool table and tables set up for puzzles.In the past the center has had regular celebrations, including parties for St. Patrick's Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Makings said he hopes to invite musical groups to play or sing at the center, offer a class on using technology or dance classes. The center in the past has also invited children to read with the adults.Makings and the senior center board is seeking ideas of what activities their peers would like to see at the senior center. You can contact Makings at 785-628-6644.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377101549.jpeg" alt="Judy Salm reading to a child at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Judy Salm reading to a child at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Volunteers needed </h2>The center has had volunteers visit the center to provide blood pressure checks. Makings said he would like to see that expanded to a regular offering or perhaps a larger health fair for seniors.The center is seeking volunteers who may want to host other activities or classes for the seniors. <h2>Meals</h2>The Hays Senior Center participates in a hot meals program through the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. However, the meals are prepared in Russell. The senior center board would like to be able to prepare the meals at and distribute them from the Hays Senior Center. However, Ray said the program would need more volunteers to do so.Meals cost $3.50 per senior, but seniors will not be refused meals for inability to pay. Seniors can have meals delivered or eat at the center. You will need to call a day in advance to reserve your meal. Guests younger than 60 can eat with seniors. Cost is $6.50.The center is averaging about 16 people eating on site Mondays through Fridays. Another 80 meals are being delivered in the community. Menus are read daily on the KAYS Morning Show 1400 AM or 94.3 FM. Monthly menus are also available at the senior center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377182853.jpeg" alt="Bonnie Ginther puts together a puzzle at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Bonnie Ginther puts together a puzzle at the Hays Senior Center. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Limited funding</h2>The senior center is a non-profit. It receives funds from the United Way of Ellis County, the City of Hays and Ellis County. Beyond that, the center has a limited ability to raise funds, Windholz said. Local businesses have donated small gifts to be used as bingo door prizes, and the center always welcomes other donations.The center board members have considered renting the facility for events.<h2>The future</h2>The Hays Senior Center board has been in discussions with Grow Hays, which is looking for an investor for a housing development for retirees near HaysMed.One option would be to move the senior center from its current building on Old Highway 40 to the more central location on Canterbury.The senior center has a yearly lease for the building it's in now. Windholz said the current location is not ideal because it isn't centrally located and its located off a busy highway, which can be an issue for some older drivers.

Hays Senior Center hires new manager, seeks to ramp up activities

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden urged Republican senators to “get out of the way” and let Democrats suspend the nation’s debt limit, hoping to keep the U.S. government from bumping dangerously close to a credit default as Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell refuses to lend his party’s help.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515154-1/president-biden-guarantee-congress-raise-debt-limit-avoid-default">Click here to watch </a>the President's comments

Biden’s criticism on Monday came with Congress facing an Oct 18 deadline to allow for more borrowing to keep the government operating after having accrued a total public debt of $28.4 trillion. The House has passed a measure to suspend the debt limit, but McConnell is forcing Senate Democrats into a cumbersome process that could drag on and approach the deadline with little margin for error.

Both Biden and McConnell have promised that the country will avoid default, yet the public fight and political posturing risks an economic meltdown. The global economy relies on the stability of U.S. Treasury notes, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-united-states-bills-economy-janet-yellen-de159a96c61d0679e06bde313881092c">unpaid debt could crush financial markets and hurl America into recession</a>. Biden noted that the debt limit applies to borrowing that has already occurred, including under former President Donald Trump, and said Republicans are hurting the country by blocking the limit’s suspension.

“They need to stop playing Russian roulette with the U.S. economy,” Biden said at the White House. “Republicans just have to let us do our job. Just get out of the way. If you don’t want to help save the country, get out of the way so you don’t destroy it.”

Unmoved, McConnell said Republicans had given the Democrats a roadmap for dealing with the debt ceiling with months of warning.

“I suggest that our Democratic colleagues get moving,” McConnell said at the Capitol.

Once a routine vote, raising the nation’s debt limit has become increasingly partisan. It’s become a favorite political weapon of Republicans to either demand concessions or force Democrats into unpopular votes to enable more borrowing. McConnell has tied the vote to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-overhaul-public-works-9438a78ba7c7865d75428e746d1de04d">multitrillion-dollar tax and economic agenda&nbsp;</a>that awaits Congressional approval. But Biden says the price tag in terms of debt for his plan will be “zero,” paid for by raising taxes on corporations and on the wealthy, whom the House Democrats have defined as individuals earning more than $400,000 a year, or couples making more than $450,000.

Biden said he planned to talk with McConnell, who dug in with a letter of his own to the president.

“We have no list of demands. For two and a half months, we have simply warned that since your party wishes to govern alone, it must handle the debt limit alone as well,” the Kentucky senator wrote in the Monday letter.

The financial markets have stayed relatively calm with interest rates on 10-year Treasury notes holding just below 1.5%. That rate is slightly higher than the all-time lows set last year as the coronavirus pandemic spread, but it’s still lower than at any other time over nearly 60 years of data tracked by the Federal Reserve.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has projected the government will exhaust its cash reserves on Oct. 18, an event she says would likely trigger a financial crisis and economic recession. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Monday that it would be hazardous for the economy to come anywhere near that deadline.

“The consequences of even approaching the X date could be disastrous for our economy and devastating to American families, raising the costs of borrowing for average Americans and hampering our economic recovery over the long-term,” Schumer said in a letter to Democratic senators.

Democrats and Republicans are in a standoff over how to handle an extension for the debt ceiling. Republicans are insisting that Democrats go it alone with the same legislative tool that is already being used to try and pass Biden’s plan to boost safety net, health and environmental programs. Democrats say that extending the debt limit has traditionally been a bipartisan effort and that the debt cap was built up under presidents from both parties.

Schumer said that if the debt issue is not resolved this week, the Senate will likely be forced to remain in session during the weekend and possibly the following week when senators were scheduled to be back in their home states.

Schumer also discussed the current state of play with the bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate and is stuck in the House, as well as Biden’s larger, $3.5 trillion effort focused on social programs and the environment that would be offset by tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. He noted that the president visited with House Democrats on Friday to generate support for both measures.

“He encouraged them to stick together, compromise, and find the sweet spot that will allow us to complete our work,” Schumer said. “I agree with his sentiment wholeheartedly – we can get this done, together, if we put aside our differences and find the common ground within our party.”

Biden discussed the larger plan with progressive House Democrats during a virtual meeting Monday afternoon. And Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and top White House advisers huddled late Monday at the Capitol over it.

“We’re making progress, Pelosi said as she exited. Schumer had said in an earlier letter to colleagues they need to reach a deal soon, preferably “days, not weeks.”

Schumer and McConnell debated the debt ceiling when the Senate earlier Monday.

McConnell noted that Biden voted against raising the debt ceiling as a senator when Republicans controlled Congress and the presidency.

But Schumer said Democrats allowed for an up-or-down vote back then rather than requiring the majority to overcome a filibuster. He said Republicans should follow that example when he seeks to bring up the House-passed bill that would suspend the debt ceiling until December 2022.

“We aren’t asking Republicans to support it when it comes time for a vote. We only ask that they get out of the way, let Democrats pass it on our own just as the majority party did in the early 2000s,” Schumer said.

“The fact is we don’t have the luxury of waiting until Oct. 18 to extend the debt ceiling,” Schumer added. “Even a near miss can have dramatic consequences.”

Biden will be traveling to Michigan on Tuesday to promote his legislative plan as negotiations resume in Washington. Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have said they won’t back a $3.5 trillion spending bill. And many House Democrats won’t support the smaller bipartisan infrastructure plan until they get an agreement on the larger measure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363521531.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden urged Republican senators to “get out of the way” and let Democrats suspend the nation’s debt limit, hoping to keep the U.S. government from bumping dangerously close to a credit default as Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell refuses to lend his party’s help.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515154-1/president-biden-guarantee-congress-raise-debt-limit-avoid-default">Click here to watch </a>the President's commentsBiden’s criticism on Monday came with Congress facing an Oct 18 deadline to allow for more borrowing to keep the government operating after having accrued a total public debt of $28.4 trillion. The House has passed a measure to suspend the debt limit, but McConnell is forcing Senate Democrats into a cumbersome process that could drag on and approach the deadline with little margin for error.Both Biden and McConnell have promised that the country will avoid default, yet the public fight and political posturing risks an economic meltdown. The global economy relies on the stability of U.S. Treasury notes, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-united-states-bills-economy-janet-yellen-de159a96c61d0679e06bde313881092c">unpaid debt could crush financial markets and hurl America into recession</a>. Biden noted that the debt limit applies to borrowing that has already occurred, including under former President Donald Trump, and said Republicans are hurting the country by blocking the limit’s suspension.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633375876920.png" alt="White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki used this chart during her media briefing amid the ongoing debt ceiling debate." />
 <figcaption>White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki used this chart during her media briefing amid the ongoing debt ceiling debate.</figcaption>
 </figure>“They need to stop playing Russian roulette with the U.S. economy,” Biden said at the White House. “Republicans just have to let us do our job. Just get out of the way. If you don’t want to help save the country, get out of the way so you don’t destroy it.”Unmoved, McConnell said Republicans had given the Democrats a roadmap for dealing with the debt ceiling with months of warning.“I suggest that our Democratic colleagues get moving,” McConnell said at the Capitol.Once a routine vote, raising the nation’s debt limit has become increasingly partisan. It’s become a favorite political weapon of Republicans to either demand concessions or force Democrats into unpopular votes to enable more borrowing. McConnell has tied the vote to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-congress-government-overhaul-public-works-9438a78ba7c7865d75428e746d1de04d">multitrillion-dollar tax and economic agenda&nbsp;</a>that awaits Congressional approval. But Biden says the price tag in terms of debt for his plan will be “zero,” paid for by raising taxes on corporations and on the wealthy, whom the House Democrats have defined as individuals earning more than $400,000 a year, or couples making more than $450,000.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My letter to President Biden this morning on congressional Democrats’ duty to handle the debt limit: <a href="https://t.co/U3G9QMPJwY">pic.twitter.com/U3G9QMPJwY</a>&mdash; Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell/status/1445041217268588551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden said he planned to talk with McConnell, who dug in with a letter of his own to the president.“We have no list of demands. For two and a half months, we have simply warned that since your party wishes to govern alone, it must handle the debt limit alone as well,” the Kentucky senator wrote in the Monday letter.The financial markets have stayed relatively calm with interest rates on 10-year Treasury notes holding just below 1.5%. That rate is slightly higher than the all-time lows set last year as the coronavirus pandemic spread, but it’s still lower than at any other time over nearly 60 years of data tracked by the Federal Reserve.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has projected the government will exhaust its cash reserves on Oct. 18, an event she says would likely trigger a financial crisis and economic recession. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Monday that it would be hazardous for the economy to come anywhere near that deadline.“The consequences of even approaching the X date could be disastrous for our economy and devastating to American families, raising the costs of borrowing for average Americans and hampering our economic recovery over the long-term,” Schumer said in a letter to Democratic senators.Democrats and Republicans are in a standoff over how to handle an extension for the debt ceiling. Republicans are insisting that Democrats go it alone with the same legislative tool that is already being used to try and pass Biden’s plan to boost safety net, health and environmental programs. Democrats say that extending the debt limit has traditionally been a bipartisan effort and that the debt cap was built up under presidents from both parties.Schumer said that if the debt issue is not resolved this week, the Senate will likely be forced to remain in session during the weekend and possibly the following week when senators were scheduled to be back in their home states.Schumer also discussed the current state of play with the bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate and is stuck in the House, as well as Biden’s larger, $3.5 trillion effort focused on social programs and the environment that would be offset by tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. He noted that the president visited with House Democrats on Friday to generate support for both measures.“He encouraged them to stick together, compromise, and find the sweet spot that will allow us to complete our work,” Schumer said. “I agree with his sentiment wholeheartedly – we can get this done, together, if we put aside our differences and find the common ground within our party.”Biden discussed the larger plan with progressive House Democrats during a virtual meeting Monday afternoon. And Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and top White House advisers huddled late Monday at the Capitol over it.“We’re making progress, Pelosi said as she exited. Schumer had said in an earlier letter to colleagues they need to reach a deal soon, preferably “days, not weeks.”Schumer and McConnell debated the debt ceiling when the Senate earlier Monday.McConnell noted that Biden voted against raising the debt ceiling as a senator when Republicans controlled Congress and the presidency.But Schumer said Democrats allowed for an up-or-down vote back then rather than requiring the majority to overcome a filibuster. He said Republicans should follow that example when he seeks to bring up the House-passed bill that would suspend the debt ceiling until December 2022.“We aren’t asking Republicans to support it when it comes time for a vote. We only ask that they get out of the way, let Democrats pass it on our own just as the majority party did in the early 2000s,” Schumer said.“The fact is we don’t have the luxury of waiting until Oct. 18 to extend the debt ceiling,” Schumer added. “Even a near miss can have dramatic consequences.”Biden will be traveling to Michigan on Tuesday to promote his legislative plan as negotiations resume in Washington. Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have said they won’t back a $3.5 trillion spending bill. And many House Democrats won’t support the smaller bipartisan infrastructure plan until they get an agreement on the larger measure.___

🎥 Biden, Democrats blame GOP as debt limit deadline looms

WICHITA, KAN— A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison for having sexual relations with an underage Wichita girl. 

District Judge David Dahl sentenced Stephan Crooks, 52 of Wichita, to life on one count of aggravated criminal sodomy as well as life on one count of rape, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

The sentences will run concurrently to each other. However, Crooks must serve 554 months in prison prior to becoming eligible for parole.

The crimes occurred between May of 2017 and October of 2018 in Wichita when the child was 12 and 13 years of age. Crooks pled guilty in early 2020. Sentencing was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Crooks’ request to withdraw his plea. In May, Judge Dahl denied the motion to withdraw the plea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633373362297.png" alt="Crooks photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Crooks photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN— A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison for having sexual relations with an underage Wichita girl. District Judge David Dahl sentenced Stephan Crooks, 52 of Wichita, to life on one count of aggravated criminal sodomy as well as life on one count of rape, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.The sentences will run concurrently to each other. However, Crooks must serve 554 months in prison prior to becoming eligible for parole.The crimes occurred between May of 2017 and October of 2018 in Wichita when the child was 12 and 13 years of age. Crooks pled guilty in early 2020. Sentencing was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Crooks’ request to withdraw his plea. In May, Judge Dahl denied the motion to withdraw the plea.

Judge: Life in prison for rape of 12-year-old Kansas girl

Marcellyn J. Knoll, 84, died Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Garden Valley 
Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born October 30, 1936,&nbsp; in St. Peter, Kansas, the son of Adam J. &amp; Eva Beatrice (Richmeier) 
Knoll. 
 Marcellyn moved with his family to the family farm in the Holcomb, 
Kansas area when he was a child. He later moved to Garden City where he
 has lived since. Marcellyn worked in various jobs throughout his life 
and retired as a store clerk at Dillon’s West in 2001. He was a member 
of St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City and a member of the Knights 
of Columbus #2795. He enjoyed spending his time doing jigsaw puzzles, 
woodworking, and Tandy leatherwork. 
 Survivors include two sisters Agnella Horning of Garden City, 
Kansas and Cyrilla L’Ecuyer of Eudora, Kansas; and many nieces and 
nephews. Marcellyn is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers 
Gregory Knoll, Edwin Knoll, Edward Knoll, Clarence Knoll, Eugene Knoll, 
&amp; Al Knoll; and four sisters Josephine Meier, Genevieve Meier, 
Adeline Burgardt, &amp; Glorianne Bascue. 
 A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, 
October 8, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral 
Mass will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. 
The Funeral Mass may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand 
Funeral Home Facebook page. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 
p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Friday all at Garnand 
Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to St.
 Mary Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633370147080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marcellyn J. Knoll, 84, died Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Garden Valley 
Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born October 30, 1936,&nbsp; in St. Peter, Kansas, the son of Adam J. &amp; Eva Beatrice (Richmeier) 
Knoll. 
 Marcellyn moved with his family to the family farm in the Holcomb, 
Kansas area when he was a child. He later moved to Garden City where he
 has lived since. Marcellyn worked in various jobs throughout his life 
and retired as a store clerk at Dillon’s West in 2001. He was a member 
of St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City and a member of the Knights 
of Columbus #2795. He enjoyed spending his time doing jigsaw puzzles, 
woodworking, and Tandy leatherwork. 
 Survivors include two sisters Agnella Horning of Garden City, 
Kansas and Cyrilla L’Ecuyer of Eudora, Kansas; and many nieces and 
nephews. Marcellyn is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers 
Gregory Knoll, Edwin Knoll, Edward Knoll, Clarence Knoll, Eugene Knoll, 
&amp; Al Knoll; and four sisters Josephine Meier, Genevieve Meier, 
Adeline Burgardt, &amp; Glorianne Bascue. 
 A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, 
October 8, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral 
Mass will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. 
The Funeral Mass may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand 
Funeral Home Facebook page. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 
p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Friday all at Garnand 
Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to St.
 Mary Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Marcellyn J. Knoll

Michael Lee Schneider passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021, at his 
rural home in Collyer, KS, at the age of 67. He was born on February 11,
 1954, to Bernhardt and Viola Edna (Wilhelm) Schneider in WaKeeney, KS. 
Michael married Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Wright on August 11, 1973, in 
Atwood, KS. They were blessed with six children: Adam, Tate, Kahl, 
Chauncy, Becky, and Mary.
 Mike grew up on the family farm in Trego County and attended Trego 
County schools until his senior year. In his 40’s he got his GED. He 
worked for Ideal Ind. as a welder. After getting married he worked for 
WaKeeney Reid Mix. Then the family moved to Bird City, KS where he 
worked for a large farmer. In 1979 they moved back to the family farm 
where he built the family home. He was a dedicated farmer raising hogs, 
cattle, and crops. He was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, welder, and a 
talented storyteller. He loved riding the motorcycle and once each year 
he and Kathy would take off for parts unknown. He called this their 
marriage counseling. He enjoyed fishing, snow skiing, boating, and 
playing cards with the neighbors. Grandkids brought out a whole new side
 of him; they were his world.
 Mike was a rural member of the Trego County Volunteer Fire Department and the WaKeeney Church of God.
 Left to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife, Kathy of the home in 
Trego County; children, Adam (Janelle) Schneider of Goshen, KY, Kahl 
(Heather) Schneider of Adair, IA, Chauncy Schneider of WaKeeney, KS, 
Becky (Aaron) Hammeke of Great Bend, KS, and Mary Schneider of Colby, 
KS; siblings, Richard (Susan) Schneider of Westover MD, Sherryl (Jeff) 
DiLallo of St. Louis, MO, and Mark Schneider of Stafford, MO; and 17 
grandchildren, Abigail Schneider, Colton Schneider, Quynton Younker, 
Paxton Schneider, Treyton Schneider, Brexton Schneider, Ben Schneider, 
Gabe Schneider, June Schneider, Ethan Hammeke, Beth Hammeke, Tyler 
Hammeke, Deseray Herskowitz, Tanner Herskowitz, Treydon Herskowitz, 
Tucker Herskowitz, and Tristian Herskowitz. 
 He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Viola; son, Tate; and sister, Connie Schneider.
 A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 
1:00 PM at the WaKeeney Church of God in WaKeeney, KS. Visitation will 
be held on Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the church.
 Memorials are suggested to Valley Hope of Norton or Shriners 
Hospitals for Children and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease 
Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363769694.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Lee Schneider passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021, at his 
rural home in Collyer, KS, at the age of 67. He was born on February 11,
 1954, to Bernhardt and Viola Edna (Wilhelm) Schneider in WaKeeney, KS. 
Michael married Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Wright on August 11, 1973, in 
Atwood, KS. They were blessed with six children: Adam, Tate, Kahl, 
Chauncy, Becky, and Mary.
 Mike grew up on the family farm in Trego County and attended Trego 
County schools until his senior year. In his 40’s he got his GED. He 
worked for Ideal Ind. as a welder. After getting married he worked for 
WaKeeney Reid Mix. Then the family moved to Bird City, KS where he 
worked for a large farmer. In 1979 they moved back to the family farm 
where he built the family home. He was a dedicated farmer raising hogs, 
cattle, and crops. He was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, welder, and a 
talented storyteller. He loved riding the motorcycle and once each year 
he and Kathy would take off for parts unknown. He called this their 
marriage counseling. He enjoyed fishing, snow skiing, boating, and 
playing cards with the neighbors. Grandkids brought out a whole new side
 of him; they were his world.
 Mike was a rural member of the Trego County Volunteer Fire Department and the WaKeeney Church of God.
 Left to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife, Kathy of the home in 
Trego County; children, Adam (Janelle) Schneider of Goshen, KY, Kahl 
(Heather) Schneider of Adair, IA, Chauncy Schneider of WaKeeney, KS, 
Becky (Aaron) Hammeke of Great Bend, KS, and Mary Schneider of Colby, 
KS; siblings, Richard (Susan) Schneider of Westover MD, Sherryl (Jeff) 
DiLallo of St. Louis, MO, and Mark Schneider of Stafford, MO; and 17 
grandchildren, Abigail Schneider, Colton Schneider, Quynton Younker, 
Paxton Schneider, Treyton Schneider, Brexton Schneider, Ben Schneider, 
Gabe Schneider, June Schneider, Ethan Hammeke, Beth Hammeke, Tyler 
Hammeke, Deseray Herskowitz, Tanner Herskowitz, Treydon Herskowitz, 
Tucker Herskowitz, and Tristian Herskowitz. 
 He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Viola; son, Tate; and sister, Connie Schneider.
 A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 
1:00 PM at the WaKeeney Church of God in WaKeeney, KS. Visitation will 
be held on Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the church.
 Memorials are suggested to Valley Hope of Norton or Shriners 
Hospitals for Children and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease 
Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Michael Lee Schneider

Brian P. Schartz, 61, passed away on September 30, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas.

Brian was born on December 2nd, 1959, in Ellinwood, Kansas
 to Mark and Betty Schartz. He grew up on the family farms in Ellinwood 
and Cimarron, Kansas. He graduated from Cimarron High School in 1977.

Brian was a hard worker and was engaged in farming his entire life. 
He loved taking his grandkids on the tractor any chance he could. Brian 
was a friend to many and will truly be missed.

Survivors include: two daughters, Stacey McGinley, Wichita and Megan 
Schartz, Dodge City; two brothers, David Schartz, Garden City and 
Stephen (Sara) Schartz, Cimarron; four sisters, Marian Reynolds, 
Pittsburg, Donna Woods, Cimarron, Bernice (David) Rebein, Dodge City and
 Rita (Bill) Hommertzheim, Cimarron; one sister-in-law, Pam Schartz, 
Corinth, TX; three grandchildren, Mason, Alyjah and Austin; and a host 
of nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by: his parents, one brother, Carl Schartz, and one brother-in-law, Rusty Woods.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2021, at 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned with Father Bernard Felix 
presiding. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 
2021, at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with a Vigil service beginning at 7 
p.m. Burial will be at Belpre Catholic Cemetery following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the College Fund for his 
grandchildren in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS. 
67550. Condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633360666951.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brian P. Schartz, 61, passed away on September 30, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas.Brian was born on December 2nd, 1959, in Ellinwood, Kansas
 to Mark and Betty Schartz. He grew up on the family farms in Ellinwood 
and Cimarron, Kansas. He graduated from Cimarron High School in 1977.Brian was a hard worker and was engaged in farming his entire life. 
He loved taking his grandkids on the tractor any chance he could. Brian 
was a friend to many and will truly be missed.Survivors include: two daughters, Stacey McGinley, Wichita and Megan 
Schartz, Dodge City; two brothers, David Schartz, Garden City and 
Stephen (Sara) Schartz, Cimarron; four sisters, Marian Reynolds, 
Pittsburg, Donna Woods, Cimarron, Bernice (David) Rebein, Dodge City and
 Rita (Bill) Hommertzheim, Cimarron; one sister-in-law, Pam Schartz, 
Corinth, TX; three grandchildren, Mason, Alyjah and Austin; and a host 
of nieces and nephews.He was proceeded in death by: his parents, one brother, Carl Schartz, and one brother-in-law, Rusty Woods.Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2021, at 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned with Father Bernard Felix 
presiding. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 
2021, at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with a Vigil service beginning at 7 
p.m. Burial will be at Belpre Catholic Cemetery following the service. 
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the College Fund for his 
grandchildren in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS. 
67550. Condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>

Brian P. Schartz

Robert Michael Vogt, age 61, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 
2021, in Greeley County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on November 23, 1959, in 
Denver, Colorado, the son of Robert Everett&nbsp; &amp; Virginia Marie Winter
 Vogt.&nbsp; A resident of Greeley County, Kansas since 1976 returned from 
Scottsdale,&nbsp;Arizona, he was a farmer and an Apple Computer enthusiast.

He was a member of the Assembly Of God Church in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Mike was also a member of Farm Bureau, Church Youth Leader, Royal Ranger
 Leader, and loved woodworking.

On August 18, 1984, he married Sharon Reed in Pueblo, Colorado.&nbsp; She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Sharon Vogt of Tribune, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Simone Vogt of Tribune, Kansas, Desiree &amp; Andrew Sanders
 of Holt, Michigan, One Granddaughter - Elizabeth Sanders of Holt, 
Michigan, Four Sisters - Gail &amp; Daryl Miller of Tribune, Kansas, 
Kate Vogt &amp; Jay Rosner of Mill Valley, California, Cindy &amp; Ron 
Miller of Tribune, Kansas, Jennifer &amp; Jeff Crockett of Rapid City, 
South Dakota, Two Aunts - Bertha Vogt of Tribune, Kansas and Sue Vogt of
 Maplewood, Minnesota, Eleven Nieces and Nephews, Twenty One Great 
Nieces &amp; Nephews and Three Great Great Nieces &amp; Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Step Mother - Laura Vogt, and Two Nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. (MST) Wednesday, October 
6, 2021, at the Assembly Of God Church in Tribune, Kansas with Justin 
Sheerer and Desiree Sanders presiding.

We would strongly encourage those wishing to remember Mike’s life to 
give to his memorial fund in place of a gift of flowers. Funds to be 
used to sponsor church youth to attend events and experiences they may 
not otherwise be able to. &nbsp; Memorials In Lieu Of may be written to the 
Tribune Assembly of God for Youth Ministry in care of Price &amp; Sons 
Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas, 67861

Inurnment will be in the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633355186725.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Michael Vogt, age 61, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 
2021, in Greeley County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on November 23, 1959, in 
Denver, Colorado, the son of Robert Everett&nbsp; &amp; Virginia Marie Winter
 Vogt.&nbsp; A resident of Greeley County, Kansas since 1976 returned from 
Scottsdale,&nbsp;Arizona, he was a farmer and an Apple Computer enthusiast.He was a member of the Assembly Of God Church in Tribune, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Mike was also a member of Farm Bureau, Church Youth Leader, Royal Ranger
 Leader, and loved woodworking.On August 18, 1984, he married Sharon Reed in Pueblo, Colorado.&nbsp; She survives.Survivors include his Wife - Sharon Vogt of Tribune, Kansas, Two 
Daughters - Simone Vogt of Tribune, Kansas, Desiree &amp; Andrew Sanders
 of Holt, Michigan, One Granddaughter - Elizabeth Sanders of Holt, 
Michigan, Four Sisters - Gail &amp; Daryl Miller of Tribune, Kansas, 
Kate Vogt &amp; Jay Rosner of Mill Valley, California, Cindy &amp; Ron 
Miller of Tribune, Kansas, Jennifer &amp; Jeff Crockett of Rapid City, 
South Dakota, Two Aunts - Bertha Vogt of Tribune, Kansas and Sue Vogt of
 Maplewood, Minnesota, Eleven Nieces and Nephews, Twenty One Great 
Nieces &amp; Nephews and Three Great Great Nieces &amp; Nephews.He was preceded in death by his Parents, Step Mother - Laura Vogt, and Two Nephews.Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. (MST) Wednesday, October 
6, 2021, at the Assembly Of God Church in Tribune, Kansas with Justin 
Sheerer and Desiree Sanders presiding.We would strongly encourage those wishing to remember Mike’s life to 
give to his memorial fund in place of a gift of flowers. Funds to be 
used to sponsor church youth to attend events and experiences they may 
not otherwise be able to. &nbsp; Memorials In Lieu Of may be written to the 
Tribune Assembly of God for Youth Ministry in care of Price &amp; Sons 
Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas, 67861Inurnment will be in the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas.There will be no calling times.

Robert Michael Vogt

Phillipsburg resident Pastor Brian L. Loreg passed away Sunday, 
October 3, 2021, at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the 
age of 78.

He was born September 15, 1943, in Norton, KS.&nbsp; He served in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife Alda; son Troy Henderson; daughter Sheila 
Henderson; sister Linda Shelton; 5 grandchildren; and two great 
grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, 
2021 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastors Jay
 Brandon and Randy Garner officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial will follow in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Pastor Loreg will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and from
 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Teens for Christ.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633355074318.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillipsburg resident Pastor Brian L. Loreg passed away Sunday, 
October 3, 2021, at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the 
age of 78.He was born September 15, 1943, in Norton, KS.&nbsp; He served in the United States Navy.Survivors include his wife Alda; son Troy Henderson; daughter Sheila 
Henderson; sister Linda Shelton; 5 grandchildren; and two great 
grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, 
2021 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastors Jay
 Brandon and Randy Garner officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial will follow in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.Pastor Loreg will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and from
 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.Memorial contributions may be made to Teens for Christ.Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Pastor Brian L. Loreg

WASHINGTON (AP) — The future of abortion rights is in the hands of a conservative Supreme Court that is beginning a new term Monday that also includes major cases on gun rights and religion.

The court’s credibility with the public also could be on the line, especially if a divided court were to overrule the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 that established a woman’s right to an abortion nationwide.

The justices are returning to the courtroom after an 18-month absence caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-20618b0444def88a865f37d5bb92d4a9">possible retirement of 83-year-old liberal Justice Stephen Breyer also looms</a>.

It’s the first full term with the court in its current alignment.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the last of former President Donald Trump’s three high-court appointees, is part of a six-justice conservative majority. Barrett was nominated and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">confirmed last year amid the pandemic</a>, little more than a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-voting-rights-politics-joe-biden-elections-bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>.

rump and Republicans who controlled the Senate moved quickly to fill the seat shortly before the 2020 presidential election, bringing about a dramatic change in the court’s lineup that has set the stage for a potentially law-changing term on several high-profile issues.

With abortion, guns and religion already on the agenda, and a challenge to affirmative action waiting in the wings, the court will answer a key question over the next year, said University of Chicago law professor David Strauss. “Is this the term in which the culture wars return to the Supreme Court in a big way?” Strauss said.

The justices will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">hear arguments Dec. 1 in Mississippi’s bid to enforce a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy</a>. Lower courts blocked the law because it is inconsistent with high court rulings that allow states to regulate but not prohibit abortion before viability, the point around 24 weeks of pregnancy when a fetus can survive outside the womb.

Mississippi is taking what conservative commentator Carrie Severino called a “rip-the-Band-Aid-off” approach to the case by asking the court to abandon its support of abortion rights that was laid out in Roe and the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Mississippi is among 12 states with so-called trigger laws that would take effect if Roe is overturned and ban abortion entirely.

By a 5-4 vote in early September, the court already has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">allowed a ban on most abortions to take effect in Texas</a>, though no court has yet ruled on the substance of the law.

But that vote and the Mississippi case highlight the potential risk to the court’s reputation, said David Cole, the American Civil Liberties Union’s legal director. The arguments advanced by Mississippi were considered and rejected by the Supreme Court in 1992, Cole said.

“The only difference between then and now is the identity of the justices,” he said.

Jeff Wall, a top Justice Department lawyer under Trump, said the court could sharply expand gun rights and end the use of race in college admissions, but only abortion is likely to move public perception of the court. “I still don’t think that’s going to create some groundswell in the public, unless it’s accompanied by some kind of watershed ruling on abortion,” Wall said.

In early November, the court will take up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-public-new-york-be5e3fe54da4eb3b9ca2337665974716">a challenge to New York restrictions on carrying a gun in public</a>, a case that offers the court the chance to expand gun rights under the Second Amendment. Before Barrett joined the court, the justices turned away similar cases, over the dissents of some conservative members of the court.

Until Barrett came along, some justices who favor gun rights questioned whether Chief Justice John Roberts would provide a fifth, majority-making vote “for a more expansive reading of the Second Amendment,” said George Washington University law professor Robert Cottrol, who said he hoped the court would now broaden gun rights.

More than 40 states already make it easy to be armed in public, but New York and California, two of the nation’s most populous states, are among the few with tighter regulations.

The case has gun control advocates worried.

“An expansive Second Amendment ruling by the Supreme Court could restrict or prohibit the sensible solutions that have been shown can end gun violence,” said Jonathan Lowy, vice president and chief counsel at the gun violence prevention group Brady. Lowy included state laws requiring a justification to carry a gun as examples of such “sensible solutions.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/me-state-wire-us-supreme-court-maine-religion-education-053be754922af11fe1bceaf408d0f910">A case from Maine</a>&nbsp;gives the court another opportunity to weigh religious rights in the area of education. The state excludes religious schools from a tuition program for families who live in towns that don’t have public schools.

Since even before Ginsburg’s death, the court has favored religion-based discrimination claims and the expectation among legal experts is that parents in Maine who sued to be able to use taxpayer money at religious schools will prevail, though it’s not clear how broadly the court might rule.

Affirmative action is not yet on the court’s agenda, but it could still get there this term in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-college-admissions-us-supreme-court-harvard-courts-b2b55f8bfabe04424cd19281611939f4">lawsuit over Harvard’s use of race in college admissions</a>. Lower courts upheld the school’s policy, but this is another case in which the change in the composition of the court could prove decisive. The court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-texas-courts-relationships-race-and-ethnicity-87f9c6ae0150469f9204b5d79c7dc7ad">upheld race-conscious admission policies as recently as five years ago</a>&nbsp;but that was before Trump’s three appointments accentuated the court’s conservative tilt.

Among other notable cases, the justices will consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/court-could-reimpose-dzhokhar-tsarnaev-death-sentence-719087dcbe7145514094fe3c7da8d9bf">reinstating the death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>. The Biden administration is pushing for the capital sentence, even as it has suspended federal executions and President Joe Biden has called for an end to the federal death penalty.

The court will also weigh two cases involving “state secrets,” the idea that the government can block the release of information it claims would harm national security if disclosed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/osama-bin-laden-prisons-us-supreme-court-abu-zubaydah-courts-7f17e01b2c037bbebfca2b999bf64490">One case involves a Guantanamo Bay detainee who a lower court said was tortured in CIA custody</a>. The other involves a group of Muslim residents of California who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-religion-government-and-politics-29dd3c85923fef7bda9bfa8156753ab9">allege the FBI targeted them for surveillance because of their religion</a>.

Decisions in the most of the big cases won’t come before spring because the justices typically spend months drafting and revising majority opinions and dissents.

Around then, Breyer might signal whether he is planning to retire from a job he has held since 1994. Retirement announcements often come in the spring, to give the president and the Senate enough time to choose and confirm a nominee before the court returns from its summer break and begins hearing cases again in October.

The consequences of Ginsburg’s decision to remain on the court through Barack Obama’s presidency and her death while Trump was in the White House can’t be lost on Breyer, said Tom Goldstein, the founder of the Scotusblog website and a frequent advocate before the court.

“It’s overwhelmingly likely he’ll retire this term,” Goldstein said.

The courthouse still is closed to the public, but live audio of the court’s arguments will be available and reporters who regularly cover the court will be in attendance. The tradition-bound court first provided live audio in May 2020, when the court began hearing arguments by telephone during the pandemic.

<a href="https://apnews.com/5c24ffb572dd34a8b24f226fc2211b7a">Justice Brett Kavanaugh</a>&nbsp;will participate remotely from his home next week during oral arguments after testing positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. The court said Friday that the 54-year-old justice has no symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633344982262.png" alt="Women marched in Kansas and cities nationwide Saturday demanding continued access to abortion-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Women marched in Kansas and cities nationwide Saturday demanding continued access to abortion-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The future of abortion rights is in the hands of a conservative Supreme Court that is beginning a new term Monday that also includes major cases on gun rights and religion.The court’s credibility with the public also could be on the line, especially if a divided court were to overrule the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 that established a woman’s right to an abortion nationwide.The justices are returning to the courtroom after an 18-month absence caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-coronavirus-pandemic-government-and-politics-20618b0444def88a865f37d5bb92d4a9">possible retirement of 83-year-old liberal Justice Stephen Breyer also looms</a>.It’s the first full term with the court in its current alignment.Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the last of former President Donald Trump’s three high-court appointees, is part of a six-justice conservative majority. Barrett was nominated and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-virus-outbreak-ruth-bader-ginsburg-amy-coney-barrett-82a02a618343c98b80ca2b6bf9eafe07">confirmed last year amid the pandemic</a>, little more than a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-voting-rights-politics-joe-biden-elections-bf6704fa6e900967a705054c801a5495">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>.rump and Republicans who controlled the Senate moved quickly to fill the seat shortly before the 2020 presidential election, bringing about a dramatic change in the court’s lineup that has set the stage for a potentially law-changing term on several high-profile issues.With abortion, guns and religion already on the agenda, and a challenge to affirmative action waiting in the wings, the court will answer a key question over the next year, said University of Chicago law professor David Strauss. “Is this the term in which the culture wars return to the Supreme Court in a big way?” Strauss said.No issue is bigger than abortion.The justices will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">hear arguments Dec. 1 in Mississippi’s bid to enforce a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy</a>. Lower courts blocked the law because it is inconsistent with high court rulings that allow states to regulate but not prohibit abortion before viability, the point around 24 weeks of pregnancy when a fetus can survive outside the womb.Mississippi is taking what conservative commentator Carrie Severino called a “rip-the-Band-Aid-off” approach to the case by asking the court to abandon its support of abortion rights that was laid out in Roe and the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey.Mississippi is among 12 states with so-called trigger laws that would take effect if Roe is overturned and ban abortion entirely.By a 5-4 vote in early September, the court already has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321">allowed a ban on most abortions to take effect in Texas</a>, though no court has yet ruled on the substance of the law.But that vote and the Mississippi case highlight the potential risk to the court’s reputation, said David Cole, the American Civil Liberties Union’s legal director. The arguments advanced by Mississippi were considered and rejected by the Supreme Court in 1992, Cole said.“The only difference between then and now is the identity of the justices,” he said.Jeff Wall, a top Justice Department lawyer under Trump, said the court could sharply expand gun rights and end the use of race in college admissions, but only abortion is likely to move public perception of the court. “I still don’t think that’s going to create some groundswell in the public, unless it’s accompanied by some kind of watershed ruling on abortion,” Wall said.In early November, the court will take up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-public-new-york-be5e3fe54da4eb3b9ca2337665974716">a challenge to New York restrictions on carrying a gun in public</a>, a case that offers the court the chance to expand gun rights under the Second Amendment. Before Barrett joined the court, the justices turned away similar cases, over the dissents of some conservative members of the court.Until Barrett came along, some justices who favor gun rights questioned whether Chief Justice John Roberts would provide a fifth, majority-making vote “for a more expansive reading of the Second Amendment,” said George Washington University law professor Robert Cottrol, who said he hoped the court would now broaden gun rights.More than 40 states already make it easy to be armed in public, but New York and California, two of the nation’s most populous states, are among the few with tighter regulations.The case has gun control advocates worried.“An expansive Second Amendment ruling by the Supreme Court could restrict or prohibit the sensible solutions that have been shown can end gun violence,” said Jonathan Lowy, vice president and chief counsel at the gun violence prevention group Brady. Lowy included state laws requiring a justification to carry a gun as examples of such “sensible solutions.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/me-state-wire-us-supreme-court-maine-religion-education-053be754922af11fe1bceaf408d0f910">A case from Maine</a>&nbsp;gives the court another opportunity to weigh religious rights in the area of education. The state excludes religious schools from a tuition program for families who live in towns that don’t have public schools.Since even before Ginsburg’s death, the court has favored religion-based discrimination claims and the expectation among legal experts is that parents in Maine who sued to be able to use taxpayer money at religious schools will prevail, though it’s not clear how broadly the court might rule.Affirmative action is not yet on the court’s agenda, but it could still get there this term in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-college-admissions-us-supreme-court-harvard-courts-b2b55f8bfabe04424cd19281611939f4">lawsuit over Harvard’s use of race in college admissions</a>. Lower courts upheld the school’s policy, but this is another case in which the change in the composition of the court could prove decisive. The court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-texas-courts-relationships-race-and-ethnicity-87f9c6ae0150469f9204b5d79c7dc7ad">upheld race-conscious admission policies as recently as five years ago</a>&nbsp;but that was before Trump’s three appointments accentuated the court’s conservative tilt.Among other notable cases, the justices will consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/court-could-reimpose-dzhokhar-tsarnaev-death-sentence-719087dcbe7145514094fe3c7da8d9bf">reinstating the death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>. The Biden administration is pushing for the capital sentence, even as it has suspended federal executions and President Joe Biden has called for an end to the federal death penalty.The court will also weigh two cases involving “state secrets,” the idea that the government can block the release of information it claims would harm national security if disclosed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/osama-bin-laden-prisons-us-supreme-court-abu-zubaydah-courts-7f17e01b2c037bbebfca2b999bf64490">One case involves a Guantanamo Bay detainee who a lower court said was tortured in CIA custody</a>. The other involves a group of Muslim residents of California who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-religion-government-and-politics-29dd3c85923fef7bda9bfa8156753ab9">allege the FBI targeted them for surveillance because of their religion</a>.Decisions in the most of the big cases won’t come before spring because the justices typically spend months drafting and revising majority opinions and dissents.Around then, Breyer might signal whether he is planning to retire from a job he has held since 1994. Retirement announcements often come in the spring, to give the president and the Senate enough time to choose and confirm a nominee before the court returns from its summer break and begins hearing cases again in October.The consequences of Ginsburg’s decision to remain on the court through Barack Obama’s presidency and her death while Trump was in the White House can’t be lost on Breyer, said Tom Goldstein, the founder of the Scotusblog website and a frequent advocate before the court.“It’s overwhelmingly likely he’ll retire this term,” Goldstein said.The courthouse still is closed to the public, but live audio of the court’s arguments will be available and reporters who regularly cover the court will be in attendance. The tradition-bound court first provided live audio in May 2020, when the court began hearing arguments by telephone during the pandemic.<a href="https://apnews.com/5c24ffb572dd34a8b24f226fc2211b7a">Justice Brett Kavanaugh</a>&nbsp;will participate remotely from his home next week during oral arguments after testing positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. The court said Friday that the 54-year-old justice has no symptoms.___