Max Colvin Ball was born October 5, 1927, in Salina, KS to Daniel Colvin 
and Esther Louisa (Mortiner) Ball. He passed away September 30, 2021, at 
the Norton County Hospital.
 Max grew up in Salina where he graduated from high school. He was 
baptized in the Methodist Church as a child. Max married Theda Maryse 
Minor on October 7, 1956, in Leoti, KS. They moved to Norton in 1960 when
 the lake was being built as he was a Mason. Max was known for his 
masonry work on the First State Bank in Norton and the bath houses at 
the lake. In their spare time, Max and Theda loved fishing, turkey 
hunting, and bird watching together. He enjoyed buying, repairing, and 
then selling firearms and attending gun shows. 
 Max was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Theda in 2020, and 
sister, Martha Laas. He is survived by his son, Randall (Tammy) Ball of 
Norton; daughters, Patricia (Dave) Fischer of Norton and Tammie (Dan) 
Bainter of Norton; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 
nieces, Brenda Wikoff and Dana Livingston, and nephew, Tim Laas.
 Private family services will be held a later date. Memorial 
contributions may be made to the Norton Senior Center and sent in care 
of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633202674187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Max Colvin Ball was born October 5, 1927, in Salina, KS to Daniel Colvin 
and Esther Louisa (Mortiner) Ball. He passed away September 30, 2021, at 
the Norton County Hospital.
 Max grew up in Salina where he graduated from high school. He was 
baptized in the Methodist Church as a child. Max married Theda Maryse 
Minor on October 7, 1956, in Leoti, KS. They moved to Norton in 1960 when
 the lake was being built as he was a Mason. Max was known for his 
masonry work on the First State Bank in Norton and the bath houses at 
the lake. In their spare time, Max and Theda loved fishing, turkey 
hunting, and bird watching together. He enjoyed buying, repairing, and 
then selling firearms and attending gun shows. 
 Max was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Theda in 2020, and 
sister, Martha Laas. He is survived by his son, Randall (Tammy) Ball of 
Norton; daughters, Patricia (Dave) Fischer of Norton and Tammie (Dan) 
Bainter of Norton; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 
nieces, Brenda Wikoff and Dana Livingston, and nephew, Tim Laas.
 Private family services will be held a later date. Memorial 
contributions may be made to the Norton Senior Center and sent in care 
of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

Max Colvin Ball

Fern V. Walls, 93, died September 30, 2021, at the Parsons 
Presbyterian Manor. She was born September 11, 1928, in Topsy, Oklahoma,
 the daughter of Mark Edward and Velma (West) Barnwell.&nbsp; She graduated 
from Jay High School, Jay, Oklahoma.

On April 17, 1948, she married Charles R. “Jiggs” Walls in Topsy, Oklahoma. He preceded in death on May 17, 2008.

Charles and Fern were residents of Bushton for 50 years before moving
 to Parsons in 2003.&nbsp; Fern was active in the Bushton community in many 
different ways, including being on the City Council for several years.&nbsp; 
She worked part time at the local IGA grocery store, and volunteered at 
the food bank.&nbsp; Deep in her faith, Fern was a member of the United 
Methodist Church where she participated in bible study and volunteered 
in numerous ways. She loved to crochet and was noted for her talents in 
it. Fern was very active at Presbyterian Manor in Parson, Kansas. She 
was a resident member of the Manor’s council, started a walking club, 
attended church services, won a craft award with her crochet, and made 
many great friends and was loved by many there.

A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by her two children;
 a son, DeWayne Walls of Ellinwood, and a daughter, Brenda Butler and 
husband Keith of Parsons; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 step
 granddaughters, 7 step great grandchildren, 7 step great-great 
grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Gail 
Walls, a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Walls; and four sisters and two 
brothers.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the
 United Methodist Church, Bushton, Kansas, with Pastor Diana Webster 
presiding. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow in Bushton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Bushton or 
Harry Hynes Hospice of Coffeyville in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633202614476.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fern V. Walls, 93, died September 30, 2021, at the Parsons 
Presbyterian Manor. She was born September 11, 1928, in Topsy, Oklahoma,
 the daughter of Mark Edward and Velma (West) Barnwell.&nbsp; She graduated 
from Jay High School, Jay, Oklahoma.On April 17, 1948, she married Charles R. “Jiggs” Walls in Topsy, Oklahoma. He preceded in death on May 17, 2008.Charles and Fern were residents of Bushton for 50 years before moving
 to Parsons in 2003.&nbsp; Fern was active in the Bushton community in many 
different ways, including being on the City Council for several years.&nbsp; 
She worked part time at the local IGA grocery store, and volunteered at 
the food bank.&nbsp; Deep in her faith, Fern was a member of the United 
Methodist Church where she participated in bible study and volunteered 
in numerous ways. She loved to crochet and was noted for her talents in 
it. Fern was very active at Presbyterian Manor in Parson, Kansas. She 
was a resident member of the Manor’s council, started a walking club, 
attended church services, won a craft award with her crochet, and made 
many great friends and was loved by many there.A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by her two children;
 a son, DeWayne Walls of Ellinwood, and a daughter, Brenda Butler and 
husband Keith of Parsons; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 step
 granddaughters, 7 step great grandchildren, 7 step great-great 
grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Gail 
Walls, a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Walls; and four sisters and two 
brothers.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the
 United Methodist Church, Bushton, Kansas, with Pastor Diana Webster 
presiding. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service.&nbsp; 
Burial will follow in Bushton Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Bushton or 
Harry Hynes Hospice of Coffeyville in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Fern V. Walls

Jackie Dwayne Ivey, age 60 passed away on Thursday, September 30, 
2021, at the Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He 
was born on October 1, 1960, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Roy &amp;
 Jessie Lee Bell Ivey.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he 
was a truck driver for Seaboard Farms for 18 years.

Survivors Include his Five Children - Tony Ivey of Kennett, Missouri,
 Lisa Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, Jessie Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, 
Elvis Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, Melisa Perez of Perry, Kansas, Five 
Siblings - Bonnie Stewart of Elliott Mountain, Colorado,&nbsp; Anthony Ivey 
of Grigston, Kansas, Peggy Cooper of Ponca City, Oklahoma, William Ivey 
of Grigston, Kansas, Betty Bailey of Scott City, Kansas, and Four 
Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Daughters - Jackie Ann 
Coberly, Amber Dawn Noland, One Grandson, Two Sisters&nbsp;- Jacquelyn Faye 
Ivey,&nbsp;Ruby Latham, and One Bother - Roy Richard Ivey.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 4, 2021,
 at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with Andrew Cordasco
 presiding.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price and
 Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St.; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be written to the Jack Ivey Memorial
 Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas, 67871.

Jackie Dwayne Ivey, age 60 passed away on Thursday, September 30, 
2021, at the Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas.&nbsp; He 
was born on October 1, 1960, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Roy &amp;
 Jessie Lee Bell Ivey.&nbsp; A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he 
was a truck driver for Seaboard Farms for 18 years.He was a US Army Veteran.Survivors Include his Five Children - Tony Ivey of Kennett, Missouri,
 Lisa Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, Jessie Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, 
Elvis Ivey of Scott City, Kansas, Melisa Perez of Perry, Kansas, Five 
Siblings - Bonnie Stewart of Elliott Mountain, Colorado,&nbsp; Anthony Ivey 
of Grigston, Kansas, Peggy Cooper of Ponca City, Oklahoma, William Ivey 
of Grigston, Kansas, Betty Bailey of Scott City, Kansas, and Four 
Grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Daughters - Jackie Ann 
Coberly, Amber Dawn Noland, One Grandson, Two Sisters&nbsp;- Jacquelyn Faye 
Ivey,&nbsp;Ruby Latham, and One Bother - Roy Richard Ivey.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 4, 2021,
 at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas with Andrew Cordasco
 presiding.Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price and
 Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St.; Scott City, Kansas, 67871.Memorials in lieu of flowers may be written to the Jack Ivey Memorial
 Fund in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, 
Kansas, 67871.

Jackie Dwayne Ivey

#12/15 Nebraska-Kearney (4-0, 4-0 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 2 - 7 PM - Homecoming Hays, Kan. - Lewis Field Stadium Radio - KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Game Sponsor: Big Creek Crossing Halftime: Homecoming Royalty Presentation, Marching Band Performance Fort Hays State Football will host No. 12/15 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday in the annual Homecoming game at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm. The Lopers are one of two remaining undefeated teams in the MIAA, but Fort Hays State has won eight straight meetings with UNK going back to the 2012 season. Fort Hays State looks to remain unbeaten against UNK in MIAA play, holding a perfect 8-0 mark in the series history since UNK joined the conference in 2012. After having a losing record in their first seven years as members of the MIAA, the Lopers made a big step in 2019 with a 7-5 finish and a win in the Mineral Water Bowl over Winona State of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. They have continued their surge to prominence by going 2-0 in a pair of official fall games in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now starting the 2021 season 4-0. Nebraska-Kearney has won seven straight games overall going back to that win in the Mineral Water Bowl to end the 2019 season. Now at No. 12 in the AFCA Top 25 Poll and No. 15 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, the Lopers are back in the national rankings for the first time since 2011. That was their last season as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference when they finished 10-2 overall. The Lopers entered the NCAA Playoffs that season ranked No. 4 nationally, but fell to Wayne State (Mich.) University in the second round after receiving an opening round bye. The last two meetings between Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney have been tight. The Tigers won a double-overtime thriller in Kearney in 2018 by a score of 29-26, then defeated the Lopers 37-31 in Hays during the 2019 season. Four of the games in Fort Hays State's current 8-game win streak over the Lopers were decided by seven points or less. FHSU has won four straight games against UNK in Hays and 2005 was the last year UNK won in Hays, which was the last time the two played each other as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. FHSU moved to the MIAA in 2006 and saw a 6-year hiatus in the series history before UNK moved to the MIAA in 2012. The Lopers hold a 34-31-1 advantage in the 66-game history between the schools, but have seen their edge in the series narrow considerably. The Tigers are back on track after a pair of tough losses to open the season against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western. The Tigers have outscored their opponents (Lincoln and Missouri Southern) 111-21 over the past two weeks, bringing their record back to 2-2. Northwest Missouri State is the only other undefeated team in the MIAA aside from Nebraska-Kearney, currently at 3-0 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. Missouri Western is now 2-2 like FHSU. The Tigers will be facing the third-best rushing attack in NCAA Division II in this contest. The Lopers average 272.2 yards per game on the ground, led by quarterback T.J. Davis who averages 136.2 rushing yards per game (top in the MIAA). He has kept defenses honest by also averaging 187.3 passing yards per game. Fort Hays State has seen their rushing game take flight in the last two games, averaging 292 yards per game in that span.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;rushed for 100 or more yards in both of those contests, including a career-high 198 last week at Missouri Southern. The Tigers own the best total offense in the MIAA at 496.8 yards per game, averaging 317 passing yards per game and 179.8 rushing yards per game. The Tigers rank 7th&nbsp;nationally in total offense. Nebraska-Kearney ranks 17th&nbsp;in the category, averaging 472.8 per game. Quick Hits -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;ranks 13th&nbsp;nationally in passing yards with 1,162 for the season and 19th&nbsp;in passing yards per game (290.5). -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;ranks 5th&nbsp;nationally in touchdowns scored (8), 6th&nbsp;nationally in yards per rush (8.5), and 9th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (166.5). -FHSU leads the MIAA in red zone offense, scoring 94.7 percent of the time when they reach the area. They have scored 18 of 19 chances in the red zone with 17 touchdowns and one field goal. -FHSU is tied for the MIAA lead with four other teams, Nebraska-Kearney included, in turnovers gained with six. -The Tigers have three receivers with over 200 yards this season, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6360">Monterio Burchfield</a>. -The Tigers rank 2nd&nbsp;in the MIAA in total defense, allowing 330 yards per game. Northwest Missouri State leads the conference at just 278.7 yards per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633032812512.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com</figcaption>
 </figure>#12/15 Nebraska-Kearney (4-0, 4-0 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 2 - 7 PM - Homecoming Hays, Kan. - Lewis Field Stadium Radio - KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a> Game Sponsor: Big Creek Crossing Halftime: Homecoming Royalty Presentation, Marching Band Performance Fort Hays State Football will host No. 12/15 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday in the annual Homecoming game at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm. The Lopers are one of two remaining undefeated teams in the MIAA, but Fort Hays State has won eight straight meetings with UNK going back to the 2012 season. Fort Hays State looks to remain unbeaten against UNK in MIAA play, holding a perfect 8-0 mark in the series history since UNK joined the conference in 2012. After having a losing record in their first seven years as members of the MIAA, the Lopers made a big step in 2019 with a 7-5 finish and a win in the Mineral Water Bowl over Winona State of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. They have continued their surge to prominence by going 2-0 in a pair of official fall games in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now starting the 2021 season 4-0. Nebraska-Kearney has won seven straight games overall going back to that win in the Mineral Water Bowl to end the 2019 season. Now at No. 12 in the AFCA Top 25 Poll and No. 15 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll, the Lopers are back in the national rankings for the first time since 2011. That was their last season as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference when they finished 10-2 overall. The Lopers entered the NCAA Playoffs that season ranked No. 4 nationally, but fell to Wayne State (Mich.) University in the second round after receiving an opening round bye. The last two meetings between Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney have been tight. The Tigers won a double-overtime thriller in Kearney in 2018 by a score of 29-26, then defeated the Lopers 37-31 in Hays during the 2019 season. Four of the games in Fort Hays State's current 8-game win streak over the Lopers were decided by seven points or less. FHSU has won four straight games against UNK in Hays and 2005 was the last year UNK won in Hays, which was the last time the two played each other as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. FHSU moved to the MIAA in 2006 and saw a 6-year hiatus in the series history before UNK moved to the MIAA in 2012. The Lopers hold a 34-31-1 advantage in the 66-game history between the schools, but have seen their edge in the series narrow considerably. The Tigers are back on track after a pair of tough losses to open the season against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western. The Tigers have outscored their opponents (Lincoln and Missouri Southern) 111-21 over the past two weeks, bringing their record back to 2-2. Northwest Missouri State is the only other undefeated team in the MIAA aside from Nebraska-Kearney, currently at 3-0 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. Missouri Western is now 2-2 like FHSU. The Tigers will be facing the third-best rushing attack in NCAA Division II in this contest. The Lopers average 272.2 yards per game on the ground, led by quarterback T.J. Davis who averages 136.2 rushing yards per game (top in the MIAA). He has kept defenses honest by also averaging 187.3 passing yards per game. Fort Hays State has seen their rushing game take flight in the last two games, averaging 292 yards per game in that span.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;rushed for 100 or more yards in both of those contests, including a career-high 198 last week at Missouri Southern. The Tigers own the best total offense in the MIAA at 496.8 yards per game, averaging 317 passing yards per game and 179.8 rushing yards per game. The Tigers rank 7th&nbsp;nationally in total offense. Nebraska-Kearney ranks 17th&nbsp;in the category, averaging 472.8 per game. Quick Hits -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6146">Chance Fuller</a>&nbsp;ranks 13th&nbsp;nationally in passing yards with 1,162 for the season and 19th&nbsp;in passing yards per game (290.5). -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6186">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;ranks 5th&nbsp;nationally in touchdowns scored (8), 6th&nbsp;nationally in yards per rush (8.5), and 9th&nbsp;in all-purpose yards per game (166.5). -FHSU leads the MIAA in red zone offense, scoring 94.7 percent of the time when they reach the area. They have scored 18 of 19 chances in the red zone with 17 touchdowns and one field goal. -FHSU is tied for the MIAA lead with four other teams, Nebraska-Kearney included, in turnovers gained with six. -The Tigers have three receivers with over 200 yards this season, which includes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6174">Manny Ramsey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6130">Hunter Budke</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6360">Monterio Burchfield</a>. -The Tigers rank 2nd&nbsp;in the MIAA in total defense, allowing 330 yards per game. Northwest Missouri State leads the conference at just 278.7 yards per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏈📻 LISTEN LIVE as Tigers host No. 12/15 Lopers

The Pelzel estate sale scheduled for 10 a.m.Saturday has been moved to 12 p.m. Sunday, October 3rd, due to weather. Nations Auction Elite Realty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616431264408.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Pelzel estate sale scheduled for 10 a.m.Saturday has been moved to 12 p.m. Sunday, October 3rd, due to weather. Nations Auction Elite Realty.

Relationship between rural population decline and natural surroundings next on Evenings at Ease

Kevin Martin, 65, died October 1, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, 
Hoisington, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born August 1, 1956, in Hoisington, the son 
of Harry “H.O.” and Esther (Howell) Martin.&nbsp;

On April 2, 1981, he married Laura E. Jones in Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Hoisington resident, Kevin worked in the oil field for 
Duke Drilling.&nbsp; He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and 
fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura Martin; two sons, Neal 
Martin of Seattle, Washington and Clinton Martin of Hoisington; six 
siblings, Jeanie Donovan and husband LeRoy of Hoisington, Mike Martin 
and wife Nancy of Pratt, Doug Martin and wife Jan of Larned, Debbie 
Martin of Manhattan, Gary Martin and Cindy Martin both of Great Bend; 
two grandchildren, Logan and Bailee Martin; and a beloved dog, Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Martha Knight and Becky Booth.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at the 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding.&nbsp; 
Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and until service on 
Tuesday.&nbsp; There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to Hoisington Stray Animal Fund in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633202551932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Martin, 65, died October 1, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, 
Hoisington, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born August 1, 1956, in Hoisington, the son 
of Harry “H.O.” and Esther (Howell) Martin.&nbsp;On April 2, 1981, he married Laura E. Jones in Great Bend. She survives.A lifetime Hoisington resident, Kevin worked in the oil field for 
Duke Drilling.&nbsp; He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and 
fishing.He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura Martin; two sons, Neal 
Martin of Seattle, Washington and Clinton Martin of Hoisington; six 
siblings, Jeanie Donovan and husband LeRoy of Hoisington, Mike Martin 
and wife Nancy of Pratt, Doug Martin and wife Jan of Larned, Debbie 
Martin of Manhattan, Gary Martin and Cindy Martin both of Great Bend; 
two grandchildren, Logan and Bailee Martin; and a beloved dog, Sophie.He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Martha Knight and Becky Booth.Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at the 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding.&nbsp; 
Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and until service on 
Tuesday.&nbsp; There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.Memorials may be made to Hoisington Stray Animal Fund in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS&nbsp; 67544.

Kevin Martin

Several years ago, I saw a need in this area for people trained to assist Medicare recipients who wanted to review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment. As trained SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) counselors, my husband John, and I can help Medicare recipients take a look at their Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) and hopefully find them a more affordable plan. We have several other SHICK counselors serving area residents through the RSVP office, so we hope to be able to keep up with the calls.

The Open Enrollment Period begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. Plan costs and coverage change each year, so everyone with Medicare should check to make sure their plan still meets their health needs and budget. If you would like to check out the website for yourself, simply go to Medicare.gov and click on Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

If you are unable to do an internet search, feel free to give me a call at the Extension office. We can set up an in-person SHICK appointment or, if you prefer, we can help you by phone. Those wishing to complete their enrollment by phone will need to call my office at (620)793-1910. I will send you a letter describing the procedure along with a Medicare prescription drug coverage worksheet. When you return that worksheet to my office, we will input your information and let you know your options for your Part D and assist you with signing up.&nbsp;

While we always enjoy seeing our Medicare friends during the Open Enrollment time, we want you to choose the option that you are most comfortable with. Your health and well-being are important to us during these uncertain times.&nbsp;

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Several years ago, I saw a need in this area for people trained to assist Medicare recipients who wanted to review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment. As trained SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) counselors, my husband John, and I can help Medicare recipients take a look at their Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) and hopefully find them a more affordable plan. We have several other SHICK counselors serving area residents through the RSVP office, so we hope to be able to keep up with the calls.The Open Enrollment Period begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. Plan costs and coverage change each year, so everyone with Medicare should check to make sure their plan still meets their health needs and budget. If you would like to check out the website for yourself, simply go to Medicare.gov and click on Part D Prescription Drug Plans.If you are unable to do an internet search, feel free to give me a call at the Extension office. We can set up an in-person SHICK appointment or, if you prefer, we can help you by phone. Those wishing to complete their enrollment by phone will need to call my office at (620)793-1910. I will send you a letter describing the procedure along with a Medicare prescription drug coverage worksheet. When you return that worksheet to my office, we will input your information and let you know your options for your Part D and assist you with signing up.&nbsp;While we always enjoy seeing our Medicare friends during the Open Enrollment time, we want you to choose the option that you are most comfortable with. Your health and well-being are important to us during these uncertain times.&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Medicare open enrollment begins soon

Shirley Elizabeth Jones, 92, passed away on September 30, 2021, at the
 Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
February 20, 1929, in Herndon, Kansas the daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Goltl) Grafel.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at 
the United Methodist Church, Utica, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in the Utica 
Cemetery.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on 
Monday, October 4, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; with the family 
present from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.&nbsp; The casket will be closed.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Gove County Medical Center or the Gove County 4-H Fair Board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633129090610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shirley Elizabeth Jones, 92, passed away on September 30, 2021, at the
 Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on 
February 20, 1929, in Herndon, Kansas the daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Goltl) Grafel.Funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at 
the United Methodist Church, Utica, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial in the Utica 
Cemetery.&nbsp; Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on 
Monday, October 4, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; with the family 
present from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.&nbsp; The casket will be closed.Memorial contributions may be given to the Gove County Medical Center or the Gove County 4-H Fair Board.

Shirley Elizabeth Jones

Dora Imogene (Chain) Purvis, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away 
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Dora was born September 11, 1953 in Hominy, Oklahoma.&nbsp; She was the 
daughter of Fredrick Henry and Alberta Jula May (Byrom) Chain. She grew
 up and attended schools in Cleveland, Oklahoma. She graduated from 
Cleveland High School.

Dora was a lady that enjoyed the fun side of life. She had a great 
since of humor. She would sing and dance to music and was always ready 
to play cards with family and friends.

Dora’s surviving family include her daughter, Donya McCobb (Scott) of
 Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law, Gin Chain of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nephew, 
Michael Cockrell of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren and four great 
grandchildren.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and brother,&nbsp; Eugene Chain. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, 
October 7, 2021 at Blackburn Cemetery in Blackburn, Oklahoma.&nbsp; 
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 5, 
2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to 
greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; 

Condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633114829530.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dora Imogene (Chain) Purvis, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away 
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.Dora was born September 11, 1953 in Hominy, Oklahoma.&nbsp; She was the 
daughter of Fredrick Henry and Alberta Jula May (Byrom) Chain. She grew
 up and attended schools in Cleveland, Oklahoma. She graduated from 
Cleveland High School.Dora was a lady that enjoyed the fun side of life. She had a great 
since of humor. She would sing and dance to music and was always ready 
to play cards with family and friends.Dora’s surviving family include her daughter, Donya McCobb (Scott) of
 Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law, Gin Chain of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nephew, 
Michael Cockrell of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren and four great 
grandchildren.Dora was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and brother,&nbsp; Eugene Chain. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, 
October 7, 2021 at Blackburn Cemetery in Blackburn, Oklahoma.&nbsp; 
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 5, 
2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to 
greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to 
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Dora I. Purvis

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,368 to a total of 411,302 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 17 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,068.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,368 to a total of 411,302 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 17 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,068.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633107607301.png" alt="Friday October 1, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 1, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 2,368 new cases, 17 more COVID deaths

Del Rajewski, age 87, died at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

He was born October 19, 1933, in Victoria, Kansas, to Leo and Anna (Huser) Rajewski; the youngest of five children. He graduated high school and attended business school in Salina Kansas. He began his career with Continental Airline before he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and returned to Continental making this a life-long career of 50 years. Del retired to Arvada CO with his loving wife of 27 years, Donna (Sills) Rajewski

Del was an active member of the Spirit of Christ Catholic Community where he was known for his kindness and generosity. He worked tirelessly with the Right to Life program.&nbsp; &nbsp; He also enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, fishing and enjoying his favorite teams The Broncos, CU Buffs and Rockies.

Survivors include his wife Donna. His daughters: Stephanie Heard (David), Kristie Lemmons (Chuck), Laure Rajewski-Ellis, and Wendy Nitcher (John). Stepchildren: Chris Sills (Jona), David Sills, Scott Sills (Janice), and Michelle Sills; Eleven grandchildren: Cherytie (Kevin), Samantha (Troy), Zachary, Harlee, Taylor, Bradley, Emily, Kaylee, Tracy (Craig), Rachel and CJ. Nine great-grandchildren: Christian, Trey, Sadie, Maxx, Olivia, Noah, Bradley, Kylie and Katelyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Anna, siblings, Marceline, Juliana, Howard and Kathleen and grandson CJ.

A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, September 24, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, 7400 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO. The Graveside service at 1:30 p.m. is at Mt. Olivet, 12801 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Del's name for Right to Life would be his desire. Make checks payable to Sprit of Christ with a notation for Right to life on the check or to St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent and mail to St. Fidelis Parish Center, 601 – 10th Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Del Rajewski, age 87, died at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.He was born October 19, 1933, in Victoria, Kansas, to Leo and Anna (Huser) Rajewski; the youngest of five children. He graduated high school and attended business school in Salina Kansas. He began his career with Continental Airline before he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and returned to Continental making this a life-long career of 50 years. Del retired to Arvada CO with his loving wife of 27 years, Donna (Sills) RajewskiDel was an active member of the Spirit of Christ Catholic Community where he was known for his kindness and generosity. He worked tirelessly with the Right to Life program.&nbsp; &nbsp; He also enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, fishing and enjoying his favorite teams The Broncos, CU Buffs and Rockies.Survivors include his wife Donna. His daughters: Stephanie Heard (David), Kristie Lemmons (Chuck), Laure Rajewski-Ellis, and Wendy Nitcher (John). Stepchildren: Chris Sills (Jona), David Sills, Scott Sills (Janice), and Michelle Sills; Eleven grandchildren: Cherytie (Kevin), Samantha (Troy), Zachary, Harlee, Taylor, Bradley, Emily, Kaylee, Tracy (Craig), Rachel and CJ. Nine great-grandchildren: Christian, Trey, Sadie, Maxx, Olivia, Noah, Bradley, Kylie and Katelyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Anna, siblings, Marceline, Juliana, Howard and Kathleen and grandson CJ.A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, September 24, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, 7400 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO. The Graveside service at 1:30 p.m. is at Mt. Olivet, 12801 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, COIn lieu of flowers, a donation in Del's name for Right to Life would be his desire. Make checks payable to Sprit of Christ with a notation for Right to life on the check or to St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent and mail to St. Fidelis Parish Center, 601 – 10th Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Del Rajewski

Queena Mae Mumma died on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Aldersgate 
Village in Topeka. She died peacefully at home with loved ones at the 
age of 101 years old. Queena was a beautiful human being, generous with 
her time and loved by all. 

She was born on November 5, 1919, in Lane 
County the daughter of Elmer &amp; Mayple (Wallace) Wolfe. She married 
Carl M. Mumma on May 6, 1939, in Dighton. He died on July 4, 2005. 
Queena went to East Lake School in Lane County and graduated from 
Dighton High School. She and her husband farmed in Lane County for many 
years. She was a member of United Methodist Church of Dighton. She 
enjoyed working in her yard and garden, fishing, sewing, crocheting, 
reading, volunteering, playing bridge and spending winters in Del Rio, 
Texas. In 2006, she moved to Aldersgate Village in Topeka to be closer 
to her family. 
She is survived by her two daughters Judith Ann (Mumma) Gugler of Kansas
 City, Missouri and Carla Mumma of Lawrence, six grandchildren, seven 
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 
her parents, husband, son, brother and a grandson. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 3 at United Methodist
 Church in Dighton with Rev Darrin Hammond. Burial will be in Dighton 
Memorial Cemetery. 
Memorials are suggested to United Methodist Church or Lane County 
Historical Society in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be
 posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633104204638.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Queena Mae Mumma died on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Aldersgate 
Village in Topeka. She died peacefully at home with loved ones at the 
age of 101 years old. Queena was a beautiful human being, generous with 
her time and loved by all. She was born on November 5, 1919, in Lane 
County the daughter of Elmer &amp; Mayple (Wallace) Wolfe. She married 
Carl M. Mumma on May 6, 1939, in Dighton. He died on July 4, 2005. 
Queena went to East Lake School in Lane County and graduated from 
Dighton High School. She and her husband farmed in Lane County for many 
years. She was a member of United Methodist Church of Dighton. She 
enjoyed working in her yard and garden, fishing, sewing, crocheting, 
reading, volunteering, playing bridge and spending winters in Del Rio, 
Texas. In 2006, she moved to Aldersgate Village in Topeka to be closer 
to her family. 
She is survived by her two daughters Judith Ann (Mumma) Gugler of Kansas
 City, Missouri and Carla Mumma of Lawrence, six grandchildren, seven 
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 
her parents, husband, son, brother and a grandson. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 3 at United Methodist
 Church in Dighton with Rev Darrin Hammond. Burial will be in Dighton 
Memorial Cemetery. 
Memorials are suggested to United Methodist Church or Lane County 
Historical Society in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be
 posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

Queena Mae Mumma

Gail Diane Brooks was born September 27, 1945, in Norton, KS to Albert 
and Opal (Carpenter) Georgeson. She passed away September 28, 2021, at 
the Andbe Home in Norton, KS. 
 Gail grew up in Lenora and as a young girl with three brothers, she 
was a bit of a tomboy spending much of her time outdoors with her horse.
 She was a 1963 graduate of Lenora High School, her classmates recalling
 her athleticism and speed as well as her command on horseback atop her 
horse, Queen. Immediately following her completion of high school, she 
was employed by the Rural Telephone company and worked there until 
around 1966. Gail married Bill Brooks on April 18, 1965 in Lenora and 
they lived in Johnson, Kansas, for about six years before moving to 
Clayton in 1972.

After her return to the area, Gail worked for The Bank 
at the Jennings branch for almost 15 years. She was also very active in 
the Clayton United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher,
 Treasurer, and a member of the choir. She was a gifted musician both 
harmonizing with her voice and on the guitar which she, along with four 
ladies from Clayton, taught themselves to play. Gail was also an active 
supporter of the community both as an Eastern Star member and most 
notably as a community leader of the Prairie Dog 4-H Club. In addition 
to being a farmer’s wife and mother of three, Gail remained athletic 
through the years by coaching softball, playing in a women’s softball 
league, and participating in a weekly women’s bowling league in Norton. 

In later years, she was blessed with grandkids who became her favorite 
pastime. She engaged with their activity of choice be it cooking, 
gardening, or feeding and playing with the animals. She will be lovingly
 remembered by all for her infectious smile, easy laugh, willingness to 
help, and overall effervescent personality.
 Gail was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill (Irene) 
Georgeson and Jack Georgeson and sister-in-law, Deanna Georgeson. She is
 survived by her husband, Bill of Norton; son, Steve (Kelly) Brooks of 
Norton; daughter, Sammye (Todd) Strickler of Colony, KS; son, Bart 
(Cheri) Brooks of Clayton; mother-in-law, Merrice Brooks of Norton; 
brother, Max Georgeson of Norton; sister-in-law, Barbara (Don) Kelly of 
Lawrence, KS; grandchildren: Erin, Ashlyn, Elijah, Bristol, Brytton 
(Jordan), Colton, Camryn, Justin, Addison, Hallie, and Braylyn and great
 grandchild, Brooks Morton. 
 Memorial services will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, October 2, 2021,&nbsp; at the United Methodist Church in Clayton. Inurnment will follow at the 
Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday, October 1, 
at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clayton 
United Methodist Church or Clayton Cemetery and may be sent in care of 
Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633104115729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gail Diane Brooks was born September 27, 1945, in Norton, KS to Albert 
and Opal (Carpenter) Georgeson. She passed away September 28, 2021, at 
the Andbe Home in Norton, KS. 
 Gail grew up in Lenora and as a young girl with three brothers, she 
was a bit of a tomboy spending much of her time outdoors with her horse.
 She was a 1963 graduate of Lenora High School, her classmates recalling
 her athleticism and speed as well as her command on horseback atop her 
horse, Queen. Immediately following her completion of high school, she 
was employed by the Rural Telephone company and worked there until 
around 1966. Gail married Bill Brooks on April 18, 1965 in Lenora and 
they lived in Johnson, Kansas, for about six years before moving to 
Clayton in 1972. After her return to the area, Gail worked for The Bank 
at the Jennings branch for almost 15 years. She was also very active in 
the Clayton United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher,
 Treasurer, and a member of the choir. She was a gifted musician both 
harmonizing with her voice and on the guitar which she, along with four 
ladies from Clayton, taught themselves to play. Gail was also an active 
supporter of the community both as an Eastern Star member and most 
notably as a community leader of the Prairie Dog 4-H Club. In addition 
to being a farmer’s wife and mother of three, Gail remained athletic 
through the years by coaching softball, playing in a women’s softball 
league, and participating in a weekly women’s bowling league in Norton. 
In later years, she was blessed with grandkids who became her favorite 
pastime. She engaged with their activity of choice be it cooking, 
gardening, or feeding and playing with the animals. She will be lovingly
 remembered by all for her infectious smile, easy laugh, willingness to 
help, and overall effervescent personality.
 Gail was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill (Irene) 
Georgeson and Jack Georgeson and sister-in-law, Deanna Georgeson. She is
 survived by her husband, Bill of Norton; son, Steve (Kelly) Brooks of 
Norton; daughter, Sammye (Todd) Strickler of Colony, KS; son, Bart 
(Cheri) Brooks of Clayton; mother-in-law, Merrice Brooks of Norton; 
brother, Max Georgeson of Norton; sister-in-law, Barbara (Don) Kelly of 
Lawrence, KS; grandchildren: Erin, Ashlyn, Elijah, Bristol, Brytton 
(Jordan), Colton, Camryn, Justin, Addison, Hallie, and Braylyn and great
 grandchild, Brooks Morton. 
 Memorial services will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, October 2, 2021,&nbsp; at the United Methodist Church in Clayton. Inurnment will follow at the 
Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday, October 1, 
at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clayton 
United Methodist Church or Clayton Cemetery and may be sent in care of 
Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. 
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

Gail Diane Brooks

To many, October signifies the beginning of fall, trick-or-treaters, and even
pumpkin spice lattes. But at Jana’s Campaign, October means so much more. It is
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a nationally recognized effort to raise
awareness of and take a stand against gender-based violence.


Domestic violence is one of society’s largest problems and yet, it hides in plain sight. It
is often thought about in terms of physical violence, but other behaviors to exert power
and control, such as isolation, extreme jealousy, and unpredictability, often begin long
before any physical violence takes place. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our
understanding of these issues and share resources. According to the CDC, one in four
women and one in ten men will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in their
lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or
former intimate partner. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of
status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture.


The issue of domestic violence has plagued our country for many years, and much has
been accomplished to decrease the instances, but we still have a long way to go. We
need solutions that engage men and boys, stop victim-blaming, and hold perpetrators
accountable. We need young people to be educated on healthy – and unhealthy –
relationship behaviors. We need more citizens to learn about the complexities of the
issue, ways they can effectively intervene, and how to support those in their lives that
are experiencing violence in their relationships. And we need prevention.


Jana’s Campaign has pledged to provide information on our social media accounts
about domestic violence throughout the month of October. Please follow Jana’s
Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help us raise awareness and educate
yourself and those around you about domestic violence. Together, we can take a stand.
And together, we can prevent the violence before it starts.


Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the
single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana
Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s
Campaign delivers comprehensive, evidence-based educational programming that
prevents domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. To learn more
visit www.JanasCampaign.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jana's CampaignTo many, October signifies the beginning of fall, trick-or-treaters, and even
pumpkin spice lattes. But at Jana’s Campaign, October means so much more. It is
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a nationally recognized effort to raise
awareness of and take a stand against gender-based violence.
Domestic violence is one of society’s largest problems and yet, it hides in plain sight. It
is often thought about in terms of physical violence, but other behaviors to exert power
and control, such as isolation, extreme jealousy, and unpredictability, often begin long
before any physical violence takes place. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our
understanding of these issues and share resources. According to the CDC, one in four
women and one in ten men will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in their
lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or
former intimate partner. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of
status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture.
The issue of domestic violence has plagued our country for many years, and much has
been accomplished to decrease the instances, but we still have a long way to go. We
need solutions that engage men and boys, stop victim-blaming, and hold perpetrators
accountable. We need young people to be educated on healthy – and unhealthy –
relationship behaviors. We need more citizens to learn about the complexities of the
issue, ways they can effectively intervene, and how to support those in their lives that
are experiencing violence in their relationships. And we need prevention.
Jana’s Campaign has pledged to provide information on our social media accounts
about domestic violence throughout the month of October. Please follow Jana’s
Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help us raise awareness and educate
yourself and those around you about domestic violence. Together, we can take a stand.
And together, we can prevent the violence before it starts.
Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the
single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana
Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s
Campaign delivers comprehensive, evidence-based educational programming that
prevents domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. To learn more
visit www.JanasCampaign.org.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

LA CROSSE — The Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association will be hosting the annual Barbed Wire Festival on Friday and Saturday, October 1-2 in La Crosse. This year's festival is being held in the fall to coincide with the Barbed Wire Symposium. "Due to the uncertainty of Covid last spring, we decided to postpone the festival to the fall," said Bradley Penka, festival coordinator. "After being unable to host the festival in 2019, we decided we needed to go ahead with the festival this fall with a few changes. We also want to let everyone know that we are taking steps to keep everyone safe during this unprecedented time." This is also the 50th anniversary of the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum and for those interested in visiting, the museum complex will be open Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

On Thursday, barbed wire collectors will meet in the museum conference room for the annual Barbed Wire Symposium. This is a day of meetings and discussions that establish policies for the hobby that has enthusiasts from around the world. 

Events begin at the La Crosse City Auditorium on Friday at 8:00 am with historical displays, craft vendors, and of course, barbed wire. The show closes on Friday at 5:00pm. On Saturday, events begin at 8:00 am at the Auditorium with the famous barbed wire splicing contest taking place at noon. The contest is open to everyone and prizes are awarded. Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the live fund-raising auction. The auction features a lot of new and collectible items. Some of the items can be viewed on our Facebook page. Proceeds from the auction benefit the museum. At 6:30, we will conclude the festivities with fund-raising Taco Bar followed by our annual "Casino Night" games. Participants can play casino games to win barbed bucks and then participate in the fun auction afterwards. Cost of the meal is $10 and there is no charge to play the games. This is not a gambling event, but it is not recommended for children. 

For more information, visit us on Facebook, on the web at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or call 785-222-2808.

News releaseLA CROSSE — The Kansas Barbed Wire Collectors Association will be hosting the annual Barbed Wire Festival on Friday and Saturday, October 1-2 in La Crosse. This year's festival is being held in the fall to coincide with the Barbed Wire Symposium. "Due to the uncertainty of Covid last spring, we decided to postpone the festival to the fall," said Bradley Penka, festival coordinator. "After being unable to host the festival in 2019, we decided we needed to go ahead with the festival this fall with a few changes. We also want to let everyone know that we are taking steps to keep everyone safe during this unprecedented time." This is also the 50th anniversary of the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum and for those interested in visiting, the museum complex will be open Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.On Thursday, barbed wire collectors will meet in the museum conference room for the annual Barbed Wire Symposium. This is a day of meetings and discussions that establish policies for the hobby that has enthusiasts from around the world. Events begin at the La Crosse City Auditorium on Friday at 8:00 am with historical displays, craft vendors, and of course, barbed wire. The show closes on Friday at 5:00pm. On Saturday, events begin at 8:00 am at the Auditorium with the famous barbed wire splicing contest taking place at noon. The contest is open to everyone and prizes are awarded. Events at the auditorium conclude at 3:00 pm with the live fund-raising auction. The auction features a lot of new and collectible items. Some of the items can be viewed on our Facebook page. Proceeds from the auction benefit the museum. At 6:30, we will conclude the festivities with fund-raising Taco Bar followed by our annual "Casino Night" games. Participants can play casino games to win barbed bucks and then participate in the fun auction afterwards. Cost of the meal is $10 and there is no charge to play the games. This is not a gambling event, but it is not recommended for children. For more information, visit us on Facebook, on the web at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rushcounty.org/RCHS">www.rushcounty.org/wireshow</a> or call 785-222-2808.

La Crosse hosts 55th annual Barbed Wire Festival

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-09-30/for-hundreds-of-afghan-evacuees-the-next-stop-is-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>

Hundreds of people evacuated from Afghanistan will start new lives in Kansas over the next few months.

That
 has refugee resettlement groups rallying their staffs and volunteers to
 find homes, jobs and a myriad of other essentials for the families who 
fled their war-torn country in the wake of the American withdrawal.

A majority of the Kansas newcomers will land in Wichita, where <a href="https://www.rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks" target="_blank">The International Rescue Committee</a>,
 or IRC, plans to resettle 400 of the roughly 500 Afghan evacuees headed
 for the state. The first Afghans should arrive by mid-October.

Michele
 Green, executive director of the IRC’s Wichita office, said the total 
number of evacuees will likely be more people than her staff usually 
resettles in an entire year.

And because the people coming from Afghanistan aren’t technically classified as refugees — most will arrive as <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0903_oaw-fact-sheet_508.pdf" target="_blank">humanitarian parolees</a> — it’s <a href="https://wpln.org/post/many-afghans-coming-to-middle-tennessee-arent-technically-refugees-and-wont-get-the-same-government-benefits/" target="_blank">still unclear</a> if and when they all might get the same type of federal safety net benefits and financial support that refugees do.

“Because everything’s happening so fast … it’s a little kind of up in the air,” Green said. “We’re just taking it day by day.”

It's
 a similar story for other Kansas organizations from Garden City to 
Kansas City, where the speed and magnitude of the influx will make this 
resettlement especially challenging.

“These people were in their home one day, and they are on a plane the next day,” Debbie Snapp, executive director of <a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas</a>, said. “So it’s a disaster response almost as much as it is a migration response.”

The
 federal government typically notifies local partners at least two weeks
 before a refugee family arrives in town. But this time, organizations 
will likely just get 24-48 hours’ notice.

That makes it harder to line up things like housing and furniture.

“We’re
 just trying to stay positive in the midst of a really difficult 
situation,” said Kasey Featherston, director of refugee and immigration 
services for <a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities in Kansas City</a>. “We know that’s what our clients deserve: to be welcomed and feel welcomed.”

In the Kansas City area, some of the evacuees from Afghanistan have already started to arrive.

A
 few weeks ago, Catholic Charities in Kansas City resettled a family of 
five that was evacuated from Afghanistan with a special immigrant visa 
as the country came under Taliban control.

In all, the 
organization plans to resettle at least 75 Afghan evacuees through the 
end of this year in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, 
Manhattan and, potentially, Topeka. But Featherston said that number is 
likely to inch up closer to 150 people as time goes on.

In 
southwest Kansas, Catholic Charities expects to welcome 25 Afghan 
evacuees to Garden City and Dodge City starting in the first half of 
October. That marks a big jump for the agency, which saw its 
resettlement numbers drop from 47 people in 2018 to fewer than 10 in the
 past year.

But Debbie Snapp said the organization had already 
begun adding more workers and volunteers over the past few months in 
response to President Joe Biden raising the federal refugee cap.

“We feel like we’re ready,” she said. “We're just waiting for the notice that they're coming in so we can get started.”

The
 ones who have arrived in the U.S. are currently spread out at military 
bases across the country for final security vetting and processing with 
the State Department. They’re also going through a full medical 
screening, which includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 and other 
diseases.

That’s part of the reason why more of them haven’t 
arrived in Kansas yet: They have to wait at least 21 days after their 
measles shot before they can travel.

Even though some Republican politicians like U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall have <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-lawmakers-demand-rigorous-vetting-of-afghan-refugees/" target="_blank">stoked fears</a>
 about the security and health risks of the state welcoming the evacuees
 so quickly, Michele Green of the IRC said those concerns don’t line up 
with reality.

“The evacuation is immediate,” she said, “but the process that they’ve been going through has been ongoing for quite some time.”

Green
 has spent time working on the ground in Afghanistan, so she’s seen the 
vetting process first-hand. She said that most of the evacuees have gone
 through years of vetting as part of their work with the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan, in addition to the vetting that’s happening at military bases now.

“The
 bigger concerns,” she said, “are ensuring that they get the services 
they need to really integrate and become self-sufficient in our 
community.”

That’s where local resettlement organizations come in.

Once
 the evacuees reach town, the organizations will help connect them with 
essentials like medical care, employment and education.

In cities 
with existing Afghan communities — Green estimates that Wichita has 
around 200 Afghans already — connecting evacuees with people from their 
home country will also be key in helping them process what they’ve been 
through and feel more at home.

And the organizations said they’re already seeing their cities step up to volunteer and donate.

“We’ve
 had an incredible response,” Kasey Featherston in Kansas City said. “So
 it’s been really heartwarming to see the community respond.”

People who want to support these organizations’ efforts have a <a href="https://www.rescue.org/announcement/how-help-our-afghan-neighbors-kansas" target="_blank">number of options</a>, ranging from <a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.networkforgood.com/projects/130899-hope-and-fulfillment" target="_blank">donating</a> money or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/243SNEI5O7VUO?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">household items</a> to <a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/covid-volunteering/" target="_blank">volunteering</a> to help an Afghan family navigate life in a new country.

And
 Green said that the benefits of volunteering go both ways: Kansans who 
take the time to get to know people arriving from Afghanistan might find
 that they have more in common with these new neighbors than they 
expected.

“They’re incredibly warm and fun-loving people,” she said. “Just give it a chance.”

You can find out more details about supporting resettlement efforts by contacting these Kansas organizations:

<a href="https://www.rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks" target="_blank">International Rescue Committee</a> in Wichita: 316-351-5495

<a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.org/services/refugees-and-immigrants" target="_blank">Catholic Charities</a> of Southwest Kansas: 620-277-9100

<a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/refugees/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities</a> of Northeast Kansas: 913-433-2100

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633022472259.png" alt="The scene at Fort Pickett in Virginia, where families evacuated from Afghanistan are being processed before heading to their new homes. Hillary Snyder / Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas" />
 <figcaption>The scene at Fort Pickett in Virginia, where families evacuated from Afghanistan are being processed before heading to their new homes. Hillary Snyder / Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-09-30/for-hundreds-of-afghan-evacuees-the-next-stop-is-kansas">Kansas News Service</a>Hundreds of people evacuated from Afghanistan will start new lives in Kansas over the next few months.That
 has refugee resettlement groups rallying their staffs and volunteers to
 find homes, jobs and a myriad of other essentials for the families who 
fled their war-torn country in the wake of the American withdrawal.A majority of the Kansas newcomers will land in Wichita, where <a href="https://www.rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks" target="_blank">The International Rescue Committee</a>,
 or IRC, plans to resettle 400 of the roughly 500 Afghan evacuees headed
 for the state. The first Afghans should arrive by mid-October.Michele
 Green, executive director of the IRC’s Wichita office, said the total 
number of evacuees will likely be more people than her staff usually 
resettles in an entire year.And because the people coming from Afghanistan aren’t technically classified as refugees — most will arrive as <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/21_0903_oaw-fact-sheet_508.pdf" target="_blank">humanitarian parolees</a> — it’s <a href="https://wpln.org/post/many-afghans-coming-to-middle-tennessee-arent-technically-refugees-and-wont-get-the-same-government-benefits/" target="_blank">still unclear</a> if and when they all might get the same type of federal safety net benefits and financial support that refugees do.“Because everything’s happening so fast … it’s a little kind of up in the air,” Green said. “We’re just taking it day by day.”In process&nbsp;It's
 a similar story for other Kansas organizations from Garden City to 
Kansas City, where the speed and magnitude of the influx will make this 
resettlement especially challenging.“These people were in their home one day, and they are on a plane the next day,” Debbie Snapp, executive director of <a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas</a>, said. “So it’s a disaster response almost as much as it is a migration response.”The
 federal government typically notifies local partners at least two weeks
 before a refugee family arrives in town. But this time, organizations 
will likely just get 24-48 hours’ notice.That makes it harder to line up things like housing and furniture.“We’re
 just trying to stay positive in the midst of a really difficult 
situation,” said Kasey Featherston, director of refugee and immigration 
services for <a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities in Kansas City</a>. “We know that’s what our clients deserve: to be welcomed and feel welcomed.”In the Kansas City area, some of the evacuees from Afghanistan have already started to arrive.A
 few weeks ago, Catholic Charities in Kansas City resettled a family of 
five that was evacuated from Afghanistan with a special immigrant visa 
as the country came under Taliban control.In all, the 
organization plans to resettle at least 75 Afghan evacuees through the 
end of this year in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, 
Manhattan and, potentially, Topeka. But Featherston said that number is 
likely to inch up closer to 150 people as time goes on.In 
southwest Kansas, Catholic Charities expects to welcome 25 Afghan 
evacuees to Garden City and Dodge City starting in the first half of 
October. That marks a big jump for the agency, which saw its 
resettlement numbers drop from 47 people in 2018 to fewer than 10 in the
 past year.But Debbie Snapp said the organization had already 
begun adding more workers and volunteers over the past few months in 
response to President Joe Biden raising the federal refugee cap.“We feel like we’re ready,” she said. “We're just waiting for the notice that they're coming in so we can get started.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633022543793.png" alt="This map shows the cities in Kansas where organizations are planning to resettle Afghan evacuees." />
 <figcaption>This map shows the cities in Kansas where organizations are planning to resettle Afghan evacuees.</figcaption>
 </figure>A new homeSo where are the Afghan evacuees now?The
 ones who have arrived in the U.S. are currently spread out at military 
bases across the country for final security vetting and processing with 
the State Department. They’re also going through a full medical 
screening, which includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 and other 
diseases.That’s part of the reason why more of them haven’t 
arrived in Kansas yet: They have to wait at least 21 days after their 
measles shot before they can travel.Even though some Republican politicians like U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall have <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-lawmakers-demand-rigorous-vetting-of-afghan-refugees/" target="_blank">stoked fears</a>
 about the security and health risks of the state welcoming the evacuees
 so quickly, Michele Green of the IRC said those concerns don’t line up 
with reality.“The evacuation is immediate,” she said, “but the process that they’ve been going through has been ongoing for quite some time.”Green
 has spent time working on the ground in Afghanistan, so she’s seen the 
vetting process first-hand. She said that most of the evacuees have gone
 through years of vetting as part of their work with the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan, in addition to the vetting that’s happening at military bases now.“The
 bigger concerns,” she said, “are ensuring that they get the services 
they need to really integrate and become self-sufficient in our 
community.”That’s where local resettlement organizations come in.Once
 the evacuees reach town, the organizations will help connect them with 
essentials like medical care, employment and education.In cities 
with existing Afghan communities — Green estimates that Wichita has 
around 200 Afghans already — connecting evacuees with people from their 
home country will also be key in helping them process what they’ve been 
through and feel more at home.And the organizations said they’re already seeing their cities step up to volunteer and donate.“We’ve
 had an incredible response,” Kasey Featherston in Kansas City said. “So
 it’s been really heartwarming to see the community respond.”People who want to support these organizations’ efforts have a <a href="https://www.rescue.org/announcement/how-help-our-afghan-neighbors-kansas" target="_blank">number of options</a>, ranging from <a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.networkforgood.com/projects/130899-hope-and-fulfillment" target="_blank">donating</a> money or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/243SNEI5O7VUO?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">household items</a> to <a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/covid-volunteering/" target="_blank">volunteering</a> to help an Afghan family navigate life in a new country.And
 Green said that the benefits of volunteering go both ways: Kansans who 
take the time to get to know people arriving from Afghanistan might find
 that they have more in common with these new neighbors than they 
expected.“They’re incredibly warm and fun-loving people,” she said. “Just give it a chance.”You can find out more details about supporting resettlement efforts by contacting these Kansas organizations:<a href="https://www.rescue.org/united-states/wichita-ks" target="_blank">International Rescue Committee</a> in Wichita: 316-351-5495<a href="https://catholiccharitiesswks.org/services/refugees-and-immigrants" target="_blank">Catholic Charities</a> of Southwest Kansas: 620-277-9100<a href="https://catholiccharitiesks.org/refugees/" target="_blank">Catholic Charities</a> of Northeast Kansas: 913-433-2100David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

For hundreds of Afghan evacuees, the next stop is Kansas

Lucille (Bryant) Kurtz, 96, passed away on September 29, 2021, at 
Diversicare of Larned. She was born on May 27, 1925, at Ellinwood to 
Wilbur and Hilda (Christiansen) Bryant. She grew up on the family farm 
south of Ellinwood and graduated from Ellinwood High School. She married
 Henry Kurtz Jr. on August 5, 1950, in Chicago, Ill. He died March 6, 
2013.

Henry, Lucille and the kids resided in upper Michigan before moving 
back to Kansas in 1960. She was a bookkeeper in her early years for 
Sears and Roebuck, as well as various banks. She then was a homemaker. 
Lucille enjoyed garage sales but especially loved spending time with her
 family.

Survivors include, two sons, Steven Kurtz of Pawnee Rock and Roger 
Kurtz and wife Kala of Larned; two daughters, Rita Kurtz of Larned and 
Marla Stella Kurtz of Dodge City; seven grandchildren, Nathan Barker, 
Jason Kurtz, Brandon Kurtz and wife Shelby, Derrick Kurtz and wife 
Ashley, Vincent Stella and wife Crysta, Natalie Hayes and husband Jesse,
 and Nichole Pearce and husband Jeremy; and fifteen great grandchildren.
 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Henry Kurtz, Jr.;
 two sisters, Ruby Wilson and Barbara Adams; and a brother, Leo Bryant.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 5, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., 
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in 
Ellinwood, with Father Mark Cowell presiding. 

Memorials have been 
designated to Larned EMS or Sante Fe Trail Center of Larned, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633020894371.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lucille (Bryant) Kurtz, 96, passed away on September 29, 2021, at 
Diversicare of Larned. She was born on May 27, 1925, at Ellinwood to 
Wilbur and Hilda (Christiansen) Bryant. She grew up on the family farm 
south of Ellinwood and graduated from Ellinwood High School. She married
 Henry Kurtz Jr. on August 5, 1950, in Chicago, Ill. He died March 6, 
2013.Henry, Lucille and the kids resided in upper Michigan before moving 
back to Kansas in 1960. She was a bookkeeper in her early years for 
Sears and Roebuck, as well as various banks. She then was a homemaker. 
Lucille enjoyed garage sales but especially loved spending time with her
 family.Survivors include, two sons, Steven Kurtz of Pawnee Rock and Roger 
Kurtz and wife Kala of Larned; two daughters, Rita Kurtz of Larned and 
Marla Stella Kurtz of Dodge City; seven grandchildren, Nathan Barker, 
Jason Kurtz, Brandon Kurtz and wife Shelby, Derrick Kurtz and wife 
Ashley, Vincent Stella and wife Crysta, Natalie Hayes and husband Jesse,
 and Nichole Pearce and husband Jeremy; and fifteen great grandchildren.
 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Henry Kurtz, Jr.;
 two sisters, Ruby Wilson and Barbara Adams; and a brother, Leo Bryant.Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October
 5, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., 
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in 
Ellinwood, with Father Mark Cowell presiding. Memorials have been 
designated to Larned EMS or Sante Fe Trail Center of Larned, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

Lucille (Bryant) Kurtz

Glenn H. Weathers, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Glenn was born on August 13, 1930, Skiatook, Oklahoma, the son of Carl Glen and Marjorie (Dutton) Weathers.&nbsp; He grew up in the Skiatook area and graduated from Skiatook High School.&nbsp; After high school he served his country by joining the United States Army.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Wilma Lee Boxberger on June 23, 1961, in Liberal, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the oil field industry as a mechanic and truck driver for Revell’s Oil Field Service.&nbsp; He also worked as a truck driver for Richard Polcyn farms.&nbsp; He enjoyed working on drag race cars for R.C. Williams.

Surviving family include is daughter Cheri L. Dunn of Peckham, Oklahoma; son Randy G. Weathers of Newkirk, Oklahoma and stepdaughter Susie young and husband Steven of Pratt, Kansas; brothers Lyle Weathers and wife Sandy of Skiatook, Oklahoma and sister Mary Kuntzsch and husband Bill of Russell, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Wilma; 2 sisters Betty Smith and Jackie Adams; brother Carl Weathers.

A graveside service will be held at 4 P.M. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633014732515.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn H. Weathers, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.Glenn was born on August 13, 1930, Skiatook, Oklahoma, the son of Carl Glen and Marjorie (Dutton) Weathers.&nbsp; He grew up in the Skiatook area and graduated from Skiatook High School.&nbsp; After high school he served his country by joining the United States Army.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Wilma Lee Boxberger on June 23, 1961, in Liberal, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the oil field industry as a mechanic and truck driver for Revell’s Oil Field Service.&nbsp; He also worked as a truck driver for Richard Polcyn farms.&nbsp; He enjoyed working on drag race cars for R.C. Williams.Surviving family include is daughter Cheri L. Dunn of Peckham, Oklahoma; son Randy G. Weathers of Newkirk, Oklahoma and stepdaughter Susie young and husband Steven of Pratt, Kansas; brothers Lyle Weathers and wife Sandy of Skiatook, Oklahoma and sister Mary Kuntzsch and husband Bill of Russell, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Wilma; 2 sisters Betty Smith and Jackie Adams; brother Carl Weathers.A graveside service will be held at 4 P.M. on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Kansas.&nbsp; Cremation has been selected by the family.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements

Glenn H. Weathers

Robert Eugene Long, age 53, passed away September 26, 2021, as a result of a vehicle accident. 
He was born on June 20, 1968, in Oakley, KS. to the late Richard and 
Linda (Wright) Long. He is survived by his two daughters Haley Long, of 
Sioux Falls, SD, and Lola Hipp, of Goodland, KS, and a sibling Dana 
Charles and family, of Oakley, as well as various other extended 
families. He is preceded in death by an infant son, Caleb Long and his 
parents. 
Robert had a love for fishing that couldn’t be matched and spent much of
 his time with his family of friends. He always had a grin on his face 
and a tale to tell. He was a true friend to many and was the “go to” 
expert on local fishing spots. When not at work at Mittens truck stop, 
where he had worked since high school, you could find him out on a boat 
trying to hook a big one. Robert lived life to the fullest and besides 
fishing loved to drive demo cars, hunt, and have a cold one with his 
friends. 
A come and go “Celebration of Life” will be held at Baalmann Mortuary, 
Oakley, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Family and 
friends may then go to the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, in Oakley from 
12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. for a meal and sharing memories.

Memorials can be 
made to the American Diabetes Association or for a special fund to 
purchase benches in Robert’s honor and may be sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633013789561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Eugene Long, age 53, passed away September 26, 2021, as a result of a vehicle accident. 
He was born on June 20, 1968, in Oakley, KS. to the late Richard and 
Linda (Wright) Long. He is survived by his two daughters Haley Long, of 
Sioux Falls, SD, and Lola Hipp, of Goodland, KS, and a sibling Dana 
Charles and family, of Oakley, as well as various other extended 
families. He is preceded in death by an infant son, Caleb Long and his 
parents. 
Robert had a love for fishing that couldn’t be matched and spent much of
 his time with his family of friends. He always had a grin on his face 
and a tale to tell. He was a true friend to many and was the “go to” 
expert on local fishing spots. When not at work at Mittens truck stop, 
where he had worked since high school, you could find him out on a boat 
trying to hook a big one. Robert lived life to the fullest and besides 
fishing loved to drive demo cars, hunt, and have a cold one with his 
friends. 
A come and go “Celebration of Life” will be held at Baalmann Mortuary, 
Oakley, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Family and 
friends may then go to the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, in Oakley from 
12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. for a meal and sharing memories. Memorials can be 
made to the American Diabetes Association or for a special fund to 
purchase benches in Robert’s honor and may be sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Robert Eugene Long

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon accused in a fatal stabbing made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

James Shaw, 60 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder.&nbsp;

Just after 10 p.m. Sept. 21, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 67-year-old Kurt Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; Petersen was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.

Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His remains jailed on bond of $300,000. His next court appearance is October 7, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632486359786.png" alt="Shaw-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Shaw-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon accused in a fatal stabbing made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.James Shaw, 60 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder.&nbsp;Just after 10 p.m. Sept. 21, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 67-year-old Kurt Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; Petersen was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;His remains jailed on bond of $300,000. His next court appearance is October 7, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon on parole charged in knife attack killing

After falling just short of $74 on Friday, Nymex benchmark crude topped $75 Monday. Friday's settlement for the near-month contract was $73.98 per barrel. By Monday afternoon that price was up another dollar and a half. Crude prices have reached their highest in three years. Goldman Sachs is calling Hurricane Ida the "most bullish hurricane" for oil prices in U.S. history. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico have prompted reduced inventories, and have effectively canceled out the impact of the recent OPEC+ production increases. Forbes reports WTI and London Brent both reached their highest price since October of 2018, when sanctions against Iran drove prices to four-year highs.&nbsp; Analysts say prices could could continue rising in the months ahead, with cold winter weather and a busy travel season coming up. The government reported the seventh consecutive weekly decline in U.S. crude-oil inventories, confirming industry predictions of another multi-million barrel dip. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles September 17th totaled 414 million barrels. That's down three-and-a-half million barrels from the week before, and down 71 million barrels or 42% from the beginning of the year. In just the last two months EIA has reported weekly declines that total nearly thirty million barrels. The report says stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Texas energy regulators are limiting energy-related saltwater disposal in an area of the Permian Basin showing a spike in earthquakes. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey show that this year alone, there have been 81 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater in one seven-mile cluster north of Midland, Texas. There have been three temblors that you could actually feel, above magnitude 3.5, in the last year-and-a-half. A staff report at the Railroad Commission of Texas asserts that production-related saltwater disposal is contributing to the seismic activity.&nbsp;The Commission has stopped granting permits for new disposal wells there, and is requesting reductions of disposal volumes and monthly reports on injection data from operators in the Seismic Response Area. These limits are expected to remain in place for at least a year. The commission has identified 76 permitted wells impacted by the requests.&nbsp; A government report last week outlined the dramatic cumulative effect of ongoing declines in crude-oil stockpiles. Stockpiles at Cushing are down 42% from the first of the year. That figure is 26% below normal, based on the five-year average. The Energy Information Administration reported a monthly decline of 35 million barrels in June, the largest such decline in 40 years of government record-keeping. EIA says the withdrawals in Oklahoma are consistent with those around the U.S. and around the world. U.S. operators pumped more than 10.6 million barrels of crude per day last week, up more than half a million barrels per day from a week earlier. Production is down slightly from a year ago and well below record levels above 13 million barrels per day set in March of last year. The government report noted an increase of 700,000 barrels per day in crude-oil U.S. imports. Averaged over the last four weeks, EIA says crude imports are up nearly 19% from the same period last year. EIA said gasoline stockpiles last week dropped by three-and-a-half million barrels. Gasoline inventories are about three percent below the five year average for this time of year. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes on Friday showed 521 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of ten oil rigs. The number of offshore rigs was up four over last week. The counts in Oklahoma and Louisiana were each up four. Texas was up three for the week. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 26 active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, which is up one for the week. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at 12 active rigs. Operators are about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties, and drilling was underway on one lease in Ellis County. Regulators approved 31 new drilling permits across the state last week. Fifteen of those were in in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. There are 16 new permits on file in eastern Kansas. So far this year, regulators have okayed 763 new drilling locations in The Sunflower State. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 newly-completed wells across Kansas, seven of them east of Wichita, and 14 in the western half of the state. Kansas operators have completed 630 wells so far this year. ConocoPhillips says it will use cash on hand to fund the $9.5 BILLION purchase of Royal Dutch Shell's assets in the Permian Basin. The deal will give Shell the equivalent of more than a decade's worth of cash flow from those assets. With additional daily production of about 200,000 barrels, ConocoPhillips becomes one of the basin's largest producers, rivaling Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron. Oil-by-rail traffic in the United States is up over last week, but down compared to a year ago. In Canada the reverse is true. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,494 tanker cars hauling petroleum during the week through September 18, up nearly 700 cars from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. In Canada crude-oil shipments by rail are up 12% year-over-year, but dipped slightly last week.

By JOHN P. TRETBARAfter falling just short of $74 on Friday, Nymex benchmark crude topped $75 Monday. Friday's settlement for the near-month contract was $73.98 per barrel. By Monday afternoon that price was up another dollar and a half. Crude prices have reached their highest in three years. Goldman Sachs is calling Hurricane Ida the "most bullish hurricane" for oil prices in U.S. history. Shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico have prompted reduced inventories, and have effectively canceled out the impact of the recent OPEC+ production increases. Forbes reports WTI and London Brent both reached their highest price since October of 2018, when sanctions against Iran drove prices to four-year highs.&nbsp; Analysts say prices could could continue rising in the months ahead, with cold winter weather and a busy travel season coming up. The government reported the seventh consecutive weekly decline in U.S. crude-oil inventories, confirming industry predictions of another multi-million barrel dip. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles September 17th totaled 414 million barrels. That's down three-and-a-half million barrels from the week before, and down 71 million barrels or 42% from the beginning of the year. In just the last two months EIA has reported weekly declines that total nearly thirty million barrels. The report says stockpiles are about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Texas energy regulators are limiting energy-related saltwater disposal in an area of the Permian Basin showing a spike in earthquakes. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey show that this year alone, there have been 81 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater in one seven-mile cluster north of Midland, Texas. There have been three temblors that you could actually feel, above magnitude 3.5, in the last year-and-a-half. A staff report at the Railroad Commission of Texas asserts that production-related saltwater disposal is contributing to the seismic activity.&nbsp;The Commission has stopped granting permits for new disposal wells there, and is requesting reductions of disposal volumes and monthly reports on injection data from operators in the Seismic Response Area. These limits are expected to remain in place for at least a year. The commission has identified 76 permitted wells impacted by the requests.&nbsp; A government report last week outlined the dramatic cumulative effect of ongoing declines in crude-oil stockpiles. Stockpiles at Cushing are down 42% from the first of the year. That figure is 26% below normal, based on the five-year average. The Energy Information Administration reported a monthly decline of 35 million barrels in June, the largest such decline in 40 years of government record-keeping. EIA says the withdrawals in Oklahoma are consistent with those around the U.S. and around the world. U.S. operators pumped more than 10.6 million barrels of crude per day last week, up more than half a million barrels per day from a week earlier. Production is down slightly from a year ago and well below record levels above 13 million barrels per day set in March of last year. The government report noted an increase of 700,000 barrels per day in crude-oil U.S. imports. Averaged over the last four weeks, EIA says crude imports are up nearly 19% from the same period last year. EIA said gasoline stockpiles last week dropped by three-and-a-half million barrels. Gasoline inventories are about three percent below the five year average for this time of year. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes on Friday showed 521 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase of ten oil rigs. The number of offshore rigs was up four over last week. The counts in Oklahoma and Louisiana were each up four. Texas was up three for the week. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 26 active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, which is up one for the week. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at 12 active rigs. Operators are about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties, and drilling was underway on one lease in Ellis County. Regulators approved 31 new drilling permits across the state last week. Fifteen of those were in in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Ellis County and three in Stafford County. There are 16 new permits on file in eastern Kansas. So far this year, regulators have okayed 763 new drilling locations in The Sunflower State. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 newly-completed wells across Kansas, seven of them east of Wichita, and 14 in the western half of the state. Kansas operators have completed 630 wells so far this year. ConocoPhillips says it will use cash on hand to fund the $9.5 BILLION purchase of Royal Dutch Shell's assets in the Permian Basin. The deal will give Shell the equivalent of more than a decade's worth of cash flow from those assets. With additional daily production of about 200,000 barrels, ConocoPhillips becomes one of the basin's largest producers, rivaling Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron. Oil-by-rail traffic in the United States is up over last week, but down compared to a year ago. In Canada the reverse is true. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,494 tanker cars hauling petroleum during the week through September 18, up nearly 700 cars from the week before but down 3.6% from a year ago. In Canada crude-oil shipments by rail are up 12% year-over-year, but dipped slightly last week.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices reach three-year highs

Michael Alan “Mike” Schmidt, 71, Manhattan, died Saturday, September 25, 2021, at his home.

He was born September 24, 1950, in Hays, the son of Alfred Lee and Mary Kay (House) Schmidt.&nbsp; He was a 1969 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy and earned an Associate’s Degree in Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired from the Hadley School for the Blind.&nbsp; On June 20, 1970 he was united in marriage to Sally Jean Bethe in Hays, and they celebrated 24 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on February 18, 1995.&nbsp; Mike was a musician in several bands, and his bands Soul Express, Tempest, Beast, and Spider and the Crabs earned the distinguished honor of induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.&nbsp; He also worked as a rehabilitation teacher for the blind and visually impaired and a coach courier for Kansas State University Athletics, retiring in 2021.&nbsp; He was a member of the Northwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired and enjoyed refereeing and umpiring sports at all levels. &nbsp;

Survivors include two sons: Tyler Schmidt and fiancé Amanda Tucker of Ellinwood and Nick Schmidt of Hays, a daughter: Miki Boese of Great Bend, his girlfriend: Carol Wirthman of Lawrence, four brothers: Larry Schmidt and wife Melea of Hays, Dan Schmidt and wife Connie of Hays, Randy Schmidt of Yorktown, VA, and John Schmidt and wife Dana of Hays, one sister: Karla Ruder and husband John of Plainville, four grandchildren: Seth McBride and wife Angie, Zachary McBride, Bailey McBride, and Braxton Tucker, all of Great Bend, three great granddaughters: Beatrice, Harper, and Hazel McBride of Great Bend, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Sally, brother: Joe Schmidt, granddaughter: Sarah McBride, and niece: Holly Schmidt.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 1, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested for Mike's great granddaughters' education, payable to: Miki Boese.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Mike may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632760688835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Alan “Mike” Schmidt, 71, Manhattan, died Saturday, September 25, 2021, at his home.He was born September 24, 1950, in Hays, the son of Alfred Lee and Mary Kay (House) Schmidt.&nbsp; He was a 1969 graduate of St. Joseph’s Military Academy and earned an Associate’s Degree in Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired from the Hadley School for the Blind.&nbsp; On June 20, 1970 he was united in marriage to Sally Jean Bethe in Hays, and they celebrated 24 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on February 18, 1995.&nbsp; Mike was a musician in several bands, and his bands Soul Express, Tempest, Beast, and Spider and the Crabs earned the distinguished honor of induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.&nbsp; He also worked as a rehabilitation teacher for the blind and visually impaired and a coach courier for Kansas State University Athletics, retiring in 2021.&nbsp; He was a member of the Northwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired and enjoyed refereeing and umpiring sports at all levels. &nbsp;Survivors include two sons: Tyler Schmidt and fiancé Amanda Tucker of Ellinwood and Nick Schmidt of Hays, a daughter: Miki Boese of Great Bend, his girlfriend: Carol Wirthman of Lawrence, four brothers: Larry Schmidt and wife Melea of Hays, Dan Schmidt and wife Connie of Hays, Randy Schmidt of Yorktown, VA, and John Schmidt and wife Dana of Hays, one sister: Karla Ruder and husband John of Plainville, four grandchildren: Seth McBride and wife Angie, Zachary McBride, Bailey McBride, and Braxton Tucker, all of Great Bend, three great granddaughters: Beatrice, Harper, and Hazel McBride of Great Bend, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Sally, brother: Joe Schmidt, granddaughter: Sarah McBride, and niece: Holly Schmidt.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 1, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Richard Daise officiating.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested for Mike's great granddaughters' education, payable to: Miki Boese.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Mike may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Michael Alan 'Mike' Schmidt

Earl Klaus, age 67, died on September 23, 2021 in rural Ness City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on February 20, 1954 in Hays, Kansas the son of 
Andrew and Charlene (Weigel) Klaus.

Memorial services is planned for Saturday, October 2, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.

Rosary will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Friday, October 1, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Klaus grandchildren college fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632958834971.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Earl Klaus, age 67, died on September 23, 2021 in rural Ness City, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on February 20, 1954 in Hays, Kansas the son of 
Andrew and Charlene (Weigel) Klaus.Memorial services is planned for Saturday, October 2, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.Rosary will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Friday, October 1, 2021, 6:00 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to the Klaus grandchildren college fund.

Earl Klaus

Martha Jean Wolf, 87, passed away September 28, 2021, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehab. She was born September 17, 1934, at Pratt to Ershel 
&amp; Maxine (Null) Walters. She married Billy Wolf on February 3, 1951,
 at Raton, New Mexico. He died June 16, 2000.

A Great Bend resident since 1960, Martha was a secretary at Centel 
for 33 years. She was of Methodist faith and a past Eagles member. 
Martha loved to play darts and especially spend time with her family.

Survivors include, her daughter, Yvonne Watkins (Steve Oetken) of 
Great Bend; a granddaughter, Angela Caldwell (Mike); three great 
grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson (Marty), Brandon Watkins and Angel Watkins;
 and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 
parents; her husband, Billy Wolf; longtime companion, Don McEachern; 
twin sister, Beverly Duraso; and a great great granddaughter, Bailey 
Goodheart.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.,
 Monday, October 4, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Reverend Dick Ogle
 presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632947797183.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Martha Jean Wolf, 87, passed away September 28, 2021, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehab. She was born September 17, 1934, at Pratt to Ershel 
&amp; Maxine (Null) Walters. She married Billy Wolf on February 3, 1951,
 at Raton, New Mexico. He died June 16, 2000.A Great Bend resident since 1960, Martha was a secretary at Centel 
for 33 years. She was of Methodist faith and a past Eagles member. 
Martha loved to play darts and especially spend time with her family.Survivors include, her daughter, Yvonne Watkins (Steve Oetken) of 
Great Bend; a granddaughter, Angela Caldwell (Mike); three great 
grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson (Marty), Brandon Watkins and Angel Watkins;
 and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 
parents; her husband, Billy Wolf; longtime companion, Don McEachern; 
twin sister, Beverly Duraso; and a great great granddaughter, Bailey 
Goodheart.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 
2021 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m.,
 Monday, October 4, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Reverend Dick Ogle
 presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. 
Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of
 Bryant Funeral Home.